Important – Scroll down beneath the timeline for important last-minute info.

 

Note: Roland Brubaker’s phone number had a typo. It is 267-978-9221 if you need help with luggage or a ride. I’ve now corrected it below.

Pre-Conference Timeline

Please note: Dates are NOT padded!

Due	Task	Done
July 8	Book flight and send itinerary to Marlene. Run info by Marlene first if she is paying all/part of this.
July 8	Return contract to Marlene. Scan, save as PDF or JPEG, and email to [email protected]. Note lodging preference on contract. If staying off campus (your expense), make reservation ASAP. Return Book Consignment/Order/Donation form to Marlene. Scan, save as PDF or JPEG, and email. Include titles you will recommend in class.
July 15	Mail free-lit and give-away books to Cairn University Attn: Rebecca Irizarry, Events & Facilities Writer's Conference Freebies 200 Manor Avenue, Langhorne, PA 19047 Mail items you want to sell to address above unless you prefer to bring with you. (20% consignment fee on items sold) Click Here for consignment form REQUIRED to be included. Email hand-outs to [email protected] We're going GREEN! Handouts will be on website instead of being printed out.
July 20	Expect to receive (via email) manuscripts for your paid critiques (if any).
July 29	Expect to receive approximate count of number in your workshop. Expect to hear from driver if you need a ride from the airport.
August 3	Feel free to attend Early Bird Workshops at 1:00, 2:15, and 4:45. Rooms at Cairn University available at 1:30. Optional first-timer's orientation at 4:00. Focus on conferees but also helpful for first-time faculty. Faculty dinner at 5:45. Get food in cafeteria and bring tray to Eagle's Nest. Opening session Marty Goetz in Concert, 7:30 pm.

 

Now . . . for some last minute info:

Counts - Below is the present count of the number signed up for workshops and continuing sessions. This number is likely to change since, as usual, not everyone has told us what they plan to take. Then, too, I tell them they are not locked into their choices but are free to go wherever Father leads them. I trust we'll get last minute registrants and walk-ins. We now have 187 conferees less 15 cancelations. That's a far cry from the almost 300 conferees we’ve had in the past and the only the second time in 33 years of ministry that it looks like we’ll have less than 200, but God sees hearts, not numbers, and I know He will provide. 

Wednesday Early Bird Workshops 
If you arrive early, you’re more than welcome to slip into a workshop.

1:00 - 2:00
E1  HT Speak with Passion, Power, and Polish (Part 1) – Yvonne Ortega (14)
E2   Writing Aticles Editors Will Love (Part 1) – Ann Knowles (4)
E3   Writing Romantic Suspense – Alice Wootson (2)
E4   Journaling Your story (cancelled)
E5   Writing for the HEART of the Child – Carol Wedeven (8)
E6   Narrative Nonficiton –  Marti Pieper (5)

2:15 – 3:45
E7   HT Speak with Passion, Power, and Polish (Part 2) – Yvonne Ortega (12)
E8   Writing Articles Editors Will Love (Part 2) – Ann Knowles (4)
E9   Indie Publishing 101 – Larry Carpenter (11)
E10 Harness the Power of the Tweet – Angela Schans (5)
E11 Create a Winning One-Sheet – Bob Hostetler (6)
E12 Fictional Characters Anonymous – Hana Haatainen-Caye (4)

4:00 – 4:30 First-timer’s Orientation (more for conferees but you’re welcome to attend)

4:45 - 5:45
E13 Starting Appointments Out on the Right Foot – Tim Shoemaker (6)
E14 Prayer and the Writer’s Life – Ava Pennington (5)
E15 Blogging your Way to Publication – Bob Hostetler (18)
E16 Ten Most Common Writing Blunders (cancelled)
E17 Add Humor to Your Writing – Debbie Hardy (5)
E18 Top 20 TIps for Dynamic Devotional Writing – Cheri Cowell (5)
E19 The Wonerful World of Wordpress Widgets – Cyle Young (4)
 

Continuing Sessions
1   Master the Memoir – Patricia Raybon (26)
2   It’s All About Style – Susan King (9)
3   Breakthrough Scriptwriting – Dr. Ted Baehr (17)
4   The Story Equation – Rachel Hauck (27)
5   From Proposal to Print – Sharon Norris Elliott (20)
6   Converting Your Passion to a Platform – Megan Breedlove & Harold Arnold Jr. (26)
7   Indie Publishing – Amy Deardon (26)
8   First Writes – Bob Hostetler (10)

 

How to interpret? Column 4, row D, with 18 signed up is “Writing Their Answers, Too” with Rick Marschall.

