2022
Speakers
Speakers
General Meeting--February 19, 2022
"Voice"
with Guest Speaker
Mary E. Lambert
Mary E. Lambert was born and raised in Arizona. As a child, she had two main ambitions: to be a teacher like her grandma and to write books like the ones she loved. After completing a bachelor’s degree in English literature, Mary graduated from Covenant College in 2006 and took a job teaching junior high at a Tempe charter school. Sixteen years later, she is still in the same classroom! In 2014, Mary finished her M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut novel, Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes (Scholastic), was published in 2017, followed by Distress Signal (Scholastic) in 2020. When the global pandemic forced her out of her classroom and she was stuck working from home, Mary adopted a rescue dog. Ollie Duke is her constant companion and main source of distraction when she is typing away on her latest work-in-progress.
General Meeting--January 15, 2022
"Starting on the Write Foot"
with Guest Speaker
Tina Swayzee McCright
Tina is a multi-award-winning author of romantic mysteries. When she isn't writing, she enjoys beach vacations with her husband, The Irish Charmer, and playing with her granddaughter. She was president of the Valley of the Sun Romance Writers, has a B.S. in Communications, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. Although she was an educator for twenty-five years, she believes her greatest accomplishment was raising an amazing daughter.
"Voice"
with Guest Speaker
Mary E. Lambert
Mary E. Lambert was born and raised in Arizona. As a child, she had two main ambitions: to be a teacher like her grandma and to write books like the ones she loved. After completing a bachelor’s degree in English literature, Mary graduated from Covenant College in 2006 and took a job teaching junior high at a Tempe charter school. Sixteen years later, she is still in the same classroom! In 2014, Mary finished her M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut novel, Family Game Night and Other Catastrophes (Scholastic), was published in 2017, followed by Distress Signal (Scholastic) in 2020. When the global pandemic forced her out of her classroom and she was stuck working from home, Mary adopted a rescue dog. Ollie Duke is her constant companion and main source of distraction when she is typing away on her latest work-in-progress.
General Meeting--January 15, 2022
"Starting on the Write Foot"
with Guest Speaker
Tina Swayzee McCright
Tina is a multi-award-winning author of romantic mysteries. When she isn't writing, she enjoys beach vacations with her husband, The Irish Charmer, and playing with her granddaughter. She was president of the Valley of the Sun Romance Writers, has a B.S. in Communications, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction. Although she was an educator for twenty-five years, she believes her greatest accomplishment was raising an amazing daughter.
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PAST SPEAKERS
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A big THANK YOU to author Tari Faris for her visit with us on September 21st. She spoke to us about her writing journey and her work with My Book Therapy. She sold and signed many of her books! It was a wonderful time.
For more information about Tari, visit her website.
For more information about My Book Therapy, click here.
For more information about Tari, visit her website.
For more information about My Book Therapy, click here.
Mini- Conference Keynote November 20, 2020
Speaker- Jennifer Crosswhite
It’s not easy being a writer. It’s hard to get the people in your life to take your writing seriously. You have to fight to carve out time to work on your craft (There’s always that guy at some party who says, “If I had a weekend I could write a novel.” Um, right.). And then, who can you trust to give you honest feedback to take your work to the next level without changing your voice or your story?
Mini- Conference Keynote November 20, 2020
Speaker- Jennifer Crosswhite
It’s not easy being a writer. It’s hard to get the people in your life to take your writing seriously. You have to fight to carve out time to work on your craft (There’s always that guy at some party who says, “If I had a weekend I could write a novel.” Um, right.). And then, who can you trust to give you honest feedback to take your work to the next level without changing your voice or your story?
General Meeting- 2020
Speaker- Carol Moncado
USA Today Bestselling Author Carol Moncado prefers binge watching pretty much anything to working out. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not hanging out with her hubby, four kids, and two dogs who weigh less than most hard cover books, she’s probably reading in her Southwest Missouri home.
She’s a founding member and former President of MozArks ACFW and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
Speaker- Carol Moncado
USA Today Bestselling Author Carol Moncado prefers binge watching pretty much anything to working out. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not hanging out with her hubby, four kids, and two dogs who weigh less than most hard cover books, she’s probably reading in her Southwest Missouri home.
