New online resource for writers

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Are you passionate about writing? Do you want to sharpen your skills? Do you want to stand out from the crowd? (In a good way)

Then check out Jerry Jenkins's new online resource for writers: The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild - "Where Passionate Writers Learn to Sharpen their Skills and Stand Out from the Crowd."

I was a mentor for Jerry's Christian Writers Guild courses for nearly a decade and even took the Guild's Craftsman course when I branched into fiction. I loved the courses, working with the students, and watching them improve lesson by lesson and find direction. It broke my heart when the Guild shut down late last year.

But Jerry's heart has long been in been in paying back to the industry that has blessed him so much (a paraphrase of his own words), and he searched for ways to continue to help stock the pool of Christian writers.

Here's what Jerry has to say about his new website: "I'd love to come alongside you in your writing journey. I created the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild for one purpose: to help you become the writer you want to be."

What are the top 5 resources every writer needs?

What are his top 5 tips for aspiring authors?

All this, plus his weekly blog on writing, all "designed to help you improve, publish, or market your book."

I've signed up. I know the quality of material Jerry Jenkins produces. I have glimpsed into his heart - a heart that loves the Lord and wants to serve Him anyway he can, a heart that wants to help you become the writer you can be.

Click here to visit his website and get more information.

*****

Speaking of resources for writers:

The one-day Writing Success XXII writers conference in Stoneboro, Pa., is just around the corner.

The keynote speaker is DiAnn Mills, the best-selling, Christy Award winning author of over 55 novels from such publishers as Tyndale House, Zondervan, and Barbour. She's a founding member of American Christian Fiction Writers, is the current president of RWA's Faith, Hope, and Love chapter, and was a mentor for the Christian Writers Guild Craftsman course.

Her keynote address is "From Fearful to Focused."

Click here to check out the conference online at Writing Success XXII.

You can also register online.

I'll be teaching how to "Strengthen Your Online Presence" in a two-hour, hands-on workshop. I hope to see you there.


Keep writing,

Michele

WFTS conference near you

You still have time to register for the Christian Writers Guild’s Writing for the Soul Conference September 19-20 in Murfreesboro, TN,  near Nashville. It includes free admission to SuzyQ’s Author Bootcamp!

But act fast. Conference-special room rates at the Embassy Suites & Convention Center in Murfreesboro are available only through September 5.

You’ll also receive a free autographed copy of Jerry Jenkins’s Writing for the Soul book! 

Click here for details.

This is a new focus for Christian Writers Guild Writing for the Soul Conference. Instead of all the conferees gathering at one location one time a year, the conference has taken to the road and is being presented in different venues around the country. 

Says CWG: "Writing for the Soul will now be more accessible in terms of cost, timing, and convenient venues around the country. We’re targeting book authors with classes in three areas: how to write your book, publish your book, and market your book."

There will be a WFTS Conference in Hershey, PA in January. 

Happy writing,
Michele

Writing opps, webinars, and writing conference

Writing opportunities:

Callout for stories from Marsha Hubler, bestselling author of The Loves of Snyder County and the Keystone Stable series:

"I am going to do a novel series called Where Love Abounds, and I need seven authors to help write the novel. It's about a foster home with six teen foster kids (some wild, some troubled). The novel will have a romance element in it, and it will be "Christian" in content. Click here for guidelines.

I'm also looking for short stories (5000-6000 wds.) for an Easter collection. I need those stories ready to publish by January." Click here for guidelines.

CWG August webinars:

Webinars on Marketing, Dialogue, and Beginnings

The Christian Writers Guild will feature three webinars this month:

    August 5: Dave Sheets, Why the Field of Dreams Strategy Doesn’t Work (Free)

    August 12: Dennis E. “Doc” Hensley, Making Dialogue Really Talk ($10)

    August 19: Jeff Gerke, Your Novel’s First 50 Pages, Part 2 ($10)

For more information or to register, click on the title of the webinar.

You can also download past webinars to view at your convenience. Click here for more information and for a list of webinars.

West Branch Christian Writers Conference:

Writers Beyond
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
First Baptist Church, Milton, PA
Keynote Speaker: Bonnie Calhoun
Click here for more information.

Happy writing,
Michele