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Category: WordSowers Christian Writers Conference

Alex Marestaing
Alex Marestaing

Alex Marestaing’s passion lies in encouraging believers to rethink the way they engage with secular culture.  As a writer, he’s worked on creative projects for The Walt Disney Company, Lego, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins and The Los Angeles Times.

In addition, he’s written freelance for various faith-based publications and has covered soccer in Europe and the U.S. for Sports Spectrum Magazine and Yanks Abroad. Alex’s novels have earned him an honorable mention at the London Book Festival and an EPIC Award nomination. Alex speaks to audiences about faith and the creative process throughout the U.S.A, Europe, and Australia.

Alex will be teaching the workshop Writing Beyond the Church Parking Lot and sharing a Special presentation for all attendees: Outside Voices. Visit the workshop page to learn more. 

We asked Alex a few questions to help you get to know him a bit.

Who influenced you most in your life? My mother and oldest sister were the  biggest creative influences in my life. They valued creativity, and that made me feel as if my creative endeavors mattered and were worthy to pursue. The world doesn’t always value art, like writing, and to have encouragers like my mom and sister was a gift. They’re both gone now, but their support growing up has definitely stayed with me.

What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? Last year I started a podcast called The Stories Tour, where I interview people of faith making a difference in the mainstream creative market. Talking to directors, screenwriters, and authors who have made a cultural impact has been so fun and enlightening that I guess I would say it’s become one of my favorite hobbies. The podcast started as part of the marketing plan for a book I was writing called Outside Voices, but now it’s become far more than just an add-on to a book. It’s become a creative outlet and ministry tool independent of my writing.

All of us have faced rejection, how do you (did you) deal with it at the time and now that you look back upon it? Pursue writing seriously, and rejection will come. It’s pretty much guaranteed. How you cope with that rejection is what matters. When I get rejections, I’m disappointed at first. But over time, that disappointment always goes away, and I tend to learn from them. Sometimes rejection is a sign that I need to dust myself off and walk away from an idea. Other times it’s a call to change.  Tenacity is of course important, but if I’m simply being tenacious and not evolving as a writer, not listening to why a manuscript was rejected, not changing, then I’m not being smart. And in order to make it in any creative field, one needs to act creatively…and intelligently.

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 Donald Duck toy on my writing desk. That toy reminds me of my first writing job for Disney. The job was a total miracle and was the foundation for the rest of my writing and speaking career. Donald Duck reminds me that risks pay off, that the unexpected can happen, and that God can open impossible doors.

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? Proverbs 3:6 – In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV) I love this verse because it reminds me that I can take risks and move out on my creative endeavors, even if I’m not one hundred percent sure that they will work. If I’m praying, seeking wisdom from God, and getting counsel from those I trust, I can move out in the assurance that even if my path isn’t perfect,  God is going to make my paths straight.

Visit Alex’s website, The Stories Tour, to learn more about Alex and what he does.

Lee Warren, author photo

With over 20 years in the business, Lee Warren has written 17 books and hundreds of articles for various newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently writes for “The Pathway” newspaper in Missouri, “Living Light News” in Canada, and ChristianExaminer.com

This award-winning writer is also a contract editor for E-Moon Publishing and Bold Vision Books, and is on staff with The Christian Communicator manuscript critique service. He is a certified CLASSeminars trainer, and has taught at Christian Writers Conferences throughout the United States.

Lee will be teaching the workshops Beyond ABC’s (Friday night), Understand Your Publishing Options and The Nuts and Bolts of Indie Publishing. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Lee a few questions to help you get to know him better.

Do you set goals for the new year? If so, does it help you produce more? I set goals and I set up systems to achieve them. Without a system (an actual plan), goals are just hopes. /This year, I’ve set a walking goal of 8,000 steps per day. My system for achieving this is to walk 2,000 steps before work, 4,000 steps after lunch (usually on a treadmill at the gym), and 2,000 steps at night./I’ve also set a reading goal of 30 minutes per day. My system for that is to listen to audio books while I walk, usually at the gym. And then to read on my Kindle app before I fall asleep each night./I track both goals with an app on my phone called Persistence. One glance tells me whether or not I’m staying on track for the year.

Who influenced you most in your life…what/how/why?My grandfather Ed on my dad’s side of the family./My parents divorced when I was eight years old. My dad wasn’t in the picture a lot in the first few years afterward, but Grandpa Ed stepped into the gap. He took me fishing and for walks in the woods. We piddled around in his workshop. And he taught me how to shoot a BB gun (after I passed his stringent safety exam). But more than all of that, he was a quiet, faithful presence in my life – showing up to fix things around our house, slipping my mother money when she needed it and always being available to talk./Recently, one of my family members told another family member that I’m like Grandpa Ed. If that’s true, it’s because of him.

