Download 09:10 Welcome (Main) - Writers on the Rock

Map
Upstairs
Room 1
Upstairs
Downstairs
Room 1
Sanctuary
Room 2
Men
Book Sales
Room 3
Room 3
Room 4
Women
Room 5
Door
Prizes
Stairs
Lunch
Books
Fireplace
Registration
Schedule
Cafe
Entrance
Entrance
Room 7
Elevator
Registration
Main
Room
Room 4
Room 5 Room 6
Room 7
Room 2
Door
Prizes
Cafe
Room 6
Elevator
08:30 – 09:00 Registration
09:00 – 09:10 Welcome (Main)
09:10 – 09:50 Allen Arnold; “The Story You Stepped Into” (Main)
09:50 – 10:05 Break
10:05 – 10:55 Workshop Session 1
10:55 – 11:10 Break
11:10 – 12:00 Workshop Session 2
12:00 – 12:50 Lunch (Provided)
12:50 -­­ 1:00 Door Prizes, Main Room
1:00 – 1:40 Becky Harling; “Write Your Praise” (Main)
1:40 – 1:55 Break
1:55 – 2:45 Workshop Session
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 3:50 Workshop Session 4
4:00 – 4:30 Door Prizes, Panel, “Now What” (Main)
Breakouts
Workshop 1
10:05 - 1055
Room Speaker
Class
1
Lucille Zimmerman Your Personal Journey Can Help Others
2Jim WaltersMarket Yourself
3
Debbie Hall How to Self-Edit with Konfidence
4
Jessica Johnson The ABCs of Social Media
5
Douglas Beck
Self-Publish with Ease
6
Kirk Weaver
Writing for Families
Main
Allen Arnold
Infuse Your Creativity with Heart
Workshop 2
11:10 - 12:00
Repeat of above
Workshop 3
Room Speaker
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Main
Tina Samples
Shelley Hitz
Catherine Lawton
Sarah Joy Freese
John Blase
Caleb Seeling
Larry Lawton
Becky Harling
1:55 - 2:45
Class
Writing for Women
Amplify Your Message
Using Fiction Techniques
Through the Eyes of an Agent
Everyday Poetry: Bearing the Burdens of Nouns
The Brave New World of Publishing
The Business Side
Moving Beyond Self-Doubt
Workshop 4
3:00 - 3:50
Repeat of above
(Exception: Becky Harling’s breakout sesson 4 is “Map Your Message”)
Page 3
Welcome
A little over a year ago a group of writers began
meeting together with the simple belief that
our words matter.
Some in our group had mass market exposure,
publication experience, and a lifetime of success. Others had never shared their words with
another soul, but they knew they had a gift
and didn’t exactly know what to do with it.
This disparate group grew in our love for the
written word, bound by our love for a Creator
and each other.
As we continued to meet, we came to realize that paid publication wasn’t always the only
measure of writing success. The marketplace model is undergoing drastic changes, thanks to
reader’s habits and digital technology. The barriers to traditional publication are often huge,
and for many writers, unsurmountable. The sad result is that many talented and motivated
writers are hitting roadblocks. Frustrated, many don’t even try. They quit, leaving this gift of
words unused and unclaimed.
You have a story. Your style may be personal narrative, poetry, fiction, sci-fi, essays, blogs or
journaling. Here’s what you need to hear today: Tell your story.
Don’t wait for a book deal.
Don’t wait for an agent to sign you.
Don’t wait for a tall enough platform.
“As each has received
a gift, use it to serve
one another, as good
stewards of God’s
varied grace.”
1 Peter 4.10
Start telling your story now with words that matter, in your
everyday existence.
It is our prayer that through this one-day experience you’ll
find the motivation, encouragment, and tools to take your
writing up one notch. If God wants your message to go to a
broad audience, then we hope you’ll find a path to mass market publication. We have people here who will help you on
that journey. If your message needs to be written for an audience of One, then we pray that you’ll find the courage and
inspiration to tell that story.
“We come together today as writers, seeking to impact this world
with a marvelous truth. Use our words God, we humbly pray.”
