A. Publishing 101

Establish Yourself As A Published Writer
Lin Johnson

Do you like to write but don't know how to get your words published?  Are you tired of receiving rejection letters instead of checks? Do you long to see your name in print? Learn the nuts and bolts of getting published in this class.  Topics include focusing your ideas for publication, targeting the right markets for your ideas, writing articles, rights and copyright, query letters, keeping records, dealing with rejection, and basic resources you'll need.

Lin Johnson

1. Getting Your Idea to the Right Audience

2. Structuring Your Manuscript for Maximum Impact

3. Develping a Reader-friendly Style

4. Submitting Your Manuscript So an Editor Will Read It

Lin Johnson is a full-time freelancer whose business includes editing, writing, proofing, and training.  The author of more than 70 books, Lin has received both a Gold Medallion Book Award and an EPA Higher Goals award.  The managing editor of Christian Communicator, Advanced Christian Writer, and Church Libraries, Lin directs the Write-to-Publish Conference in the Chicago area and teaches at writers conferences across the country.  She also serves as an adjunct professor in wrtiting at Taylor University Fort Wayne, Indiana.

B. Fiction 101

Decked-Out Fiction
Brandilyn Collins

What's decked-out fiction? A story that's ready to grab attention, that will make readers go "Wow!" A story that zings. Everybody wants it. Too few write it.  Decked-out fiction can be written in any genre. But you have to put its components to work.

• Desire
• Emotion
• Conflict
• Kick

Brandilyn Collins
1. Desire

2. Emotion

3. Conflict
4. Kick

Best-selling suspense author Brandilyn Collins is known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense™. Her awards include Book of the Year (three times), Inspirational Reader's Choice, and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice. Brandilyn's first book, A Question of Innocence, was a true crime published by Avon in 1995. Its promotion landed her on local and national TV and radio, including the Phil Donahue and Leeza talk shows. Brandilyn is also known for her distinctive book on fiction-writing techniques, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn From Actors.

C. Fiction 201

Writing Romance That Sells
DiAnn Mills

Do you read romance with the same enthusiasm that you pick out your favorite chocolates? Inspirational romance is more than a love story with a happy ending. It's more than boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl. Inspirational romance is a sweet blend of emotions, truth, a crafted plot, and distinct characters — with romance as the central theme. No matter the genre, the weaving of the love story is the delicious treat. This continuing class is hands-on — and you will enjoy chocolate on request.

DiAnn Mills
1.Writing Romance from the Heart

2. Creating Credible, Colorful, Compelling Characters

3. Plots that Dance Across the Reader's Heart

4. The Keys to a Runaway Romance Novel

DiAnn Mills has more than 40 books in print, with sales of more than a million copies. DiAnn's desire is to show characters solving real problems from a Christian perspective through a compelling story. Three of her books have been named Best Historical of the Year by Heartsong Presents, and she twice received the Inspirational Reader's Choice award. A Guild mentor, DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Inspirational Writers Alive and Romance Writers of America.

D. Nonfiction

Refine Your Ideas For Maximum Results

Dr. Dennis Hensley

It's not just where you get your ideas, but what you do with them. This two-day, four-part continuing class will teach participants how to make the most of concepts by repackaging ideas in ways that serve readers — and sell.

Dr. Dennis Hensley

1. Hands-on Basic Sources For Ideas

2. Spin-off Topics From Initial Concepts

3. New Angles for Overworked Topics

4. Expanding Markets for Finished Projects

Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D., is the author of 50 books, including eight textbooks on professional writing. He is a columnist and contributing editor with Writer's Journal and Advanced Christian Writer. Dr. Hensley is director of the professional writing major at Taylor University Fort Wayne. He has sold more than 3,000 freelance articles to Essence, Reader's Digest, The Writer, Success, Christianity Today, People, The Detroit Free Press, and War Cry , among many others. His six novels include The Gift (Harvest House). He is a member of the CWG Editorial Board.

E. Articles

Meet Readers Where They Live

Lisa Crayton

Every reader comes to an article expecting something, such as advice, information, correction, or entertainment. This class covers the nuts and bolts of writing reader-responsive articles, including how to capture ideas, write from the heart, and market and sell manuscripts.

Lisa Crayton

1. Basic Housing (writing basics)

2. Varied Dwellings (writing to publish)

3. In Broken Vessels (writing from the heart)

4. Beyond the Pew (writing naturally)

Lisa Crayton is publisher and editor of Spirit-Led Writer. She is the author of A Student's Guide to Toni Morrison and I Want to Talk With My Teen About Money Management. As a freelancer, Lisa writes for Christian and non-Christian print and online markets. She is a Guild mentor and a co-moderator for The Christian Writer's View. Lisa is a member of the Evangelical Press Association, National Association of Black Journalists, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Society of Children's Book Wrtiers and Illustrators.

F. Creativity for Big Kids

McNair Wilson

Would you like to learn to be fully creative in every situation? In these intense sessions, creativity specialist McNair Wilson will explain and model a creative thinking process to powerfully, positively, and playfully solve problems and invent your future

McNair Wilson

1 & 2: Recapturing Your Creative Spirit

3 & 4:Brainstorming Secrets of a Theme Park Designer

McNair Wilson is a n author, inventor, actor, playwright, and humorist. Unlike many who spend their entire life wishing upon a star, McNair grabbed one and climbed aboard. Having spent ten years as a Disney Imagineer, he now assists corporations and faith-based organizations through workshops and coaching in creative thinking. His books include Donuts on the Moon: Brainstorming Secrets of a Theme Park Designer and Raised In Captivity: A Memoir of a Life Long Churchaholic. View his blog at: www.TeaWithMcNair.typepad.com .

Registration is full-time only. Spouses are welcome to stay with you at The Broadmoor (more information about transportation and lodging). General sessions, workshops, and meals, however, are open only to registered WRITING for the SOUL conferees. If you'd like to have your spouse join you for the meals and the special speaker presentations at mealtime please see fees below.

Conference Fee (Meals are included. You are responsible for your own lodging and transportation costs. Spouses may stay in your room for no additional charge but must purchase the special Meal/Speaker pass to eat with you.)

PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE.

Please call (866) 495-5177 or email us for details.

Cancellation Policy. Refunds must be requested in writing prior to January 5, 2009. Written cancellations received before the deadline will be promptly refunded, less a lost deposit (nontransferable) of $150. After the refund deadline, no refunds will be issued.

Back to Top