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Category: WordSowers Events & Happenings

Tosca Lee, NY Times Best-Selling Author

Tosca Lee Returns for the

Wordsowers 2018 Conference!

Tosca Lee, NY Times Best-Selling AuthorTosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times, CBA and Indie bestselling author of THE PROGENY, FIRSTBORN, ISCARIOT, THE LEGEND OF SHEBA, DEMON: A MEMOIR, HAVAH: THE STORY OF EVE, and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker (FORBIDDEN, MORTAL, SOVEREIGN). Her books have won the Gold Medallion, the Christian Retailer’s Choice Award, Forward Magazine’s Book of the Year Silver and Bronze, and have finaled for numerous others, including a second Gold Medallion and two Christy awards. You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the snack table. Be sure to check out ISMENI, the free e-short prequel to THE LEGEND OF SHEBA!

“Stories hand-crafted to transport you to other times and places—and adventures with twists you won’t see coming!” –Tosca Lee

Share a tidbit that has helped you in writing and/or marketing.  Have fun—and make it fun for others.

Do you have a mentor and/or author/and/or book that helped you this past year.  My husband. He keeps me sane, helps me brainstorm, and reminds me not to take everything so seriously (see above).

What frustrates you the most, the editing or marketing? First drafts!

Do you ever struggle with writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome?  I find that “writes block” is a catch-all phrase for mental resistance and/or a lack of preparation—both items I’ve experienced. I hash it out with a trusted confidante, get up to do something mundane or, barring all else, give myself permission to write shoddily and work through it.

Is there a scripture that helped you in your writing journey this past year?  The simple knowledge that I am made in the image of the most creative Being in the universe—the same One who created mighty mountains… and strange, whimsical sea creatures.

How do you juggle your life between family and writing?  A lot of late hours, my friend. A lot of late night hours.

Tosca will be at this years’ Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference in April. Check out her workshops. 

To Write or Not to Write: Susan King

Over the years, Susan King continues to be one of the most frequently requested conference speakers within the Wordsowers community. We are blessed that once again, she will be joining us. This year, her workshops include: Making it Look Easy – Achieving Excellent Style in any Genre, and  Turning Personal Experience into a Devotional Message.

Susan King, Associate Editor - The Upper RoomSusan King: For over 23 years, Associate Editor Susan King has served at The Upper Room, a daily-devotional magazine that reaches millions of readers in more than 100 countries. One of her greatest joys has been representing The Upper Room every year at several of 23 different Christian writers’ conferences in the U.S. and Canada. Two years ago, she retired from 27 years of teaching English and feature-writing classes—most recently for Lipscomb University but also for Biola University and Abilene Christian University. Formerly, she served as writer, book editor, and radio-program producer/on-air talent for The Institute of Scriptural Psychology; wrote magazine features as a freelance writer; and functioned as a seminar facilitator in leadership and group dynamics.

Susan lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband Joe. Her three adult children live in three different states, and she is delighted that one of them still lives in Franklin—with his wife and Susan and Joe’s two young grandsons.

If you were at a book event and someone asked you, “Why do you write?” what would you say?  At the risk of using a cliché, I can’t NOT write. I am a very opinionated person and give much critical thinking in arriving at my opinions so I believe that others can benefit from reading those opinions. Thus, I write feature articles (rather than fiction—probably because fiction may communicate the same thing but does so way too subtly!)

Share a tidbit that has helped you in writing and/or marketing.  Early on, the advice to start out with magazine writing rather than clinging doggedly to writing a book made all the difference for me.

Do you ever struggle with writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome?  Everyone struggles with this at some time or another. The best way for me is to freewrite/brainstorm. With the former, you put the topic at the top of the page and then write everything that comes into your mind for 10-15 minutes, non-stop, with no editing/correcting/hesitation. With the latter, the information is in the form of a list rather than one long paragraph. Both of these tend to overcome the tyranny of the blank page/computer screen and not only help me to overcome writer’s block but also give me ideas on the topic that I might not have explored before.

Susan will be at this years’ Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference in April.  Be sure to sign up to talk with her and sit in on her workshops. 

Let’s start off this year’s pre-conference interviews

with the effervescent Laree Lindburg!

Laree Lindburg

Laree Lindburg (Owner/Manager): Before her sole procurement of Electric Moon Publishing, LLC., Laree signed with a literary agent and published devotions and articles. She has worked as a grant writer for a non-profit project, a technical writer for a media company, an e-book design expert for various publishing companies, and a ghostwriter, re-writer, and editor for a law firm.

The EMoon team has assisted over 100+ clients in various stages of publishing and business development. She and her crew operate a full-service collaborative/hybrid publishing place for indie authors, ministries, and organizations.

If you were at a book event and someone asked you, “Why do you write?” what would you say?  To inform. To entertain. To pass the time. To teach my children. I write as a way to record my thoughts, feelings, and prayers. An act of worship.

Share a tidbit that has helped you in writing and/or marketing. Attend conferences–especially the author-friendly ones like the WCWC. When you have an opportunity to meet and talk shop with other authors and experienced professionals in your field of interest–do it!

