2009 Conference Brochure

2009 Annual

Called to Write Conference April 3 & 4, 2009 Sponsored by the Christian Writers Fellowship

Greenbush Educational Service Center 947 West 47 Hwy. ▪ Girard, KS

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28-

Speakers John Riddle

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ohn Riddle is a freelance writer and author from Bear, Delaware. His byline has appeared in major newspapers, magazines, Web sites and trade journals all across the country. He is the author of 34 books and has worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects.

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ohn is also the founder of I Love To Write Day, a grassroots campaign he launched in 2002 to have people of all ages practice writing every November 15. Last year over 20,000 schools all across the United States held special I Love To Write Day events and activities. He is a frequent speaker at both Christian and secular writing conferences, and recently appeared at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. You can learn more about John at: www.ilovetowriteday.org

Kim Vogel Sawyer

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im Vogel Sawyer is a best-selling author, wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, singer of songs and lover of chocolate. Most importantly, she's a born-again child of the King! Kim recently closed her classroom door to follow God's call on her heart to write and speak.

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ow blessed with multiple writing contracts with Bethany House and Barbour Publishing, Kim enjoys sharing her journey to publication as well as the miraculous story of her healing from a life-long burden of pain and shame. Kim's gentle yet forthright testimony lends credence to the promise of Ps. 117:2—"Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever." Her web site is: www.kimvogelsawyer.com

Workshop Schedule Friday 8:00—8:30 AM 8:30—9:00 9:00—9:50

9:50—10:10

Saturday

Registration (Coffee, tea and snacks provided) Welcome and Opening Devotional Road to Publication — Kim: Kim will share her personal publishing testimony, showing how God works in mysterious ways to bring our lives into alignment with His will.

Overcoming Fear, Doubt and Procrastination — John: Every writer struggles with these three issues, but you can learn to overcome them, and this workshop will show you how.

Break (Though listed only here, each session is followed by a 20-minute break.)

10:10—11:00

Writing and Selling Devotionals — John: This workshop will teach you the basics: how to find markets that pay, how to write devotionals that touch hearts without preaching, and how to write devotional books.

Getting Rid of Cookie-Cutter Characters — Kim: Gingerbread men are wonderful Christmastime treats, but no reader wants to find cookiecutter characters in a story. Participants will explore the elements needed to bring characters to life on the page and will practice using their own works-in-progress as the basis for study.

11:20—Noon

Author Panel — Question & Answer

Read-Around Groups (See next page.)

Noon 1:00—1:30 PM

Lunch (included in registration) Skit & Door Prize Drawings

Writing Activity & More Door Prizes

1:30—2:20

Writing for Websites — John: The Internet has leveled the playing field for writers. Thousands of web sites need freelance writers. Many pay from 50 cents to one dollar per word (or higher). Learn how to find these web sites, who to contact, and how to write the articles they are looking for.

Plotting a Story — Kim: Even seat-of-thepantsters need a rough idea of where the characters are going to avoid being written into a corner. By making an outline of turning points and stumbling blocks, writers can avoid the frustration of "what next?"

2:40—3:30

From Contract to Book — Kim: "I've signed on the dotted line . . . now what?" Kim will share the stepping stones that lead to seeing your book on a bookstore shelf.

Getting a Book Contract in 30 Days or Less — John: Few realize that many publishers, both Christian and secular, have ideas for books and are looking for new authors to write them. Learn how to find the projects and apply for them, and get tips on how to write them.

3:50—4:40

Freelance Writers and the Truth About Tough Times — John: Most freelance writers struggle to find projects. But once you learn the secret, the sky is the limit. That secret, of course, is marketing, which most writers avoid. Learn to overcome the fear of marketing yourself, and how to find markets that most writers do not even think about.

Turning Rejection into Redirection — Kim: Rejection is inevitable in the writing life, whether a declined proposal or less-than-favorable review. Learn the various reasons why rejection happens and ways to make it less likely. Also examine the positive side of receiving a rejection.

4:40—5:00

Closing Devotional and Prayer

Contest Results, Final Door Prizes, Closing Announcements & Conference Evaluation

Optional dinner at Celebrity’s

Contests Procedures & Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Categories Nonfiction: Limit 1200 words Fiction: Limit 1500 words Devotional: Limit 500 words Poetry: (rhymed or free verse) Limit one single-spaced page

Entrants must be registered for the conference. Submit only unpublished entries, which have not previously won a CWF award. Submit two copies in standard manuscript format— typed, one side only, double spaced (single spaced for poetry). Only one entry per category. A $5.00 fee is required for each entry. Include a cover sheet with title, category, author’s name, mail address, e-mail address, and phone number. Do NOT put author’s name on manuscript. Entries and payment must be postmarked no later than March 2, 2009. Manuscripts will not be returned. Entries not in compliance with procedures and rules will be disqualified. Prizes in each category: $15.00 for 1st Place, writer’s book for 2nd Place, certificate for 3rd Place.

Critiques

Each presenter is offering 20-minute paid critiques.

John will review up to 10 pages in standard format—typed, double-spaced, one side only—for $25. Those pages must be sent with your registration, postmarked before March 2, 2009. Kim is offering on-the-spot reviews of as many pages as she can read and comment on in the 20minute period for $10. Simply bring the pages with you to the conference. Critique time-slots are limited, so it is advisable to submit early. If you are scheduled for a critique, you will be notified of the time. Remember to mark your requested critique on the registration form and include the appropriate fee.

Book Tables CWF will have reference and writing books for sale at the conference. Our guest speakers will also be selling books and will be available for book signings. Girard CWF members may sell books at the conference. All book sales are subject to a 15% consignment fee. Attendees may also “purchase” used books donated by CWF members by dropping a voluntary donation to CWF in the donation jar.

Read-Around

Participation in Read-Around groups is included in the registration. Attendees may read their work for general comments. Please bring 5-10 pages of a current project to read during this time. Time allowed for each writer will depend on the number of participants. There is no additional charge to participate. Groups offered: Fiction, Nonfiction, Children's Fiction & Nonfiction, Devotionals, and Poetry. Be sure to indicate on your registration if you plan to participate in a Read-Around.

Conference Registration Name Address City Telephone(s) E-mail

State

Please select correct registration fee.

Conference Rates Registration CWF Members Nonmembers Contest Entries Critiques

Zip

Postmarked before 3/2/2009  $50  $60

3/2/2009 and after  $60  $70

_____ at $5.00 each = $_____

 $25—10-page mail-in with John

Registration, contests and critique TOTAL

 $10—on-the-spot with Kim $_____

If you plan to participate in the Saturday morning Read-Around, please indicate the group: (mark only one)  Adult Fiction  Adult Nonfiction

 Devotionals

 Poetry

 Children’s Fiction & Non-fiction

Some scholarships are available on request.  Friday and Saturday lunch and snacks are included in the conference rate. 

Make check payable to: Christian Writers Fellowship. Mail it, along with this form to: Deborah Vogts, Co-president 17300 Ness Road Erie, KS 66733 CWF has a no-refund policy and does not take credit cards.

For more information, including area lodging and dining options, visit: www.christianwritersfellowship.blogspot.com or contact: Deborah Vogts via phone 620-244-5619, or e-mail: [email protected]