Workshops are first-come-first-serve the day of the Conference.
Breakout Session I
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The Verses That Keep Me Up at Night:
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Do’s and Don’ts of Writing for ChildrenKids are taught to follow rules. To write for them, you should follow rules, too. By learning these do’s and don’ts, you’ll have a better chance of creating stories that will catch an editor’s eye and entertain a child. You’ll find out audience insights and felt needs, writing tips, industry trends, the use of humor and more. Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on how to get published in Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines.
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The Author-Editor RelationshipLearn how to make the most of the author-editor relationship, what editors are looking for, what steps make up the editorial process at a publishing house, what to consider when thinking about hiring a freelance editor, and more.
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Bigger, Better, Bolder: Writing the Super NovelHow do you write stories that transcend genre to become bestsellers and make a life-changing impact on your readers?
The Thorne Birds. The Pillars of the Earth. Roots. The Princess Bride. ShoGun. Carrie. The Kite Runner. The Time Travelers Wife. The DaVinci Code. Gone Girl. The Hunger Games. All blockbuster books. All different genres. These books are called Super Novels. They transcend genre, demographics and time. Why? In this workshop we’ll break down the super novel. We’ll discover the elements common to all these stories –and more, isolate them and dissect why they work. Then we’ll learn how to add these elements into our novels to create our own Super Novel. Applicable to all genres. |
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What to Do When You Don't Have a PlatformMany writers are frustrated when their proposals are rejected because of the lack of a "platform." Platform IS important, but while an author is building their platform, they can still succeed as a writer. In this workshop we'll look at several recent books (including bestsellers) by authors with little or no platform.
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Christian Writers in a Secular Publishing WorldDo you worry about your true commitment to Christ if you make a career covering topics other than spirituality? Do you get funny looks from co-workers when you say you’re going to “do life together”? The secular workplace challenges every Christian, but it’s especially daunting to writers who seek to use their creative output as a manifestation of their deepest beliefs. In this real-world session, an editor who has moved up the ranks in one of the country’s largest publishing companies talks about how faith and career overlap, intersect and sometimes collide. The session includes practical tips for connecting with editors and writing more successful pitches for the general marketplace.
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Breakout Session II
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Querying 101This session will explore the first step toward traditional publication: the query letter. We'll cover the basics: what is a literary agent and why do you need one? What is a query letter, how do you write one, and whom do you send it to? This presentation will be fun, engaging, and practical, full of nuts-and-bolts advice for writers who hope to someday have their work published someday.
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Understand Your Options: Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-PublishingIf you want to become a significant professional author then you need to understand the options available for publishing your book and use the tools of the publishing industry to plan your book and to introduce yourself and that book to agents and publishers. The problem is you are encountering a tidal wave of information about publishing. In addition, the terminology used in the industry can seem like a foreign language which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and confused. The reality is you should be able to find authoritative information and assistance on your journey to becoming a successful author. This workshop will explore the differences between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing so you can consider the best option for your book. In addition, we will explain how to create your book proposal and use it as your blueprint to build a successful book, make strong first impressions, and establish the industry connections you need.
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10 Things Aspiring Writers Need to KnowSo you want to be a published author and you are ready to take the plunge. What should you know before you begin? What pitfalls can you avoid, and what can you do to make the process go more smoothly? How can you work effectively with your publisher and what can you expect from them?
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Putting Your Heart and Soul (and a little laughter) into Social MediaSocial media can feel overwhelming, even polarizing. Some people have abandon it altogether. If you’re sticking around those platforms but feel frustrated—even afraid—learn how to reach into the world with light and life and laughter. Attendees will learn creative, practical, and positive ways to use key social media platforms to make a difference in people's lives right away, offering a message of hope for God’s glory.
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The Writer’s Toolbox: Techniques for Powerful ProseWhat makes your written voice distinct? How can you adapt that voice to best fit a particular project? How do you catch, and keep, readers’ attention? From novels to tweets, memoirs to magazine articles--each avenue asks something new of you as an author. In this workshop, you will learn how to tailor your voice to a variety of writing situations, as well as innovative ways to lend clarity, control emphasis, invigorate vocabulary, establish character, and enhance overall impact.
