IMPORTANT – There have been slight changes.
Follow schedule on Dashboard that you will be able to access
after you register.
Highly interactive, virtually amazing!
Everything is LIVE via Zoom Meetings
except 35 pre-recorded video workshops
You may view all of the workshops during the conference & for 2 months afterwards.
Continuing Sessions, Keynotes & Panel available to view
several weeks after conference also for 2 months.
All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time
Pre-conference
Webinars – info coming
Write 400 Words and Get Published! – Debbie Hardy
How would you like to get published in months, not years? Check out this workshop and learn some easy methods to improve your writing skills and see your work in print! We'll be learning the ChristianDevotions.US method and other formulas for putting your ideas into words.
Nonfiction One Sheet – Marlene Bagnull
What to include and why this information is needed to interest an agent or editor in your book.
Fiction One Sheet – Darcie Gudger
First impressions are everything. Like a resume for that dream job, your one sheet needs to leave a lasting impression on agents and editors who require them. Since expectations change like the weather, come learn how you can craft that unforgettable, colorful fiction one sheet.
The Weight of the First Page – Linda Glaz
Learn to put POP! and action onto the first page of your work, in a manner that keeps a potential reader … well … reading.
Pitching to Industry Professionals – Linda Glaz
Learn how to construct the much-needed Pitch.
The Dreaded “E” Word – Edwina Perkins
Getting the words on the page is only the first step. Next, time to edit. The ability to self-edit is an important component to polishing your manuscript. Any writer who is serious about publication needs to work hard to learn how to self-edit. This workshop will introduce you to some basic—and not so basic—self-editing tips to help take your manuscript to the next level. Participants need to email a copy of their first page of a writing project to haleybarb@yahoo.com one week before the workshop.
Zoom Meetings
June 8 & 15 (time and link to be provided)
Developing a Great Nonfiction Pitch – Karen Whiting
Make the best pitch to not only grab an editor’s attention to help get a contract, but to start developing the marketing (tweaking a pitch to focus on the reader flow from the original pitch). Karen Whiting, author of 27 traditionally published books, will provide individual help to polish each person’s pitch. An effective pitch will, in 30 seconds:
- Define the target audience
- Share the book’s unique value (take-away) that reveals the big concept
- Share the features/stye
- Include an memorable and engaging title
June 12
Practice Your Fiction Pitch – Gayle Roper
So you only have a few minutes tops. What do you say to catch the ear of an editor, an agent--anybody? Let's work together on your pitch. Let's get the best first sentence you can devise, the best story arc you can present in the fewest words. If ever there's a time you need to prepare, it's now so you sound professional and your story sounds irresistible.
Monday, June 21 – IMPORTANT
Be watching for an email with instructions for checking in online on Tuesday or Wednesday. At this time we will also do a tech check to make certain you’re all set to connect with our virtually amazing conference.
Tuesday, June 22
11:00 am – 7:30 pm Online check-in using link in the email you will receive on Monday.
Wednesday, June 23
9:00 am – 3:30 pm Online check-in continues.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm BONUS Early Bird Workshop – LIVE
Kick Out Clichés and Christianese – Ava Pennington
Have you encouraged readers to watch and pray and to stay in the Word while walking the straight and narrow so the world will not tarnish their trophy of grace? ONUSIs it your fervent prayer to carry your cross, live an abundant life, and let go and let God in the midst of your wilderness experiences? If we want our writing to make an impact in this day and age, in the final analysis, we must think outside the box and avoid clichés like the plague or our writing will be behind the eight ball!
How many Christianese phrases and clichés did you find in the above paragraphs? Whether you are writing for believers or unbelievers, learn how to kick out clichés and Christianese for more effective writing. Your editors and readers will thank you!
In addition to writing, Ava teaches a weekly Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class. The class of 300 women represents 60+ different churches. Some class members are seekers, not affiliated with any church. She must teach in a way that speaks to both Christians and seekers – that means avoiding Christianese and clichés!
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm BONUS Early Bird Workshop – LIVE
Brandstorming – Dick Bruso
Don’t miss out! Learn how to set yourself apart by attending Dick Bruso’s highly acclaimed story-based Brandstorming session for creating powerful, unique, and enduring brands in a very noisy marketplace.
For well over two decades, Dick has presented his in-demand Brandstorming program all across North America. This year, it’s being offered virtually, at no additional cost, as a special bonus, via Zoom, to all registrants of the 2021 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
During this dynamic interactive session, Dick will demonstrate (with the assistance of two randomly selected attendees) how you and your writer colleagues can develop brands based on your unique and powerful life stories. You’ll also learn the secret of how to apply the “umbrella branding” approach to encompass all aspects of your career as a professional writer while staying totally congruent with your desired target markets.