She’s a founding member and former President of MozArks ACFW and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
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General Meeting- November 20, 2020
Speaker- Linda Thompson Award-winning author, Linda Thompson spoke to us about her books, writing journey, and much more. For more information about Linda, visit her website: http://www.lthompsonbooks.com/books/plum-blooms-doolittle-raid/ General Meeting- April 20, 2019 Speaker- Gabrielle Koza Local web developer, Gabrielle Koza spoke to us about the importance of having an author website. She provided us with valuable information about how to create a website using free service providers. |
General Meeting- March 17, 2019
Speaker- Best-selling author, Liz Johnson
Marketing specialist, Liz Johnson spoke to us about the various aspects of marketing our books.
Learn more about Liz here: https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/
Speaker- Best-selling author, Liz Johnson
Marketing specialist, Liz Johnson spoke to us about the various aspects of marketing our books.
Learn more about Liz here: https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/
General Meeting- February 17, 2019
Speaker- Ruth A. Douthitt Award-winning author and CWOW President.
Ruth spoke to us about how to survive the critique of your work.
Learn more about Ruth here: www.artbyruth.weebly.com
Speaker- Ruth A. Douthitt Award-winning author and CWOW President.
Ruth spoke to us about how to survive the critique of your work.
Learn more about Ruth here: www.artbyruth.weebly.com
- The lovely and talented best-selling author, Gail Gaymer Martin, spoke to CWOW meeting attendees about preparing your manuscript for a contest.
You'll want to click here for the insightful information she shared with us!
General Meeting ~ 2020
Speaker: Gabrielle Koza
There's nothing like opening a gorgeous website and finding it easy to navigate! Websites like this are a pleasure to use because they make shopping for products or searching for information easy for the user.
What about an Author Website? What about your author website?
This past Saturday we learned about the importance of an effective author website and how to set one up by web developer, Gabrielle Koza. Read here for more information.
Speaker: Gabrielle Koza
There's nothing like opening a gorgeous website and finding it easy to navigate! Websites like this are a pleasure to use because they make shopping for products or searching for information easy for the user.
What about an Author Website? What about your author website?
This past Saturday we learned about the importance of an effective author website and how to set one up by web developer, Gabrielle Koza. Read here for more information.
General Meeting ~ Oct 20, 2018
Speaker: Rebecca Bruner
Coloring Outside the Lines: Rediscovering the Joy of Creativity
As we become more serious about the craft and business of writing, we too often lose sight of the joy that originally motivated us. Paralyzed by perfectionism and the pressure to perform, we can shy away from expressing our creativity in ways that feel too risky. This workshop is an invitation to reconnect with your inner artist-child. Learn to employ the basic tools of morning pages and artist dates as recommended by creativity expert, Julia Cameron, in her classic book, The Artist’s Way. Give yourself permission to color outside the lines.
General Meeting ~ Sept 15, 2018
Speaker: Jenne Acevedo
As a freelance editor, writing consultant, and editing instructor, Jenne Acevedo encourages and assists writers through Acevedo Word Solutions LLC and the Chandler Writers’ Group.
Jenne is a co-owner of Christian Editor Network LLC, the director of The Christian PEN and PENCON (an annual conference for Christian editors), a member of Christian Editor Connection, and an instructor for The PEN Institute. She judges theExcellence in Editing Awards and the Writers’ Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Jenne is an avid reader who loves studying God’s Word, playing games with her family, traveling with her husband, and baking gluten-free treats.
Speaker: Jenne Acevedo
As a freelance editor, writing consultant, and editing instructor, Jenne Acevedo encourages and assists writers through Acevedo Word Solutions LLC and the Chandler Writers’ Group.
Jenne is a co-owner of Christian Editor Network LLC, the director of The Christian PEN and PENCON (an annual conference for Christian editors), a member of Christian Editor Connection, and an instructor for The PEN Institute. She judges theExcellence in Editing Awards and the Writers’ Digest Self-Published Book Awards.
Jenne is an avid reader who loves studying God’s Word, playing games with her family, traveling with her husband, and baking gluten-free treats.
