Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? You probably expect to get things out of the guest speakers and special sessions, but what about the other authors? There are a number of items you could easily receive simply by networking with other authors. Here are just a few:

Ideas

Authors are brimming with ideas at all times. Now, you aren’t going to go around grabbing other people’s ideas, but one author’s ideas could easily spark something in you. You might bounce something off another author only to have them come up with a perfect solution for your quandary. There are ideas everywhere, just waiting for you to have them!

Inspiration

Talking to authors who are “getting it done” can really inspire you to get back on your projects yourself. You might be inspired to write something new, pick up something old, or persevere until you get that one item you really felt drawn to out into the published world. Inspiration hits when authors are together!

Resources

Do you need help editing? Don’t know where to go in order to have a book cover created? There are authors out there that have the answers and the resources YOU need. All you have to do is find the right fellow author and you can walk away with a wealth of information and connections to the resources you need.

These are just a few of the items you can get from networking with other authors. Conferences are great because speakers give you a lot of intriguing information. But the other authors attending can give you just as much!

Click HERE to get more information about our 2017 conference and to register now.

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Today, we would like to introduce you to conference workshop leader, Nadine Brandes.

Nadine is an adventurer, fusing authentic faith with bold imagination. Her debut YA novel, A Time to Die, won the ACFW Carol Award while both it and the sequel finaled for the Christy Award. Nadine’s been known to eat an entire package of Oreos by herself, and watches Fiddler on the Roof at least once a year. She writes about brave living and other worlds soaked in imagination. When she’s not taste-testing a new chai, she and her hubby are rockin’ shalom, dorkiness, and board games with college students in the midwest.

Connect with Nadine: Website Facebook Twitter.

What would you like conference attendees to know about you? Maybe something that would help them feel comfortable approaching you. That I love meeting new people and I’m just like any other writer there—I get nervous and, depending on the day, I can be ridiculously shy. I’m terrible with names. I’m a tea drinker (just come up to me and say “TEA!” and I will hug you. 😉 ) I have trouble finding a writing rhythm and I almost always loathe my first drafts.

You are my people—fellow writers and lovers of Christ! Come say hello, even if I’m in conversation or being an awkward wallflower. 😉

What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop/who will get the most out of it? This workshop will leave attendees with a full and well-rounded understanding of the YA genre—from readers to writers to publishing to marketing.

This workshop is for anyone who wants to understand the YA genre and market. Being aware of the “hot markets” is key to getting our books out there! And YA is one we need to watch because these readers are shaping the reaing community of the future. I think that writers interested in reaching teens, young adults, or adults who read YA literature (which is the majority of readers in the YA genre) will get the most out of this workshop.

If you could share only one piece of information/tip/encouragement with a writer, what would it be? Frankly, it wouldn’t have anything to do with the actual writing craft. It would be this: Immerse yourself in Christ. Perhaps that sounds cliche, but I have to remind myself daily. Write with Him as your reward—not as though a published book or a contract or 100 five-star reviews are your rewards. Because He is the one who will use your writing to reach (and change) the world. Pray over your writing constantly. Draw inspiration from His word. I could go on and on. 🙂

Nadine will also be available to for paid critiques.

critique submissions — Click image to purchase a paid critique.

Click HERE to get more information about our 2017 conference and to register now.

Check out her books!

Book 1 – A Time to Die

How would you live if you knew the day you’d die? Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government’s crooked justice system. But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall — her people’s death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her clock is running out.

Book 2 – A Time to Speak

How do you live after you planned to die? Parvin Blackwater should have died in her brother’s place. She didn’t. Now she’s the only one who can protect her village, but no one wants to listen. When the Council starts forcing “new and improved” Clocks on the public, those who refuse are declared Radicals and exiled. Having been across the Wall once, Parvin is the only one who can save them. But instead of going through the Wall, she’s packed into a boxcar, loaded on a cargo ship, and forced out to sea. How will she lead when facing the unknown? Worse yet, why are people suddenly dying before their Clocks have zeroed-out?

Book 3 – A Time to Rise

What more can you sacrifice than your life? Parvin Blackwater is dead. At least…that’s what the Council—and the world—thinks. But her sacrifice tore down part of the Wall long enough to stir up hope and rebellion in the people. Now she will rise again. Strong, free, and fearless. Parvin and Solomon must uncover the mysterious clues that Jude left behind in order to destroy the projected Wall once and for all. Meanwhile, the Council schemes to new levels of technology in its attempts to keep the people contained. Can a one-handed Radical and a scarred ex-Enforcer really bring shalom to the world? This is the concluding book in the Out of Time Series.

If you would like to purchase a copy of her books, visit her books page on her website.