-- Writers on the Rock, 2015
Page 4
Allen Arnold
“The Story You’ve Stepped Into”
Keynote: 9 AM
Main Room
God extends an immensely intimate invitation to some of his sons
and daughters – the chance to step into Creative Fellowship with the
Creator. And it starts with knowing your Story, because your created
universe thrives when you do. And it malfunctions when you don’t.
Prepare to leave behind (at least momentarily) the natural world
topics of craft and business as Allen takes you down the rabbit hole
into a supernatural way of embracing your calling. To write in a way
that is infused with eternity, we must journey back to Eden, through
Enemy terrain, and into the wildness of creating with God.
“Infuse Your Creativity With Heart”
Breakout Session 1 & 2
Main Room
Nothing great was ever achieved without great heart. Yet writers often become disheartened, discouraged or overwhelmed…and when
they do, their stories slowly begin to die. God tells us to nurture our
heart above all else – but storytellers often understand more about
the rhythms of their character’s hearts than their own. The surest
way to infuse your creativity with heart is by awakening your own
heart. In this breakout, you’ll learn specific ways to do just that –
including how to discover the truer you, consecrate your creativity,
and feast on hidden Spiritual Manna.
Allen Arnold
loves the epic
adventure God
has set before him.
From the mountains of Colorado,
he leads Content
and Resources for
Ransomed Heart Ministries (led by John
Eldredge).
In 2012, Allen was awarded the American Christian Fiction Writers Lifetime
Award. He is a 20-year veteran of Christian publishing, having worked with
hundreds of authors and published more
than 500 novels.
Allen can be likened to a cardiologist for
the writer, in a spiritual sense. He has a
passion for the heart of the storyteller
and wants to awaken an awareness of
the story God is writing in the life of the
writer even as the writer pursues this
holy art.
“God cares far more about the story
you’re living than the story you’re writing. Live well. Then write well.”
Please Support our sponsors
Our thanks to Write His Answer for the $100 scholarship that we
will give away as a door prize at the end of the day.
Our thanks to Ashography for a door
prize of a one-hour portrait session
including an outdoor shoot, multiple
wardrobe changes, and at least 20 professionally edited digital files.
Ashlee Bratton specializes in author portraits. She is also a writer and is an attendee
at our conference.
Thank you BVC for this facility and all the support.
For more information, www.bvchurch.org
If you book a package, mention Writers on
the Rock for a 10 percent discount.
Page 5
Becky Harling
“Write Your Praise”
Keynote: 1 PM
Main Room
Your life is to be a magnificent praise song sung to Almighty
God. When you live for the praise of His glory, your pen
becomes an instrument of worship and your voice becomes
a mouthpiece of exaltation. You begin to realize it’s not about
your story it’s about God’s story as told through Jesus Christ.
The Word became flesh (John 1:14). You now become a narrator of this great story. The Word becomes flesh in you and
you now communicate the message of God’s love to a hopeless
world. Write your praise and live it well!
“Moving Beyond Self-Doubt”
Breakout Session 3
Main Room
Every writer knows the place of self-doubt! It’s like a deep pit
that feels impossible to climb out of. Rather than being stuck in
self-doubt, why not develop a plan for
climbing out of the pit and holding on
to the vision God has given you? You
don’t need to feel paralyzed by selfdoubt anymore. Your weakness creates
the space for His strength. If God has
called you, He will empower you! Come
and discover a practical plan to move
beyond self-doubt and step into the calling God has for you.
“Map Your Message”
Breakout Session 4
Main Room
We’ve all had those ‘lost moments’ as communicators when we
wonder, “Where am I going?” And, if you are feeling lost, it’s
guaranteed that your audience is also feeling lost! It’s important
to be able to communicate with confidence. Creating a message
map will help you communicate with less anxiety and more
authority. Join us and learn how to craft a message map, so that
you are able to speak with purpose and passion.
Page 6
Becky Harling is a popular author,
speaker and communications coach. She has
written Finding
Calm in Life’s
Chaos, Rewriting Your Emotional Script,
and Freedom
From Performing. She has
also written
two challenge
devotionals;
The 30 Day
Praise and
Challenge for
Parents. In addition to speaking at conferences, retreats and other venues, Becky has
been a featured guest on The Daystar Television Network, The Harvest television show,
Moody’s Midday Connection, and many
other top-rated radio shows.
