T 20 ’S N CW HA
H
R! EA Y
Heart of America Christian Writers Network Fall Conference:
WORDS
OF
LIGHT AND LIFE
November 12-14, 2009
Held in the Greater Kansas City area at: Colonial Presbyterian Chuch, Quivira Campus, 12501 W. 137th Terr., Overland Park, Kansas
You’ll find all this and more! Check out our stellar faculty. Combined, they have decades of experience, and they’re eager to share their expertise with you! This year, for HACWN’s 20th Anniversary, we’re excited to offer an even broader scope of networking and personal help than ever before! More agents and resources for advanced writers, as well as more practical guidance for intermediate and beginning writers, too. From Thursday options (see inside), you’ll enjoy workshops that cover more areas of the writing and selling world than ever before. As always, you’ll learn what editors are looking for — and be able to talk to editors and seasoned writers for feedback and pitching ideas. Take your first step to spreading words of light and life ...by registering today!
Do you want your writing to lead people to the right Light and path for living? (Ps. 119:105) Want to make connections with an editor and meet others who can help you along the way? Want to develop your skills and learn about new writing styles and opportunities?
Featured Faculty (more inside)
Ginger has been the managing editor of Today’s Christian Woman, which is evolving into Kyria. Now working with three more newsletters, she is looking for writers!
Ginger Kolbaba -TCW/Kyria, CTI E-zines
Formerly a key writer for Veggie Tales, Cindi knows children’s writing inside and out. She also represents Winepress publishing and adult fiction.
Cindy Kenney -Winepress/Children’s
Jim is an award-winning author of 14 books and 2,000 articles, as well as an acquisitions editor with Wesleyan Publishing House, where he works with Vista weekly paper and other editorial projects. Linda is Managing Editor for In Touch Magazine, with Dr. Charles Stanley's ministry. She loves working with freelancers who have great stories to tell and care about their craft. She needs writers now.
Jim Watkins - Vista, Wesleyan Press
Les has been in Christian writing for years, working on the publishing side with several large publishers. Now he uses those experiences to be an outstanding agent in the Christian market.
Les Stobbe - Stobbe Literary Agency
Linda Canup - In Touch
Mary Sue has been selling books to romance, women’s and nonfiction publishers for years. She has seen much success especially in the romance market and specializes in inspirational fiction.
Mary Sue Seymour - Seymour Agency
David is managing editor for CLC Publications. He has a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in religion, and comes to us with 27 years of experience in writing and editing.
David Fessenden - CLC Publications
Terry has been a top agent with Hartline for several years. Besides writing western novels, he has sold many books to big and small publishers all over the U.S. He is especially open to new clients.
Terry Burns - Hartline Literary
Amber Weigand-Buckley - On Course
Amber is the Editor for the Assembly of God teen publication, On Course. and needs writers to help penetrate the youth heart and mind. Acquisitions Editor for AMG Publishers, Rick is looking for several niche markets, including fantasy novels for teens, and a number of other nonfiction areas. He is actively looking for new writers, as well as established ones.
A Publicist with Reliant for several years, Monica is adept at helping writers develop their platforms, and helping them penetrate large markets in the mainstream media and elsewhere.
Monica Foster - Reliant PR
Rick Steele - AMG
A seasoned freelance writer, Rusty specializes in taking the message of Christ to a skeptical world. A winner of the Amy Foundation, he’s eager to tell you about this organization that pays writers to share the Good News!
Rusty Wright - Amy Foundation
Jeff Edmondson- Premier Studios, Susie
ADDITIONAL FACULTY
Steve Hewitt - Christian Computing Magazine, Christian Video Magazine
Steve is a specialist at helping churches and individual Christians know how to effectively use technology.
Now with Premier Studios, Jeff is also working with former Brio editor, Susie Shellenberger, to develop Susie magazine.
Dwight Widaman - MetroVoice
Jim Mathis
of Mathis Photography Studios
For 20 years Dwight has brought informative Christian reporting to Kansas City. He’s ready to help writers connect to the journalism front through MetroVoice
Chris Folmsbee - Barefoot Ministries
Chris Folmsbee is the new Youth Publishing Manager at Barefoot Ministries.