We have 26 conferees in a clinic instead of taking workshops and approximately 10 who have not yet told us what they are taking. Unlike Colorado, we also have more one and two-day conferees. With late registrants, walk-ins, undecideds finally deciding :), and possible faculty attending your workshop I expect the above numbers to be slightly higher.

 

When you arrive on Wednesday, August 3

Before 1:30 pm - Go to the downstairs floor of the Biblical Learning Center (#1 on map). This is where you'll pick up your packet, name tag and meal tickets, consign your books, and drop off any free lit. It is also where the early bird workshops will be held beginning at 1:00 pm. Again, you are welcome to attend them.

After 1:30 pm - If you’re staying on campus, you can go to Heritage Hall (#12 on map) to check in. There’s a lovely “Great Room” where you’re welcome to fellowship.

Dinnertime (5:45 pm - cafeteria open until 7:00 for late arrivals) - Go directly to the  Mason Activity Center (#7 on map). Go through the cafeteria to get your food and then walk down the hall to the Highlander Cafe for the faculty dinner. If you'’e not been to the Biblical Learning Center to pick up your dinner ticket, I will ask the cafeteria to let you sign in and I’ll provide the ticket later. Better still, hopefully I’ll be standing at the door to welcome you! (Or Margie will be there if Marlene isn’t.)

7:15 pm and later - Go to Chatlos Chapel (#3 on map) for our opening session with Marty Goetz in concert. I can’t think of a better way to begin the conference than entering into Yahweh’s presence with this anointed singer, pianist, and songwriter. If you’re staying on campus and have not yet checked into your room in Heritage Hall, there will be someone at the desk after the concert.  

 

Lodging on campus? – You will receive sheets, a thin blanket  (there is a heater/air conditioner you control in each room), pillow, towel, and washcloth when you get your room key. I always bring a larger towel from home and my favorite blankie. :) Unlike a hotel, you will not find complimentary soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc. We have a small stash of essentials at the desk in Heritage Hall if you forget to bring something. 
 

Need a ride on campus or help with your luggage?

Call Paul or Roland. Their numbers are below.

 

Weather & What to Wear? 

Well the weather is anyone’s guess :), but it does look like we will be in the 80s instead of the 90s. I know that’s not really hot for some of you, but add Philly’s humidity and it can get quite uncomfortable. So, please, dress cool and comfortable. Shorts and capris are fine. Seriously! This is NOT a dress up
conference.

Questions?

Marlene –  484-991-8581 (home & office) or [email protected]
Cell – 267-436-2503 (new number)

Paul Bagnull - rides between buildings on campus, Langhorne train station,
and the Radisson - 215-353-2464

Roland Bubaker – rides between buildings on campus, Langhorne train station,
Radisson, and airport. Also assistance with luggage and boxes of books 267-978-9221

Margie Vawter - my assistant 303-981-1487 or [email protected]

Barb Haley – Registrar, Appointments Coordinator, and Bookstore Manager
[email protected]

Assistance with AV in classrooms & recording
Rob Bagnull - 610-662-8807

 

It's a good idea to review the following information that I posted earlier:

 

Keynotes and General Sessions

Please view as a PRIORITY! Come ready to focus on the Lord and hear from Him through our keynote speakers.

• Located in Chatlos Chapel. Click Here for a map of the campus.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS: This is the only venue I have to speak to everyone at once. Attendance is much appreciated.

Continuing Sessions

Meet five times throughout the conference.

• TH: 10:15-11:45 and 4:45-5:45 FR: 10:45-11:45 and 4:45-5:45 SA: 1:00-2:15

Workshops

These last 60 minutes (except E7 through E12 on Wednesday that are 90 minutes).

• Please be considerate: end on time and clear the classroom for the next instructor.

Handouts We've gone GREEN!

Email your handouts to Margie at [email protected] no later than July 15.

• Margie will post these to the website. Conferees really appreciate handouts.
• We will be able to print these at the conference for conferees who don't have them, but want to avoid the last minute scramble.
• Only conferees, faculty, and people purchasing CDs post conference will have access to the handouts.
• URL http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com/2016handouts

Paid Critiques

A written critique is not expected, but conferees appreciate notes jotted directly on the manuscript.

• I suggest using Track Changes and printing a copy for the conferee.
• Please spend at least 30 min PRE-conference in preparation.
• Appointment with conferee at conference is 30 minutes.
• Because we have a large list of faculty available to do these, you may not be called on for this service.
• The conferees choose, based on who they feel can help them the most.

One-on-Ones

For more information about how our appointment system works, click on Appointments.

