Winter 2012 color newsletter

OREGON CHRISTIAN WRITERS
WINTER 2012 NEWSLETTER
INSIDE AT A GLANCE
n
2, 5
Winter Workshops
3
Lyla Swafford’s Story
n Teaching Aboard Cruise 4
6
n Summer Conference
n Recalling Nanci Huyser 6
7
n Money Matters
7
Networking
Pays
Off
n
8
n OCW’s Business
8
n Prayer Team
9
n Recap from October
n Libraries as Markets 9,10
11
n Poets’ Corner
n Winter Schedule
12
n
OCW’s doctrinal statement
is the Apostles’ Creed (see
masthead, Page 3), to which
our presenters adhere. Our
aim is to glorify God and to
help writers grow in their
craft. OCW does not necessarily endorse the theological opinions expressed by its
presenters in print or spoken word.
OCW Offers Opportunities to Serve
S
CRIPTURE CONTAINS
PRESIDENT ’S CORNER
Mary A. Hake
SEEMINGLY contradictory
admonitions, which, when folOCW President
lowed, prove true. “It is more
president@
blessed to give than to receive” oregonchristianwriters.org
(Acts 20:35 KJV). “The first
advice—and volunteering is a
shall be last; and the last shall
great way to serve others. The
be first” (Matthew 19:30 KJV). joy of doing so brings abun“Whoever wants to become
dant blessings.
great among you must be your
Many volunteer in their comservant, and whoever wants to
munities—helping at schools,
be first must be slave of all. For
hospitals, care centers, churcheven the Son of Man did not
es, and in organizations. OCW
come to be served, but to
is one such place that utilizes
serve” (Mark 10:43–45 NIV).
volunteers. We are a not-forprofit group run by generous
Jesus offered the supreme
volunteers. Your officers and
example of selfless service durothers who help with confering His years on earth. We do
ences sacrificially serve you.
well to follow His divine
They give of their time and
effort to encourage and assist
others in the writing journey.
I am not sharing this to solicit
affirmation or attention, but to
express appreciation for my fellow workers. We can never
thank you enough for all you
do to keep OCW running
well. I won’t begin a specific
list because I could never name
everyone, but do know how
grateful we are for the part you
play. May God continue to
bless and guide your writing
and ministry for Him.
Speaking of volunteers, OCW
can always use willing workers. Contact any board member for ways you can be
Please see SERVING on Page 6
Lauraine Snelling Explores What’s Real in Writing
SNELLING is the author of
more than 50 books and a member
of the Two Million Books in Print club.
While in high school, she dreamed of
writing horse books for girls. Tragedy on
the Toutle, published in 1982, launched
Lauraine into a career that has spanned
more than three decades of successful
writing and publishing.
L
AURAINE
After writing her beloved horse books,
Lauraine dreamed of writing romances,
but only contemporary ones. Then, after
saying she would never write historical
romances, God blessed her with historical
novel upon novel, teaching her it isn’t
always wise to say “never” to God. Her
gift of writing has crossed the boundaries
WINTER
2012
MEET YOUR KEYNOTER
Marilyn Rhoads
FEBRUARY 25
OCW Program Coordinator
program@
oregonchristianwriters.org
CONFERENCE
RED LION HOTEL
SALEM
of fiction,
nonfiction,
short stories,
and numerous articles.
Her writing
Lauraine Snelling
journey has
taught her the value of trusting God,
whatever the genre.
Influenced by her Norwegian heritage,
Lauraine wrote the Red River of the
WHAT IS REAL?
North family saga beginning with An
Untamed Land, which was so well received
it spurred a trilogy. Reader demand caused
her to create several historical series, many
located in the mythical town of Blessing,
based on the actual town of Drayton,
North Dakota. The people of “Blessing”
have written and performed an original
play and honored Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, with a parade in Drayton.
Her work has been translated into
Please see REAL on Page 2
REAL ...
From Page 1
Norwegian, Danish, and
German.
The writing life presents
challenges, and Lauraine
says it pushes her to the
outer limits of her craft
with its “crazy, wonderful,
mind-boggling, depressing, ornery, fun,” and
hard work—more than
she ever thought possible.
She has found perseverance is the trait most
necessary for a writer in
any genre to possess. She
says a stick-with-it mentality and developing
“alligator hide” to survive
the rejections are the two
most critical elements for
any writer to learn.
When asked for advice,
she says writers can
improve their craft by
attending writing conferences, participating in
local events, joining critique groups, and utilizing
media/online resources.
Success has given
Lauraine the opportunity
to meet writers through-
Lauraine’s Books
Red River of the North series
Return to Red River series
Daughters of Blessing series
Home to Blessing series
Dakotah Treasures series
Secret Refuge series
Wild West Wind series
Golden Filly series
High Hurdles series
Dakota Stories I
Dakota Stories II
On Hummingbird Wings
One Perfect Day
Breaking Free
The Brushstroke Legacy
Saturday Morning
Hawaiian Sunrise
The Gift
The Healing Quilt
The Way of Women
Yuletide Treasures
Once Upon a Christmas
Washington
What About Cimmaron?
A Hand to Hold
2
out the country at conferences, where she teaches her esteemed coaching
classes and workshops.
Her goal is to help other
writers reach their
dreams. She mentors others through book doctoring and her Writing Great
Fiction CD/workbook
set. She also writes on
technical aspects of the
writing journey.
Lauraine’s style is noted
for dealing with real,
everyday issues that confront women today. Her
contemporary romances
and women’s fiction
probe the issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic
violence, and cancer.
Gifted in “telling a good
story,” Lauraine has been
awarded the Silver Angel
award for An Untamed
Land and a Romance
Writers of America
Golden Heart for Song of
Laughter.
Her latest book, Valley of
Dreams, released in
November 2011.
Tehachape, California, is
home for Lauraine and
Wayne and a Basset
hound named Winston.
The couple has two
grown sons.
First Corinthians 13 is
Lauraine’s favorite chapter in the Bible. She says
she has a Ph.D. in hugging and no one has ever
refuted her yet!