In her coaching services to those looking to improve their
communication skills,
Becky empowers them
to share their message
passionately and powerfully for the glory
of
Jesus Christ. She weaves
her experience as a
pastor’s wife, mother and grandmother,
women’s ministry leader; her personal
battles with breast cancer and childhood
sexual abuse and the stories of others who
have found hope and healing in Christ into a
powerful testimony with depth and realism
that invites listeners to draw closer to God.
Douglas Beck
“Self-Publish With Ease”
Breakout Session 1 & 2
Over the past few years self publishing has become the
most common method of getting your work “in print.”
This method is inexpensive and easy if you know the
right steps. Learn how to create, edit and publish your
work, select your distribution methods and promote
your books and literature. Understand the value of social
media, Author’s book signings and “Local Author’s
Shelves” at your local “Big Box” book stores. We will go
over the only “Golden Rule” when it comes to promoting
and selling your work…never give it away.
John Blase
“Everyday Poetry: Bearing
the Burden of Nouns”
Breakout Session 3 & 4
William Blake wrote that
we are here that we may
learn to bear the beams
of love. John Blase contends that we are here that
we may learn to bear the
burden of nouns. Writing poetry can be a useful
companion in that learning. Contrary to what
some believe, you don’t
need an MFA to do it.
However, there are a few
things to always keep in
mind, things you no doubt
already know but it’s good
to be reminded of from
time to time.
Doug Beck is the self-published author of
Growing Up in Aspen: “Life After the Quiet Years”
Vols. 1 and 2, which recount his experiences and
adventures growing up as a 5th generation citizen
of the Roaring Fork Valley and 3rd generation
native son of Aspen, Colorado. Doug began writing the stories to preserve his memories for his
children and the stories soon gained a following
of readers, many of whom had also grown up in
or around Aspen. Doug’s books are a collection
of tales about skiing, playing hockey, backcountry
camping and about growing up in a community of
loving mountain people who knew when to help
and when to “tell your parents.” Doug published
his works through CreateSpace, an Amazon company which assists authors, composers and filmmakers to independently publish and distribute
their works in traditional and electronic formats.
John Blase is a writer, blogger, speaker, collaborator and a full time editor for Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing Group. The son of a pastor, John
was a pastor himself for fourteen years serving at
churches in Texas, Arkansas and Colorado. He is
the author of Know When to Hold Them: The High
Stakes Game of Fatherhood and Touching Wonder,
Recapturing the Awe of Christmas. John co-authored three books with Brennan Manning: Dear
Abba: Morning and Evening Prayer, All is Grace: A
Ragamuffin Memoir and Smack Dab in the Middle
of God’s Love. He is the co-author and
editor of numerous titles including the
Worldviews reference book, The Message Children’s Bible and multi-volume
Bible study courses: Living the Questions,
Living the Letters and Real Life Stuff for
Couples (NavPress). He also co-wrote
Start With Me: A Modern Parable with
Michael Seaton (Zondervan).
John authors a poetry blog, the beautiful
due; the gospel according to John, where
he shares his mastery of the form. John’s
writing is intense and personal, fiercely
optimistic, and questioning; distilled
through “a strange thing called grace.”
Page 7
Sarah Joy Freese
Sarah Joy Freese is an
associate literary agent
with WordServe Literary
Group, which has represented over 700 books in
Breakout Session 3 & 4
every fiction category and
non-fiction genre; specializing in serving authors of
Have you ever wondered exactly what an agent looks
faith in all of their creative
for when she considers your writing? Despite the
endeavors. Sarah loves
changing tides of publishing, securing an agent is still
an important part in the traditional publishing process. reading through queries
This session will discuss exactly what an agent is look- and attending writing
conferences to meet new
ing for in both fiction and non-fiction and offer you
the best tips for how best to capture the eye of an agent. excellent writers. She enjoys working with authors to make their manuscripts
Even if your book is not ready to see the light of day,
even stronger. Sarah is especially interested in conmuch less an agent’s ‘desk’ (read: email inbox), the
temporary and historical romance, contemporary
more connections you have with an agent, the more
women’s fiction, other historical, suspense and memhe or she will remember you when the time comes for
oir, narrative non-fiction and large platform bloggers
your work to be sent out.
who write on marriage, family and parenting.