Thursday, June 24 IMPORTANT – During the conference be sure to follow the schedule on the conference dashboard as there have been some minor changes.
9:00 – 10:15
• Welcome
• Worship with Marty Goetz (pre-recorded from his House of Worship)
• Keynote – “Old Paths, Ancient Markers – Guarding the Treasure of the Gospel,” Michael Gantt
10:15 – 10:25
Small Group Breakouts
10:25 – 10:30 Main Stage
10:30 – 11:45
Continuing Sessions, Part 1
1 – Impact Our Culture – America at the Crossroads – Charles Patricoff (topic/speaker changes each session)
2 – Writing (and Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – The Novelist’s Toolbox – Terry Brennan
4 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Sharon Norris Elliott
5 – Go Indie – Introduction to Hybrid Publishing – Larry A. Carpenter (topic/speaker changes each session)
6 – Writing Nonfiction Books that Change Lives – Jim Watkins
7 – Picture Books Clinic – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle (by application)
8 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
11:50 – 12:45
Workshop #1 (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
1A – Overcome Writer’s Block and Increase Productivity – Amy Deardon
1B – Does My Writing Offend You? – Edwina Perkins
1C – Deep, Deep, Deep Deeper POV – Linda Glaz
1D – How to Write Devotions People Love to Share – Beth Patch
1E – Publishing 101 – Deb Haggerty – LIVE
1F – Make the Most of Little Tools – Karen Whiting
1G – Utilize the Digital Mission Field – Dr. Mel Tavares
OR
11:50 – 12:20
12:20 – 12:25
12:25 – 12:55
12:55 – 1:00
Appointments
Transition
Appointments
Main Stage
1:00 – 1:45
Lunchtime and Smal Group Q & A (Drop in and out of as many groups as you’d like.)
• Celebration Web Design – Jonathan Shank
• Marketers on a Mission – Patricia Durgin
• Sensitivity Readers Service – Edwina Perkins
• AWSA Coaches – Ava Pennington, Karen Whiting, Susan Neal, Michelle Lazurek
• Faculty Networking – closed to conferees
1:45 – 2:30
2:30 – 2:40
2:40 – 2:45
Main Stage
• Book Editors Panel
• Magazine Editors Panel
Small Group Breakouts
Main Stage
2:45 – 3:40
Workshop #2 (pre-recorded videos except as noted)
2A – Healing through Writing – Journals, Blogs, Books & More – Michele Chynoweth
2B – Taking Your Craft to the Next Level – Karen Bouchard
2C – The Heartbeat of Inspirational Romance – Susan Baganz
2D – The Genuine Article: From Idea to Acceptance – Marti Pieper
2E – Nonfiction Book Proposals that Pop – Jim Hart
2F – Marketing for Introverts – Catherine Lawton
2G – Find Your Readers on Social Media – Rachel Schmoyer – LIVE
OR
2:45 – 3:15
3:15 – 3:20
3:20 – 3:50
3:50 – 4:00
Appointments
Transition
Appointments
Main Stage
4:00 – 5:15
Continuing Sessions, Part 2
1 – Impact Our Culture – The Burden of the Watchman – Michael Gantt (topic/speaker changes each session)
2 – Writing (and Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – The Novelist’s Toolbox – Terry Brennan
4 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Sharon Norris Elliott
5 – Go Indie – Understanding the Do-It-Yourself Process – Linda Goldfarb (topic/speaker changes each session)
6 – Writing Nonfiction Books that Change Lives – Jim Watkins
7 – Picture Books Clinic – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle (by application)
8 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
5:15 – 5:20
5:20 – 5:50
5:50 – 5:55
5:55 – 6:25
6:25 – 6:30
Main Stage
Appointments or time off or watch a recorded workshop
Transition
Appointments or time off or watch a recorded workshop
Main Stage
6:30 – 7:15
Dinnertime and Small Group Q & A (Drop in and out of as many groups as you’d like.)
• Manuscript CPR – Jim Watkins
• Blogging – Michael Klassen
• CIPA Marketing – Susan Neal
• Speakers – Dick Bruso
• CAN – Ava Pennington & Karen Whiting
• Dinner with Authors
7:15 – 9:00
Main Stage
Worship with Marty Goetz
Keynote – “A Target on Our Back” – Leona Choy
Panel – Impact Our Culture
Friday, June 25 IMPORTANT – During the conference be sure to follow the schedule on the conference dashboard as there have been some minor changes.
9:00 – 10:15
• Welcome
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Keynote – “Ministering to Our Readers” – Liz Curtis Higgs
10:15 – 10:25
Small Group Breakouts
10:25 Main Stage
10:30 – 11:45
Continuing Sessions, