My Christian Writers Conferences

Expanding Your Ministry

by Alton Gansky

While a good friend of mine was in seminary, one of his professors said to his class, "If you want to expand your ministry, then write." My friend went on to write 25 books.

Most people in public ministry are communicators, teaching, preaching. Many hours of preperation go into a sermon series or a Bible study series, but once the sermon's been delivered, once the study has been taught, then all that work goes in a file drawer.

We at BRMCWC want to help ministers get extra milage out the message. Some of the most meaningful, life-changing books have come from pastors who went the extra step of preparing their work for publication.

At BR2012, we will be offering "Expand Your Ministry Through Writing," a continuing class. The four sessions cover:

1. How writing can expand your influence. Articles and books that multiply a ministers impact

2. How to turn sermons and Bible studies into articles. Some sermons contain material that would make a great article for print or the Internet.

3. How to turn sermons and Bible studies into books. A book is very different from a sermon. While the material, the research, the intent might be the same, converting it for the printed page requires special attention.

4. Mastering the craft. What every minister needs to know about the craft of writing.

Are you a minister with message that needs a wider audience? If so, then join us at BRMCWC this May.

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

 

How to Change the World

Attend Blue Ridge Again? Absolutely!

By Mary Denman

“But you’ve already been to Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference before? Why do you need to go this year?” 

Yes, I’ve been asked that question…more than once. And my response? “Oh, let me count the ways.” 

• Blue Ridge is not a static conference. It’s not a “go once and learn all I need for my writing career” type of conference. The directors of Blue Ridge are constantly seeking to improve the conference, offering different tracks to help build our careers. They also vary and add tracks that are designed to help us grow by building platforms, starting a speaking career, learning to freelance full-time, writing articles, devotions or novels and navigating the publication process.
• Nobody is a static writer. At least, we hope not. Think back to school days. We wrote a “rough draft” for a reason, mainly because it wasn’t the best paper we could write.  The teacher helped craft our papers. The teachers at Blue Ridge do the same thing. They want to help us hone our writing craft and honor God with excellence. And let me tell you, I need that help. Graphite sharpens graphite. Okay, you get the idea.
• Rarely is anyone a single genre writer. While we may think of ourselves as a fiction, non-fiction, freelance, or screenwriter, few writers I know are locked into one genre. When I started out I only wrote magazine articles and told my novel writing buddies I would never write fiction. Never. Ever. God laughed at me. I’m into my second novel and love my characters. How will we learn what writing path God is calling us to if we aren’t exposed to other disciplines in the writing world?
• Relationships. Look, we’re a creative lot. But we sit and stare at blank computer screens and write. We tell a tale. We pour out our hearts.  And we do it alone. Our best work is created in the quiet. So relationships with other writers are so important to help us keep our perspective. We love our imaginary friends. Sorry, we love our characters who are real. (Just don’t tell non-writers that or they’ll think you’re the character.) But we still need relationships with people who can talk to us in real life and help guide us along.
• We’re an insecure lot. Stick with me on this one. Admit it. I will. I’m insecure about my writing. But being with people who are like-minded and who have been down the road before me helps so much. It keeps me going. And they will hold my feet to the fire when an editor says to send a proposal, pitch, article, script etc. Too many of us, me included, have thought, “Oh, they’re just being nice,” or “They won’t remember me.” Guess what, they don’t make that offer to be nice. They are busy people and if they ask to see more it’s because they see something in our writing. The relationships we build at Blue Ridge will help us gain confidence and follow through. 

I could keep going. We get to meet wonderful new editors, agents, publishers, authors, screenwriters, media specialists. The list goes on. But see the common denominator? It’s the people that make Blue Ridge so amazing. And the atmosphere. It’s professional and relaxed. It’s ever changing, growing and improving. And Blue Ridge is for you. To help you. Whether your career needs to start or grow to the next level, the people at Blue Ridge will help you do that. 

So, will I see you there? I truly hope so. And if you see me, come say hi.

 

Mary Denman is a writer who also loves photography. Or a photographer who loves writing. As a freelance writer, Mary has had articles published in various forms ranging from Focus on the Family publications to magazines to devotions to op-ed pieces. She has also completed her first novel and started her second. She's a member of several professional writing organizations including ACFW, My Book Therapy, and Word Weavers. 