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The First Two Pages: A hands-on demonstration of common manuscript problems in children's books and how to fix themManuscript problems often show up in the first two pages. Drawing from anonymously submitted class samples, Lynne Jonell will highlight what is working, what is not, and demonstrate concrete ways to fix common problems. Submit the first two pages of your children’s book manuscript, double-spaced, no later than July 5. Submissions can be sent here (ncwc@unwsp.edu) with the subject line "Lynne Jonell Workshop". Do not put your name on the manuscript. (It is not necessary to submit work to attend this class, but if you do submit, your work may be selected for discussion.)
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Breakout Session III
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Telling Your Whole Story in the Age of Alternative FactsAre you writing a non-fiction book or memoir that deals with a controversial topic but you're unsure about telling your whole story? Maybe you fear the potential denial or backlash from family, friends or the general public. In this workshop, Sheila Wise Rowe shares her journey of finding her voice and become a published author. She also draws from scripture and over twenty-five years of experience as a writer and therapist to help you to get clear and committed to the why and how of writing your whole true story even in the face of "alternative facts."
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An Upside Down Perspective On PlatformAn Upside Down Perspective on Platform You’ve heard it said time and time again: If you want to get published, you need an established platform. What IS a platform, exactly? And do you have to defy your Christian convictions to build one? Jesus called you to love people, to feed His sheep, and to encourage the fainthearted. But the pressure to build a platform compels you to strive to get people to like you, to follow you, and to prop up your dream. Is there another way? Yes! Join us for a fresh perspective on what it means to steward your gift, grow a platform, and follow Jesus as you fulfill your calling.
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Suspense Essentials: Secrets to Tapping Into Tension Whatever Genre You WriteEvery story can be improved by increasing the suspense, tightening the tension and ratcheting up the action. This in-depth seminar will help you improve your story by pacing the promises that you make and connecting emotionally with your reader. We’ll explore the differences between suspense and conflict, and cover the four ingredients necessary for suspense in your story that will both surprise and satisfy the most discerning readers.
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Creating Memorable CharactersLearn how to create characters that will remain with your readers long after they turn the last page. In this hands on workshop you will learn new ways to make your characters come to life as you craft your novel.
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Writing Devotional Articles and Books
Devotional articles are short, but devotional writing is very exacting. It’s a good place to learn to “write tight,” making every word count. And it can be some of the most rewarding writing you can do. In this session we’ll talk about who can write devotionals, audiences and markets (including devotional books), common devotional structures, and the key word in writing devotionals. Come with your ideas and leave with the tools to create heart-touching devotionals
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Breakout Session IV
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How to Write a Book Proposal that Gets a Publisher's AttentionEvery author (even experienced ones) needs to write a proposal: first, to plan his or her book before proposing it to a publisher, and second, to inform and attract the publisher to a project for publication. This interactive workshop will show writers: -What acquisitions editors and pub boards are looking for -Essential content to include in your proposal -Key responsibilities as an author -Practical tips to create an attractive proposal -Questions to consider as you define your platform in your proposal -Attitudes and actions that will help you get published This workshop will give practical advice and helpful tools to prepare, write, and share a book proposal that has the best chance to succeed within the publishing industry.
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Writing AcousticallyWhat does it mean for writers to know that readers' minds and souls can "hear" what we write, that an internal sound and rhythm pattern plays within them as they read our novels? We deepen the experience for our readers when we write acoustically, when we write for the ear. Those are the words, stories, and life lessons that reverberate. How do writers address the "architectural" acoustics of the atmosphere they're creating with their fiction and nonfiction? Does the "sound" ricochet or resonate?
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Writing Your Story: Getting to the Heart of Narrative
People are drawn to personal stories, and when written well, they can be powerful and transformative. This workshop will cover practical aspects of writing our stories, including the arc of a narrative, detail, and tension. We also will dive into the deeper concerns of personal narrative, touching on issues such as how we know a story is ready to be told, our motives for telling it, and the spiritual journey of sharing ourselves in writing.
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Write An Emotionally Gripping First ChapterAs a twenty-first century writer, you have mere seconds to captivate your audience, making the first chapter of your novel critical. Successful novels, regardless of their genre, have one thing in common: they give their readers a satisfying emotional experience. In this workshop, we will focus on techniques for developing an emotionally gripping first chapter.
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