If you have a book, you DON'T have a major publishing company contract, and have wondered about the advantages, possibilities, and technical practicalities of indie publishing your title, you won't want to miss this month's Lancaster Christian Writers session Saturday, November, 2018, with author and eBook publisher at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9).
WORKSHOP: “Why and How to Publish with Kindle Direct Publishing”: In this practical hands-on workshop, Charlie Liebert will demonstrate why and how he has converted ALL his writing work to KDP - Kindle Direct Publishing. During the workshop, he will be working directly with the KDP site to showcase exactly how a book is entered, uploaded, and published.
SPEAKER: When Charlie Liebert abandoned atheism to become a Christian, he immediately saw the contradiction between Creation and Evolution. By then he had already earned a BS in Chemistry and an MBA in marketing. He has conducted over four hundred workshops and seminars teaching Christian apologetics, including several years for Ken Ham’s ministry "Answers in Genesis.” For ten years from 1995-2000, he produced a weekly TV show in Greensboro, NC, called "Creation Foundation Explanation.” Charlie has published fourteen eBooks on Amazon’s Kindle, of which ten are also in paperback. His indie publication service helps indie helps other authors publish to Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing as both eBooks and print on demand.
CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words).
As always, more info can be found at our LCW blog: http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com Or email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
Shake out that fall sweater and your writing utensils to join Lancaster Christian Writers Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Lancaster Alliance Church,
210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon
(registration opens at 9). This month we welcome fantasy novelist and
world-builder par excellence Ruth Morris,
who will be sharing strategies on creating a believable world and
setting for your reader, whether you are writing fiction or telling that
true-life story (for those expecting a workshop on technical
aspects of publishing to Kindle/Createspace/Ingram Spark, that has been
rescheduled for our November meeting).
WORKSHOP: World
building is critical for writing fantasy. But it’s also important for
every genre. Whether your setting is around the corner, across the
globe, two thousand years ago, or in an imaginary world, choosing the
right elements pulls your reader in, adds tension and conflict, and
engages their imaginations. This workshop will look at eight components
of world building and discuss the power and potential of each. There will be time to brain storm ideas for your current project.
SPEAKER: Ruth Morris writes epic fantasy under the pen name Verity Moore. Summoned, first volume in her Through Ancient Portals
series, recently released. She has written non-fiction material for
ministries, is a retired teacher, and remains active as a taxi driver
for the Amish community, which allows plenty of thinking time to plot
her next novel.
CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words).
As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
Can
you believe summer is already over? It was good to see a great turnout
of LCW writers at both the Montrose and Greater Philly Christian Writers
Conference end of July. Whether you attended or enjoyed some quiet free
time this summer to write, I hope you are ready to crawl from your
metaphorical cave and join fellow writers again for our Lancaster
Christian Writers fall kickoff Saturday, 9/15/18, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210
Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon
(registration opens at 9). Whether you are a plotter or a
seat-of-the-pantser in your writing, you'll want to learn from novelist
and writing coach Donna Smith's practical workshop on making the most of
your writing style.
WORKSHOP: "Plotting for Pantsers." People
who write “organically” or by the seat of their pants are called
“pantsers.” They let their stories evolve but are sometimes criticized
for poor structure and not enough planning. This workshop will help
plotters of all sorts with their writing by giving tools for creating
stunning plot twists, making not breaking promises to the reader, using
struggles and conflict to drive the story along, and creating, raising,
and using public stakes to make your story unforgettable.
SPEAKER: Donna
L.H. Smith is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program
and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication.
Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice,
made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. She
blogs and speaks at workshops and retreats. Recently, she took on the
role of Managing Editor of Almost an Author.com, and serves as
ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director.
She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers &
Speaker’s Association). Find out more at: http://donnalhsmith.com
WRITING TO INSPIRE CHRISTIAN WRITERS WORKSHOP: And
LCW has also received an invitation from author and writers conference
director Rita Gerlach to their fall one-Christian writers workshop, also
on Saturday, September 15, 2018, on top of Gambrill Mountain in
Frederick, MD. Registration cost: $40.
