Browsed by
Category: WordSowers Events & Happenings

June 12, 2014—Janet Nitsick presents:
Are you writing God’s Way
How do authors determine if the path they are traveling is their way or God’s way? Janet will share her insights and tips and participants will assess their own journeys through fun-analytical handouts and discussions.
Janet Syas Nitsick, lives in Springfield, Nebraska. She is the author of Seasons of the Soul, the story of life with her two autistic sons, Lockets and Lanterns, and historical western romantic anthology, Bride by Arrangement.

Interview by the Lionhearted Kat:

When I received word Janet Nitsick planned to hold a book event at Divine Truth, I dumped my plans for the day and drove west. When I walked in I saw this delightful lady in her elegant dress and hat. What a fun afternoon sitting and visiting with her.
Janet’s book Seasons of the Soul is a heart touching story about being the parent of two autistic sons. While we visited that day, Janet shared even more about the challenges of their family life, their travels and how God has blessed them because of their sons.
Check out the interview page to learn about Hannah Segura and Lori Schulz. Our workshop presenters on Thursday, 8th at the Garden Cafe. 
 
LIONHEARTED KAT:  The first post I browsed on your website talked about your comfy shoes.  Your word pictures and your description of painting them tickled my funny bone.  This feels like a book for kids who don’t want to give up their favoritest T-shirt they wear every day, or the PJ’s they’ve got to have.  Where are you going with the shoes, Lori?

LORI:  First, I have to ask you if you’ve been in my home recently at bedtime because my youngest son has one of those t-shirts that he wears to bed every night.  It is really too small for him and it is literally falling apart.  I’ve bought him new t-shirts, but he continues to wear his too small, tattered t-shirt simply because it’s comfortable.  I suppose he gets his need for comfort from me as I think about my comfy shoes, which are similar to that t-shirt.  My shoes do not have holes in them, however.  So, where am I going with those shoes?  That’s a good question.  I’ve been going to a lot of places with those shoes and they keep reminding me of new lessons that I want to share with others.  So tune in for more about my comfy shoes on my blog.  And maybe I’ll write a story about that comfy, tattered t-shirt someday!

Sherri will skype from Colorado

Learn how to target your writing towards a specific,

focused audience at the Wordsowers Writers Conference (Click to Tweet)

 

Sherri Langton, an Associate Editor for Bible Advocate and Now What? Meets new writers and gives workshop at many conferences. I’ve talked with her at the Oregon Christian Writers Conferences, Heart of America Christian Writers Conferences, and this year she will skype into our spring conference. She’s a woman of God who faced, fought and survived cancer.

Lionhearted Kat: You have been with Bible Advocate for 24 years or so—why did you start there and why did you stay?

Sherri: I started at the Bible Advocate in July 1989, after being laid off a job at a bank and being out of work for seven months. I knew I didn’t want to go back into banking; I had a degree in English and loved writing. So I looked for jobs in communication and the like. I found the Bible Advocate in a reference book at the library, sent in my résumé, and landed a job as editorial assistant. The story is wonderful of how God brought me to this office, but it’s long! I will just say that God definitely brought me to this organization. I am now associate editor. The Church of God (Seventh Day), which publishes the magazine, has been very good to me!

Lionhearted Kat:  I think I first met you at OCWC conference in Oregon about 2002. Several times we’ve been at HACWN together. What do you find is the biggest blessing from attending a writer’s conference? 

Sherri: I think meeting one-on one with writers and helping them with their writing. I also like teaching and guiding writers to improve their work.

Lionhearted Kat: You are an Associate Editor. Do you ever write stories or have you written a book?

Sherri: I have never written a book, and frankly, I’m not a book writer. I love writing articles and personal experience stories, however. I’ve been published in over 40 Christian publications, including Decision, In Touch, Focus on the Family,and many others. I’ve also had stories published in two Chicken Soup volumes and other book compilations.

Lionhearted Kat: Give us three “good to know facts” about Bible Advocate. 

Sherri: The Bible Advocate is one of the oldest Christian magazines in the country. It celebrated 150 years of print on August 10, 2013. Though it’s a denominational magazine, a large percentage of the readers are not members of the Church of God.