Come and hear a devoted author who writes
about today’s issues,
employing Christ’s love.
Lauraine will speak to
your heart and encourage you in your particular writing projects. T
Workshops to Warm
the Coldest Winter
BY MARILYN RHOADS
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
A. Keynote speaker Lauraine
Snelling will teach “Avoiding Prats
and Pitfalls.” As writers we have
always heard to write what we
know. And nobody knows us like
we know ourselves. But this can be
dangerous territory. Learn ways to
avoid the traps that can plague our
writing. Avoid unnecessary problems and complications in your
plots, manuscripts, and articles.
B. “Songwriting—Keep It
Original!” will be presented by Julie
Hoy. There is so much music in
the world, but only one you.
Release the unique song God
placed inside you by developing the
skill of listening, and gain the
courage to write about life. Come
discover the creative process and
develop writing techniques to
accompany the music of your soul.
Julie is a wife and mother, a published songwriter, singer/performer,
author, and storyteller. She blesses
her audience with a sense of humor
combined with humility. Her
dream is to share the gifts God has
placed within her.
C. “Is Your Clock Going Cuckoo?”
will be taught by Charlotte
Kardokus. Have you ever accepted
a writing project, only to have life
overwhelm you with challenges?
Do you find yourself ignoring your
honey-do list, skipping sleep, or
family gatherings to meet that all-
important deadline? Like writing,
developing time-management skills
is a journey. With practice and
guidance, you can achieve your
writing goals and enjoy life. Learn
the keys to time-management success and meet those deadlines.
Charlotte, a past OCW newsletter
editor, has presented workshops at
several one-day conferences, and her
writing has appeared in four Cup of
Comfort books, LIVE, Christian
Communicator, and Alive Now as
well as other publications. She works
full time for the state of Oregon.
She is the mother of two children
and has three grandchildren.
D. “Writing for a Secular
Audience” will be taught by Jodi
Detrick. Writers, as Christ-followers, put fingers to keyboard to
make a difference. This happens
when God uses what we’ve written
to strengthen, encourage, and/or
challenge our fellow believers. But
what about those outside the family
of faith? Is it possible to reach nonbelievers about Christian issues?
“Yes!” says Jodi. Your writing can
reach the “unchurched” and those
skeptical toward organized religion.
Jodi will talk about how she started
writing for the “Faith & Values”
column in The Seattle Times and
how Christians can write to make a
difference both to those who
believe and those who don’t—yet.
Jodi has been a regular, rotating
columnist for The Seattle Times since
Please see WORKSHOPS on Page 5
“And you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32 NLT
WINTER 2012
Lyla Swafford: ‘It Takes
More than Legs to Stand’
BY MARION DUCKWORTH
OCW PRAYER TEAM
OCW LEADERSHIP TEAM
President
Program Coordinator
Treasurer
Secretary
Business Manager
Summer Conference
Director
Julie Zander
Newsletter Production
& Managing Editor
Angella Foret Diehl Webmaster
Samuel Hall
Photographer
Dawn Shipman
Critique Group
Coordinator
Nora Peacock
Publicity Coordinator
Sally Stuart
Market Expert
Marion Duckworth Prayer Team
Eva Gibson
Prayer Team
Petey Prater
Prayer Team
Mary A. Hake
Marilyn Rhoads
Billie Reynolds
Susan Maas
Sue Miholer
Lindy Jacobs
Founded in 1963, we are an organization
of writers, both amateur and professional,
who are Christians. Our members write for
both ministry and markets, and subscribe
to the following doctrine expressed in the
Apostles’ Creed:
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus
Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin
Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended
into hell; the third day He arose again from
the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at
the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living
and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the
holy catholic* church, the communion of the
saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection
of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”
* that is, the true Christian church of all
times and places
© All articles are printed with the permission
of the respective authors. Contact the editor or
the individual author for reprint information.
If you want additional newsletters to distribute
in your community, please contact Sue Miholer
at [email protected].
Let her know how many copies you want and
where you want them sent.
Y
OU MAY HAVE SEEN a petite,
dark-haired woman with a big smile
riding a blue scooter at Oregon
Christian Writers conferences. Her
name is Lyla Swafford, and she has a
story to tell that she calls, “It Takes
More than Legs to Stand.”
Pronounced dead at birth, she fought to
live. Months later, however, she was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. “Doctors
weren’t sure I’d ever walk.” But as a result
of physical therapy and dogged perseverance, she did so, “although my balance is
terrible,” she adds. Determined to do the
seemingly impossible, she went on to
graduate from George Fox College.
“Surely achieving my career goals would
take away the stigma of having a disability. But when the doors to a career were
slammed in my face, disappointment and
disillusionment overwhelmed me. So my
walk with God became as precarious as
my gait and balance. But He was setting
the stage for me to learn that my value
comes from my relationship with Him
and not from what I do. He also began
to teach me that everyone has issues that
make them struggle with self-worth.”
Flashing that smile, she brags that her
crowning achievement, however, is that
as a single mother, she raised a daughter.
Rachael received her master’s degree at
Lyla’s alma mater, George Fox, and now
teaches music at Edwards Elementary in
Newberg, Oregon.
Not content to watch life from the sidelines, Lyla has volunteered as a counselor
and led recovery groups at Good
Samaritan Ministries, and is a board
member of Border Mountain and has cofacilitated their Healing After Loss seminar. In addition, she is the vice-chairman
WHAT IS REAL?
Marion Duckworth has worked with
Lyla Swafford to help her share her story,
which she calls “It Takes More than Legs
to Stand.”
of the Governor’s Home Care
Commission, and, as a member of Joni
and Friends, said she hopes to start a
group in the Portland Metro area.
Besides all that, Lyla is a business owner.
She also loves to travel. In 1985, she had
the privilege of going to Poland, Egypt,
and Israel with Good Samaritan
Ministries.
