We had lots of fun at the 2019 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference. Here are a few pictures from the event. Thank you all for joining us!
Words of wisdom for after the conference from Anne Rauth.
The Wordsower’s 2019 conference is over. Are you sad? Glad? In between? Dear writing friends, trust me there is still more to do!
Thank you: Take the time to use your writing skills and say thank you to the conference organizers, who spent countless hours on many details for you to have a great time. You’ll find their addresses in this newsletter. Many countless hours of preparation have gone into this conference. If it blessed you, then bless them!
Follow up: Perhaps you had meetings with individuals (agents, editors). Make sure that you have developed a system to follow up with them about things you talked about, or some clarification you’d like to receive. And, if they have given you some deadline for materials they are needing, make sure you have that date identified.
Blog: If you have a blog, please consider writing about the conference and inserting the link from this year’s event. It’s a great reminder to you about the wonderful time you had and also an encouragement to other why may be on the fence about attending an event.
Social Media: If you have pictures or great comments from the conference, please post on social media! Use the hashtag #Wordsowers2019
Receipts: The conference fee and related expenses might be a deduction for you. Make sure to save all your receipts and mileage information. And consult your tax advisor for further information!
Save: Consider setting up a system to save a tiny amount every month so that the next time the conference rolls around, you’ll already have the money saved, and perhaps even have some extra to spend at the bookstore!
Write: You may have many new opportunities, or not as many as you would like. In either case, continue writing. Remember, you were called to create!
Anne Rauth grew up in a small town in Northwest Missouri, with a high school graduating class of only 44. After high school, Anne received her MBA from the University of Kansas and immediately went to work at Hallmark Cards in their Advertising and Hallmark Hall of Fame division.
She belongs to the Heart of America Christian Writer’s Network and has led sessions at their annual conference. This year, Anne taught the workshops Don’t Monkey around with Mailchimp and Email Marketing.
Connect with Anne on her website and find out more about what she does.
Charles Christian is the managing editor for both Grace & Peace and Holiness Today magazines. He served as a Nazarene pastor for more than twenty-five years.
He taught systematic and moral theology at a variety of colleges, universities, and seminaries, Including the Nazarene Theological Seminary and Nazarene Bible College. He continues to teach as an adjunct professor of theology at MidAmerica Nazarene University.
Charles will be teaching the workshops Writing an Article and Academic vs. Popular Writing. Visit the workshop page for more information.
Charles will also be available to schedule a one-on-one with and talk to about
We asked Charles a few questions to help you get to know him better.
Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? My grandmother, who lived to be 93, always said that I should not fear growing old, because it beats the alternative!
What or who inspired you to become an author or singer or preacher?I had many friends, relatives (including my parents and grandparents), and even teachers who would tell me throughout my life that God may call me to be a preacher. They saw some things that would take me years to see for myself!
What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? I have been a musician most all of my life (I play several musical instruments). My own love for music is fueled in part by musicians who write their own songs, so I became interested in song writing at about the same time I became interested in other forms of writing.
Catch up with Charles at the conference and visit with him about what you have to offer Grace and Peace or Holiness Today.
Jackie Mahr is the host of Share His Light Ministries on AM 660 KCRO, and a senior account executive at Walnut radio in Omaha. With years in the business, Jackie is passionate about working with individuals and businesses to develop marketing ideas for the unique market of Christian radio, KCRO and KOTK, and Boomer Radio in Omaha and The Mix and Big Dog in Fremont.
Jackie will be teaching the workshop Giving your work a Voice Through Radio Marketing. Visit the workshop page to learn more.
We asked Jackie a few questions to help you get to know her better.
Do you set goals for the new year? If so, does it help you produce more? Yes, I love setting goals ~ I’m ‘carrot’ driven! Love to challenge myself to do/be more!
What fills your basement and why? (basement is my garage)Toys, lots of toys! Golf cart, corvette, beach floats, bicycle, lawn chairs.
What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing?I read every morning for an hour or so – mainly bible, devotionals, Christian living books, journal. It helps me put together my To Do list for the day as stuff pops up. Ie: call that friend, finish that proposal.
How do you deal with writer’s block? Pray!
Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? 1 John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers! – (I could preach that all day!)
Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by?I read nonfiction, devotionals and Christian living. Bill Johnson, Max Lucado
There are always a few last minute questions. We’ve gathered a few, along with the answers, we think someone might be asking.