Personal Questions

Lionhearted Kat: You were diagnosed with lymphoma a year ago. Did the diagnosis come as a surprise, genetic and how did you deal with the first realization your life would change?

Sherri: The diagnosis was a total surprise. I did not handle the initial news well — lots of anger and fear. But God showed His mercy to me in so many ways during treatments. And I praise Him that my last scan was clear!

Lionhearted Kat: What did you learn through your journey?

Sherri: I don’t think I’ve realized all the lessons yet. I’m still processing all that happened and asking God to guide me through it. I do know that God is closer to me now than before the ordeal.

Lionhearted Kat: If you were sitting across from a lymphoma patient filled with fear of dying and you only had a few minutes to talk, what would you share with them?

Sherri: It’s OK to be afraid and even angry — let yourself be human. Even if you don’t feel that God is with you, He is. Know that His grace will see you through each day, one step at a time.

Lionhearted Kat: Is there a specific scripture that has helped you through tough times?

Sherri: My life verses: Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NIV):  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

And John 16:33 (NIV):  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Lionhearted Kat: How can those reading your interview pray for you?

Sherri: Please pray for follow-up blood tests that are part of the post-treatment routine. I always get nervous when I go in to the doctor for those. I feel great and praise God for His touch in my life.

Meet with editors and pitch your idea at the Wordsowers Writers Conference 

  Bible Advocate writers guidelines for online magazine.  

Tamara’s Workshop:

A publisher’s perspective: What you need before making your pitch

Add some God colors to your world (Click to Tweet)

I learned about Tamara and her publishing company, CrossRiver Media Group at the Heart of America Christian Writers Network Conference
in 2011. WordSowers member Angela D. Meyer pitched her book at that conference and CrossRiver Media published “Where Hope Starts” in 2013.
Lionhearted Kat: Tamara, we’ve learned you started in the writing world as a newspaper journalist and now have your own publishing company. How did that happen?
Tamara: I have always loved to read. As a child I read everything I could get my hands on. I devoured books as fast as I could get them and spent every morning reading the back of the cereal box over breakfast. So when it came time to choose a college major, I knew it needed to have something to do with words. I also grew up as a news junkie… watching the evening news every night with my mom. By the time I graduated from high school, journalism seemed like a natural fit.

After fifteen years in the television and newspaper industry, I decided it was time to use my skills for God. While I enjoyed working in news and being on the frontlines of history, I felt called to do more. I started attending a local Christian writer’s group and felt called to help authors find their voice and an audience for their words. The Lord began opening doors and a few months later, CrossRiver was born.

Lionhearted Kat:  Tell us a little about your role in your publishing company and your plans for the future.
Tamara: Since founding the company in 2010, I have had a hand in just about every facet of producing our book. Part of my newspaper job included writing and designing special sections, magazines and a couple of books. All of that experience taught me how to put everything together, start to finish, including the printing process. At first, I did everything myself. Now, I have several freelancers that I work with who help me with editing, proof reading and cover design, but I still have a hand in just about every stage of the process.
Lionhearted Kat: We know there are challenges in being a business owner, but what do you find the most exciting in your daily work with CrossRiver Media?
 
Tamara: I honestly enjoy just about every part of the creative process – from editing to book design and layout. My favorite part, though, is working with new authors to help them share the words God has given them with others. There is nothing quite like being able to tell a writer, their book is on the printing press…and that they are now officially an author.
Lionhearted Kat:  I know you are big on social media—when you work with new authors, what is the first thing you tell them about building a platform?
Tamara: The big thing I preach is consistency. If you have a bunch of social media sites, but don’t do anything with half of them, you give your fans and possible publishers the idea that you don’t follow through on projects. Even if you are just publishing something weekly or bi-weekly, it is better than having a site that sits there unused month after month. Be consistent. And realize that you don’t have to be on every social media site available. I recommend that authors choose three sites that they feel comfortable with…and stick with them. If that is a website, Twitter and Facebook, that is fine. If they want to have a Pinterest account as well, that is okay, but they need to know what their limitations are…and not become over-committed. One other tip I offer is to make sure all of their addresses agree. CrossRiver’s addresses are www. CrossRiverMedia.com, Facebook.com/ CrossRiverMedia, Twitter.com/ CrossRiverMedia, and Pinterest.com/CrossRiverMedia. With CrossRiverMedia in every address, we can be sure our fans will be able to find us no matter what platform they choose….and no matter what new social media sites come up in the future. Let’s face it, Facebook is unlikely to maintain its current popularity. Something will eventually replace it and when it does, our fans will know they can find us at CrossRiverMedia.
Lionhearted Kat: What are you writing about these days?
Tamara:Unfortunately, I don’t get to do a lot of writing. That is my one disappointment with choosing to become a publisher. I just don’t have the time to put pen to paper myself. The only writing I do right now are press releases for our new books and copy for our social media and websites. However, I do have an idea for a Bible study rolling around in my head. I hope to start working on it this summer.