“Painful challenges need not sideline us,”
she says with conviction. “God’s grace
will enable us to stand.” T
3
OCW Writer Teaches Aboard World Cruise
BY PATRICIA RUSHFORD
FORMER OCW SUMMER CONFERENCE DIRECTOR
E
VEN THOUGH I LANDED THE JOB teaching creative writing on board a cruise ship, I still find it hard to believe.
It was by far the most unique experience I’ve ever had. About
two years ago, my husband and I sent our bios to an agency
that finds instructors for cruise ships. I was told that writers
were seldom, if ever, needed.
Then came the email requesting a creative writer for a roundthe-world cruise leaving in two weeks: January 5, 2011. I
applied and got the job. The fee to the agency was much
higher than we could afford, but how could we pass up this
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? We couldn’t. So I signed on
and went to work. Acquiring visas and everything required
for entering the various countries seemed impossible, but
God worked it out perfectly. We received our visa from India
and flew out the same day. I’m still in awe.
Each day we were at sea was a workday for me, and, during
the course of that four-month trip, I had 50-plus class times.
I put together and gave 40 PowerPoint lectures and wrote a
new mystery, Strangers in the Night (Summerside), in addition to editing my latest Guidepost book. I wrote a blog
almost every day (still available at www.patricia
rushford.blogspot.com) and must have taken more than
1,000 photos. I accomplished more than a year’s worth of
work in those four months, but … I had full-time housekeeping, delicious meals, a pool to relax beside, a library
with a comfy chair and an ottoman, and entertainment
every night. No telephone calls to take and a very expensive,
unreliable Internet service. On my days off, we were in
port—some 50 ports—too many to name, but you can read
about them in my blog.
Along with these perks, I had students, most of whom wanted to chronicle their amazing journey with journal writing,
blogging, photographs, and souvenirs. Many students came
and went, but a core group of a 10 to 12 serious writers came
to nearly every session. Several were intent on writing and
publishing their memoirs; others wanted to pursue a writing
career. Along with lecture time, I set aside class time for writing and critique.
Several times during the course of the trip, I wondered why I
was there. After all, God had parted several seas to get me
there, so He must have had a purpose. I counseled, mentored, encouraged, and taught—all the things I do at home. I
talked writing with a pastor grieving over the loss of her husband, a woman due to be married on the ship but not wanting to go through with it, a doctor with amazing ideas who
needed to know his concepts were publishable, an ecology4
Ron and Patricia Rushford
pose while sailing into Sydney,
Australia. The top photo shows
ship near Alofi Nuie port, and
at left is the square in
Christchurch destroyed in an
earthquake just 10 days later.
minded retired teacher, a photographer/poet who had the
most profound way of expressing himself through photos and
words, a delightful singer/pianist who needed encouragement
to write. The list goes on and on. Perhaps I was there for
them, or it could be that God was granting me a gift, for that
is certainly how I felt. Blessed.
Would I do it again? The ms Amsterdam is once again looking
for a writer—this time for 50 days. Though I would love to
apply, I won’t—not in 2012, at least. Maybe in 2013 when
several of my students are planning another world cruise. T
WINTER 2012
WORKSHOPS ...
From Page 2
2007. She is a writer, speaker, and coach
who serves as national chairperson for the
Network for Women in Ministry. She lives
with her husband in the Seattle area.
E. “Seven Ways to Power Past
Rejections” will be taught by Ann Shorey.
Rejection is as much a part of the writing
life as learning how to use Track Changes
in your Word program. Rather than praying that “no” doesn’t happen to you, learn
seven tips about rejections and why they
can enhance your career. Some of the topics include: “Don’t listen to well-meaning
friends”; “Consider the source”; and
“Don’t set timetables.” Come prepared to
learn practical skills to overcome rejections, rebuffs, and refusals to publish your
material. Be encouraged and avoid the
pitfalls on the way to success.
Ann is a multi-published (and multirejected) author. She has been a story collector and a full-time writer for more
than 20 years. Her writing has appeared
in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul
and the Cup of Comfort series. The Edge
of Light, The Promise of Morning, and The
Dawn of a Dream compose the At Home
in Beldon Grove series. Where Wildflowers
Bloom, releasing in January 2012, is the
first book in her Sisters at Heart series.
F. Judy Gann will teach “Behind the
Stacks: Secrets of Library Marketing
Revealed.” Independent bookstores are
closing their doors and book chains and
big-box discount stores primarily stock
books by best-selling authors—forcing
most authors to seek new markets. The
public library is becoming a popular
source for sales. Explore ways to connect
with libraries throughout the country.
Learn to present yourself and your books
in a “library-friendly” manner and how to
partner with them to present writers’
workshops and participate in author
events. Find out about the selection/ordering process and trends in library purchasing. (Hint: Christian fiction is “hot.”)
Judy is an author, speaker, and librarian
with more than 25 years’ experience. She
provides training to publishers’ marketing
teams, publicists, and authors about how to
market to public libraries. She is the librarian behind Library Insider™, a program to
assist publishers and authors in marketing
to public libraries (www.libraryinsider.com).
The author of The God of All Comfort:
Devotions of Hope for Those Who Chronically
Suffer (AMG Publishers), Judy lives in
Lakewood, Washington.
G. Jennifer Anne Messing will present “A
Poet’s Journey: From Passion to
Publication.” She will discuss the journey
poets take to discover what poems are and
where they originate, and she will offer
ideas on how to find your unique voice.
Learn how to enhance your creativity and
write meaningful, heart-stirring poems.
Jennifer Anne will also teach the fundamentals of writing, editing, and marketing. Learn tips on finding lesser-known,
but equally important, markets for publishing your poetry.
Jennifer Anne, a past OCW president, is
an author, poet, columnist, speaker, and
vocalist from Portland. She is a wife and
mother of three children. With a bachelor’s
degree in Christian education and a diploma in journalism and short-story writing,
she has published more than 180 poems,
articles, short stories, and movie reviews in
55 different magazines and books. Her
credits include Bible Advocate, The
Christian Journal, The Proverbs 31 Woman,
The Secret Place, Evangel, LIVE, Standard,
Seek, The Gem, Christian Fiction Online,
Examiner.com, and Nudges from God. She
has authored two poetry gift books, and
Morning’s Promise: Poetic Moments in His
Presence will appear in 2012.