General Meeting ~ May 19, 2018
Speaker: Marylee MacDonald
Marylee MacDonald is the author of BONDS OF LOVE & BLOOD and MONTPELIER TOMORROW, winner of a Gold Medal for Drama from Readers' Favorites. She has been Writer-In-Residence for the City of Mesa, AZ Public Libraries and taught fiction for ASU's Piper Center for Creative Writing. Her stories have won the Jeanne Leiby Chapbook Contest, ALR Fiction Prize, Barry Hannah Prize, and Ron Rash Award, and her work has appeared in Bellevue Literary Review, Briar Cliff Review, Chattahoochee Review, StoryQuarterly, Yamassee, and others.
Marylee's presentation focused on "Secrets Our Bodies Reveal." Our lives, and the lives of our characters, are lived in the body. As writers, we must learn to inhabit our characters' bodies so that we can make them "real." Our senses provide the foundation for characters' feelings, thoughts, and decisions. Through writing exercises, we learned how to use the five senses to create emotional intensity on the page.
Author of MontpelierTomorrow and Bonds of Love & Blood
Website: maryleemacdonaldauthor.com
Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Goodreads
Speaker: Marylee MacDonald
Marylee MacDonald is the author of BONDS OF LOVE & BLOOD and MONTPELIER TOMORROW, winner of a Gold Medal for Drama from Readers' Favorites. She has been Writer-In-Residence for the City of Mesa, AZ Public Libraries and taught fiction for ASU's Piper Center for Creative Writing. Her stories have won the Jeanne Leiby Chapbook Contest, ALR Fiction Prize, Barry Hannah Prize, and Ron Rash Award, and her work has appeared in Bellevue Literary Review, Briar Cliff Review, Chattahoochee Review, StoryQuarterly, Yamassee, and others.
Marylee's presentation focused on "Secrets Our Bodies Reveal." Our lives, and the lives of our characters, are lived in the body. As writers, we must learn to inhabit our characters' bodies so that we can make them "real." Our senses provide the foundation for characters' feelings, thoughts, and decisions. Through writing exercises, we learned how to use the five senses to create emotional intensity on the page.
Author of MontpelierTomorrow and Bonds of Love & Blood
Website: maryleemacdonaldauthor.com
Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Goodreads
General Meeting ~ April 21, 2018
Speaker: Rebecca Bruner
Spiritual Warfare for Writers
The written word has the power to change minds and transform hearts. As Christian writers, we understand this. So does our enemy. He is threatened by the power God can wield through us, and therefore he works diligently to dishearten and disarm us. Far too many writers are uninformed about his schemes.
This workshop focused on several varieties of enemy attack including discouragement, negative self-fulfilling prophesies, and intimidation. We discussed how to counter these attacks by putting on the armor of God. We also examined common temptations that the enemy uses to entice writers to veer away from their true calling.
Speaker: Rebecca Bruner
Spiritual Warfare for Writers
The written word has the power to change minds and transform hearts. As Christian writers, we understand this. So does our enemy. He is threatened by the power God can wield through us, and therefore he works diligently to dishearten and disarm us. Far too many writers are uninformed about his schemes.
This workshop focused on several varieties of enemy attack including discouragement, negative self-fulfilling prophesies, and intimidation. We discussed how to counter these attacks by putting on the armor of God. We also examined common temptations that the enemy uses to entice writers to veer away from their true calling.
General Meeting ~ March 17, 2018
Speaker: Liz Johnson
Creating a Stand-Out Setting in a Background World
Setting is often relegated to a single line in a book report, a forgotten aspect of an otherwise good story. But sometimes, the author creates settings that stand-out and live in the readers’ hearts long after the last page. And we all want to write that book.
In workshops, four keys were explored to creating a setting that stands out and practice applying them to our current projects.
Liz Johnson fell in love with Prince Edward Island the first time she set foot on it. When she’s not plotting her next trip to the island, she is the director of marketing for a Christian radio network. She is the author of thirteen novels including the Christy Award-finalist The Red Door Inn, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She makes her home in Tucson, Arizona, where she loves to see local theater, explore history, and dote on her five nieces and nephews.
Speaker: Liz Johnson
Creating a Stand-Out Setting in a Background World
Setting is often relegated to a single line in a book report, a forgotten aspect of an otherwise good story. But sometimes, the author creates settings that stand-out and live in the readers’ hearts long after the last page. And we all want to write that book.
In workshops, four keys were explored to creating a setting that stands out and practice applying them to our current projects.