“Through the Eyes of an Agent”
Debbie Hall
Debbie Hall is an editor who combines 15
of teaching high
“How to Self-Edit with Konfidence” years
school and college
Breakout Session 1 & 2
English and composition with a passion for
helping writers at all
levels create their best
Before you submit your manuscript for professional
work. Debbie’s editing
editing . . .
experience covers a
Before you ask a few trustworthy friends to proofread a wide range of projself-evaluation at work . . .
ects. Recently, she has
Before you click “publish” to share a blog post with the
edited novels of varying genres, a nonfiction book
world. . .
proposal for presentation to publishers and agents,
Whatever it is that you’re writing, how do you know it’s multiple PhD candidate dissertations, and materials for a local author and speaker. Debbie has field
the best it can be from your own efforts?
tested manuscripts and edited nonfiction pieces,
From this breakout session on self-editing, learn how to blog posts and other writing forms for members
discover your own best methods for polishing your writ- of Writers on the Rock. Debbie has a true love of
ing, how to enhance your skills as a writer every time
words and writing and enjoys guiding writers in
you write, and how to increase your confidence in your developing their skills and unleashing their crework as you self-edit. You will also learn how to overativity. Originally from California, she now calls
come many stumbling blocks writers face.
Colorado home and is a busy mom to two active
kiddos.
Page 8
Shelley Hitz
Shelley Hitz is an awardwinning and internationally
best-selling author. She is the
owner of TrainingAuthors.com
and is passionate about helping
authors succeed in publishing
and marketing their books.
“Amplify Your Message”
Breakout Session 3 & 4
God has given each one of us gifts and abilities. One way He chooses to use us to impact
She teaches from personal expeothers is through our writing. Therefore, as a
rience. Shelley has been writwriter, you have a message to share with others. ing and publishing books since
The most effective time to start marketing and 2008 and has published over 30
connecting with your audience is WHILE you books including print, eBook
write your book. This session will help you see and audio book formats.
marketing in a whole new way that isn’t pushy or Download Shelley’s free training “Building a Book Marketself-promotional, but instead connects you with ing Plan” ($27 value) when you sign up for her newsletter
your target audience in an authentic way.
here: http://trainingauthors.com/newsletter/
Jessica Johnson
Jessica Johnson is Lead Creative for Transparent Faith, Inc.
where she oversees social media
“The ABCs of Social Media” strategy, web design, and brand
Breakout Session 1 & 2
management. For seven years, she
has worked to craft compelling
Jessica Johnson will discuss how to create and online communication alongside
Margaret Feinberg and helped
maintain an online audience, while sharing
social media secrets, and how you can expand edit dozens of books and Bible
studies. She has a degree in theolyour influence
ogy from Colorado Christian
University. Jessica and her husband, David, have their hands
full with their superdog, Elsa.
Lucille
Zimmerman
“How Your Personal Journey
Can Help Others”
Breakout Session 1 & 2
Lucille Zimmerman is the
author of Renewed: Finding Your
Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed
World (Abingdon Press). She is
a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in
Littleton, Colorado. In addition,
she is an affiliate faculty member teaching psychology and
counseling courses at Colorado
Christian University.
“Give us gladness in proportion to our misery!
On a typical day you will find
Replace the evil years with good.”
her walking her dog Chipotle, reading, writing, and seeing
– Psalm 90:15 (NLT).
clients. She loves good coffee, belly-laughter, fly-fishing,
Each of us has a story that includes joy and
and Honey Nut Cheerios. She has been married to John for
pain, and each of us has discovered wisdom
28 years and has two adult children.
along the way. Learn how writing about your
journey can help others.