Driving Directions to
Winter Conference
Red Lion Hotel, 3301 Market Street
N.E., is located just west of I-5. Take
Exit #256 (Market Street) and go west
(right if you’re coming from the north,
left if you’re coming from the south)
one block. The hotel is on the north
side of Market.
H. Angella Foret Diehl will present
“Blogging Bootcamp.” Blogging is an
important tool for fiction and nonfiction
writers. Walk through the best blogging
practices, learn how to interact between
your blog and social media, and discover
how to use your blog as your author’s
website. Angella will present examples of
successful author blogs and websites and
give you practical information for setting
up your “home on the Web.” Learn about
the ethics of your Web presence and practice the five “Ws” of blogging: Who,
What, When, Where, and Why. (Note:
non-technical presentation.)
Angella is a freelance writer, web/blog
designer, and self-professed “food nerd.”
Involved in OCW for more than 14
years, she serves as the organization’s webmaster. Her writing credits include The
Oregonian, Christian News Northwest,
technical magazines, national newsletters,
and Internet publications. Angella is the
mother of two active boys and enjoys
reading, knitting, and teaching art and
writing to elementary students. T
Marilyn Rhoads,
left, OCW program
coordinator,
introduces Angella
Foret Diehl at the
fall conference.
Angella will once
again teach her
popular workshop
on blogging at the
winter conference.
WHAT IS REAL?
5
SERVING ...
From Page 1
involved—whether it’s a one-time
service or ongoing. Giving back to
the organization that helped you in
your writing career is a great way to
serve. Maybe now is the time for
you to come alongside others who
can benefit from your knowledge
and experience.
We are looking for a new newsletter
editor since Julie Zander wishes to
step down—she has other responsibilities filling her time. Anyone
interested contact me (president@
oregonchristianwriters.org) or Julie
(newsletter@oregonchristian
writers.org). She is willing to mentor
her successor. Someone experienced
with layout and design is preferred.
OCW will also have openings for
two new officers this fall. The president’s and treasurer’s second terms
are ending, which are all that elected
officers are allowed. Candidates for
president must have held an elected
OCW office in the past. The treasurer writes checks and keeps track of
OCW expenditures, working closely
with our accountant. Please let me
know of qualified candidates. I am
also recruiting a nominating committee at this time, to be introduced
at our winter meeting.
Plan to Attend OCW’s Summer Coaching
Conference August 13–16, 2012
“Speak of His Wonders”
Psalm 105:2
“O
NIV
At our winter conference in Salem,
we will have a prayer room available
all morning and special prayer time
there during lunch. Please join us in
prayer for God’s will and His glory
to be seen in Oregon Christian
Writers. T
66
OCW Summer Conference Director
summerconf@
oregonchristianwriters.org
CW SUMMER CONFERENCE
is one of the best in the country,” say editors, agents, and conferees. We
offer top-notch instruction, manuscript
reviews, one-on-one meetings with editors
and agents, and networking in a professional yet casual setting. Aldersgate
Conference Center is set in the heart of
Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley, the
perfect spot to refresh and renew writing
goals!
OCW’s conference is also one of the most
reasonably priced. Tuition for OCW
members will be $365, and $425 for nonmembers, with a special youth rate of
$325 for those 23 and younger. Onsite
housing, which costs from $160 to $275,
includes meals.
Watch our website www.oregon
christianwriters.org, where we’ll be posting
the latest news about coaching classes, faculty, manuscript submissions, mentor
appointments, and registration.
I look forward to seeing you this summer!
One way everyone can volunteer to
participate is through prayer. We
need prayer support daily as we labor
in the harvest field for the Lord.
Remember, we are in a spiritual battle and prayer helps defeat the
enemy. Please pray for OCW and for
each other. Our prayer team produces a monthly prayer that is
emailed to members and posted on
our website. We plan to add specific
prayer requests and reminders too.
SUMMER CONFERENCE
Lindy Jacobs
Following is a preview of our ever-growing
faculty:
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
aJim Rubart, best-selling author (Rooms,
Book of Days, and The Chair) and marketer
aCec Murphey, best-selling author and
coauthor (90 Minutes in Heaven, Gifted
Hands: The Ben Carson Story, and 120
other books)
EDITORS
aLonnie Hull DuPont, Revell, a division
of Baker Publishing
aNick Harrison, Harvest House
aKim Moore, Harvest House
aRamona Richards, Abingdon Press
aWendy Wetzel, Revell, a division of
Baker Publishing
aChad McComas, The Christian Journal
aJohn Fortmeyer, Christian News
Northwest
aSherri Langton, Bible Advocate
Please see SUMMER on Page 7
Remembering OCW Member Nanci Huyser
BY GAIL DENHAM
OCW MEMBER
Nanci Huyser, a longtime OCW member who had moved
to Texas, was killed
in an auto accident
in early November.
Nanci will be
remembered for her
wonderful
smile. She was active
in photography
and had her devotionals included in the
W
WINTER
INTER2012
2012
Cup of Comfort series and other compilations. Nanci also co-authored a book
called What a Ride! (the Terry Holland
story) and was an English major at
LeTourneau University just before her
death. Nanci took part in many OCW
summer conferences—even after she
moved to Texas—and Writer’s Weekend
at the Beach retreats. My memories
include evening chats in our rooms and
swimming in our clothes at Canby.
Memorials can be made to Kilgore Bible
Church Mission Fund at 3810 County
Line Road, Kilgore, TX 75662. T
SUMMER ...
