StepUP

Strictly Speaking Coming to Albuquerque, NM

StepUP and KKIM Christian News and Talk, are excited to announce Strictly Speaking, an all-day workshop teaching attendees how to build an oral presentation from the ground up. Shona Neff and Shonda Savage-Whitworth use their training and own experiences to teach others how to build and present a power message.

Learn how to use The Spiral Method to not only format your talk, but to incorporate all the nuances that build a powerful presentation. Hear from other speakers affiliated with KKIM Christian talk radio including Dewey Moede, station manager.

The workshop includes a working lunch where attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and chat with established Christian communicators.

If you are in the Albuquerque area and are interested in attending, the workshop will be held on Saturday, October 22 at Heights Christian Church on the corner of Lousiana and Comanche (6935 Comanche Rd. NE), from 8:30 to 3:30.

Registration is now CLOSED.

©2011 StepUP Writing and Speaking

Path to Publication, Guest Post by Linda Gilden - CLASS Christian Writers Conference Director

The straightest path to getting published these days is to learn the craft of writing and learn it well. Competition is stiff and editors and publishers are looking for writers who know how to write well.

At the CLASS Christian Writers Conference November 2-6, 2011, at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM, you can learn to write well. Editors, publishers, and professional writers will be there to instruct, guide, and inspire. CLASS CWC is a great conference but what makes it unique?

One of the things that makes CLASS Christian Writers Conference different from others is that you can walk on to the campus of the CLASS conference unpublished and leave as a published author! How can that be?

Conferences 2011

Sho & Sho (aka Shona Neff and Shonda Savage Whitworth) attend conferences and workshops every year to learn more about the writing and speaking industry, improve our skills, make professional connections and meet new people. We both encourage you to attend conferences.

Therefore, we've listed a few conferences below that may be near you or of interest to you. This list is not conclusive, nor are we compensated to promote these conferences or workshops.

For Speakers

The CLASSeminar - three days of speaker training for "Christians who want to learn how to communicate with style and power.”

July 25-27 - San Antonio, TX

August 15-17 - Los Gatos, CA
September 12-14 - Calgary, CANADA

Christian Writers Conferences - February to April 2011

Do you desire to be published? If so, it is imperative to attend a writers conference.

Facebook, Twitter, and any other type of social media are great tools for staying connected. However, nothing replaces the face-to-face connection with publishers , editors, and fellow writers.

Let's face it, reality is who you know. How will you know people unless you go meet them?

Also, the information learned from the workshops, classes and keynote speakers are extremely valuable. Market trends shift frequently and it's imperative to stay abreast of changes.

Here's a list of a few upcoming writers conferences (not conclusive). If you want more information about upcoming Christian writers conferences, please refer to Sally Stuart's 2011 Christian Writers' Market Guide.

What NOT to Do

Sho & Sho are overflowing with insights, information and upcoming projects from our recect trip to the CLASSEMINARS Writers Conference.

On the first night of the conference, the staff presented a video on what not to do if you want to be published. This video by CLASSeminars conveys the message very clearly, so take a few minutes to know what not to do.

 

 

How NOT to Get Published from CLASSEMINARS on Vimeo.

Sho & Sho at CLASS Writers Conference

Sho & Sho shared a wonderful week with lots of like-minded people who want to share God's message through writing and speaking. The CLASS Christian Writers Conference was held at Ghost Ranch, in Abiquiu, New Mexico.

What was so fabulous about going to the ranch? No cell-phones and limited wi-fi connections! We had time to seek the Lord and He gave answers. Also, we learned so much that we have lined up lots to share with you over the next few months.

The theme of this year's conference was called "Out of the Overflow." Sho & Sho are overflowing with information to disseminate what we learned from the workshops. But, more exciting are the interviews we've lined up over the next few months.

Watch for upcoming interviews with Caleb Breakey, award-winning journalist and mentor to teen writers, on Vlogging, Linda Canup, editor of In-Touch Magazine, on query letters, Joshua Williams of WinePress Publishing on self-publishing, author and speaker, Jan Johnson, on career building, and much more!

We'll share a few pictures here on the blog but to see the full album, jump over to our facebook page.

Easing Writers Conference Anxieties

In the fall of 2008, I attended my first writers conference in Glorieta, NM. I can still remember the anxieties I felt about going. Jittery thoughts bombarded my mind.

Who am I? I shouldn't be wasting my family's finances on an endeavor like this.

 I like to write, but who wants to read my work.

 Oh! I have a message to share and the whole world should hear it. I can do it. No, I can't.

 As a nobody, how do I talk to an editor?

It took me two long days to drive to New Mexico from south Texas, so I had plenty of time to entertain thoughts. But in between those thoughts came lots of ideas. My mind was too full to relax.

Once I arrived and registered, I planned on doing everything. After all, this was an investment, and I was going to use it wisely. However, by the second day, I was too exhausted to fit everything in, so I paced myself. In retrospect, I think the blowing and going was my attempt to control the nerves.

Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference

Are you feeling a nudge to attend a writers conference?

There is still time to sign up to sign up for the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference, but time and space is running out so act fast!

The conference will be held November 5–6, 2010, at The Wesleyan Church World Headquarters in Indianapolis. Keynote speaker Jerry B. Jenkins, author of more than 175 books including the New York Times best-selling series, Left Behind, will be sharing insights and inspiration that will advance your writing skills! Also, publishing professionals from Wesleyan Publishing House, Tyndale, DaySpring, and others in Christian publishing will present workshops and one-on-one consultations that will inform and encourage you as a writer.

Seating is limited, so register today at www.IndyChristianWritersConf.com or by calling 800.493.7539.

See you November 5-7!!

 

Maranatha Christian Writer's Conference

Are you in the Muskegon, Michigan area? Time is running out and so is space. It is time to act if you are interested.

The Maranatha Christian Writer's Conference, scheduled for September 27-October 1, 2010, is full of exciting/informative sessions and workshops to meet all interests. Registration includes a couple of complimentary books by Sally Stuart and Den Slattery.

Jerry B. Jenkins, author of over 175 books, joins the team of experts to answer questions and help writers meet their goals.

Other industry experts include Lynn Austin, Crystal Bowman, Dennis Hensley, Holly MIller, Mary Lou Redding, Sally Stuart, James Snyder, and James Watkins. Burt Kettinger will lead worship. For more information call 231.798.2161 or visit their website at http://www.writewithpurpose.org/.

(c)2010 StepUP Writing and Speaking Services

The Southwest Christian Writers Studio: A Conference to Meet Many Needs

 
Lifeway Conference Centers, Glorieta location, has played host to many writers conferences. After a brief hiatus, this beautiful venue, nestled in the mountains of northern New Mexico, is again welcoming writers to its facility October 19-22, 2010.

This event is operated in partnership with the LIfeway organization. It is the sister conference to the well-known Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference held annually in North Carolina.

Like its eastern counterpart, the Southwest Christian Writers Workshop offers a variety of workshops and encounters with professionals from the world of writing. But, unlike the Blue Ridge conference, which is one of the countries largest, SWCWS is limited to 100 people. The smaller size enhances attendee's learning, practice, and fellowship experience.

As with most conferences, there is something for everyone no matter their level; beginner to the more seasoned.