As a professional photographer, Mary has had photos published in both print literature and online. Her shots have been used by businesses and by fellow authors alike. Her philosophy is to catch a moment that reflects God’s beauty and creativity, whether in nature, in life or in the face of her subjects. And as a writer herself, she understands what authors need in a headshot. Mary blends the two mediums of writing and photography on her blog. www.marydenman.blogspot.com. 

Married for 24 years to husband Todd, they have home schooled their five children with their eldest in college.

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

Don't forget to take a look at the new videos posted on the site.

 

Get the Most from a Writers Conference with Social Networking—Before, During & After

By Edie Melson

Many writers have the mistaken idea that social networking is only beneficial online. Or that it only helps when you can’t be at a conference. But it can help you connect before during and after a conference. In fact, it can greatly increase what you get out of the event.

BEFORE

Here are some things you can do in advance of the conference

• Check the conference website and find out if the event has a Facebook page or Twitter account, If so, plug in. This is a great place to connect with other attendees. It helps the conference feel more like a reunion when you meet people online in advance.
• Take a look at the faculty who are scheduled to be present and plug into their social networking connections. If they have a Facebook page, like it or friend them. If they have a Twitter account be sure to follow them.
• Also pay special attention to editors and agents. Many of them have industry blogs and their companies have Twitter accounts. Take advantage of this advance information by getting to know what they’re looking for before you arrive at the conference.
• Put a call out on your social networking accounts, asking if anyone is planning to attend the conference. It’s always more fun if you can share the experience with a friend.

DURING

There are many ways you can reinforce contacts made during a conference. Here are some of my favorites.

• When you meet someone at the conference, follow up the meeting by plugging into their social networks—friend them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, add them to your circles on Google Plus. Remember, connecting online is easier when your memory (and everyone else’s) is fresh. You’re more likely to get a reciprocal follow or accepted friend request when impressions are fresh. This is especially true with professional relationships.
• Pay special attention to any announcements that tell you about Twitter Hashtags during the conference. By following a conference hashtag, you can stay up-to-date with last minutes changes and additions others might miss.

AFTER

When you return home, social networking is a great way to stay plugged into the networks you’ve developed while at the conference. Now isn’t the time to get slack, it’s time to strengthen those ties.

Continue to check the conference website for additional updates. Sometimes the conference directors will get new info from publishers and agents—everything from address changes to requests for submission.

ETIQUETTE WARNING – it’s important to remember the relationships you’ve begun with professionals don’t entitle you to take advantage of their time. Here are some major DON’TS

• Don’t instant message them on Facebook, Google or any other medium without their express permission. Just because they pop up online doesn’t mean they have time for a chat. If you do have a quick question, email them and get permission to instant message them.
• Don’t send them unsolicited material to review for you. Be respectful of their busy schedules and always ask if they have the time. Many of them earn extra income by reviewing material so don’t be surprised if they send you a price quote.
• Don’t assume that just because you connected with someone at a conference they’ll be willing to endorse your book. Many industry professionals have very strict guidelines regarding endorsements. It will save everyone a lot of embarrassment if you ask what those guidelines are before you ask for an endorsement.

Be sure you take the opportunity to plug in with social media at BRMCWC 2012. We have lots of opportunities, here are the basics:

Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-CWC/239197306115590

Twitter

https://twitter.com/#!/EdieMelson

https://twitter.com/#!/altongansky

Yahoo Group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MyCWC/

 

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

Don't forget to take a look at the new videos posted on the site.

 

 

Visiting My Death Bed

by Alton Gansky

I suffer from a recurring vision, a bit of nightmarish imagery that would fit in an old Twilight Zone episode.

The room is sparse, hosting only a single-wide bed. No night tables. No artwork on the walls. Just a bed with white linen covering a man from foot to neck. The man is gaunt, pale, and a forest of gray-black stubble carpets his jaw and jowls. His eyes closed and sunken. Gray hair rests at odd angles on the thick pillow beneath his head.

The man is me. At some future date to be sure, but it is me. I am viewing my last moments in this life.