From Page 6
aJoanna Lutz, Focus
on the Family
aPaul Smith, LIVE
aAndy Meisenheimer, The Editorial
Department
aSteve Barclift,
Kregel
aJeff Gerke, Marcher
Lord Press
AGENTS
aSandra Bishop,
MacGregor Literary
aTerry Burns,
Hartline Literary
aBill Jensen,
William K Jensen
Literary
aLes Stobbe, Stobbe
Literary
aNatasha Kern,
Natasha Kern Literary
PRO WRITERS
aSusan May Warren,
My Book Therapy
aRachel Hauck,
My Book Therapy
aRandy Ingermanson
aCaleb Breakey
aDavid Sumner
aLeslie Gould T
Unwrapping the Gift of Networking
E
VERYBODY
… sing with
me! “Come on ring those
bells! Light the Christmas tree
…” Although the carolers have
gone home to hot chocolate and
the Christmas excitement has
subsided, I continue to enjoy
some very special gifts from
OCW throughout the year. Tied
up in ribbons of expectancy and
hope, an ever-growing network
of friends and professional relationships blesses my life.
Attending Oregon Christian
Writers’ conferences ranks right
up there with letting a child
loose in a candy store with a
$20 bill—except the end result
proves much healthier.
The network of relationships I
have with OCW writers offers
me encouragement and expertise. As the years go by, I know I
can go to my widening circle of
friends who will comfort me
when a rejection letter comes,
urge me on when I need a nudge
to keep writing, and give me a
high-five when an article sells. In
turn, at each conference I experience the blessing that comes
with cheering on my fellow writ-
ers I have come to know
and love. No day-afterChristmas sale can rival
the value of OCW’s network of mutual caring
and support.
SPREADING THE WORD
Nora Peacock
Publicity Coordinator
publicity@
oregonchristianwriters.org
Our treasurer, Billie Reynolds,
summed up the importance of
networking when she shared this
insight with me: “Great writing
does no good put away in a
drawer. You’ve got to take it out
and do something with it.”
OCW offers that place to “do
something with it.”
Beyond the support of wonderful friendships and godly leadership I find at OCW, I look forward to learning and marketing
opportunities through meeting
pro writers, editors, and agents.
Within 20 minutes of my arrival
at the 2011 summer conference,
I connected with Gail Denham
on a poem that then appeared in
the next OCW newsletter. At
the 2009 summer conference,
Lin Johnson, editor of Christian
Communicator, accepted six of
my articles. Since that conference, I’ve experienced the privi-
lege of continuing to write for
this excellent magazine. Through
OCW, some of the doors that
have opened to me include The
Secret Place, LIVE, and Dr. Gary
Chapman projects.
New writing opportunities now
show up on my doorstep from
the expanding network that
comes from years of
editor/agent appointments,
attending workshops and coaching classes, and shared conversations over meals, leisurely walks,
and cups of coffee. This year, I
received a most precious gift—
the opportunity to mentor a
young writer whom I believe
will one day make an amazing
mark on the world.
And so the networking spreads
as we pursue excellence one
friendship at a time, one conference at a time—from generation
to generation. T
Time to Renew Your OCW Membership for 2012
O
CW HAS CHANGED accounting
firms. We are now served by Keizer
Business and Tax Service. Our business
manager, Sue Miholer, was present when
the baton changed hands in late November.
As was mentioned at the October business meeting, OCW funds are down a bit
and we encourage you all to send in your
membership dues, if you haven’t already
done so, and to invite new members to
join. Why? Because OCW offers great
opportunities to help you reach the cor-
MONEY MATTERS
Billie Reynolds
OCW Treasurer
treasurer@
oregonchristianwriters.org
rect markets to sell your professional writing. You writers know marketing requires
contacts with people who know and represent publishing well.
All OCW conferences (both one-day
and the summer coaching conference)
WHAT IS REAL?
offer great classes for beginners and for
those who have sold for years. Everyone
needs to keep up with the ever-changing
styles and markets. A strong OCW
membership will permit us to maintain a
professional, successful association for
writers of all types of Christian fiction
and nonfiction: prose, poems, books,
articles, scripts, and curricula.
OCW aims to faithfully represent quality
writing that furthers the Kingdom, while
being good stewards of our finances. T
7
Glorious God
of All Helps
PRAYER TEAM
Petey Prater
OCW Prayer
Coordinator
peteyprater@
yahoo.com
C
W
E WERE AHEAD of the curve in
our New Year’s resolutions this year
by making some changes last fall in how
we do OCW’s business. Although these
transitions were not particularly conceived as cost-cutting measures, it
appears the new arrangements will save
us money in the long run.
RISIS AND DISORDER
rule our day. Teach us
the right way to go, counsel
us with Your eye upon us, as
You have promised (Psalm
32:8–10). Send us grace and
answers to our difficult
problems; encompass us
about with Your mercies and
loving-kindness. Help us
pray for our enemies, loving
them like You do. We hide
in You; be our sanctuary,
our safe-house in every
stormy blast.
We lift our hands in praise
and worship, choosing to
sing to You. Your character
is trustworthy; Your Word
fills us with hope. There is
no God like You. You alone,
Lord, have become our
Rock, the firm foundation
upon which we stand.
Thank You, Father, for hearing prayer and quieting our
fears. Your presence clothes
us with peace as we sit in
silent meditation before
You. Thank You for bending
down and delivering us. In
spite of every circumstance,
we walk in freedom because
of Your great love. Amen. T
8
Changes Keep OCW on Solid Ground
If you used a credit card in the bookstore at
the October conference, you know we are
using a new portable credit card terminal
called SquareUp, which plugs into an iPad2
purchased by OCW to handle these transactions. Having this equipment meant we
were able to cancel our terminal-based credit-card merchant account (which required
access to a phone line), saving us several
dollars a year in rental fees. SquareUp also
charges us a smaller percentage of each
transaction, and we anticipate it will pay for
itself in about a year.
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, we
have engaged the services of Keizer
Business & Tax Service to handle our bookkeeping. This transition from our former
bookkeeping/tax service was well-timed,
making KBTS responsible for our recordkeeping starting October 1, the first day of
our new fiscal year.
The Salem firm that has printed our
newsletter for several years is consolidating
operations to its Washington-based plant
and our account executive will be finding
other employment in the Salem area. Our
current newsletter was printed and mailed
by GISI/Lazerquick. You might notice that
the address area, which also shows the expiration date of your OCW membership,
looks a little different.