(For the most up to date listing of faculty and their complete bios, see www.HACWN.org.)
HACWN Pro Members Adjunct Faculty
Charlotte Adelsperger
LeAnn Campbell
Carol Russell
Pamela Sonnenmoser
Rebecca Thesman
Lee Warren
HACWN Advisory Board (and their specialties)
Ardy Kolb
(non-fiction articles, devotions)
Jeanette Littleton
(editing, articles, books)
Zeta Davidson
(articles, personal experience)
Mark Littleton
(books, fiction, articles, agent)
Sally Jadlow
(poetry, short stories, fiction)
Pat Mitchell
(non-fiction, devotionals)
Sally Danley
(devotions, articles, speaking)
Karen Morerod
(articles, columnist)
HACWN CONFERENCE WRITING CONTEST
SHORT STORY: 1,000 words maximum. POETRY: rhymed or unrhymed. 40 lines maximum. ARTICLE: 800 word maximum. DEVOTIONAL: 225 word limit. CHILDREN’S STORY: 700 word limit BOOK: up to 1,000 of first chapter and a three-sentence summary of the book’s focus
CATEGORIES:
OTHER DETAILS: •Open to all those who plan to attend the HACWN Conference in Nov. 2009. •Send only unpublished work. •Entry fee: $2.00 each piece, send check made out to HACWN with entries. •Format: All entries except poetry should be double-spaced, 1 inch margins, 12 point, Times New Roman font. In the upper right hand corner of all pages except the first, put one word of the title in CAPS and then the page number. Don’t put your name on your work—it appears only on the cover sheet. •Cover Sheet: In upper left hand corner type your name, address, phone, e-mail. In the upper right hand corner put number of words and the category. For poetry, put the number of lines and the category. Center the title halfway down the page. •Mail submissions flat in a 9 x 12 manila envelope with an SASE and your check to Sally Jadlow; 10802 W. 102 St.; Overland Park, KS 66214 •Deadline: November 1• • Winners will be announced at the Saturday group session. •Prizes: Winners will receive HACWN bucks to use toward membership, conferences, or other HACWN offerings.
CONNECTING
FREE APPOINTMENTS:
WITH THE
PROS
At the conference you can sign up for free10-minute appointments with faculty members to show them your manuscript, pitch an idea, or talk to them about your writing. Also chat with faculty members and others about your ideas at lunch, coffee breaks, and other times! FIRST PAGES: When editors and agents pick up a manuscript, what makes them read on — or quickly put the manuscript down? Through First Pages, an editor/agent panel will read the first page of your manuscript and discuss:Would I keep reading or would I reject this (and why)? Send in your first page, double-spaced, of any manuscript or poem, and $10 for your manuscript. A limited number will be accepted. Get the insight you need to get published. Contact Mark at MLittleton@earthlink.net or 816459-8016 if you’re interested. We’re offering more services than ever before for you...to help you be the best professional possible and to fit your needs. Each paid critique is $35 for 20 minutes of personalized attention with faculty members.
PAID CRITIQUES AND SERVICES:
MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUES A favorite service for years! Have the faculty member of your choice give you feedback on your manuscript (article up to 2500 words, or a book proposal with one sample chapter). He or she will come to the conference prepared to sit down for 20 uninterrupted minutes with you to discuss your writing. WEBSITE CRITIQUES Do you have a blog or website you’d like feedback on? Get pro input to make your Internet presence reflect your goals. PUBLIC SPEAKING CRITIQUES Writers often have to develop speaking skills to promote their books and other projects. Meet with Christian Leaders and Speaker Services (CLASS) professional Pamela Sonnenmoser, and get her feedback on your 7 to 10 minute speech. She’ll let you know know what you’re doing right and what areas need improvement. MARKETING/PR PLAN CRITIQUE/CONSULTATION Do you have a book coming out and need help thinking through your marketing strategy? Are you trying to brand yourself or start a speaking ministry and want some input on your marketing plan? Monica Foster will be happy to sit down with you and help you evaluate and plot your plan of action INTERVIEW COACHING How would you handle yourself if you’re on a radio or television show? With a walk-through and expert advice, you’ll be prepared to do a great interview, and to help the interviewer do a good job on your message. PORTRAIT SERVICES When an editor wants a picture of you to run with an article, what will you provide? The family Christmas photo? A digital photo some-one snapped while you were on vacation? Professional photographer Jim Mathis will bring his studio on site to snap your smiling publicity photo in the quality format you need for magazines, websites, and your own promotion. You’ll get IF YOU’RE A PROFESSIONAL HACWN MEMBER you are welcome to attend dinner with this year’s HACWN faculty members. During this time you can network with the editors around the table. Cost is only $12, but this is limited to Professional Membership: $35 annually, Active benefits plus: HACWN members who are have the o Listing and photos on website with links to your page Professional level membership. o Professional Members Only events.