• Many conferees consider this the most important part of the conference.
• Please do not disappoint them by being late for their appointments.
• Please sandwich constructive criticism between positive encouragement, but be careful not to give false encouragement.

Father, please give us all much wisdom to know
how You would have us respond to the conferees we meet with.
And please help them to hear what we're saying; not what they want to hear.
Give them teachable spirits and give us sensitive hearts.

An important note to editors and agents - We are all pressed for time, but if you take a manuscript with you or request that it be sent to you, please try your best to get a response to the conferee in at least three months. If your policy is that no answer within three months means you're not interested, please make that clear to the conferee at the conference.

Panels

• Ask the Agents, TH 1:00-2:00 Informal Q & A with our agents.
• Critique Group in Action, TH 1:00-2:00 Nancy Rue and members of her CRUE will lead this session.
• Indie Publishing, FR 1:00-2:00 If you provided services for indie authors or have independently published a book or ebook, please join this panel.
• Book Editors/Agents Panel or Magazine Editors Panel, FR/SA 9:45 am
  Each year we have several missing-in-action editors and agents. Please don't disappoint our conferees. Thanks!

 

Book Signings

• We encourage you to be part of this on Friday evening and not to miss the keynotes by Bob Hostetler and Patricia Raybon.

 

Lodging

Cairn University's Heritage Hall was purchased and renovated in 2005. It has a wonderful great room with lounge areas and there is air conditioning (with a thermostat in each room) as well as wireless Internet connectivity.

• Faculty are housed two to a room with a private bath and two beds - debunked! Linens are provided. There is no need to bring your own pillow unless you sleep better with it. :) You will need to bring toiletries and an alarm clock.
• If the conference is covering your lodging, please note your roommate preference on your contract or you may upgrade to a single at your cost of $20 a night.
• If you need Saturday night lodging, please note on your contract if you're open to staying in a home of a member of my church. We'd like to avoid having to drive back to the university on Sunday to get you to the airport.
• If GPCWC is NOT covering your lodging and you want to stay on campus, please let me know so I can hold a room for you. The cost is $45 a night for a double; $65 a night for a single.
• If you prefer to stay at The Radisson Philadelphia Northeast at your expense, you will need to make your own reservation by July 21by calling 215-638-8300. Be sure to mention the Group I.D. "Christian Writers Conference" for the special price of $112 a night plus 9% sales tax. The Radisson is about 15 minutes from Cairn University. We will provide transportation (if needed) in the morning and evening, but obviously it will be easier to have you stay on campus. Click here for directions from Cairn University to The Radisson.

Meals

• Since the conference pays for each meal ordered (whether or not it is eaten), please note what meals you plan to eat with us.
• Saturday night faculty and staff are invited to a picnic at the Bagnull's in Lansdale.
• Please note that the campus cafeteria will not be open Saturday night or Sunday morning and that dinner is at your own expense if you decide not to come to the picnic.

Travel

• See Arrival and Departure info below before finalizing your plans.
• For directions to the conference click on Location and Lodging; for directions to The Radisson (if you opt to stay there at your expense) click here.

Fly-ins

• If GPCWC is covering all or part of your airfare, please run the itinerary and price past me before booking to give me the option of using my Frequent Flyer Miles if the price is too high. (If you need to be reimbursed before the conference, let me know.) I suggest you visit www.orbitz.com or www.kayak.com for a helpful overview of times, prices, and airlines. The conference provides shuttle service between the airport and the conference; therefore, we are unable to reimburse you for the cost of a rental car.

Arrival

• Travel time from Philadelphia Int'l to the campus is approx. 45 minutes (longer during rush hour).
• Hopefully you can arrive in time for the 5:45 pm faculty dinner/meeting Wednesday.
• The cafeteria will be serving through 6:45 for those who can't make it by 5:45. You'll need to go through the cafeteria line and bring your food to the Eagles Nest down the hall.
• The conference officially begins Wednesday evening at 7:30 with Marty Goetz in concert. Marty has blessed me more than any contemporary musician. His concerts are really worship experiences that bring us into God's presence.

Departure

• I recommend allowing 2 hours for check-in and 45 minutes travel time, but check with your airline.
• If you're leaving Saturday, we hope you can stay through the closing that ends around 5:00. Ideally, this means the earliest you should book your flight is 7:45 pm.
• Lodging is available Saturday night as well as a picnic at my home in Lansdale.
• If you're leaving Sunday morning, please keep the 2-3/4 hour lead time in mind.

Special Needs

• Please note your audio-visual needs. Power Point is available in the chapel for the general sessions and keynotes.
• If you are teaching a continuing session or workshop and Power Point is an essential part of your presentation, we will provide it but you MUST note this on your contract.
• If you are bringing your own projector and are willing to share it when you are not using it, please let me know.
• Classrooms have a whiteboard or chalkboard and Internet access.
• Be sure to also let us know any special dietary or other needs.