It is an odd sensation to be alone with one's self, the only music the wheezing from tired lungs. I see my lips move, but the words are too heavy to make it past the lips of my dying self.

I approach and lean to place my ear near my parched lips.

Final words are considered sacred. When a man has only moments, he doesn't waste words on puns, jokes, or politics.

I can feel tiny puffs tickle my ear. I close my eyes and strain for each syllable as it tries to reach escape velocity.

"I--I wish I had tried . . . Afraid. I wish I had tried--"

Then comes the gasp; the exhalation of a man trading a tired world for an untarnished one.

Afraid? Tried? Afraid of what? What do I wish I had tried?

To die with an unfulfilled wish on my lips is a frightening thing. Every time the vision comes unbidden to mind, I notice that my regret wasn't failing to achieve, but failing to try. Like everyone else, I'm uncomfortable with criticism and am devastated by rejection. It's a human trait.

In my philosophy, courage is not the absence of fear, but its conquest. "You failed," the critic says. "But I tried," I reply. There's no shame in that.

When it comes to writing, there are five things I know:

1. If I don't write, then I won't have to wrestle with ideas.
2. If I don't submit what I write, then I won't be rejected.
3. If i don't publish, then I won't have to endure criticism.
4. If I have no goals, then I can't fail to reach them.
5. If I accept fear, then I won't need to be brave.

If you visited your death bed today, what would your future self tell you?

Be brave.

 

Brainstorming About Brainstorming

by Alton Gansky

brain·storm·ing

 noun \-ˌstȯr-miŋ\

: a group problem-solving technique that involves the spontaneous contribution of ideas from all members of the group; also :the mulling over of ideas by one or more individuals in an attempt to devise or find a solution to a problem (Merriam Webster)

#

Interesting word: brainstorming. When it was first used in the 1820s it described a mental aberration, a brain that wasn't working right, as in a stormy brain. Today it has a much better connotation. In business, brainstorming involves a group applying their knowledge and experience to some problem or goal. Writers usually do this alone.

That's not to say that talking an idea over is a bad thing. On several occasions I've turned to my novelist friend Jack Cavanaugh to help me think things through, but even then, the responsibility for the idea remains with me.

Writers brainstorm as part of their craft. It's a skill as necessary as the writing itself. Sometimes we brainstorm to come up with a story idea, or an angle on an article. At times, an e-mail arrives from an editor that reads, "Need an idea for ________. Whatcha got?" Professional writers need to be able to come up with an answer.

So how does one seed the clouds of creative thinking? How to we set the lightening bolts flashing?

1. Avoid creative constipation. Fear often ends the storm of ideas before it has a chance to begin. "What if they don't like it? What if I can't come up with an idea?" Push those thoughts aside. They just get in the way. Your brain is a magnificent creation. Set it free to do its work.

2. Generate enough ideas to throw away. Start with the first thing the comes to mind. Write it down. It doesn't matter if it's good. You're planning on tossing most of the early ideas anyway. This will get the juices flowing. Years ago, I was asked for a short list of titles for a novel I did. The working title just wasn't cutting it. The book's protagonist was a medical doctor and much of the action occurred in a hospital. My first idea? Bedpan to Oblivion. Was I serious? Nope. I followed that with Gurney Ride to Death. Still not serious. I was limbering up my brain. The final title became A Small Dose of Murder. I got there by allowing myself the privilege of being silly. Once I did that, the serious ideas felt comfortable coming out to play.

3. Expect the unexpected (at anytime). I was struggling with a plot problem some years back and my brainstorming was producing Spam when I needed steak. I let the brainstorming continue in the back of my mind as I drove to Bible study one night. As my truck went bump-bump over the railroad crossing something fell from one of the shelves in my mind. "Of course." I said that aloud. The answer came when I was preoccupied with driving. Ideas and answers don't care about the time of day. They show up when they're good and ready to.

4. Train your brain. Brainstorming takes practice. The more you do it, the better you become at it.

5. Write ideas down. The act of putting an idea (no matter how bad) on paper or the computer screen often opens the floodgates.

6. Be open to different expressions from your brain. The answer may not come as a sentence, or a well-crafted thought; it might arrive as an image. I often see a scene or a concept first and have no clue about it's meaning. That's when I go exploring. That's when I play the detective. 