Perfect segue into my pitch for you to
renew your membership—or join for the
first time. If there is no date by your mailing information on this newsletter or the
date is 10/1/11 or earlier, you are not a current member of OCW. Even if you will be
unable to attend the February 25th conference, you can use the registration form on
WINTER 2012
MINDING OCW’S BUSINESS
Sue Miholer
OCW Business Manager
contact@
oregonchristianwriters.org
page 13 to take care of your dues. You can
also do that online, where you will be
charged an additional $1 per transaction.
Here are some benefits of being a paid
member of OCW:
aLower fees for conferences ($25 less for
one-day conferences and $60 less for the
2012 summer conference).
aA monthly e-newsletter with lots of great
writing-related information you won’t find
on the OCW website. Example: Sally
Stuart’s Q&A column and notice of writing
opportunities.
aAlerts during the month as we become
aware of writing opportunities that cannot
wait until the next e-newsletter.
aYour writing news (upcoming book signings, contracts, sales, etc.) included in the
monthly e-newsletter. This information will
also be posted on the OCW website for all
the world to see, and you can include a live
link to your website, etc.
aSelling your books in the bookstore at
OCW conferences.
aRegistration for summer conference
opens to members on March 25—one week
before it is available to the general public.
We have about 240 paid-up members,
which is lower than our number before
October 1, 2011, because many have not
renewed for the current fiscal year. Those
of you who haven’t renewed or joined will
miss out on belonging to a writing organization that taps into the heart of the writing world and is well-respected in the field
of writing for Christian publications. T
Writers Must Sing a Song of Zion Libraries a
B
with our
writing, we must “enter His courts with
thanksgiving in our hearts,” according
to Clint Kelly, keynote speaker at our fall
conference in Portland. Speaking on “the art
of reinvention,” he exhorted writers to “be
excited about the act of creation because,
through our writing, we act on that gift.”
EFORE WE DO ANYTHING ELSE
We will have problems, Clint continued,
because this is not our Promised Land. We
are strangers in a foreign land, and, like the
Israelites in Babylon, must “sing a song of
Zion while in exile.” We do that through
our writing.
Singing a song for Zion can take many
forms, and Clint has shown that in his own
writing. His first book was a cartoon-andtrivia book about Everett, Washington, written to reach out to the community. Later,
he became widely known as an
adventure/thriller writer. Not one to focus
on a single genre, Clint has also sold an article on the history of the potato, a series of
greeting cards, a devotional for kids, books
on parenting, and recently his first romance,
White Water Preacher, written under the
pseudonym Carolyn Bravo.
Clint advises writers to pray expectantly and
not to limit God, expecting He can only
answer in one way. We can also feed our creativity by pursuing our special interests, which
may in turn lead to writing opportunities.
Clint gave practical advice on “romancing
the editor.” He stressed that we should “let
professionalism and humility shine through”
as we approach editors and remember that
winning the editor’s heart with one article
will open the door to more possibilities.
According to Clint, the easiest articles to sell
KEEPING UP WITH OCW
Susan Maas
OCW Secretary
secty@
oregonchristianwriters.org
are: 1) anecdotes and short pieces, since editors always need fillers; 2) seasonal humor
articles, and not just on well-known holidays; and 3) the evergreen article, a timeless
piece with general interest that can be used
to fill a hole in any issue.
After Clint’s presentation, President Mary
Hake opened the business meeting. Marilyn
Rhoads agreed to serve another term as program coordinator, and Susan Maas was
elected as the new secretary.
Treasurer Billie Reynolds reported that the
OCW is solvent and well-funded, and that
one-day conferences have been self-sufficient. However, outgo exceeded income for
the 2011 summer conference, and increased
operating expenses caused the general fund
to sustain a loss during the past fiscal year.
Since we have operated with a cushion in
our accounts for the past several years, there
was more than ample funding to address
these shortfalls. Leadership is implementing
ways to remain financially solvent in the
current fiscal year. We hope to do that without raising the cost of membership.
Publishing accomplishments were read;
however, the following two items were inadvertently left out. Shelley Houston formed a
publishing company, JustDust Publishers,
featuring her debut novel, Julia, Coming
Home, and Allister, a children’s chapter
book. And Mark McIntire, a summer conference volunteer, had three poems published in Gold Man Review.
Several first-time
conference attendees stepped forward and received
OCW tote bags
as welcome gifts.
Thanks to Clint,
they heard about
the many possibilities awaiting
them. T
Clint Kelly holds his traveling companion,
a rubber chicken, as he inspires writers
during a speech at OCW’s fall conference.
WHAT IS REAL?
Prime Market
for Book Sales
BY JUDY GANN
OCW MEMBER
A
S A FORMER ELEMENTARY
schoolteacher, my favorite
part of the day was
reading to my students. When the
school where I was
teaching closed, it
seemed the perfect
time to attend gradu- Judy Gann
ate school and obtain my degree in
librarianship. I was a children’s
librarian for 25 years. During that
time I started an early literacy program at my library. I now work as a
substitute and review and select
Christian fiction for our library system.
Why should an author or publisher market to public libraries?
Don’t libraries compete with
bookstores?
Libraries have long been one of
the most overlooked markets in
publishing. Many authors fear
sales to libraries cut into their
sales—if the library doesn’t carry
the book then someone will buy
it. Studies indicate otherwise.
Library Journal recently surveyed
library patrons throughout the
United States for its new online
publication, Patron Profiles. This
study shows that more than 50
percent of all library users go on
to buy books by an author they
were first introduced to at the
library. In addition, an entire segment of the public never enters
bookstores or purchases books
online, especially in tough economic times. Ruth Liebmann,
Please see LIBRARIES on Page 10
9
LIBRARIES ...
From Page 9
director of Account
Marketing at Random House
says it so well: “A library book
does not compete with a sale.
A library book is a sale.”
Another fallacy is that libraries
compete with bookstores. In
truth, today an increasing
number of libraries partner
with bookstores for author
events, promotion, and even
hosting publishers’ sales reps. I
encourage authors to think of
libraries as an additional market, not instead of bookstores.