What is your favorite part of a writing conference?Making genuine connections./I taught a class at a conference last summer in which someone asked me how to stick to a consistent writing schedule, especially since she has a family. She wanted to help her family understand that her writing time was important. I told her they will only come to such an understanding if she protects her writing time. Not that she should neglect anybody, of course, but her words matter. And when she protects the time it takes to produce them, like she would protect her devotional time, then her family will see how important her writing time is and begin to take it seriously, too. I think we both had tears in our eyes after that conversation.

Visit Lee on his website to learn more about what he writes and his editing services.

Sherri Langton with Bible Advocate and Now What!  is one of our Across the Miles Editors.  You  will  have  the opportunity to sign up and visit with Sherri via Zoom about  their  publishing needs.

Visit the Meet with the Editors page for more information.

We asked Sherri a few questions to help you get to know her.

Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? Three weeks before her death, I was visiting with my grandmother, who was a very committed Christian. When I asked her what advice she could give me, she grabbed my hands and said, “No matter what happens, just trust Him. Just trust Him!” I have gone back to her words many times when I’m dealing with doubt and fear.

What or who inspired you to become an author or singer or preacher? Ruth Vaughn, a prolific writer back in the 70s and 80s who was connected with my church, was the keynote speaker at the first Christian writers conference I went to (Colorado Christian Writers). I’ll never forget something she said: “God can make creative use out of your misery.” That inspired me to write out of my pain and help others. I’ve seen God do just that many times.

What crazy/embarrassing/funny thing happened to you at a writers conference or while pulling your manuscript together. At the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (many years after my first one), I was on faculty. While getting ready for the day, I accidentally brushed my teeth with Ben Gay (the tube was laying right beside the toothpaste). It was like Chernobyl going off in my mouth!

Dan Brownell

Dan Brownell with Todays Living Magazine is one of our Across the Miles Editors. You will have the opportunity at the conference to sign up and visit with Dan through Zoom about their publishing needs and how your writing might fit in their publication. Visit the Meet the Editor page to learn more.

We asked Dan a few questions to help you get to know him better.

Dan Brownell How do you deal with writer’s block? In magazine publishing, the pace is much too fast to have the luxury of writer’s block. I edit several magazines, so I work on multiple articles and issues simultaneously. So I just write – period. No stalling. But then, all my writing and editing is nonfiction, which is topical and fairly straightforward. Fiction writing is a much more creative process, and since I don’t write fiction, I can’t speak to writer’s block in that genre. For me, the most challenging and time-consuming part of writing isn’t brainstorming but revision. I typically revise at least a dozen times before I’m satisfied. Even for full-time professional writers and editors, writing doesn’t flow off the fingertips perfectly composed in the first draft. The secret to writing is rewriting, rewriting, and more rewriting.

What crazy/embarrassing/funny thing happened to you at a writers conference or while pulling your manuscript together. I once misspelled a person’s last name on the working draft of an issue cover. I very rarely misspell names, but this name was an unusual one, and I simply mistyped it. Fortunately, we have a thorough proofing process involving multiple editors, and another editor caught the mistake before it went to the printer. Needless to say, I thanked him profusely. Never underestimate the value of having other people proofread your work.

What is your favorite part of a writing conference? It’s hard to pin down a single favorite part. I enjoy meeting and getting to know writers and fellow editors. Networking is an invaluable part of attending conferences. I love the classes too. I take every opportunity to hone my skills, and I learn something from every class I attend.

Brooke Williams is a former radio announcer/producer and script writer turned freelance writer and author. She currently specializes in clean romantic comedy, though she’s written a bit of everything including a thriller and two children’s books. Her latest release “The Leftover” came out from BQB publishing in September 2017.
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Brooke will be teaching the workshop Adding Humor to Your Writing. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Brooke a few questions to help you get to know her better.

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? A friend of mine gave me a purse that doubles as a very small cooler. I don’t carry purses and knew I’d never use it. Well with two young girls I take that thing in the car everywhere with milk, water, cheese sticks and so on!

All of us have faced rejection, how do you (did you) deal with it at the time and now that you look back upon it? The worst rejection letter I got was back when you had to send self addressed stamped envelopes along with your query. The envelope returned empty with a ‘no’ written on the outside. Ouch. Eventually that book went on to win awards. So there. Haha!

Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by? I looooove to read but when my girls aren’t taking my attention I’m writing for clients so there’s not much time left. I keep a book on my bathroom counter and get in a few pages when I dry my hair. Takes a while to finish a book but I can’t give up!!

Visit Brooke on her website to learn more about what she writes.

Anne Rauth

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 also worked at other Fortune 500 companies such as H&R Block managing national promotions and sponsorships but ultimately followed her passion and is currently working in the nonprofit sector.

Anne belongs to the Heart of America Christian Writer’s Network and has led sessions at their annual conference. She has also spoken at the Wordsowers conference in Omaha, Nebraska.