Page 9
Catherine Lawton
“Using Fiction
Techniques”
Catherine Lawton has
had a desire to write
since her first poem was
published in a national
magazine at the age of
12. Catherine has written
several books, including
Face to Face: A Novel,
Journeys to Mother Love
and No More Fear: From
Killing Fields to Harvest Fields.
Breakout Session 3 & 4
Bring your writing alive and hold interest
by using fiction techniques. Whether you
write blogs, personal memoirs, or articles,
your writing can have more appeal, and be
more convincing, when you learn to incorporate descriptive detail, use dialogue, paint
the scene, set a mood, add dramatic tension
and resolution.
Larry Lawton
“The Business Side”
Breakout Session 3 & 4
Room 6
Starting a publishing company or selfpublishing? Larry demonstrates the howtos of tracking sales, invoicing, managing
inventory, taxes, choosing accounting
software, and more. Learn to be more
business-like in this enjoyable, hands-on
workshop experience.
Her writing has also appeared in a variety of periodicals and writing compilations. Catherine, publisher
and editor-in-chief at Cladach Publishing, loves to help
writers on their road to getting published.
Larry Lawton has a
heart for the wallet of
the writer, with a unique
perspective and realworld knowledge of the
business side of writing.
Larry is the director of
finance, warehousing and
fulfillment for Cladach,
a royalty-based, familyowned, small press located in Greely, Colorado.
In addition, he has more than 25 years of experience as
a corporate financial analyst and controller in various
industries. Larry also has extensive experience preparing financial statements and income taxes for individuals, partnerships and corporations. A popular conference speaker, Larry gives insight on the tax impacts of
writing as a business versus writing as a hobby.
Page 10
Tina Samples
“Writing for Women”
Breakout Session 3 & 4
Writing for women raises the eye-brows of many
individuals. How do you touch the heart of
women when God created them with many colors and emotions? We will explore ways to write
for the heart of women and pinpoint areas that
pull women into your writing. This class will shift
your thinking and provide
creative ways to offer hope,
healing, and humor for the
everyday woman through
your writing.
Tina Samples is a Texasbased writer, speaker, and worship leader. Tina’s most recent
book, Wounded Women of the
Bible, which she co-wrote with
Dena Dyer, explores the shared
emotions and injuries that
women of all ages have in common, moving readers toward
the recovery and healing that
only God can provide.
Her other publishing credits include Finding Hope When Life Hurts; Guideposts; Extraordinary Answers to Prayer: In Times of Change and Unexpected Answers; Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters:
Real Life Stories of Supernatural Events; The One Year Life
Verse Devotional; and It’s a God Thing.
She has also contributed to various devotional magazines.
Caleb Seeling
“The Brave New
World of Publishing”
Breakout Session 3 & 4
The publishing industry has undergone
a sea change in the past six years. The
failure of age old publishing practices have
caused the mega media conglomerates to
consolidate while scrappy small presses
have been growing in number and notoriety.
As big box bookstores are forced to shutter
their doors, small independent bookstores
are opening them and staying open. Ebooks have not killed print and, to everyone’s surprise, self-publishing has become
a viable and respectable option. It’s a brave
new world out there and we’ll talk about
how to navigate it and how to decide
which path is the right one for you.
Caleb Seeling is a creative
force in the arena of writing
and publishing, with specialized experience in modern
publishing trends, professional editing, and creative
consulting for authors and
organizations. Caleb served
as acquisitions and developmental editor for NavPress,
the publishing division of
The Navigators organization in Colorado Springs. He
originated, developed, and launched the NavPress Deliberate line,
initiated the partnership between NavPress and the Via Affirmativa artist group, and held the company’s first authors’ forum at the
Glen Eyrie Castle conference and retreat center.
After leaving NavPress, Caleb founded Samizdat Creative Services
which provides editing, writing, and consulting for self-published
writers; striving to “transcend the bounds of traditional publishing.” He acquired the award-winning Conundrum Press in 2011
and has built it into the preeminent literary press of the Rocky
Mountain region, publishing Colorado Book Award and Pushcart
Prize winners. Caleb is also author of a new graphic novel series
published by David C. Cook—the first volume The Battle Begins
released Fall of 2014, the second volume will release Fall of 2015.