How did you become
involved in training authors
and publishers in how to market to public libraries?
I’ve always been passionate
about placing Christian materials, particularly Christian fiction, in public libraries.
Several years ago Maxine
Marsolini, OCW program
coordinator at the time, asked
me to teach a workshop on
marketing to libraries at an
OCW summer conference.
Although the information has
been updated and expanded,
that workshop became the
basis for “Behind the Stacks:
Library-Friendly Marketing.”
I presented this workshop to
the Career Track at the Mount
Hermon Christian Writers
Conference in 2009. Several
editors and authors expressed
interest in the idea of marketing to libraries. Janet Grant
and Wendy Lawton, agents
with Books & Such Literary
Agency, saw the potential in
marketing to libraries, and,
along with Kelli Standish and
her PulsePoint Design team,
partnered with me to develop
Library Insider™, which
debuted March 2011.
10
What is Library Insider and
how does it benefit authors?
What type of books do librarians purchase?
Library Insider is an innovative
library marketing tool that
includes a selective database of
public libraries in the United
States as well as individualized
training in the best practices for
marketing books to libraries.
Purchasing decisions are based
on the library’s mission statement as well as the community’s reading interests and information needs. Every library
has a mission statement (usually on its website) based on
its directive to meet the community’s educational, informational, and recreational needs.
When considering a book for
purchase, librarians ask themselves questions such as: Is this
genre popular with our
patrons? Does it fit our demographic? What is the
author/publisher’s credibility?
Is it available through distributors? Patron requests are
another key factor in deciding
whether to purchase a title.
Library Insider’s database,
Library Locator, is a selective
(based on size of collection,
open hours, and number of
staff ) searchable database of
more than 2,500 public
libraries. It is updated monthly and includes the name and
contact information of the
buyer or purchasing decisionmaker at most libraries.
“Behind the Stacks” training
includes and expands on the
information I’ll be presenting
in my workshop at the oneday conference in Salem. It is
individualized training geared
to the author’s specific titles.
The fact that the database is a
selective list of libraries allows
subscribers to target the
libraries most likely to purchase their materials. This is a
huge value in these days of
limited marketing dollars. Yes,
other databases are available
online. However, none are as
selective, complete, or updated
monthly as is Library Locator.
Subscribers also receive a quarterly newsletter filled with
library marketing news, dates
of upcoming library events,
and tips for reaching the
library market.
For more information about
Library Insider, please check
out our website at
www.libraryinsider.com. We
also post library news and
marketing tips on our
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/libraryinsider.
Libraries are purchasing an
increasing number of Christian
fiction titles as this genre grows
in popularity with our patrons.
Most library journals (Booklist,
Library Journal, etc.) review
CBA fiction titles regularly.
It’s a bit more difficult to
place Christian nonfiction
titles in public libraries. Unless
you’re a local author, you need
to be an expert in your field or
write about popular topics
such as parenting.
Is there a knack for persuading
libraries to carry your books?
As with all areas of promotion,
check with your publisher
before marketing to libraries
so you aren’t duplicating their
work. Publishers are realizing
the importance of the library
market and may partner with
you in your efforts.
Start with your local library.
Introduce yourself to the librarians early in your book project.
We have a wealth of online
WINTER 2012
databases and other materials
to aid you in your research. We
love to help local authors! Most
libraries carry local authors’
books. Provide your library
with ordering information
before the release date.
Three to four months before
your book releases create a professional-looking promotional
flier targeting libraries. This
flier should include a color
cover photo, brief description
of the book, short author bio,
and snippets of reviews from
major publications (if available)
or endorsements. Note if book
is available through major distributors.
Send your promotional flier to
libraries. Be sure to send promotional materials to the local
library in the location where
your book is set.
Do libraries purchase self-published books?
As a general rule, we purchase
few self-published books. The
major obstacle for self-published authors is that their
books aren’t available through
major distributors such as
Baker & Taylor and BWI (children’s). Libraries purchase 95
percent of their materials
through distributors rather than
purchasing through publishers
or individual authors. If you’re
considering self-publishing
through a custom publisher, ask
if their titles are available
through major distributors.
Many public libraries will purchase copies of self-published
books by local authors or
accept donated copies.
Libraries play a critical role in
the ever-changing publishing
world. I hope all authors will
include public libraries in
their marketing plans. T
Poets’ Corner
To have your poetry considered for the
OCW poets’ page, mail it to:
Poets’
Corner
Gail Denham
P.O. Box 3542
Sunriver OR 97707
or email your poetry
to Gail at
[email protected].
See you there!
Sam Hall photo
Gail welcomes submissions up to l0
lines, and especially appreciates fresh
lively works so she can help others in
OCW appreciate poetry. Also, Gail
welcomes your comments.
The Poets’ Corner
is moving to the
OCW website.
Watch the OCW website for a new poets’ page every few months.
WORD TUMBLERS
I CAN DREAM, CAN’T I?
Deep in an exciting book, I want
to be that author, cash her royalties,
speak at high-class conferences,
dress in long-flowing brilliant dresses.
Barring that, I’d settle for an attic
with bay windows, deep chairs in which
to burrow, and dream stories that touch
everyone’s heart with joy and envy.
ON THE BEACH IN HAWAII
Is it okay, to
soak in the sun? To watch old
worries float away?
Haiku by Dawn Shipman
I collect stones along the beach
much the same way I gather words.
Just as oceans, rivers, and my rock
tumbler at home wears down rocks’
rough edges, so do I trust my friends
to tumble my phrases that my words,
like rocks, might emerge, smooth
and polished, things of beauty
that reflect the glory of God.
...Linda Jett
...Gail Denham
ESSENCE
On his way to sweat blood
and be kissed by a traitor,
Jesus paused in a vineyard
with his friends
to talk about union.
Like a branch in the vine,
incomprehensible to my intellect,
knowable to my spirit,
the God place in me.
