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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your biggest obstacle to attending a writers conference?

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

 

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

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

 

 

Debra Butterfield

Debra ButterfielDebra is the author of Carried by Grace: a Guide for Mothers of Victims of Sexual Abuse. She has contributed to numerous anthologies as well as magazines that include CBN.com, Susie, Live, The Vision, and On Course online. She is a freelance editor and the editor for CrossRiver Media Group publishing. She lives in Missouri.

At the 2016 conference Debra will be leading the Making Scrivener Work for You workshop. This is a workshop for the beginning and intermediate Scrivener user. Attendees will learn the basics of importing files and creating documents as well as how to personalize the Binder and labels, use the Inspector, take snapshots to preserve their work, and more.

Our recent interview with Debra.

KAT:  How did you get into writing?

DEBRA:  I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a preteen. As an adult I tried to do a correspondence about writing for children, but life got in the way. It wasn’t until I was 45 years old that I began to pursue a career in writing by applying for and gaining a junior copywriter position with Focus on the Family.

KAT:  What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop and why?

DEBRA:  Realizing the great flexibility of Scrivener and how you can mold it into the best platform for all your writing projects.

KAT:  Who will get the most out of your workshop?

DEBRA:  Beginning to intermediate users of Scrivener.

KAT:  If you could share only one piece of information with a writer, what would it be?

DEBRA:  Write, write, write, because that is how you’ll discover your voice.

KAT:  What are you working on now?

DEBRA:  I’m working on a novella about an unassuming little country church, the people who find refuge there during a blizzard, and the miracle of faith that God provides for the weary travelers.

 

In case you’re not registered for the conference yet secure your seat today!

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Rose Zediker

Rose ZedikerMulti-published author and RITA finalist, Rose Ross Zediker, writes contemporary and historical inspirational romances and has over one hundred publishing credits in the Christian magazine genre for children and adults. Her titles have appeared on ECPA bestseller lists and been finalists for the RITA, National Reader’s Choice, Booksellers Best and Book Buyers Best award contests.

At the 2016 conference Rose will be leading the Writing on Assignment for Christian Children’s Market workshop. Children’s stories run through your head, but where do you submit them. Learn the basics of how to find work-for-hire markets in the Christian children’s genre and how to put together an audition package for your target market.

Our recent interview with Rose.

KAT:  What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop and why?

ROSE:  My workshop is about work for hire publishing. Sometimes authors neglect to try this publishing avenue because they don’t understand it. I hope to debunk the myths surrounding work for hire publishing and expose the attendees to another avenue that may lead to publication.

KAT:  What book are you currently reading?

ROSE:  I am reading A Mountain of Mystery published by Guideposts. BTW – the mystery series books that Guideposts publishes are work for hire!

KAT:  If you could share only one piece of information with a writer, what would it be?

ROSE:  Although it is okay to aspire to have a career like your favorite author, absolutely, do not compare yourself and your work to others writers. Why? It can debilitate your writing and your self-esteem. And most of the time you aren’t comparing apples to apples. It’s doubtful that you’ll have the same education, the same type of family life, the same number of children, live in the same location, have the same sleeping habits, etc. All of those things (and more!) affects your writing and your writing time.

KAT:  What are your goals for 2016?

ROSE:  I am such a firm believer in goal setting! I set several goals each year. This year my main focus is writing a cozy mystery and preparing the proposal package so my agent can shop it around.

 

In case you’re not registered for the conference yet secure your seat today!

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RJ Thesman

RJ ThesmanRJ Thesman, author of the Life at Cove Creek Series, specializes in communications.With years of experience, RJ is a respected writer, coach and speaker. As a certified Christian life coach, RJ specializes in Communications and Spiritual Formation. RJ’s professional and personal philosophy revolves around the topic of excellence. As a writer, RJ draws from a lifetime of experience and research. As a coach, RJ helps other wordsmiths move toward their writing dreams. These concepts follow through in her speaking venues as RJ shares the best way to Do It Write.

At the 2016 conference RJ will be leading the Fueling Your Nonfiction with Creativity. This workshop will help you as a writer to learn the art of using some fiction techniques to produce nonfiction articles and/or books that sell. Learn some of the best practices for writing nonfiction and move toward publication.

Our recent interview with RJ.

KAT:  Why is your workshop important?

RJ:  My workshop is important because every reader loves a good story. In order to make our nonfiction attractive to editors and readers, we need to use creative techniques. By Fueling Our Nonfiction with Creativity, we have a better chance of selling nonfiction articles and impacting readers.

KAT:  What book are you currently reading?