Bestselling author Roseanna White will be guest speaker. Seating is
limited. Contact Rita Gerlach at rpkg@comcast.net for more information
or check out Writing to Inspire's Facebook Page
CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words).
As always, for more info email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
With summer right around the corner, join Lancaster Christian Writers for our very last meeting until fall Saturday, 6/16/18, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). Christian author/educator Terry Webb will be sharing her creative expertise in reaching the youth market, secular or inspirational.
WORKSHOP: A Christian Writer’s Creative Tool Box for Reaching the Youth Market: How
to get kids and their teachers interested in history? What about
teaching moral values in today's secular schools? Or applying Jesus’s
own example of telling stories to impart Christian principles? In this
workshop, Christian writer and educator Terry Webb will share tools for
using fiction to teach biblical values along with American history even
within the secular school system, all while keeping often reluctant
YA/Middle School readers engaged.
SPEAKER:
With a Master’s degree in Education and a background teaching in both
classroom and Sunday School, Mary Theresa (Terry) Webb researches and
writes YA titles that captures both historical events and Christian
moral principles. Youth and adults alike enjoy the school and community
programs she conducts dressed in period costume. Her article “Writing
historical fiction for mastery of 21st century social studies and
language arts skills” appeared in The Georgia Social Studies Journal,
Volume 1 issue, in the fall of 2011. She also teaches adult classes as
an international educational consultant. Her many books and programs
can be found on her website, www.marytheresawebb.com.
CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCES: And
a reminder that summer--and writers conference season--is just around
the corner. LCW has received personal invitations by directors of two
great Christian writers conferences in our region, both of whom have
spoken at our LCW conference and are known to you. Both conferences are
wonderful opportunities to jump-start your summer writing, so I can't
recommend highly enough attending one or the other or both.
MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: The 29th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference, directed by Marsha Hubler, will be held July 22-27, 2018, at Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA (north-central PA). Info available at website:
GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: GPCWC will be held July 26-28, 2018, at Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale, PA. Marlene
Bagnull is director of GPCWC as well as Colorado Christian Writers
Conference and Greater Philly Christian Writers Guild. Info available at website:
CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress (ten copies up to 1500 words). This will be LAST opportunity for critique groups until fall.
As always, email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
For the many who joined us last month for our Super Saturday 2017 at Lancaster Bible College, was that a great day or what? We had close to record attendance, and rave reviews from conferees and attendees alike. If you missed, it isn't too early to get next year on the calendar. OR check out two upcoming Christian writers conferences below.
Meanwhile we invite old and new members alike to join us for our May LCW meeting on Saturday, 5/19/18, at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Rd (off Hwy 30 across from Costco) from 9:30AM-12 noon (registration opens at 9). LCW president Jeanette Windle will be sharing investigative techniques that will give authenticity and depth to both fiction and non-fiction writing..
WORKSHOP: CIA 101: Investigative Techniques from the Trenches: Learn the investigative techniques by which investigative journalist and political/suspense novelist Jeanette Windle has written five investigative non-fiction titles and created fiction realistic enough for government agencies to question whether she obtained classified information.
SPEAKER: Award-winning novelist, investigative journalist, editor, and collaborative writer Jeanette Windle grew up in the Amazon's guerrilla hot zones, has lived in six countries and traveled in more than thirty. Those experiences have birthed fifteen fiction titles, including bestselling Veiled Freedom (2010 ECPA Christian Book Award/Christy Award finalist) and Freedom's Stand, (2012 ECPA Christian Book Award/Carol Award finalist), as well as non-fiction collaborative titles Hope Underground: The Chilean Mine Rescue, All Saints, and Forgiven: The Amish Schoolhouse Shooting, a Mother’s Love, and a Story of Remarkable Grace (2016 ECPA Christian Book Award/Christian Retailing Best Awards finalist). Jeanette mentors developing-nation writers in both English and Spanish on all five continents.
CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCES: And a reminder that summer--and writers conference season--is just around the corner. LCW has received personal invitations by directors of two great Christian writers conferences in our region, both of whom have spoken at our LCW conference and are known to you. Both conferences are wonderful opportunities to jump-start your summer writing, so I can't recommend highly enough attending one or the other or both.