How do you brainstorm? Share your technique with us.

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

 

 

The World is Spinning Faster—How Do I Keep Up With Social Media?

by Edie Melson

Okay, maybe the physical world isn’t spinning faster, but sphere of writing seems to be rotating out of control. I’ve been in the writing world for quite a while and I’ve experienced the ebb and flow of trends (anyone remember Chick Lit…and semi-colons). 

But lately, things seem to be happening much faster. Every day the powers-that-be seem to require another social media presence. Publishers have been talking about developing platforms for years, but with all the social networks the pressure for writers is increasing. 

Now, more than ever, it’s important to take a deep breath and evaluate the options before you plunge in. Let me assure you here and now, no one can do it all—and no sane person should try. 

The list of social media outlets is ever changing and even I can’t name them all. Add to that the plug-ins and ancillary programs and you have the recipe for disaster. You can fragment yourself to the point of oblivion. 

So what should you be doing? There is one—and only one—paramount question you should ask. Where does my audience hang out? Not your writing mentors or friends, your audience. That is where you need to concentrate your efforts. When you can answer that question the rest of the equation falls into place. Don’t be surprised if they gather in a couple of places. But, even if your subject is marketing, I can almost guarantee they won’t be gathering everywhere. 

Take your time. Do a little research, and focus your efforts. You’ll begin to gather momentum and find your footing in the writing universe.

 

 

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

Don't forget to take a look at the new videos posted on the site.

 

Do Writers Conferences Help?

by Alton Gansky

 A number of years ago, I met a man at a conference where I was teaching. Richard Mabry, MD was a conferee looking to learn more about writing and publishing. He shared his nonfiction book about dealing with the loss of a spouse with me. He also shared his dream about writing fiction. This morning, while going over the news and reading my e-mail, I came accross a newsletter sent out by the Christian Booksellers Association. It had a short article about. Dr. Mabry. Here it is:

Retired physician-turned-novelist continues to receive honors.

Dr. Richard L. Mabry’s firsthand knowledge of medicine has helped bring a steady stream of acclaim for his medical suspense series Prescription for Trouble. The latest honor finds book three of the series, Diagnosis Death(Abingdon Press, 2011), among the finalists for Best Inspirational Mystery in RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Awards for 2011.

The “Prescription for Trouble” series is Dr. Mabry’s first foray into fiction and is consistently a favorite among critics and readers. Medical Error (Abingdon Press, 2010), the second of the series, was a 2011 Carol Award finalist.  

Of his recent accolade, Mabry states "I'm honored to have one of my novels included in this list by a prestigious source such as RT Book Reviews, and to join such a distinguished group of authors receiving this designation." 

For more information visit www.abingdonpress.com. 

#

Dr. Mabry has come a long way since that conference. His nonfiction title A Tender Scar was published by Revel and Abingdon has published four medical suspense novels, all of which have been well recieved. Way to go, Doc.

PS. Check out the new and the revised promo video for 2012 Blue Ridge. You'll find them in the right column. ----->

 

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

 

Is the Expense of a Conference Really Worth It?

by Edie Melson

I'LL BE THE FIRST to admit attending a writing conference is expensive. But I’ll also immediately back that up with the assurance that it’s money well spent. In terms of networking, education and job leads it’s the best money I’ve invested in my career.

I didn’t always feel this way. Believe it or not, it’s my husband who changed my opinion.

From the very beginning of my writing career, I attended at least one major conference a year and after a while, I began to feel guilty about dipping into the family budget for just a dream. Granted that dream was based on the belief that God had called me to write. And I began to have things published, mainly through smaller outlets. But not enough to sustain the expenses I was incurring.

Time came for me to once more sign up for a conference and I kept putting off sending in the registration. Finally my husband sat me down for a heart to heart. He wanted to know why I hadn’t sent in the fee yet. I explained my hesitation and his response rocked my world.

He explained that to him, my conference expenses were like me deciding to attend college. He reminded me we wouldn’t hesitate to send either of us back to college, if the need arose or if God called us to another career. With his help, I began to see that the expenses of attending a quality conference were more than justified and very comparable to college—and they both achieved a similar purpose—training in a new career.