On a personal note:

Lionhearted Kat: Did you have one particular teacher that helped shape your writing?
Tamara: I had a fantastic English teacher in high school Mrs. Brown, who encouraged me. I wasn’t a prolific writer in high school. I didn’t tackle poetry or try my hand at fiction. I would much rather have been reading, but she saw potential and encouraged me to try my hand at journalism. I fell in love immediately.
Lionhearted Kat: How did your upbringing influence you as a writer?
Tamara: My mom always had a book with her…in fact, sometimes several. She still does. Her love of reading didn’t take hold in me, though, until about the fifth grade. That is when I discovered the Little House on the Prairie series. I nearly wore the set out…reading them over and over again, devouring every word. My mother also instilled in me the love of the news and the understanding of how important it is to know what is going on in the world around us. It was my father who made me realize that today’s news is tomorrow’s history and the importance of making sure I covered my stories with accuracy and integrity. It all combined to make me into a curious writer who digs deep into the subject for the little details.
Lionhearted Kat:  We know you are the mother of four kiddos. How do you balance your writing with the needs of wife and mother?
Tamara: It is a delicate balance and one that I have to admit I have not yet mastered. There are many times when I have to take editing with me to ballgames or spend more time in front of the computer screen than I would like. But I am getting better. I work from a home office, so I am here when the kids get home from school. We live very close to their school so I slip over to have lunch with them from time to time, and I am trying to implement a working policy of nine to five… instead of 24/7. Multitasking is the key to my survival… along with a family which is incredibly understanding and helpful.
Lionhearted Kat: Share something about yourself we may not know—something fun.
Tamara: I played just about every sport in high school…including covering second base on the boys baseball team. Now, I get to coach my oldest daughter. I just wrapped up my first year as a Junior High girls’ volleyball and basketball coach. It isn’t something I dreamed of doing, but I’m having a blast!
Lionhearted Kat: How can we pray for you between now and the conference?

Tamara: First of all, thank you for your prayers. The one thing I would like to request is wisdom in knowing what message God would have me bring to the conference and how I can best help the writer’s fulfill the mission He has given them.

 

*The books shown above are published by CrossRiver Media Group.

Learn why social media is important
before you submit your proposal at Wordsowers Writers Conference
(Click to Tweet) 

Jill’s Workshop: 
Blogging: Creating content that will build your readership 

Wordsowers Conference February 28-March 1 
Add some God colors to your world (Click to Tweet)


Jill Hart first attended a WordSowers monthly meeting at Parables in January 2006. I remember the meeting well. The regulars talked about developing a critique group but not one of us felt confident enough to get our feet wet. In November a couple WordSowers asked Mark Littleton of Heart of America Christian Writers Network to help us. He turned to me and said, “Kat, you do it. You know enough.”

On that cold winter evening with Jill in attendance, she said, “I sure wish I could find a critique group.” That night I jumped in and got my feet wet. The next month the WordSowers first critique group came together. Wow, Jill has come a long way since then.
Lionhearted Kat: What do you remember about those beginning days of writing, Jill?
Jill: I remember being terrified. I thought you would all kick me out of that first meeting because I wasn’t a “real” writer. I was shaking in my boots!  You all helped me find the confidence to push forward and gave me a place to go to ask questions and get help. Oh, what a blessing WordSowers has been in my life!