MONTROSE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: The 29th annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference, directed by Marsha Hubler, will be held July 22-27, 2018, at Montrose Bible Conference, Montrose, PA (north-central PA). Info available at website:
GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE: GPCWC will be held July 26-28, 2018, at Dock Mennonite Academy in Lansdale, PA. Marlene Bagnull is director of GPCWC as well as Colorado Christian Writers Conference and Greater Philly Christian Writers Guild. Info available at website:
CRITIQUE GROUPS: And don't forget to bring your latest work-in-progress for critique groups (ten copies up to 1500 words).
As always, more info can be found at our LCW blog: http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com Or email questions or concerns to jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
A reminder for several who have asked that there is never a regular LCW monthly meeting in the month of conference, i.e., April. Our next scheduled monthly meeting will be third Saturday of May, i.e., May 19th. We will send out notice for that meeting closer to date. Please note that we have openings for devotional speakers (5-10 minutes) as well as workshop leaders/topics for those two months as well as fall, so let me know if you would like to participate with either.
Thank you all who participated in our one-day conference April 7th. Along with wonderful faculty, we had close to record turnout, including a total of 22 teens and LBC students. Even the weather cooperated, threatened snow downgrading to clouds, so we thank God as well for answered prayer and blessing.
Do mark your calendar for Saturday, May 19th. We'd love to see you then.
Blessings,
Jeanette Windle
President, Lancaster Christian Writers
Lancaster Christian Writers' Super Saturday 2018!! is now just around the corner on April 7th, 2018, from 8:30am-4:30pm at Lancaster Bible College, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601, with a wonderful faculty line-up in both fiction and non-fiction tracks. Success and continuation of this annual event depends on YOU helping get the word out--and your own registration in!--so please help us spread the word during these final weeks by posting data to your social media, inviting writer friends, or even printing a flyer to share at church or local library.
SS2018’s very affordable registration price of $55 is due by Wednesday, April 4th, and includes soup/sandwich buffet lunch and LCW membership. Registrations after April 4th and walk-ins day of the conference are $65. Seventh-twelfth grade aspiring writers are also welcome at a two-for-one rate, or half-off if accompanying a parent, which includes lunch buffet. Group rates for homeschool co-ops or Christian schools can be negotiated by contacting Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com
Please note one major change in faculty. Loree Lough has had to cancel due to health crisis (please pray for her). But we are excited to have author, conference speaker, and pastor Pierre Eade taking her keynote, and acquisition editor and author Donna Smith joining workshop lineup, along with writers conference director, author, editor Marlene Bagnull, writing coach and author Pierre Eade, best-selling Tyndale author Lynn Eib, and magazine writer Donna Brennan. A fiction track will be taught by award-winning novelists , Gayle Roper and Shawn Smucker. Agent/freelance editor Dave Fessenden and editor/novelist/journalist Jeanette Windle will also be taking editorial appointments.
Workshops cover such topics as:
- But I Love Her! Making Your Characters Live
- Seamless Self-Editing for Your Writing.
- Before You Write--Theology and Philosophy of Christian Fiction
- Hook ‘em from the Get-go, Hold ‘em to the End: A Bestseller’s Checklist to Sellable Articles
- Writing Out of This World: A Practical Guide to Speculative Fiction from Concept to Publication
- Make It Personal: Mastering Deep Point of View
- Faith-Based Writing Both Believers and Seekers Will Read
- The Power of Story: Using Personal Anecdote and Humor to Write Compelling Non-Fiction
A conference bookstore will offer a wide variety of writer resources and faculty titles. Personal consultations with faculty are on a first-come, first-serve basis. More information, including the Super Saturday 2018 Flyer/Registration Form and Press Release can be found at Lancaster Christian Writers Today(http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/) OR email LCW president Jeanette Windle at jeanette@jeanettewindle.com. Payment can be made online (http://lancasterchristianwriterstoday.blogspot.com/), or mail check/ money order payable to: Lancaster Christian Writers, c/o Jeanette Windle, 1776 Euclid Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.