Anne will be teaching the workshop Don’t Monkey around with Mailchimp and Email Marketing. Visit the workshop page for more information.

We asked Anne 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? I led a Vision Board workshop for HACWN and that has really encouraged me around my goals for 2019.  2018 was a challenging year, and even though it is only a turn of a calendar page, I want to stay focused in 2019. / If you’re a more visual person, come see me and we can talk through how to craft your own vision board!

Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? A grandparent said something to my mother but you’ll have to get the book Short and Sweet VI to see what it was!

What is your favorite part of a writing conference? My favorite part of a writing conference is the focus on writing and the relationships I have built.  Some writers I may only see twice a year but I still consider them to be true friends.  There are writers all around you at a conference.  I want to soak it all up to keep me encouraged in the coming months when I can’t see writers face to face.

I love that when Christian writers come together, we’re FOR Jesus and his love! Also blog post about what to do after the conference.

Visit Anne on her website to read her blog and find out more about what she does.

Susan King
Susan King

For over 24 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 will be teaching two workshops this year: Turning Personal Experience into a Devotional Message and
Finding Our Creativity and Setting it into Motion.
Visit the Workshop page to learn more.

We asked Susan a few questions to help you get to know her a bit.

How do you deal with writer’s block?  I freewrite or brainstorm.  I put the topic of the article—or chapter—at the top of am MSW file, then for 10-15 minutes type everything that comes to mind about that topic—without stopping to edit myself./Then, I isolate the good ideas and, in turn, put each of those sub-topics at the top of a new file and go through the process with each one.

Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by? I love mysteries—especially cozies—but also police procedurals, political intrigue, and law-firm settings.  My favorites include Carolyn Hart, Cleo Coyle, Rex Stout, Laurie R. King, Lisa Scottolini, Robert K. Tanenbaum, David Baldacci, and David Rosenfelt.

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? Just as with most categories of favorites, I have a hard time narrowing them down./ Romans 8:28 is a perennial favorite because it gets at the heart of living as a Christian./In my teen years, 1 Corinthians 10:13 helped keep me on the straight and narrow.  Ever since the first time I was interviewed for a magazine feature, I have quoted Ps. 37:4 because I desired to be an editor in my high-school and college days but didn’t know how so I set aside that desire for decades until God brought me to my first editing position and then my second long-term position (24+ years) at The Upper Room—long after I had stopped looking.  Ironically, today I’m back to the same Psalm but a different passage—37:5-9—which is helping me to back off and put everything in God’s hands    

Visit the Upper Room’s website to find out more about writing for them.

RJ Thesman
RJ Thesman, writing coach.

RJ Thesman is the author of 10 books and 700+ articles, and her work has been included in 14 anthologies. She is also a Certified Writing Coach who helps other writers birth their words.

Thesman writes from the heartland of Kansas where she lives with her adult son and an elderly cat. She enjoys teaching workshops, gardening and cooking, especially anything with blueberries. 

RJ will be available for half hour coaching sessions at the conference for a fee. See the conference main page for more information. You can still sign up for one of these even if you have already registered. Simply go through the registration form again and choose only the coaching option, then make your purchase through Paypal.

We asked RJ 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? Absolutely! As a writing coach, setting and reaching goals is a vital part of how I help other writers but also how I find my own direction. 

All of us have faced rejection, how have you dealt with rejection in the past and now that you look back upon it? Whenever I am rejected, I immediately send the manuscript to a different publisher. So I stay in positive hope instead of dwelling on the rejection. And … a bit of dark chocolate always helps. 

What is your favorite part of a writing conference? Meeting new writers and helping them find their a-ha moment to move toward their dreams.

Visit RJ on her website to learn more about her books and her coaching.

Debra Butterfield
Debra L Butterfield

Deb Butterfield is the author of four books, which include 7 Cheat Sheets to Cut Editing Costs, and Carried by Grace: a Guide for Mothers of Victims of Sexual Abuse. She is a freelance editor and writing coach as well as an editor for CrossRiver Media Group publishing house. Debra has been a freelance editing since 2010 and joined CrossRiver Media Group in 2014. Her editorial credits include three award winners: Wilted Dandelions, This I Know, and Bethany’s Calendar. She is a former copywriter for Focus on the Family.

Deb will be teaching two workshops: The Five Essentials to Every Manuscript Submission and Marketing Through the Use of Story. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Deb 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? Most definitely I set goals! Having no goals is like taking a vacation with no destination—you get nowhere. Goals keep me focused on what’s important and show me what I’ve accomplished at the end of the period I’m measuring, be it a day, 90 days, or the year.

Do you have anything posted around your writing desk–a reminder of why you sit at a computer for hours on end? I have several things posted, mostly verses from the Bible that offer me encouragement in doing what God has called me to do. I am currently creating a vision board that I will put on the wall next to my desk to keep my goals and vision daily in front of me, spurring me on to bring those things into my life.

Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by? One would think that as an editor I get my fill of reading when I spend all day reading manuscripts. But I’ve always loved reading, and reading for pleasure is important to me. It’s relaxing, but I also learn about writing from reading other authors. I like mysteries; Rhys Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness series and M.C. Beaton’s Hamish Macbeth series are favorites. Mary Connealy’s westerns are always a treat, too!

Learn more about Debra on her website.

Sally Jadlow
Sally Jadlow

For thirty years Sally Jadlow wrote poems and shoved them under the bed. At a newly-formed writer’s group at church twenty years ago she began to learn about a world of loving writers, helpful critique groups, and conferences. It wasn’t long before she tried her hand at writing short stories and devotionals.

In 2002, her first published book, Sonflower Seeds, a book of poetry, took 1st place at the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation contest. She has won many awards since then and published ten books.

Her newest historical novel, Hard Times in the Heartland received 1st place at the Oklahoma Writer’s Federation Conference in 2016. It is the third in The Late Sooner series.

She serves on the board of Heart of America Christian Writers’ Network, and teaches creative writing for Kansas City Writers Group. She is also a member of  Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Missouri Writers’ Guild, and Kansas Authors Club.

Sally will be teaching the workshops Convert Your Book into an Audio Book and Another Look at Poetry. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Sally a few questions to help you get to know her better.

Who influenced you most in your life?Dan Quisenberry, pitcher for the Royals, most profoundly influenced my writing career. He started a group at church for writers. Although I’d written poetry for twenty-five years, he directed me to writing groups in the city which gave me direction and room to grow.

Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? No matter what project we worked on, Grandma always said, “Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.”

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? I Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Visit Sally on her website to learn more about what she writes.

Chris Meyers

An author and software developer, Chris L. Meyers is a WordPress presenter, coach and web developer.

His books include a fantasy series called Legends of Aeo. The next two books are expected in 2019. Chris also penned Distraction-Free Writing, a short how-to book based on his time spent balancing family, a full-time job and long-term illness while writing a book.

Chris will be teaching the workshop Winning at WordPress. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Chris a few questions to help you get to know him better.

Do you set goals for the new year? If so, does it help you produce more? Goals are a mixed bag for me. They’re good for helping me define my direction, but they’re bad if I take them too seriously. I aim somewhere, set some reasonable expectations, then go after it. Production can take care of itself.

What or who inspired you to become an author or singer or preacher? My wife. She never gave up on me and wouldn’t let me give up on myself.

How do you deal with writer’s block? For me, physical activity helps most with writer’s block. Get the blood pumping and get out of my own head for a bit.

What is your favorite part of a writing conference? Meeting other writers.

Visit Chris on his website to learn more about what he writes.

NL Sharp

N. L. Sharp has been writing for children for more than 20 years. Her first book, Today I’m Going Fishing with My Dad, was a Nebraska Golden Sower nominee. In 2003, Sharp created her own publishing company, Prairieland Press, to publish and market her books. Her debut book under that company, Effie’s Image, was a Nebraska Golden Sower nominee. Her second book, The Flower Girl / The Ring Bear: A Flip-Over Book, was a Nebraska Center for the Book Award winner. Sharp’s first novel for middle grade readers, Keeping Captain, was a winner in the children’s category in the 2017 Nebraska Center for the Book Awards.

Nancy will be teaching the workshop Writing for the Children’s Market. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Nancy 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? I have found that yearly goals are too long for me–and make me think I have more time than I really have! I do much better setting quarterly goals and then dividing those goals into weekly and monthly mini-goals and projects. These seem to allow me to be more accountable and stay on track better, and, in the long run, more productive.

What or who inspired you to become an author or singer or preacher? I was fortunate enough to have attended a one-room country school, where our teacher read to us every day. That was my favorite part of the day. When our teacher read the book THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE to us, and I realized that you could be an author by just writing down the stories of your own life, I was hooked and knew that someday, I wanted to be a writer, just like Laura Ingalls Wilder!

How do you deal with writer’s block? Because I am a teacher, I have found the best way for me to overcome “writers’ block” is to give myself an assignment and a deadline–and the smaller the assignment (and the shorter the deadline) the better I will do. It is much easier for me to think about writing a scene or a character description than a novel–so I work on small steps–and try not to worry about the entire project at one time.

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? One of my favorite scriptures comes from Galatians 6: 1, 4-5, taken from THE MESSAGE. These words remind me that God calls us to do the creative best we can with the gifts we have been given and leave it to him to decide where those gifts will take us. //”Live creatively, friends. Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”

What is your favorite part of a writing conference? Networking and talking shop with other writers–something I don’t get to do at home!

Visit N.L. Sharp on her website to learn more about what she writes.