Page 11
Jim Walters
“Market Yourself ”
Breakout Session 1 & 2
Instead of conforming your message to the market,
learn how to market your message.
Learn how to use
your strengths
and experiences
to write for eager
audiences. You
have unique gifts,
talents, and abilities
that are all fertile
soil for writing.
Jim Walters brings a unique
perspective to the world of
writing – from the pilot’s seat
high above the Colorado landscape. Jim has been preaching
the gospel and teaching people
to fly for 25 years. A popular
speaker, he has the ability to
communicate complex truths
in ways which are practical and
understandable. He has had
numerous articles published
in various flying enthusiast
magazines.
His book, When Faith Takes Flight, combines the teaching
methods of the flight instructor with the storytelling of
a favorite pastor to enliven the foundations of Christian
living. A former fighter pilot, Jim is currently Senior Pastor at Bear Valley Church in Lakewood, Colorado.
Kirk Weaver
“Writing for Families”
Breakout Session 1 & 2
Hear how a void, combined with a niche
creates a market that demands resources…
and a reluctant writer is born. We are all part
of God’s greater story. When I tapped into
His story being worked out in my life…I
experienced and witnessed God-only results. By “God-only” I mean results that can’t
be explained by
individual human
effort. Specifically,
my writing is a
vehicle to train,
equip and support families in
teaching children
Christian principles and values
in the home.
Kirk Weaver is the founder
and director of Family Time
Training, a ministry developed
out of the desire to equip parents
to teach Christian principles and
values in the home. Family Time
Training provides parents with
intentional spiritual lessons that
can be woven into a fun family activity. Kirk has written and
published hundreds of Family
Time lessons which are designed
to teach specific Christian values, character qualities and
spiritual beliefs. Kirk has written eight books containing Family Time object lessons, including Tried and True;
Playing for Keeps; Running the Race; Seeing is Believing;
Wiggles, Giggles & Popcorn; and Bible Stories for Preschoolers - Old Testament & New Testament. Family Time Training also provides an ongoing support structure to families
with online guidance and through the local church.
Page 12
Save the Date
Writers on the Rock:
Conference 2016
Feb. 27, 2016
“Just crazy enough to do it again”
Acknowledgements
We owe so much to the staff and congregation of Bear Valley Church. This
is a church that values the arts and they
opened wide their doors to our vision.
They gave us space, staff, and freedom.
* To the steering committee who
put this together: Maurine Maltrude, Nick Miller, Amy Young,
Cari Zorno and David Rupert,
as well as all the volunteers that
* Pastor Jim Walters is a friend to writers stepped up to help today. Karen
and we thank you for making this happen. Mitchell, Jon Dudycha, Jessica
Wynn, Sherryn Hensley, Glo* Tom and Barb Christopher prepared
ria Bans, Hinde Newton, April
lunch for us today. They did so at cost,
Musekamp, Jenn Bestfka, Lane
volunteering thier time. And thank you to Arnold, Kevin Cullis and everyone else who said, “What can I
*Jenn Bayer who gave her time as a
do?’
barista.
* The members of pSaltry who gave us
the gift of song.
* To our gifted roster of speakers and
presenters. WOW. Many of you travelled
a long way for very little compensation.
Thank you for catching our vision and
sharing your time.
*To our attendees: You gave us your time
and your money. We hope your trust was
well-placed.
* To the members of the Writers
on the Rock small group. In just a
year, we’ve grown, published three
books, and now put on a writer’s
conference. Dream big? Yes!
* To God. All we wanted to do was
to give glory to your name and to
encourage others to do the same.
Thank you for putting the words
on our hearts.
Page 13
Join us!
Writers need community.
Don’t let this moment pass!
Writers on the Rock meets
the fourth Tuesday of every
month at Green Mountain
Recreation Center from 7
PM to 8:30 PM.
To join our mailing list,
send an email to:
writersontherock@gmail.
com.
To stay up with all our activities, join our group on
Facebook and Meetup.
If we aren’t convenient,
we’ll help you start your
own group. Send us a note!
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Writers on the Rock: Conference 2015