PRO/FACULTY DINNER
Not A HACWN Member? Join now for the best conference prices and other benefits: Active Membership: $25 annually o HACWN’s monthly newsletter. o The HACWN membership directory. o Event discounts. o E-mail monthly marketing updates. o Free bi-weekly critique group. Associate Membership: $15 annually o Subscription to HACWN’s newsletter. o HACWN membership directory.
OPTIONAL THURSDAY JUMP-START SESSIONS FOR THOSE WHO WANT MORE OF A GREAT THING! The past couple of years, our optional pre-conference sessions on Thursday have been so popular, and our faculty has so much to offer that this year we’re expanding the Thursday options. For only $30 extra, you can enjoy your choice of two of these sessions: How to Get the Most Out of the Conference – TBA Beginning Writers - TBA Query Letters - TBA Pitch and Promote Like a Pro –Terry Burns Hooks, Books, and Great Beginnings – Mary Sue Seymour From Idea to Finished Article (or Book) – TBA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER13: 3:00-5:30 OPTIONAL JUMP-START SESSIONS 7:00-9:00 OPENING SESSION: Meet the editors and learn what they’re looking for. Sign up for editorial appointments. Keynote FRIDAY, NOVEMBER14: 8:00-8:30 REGISTRATION 8:30-5:05 WORKSHOPS, ETC.
Do you have a published book? We invite you to place your books for sale in our conference bookstore. HACWN will sell them for you (minus a 15% commission for HACWN members; 20% for non-members). For forms, contact Ardy at ArdyKolb@juno.com, And on Friday evening, after the session, all conferees are invited to attend an Autograph Party! You can have authors autograph your books and have a free ice cream sundae!
NEW THIS YEAR: AUTOGRAPH PARTY!
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
5:25 FACULTY/PROFESSIONAL DINNER 7:00-9:00 EVENING SESSION AND AUTOGRAPH PARTY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER15: 8:30-3:30 WORKSHOPS, ETC. 3:40-4:30-5:00 AWARDS AND FINAL KEYNOTE SEE FULL SCHEDULE ON WWW.HACWN.ORG
Building Blocks of Writing for Children – Cindy Kenney PR Firms and Building a Platform – Monica Foster Negotiating Book Contracts – Les Stobbe Basic Fiction: Idea to Proposal – Mark Littleton How To Write Great Devotionals – Mark Littleton Writing For Women – Ginger Kolbaba Ask the Agents – Terry Burns, Les Stobbe, M. Seymour The Writer as Speaker – Pamela Sonnenmoser Basics of Digital Photography – Jim Mathis How to Manager Your Time – Rusty Wright Marketing – LeAnn Campbell Basic Article Writing – Lee Warren Blogging – Jeff Edmondson Plugging into Youth Culture – Amber Weigand-Buckley Using the Five Senses in Your Writing – Cindy Kenney Write Articles That Editors Will Love –Ginger Kolbaba Manuscript Preparation – Carol Russell Building a Writer’s Platform – Jeff Edmondson Writing From the Skeletons in Your Closet – Sally Jadlow Creating a Fiction Page-Turner: Pacing – Cindy Kenney The Wired Writer: Plugging into the Internet – Jim Watkins How to Make the Most of Public Relations – Monica Foster Making a Living Writing – Terry Burns Self-Publishing Q and A — TBA Writing for Seekers and Skeptics – Rusty Wright Writing Tight: Eliminate Wordiness – Rick Steele
WORKSHOPS