Of course I couldn’t be satisfied with that. At times I’m way more of pessimist than anyone suspects. “What if I have to keep going way past what a college education would cost?”

“I expect you will keep going.” I was surprised to see a grin on his face. “I have to have continuing ed credits every year to keep my Professional Engineers License. You’ll need to keep up with your industry as well.”

I felt as if the weight of the world had been lifted from my shoulders, and I’ve never looked back. And his faith in my education and me has paid off. In 2010 I published over 700 articles. In 2011 my first two books came out. What does 2012 hold? Only God knows for sure, but I’ve learned that being obedient to His call requires hard work, time and an investment. 

 

To make reservations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference, call 1.800.588.7222.

To register online click here.

What Will Really Happen in 2012

[We are blessed to have Dr. Chip MacGregor back on faculty again this year. Few people know the inner workings of publishing better than Chip. He is an agent, author, been a publisher and die-hard Oregan Duck's fan. He is also a bit of "publishing prophet." In many ways, Chip is the EF Hutton of the publishing universe. He is well known for his state of the industry presentations but now and again he turns his keen gaze to the future. The following is post that appeared on his blog site a few days ago. He makes some interesting prognostiations and weaves in a few frank personal opinions. By way of disclosure, Chip is my agent. --ALG]

By Chip MacGegror

I'VE BEEN READING a bunch of "2012 Prediction" posts from people, ranging from the insipid ("We're going to see a lot of growth in e-books") to the inane ("I see a huge comeback for westerns"). So if we leave aside the obvious stuff, and throw out the silly predictions, what is likely to happen this year? Here's my best shot at making predictions for publishing in 2012...

1. The Nook is going to prove wildly popular. I have one, and I love it. The Kindle Fire has too many problems. Realistically, somebody at Google or Facebook, or maybe the Kobe people, will try to horn in on the e-reader market, so we could all be surprised by some cool new device. But Barnes & Noble's Nook is the class of the line right now.

 

2. And that means Barnes & Noble will figure out a way to integrate Nook purchases to brick-and-mortar stores. Let's face it: book shopping at B&N is FAR superior to meandering around Amazon. The problem has been figuring out how to monetize that for the store. I think this is the year B&N figures it out, and takes back a bigger chunk of the e-book market.

3. Additionally, that means B&N and other bookstores become game stores, puzzle centers, curriculum markets, and educational supply houses. It's already happening, and you'll see a huge shift in 2012. 

4. To keep up, Amazon will not just start their own publishing lines, but will buy some publishing houses. I figure it's inevitable. 

5. Specifically, I think Amazon starts its own CBA imprint. There's too much money in religious books to not do this. 

6. The price of e-books will go up. I've done the math, and I can't see publishers keeping a rock-bottom price on e-books. That probably means the reading culture shifts into two broad groups -- amateurs and start-ups selling very cheap e-books, and traditional publishers charging more for quality e-books. 

7. Social networking will merge their technology with e-books.There's already been rumors of a Facebook reader. And take a look at what ReThink Books is doing -- creating a tool where everyone in a reading group can read and comment on a shared document. 

8. Enhanced e-books still won't appeal to the masses. For all the talk about the features, most people still want to READ a book, not have charts pop up and sing to them to a video background in the midst of a chapter. I could be wrong here, but it seems like it's just one too many features. 

9. Short stories will continue their comeback in a big way. People reading books on iPhones or on a device while using an elliptical prefer short pieces -- meaning renewed interest in this favorite category of mine. 

10. I'll continue to get yelled at for popping the bubbles of all those dreamers who claim you're going to make millions by self-publishing. Hey... don't start. I've self-published, and made money, so I know something about the business. I'm not against self-pubbed books. But I've come to hate the dopey over-promising of those who do it, sell 50 copies, and claim they're a success. The fact is, there are certainly people making money at self-publishing... but, like every other business in America, for every one of those making money, there are 100 who try it and make peanuts. And there are still far too many crappy self-pubbed books -- meaning there is still room for a well-written, well-edited manuscript produced and sold by a traditional publishing house. (Let the yelling begin.)