Lionhearted Kat: You were already blogging at that time, right? Why did you decide you need to attend WordSowers and a critique group?
Jill:  I had started writing little devotionals and articles to post on my website in 2001. But, I only wrote them to have fresh content for my website, not because I enjoyed writing or thought that I was good at it.
I had a conversation with a writer friend in 2005 and she helped me see that the next logical step with CWAHM was a print book. So, I began trying to learn how to go about “real” writing and stumbled across WordSowers. The writing group gave me a safe place to learn, grow and network as a writer.

Lionhearted Kat: Let’s go back to before WordSowers.—what prompted you to build a business online and what do you wish you knew before you started—especially the writing aspect?
Jill:  When I began CWAHM I had know idea that writing would even be involved. I put the website together as I was learning HTML and web design, never thinking that people would actually see it. God had other plans. J
If I could go back, I was be more purposeful. I would definitely have some type of business plan in place and I would have tried to figure out what types of things I was going to need before jumping in head-first. I think, however, that had I done things that way, I would have never ever gotten started. I was have been too intimidated, too afraid of failing, and I think God knew that. He is so gracious to us and knows just what we need.
Learn how to blog: create, re-purpose and find content. 
At the Wordsowers Writers Conference. (Click to Tweet)



Lionhearted Kat: How did you come up with the title to your latest book: “Do Life Different.”

Jill: Do Life Different has really been the theme of my life over the last couple of years. So many of my friends think my life is so weird – working from home, writing, speaking – it’s not the typical Midwestern life.
And I find that my spiritual walk has that same flavor to it. We have to be a bit weird to live for Christ, we have to “Do Life Different” to stand out from the crowd.
Lionhearted Kat: In your info about your workshop you said mentioned blogging helping your audience finding new content, repurposing content, run more contests and more. What do you want your workshop attendees to learn from your presentation?
Jill:  I really would like people to walk away from the session with a sense of purpose and direction for their blogs. So many writers are told to blog, but they aren’t really sure what to do once they have the blog set up – how to engage their readers.
We’ll walk through the ins and outs of blogging for writers – what it means, why you should do it, and how to keep from spinning your wheels.
 On a personal note:
Lionhearted Kat: Who is your favorite author and what hits home with you when you read one of their books?
Jill: My favorite author is Liz Curtis Higgs. She amazes me with her imagery and her ability to make eternal truths easy to understand. Liz writes both fiction and non-fiction, she doesn’t let genre or subject matter stop her. I love that she blazes her own trail and writes what God lays on her heart.
Lionhearted Kat: Author Emily Dickenson said, “I dwell in possibility.” How does that thought pertain to you?
Jill: Dreaming is my favorite thing! It seems I’m always trying to come up with something new or a fresh way to do things. One of the best things about running an online business and doing all my own web work is the ability to do whatever I want, to some degree. I love the freedom of working at home and working for myself. And I love that I go wherever God leads me even if it doesn’t necessarily fit with where I’ve been.
Lionhearted Kat: Share about your family life, how do you balance your writing/speaking schedule with your life as wife and mother?
Jill: Oh, the balancing act. This is certainly where the pressure sets in. I think I’m constantly evaluating and re-evaluating what I spend my time on. I’ve learned over the last 15 years that success isn’t what the world claims it is. There are more important things that money and making a name for myself. Building a relationship with the Lord must come before all else and my family second. Anything else is a bonus.
I’m learning that I can never truly be balanced, I can simply be flexible. So, I wake up each day and set about doing what God has asked of me for that day.
Lionhearted Kat: Your children are growing up, how do you see your life changing in the near future?
Jill: I can’t believe how big my kids are already! Where does the time go? My daughter is 12 and my son turns 9 in a few weeks.  I honestly think that my kids need me more now than they did when they were small. They needed me to be present physically when they were little, but now they need me to be all-in emotionally and mentally as well. They are turning into young adults and it is a pleasure to walk through this journey with them.
While I have more time to work and write now that they are in school during the day, I’m much stricter with myself about not working evening or weekends. It does happen on occasion if I’m on deadline, but not often.
 Lionhearted Kat: How can we pray for you between now and the conference?
Jill: I would love your prayers and I prepare both my heart and mind for speaking. That God will guide me to cover the topics that people truly want and need.
Join us for our live hangout:
Pre-Published Author Platforms
February 6th at 10:15-11:15 am

 

~ ~ ~
Conference Sneak Peak
 Meet Gabriele Udele from Beacon Hill Press 
who will be presenting a workshop this year.