Writing Opportunities at Christianity Today – G. Kolbaba Finances and the Freelance Writer – Lee Warren Screenplay Writing Basics – Mark Littleton Self-Editing for Better Writing – Dave Fessenden Top Ten Tips for a Terrific Picture Book – Cindy Kenney Stage to Page: Turning Messages into Manuscripts – Jim Watkins Using Fiction to Spread God’s Word – Terry Burns Writing Devotionals for Fun and Profit – Mark Littleton Writing the Nonfiction Book – Les Stobbe Things You Gotta Know About Being a Writer –G. Kolbaba Using Humor in Your Writing – Jim Watkins The Write Personality – Pamela Sonnenmoser Collaborative Writing – Les Stobbe Heavy Topics With a Light Touch – Jim Watkins Writing for the Secular Market – Rusty Wright Creative Nonfiction in Today’s World – Rebecca Thesman Poetry and Free Verse – Charlotte Adelsperger Dialogue Development in Fiction – Cindy Kenney Writing for Denominational Publications – Dave Fessenden Refresh: Tapping Your Creative Well When You’ve Hit that Dry Spell – Amber Weigand Writing for the So-What Crowd – Ginger Kolbaba Make At Least $25.000 a Year Writing – Mark Littleton Writing in the Golden Years – LeAnn Campbell Writing Romances – Mary Sue Seymour
Tired of inflation? So are we. So we’re keeping your basic conference rates at the same low prices as last year. And you can get an even better deal! Save $10 for every friend you get to come to the conference who didn’t come last year. Just make sure your friends put your name in the friend line on their registration forms when they send in their payment. If you include their forms and checks with yours, you can deduct $10 per person from your amount. If they send in their forms later and have you listed, when we receive their payment, we’ll credit you for $10 per person. You’ll get your cash refund at the conference. Get enough friends to come, and it can cover your full conference amount! Take advantage of this Friend Offer even if you didn’t come to the conference last year.
WE’VE SAID NO
TO INFLATION!
Registration Form
Name: Address: City: State: $225 (after Nov. 1) $255 (after Nov. 1) $250 (at door) $280 (at door) $150 (at door) $180 (at door) Total conference fee enclosed: Phone: E-mail: Zip:
Partial Conference (Either day and an evening) Active/Pro Members $105 (before Nov. 1) $125 (after Nov. 1) Associate/Non-Members $135 (before Nov. 1) $150 (after Nov. 1)
Full Conference (Thursday Night - Saturday): Active/Pro Members $200 (before Nov. 1) Associate/Non-Members $230 (before Nov. 1)
Thurs. afternoon Jump-Start options: add $30 total to conference fee
Optional Individual Paid Critique/Services (Circle which): Manuscript Website Marketing/PR Speaking Interview ($35 for each. Please e-mail manuscripts to Mark at MLittleton@earthlink.net) Portrait by Jim Mathis ($35) Membership fees: Professional $35 Active $25 Associate $15 Total paid critiques/services: Total membership fees:
Meal option: Friday simple lunch (for any conferees) $8.50 Friday night professional and faculty dinner (HACWN professional members only) $12 Saturday on-site simple lunch (for any conferees) $8.50 Total Meal Options: Minus Friend registrations and payments enclosed (must be enclosed to get discount at this time): (Remember, all fees are tax-deductible!) TOTAL ENCLOSED: Sure! You can pay by credit card! Contact Sally at 816-313-1892 or fill out this form below: Visa Signature: I’m a Friend! Please credit my friend $10! Friend’s name: Mastercard Number Exp. Date: —
Send this form, with your check of the appropriate amount to: HACWN Registrar Sally Danley, 5420 Blue Ridge Cutoff #517, Kansas City, MO 64133 Questions? Contact Sally at 816-313-1892 or srdsonshine@sbcglobal.net