You can still register at the door on Friday night or Saturday morning. The cost at the door: $100. We do not discount for those only attending on Saturday only.
Come prepared to meet editors, publishers and authors. It doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert, whether you are published or not. From the leadership right down through the volunteers or those leading workshops, we want this to be a positive experience for you. If you have questions, ask.
Network, network, network. Use the time at the conference to exchange business cards and connect with other writers. You may glean a great idea for your next article or novel.
Every manuscript you bring needs your name, email and page number. Most people reading your material will not accept a hard copy at that moment, but if they did, could they find you?
Basic Submission Formatting: Use font—Times New Roman; 12 pitch; double space. Set your paragraph for 0.5 (do not hard indent.) Use single space between sentences.
Thank you for praying for WCWC leadership and all the volunteers who are working hard to help you become a published author.
Pam Morgan Pam Morgan is a Christian speaker, author, and recording artist who has appeared on various radio and television shows, including Oprah. She and her singer/songwriter husband, Phil, have released fifteen gospel CDs and travel nationwide, inspiring audiences from Alaska to the Caribbean. Although Pam enjoys photography, scrapbooking, teaching women’s Bible study, French Vanilla coffee, and (of course) chocolate, she says nothing compares to her two favorite pastimes: sharing the hope of Christ and spending time with her beloved husband and their two young adult daughters, Kayla and Alisha, at home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Pam will be leading the workshop Speak Up You Have a Great Book! Visit the workshop page to learn more.
We asked Pam a few questions to help you get to know her.
Pam Morgan: Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? When my oldest daughter was a day old, I thought I might have to send her back. We had hardly slept all night. With a bottle in her grip, Mom scooped my crying baby out of my arms, sent me to bed and said, “Pam, don’t wish away these days. You will blink, and she’ll graduate high school.” I tried to cherish each moment, but without my permission, time flew and now my nest is empty. Both of my daughters are out of the house. Don’t get me wrong – I am super proud of my girls (who are now successful young women), and I love the freedom their launch into life has returned. But waves of nostalgia tinged with sadness sweep over me now and then when I see a young mom chasing her kiddos at church or trying to quiet them in the grocery store. Life truly is a vapor. Someone else once said, “the days are long, but the years are short.” Let’s make them count.
What fills your basement and why? Christmas decorations!! Ok, they don’t fill the entire basement, but most of our storage space. I love the beauty and hope of the Christmas season and how the lights, ornaments, and decorations hold memories of moments with those I love. My sister (now in heaven) shared my affinity for the season (her house always a wonderland of glitter and garland), and when she passed away I acquired a bunch of her stuff. Thankfully, my sweet husband lugs (most of) it out and back into the basement every year!
Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? It is extremely difficult to zone in on ONE favorite scripture…there are so many. So I will focus on the one I usually list when I autograph my books and the one included in my email signature: Isaiah 40:31 – …those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.I could probably write a book about how this one verse has helped me, but to be brief, it reminds me that hoping in the the Almighty, all-powerful, Alpha and Omega Yahweh, the great “I AM” will, not might, it WILL renew my strength. I struggle with weakness daily. If we are honest, we all do. It’s part of living with sin in a fallen world. But this promises that placing my hope in the proper place (specifically, in the lovingkindness of a gracious and merciful God) WILL bring everything I need to do whatever He calls me to do, whether that be soaring, running or walking physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. I need that assurance!
Visit Phil and Pam’s website to discover more about their music and ministry.
Phil Morgan along with his wife Pam have traveled the country in full-time music ministry since 1996, appearing on various radio and television programs including Oprah, Montel, and the 700 Club. Phil has written two books and hundreds of songs, plus a weekly email devotion than highlights his humorous and creative way of expressing Biblical truth. Most recently, Phil has accepted a staff writing position with Valley Songs, the publishing division of Chapel Valley Music in Nashville
Phil will be leading the workshop Song Painting. Visit the workshop page to learn more.
We asked Phil a few questions to help you get to know him.