Permission to Record

• CDs of keynotes and general sessions, continuing sessions, workshops, and panels will be reproduced on site and sold to conferees.
• You will receive one free CD of each session or workshop you teach, to be picked up at the conference.
• In order to expand the conference's ministry and recoup the cost of recording, GPCWC reserves the right to make and sell CDs (or MP3s) at the conference and afterwards through our website. All other rights belong to you.
• CDs will carry a copyright notice in your name and will be professionally produced. (My son, Rob, is a sound design engineer.) If there is any reason why you do not want to be recorded, be sure to note this on your contract.

Videotaping

• Patricia and David Durgin will again be with us. See http://patriciadurgin.com/philly16/ for the taped interviews they are offering.

Contact Info

• Please fill in all of this info even though, obviously, I already have it. It makes working from a briefcase at the conference much easier.
• FYI we no longer print a roster because of serious abuse one year. (We had a conferee who felt she was being stalked by another conferee!) Be assured that your info will not be shared with conferees without your permission.
• Our Appointments Coordinator, Barb Haley, and the co-captains of our Appointment Desk, Ava Pennington and Marti Pieper, have requested your cell phone number so they can reach you during the conference if needed. We will, of course, also give your cell phone number to your driver if you're being picked up at the airport.

A FEW MORE DETAILS - thank you for reading this far.

1. Help spread the word - If you have a website and can link to http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com and let your visitors know you'll be serving on our faculty, we'd appreciate it. Please also "like" our Facebook page. I will mail you extra brochures and postcards along with your contract. if you'd like more, let me know.
2. Conference book table - You are welcome to consign books, CDs, and other special products for sale at our book table. We charge a 20% consignment fee on items sold.
3. Please use the Book Consignment/Order/Donation form to let me know by July 8 if you are shipping or bringing your product. If you are shipping, please ship no earlier than July 15 to:

Cairn University
ATTN: Rebecca Irizarry, Events & Facilities
Writers Conference
200 Manor Avenue
Langhorne, PA 19047

• All items need to be priced individually. Please do not offer a quantity price (i.e. 3 for $10 or $4 each) since we can't track these sales. If you are shipping, click here for a consignment form. You may list your titles, quantity, and price on this form or include your own form in the box. If you are bringing your product with you, it will save time at check-in if you have the consignment form completed.

• We are glad to obtain your books directly from your publisher and apply the sales profit to conference expenses if you prefer. (Thank you!) Please include titles and publishers on the Book Consignment/Order/Donation form.
• Please help us make this year's book table the best yet by including a list of titles you will recommend to your class. Book sales not only help us meet our budget, they provide continued learning after the conference. We encourage you to browse the book table and borrow titles for "show and tell" in your class.
• How many books should you bring or ship While we sell a huge number of books, there is no way of knowing how many copies of specific titles will sell. Typically the biggest sellers are writing how-to books and books by our keynoters and continuing session speakers.
• Give-aways - We're delighted to have books you've authored or your house has published as give-aways. If shipping (to the above address), please clearly note titles that are for give-away.
• Free Lit - Our conferees appreciate free copies of your magazine or book catalog as well as your guidelines for writers and list of upcoming themes, if any. We are unable to make copies. Based on registrations to date, we are planning for 200 conferees. Not everyone takes a copy of everything that we make available on the free lit table, so use your best judgment when deciding how many to send. We know it costs money to print and send literature to us, so we encourage conferees to take left-over free lit home to their writers' group or church. Please ship no earlier than July 15 to:

Cairn University
ATTN: Rebecca Irizarry, Events & Facilities
Writers Conference Free Lit
200 Manor Avenue
Langhorne, PA 19047

• Other Free Lit - If you have flyers for resources for writers or info about a ministry you are a part of that you'd like to add to the free lit table, we'd be glad to have it.
• What to Wear The campus is air conditioned (suggest you bring a sweater), but there is some walking outside. Philly summers can be very hot and humid or cold and rainy. Check the forecast but know it can change. Casual attire is encouraged. Women capris are fine. Men - please NO suits or ties!

Father, thank You in advance for what You're going to do through this year's conference. I especially pray that you will bless each faculty and staff member in special and unexpected ways.

Questions

Marlene 484-991-8581 (home & office) or [email protected]
Cell – 267-436-2503 (new number)

Margie Vawter (my assistant) [email protected]

Barb Haley (Registrar & Appointments Coordinator) [email protected]