Liz Johnson fell in love with Prince Edward Island the first time she set foot on it. When she’s not plotting her next trip to the island, she is the director of marketing for a Christian radio network. She is the author of thirteen novels including the Christy Award-finalist The Red Door Inn, a New York Times bestselling novella, and a handful of short stories. She makes her home in Tucson, Arizona, where she loves to see local theater, explore history, and dote on her five nieces and nephews.
General Meeting ~ February 17, 2018
Speaker: CWOW President and award-winning author:
Ruth Douthitt
Ruth spoke about setting goals; writing goals and spiritual goals for 2018. We were challenged with our goal setting for this year!
For more information on Ruth visit: www.thedragonforest.com
Speaker: CWOW President and award-winning author:
Ruth Douthitt
Ruth spoke about setting goals; writing goals and spiritual goals for 2018. We were challenged with our goal setting for this year!
For more information on Ruth visit: www.thedragonforest.com
CWOW Annual Conference ~ January 27, 2018
Speaker: Brandilyn Collins
Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. She also writes insightful contemporary novels, often laced with humor. Her 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's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, the Inspy, Christian Retailer's Best Award (twice), and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.
Speaker: Brandilyn Collins
Brandilyn Collins is a best-selling novelist known for her trademark Seatbelt Suspense®--fast-paced, character-driven suspense with myriad twists and an interwoven thread of faith. She also writes insightful contemporary novels, often laced with humor. Her 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's awards for her novels include the ACFW Carol Award (three times), Inspirational Readers' Choice, the Inspy, Christian Retailer's Best Award (twice), and Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice.
General Meeting ~ Oct 21, 2017
Speaker: Lindsay Harrel
Do’s and Don’ts on the Road to Publication
God has written a different writing journey for each one of us, but we can still learn from the roads others have traveled. Lindsay will share her own journey, speaking to which steps she’d repeat—and which ones she’d avoid.
Lindsay is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years, and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. Lindsay’s first book, One More Song to Sing, released in 2016 and is an ACFW Carol Award finalist. Her second book will release from Thomas Nelson in 2018. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.
Online Links:
https://www.lindsayharrel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LindsayHarrel/
https://twitter.com/lindsayharrel
https://www.instagram.com/lindsayharrelauthor/
General Meeting ~ Sept 16, 2017
Speaker: Gail Gaymer Martin
Deepen Story and Grab Readers: This workshop covers techniques to deepen POV and characterization so a third person story becomes as intimate as a first person novel. Methods of using more intimate details through dialogue, introspection and emotions. Methods of heightening the story are explained through plotting and pacing.
Award-winning author, Gail Gaymer Martin, writes romantic suspense, romance; she has written fiction for Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing and is now with Winged Publications. Gail has 4 million books sold. Her books have received numerous national awards including: Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol for her romantic suspense, A Love for Safekeeping. Gail's novel The Christmas Kite, a Holt Medallion finalist, was optioned for a Hallmark television movie. She was awarded 2009 Heartsong Presents Author of the Year, and CBS local news listed Gail as one of the top four writers in the Detroit area. Gail is the author of Writer's Digest, Writing The Christian Romance. She is a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a well-known keynote speaker.
Speaker: Gail Gaymer Martin
Deepen Story and Grab Readers: This workshop covers techniques to deepen POV and characterization so a third person story becomes as intimate as a first person novel. Methods of using more intimate details through dialogue, introspection and emotions. Methods of heightening the story are explained through plotting and pacing.
Award-winning author, Gail Gaymer Martin, writes romantic suspense, romance; she has written fiction for Love Inspired and Barbour Publishing and is now with Winged Publications. Gail has 4 million books sold. Her books have received numerous national awards including: Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol for her romantic suspense, A Love for Safekeeping. Gail's novel The Christmas Kite, a Holt Medallion finalist, was optioned for a Hallmark television movie. She was awarded 2009 Heartsong Presents Author of the Year, and CBS local news listed Gail as one of the top four writers in the Detroit area. Gail is the author of Writer's Digest, Writing The Christian Romance. She is a founder of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a well-known keynote speaker.
May 20, 2017 ~ Rebecca Bruner
Title: Sustainable Writing
Rebecca D. Bruner is a retreat and conference speaker, author, wife, and mother. She has published five books in various genres, two of which were fully underwritten by crowd funding campaigns on Indiegogo.com. Rebecca's non-fiction book on marriage, A Wife of Valor, is currently a finalist in the contest for the Excellence in Editing Award. She has served as treasurer for Christian Writers of the West since 2013. She has co-led many small groups through Crown Financial Ministries. Budgeting is one of her minor super powers.