Do you have a mentor and/or author/and/or book that helped you this past year? I have been reading through “Draw the Circle” by Mark Batterson. Sure, I may not agree with everything Mr. Batterson writes, however, the overall principles of submission, confession, faith-increasing, bold prayer has impacted me personally and professionally. I’ve also made strides to meet with two other industry professionals on a semi-regular basis to discuss writing/publishing/business issues. This has been most helpful to me, not to mention fun!

What frustrates you the most, the editing or marketing? Hmmm… I am coming from the publishing side, so I’d say both, but more so marketing. Authors, whether traditionally published or indie published, have a difficult time grasping the truth that book marketing is heavily upon their shoulders. Others can assist in the venture, but no one is as invested in your work as you are. No one can sell your book like you can. So, be prepared and have a plan. 🙂

Do you ever struggle with writer’s block and if so, how do you overcome? I do. I usually just write anyway–and pray. The outcome may be poor, but the perseverance builds stamina and strengthens resolve.

Is there a scripture that helped you in your writing journey this past year? A word I have been meditating on lately is “decrease.” This is based on John 3:30 when John the Baptist explains to his disciples what must happen to him. “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” The term “decrease” should be applied directly to our spiritual journey foremost then also perhaps stretched in concept to our physical lives–decreasing in selfish sins, media intake, food consumption, extraneous purchases, etc. I long to be less of me and more of Christ. Things work out so much better this way. 🙂

How do you juggle your life between family and writing? What a great question! And so terribly difficult to answer. I’ve recently realized that I put too much emphasis on my ability to multi-task which no one can truly do well–something or someone always suffers. And instead, my goal is to make strides to be more present in one spot at a time. So, I block off specific sections of the day to work, and when I am not at my desk, I try my best to curb the temptation to check work email or write a blog post and in turn be ‘present’ with my family. It’s all a work-in-progress!

Laree will be at this years’ Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference in April. 

Be sure to stop by her table.  

Lee Warren, author photo

Please note: The Feb. 2018 Wordsowers meeting was cancelled due to icy conditions. Because of the high number of requests for Lee’s workshop, he will present his material at our March 2018 gathering.

With twenty years in the publishing industry, editor and author Lee Warren shares his unique insights into the dos and don’ts when working with an editor.
Lee published traditionally before choosing to become an indie author. He has edited for book publishers, newspapers and websites/blogs.
In this workshop, you’ll glean information that will enhance your publishing knowledge and strengthen your work.

Please feel free to bring a snack and beverage if you choose. This meeting is open to all.

After the meeting we’ll gather for our relaxed Afterglow chat session at Village Inn, 7837 Dodge St.

We meet the fourth Thursday of the month
6:00-7:45pm at the W. Clarke Swanson Library.

The meeting room is on the basement level. Park on the east side of the building and walk into the lower door.

Often we go to meetings hoping to glean knowledge, to gain tangible help to propel us along. Sometime we find those insightful nuggets; sometimes we come up empty.

That’s why this 2018 kick-off meeting is all about you. What do you need to propel your writing forward?

This meeting is an open forum. We plan to invite the rest of 2018’s monthly speakers based on the needs presented at the January meeting.

Please bring a snack, beverage, and your input. This meeting is open to all.
After the meeting we’ll gather for our relaxed Afterglow chat session at Village Inn, 7837 Dodge St.

We meet the fourth Thursday of the month
6:00-7:45pm at the W. Clarke Swanson Library.

The meeting room is on the basement level. Park on the east side of the building and walk into the lower door.

What? No Wordsowers monthly meetings in November OR December?

During the busy holiday season we break from our normal monthly meetings. We pray our members will enjoy family and friends, and take time to reflect on Jesus, the true reason we’re celebrating.

Our meetings resume Thursday January 25, 2018. Get ready for a great year of learning, growing, and fellowship!

Please join us at 6:00 PM on the fourth Thursday of the month at Omaha’s Swanson library, 9101 W. Dodge Rd, Omaha, NE 68114.

 

Pebbls Jacobo, A& P Virtual Enterprises Owner

Thursday October 26
6:00-7:45 pm
9101 W. Dodge Rd. Omaha, NE

Pebbles Jacobo, owner of A&P Virtual Enterprises hosts an evening of hands-on computer help, with a focus on Microsoft software. Whether you’re a novice or expert, this evening is designed to help you blast past your roadblocks. Learn tips and tricks to make your computer time more productive.

Please bring your laptops to the meeting. No laptop? No problem. Bring your questions and join in this wonderful learning opportunity.

Pebbles business, A&P Virtual Enterprises, Inc. was established in 2007. Within two years Elance.com, the world’s largest freelance contracting site, ranked her business in the TOP 1% in the ‘Administrative Support’ (100,000+ virtual assistants) and ‘Writing & Translating’ (120,000+ writers and copy editors) categories.