RJ:  I’m always reading 2-3 books at the same time. Currently, I’m reading “Dakota” by Kathleen Norris, “Ephesians” by the Apostle Paul, “Rising Strong” by Brene Brown and “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elisabeth Gilbert.

KAT:  How did you hear about Wordsowers?

RJ:  Several years ago, my friend Sally Jadlow told me about the Wordsowers Conference. After I attended that first year, I was hooked.

KAT:  How did you hear about Wordsowers?

RJ:  Besides my weekly blog posts at www.RJThesman.net, I write a bimonthly column for the “Johnson’s County Gazette” and a monthly article for www.Trochia.org. I also write two blogs at work – www.GWHope.org and www.StartingOverSingle.com. And … I’m starting on a book of essays titled “Sometimes They Forget” based on my blog posts for caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.

 

In case you’re not registered for the conference yet secure your seat today!

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Erica Vetsch

Erica VetschErica is a transplanted Kansan now residing in Minnesota. She loves history and reading, and is blessed to be able to combine the two by writing historical fiction set in the American West. Whenever she’s not following flights of fancy in her fictional world, she’s the company bookkeeper for the family lumber business, mother of two terrific teens, wife to a man who is her total opposite and soul-mate, and avid museum patron. For more information visit Erica’s website: http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/

At the 2016 conference Erica will be leading the Plotting Your Story Using a Plot Board workshop. Writing a novel is an enormous undertaking with complexities. Using a plot board can simplify and distill your story, allowing you to see the big picture without being overwhelmed. We’ll explore story structure, balancing point-of-view scenes and how to get the story from the plot board to the page.

Our recent interview with Erica.

KAT:  Who will get the most out of your workshop?

ERICA:  The Plot Board workshop will benefit new writers who are overwhelmed by the enormity of tackling an entire novel, writers who don’t usually plot but need to create a quick synopsis for a proposal or editor’s request, and experience writers who would like to try something new.

KAT:  Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

ERICA:  I have two current favorites. Sherlock Holmes, because he is fascinating, and because he is so unique, he’s become a trope. And Jack Reacher, who is absolutely relentless, capable, and fearless.

KAT:  How did you hear about Wordsowers?

ERICAMy dear friend Mary Connealy told me about this conference and how many wonderful people she’d met as a result of attending.

KAT:  What are you working on now?

ERICA:  I’m the lead author on a novella collection: 7 Brides for 7 Texans. Seven novellas featuring seven brothers who must marry within the next 12 months or lose their inheritance. My job, in addition to writing one of the novellas, is to oversee the continuity of the series.

 

In case you’re not registered for the conference yet secure your seat today!

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Susan KingSusan King

Susan and husband, Joe, have three grown children and two young grandchildren. While Joe and their children are whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River, Susan can be found with her daughter-in-law and the grandchildren at a children’s museum or aquarium.

At the 2016 conference Susan will be leading two workshops:

  • Turning Personal Experience into a Devotional Message (beginning through advanced writers) —A workshop focused on the three essential elements in an effective devotional. Included will be information about the devotional market in general as well as specialized writing for The Upper Room, the world’s largest daily devotional guide.
  • Style: The Key to Excellence in Writing —Do you want to write with such sparkle and verve that you’ll knock the socks off editors?  Do you want them to be falling all over themselves to publish your submission and clamor for your future submissions? A crash course in excellent writing for any genre.

Our recent interview with Susan.

KAT:  How did you get into editing?

SUSAN:  As an English major in college, of course I was always intending to write “The Great American Novel.” When a stay-at-home mom and pregnant with my third child, I started writing that novel as a catharsis while going through a major crisis with my parents’ marriage. When the crisis abated, my motivation to finish that novel ebbed as well. At the same time, I discovered magazine-feature writing as a way to help bring in money to support our family. A year later, due to rumors that the company my husband was working for was closing down, I sought and secured a position as a writer and editor for a Christian psychological institute and later began teaching English full-time at Biola University. Soon after my husband’s job took us to Nashville (and a teaching position at Lipscomb University), the sale of our house in California fell through and I had to seek a second full-time position—this time as an editorial assistant for The Upper Room. (When I answered the ad, all I knew was that it was a part-time secretarial position at The United Methodist Board of Discipleship.) Before long, I was Assistant Editor and then Associate Editor (all the while continuing to teach full time).

Minoring in magazine production in college, all I really wanted to be was an editor, but I didn’t know how to become one. I knew how to become a college professor (since both my parents were). Yet, for over 20 years now, I have worked as an editor. Long after I had put that dream aside, God gave me the desires of my heart. (See Psalm 37:4.)

KAT:  What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop and why?

SUSAN:  The motivation and skills to write an excellent devotional and to improve a conferee’s writing in every genre.