Connect with her on-line at www.rebeccabrunerauthor.com.
Title: Sustainable Writing
Rebecca D. Bruner is a retreat and conference speaker, author, wife, and mother. She has published five books in various genres, two of which were fully underwritten by crowd funding campaigns on Indiegogo.com. Rebecca's non-fiction book on marriage, A Wife of Valor, is currently a finalist in the contest for the Excellence in Editing Award. She has served as treasurer for Christian Writers of the West since 2013. She has co-led many small groups through Crown Financial Ministries. Budgeting is one of her minor super powers.
Connect with her on-line at www.rebeccabrunerauthor.com.
April 22, 2017 - Tina Radcliffe
Title: The Romantic Arc
The romantic arc is the very heart of a romance novel. How do you take two people with conflicting external and internal goals from "hello" to "I love you?" The romantic arc is all about the emotional journey that ends up with your hero and heroine finally together. Love Inspired author, Tina Radcliffe, will discuss the Stages of Intimacy as well as the Falling in Love Arc she’s created. Plus, she’ll provide some extra tips for creating romantic tension in the sweet and inspirational romance.
Love Inspired author Tina Radcliffe is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Find her at www.tinaradcliffe.com.
Title: The Romantic Arc
The romantic arc is the very heart of a romance novel. How do you take two people with conflicting external and internal goals from "hello" to "I love you?" The romantic arc is all about the emotional journey that ends up with your hero and heroine finally together. Love Inspired author, Tina Radcliffe, will discuss the Stages of Intimacy as well as the Falling in Love Arc she’s created. Plus, she’ll provide some extra tips for creating romantic tension in the sweet and inspirational romance.
Love Inspired author Tina Radcliffe is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance. Find her at www.tinaradcliffe.com.
March 18, 2017 - Gail Kittleson
Title: Expanding our Creativity
It goes without saying that authors are creative, but this workshop is designed to tweak our natural inventiveness. We always need new angles! Bring a pen and paper, because you will be put to work.
Title: Expanding our Creativity
It goes without saying that authors are creative, but this workshop is designed to tweak our natural inventiveness. We always need new angles! Bring a pen and paper, because you will be put to work.
February 18, 2017 - General Meeting
Speaker: Cynthia Hickey
The Right Choice (For You)
The differences in publishing choices and tips on succeeding no matter which path you choose. We will discuss the pros and cons of the different options then move into marketing tips.
Multi-published and Amazon Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had Heartsong Presents, cozy mysteries, and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. One won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest. Her new cozy series remains in the top 50 of Amazon's ebooks for its genre. She's sold close to a million copies of her works. She has taught a Continuing Education class at conference and is active on FB, twitter, Goodreads, and as a blogger. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA's well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs and one cat. She has seven grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that "Nana is a writer."
Speaker: Cynthia Hickey
The Right Choice (For You)
The differences in publishing choices and tips on succeeding no matter which path you choose. We will discuss the pros and cons of the different options then move into marketing tips.
Multi-published and Amazon Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey had Heartsong Presents, cozy mysteries, and two novellas published through Barbour Publishing. One won first place in the inspirational category of the Great Expectations contest. Her new cozy series remains in the top 50 of Amazon's ebooks for its genre. She's sold close to a million copies of her works. She has taught a Continuing Education class at conference and is active on FB, twitter, Goodreads, and as a blogger. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA's well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs and one cat. She has seven grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that "Nana is a writer."
January 28, 2017 - Annual Mini-Conference Speaker: Allen Arnold
The Creator’s Call…and Deeper Invitation ~ Why did God call us to be writers? The answer goes deeper and more personal than you may think – involving our identity, imagination, and heart.
Navigating the New Publishing Frontier ~ counter-intuitive insights into the realities, landmines, and possibilities of the ever-evolving publishing world gleaned from his 20 years with one of the largest Christian publishing houses.
How to Actively Create with God ~ Writers are offered many tips, tools, and formulas to help measure their progress and make it through their goals. But there is a deeper foundation to our creativity. What does it look like to actually write with God – following his rhythm and creating stories transformed by his presence?