Gabriele Udele--Beacon Hill Press Editor

Wordsowers Writing Group is excited about Gabriele Udele presenting a workshop at our WordSowers Christian Writers Conference on March 1st. I first met Gabriele at the 2013 Heart of America Christian Writers Conference in Kansas City. She represented Beacon Hill Press, a publisher in business for over ninety years.

 
Lionhearted Kat: When did you begin work at Beacon Hill Press and what is your role there?
 
Gabriele:  I have worked at Beacon Hill two different times—from 1999-2004, and from 2013-present.  My title is Consumer Product Line Editor.  I am a content and acquisitions editor for Christian Living books.
 
Lionhearted Kat: What do you wish you’d known when you first started in your position?
 
Gabriele: I wish I’d learned the Chicago Manual of Style when I was in college! We used a different documentation style when I was in school.

Lionhearted Kat: See more of the interview and what Gabriele will share at the conference by reading LIONHEARTED KAT INTERVIEW 

Today I chatted with author, speaker, teacher and Dean of Women at Grace University, Tara Rye about her presentation at our WordSowers meeting, this Thursday, May 2ndat the Rockbrook Garden Café. After our discussion about Thursday’s  workshop I asked Tara a few questions.
Kat:    When did you feel called to write?
Tara:  I have always written. I wrote poems and short stories for school. I kept a journal as a kid. I have always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t defined as a fiction writer, but more as an inspirational writer. I wanted to write so that people were caught, taught, changed, or challenged in their thoughts.
Kat:  Tara I know you self-published your manuscripts. Did you try presenting them to a mainstream publisher—if so, how did the editor/publisher respond?
Tara: I tried sending out queries and I was told regularly that what I had was good, but it is more niche’ oriented. Several time after submitting a piece to a publishing house, it was rejected. About two years later the same company published something very similar. I lost respect for traditional houses and feared giving out my material.  I used to think poorly of self published authors, but eventually I realized that it was the avenue I needed because I don’t write for the masses I write for the one that will be inspired. I do not write to make a profit or to sell a lot of books. I write for the one. So, my marketing strategy works for me. I do nothing. 🙂 The icing is that they do get purchased.
Mandy Mouse Lives at Lydia House 
Kat:  I know you stay busy. Can you tell us what you are involved in at the present time?
Tara: I write for the Kansas Nebraska Digest as a regular and for CWAHM. I have a calendar reminder each month to submit and I do. I did write for the Examiner, but decided it wasn’t worth my time. I have written for LIFEWAY since 2005 as a Bible curriculum writer.
Kat:  You finished your dissertation.  Does that mean you are Dr. Tara Rye?
Tara: Yes, I am now Dr. Rye. It is a DEdMin, a doctorate of educational ministry. The last four years has been a very intense writing experience from the scholarly perspective. It was not about inspiration, but information. It was tough, but through it God has taught me that I can do hard things. I am getting requests for it (the dissertation) and I have been asked to publish it beyond the seminary publication.
I write daily. I write when I teach about the lessons. It is my greatest joy. I do not feel that I am a gifted writer grammatical. I enjoy the thoughts. I hate the grammar and spelling. I am terrible at it and struggle through it. For this reason, I have a hard time releasing my work. LOL! However, I cannot imagine a day without some sort of written expression.
Kat: What are the credentials behind your name?
Tara:  DEdMin
Tara gave a workshop at the WordSowers Writers Conference on March 2, 2013. She is an awesome speaker, author and prayer warrior. You may know her from the Cultivating Hearts Radio Ministry or through her ministry at the Open Door Mission.
Don’t miss Thursday, May 2nd at the Rockbrook Garden Cafe
108th and Center.
Wordsowers meets at the Rockbrook Garden Café at 108thand Center the first Thursday of each month. Some of our group come to eat at 6 p.m. We support the café and catch up on news. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.
April 5th I’ll be talking about—well if you read any of the posts, you know the topic. Dialogue.
Please come. Bring a friend. If you don’t have time to write anything before April 5th meeting, come anyway.
See you there, Kat
While visiting my daughter in Medford, Oregon, I called a writer friend in Eugene. She said, “Call Sandy. She’s the director of Oregon Christian Writers Conference this year.”
After talking with Sandy about my great novel in process, she said, “You need to buy the book Story.” I returned to Omaha and bought the book. I read it once and have browsed through it many times.
“Story: Substance, Structure, Style and The Principles of Screenwriting” by Robert McKee, is one of those books I recommend for every author. It’s a thick book full of practical tidbits for fiction, non-fiction or screenwriting.
At Word Sowers May meeting, Matt Meyer will present materials he has gleaned from the book, “Story.” If you don’t have a copy yet, you might want to buy one.
Kat, Still Lionhearted