Phil Morgan: Do you remember a gift you received that seemed so useless and nonsensical and you didn’t know how to express your gratitude? How did you handle the situation? Years ago at a concert someone left a gift for us on the piano bench. It was a plaster head of Jesus with a light bulb below, but the face was concave as if Jesus had stuck his face in wet plaster and left an impression. We appreciated the gesture, but it looked a little hokey, like a crushed velvet picture of Elvis. When we took it home, I was wondering what to do with it and decided to at least plug it in before we filed it away in the basement. When the light came on, Jesus’s head popped out in 3D and his eyes appeared to follow as you moved around the room. Way COOL!!! That was a huge reminder for me not to take everything at face value, but look for what is hidden inside. When Jesus shines, his light can transform the goofy into the glorious, so there’s hope for me yet! By the way, that Jesus lamp sits proudly in my office and is still shining today.
What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? I’ve recently taken up woodworking. It helps me in two ways. One, it is a completely different creative outlet from writing and gets me out of my office (or prison as it feels some days). Second, it teaches me patience. There are no shortcuts to creating a thing of beauty. The most crucial and monotonous step is the sanding, but if hurried or skipped the results are never spectacular. The same goes with editing and rewriting, it’s not fun, but so necessary to craft a masterpiece. To see some of my humble efforts, check out my flickr page .
Do you have anything posted around your writing desk–a reminder of why you sit at a computer for hours on end? I have a black piece of construction paper my daughter gave me years ago. In big, silver sharpie letters she wrote “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58” Amen to that!
Visit Phil and Pam’s website to discover more about their music and ministry.
Pat Mingarelli is an award-winning nature photographer. As an outdoor photographer he has spent countless hours observing God’s hand in creation. He has learned that God speaks to us through His creation and the creation speaks to us about God. Pat’s passion is to help people better experience God through his nature photography and His Word so they may better understand His power and majesty and feel His presence.
Pat will be teaching the workshop Complimenting Great Writing with Great Photos. Visit the workshop page for more information.
We asked Pat a few questions to help you get to know him better.
Pat Mingarelli What fills your basement and why? A sectional sofa and a treadmill. Because our basement is small and they are big!
What is your favorite hobby? Hiking and being outside, with or without my camera.
How does it help or influence your writing? Immensely. I write about encountering and experiencing God in and through His creation and what nature can tell us about God (thats’ probably too many ands for one sentence). If I didn’t go outside, I would have nothing to write about.
Do you have anything posted around your writing desk–a reminder of why you sit at a computer for hours on end? Yes, but my desk is so cluttered anything posted just blends in with the clutter.
Visit Pat’s website, The Creation Speaks, and learn more about Pat, his photography and his speaking.
A multi-published author, Dr. Craig von Buseck is the Editor of Content for the website of Inspiration Ministries. Craig has extensive speaking experience, traveling often to conferences, professional events, churches, and writer training meetings. Craig served for twelve years as Ministries Director and Programming Director for CBN.com, one of the world’s most popular Christian websites. He also served for more than ten years on the Executive Board of the Internet Evangelism Coalition (IEC). Craig is a contributing writer for CBN.com, ChristianPost.com, MTL Magazine, and Charisma Magazine.
Craig is our keynote speaker. He will also be teaching ABC’s for Beginning Writers as well as Adapting a Book to a Screenplay. Visit the workshops page for more information.
Do you set goals for the new year? I typically revise and rework goals at the beginning of each year rather than set new goals and constantly have several projects in various stages of development.
Who influenced you most in your life? One of my biggest influences, my father, always made it clear that he believed in me and that I had the abilities to fulfill God’s plan for my life. A world-class portrait painter, one day he told me why he chose art as his profession. “Craig,” he said, “if they took my oils away I’d use acrylics. If they took away my acrylics I’d use watercolors. If they took my watercolors I’d use a pencil. If they took away my pencil I’d grab a stick and doodle in the dirt. You see, I’m not an artist because that’s what I do. I’m an artist because that is who I am.”
How do you deal with ‘writer’s block?” I recognize that it doesn’t exist. Would you go to your accountant and ask him or her how they deal with ‘accounting block’? Of course not. The concept of ‘writer’s block’ is just as ridiculous. //The way to deal with the problem of difficulty in writing a story, or a book, or a screenplay is to work the problem until you find a solution. The accountant who is missing some figure will work on that dilemma until they find the answer to the problem. It is the same for a writer. Anything less is simply laziness. //Writing is work. When an obstacle reveals itself you push through until you overcome. There are days when I am more ‘inspired’ as a writer, just as there are good days for your average accountant. But every day is a work day — inspired or not. //My writing mentor said: “If you write one page per day, by the end of the year you will have a 365-page book.” Do the work – and work through the problems as they arise. Inspiration will come.