The Creator’s Call…and Deeper Invitation ~ Why did God call us to be writers? The answer goes deeper and more personal than you may think – involving our identity, imagination, and heart.
Navigating the New Publishing Frontier ~ counter-intuitive insights into the realities, landmines, and possibilities of the ever-evolving publishing world gleaned from his 20 years with one of the largest Christian publishing houses.
How to Actively Create with God ~ Writers are offered many tips, tools, and formulas to help measure their progress and make it through their goals. But there is a deeper foundation to our creativity. What does it look like to actually write with God – following his rhythm and creating stories transformed by his presence?
Nov 19, 2016 ~ CWOW Workshop
Speaker: Ruth Douthitt
Topic: Making Connections
As writers, it is important for us to know how to connect our characters to the setting as well as to the plot and antagonist. Even if you're a seasoned writer, it is always best to practice this skill. In this workshop, we will discuss this skill and brainstorm ways to make those connections interesting to our readers!
Speaker: Ruth Douthitt
Topic: Making Connections
As writers, it is important for us to know how to connect our characters to the setting as well as to the plot and antagonist. Even if you're a seasoned writer, it is always best to practice this skill. In this workshop, we will discuss this skill and brainstorm ways to make those connections interesting to our readers!
September 24, 2016 ~ General Meeting
Speaker: Tina Radcliffe
What Have You Done Today to Make Your Dreams Come True?
Speaker: Tina Radcliffe
What Have You Done Today to Make Your Dreams Come True?
June 25, 2016 - General Meeting
Speaker: Jewell Johnson
Writing Devotionals
Jewell Johnson has sold over three hundred articles appearing in two
dozen periodicals, as well as Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul and
four A Cup of Comfort books. Jewell is cofounder of the Fountain Hills, Arizona,
Christian Writer's Group, and with her husband, Leroy, parent of six adult children
and grandparent of eight.
Speaker: Jewell Johnson
Writing Devotionals
Jewell Johnson has sold over three hundred articles appearing in two
dozen periodicals, as well as Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul and
four A Cup of Comfort books. Jewell is cofounder of the Fountain Hills, Arizona,
Christian Writer's Group, and with her husband, Leroy, parent of six adult children
and grandparent of eight.
February 27, 2016 CWOW Workshop
Speaker: Gail Kittleson
Gail presented a great workshop on Memoir Writing
Speaker: Gail Kittleson
Gail presented a great workshop on Memoir Writing
January 30, 2016 - Annual Mini-Conference
Speaker: Karen Ball
Taming the Fiction Dragons - Wrestling together with the most common problems fiction writers face:POV, Show vs. Tell, character voice, dialogue and beats. We learned what these things are, why they're important, and how to tame them in our writing.
Character Development - Digging deep to make our characters live and breathe. Explored such things as: what makes characters compelling; how to make characters believeable; developing your characters' voice; characterization thorugh scenes; characterization through relationships.
Speaker: Karen Ball
Taming the Fiction Dragons - Wrestling together with the most common problems fiction writers face:POV, Show vs. Tell, character voice, dialogue and beats. We learned what these things are, why they're important, and how to tame them in our writing.
Character Development - Digging deep to make our characters live and breathe. Explored such things as: what makes characters compelling; how to make characters believeable; developing your characters' voice; characterization thorugh scenes; characterization through relationships.
September 26, 2015 - General Meeting
Speaker: Glynnis Whitwer
10 Ways to Sabotage Your Writing - You know you don't like the way a piece was written . . . but why? In this session, Glynnis reviews some of the common techniques that weaken writing and offers practical ways to edit and avoid these traps in the future. Glynnis is an author of 9 books, a writing teacher, and executive director of communications at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Speaker: Glynnis Whitwer
10 Ways to Sabotage Your Writing - You know you don't like the way a piece was written . . . but why? In this session, Glynnis reviews some of the common techniques that weaken writing and offers practical ways to edit and avoid these traps in the future. Glynnis is an author of 9 books, a writing teacher, and executive director of communications at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
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September 27, 2014 - General MeetingGuest Speaker: Shelly Coriell
Topics :
Her debut YA, Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe, was a 2012 Indie Next Pick and Publishers Weekly praised her for her “sparkling wit and great skill in creating complex characters with memorable personalities.” A six-time Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Finalist, Shelley’s new romantic thriller series, The Apostles, will debut in April, 2014 from Grand Central Forever. Shelley lives in Arizona with her family and the world’s neediest rescue weimaraner. You can find her at www.shelleycoriell.com and Twittering @ShelleyCoriell. |
July 26, 2014 - General Meeting
Guest Speaker: Shelley Gillespie
Topic: Strategies for Successful Book Writing-Turning Your Dreams Into Reality
Award-winning journalist, writer, speaker, educator, trainer, marketing and writing consultant, Shelley Gillespie, who founded Book Writing Success Coach, spoke to us about the writing process with a fun 10 minute "sprint" to introduce a tool for overcoming writer's block.