Today, Janet Sobczyk joins us again and shares her anticipation for this year’s writers conference!

It’s been almost a year since my first Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference. I’ve made great strides (okay, baby steps) with my writing. It feels terrific!

Right away I joined Wordsowers and began to attend their monthly meetings at the Swanson Library in Omaha. I can’t always make it (the last Thursday of each month, 6:00 to 7:45) but when I do, I leave inspired and happy.

At the meetings I heard about the critique group that meets once a month. I’ve only been able to go once so far, but in that session I learned so much! They showed me how to format manuscripts to be taken seriously by editors. They showed me how awesome it feels to be surrounded by successful people who want to help you succeed.

I’ve used what I learned at the conference to submit poetry and articles to magazines, with a few successes. It’s nice to have some of the poems in my binder collection be seen by readers beyond my own family.

I’ve discovered how to be patient through the long wait for responses to submissions. A writer just keeps working and submitting. “You can’t sell what you don’t submit” is true! And rejection letters truly are just one submission closer to success.

Now I have new ideas and questions (and business cards!) to take to the 2017 Conference. I can’t wait to hear the new speakers and meet more writers. I know the 2017 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference will inspire me to take the next steps in my writing.

If you have signed up for our conference, what are you most looking forward to?

Look for more next week from Janet about her first conference experience.

Janet Sobczyk (pronounced Sub-check) is a new member of Wordsowers Christian Writers Group and is looking forward to the April 2017 Conference. She is a writer/poet in Omaha, NE as well as a substitute teacher, and a trainer for Boys Town’s “Common Sense Parenting.” Connect with Janet on her BLOG filled with poems, stories, and photos about motherhood, pets, faith, and more.

When you read your manuscript, you read what you think you wrote, not what’s actually there. It’s nearly impossible to read your own work! What if you could have a professional writer read it and tell you what they thought? They might have just the right suggestions to make it really shine! Oh, but that would be expensive. That would clean you out, right? Wrong!

When you attend the Wordsowers Christian Writer’s Conference, you get a workshop leader manuscript critique for $25! There are so many things you get from that, like…

One-on-one guidance: You get to meet with the writing professional who reviewed your work. They will tell you what they think face to face. Don’t worry, they’ll be kind! They’ll point out ways to make your work better. They might show you something you hadn’t seen before. In the end, your writing will be better for it.

Help with errors: Every writer makes errors, but it’s hard to see where you’ve gone wrong. The workshop leader will spot things that got past you, spell check, and the friends you’ve had read it. When you correct errors, your work is much more ready for editors and agents.

Encouragement: The workshop leaders have been in your seat. It’s taken all of them time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears to become professional writers. They know what it’s like to be starting out. Hearing from them, including where they’ve been and what they’ve been through, can help you realize that your dream can be reached as well. You’ll leave the session with ideas for your piece and excitement for your writing future.

Submit something you’re really excited about, then sit down for a one-on-one and find out how to make it better! $25 is a small price to pay for one critique. You get so much more than red ink on a page! Click HERE for details. Order and send in your manuscript asap to make the most of this opportunity!

Click HERE to get more information about our 2017 conference and to register now.

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Meet Brooke Williams, one of our conference workshop leaders. We asked her a few questions so you could get to know her ahead of time.

What would you like conference attendees to know about you? Maybe something that would help them feel comfortable approaching you.

I’m a stereotypical writer…an introvert at heart. The fact that I survived in radio is amazing to me today. If I can do it you can and I’ll show you how! I’m primarily a stay at home mom to two young girls. Ask to see pictures. I’ll drag them out! Haha. When my youngest naps…I write! I’m primarily a freelance writer but I dabble in the author world when I can. I find it a great escape to everyday life and stress!

Feel free to contact me anytime! I write romantic comedy to give you some laughs. My next release Called “The Leftover” drops in September and I’m super excited about it! Check out my website. You can also contact me on Twitter and Facebook.

What do you see as the greatest take away/who will get the most out of your workshop?

I’m presenting the workshop on how to get and give radio and tv interviews. If you want to promote your book, your devotional, a certain topic you cover or whatever, you might want media attention. How do you get it?! I spent over a decade in the radio industry so I have lots of tips on how to get the interviews and then how to conduct them so you don’t feel like you made a mistake getting it in the first place. I also spent five months on the local news so I picked up some helpful tricks there as well. Mostly what not to do. Haha. I’ll pass them along to you! As writers we can love what we do passionately but unless we get it out there for others, it stays in a box. It’s fun to hear about ways to get the word out!

If you could share only one piece of information/tip/encouragement with a writer, what would it be?