A&P Virtual Enterprises is a result of the collaborative efforts of owners, Alfred & Pebbles Jacobo. Husband Alfred brings 40+ years of business experience to the team. Pebbles utilizes over a decade of administrative experience, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Humanities from Grace University. Their faith in God drives them in business and life.
Click here to learn more.

Again, this special hands-on event is
Thursday October 26th 6:00-7:45pm
at our regular location, the 90th & Dodge library

We meet the fourth Thursday of the month
6:00-7:45pm

The meeting room is on the basement level. Park on the east side of the building and walk into the lower door.

Successful people think differently than unsuccessful people do, and as followers of Christ, we must do all we can to partner with God and develop a mind of success. Our thoughts influence our actions and our actions produce results, positive or negative.

Using the life of one of the most unexpected “obscurity to celebrity” the world of sports has seen as an example, Jennifer Slattery discusses key attitudes and behaviors displayed by successful people, encouraging writers to view their lives and challenges through a success-oriented mindset.

As a multi-published author, Jennifer also has a deep love for story. She’s also the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, a parachurch women’s ministry that helps women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ, and is a regular contributor to Crosswalk.com.

As the managing and acquiring editor for Guiding Light women’s Fiction, an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she loves working with writers to help them strengthen their manuscripts and grow in their gifting. When not writing, you’ll likely find her at one of Omaha’s many coffeehouses.

Click here to learn more about Jennifer.

Ginger Kolbaba, award winning author/editor

PLEASE NOTE: To facilitate better Skype reception and viewing, our August meeting will be held at the South Omaha Library, Meeting room A. 2808 “Q” St. Omaha, NE 68107

Thursday Aug 24th 6:00-7:45pm
The library is on the Metro Tech campus.

Ginger Kolbaba is an award-winning author, editor, and speaker.

She is the former editor of Today’s Christian Woman magazine, Marriage Partnership magazine, and the founding editor of Kyria.com, all award-winning resources of Christianity Today.

She has written or contributed to more than 30 books, including her novel series, Secrets from Lulu’s Café.

Ginger is a contributing writer for Thriving Family magazine, and has been a columnist for Let’s Worship. She has published more than 400 magazine and online articles.

She has spoken at national and international conferences, guest lectured on college campuses, and has appeared on national media outlets such as CNN Headline News (Nancy Grace), Court TV, Moody Midday Connection, and Family Life radio. She’s been quoted in national news outlets such as Newsweek and Chicago Sun-Times.

Bring your questions and get ready for a fantastic evening!

Click here to learn more about Ginger.

Again, to facilitate better Skype reception and viewing, our August meeting will be held at the South Omaha Library, Meeting room A
2808 “Q” St. Omaha, NE 68107

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Author Miranda Sherman

Author and speaker Miranda Sherman says, “Writing a book is all fun and games but what you do after is key. Learn what’s important in marketing yourself and your book after it’s in print. Miranda Sherman is the author of two books, “The Mighty Fork; Healing Your Mind and Body with Food” (now in its 2nd edition) and “The Mighty Fork Student Workbook.”

Miranda is a popular speaker, teaches classes on an ongoing basis to audiences young and old, blogs, manages her website, and is constantly looking for new ways to get her message out that food can heal you. She’s currently working on her 3rd book about the importance of traditions.

Cheryl St. John

Award winning, Writers Digest author, Cheryl St.John presents:
Blockbuster Fiction: Exploring Emotional High Points in Popular Films

Cheryl is the author of numerous novels. Her stories have earned mutiple RITA nominations, Romantic Times awards, and are published in over a dozen languages.

Amazon and Goodreads reviews show her popularity with readers.

For example, Cheryl’s bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books, ranks a 4.9 star rating on amazon.

Cheryl is an avid movie buff, and Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict reflects that by using examples from popular films to show examples of emotion and conflict.

In this workshop, Cheryl uses the top grossing movies of 2013 (Frozen; The Hunger Games: Catching Fire; Man of Steel; Maleficent; Gravity) to demonstrate characterization, emotion, and motivation.

Preparation if desired:
Kick back and watch some–or all–of those movies. Tell your family you’re doing super-important writers homework to prepare for Cheryl’s workshop.

Learn more at cherylstjohn.net

June 22, 2017, 6PM @ Swanson Library, 90th & Dodge, Omaha

The meeting room is on the basement level. Park on the east side of the building and walk into the lower door.

After the meeting, we’ll gather for our informal Afterglow chat session at Village Inn, 7837 Dodge Street.

We’re often our own harshest critics. That negativity can stifle our creative flow, and hinder our momentum. Join author Jeanie Jacobson for a night of encouragement and fresh starts.

We’ll not only give ourselves a “grace pass,” we’ll use five keys to identify–and eradicate–the culprits that hinder our writing process.
Together we’ll move forward with creating, honing, and submitting our work.

May 25, 2017, 6PM @ Swanson Library, 90th & Dodge, Omaha

The meeting room is on the basement level. Park on the east side of the building and walk into the lower door.

After the meeting, we’ll gather for our informal Afterglow chat session at Village Inn, 7837 Dodge Street.