On April 5th Word Sowers will meet at the Rockbrook Garden Café—108th and Center Street. The topic for the evening: Dialogue.

Writer’s Digest Books (WDB) has a number of books on how to improve your writing expertise. In April I’ll present my take on, “Dialogue: Techniques and exercises for crafting effective dialogue” by Gloria Kempton. This WDB is filled with writing exercises—they challenge me, especially since my focus in non-fiction.

Over the years I’ve learned to use dialogue in my story telling—to bring life to my memoirs, the lessons I’ve learned about writing and my caregiving journey. What about you?

Write 250 words about a family member, a teacher or possibly a pastor. With dialogue, help us understand the scene—tense or pleasant. Don’t bother to edit, bring your rough draft to Word Sowers next month.

Kat, Still Lionhearted

What an animated discussion at our first WordSowers meeting at the 72nd and Dodge Borders location, May 5, 2011. Didn’t think about it until later, but Kat, Angela, Jon and Teresa (KAJT), started their new leadership team roles on the National Day of Prayer—a great beginning for a new season in life with Wordsowers.

Attended by: Lee Warren; Merrie Hanson; Elizabeth Meyer (Angela’s daughter who after the meeting said, “I really liked listening to all the stories.”) Angela Meyer; Kat Crawford; Susan Gontarek; Jon Miller; Rachel Steenson; Katie Ziegler; Teresa Tierney and Pasquale (Pat) Mingarelli.

News:
● Lee Warren is writing full time for the Christian Post. Suggestion—take a minute to check out http://www.christianpost.com/author/lee-warren/.
● Jon Miller has been accepted as camp counselor at Okoboji, Iowa. One of his articles has been printed and he has three more accepted for publication—great job, Jon.
● Susan Gontarek has sent six chapter of her book “Grace in the Mirror” to Carol Umbarger for editing. Susan also has a new website: susangontarek.com
● Teresa Tierney is the new admin for Wordsowers.com
● Kat Crawford is the new contact for Sally Stuart’s Christian Writer’s Guide
● Jon Miller built a blog http://omahawordsowers.blogspot.com/2011
● Teresa, Angela and Kat submitted articles. (Love the quote on my wall: “You cannot sell what you don’t submit.”)
● Pat Mingarelli, Katie Ziegle and Rachel Steenson are new to the group, but not to the writing and speaking world. Welcome!
● Check out Pat’s photography at http://www.wildheartphotograpy.com/

If I’ve forgotten something shared, forgive me. You can add comments or email one of the KAJT and we’ll add the info.

Several brought travel articles or a memoir to read aloud and then we discussed chapters 13 and 14 from the book “On Writing Well” by William Zinsser.

Next WordSowers meeting will be held June 2nd upstairs in the Borders 72nd and Dodge location. We will continue with two challenging chapters: 15, “Science and Technology” and 16, “Business Writing.” Exercise your brain, bring 150-250 words you’ve experienced that relates to these chapters.

Reporting, The Lionhearted Kat

Left to Right: Pat, Susan, Katie, Kat Rachel, Angela, Jon, Lee, Merrie
Left to Right: Pat, Susan, Katie, Kat Rachel, Angela, Jon, Lee, Merrie