KAT:  Who will get the most out of your workshop?

SUSAN:  Anyone who wants to write excellently and to reach an audience of millions all over the world.

KAT: What book are you currently reading?

SUSAN:  The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King.

KAT:  If you could share only one piece of information with a writer, what would it be?

SUSAN:  While writing and publishing a book sounds very appealing, don’t forget the many advantages to writing for magazines before, during, and after the book writing.

 

In case you’re not registered for the conference yet secure your seat today!

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Brooke Williams, AuthorBrooke Williams

Brooke Williams is a sleep-deprived stay at home mom/freelance writer/author. She has a background in radio and TV broadcasting, but left that career to stay home with her children and write. She specializes in romantic comedy and some of her titles include: “Accept this Dandelion,” and “Mamarazzi.” Check out her website: www.AuthorBrookeWilliams.com

At the 2016 conference Brooke will be leading The Art of a Facebook Party and Other Online Promotion workshop where Brooke will teach how to entertain potential readers in an online party. This class includes tips on the art of throwing, hosting, or attending Facebook parties as an author. Enjoy brainstorming with a group of new or veteran authors to figure out the world of online promotions.

Our recent interview with Brooke.

KAT:  How did you get into writing?

BROOKE:I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. I used to cut pictures from magazines, glue them to blank paper, and write stories about their images. Then I would sell the “newspapers” to my parents for a nickel. I wrote my first novel a year after I started my full time career in radio, just after graduating from college. After that, I took a decade long break. When my first daughter was born, I searched for a job I could do from home and writing seemed the obvious choice. I started a freelance writing career and that reminded me how much I love to write. I went back to fiction and haven’t been able to stop since.

KAT:What do you see as the greatest take away from your workshop and why?

BROOKE:Going to a party of any kind can be intimidating. We’ve all been to a party where we weren’t exactly comfortable. If you’ve never been to an online party, or if you have been and don’t know what to do, this class will get you acclimated to the world of online parties and marketing. You can take the parties by storm and get the word out there about your work!

KAT:If you could share only one piece of information with a writer, what would it be?

BROOKE:If you love to write…write! Don’t let “no” stand in your way, no matter how many times you hear it. Write for you and the rest will fall into place. Don’t force anything, just enjoy what you do. If you love it, others will too.

KAT:What are you working on now?

BROOKE: I’m hoping to put the final book in my dandelions series out this spring/summer. It’s called “After the Final Dandelion.” So I’m working on finalizing that. I also have another manuscript completed and am searching for a new publisher to help with that. It’s called  “The Leftover,” another romantic comedy, this time with a Survivor slant.

In case you’re not registered for the conference yet secure your seat today!

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Mark your calendars for the next
Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference.

We’re honored to welcome  
Focus on the Family’s
Troy Griepentrog as this year’s keynote speaker.

Troy is an editor at Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family magazine and FocusOnTheFamily.com.

Please join us April 29-30, 2016

at
Bellevue, Nebraska

Watch for details.


Photo courtesy of author Angela D. Meyer

2013 Wordsowers Conference

What do I wear?

Come comfortable, but remember you are meeting editors and publishers. Dressy casual is suggested. (Many wear jeans with a nicer shirt/blouse.) Dress in layers for Nebraska weather. We are planning on spring, but can never predict warm or cold.

What do I need to bring?

Most important are your business cards to exchange with authors, editors and publishers. Networking is an important piece of a writer’s conference. You can bring your laptop, but it’s not necessary. Notepads and pens will be supplied along with your conference folder.

How do I prepare to talk with an editor or publisher? 

Attend the March 26th Wordsowers Monthly Meeting held at the Swanson Library at 90th and Dodge. The meeting room is in the basement, easiest entry from the east side of the building. Time: 6-7:45pm with an afterglow following—the place to be announced.

For those unable to attend the March meeting: Some writers prepare a one sheet with their information. Lee Warren, one of our local freelance editors says he prefers the writer keep their one sheet for reference and give him the opportunity to talk with you, rather than him read the one sheet. Above all, be yourself. Editors and publishers are people, too.

How many professional interviews are offered each individual?

We begin with one on-site interview and one Skype interview. After the first break, if there are still spots open, you can sign up for more. We want to fill the on-site and Skype interview slots.

Don’t Miss out on a great conference.

If you have more questions, please send emails or attend our monthly Wordsowers meeting on March 26th, 6-7:45 p.m. at the Swanson’s Library, 90th and Dodge.  Use the downstairs east entrance to find the meeting room.

Sherri will skype from Colorado

Learn how to target your writing towards a specific,

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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.

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