Don’t give up on your dreams! Write first and foremost because you love it. Then don’t stop until you reach your goals. No…don’t even stop then! If you stop trying you’ll for sure never reach those goals right?! Don’t let anything deter you. Got it?

Click HERE to get more information about our 2017 conference and to register now.

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Today, new Wordsower, Janet Sobczyk shares about her experience meeting with speakers.

At the 2016 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference I met three of the speakers. Each made a lasting impression.

First, Lee Warren at his book table. He’s a journalist, author, editor, and member of Wordsowers Christian Writers. I attended his workshop, and purchased his instructional materials for writers. But the time spent at his table wasn’t about his experiences. He asked about my projects and advised what to do next. He suggested I sign up for a one-on-one session with the keynote speaker, which I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing. He told me exactly how to prepare for that meeting. So I did!

The keynote speaker was Troy Griepentrog, a senior associate editor for Focus on the Family. I approached the meeting just the way Lee directed me, and we had a wonderful conversation. He assured me there is a need for articles about the topics I suggested. He encouraged me to send a query email, and promised to forward it to the proper editor.

The third speaker I met was Sally Jadlow, a published author and poet who teaches creative writing. She edited (and praised!) a poem I brought, and asked what other writing I’ve done. I admitted I’ve only had a few published articles, but two poems and a creative non-fiction piece had won writing contests. She exclaimed, “You’re an award-winning writer! You need to say that whenever you write a bio for submissions.”

I walked away from each meeting with more confidence and knowledge. Thank you, Wordsowers Christian Writers, for inviting such awesome speakers!

What apprehensions (or advice) do you have about meeting with conference speakers?

Click HERE to get more information about our 2017 conference and to register now.

Next week, Janet shares about her anticipation for this year’s conference.

Today, Janet Sobczyk joins us again to share about her first experience at a Wordsowers Writers Conference.

The 2016 WCW Conference changed my entire outlook on writing. Over the span of two days last April I was transformed, in my own mind, from “someone who likes to write” into a Writer and a Poet. I grew to understand that’s who I am, even if it’s not what I do full-time.

I was surprised to find that people I met at the conference were actually interested in my ideas and took them seriously. They convinced me to take myself seriously, and to pursue those ideas.

One of the speakers pointed out that many people feel they cannot call themselves writers until they have published a book or are writing full time. But really, it’s not just about being published. It’s about having the interest, ability, ideas, and calling to write. Getting published is the icing on the cake!

The speakers all presented very effectively; it was a joy to learn from them. They also were available not only at their book tables, but for one-on-one sessions with attendees. Agents and editors were available to critique manuscripts (some for a fee, others for free). They told me what next steps I should take toward making my writing marketable.

The experience left me with solid goals and a clearer vision for my writing. The Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference truly opened new paths for me.

If you like to write, even if you’re not yet a “published author,” make plans to come. You’ll be glad you did!

What perspectives would you like to change about your writing?

Next week, Janet shares her experience talking with conference speakers.

Today, new Wordsower, Janet Sobczyk shares her first experience at a Wordsowers Writers Conference.

A close friend of mine heard an ad for the 2016 Wordsowers Writers Conference on KGBI Radio, and texted me about it. I looked into the details, but hesitated. There were two strikes against my going:

It fell on a busy weekend.
It seemed a stretch to my slim budget.

However, my friend insisted that I go. She said it was a God thing, a nudge from the Holy Spirit kind of thing. So I registered and went.

It felt awkward going to a conference without knowing anyone there. But at least I live nearby. I met a writer who drove across 2 states just to attend. She felt uncomfortable at first, too, so we visited and sat together at each meal break (the food was fantastic!)

At every workshop I sat enthralled, but managed to take notes. Each one had such wonderful information and helpful Q&A time. Questions were brought up that I didn’t even know to ask, and I learned from them all.

At the book tables I chatted with published authors. They freely gave advice, encouragement, and solid answers to my writing problems.

The core team of Wordsowers Christian Writers worked tirelessly to make the conference run smoothly. I grew to admire and appreciate their experiences, and their selfless motivation to help other writers.

When I left, I promised myself to return the next year. Well, it is now next year. I am registered and ready to go. Won’t you join me?

What is your biggest obstacle to attending a writers conference?

Click HERE to get more information about our 2017 conference and to register now.

Look for more next week from Janet about her first conference experience.

Today we welcome Brenda S. Anderson, author of Capturing Beauty, a Where the Heart Is Romance.

First Impressions

That initial reaction when you see, hear, feel, taste, smell, or sense something. As we all know, that first impression does not define what we’re sensing, but it does matter.

