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Jackie Mahr

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

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.

writers conference, christian writers

We are thrilled that so many registered during our half price special. We are now taking registrations at our new special rate of $65. Still a great deal. Share about Wordsowers conference with your friends.

Use #wordsowers2019 when you share the news about Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference.

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Special Announcement

Because of interest in previous years, we have added an option for non-writing spouses who don’t wish to take in the local sights or hang out at their hotel, to attend our conference with our $50 spouse special –half off the full price registration. The price remains the same regardless of date of registration.

This price DOES include Friday night sessions, the keynote address as well as the workshops and snacks and coffee provided for paid registrants. It does NOT include one on ones or any of the add ons available for an extra charge to attendees.

If your spouse is also a writer, they will need to pay the normal rate for the conference. Thank you for your understanding and helping us to keep the overall cost of the conference at a reasonable price.

If you have already registered, and would like to take advantage of this special, feel free to use the short form to register you spouse. However to complete the purchase, you will still need to use the PayPal button on the registration page and choose the non-writing spouse special.

We are excited to see you all at the 7th Annual Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference!

Tosca Lee, NY Times Best-Selling Author

New York Times bestselling author, Tosca Lee keynotes the 2017 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference, April 28-29th. Tosca graciously carved time from her hectic schedule to visit with us today.

New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee keynotes 2017 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference

 

Jeanie: Tosca, between writing deadlines, family responsibilities, book signings, upcoming conferences, and the May 2nd release of Firstborn, your plate seems full. How do you fit everything in?

Tosca: Haha. I keep wondering this, and the answer is I drop a lot of balls. My standard e-mail signature line should read: “I’m so sorry for the massive delay in getting back to you…”

After getting married last year and becoming an insta-mom to four, it’s definitely been a learning process for me! But they are teaching me well. 😀 Seriously, having kids has really put so much priority-wise into perspective. Writing is what I do. It’s how I’m wired. But it’s not who I am, or the end-all, be-all. Still, they are very understanding of the times that I’m holed up in the attic of the old farm house on deadline. I also surround myself with some incredibly understanding and massively helpful individuals—namely, my husband and my assistant (whom I call my Asylum Warden), Cindy.

Jeanie: Whenever I pick up one of your novels, like The Progeny, I literally stay up all night reading it. And it’s not just me. Your books are enjoyed world-wide. How did you get started?

Tosca: You know, I was writing for a long time before I ever thought of it as a thing. As a young teen, I danced with the Omaha Ballet and spent my summers dancing out of state. That was my consuming passion. When it became clear that it wasn’t going to be the path for me, I went off to college thinking I’d go into business or become a news anchor (???) or something like that. But during a trip home my freshman year, I was talking about what I loved about novels and how they’re such an emotional ride, and how cool it would be to design a roller coaster like that for readers. I just blurted out: “I’d really like to write a book.” My dad made me a deal: he’d pay me what I would have made that summer as a bank teller (which I was horrible at) if I’d devote myself to writing my first novel. So I did. I never sold it—it’s in the basement with the skeletons—but I sure learned a lot!

Jeanie: I admire (OK, envy!) how you’ve traveled the world. How does that international aspect impact your work?

Tosca: I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that traveled a lot. Part of that was being a bi-racial kid with half my family in Korea. (Which made the fact that I used to get massively airsick until I hit high school a big bummer!) For me, getting out of my paradigm and geography is a way to get perspective. Think, dream, see how other people think, dream and live. It’s very inspiring.

Jeanie: What do you see as your biggest quirk?

Tosca: I have OCD. It has at times crippled me and shut me down completely. It’s been one of the biggest challenges in my life, and I hid it for years, and really went through some tough times in silence. Last year I decided to become more open about it, and to encourage others that whatever you may struggle with—whether it be anxiety, depression, ADHD, a chronic health challenge, or whatever it is—informs the unique way you see the world. That you are unique, special and able to use that. And the craziest thing happened when I “came out” with my OCD. Tons of people wrote and said, “Thank you,” and “Me too!” and “I have XYZ…” It was really awesome to be able to just be real.

Jeanie: What do you feel is your greatest strength?

Tosca: Aghhhh… that’s always a two-sided coin. I’m a perfectionist. It drives me crazy. But it’s really good for editing, cleaning (I can clean out a closet like nobody’s business!), or any productive application. When it comes to writing, my characterization and prose are things that readers mention the most. And research/attention to detail. That might be part of the OCD. ;D

Jeanie: What are you working on now?

Tosca: Another thrill ride! Get ready to hold on to your hats!

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

Tosca: My number one rule of writing is write like no one will ever read it. Why do I say this? I’ll be talking about this at the conference!

Jeanie: Thanks for sharing with us today.

Experience Tosca Lee’s keynote address, “Burn the Fear- Release the Fire: Writing for an Audacious God” at the Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference, April 28-29. 2017. Tosca will be on hand after to sign books and visit with conferees.

Connect with Tosca

Website   Newsletter   Facebook   Instagram   Twitter  Snapchat: @ToscaLee

Today, new Wordsower, Janet Sobczyk shares about her experience meeting with speakers. 

Conference attendee in a one-on-one meeting with author Cheryl St. John.

At the 2016 Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference I met three of the speakers. Each made a lasting impression.

First, Lee Warren at his book table. He’s a journalist, author, editor, and member of Wordsowers Christian Writers. I attended his workshop, and purchased his instructional materials for writers. But the time spent at his table wasn’t about his experiences. He asked about my projects and advised what to do next. He suggested I sign up for a one-on-one session with the keynote speaker, which I wouldn’t have dreamt of doing. He told me exactly how to prepare for that meeting. So I did!

The keynote speaker was Troy Griepentrog, a senior associate editor for Focus on the Family. I approached the meeting just the way Lee directed me, and we had a wonderful conversation. He assured me there is a need for articles about the topics I suggested. He encouraged me to send a query email, and promised to forward it to the proper editor.

The third speaker I met was Sally Jadlow, a published author and poet who teaches creative writing.  She edited (and praised!) a poem I brought, and asked what other writing I’ve done. I admitted I’ve only had a few published articles, but two poems and a creative non-fiction piece had won writing contests. She exclaimed, “You’re an award-winning writer! You need to say that whenever you write a bio for submissions.”

I walked away from each meeting with more confidence and knowledge. Thank you, Wordsowers Christian Writers, for inviting such awesome speakers!

What apprehensions (or advice) do you have about meeting with conference speakers?

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

 

 

 

Next week, Janet shares about her anticipation for this year’s conference. 

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.

 

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.

 

 

A new interview on the interview and reviews page. 
Unfortunately, I didn’t meet Gloria Penwell at the Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference when her husband Dan encouraged me to publish my book. But because of mutual friendships and Lee Warren working with her at CLASSeminars, we’ve now connected.
I’ve posted an interview with Gloria—take time to read it. She has been around the CBA market for a number of years and is full of wisdom.
Still Lionhearted, Kat