Visit Shelley online.
Guest Speaker: Shelley Gillespie
Topic: Strategies for Successful Book Writing-Turning Your Dreams Into Reality
Award-winning journalist, writer, speaker, educator, trainer, marketing and writing consultant, Shelley Gillespie, who founded Book Writing Success Coach, spoke to us about the writing process with a fun 10 minute "sprint" to introduce a tool for overcoming writer's block.
Visit Shelley online.
May 24, 2014 - General Meeting
Speaker: Author, Karen Baney
Topic: Just Add Salt: The Recipe for Historical Details in Fiction
Historical fiction author, Karen Baney used the analogy of a recipe to teach about how to research and add historical details that add flavor and spice up our historical fiction.
Visit Karen online.
Speaker: Author, Karen Baney
Topic: Just Add Salt: The Recipe for Historical Details in Fiction
Historical fiction author, Karen Baney used the analogy of a recipe to teach about how to research and add historical details that add flavor and spice up our historical fiction.
Visit Karen online.
January 25, 2014 - General Meeting
Speaker: Author, Susanne Lakin
Topic: Sizzling Scenes: Creating Unforgettable Scenes that Really Cook:
This lighthearted workshop appealed to writers of all levels, exploring the various ways scenes can be constructed and the elements needed to make a scene sizzle. Susanne compared good writers to good cooks, who use a variety of ingredients and spices, that surprise the palate and leave a pleasant, lingering aftertaste. As writers, we want to keep the reader coming back to the table for seconds. Visit Susanne (CS) Lakin online.
Speaker: Author, Susanne Lakin
Topic: Sizzling Scenes: Creating Unforgettable Scenes that Really Cook:
This lighthearted workshop appealed to writers of all levels, exploring the various ways scenes can be constructed and the elements needed to make a scene sizzle. Susanne compared good writers to good cooks, who use a variety of ingredients and spices, that surprise the palate and leave a pleasant, lingering aftertaste. As writers, we want to keep the reader coming back to the table for seconds. Visit Susanne (CS) Lakin online.
December 7, 2013 - Christmas Party/Meeting
Speaker: Author, Pamela Tracy
Topic: The Hero's Journey
CWOW celebrated the Christmas holidays with a Christmas Party and a rousing gift book exchange, then our own Pamela Tracy walked us through an exercise which had us all pitching ideas to build the next great American novel, using The Hero's Journey as a guideline. What fun! Visit Pamela Online
Speaker: Author, Pamela Tracy
Topic: The Hero's Journey
CWOW celebrated the Christmas holidays with a Christmas Party and a rousing gift book exchange, then our own Pamela Tracy walked us through an exercise which had us all pitching ideas to build the next great American novel, using The Hero's Journey as a guideline. What fun! Visit Pamela Online
September, 2013 - General Meeting
Speaker: Author, Mona Hodgson
Topic: Researching History for the Story
Historical research involves so much more than digging into a setting or time period for historical accuracy. Mona taught us how to research the history of your chosen setting and time period for characterization, plotting, and so much more. We especially enjoyed the story of her writing journey and how God's perfect timing worked things out perfectly for her. Visit Mona Online
Speaker: Author, Mona Hodgson
Topic: Researching History for the Story
Historical research involves so much more than digging into a setting or time period for historical accuracy. Mona taught us how to research the history of your chosen setting and time period for characterization, plotting, and so much more. We especially enjoyed the story of her writing journey and how God's perfect timing worked things out perfectly for her. Visit Mona Online
July, 2013 - General Meeting
Speaker: Author, Cathy McDavid
Topic: Breaking down the Black Moment
Cathy gave us great tips for how to set up your story's black moment, starting from the first few pages and then carrying it through the book, to help us wring the most emotion and conflict from our black moment, giving the reader what they're looking for: namely, a satisfying read. Visit Cathy Online
Topic: Breaking down the Black Moment
Cathy gave us great tips for how to set up your story's black moment, starting from the first few pages and then carrying it through the book, to help us wring the most emotion and conflict from our black moment, giving the reader what they're looking for: namely, a satisfying read. Visit Cathy Online
May, 2013 - General Meeting
Speaker: Author, Ann Lee Miller
Topic: Plotting
From Seat-Of-The-Pants to Uber Outliner
From Seat-Of-The-Pants to Uber Outliner I started out writing without plotting, wandered through the Snowflake Method, Karen Weisner's extreme outlining, then developed a blueprint that works for me. I'll touch on several ways to plan a novel, anticipating that one will fit with each writer's personality. Visit Ann online.