...Marion Duckworth
Photos courtesy of Gail Denham
Clipart: free or public domain
Layout: Charlotte Kardokus
WHAT’S MISSING?
NO WORRIES
Child of God, stop your worry. With open
eyes, recognize God’s miracles in your life.
Be glad God holds wonderful surprises for you.
His plans reach far beyond your imagination.
Wait for God’s help when troubles come.
God does not panic. Why should you?
Cover your heart and mind in prayer.
Your risen Lord will take away your worry.
...Maureen J. Kirk
WHAT IS REAL?
the shoelaces
these worn shoes need
to hold them together
prayer
ties to God
keep the shoes strong
find the laces
...Tracie Heskett
11
“What Is Real?”
Oregon Christian Writers Winter One-Day Conference
Red Lion Hotel, 3301 Market Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Saturday, February 25, 2012~8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 NLT
8:30–9:00
Registration, Continental Breakfast, Bookstore
9:00–9:30
Welcome and Introductions: President Mary Hake
Music: Julie Hoy
Devotions: Sam Hall
9:30–10:20
General Session I: Lauraine Snelling, “What Is Real in the Writer’s Life?”
10:20–10:50
Morning Break: Refreshments and time to visit the bookstore
10:50–11:40
General Session II: Lauraine Snelling, “What Is Real in the Writer’s Work?”
11:40–12:20
OCW Business Meeting: Summer conference update, recognition of new members, report
on members’ publishing accomplishments, and introduction of workshop teachers
12:30–1:35
Lunch served buffet style, $12: Grilled marinated chicken; mixed green salad; rice salad with
curry, craisins, and cucumbers; whole green beans with almonds; and a brownie (must be
ordered by 2/18)
1:40–2:40
Workshops—Session 1 (Choose One)
A. “Avoiding Prats and Pitfalls”—Lauraine Snelling
B. “Songwriting—Keep It Original!”—Julie Hoy
C. “Is Your Clock Going Cuckoo?”—Charlotte Kardokus
D. “Writing for a Secular Audience”—Jodi Detrick
2:40–3:00
Break—Bookstore is open
3:00–4:00
Workshops—Session 2 (Choose One)
E. “Seven Ways to Power Past Rejection”—Ann Shorey
F. “Behind the Stacks”—Judy Gann
G. “A Poet’s Journey”—Jennifer Anne Messing
H. “Blogging Bootcamp”—Angella Foret Diehl
All workshops are suitable for all writers—beginner to advanced.
Any major changes to this schedule will be posted at www.oregonchristianwriters.org.
CDs available from Sound X Design at the conference and after the conference at [email protected]
12
WINTER 2012
OCW WINTER 2012 ONE-DAY CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
Saturday, February 25, 2012 ~ 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fill out this form for mailing to:
Oregon Christian Writers * 1075 Willow Lake Road North * Keizer, OR 97303
or register online at www.oregonchristianwriters.org
Name:
(Print your name as you want it to appear on your name tag. Fill out the rest of your contact info if you are new or if your
information has changed.)
Address
City
Phone
State
Zip code
Email address
q I have enclosed my membership fee to join (or renew my membership), making me a member through September 30, 2012.
Please check the appropriate box in the Membership Dues section below. I have read and ascribe to the OCW Statement of
Faith (in masthead Page 3).
please initial
q I will be bringing my books to sell at the OCW book table. (This privilege is reserved for speakers and OCW members.)
q Please consider me for a scholarship, which I will need in order to attend. My explanation is enclosed.
q I have enclosed a donation of $
for the (please check one)
OCW One-Day Scholarship Fund or
OCW Summer Conference Memorial Scholarship Fund. (Money donated to these funds is not tax-deductible.)
Registration
q Lunch (reserve by Feb. 18)
q Conference fee (members)
$12.00
$25.00
q Conference fee (nonmembers)
$50.00
q Full-time student conference fee
$25.00
q Late fee (after Feb. 18)
$5.00
2012 Annual Summer Coaching Conference
Turner, Oregon
August 13–16, 2012
“Speak of his wonders,” Psalm 105:2 NIV
Keynote Speakers:
$36.00
$24.00
$24.00
$48.00
Workshops with fewer than three preregistered may be
cancelled.
Award‐winning, best‐selling authors Jim Rubart (Rooms) and Cecil Murphey (90 Minutes in Heaven)
a Morning intensive coaching classes
a Aernoon workshops covering ficon, nonficon, poetry,
magazine arcles, greeng cards, devoonals, and markeng
Manuscript reviews
Career mentoring with leading authors
One‐on‐one appointments with naonal editors and agents
Editor and agent panels
Daily worship and devoons
Jim Rubart
q Single
q Senior (62 and older)
q Student
q Couple
I plan to attend the following workshops:
Session 1:
Session 2:
qA
qE
qB
qF
qC
qG
qD
qH
Oregon Christian Writers
a
a
a
a
a
Membership Dues
(Paying one of these amounts will make you a member
through September 30, 2012.)
Total amount enclosed: $
Cecil (Cec) Murphey
See faculty, curricula, and lodging details at www.oregonchristianwriters.org.
Registration opens April 1.
WHAT IS REAL?
13
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
PORTLAND, OR
PERMIT 3908
Oregon Christian Writers
1075 Willow Lake Road North
Keizer, OR 97303
WINTER 2012
NEWSLETTER
www.oregonchristianwriters.org
Join us:
“What Is Real?”
Winter One-Day Conference
Saturday, February 25, 2012
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
with
Lauraine Snelling
Red Lion Hotel
3301 Market Street N.E.
Salem, Oregon 97301
(Driving directions inside–see Page 5)
OCW CALENDAR
May 19, 2012
Spring One-Day Conference
Northwest Christian University
Eugene, Oregon
Keynoter: Karen Ball
August 13–16, 2012
OCW Summer Coaching Conference
Aldersgate Retreat and Conference Center,
Turner, Oregon
Keynoters: Jim Rubart and Cec Murphey
October 13, 2012
Fall One-Day Conference
Multnomah University
Portland, Oregon
Keynoter: Colleen Coble