All of us have faced rejection, how do you deal with it? I was rejected numerous times for my book “Nobody Knows: The Harry T. Burleigh Story.” One acquisitions editor wrote that I didn’t understand the genre. That hurt, but it also opened my eyes. //I was often invited to writers conferences to teach on how to write articles for the web. Conference leaders often allow faculty to attend classes as the schedule allows and I typically sat in on fiction classes. I took copious notes and tried to buy the books that the teachers recommended. I read and studied those books when I went home and saw that the editor who rejected my Burleigh book was right. I rewrote the story based on what I learned about the genre. In 2013 Baker Books acquired it. //Being rejected is difficult, but how we respond to that rejection is what matters in the long run — will the rejection make us bitter or better? The key is to never give up and to keep working on your passion projects until you succeed.
Visit Craig’s website to discover more about what he does and what he writes.
Carol Reid with Randal House Publishing is one of our Across the Miles Editors. You will have the opportunity to sign up and visit with Carol via Zoom about their publishing needs.
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We asked Carol a few questions to help you get to know her.
What fills your basement and why? I don’t have a basement, but I have an attic full of quilting fabric. I have several pieces in my stash and many good intentions for using all of it–one of these days. It is a lot easier to buy fabric than to find time to make quilts!
Do you have anything posted around your writing desk–a reminder of why you sit at a computer for hours on end? I commissioned our granddaughter to hand-letter the fourth verse of “I Love to Tell the Story” for my wall at my office: “I love to tell the story For those who know it best Are hungering and thirsting To hear it like the rest.” As an editor for a devotional guide, the “old, old story” that becomes Heaven’s “new, new song” is my encouragement and commission.
Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? One of my favorites is Jesus’ promise of rest in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Is this your first time to attend a writers conference? Are you feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed about the upcoming conference? Here are a few suggestions to make this a great experience!
Dress comfortable. But remember, you are meeting with editors and publishers. Think like you are applying for a new position. Dress appropriately.
Bring Pen and Paper for Note taking. As we are not set up to record the workshops, so you will want to take plenty of notes. There will be a plethora of great information shared.
Hang on to the folder you are given when you check in. This folder will contain the conference schedule and other information and be a great place to keep your workshop notes together.
Study the workshop leaders and the workshop information before you arrive. We have a workshop page set up with all this information. Checking this out ahead of time allows you to hit the ground running. Download a printable copy of the workshops to bring to the conference with you. This will give you a photo of the presenter and the info to remind you of the class.
Check out the directories posted to find your classes. Instead of printing out the workshop lists for each attendee, we will have several locations where you can read up on the workshops.
Team up with other attendees when you want to attend two workshops presented at the same time. If you know another writer, possibly you can share notes following the workshops. If you came alone, you might ask if there is someone else attending the second workshop and share the notes. Unfortunately, we are not set up to record workshops.
Thank you for praying for Wordsowers Leadership and all the volunteers ready to give you a great experience in increasing your writing ability.
Terri Kalfas with Grace Publishing is one of our Across the Miles Editors. You will have an opportunity at the conference to sign up and visit with her via Zoom about their publishing needs and whether your ideas might be a fit for Grace Publishing.
One of our Across the Miles Editors. You will have an opportunity at the conference to sign up and visit with Terri via Zoom about their publishing needs and whether your ideas might be a fit for Grace Publishing.
Visit their manuscript submissions page to find out more about submitting to Grace Publishing.
We asked Terri a few questions to help you get to know her.
Do you set goals for the new year? If so, does it help you produce more? Yes, but it does not necessarily help produce more, especially if I haven’t sought God’s direction first.
Who/what influenced you most in your life? My faith and love of books. It’s what led me into and has kept me in Christian publishing.
What fills your basement and why? No basement, no attic. Trying to downsize and cut back on my own “things.” I do not want my children to have to deal with what my siblings and I did.
What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? Reading.
Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” It reminds me that when God has called me to something. He will give me His strength to see it through, but when it’s something I undertake on my own without prayer and seeking God’s direction first, I shouldn’t be surprised if I find myself lacking His srength.
Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by? Yes. Too many secular and Christian authors to name just one or two.
What is your favorite part of a writing conference? Meeting and helping attendees.