Topic: Plotting
From Seat-Of-The-Pants to Uber Outliner
From Seat-Of-The-Pants to Uber Outliner I started out writing without plotting, wandered through the Snowflake Method, Karen Weisner's extreme outlining, then developed a blueprint that works for me. I'll touch on several ways to plan a novel, anticipating that one will fit with each writer's personality. Visit Ann online.
March, 2013 - General Meeting
Speaker: Author, Stacy Connelly
Topic: Using POV to Add Depth to Character
Stacy had us furiously taking notes as she shared techniques for adding depth to characters and moving the story forward using POV. We were especially excited about learning to use Deep POV. Visit Stacy Online
Topic: Using POV to Add Depth to Character
Stacy had us furiously taking notes as she shared techniques for adding depth to characters and moving the story forward using POV. We were especially excited about learning to use Deep POV. Visit Stacy Online
January, 2013 - Mini Conference
Speaker: Steve Laube - Literary Agent
Steve, one of the leading literary agents in Christian publishing today, gave amazing insights into the publishing world - the process, what publishers are looking for and the future of the publishing industry. He answered our questions about what an agent does, how they can help your writing career and how to obtain an agent. Visit Steve Online
Steve, one of the leading literary agents in Christian publishing today, gave amazing insights into the publishing world - the process, what publishers are looking for and the future of the publishing industry. He answered our questions about what an agent does, how they can help your writing career and how to obtain an agent. Visit Steve Online
May, 2012
Speaker: Susan Meissner
Topic: Susan led a workshop for the group on plotting your novel, as well as critiqued up to 10 pages of our works in process. What invaluable input! Visit Susan Online
Topic: Susan led a workshop for the group on plotting your novel, as well as critiqued up to 10 pages of our works in process. What invaluable input! Visit Susan Online
March 2012
Speaker: Carolyn Zane
Topic:Prayer, Prose and Perseverance
Carolyn shared about how she learned to lean on the Lord as He led her through the world’s longest maternity leave from writing as well as some insight and encouragement for anyone who has ever suffered a bit of a drought in their writing career.
Visit Carolyn Online
Topic:Prayer, Prose and Perseverance
Carolyn shared about how she learned to lean on the Lord as He led her through the world’s longest maternity leave from writing as well as some insight and encouragement for anyone who has ever suffered a bit of a drought in their writing career.
Visit Carolyn Online
February 2012
Speaker: Susanne Lakin
Topic: Shoot Your Novel - Using Cinematic Secrets to Supercharge Your Writing
We live in an era where readers are used to the fast-paced, visual play-out of movies and TV stories. Days of long passages of narration and distanced description are gone. Susanne taught us how a writer can utilize the techniques of screenwriting to play out a story so the reader can "see" it and experience it as powerfully as a film.
Visit Susanne Online
Topic: Shoot Your Novel - Using Cinematic Secrets to Supercharge Your Writing
We live in an era where readers are used to the fast-paced, visual play-out of movies and TV stories. Days of long passages of narration and distanced description are gone. Susanne taught us how a writer can utilize the techniques of screenwriting to play out a story so the reader can "see" it and experience it as powerfully as a film.
Visit Susanne Online
January 2012
Mini-Conference with Colleen Coble
Topic: Romancing the Idea
Best-selling author, Colleen Coble, talked about layers, fleshing out your idea, and taking your fiction to the next level.
Visit Colleen Online