Think of a first date with someone. You want your date to see you at your best, so you spend extra time and special care in preparing.

Consider how you choose the books you read. Chances are, what initially drew you in was the cover—and many readers do judge a book by its cover—yet the cover is only a one-dimensional, often false, peek into the story inside.

I’d be remiss not to mention the latest political climate. A single headline will set people off. A headline only reveals the very tip of a large iceberg, but still spawns arguments.

Or take a look at an unpolished agate. At first glance, it looks like any other stone, but once smoothed and polished, the stone reveals multi-layered, multi-hued beauty.

People aren’t much different than agates, are we?

Everything—everyone—has an important story to tell if only we reign in our initial reaction and listen, learn. It’s always important to look deeper than that shallow first impression.

When you pass the homeless person begging for food, they have a story beyond living on the street.
When you watch a comedian perform, they are more than the jokes they tell.
When you see a model with the perfect face, perfect figure, know that they are more than skin deep.

They are all fiercely loved by God, and He wants us to see past the exterior, past the first impressions, into the heart He sees and loves.

What kind of first impression do you leave others?

When you nip at a store clerk for making a mistake.
When you cut someone off in traffic.
When you’ve just finished painting the house and haven’t had time to clean up.

Don’t you want the grace of having others see deeper than their initial reaction? I know I do.

And I’m beyond grateful that we have a Savior who knows every sordid, beautiful detail about us, yet is still wholly devoted to us.

~ ~ ~

About the characters in Capturing Beauty:

Callie Beaumont’s job as a graphic designer is to create dazzling first impressions for her clients. She’s surrounded with what the world defines as beautiful. Her parents are popular TV news anchors. Her sister is a model. And she considers herself plain. People tend to look past her and see only her family. If anyone knows the value of first impressions, it’s Callie.

Then there’s Haven Carlysle. He’s a nature photographer on assignment to capture the north shore of Minnesota’s unique beauty. He’s challenged to see beyond the magnificent waterfalls and lighthouses and lift bridges others photograph and learns to find beauty in the seemingly ordinary, such as earth worms that help dirt breathe allowing vegetation to grow.

Their Story

He’s a nature photographer returning to make amends. She’s a camera-shy naturalist seeking privacy. Their love for a boy brings them together, but the camera could drive them apart.

Photographer Haven Carlysle is a changed man. Six years earlier, he had run from his tragedy-filled life in Duluth. Now he’s back in town to capture the North Shore’s beauty … and to recapture the love of his son. But that means making amends with his ex-girlfriend too. When camera-leery Callie Beaumont steps in to bridge the relationship between Haven and his former family, he’s wary, but she’s his only hope.

Callie Beaumont is surrounded by beauty. Her parents are local news celebrities. Her sister is a model. And Callie is … Ordinary. All her life, Callie has longed to work outdoors soaking up God-breathed beauty, and the opportunity is finally on the horizon. But being the liaison between the handsome photographer and his son has thrown her dreams, and her heart, into chaos.

Can Haven capture her heart when she won’t let him capture her image? And will his poor choices cost Callie her dream job and him the love of his son?

Purchase your copy: Amazon iTunes B&N Universal link

~ ~ ~

Brenda S. Anderson writes gritty and authentic, life-affirming fiction. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is Past-President of the ACFW Chapter of the Year, MN-NICE, from Minnesota. When not reading or writing, she enjoys music, theater, roller coasters, and baseball, and she loves watching movies with her family. She resides in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area with her husband of 29 years, their three children, and one sassy cat.

Connect with Brenda Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Goodreads Newsletter

Seek Twice as Many Rejections

Gladys Merek and Kat — My neighbor’s 90th birthday. Her daughter brought her to my book signing at Barnes and Nobles

In January 2007 I reviewed my writing credits. In the past year I had sold a few Sunday School handout articles, wrote for a newspaper for free (great experience) and sold my stories to several compilations. Of course, I also wrote for my blog, the church blog, a church drama and designed cards. None of the latter brought in income.

My first goal for 2007: Receive twice as many rejections in that year as I did in 2006.

YOU CANNOT SELL WHAT YOU DON’T SUBMIT

I hung the above on my desk in large letters.

At the end of 2007 I recorded more rejections, but on the positive side, I made more money than I had in the past three years combined.

For the next few weeks I will post lessons I learned about writing, marketing, and getting acquainted with other writers, editors and publishers. .

To begin, at a writers conference I heard about an anthology called “A Cup of Comfort.” I sold them many stories and devotionals until they quit their publications. “The Cup of Comfort” publisher was the only anthology producer I ever knew who paid the author to hold book signings.

The idea of extra money pushed me to find sales locations in Nebraska and Oregon. …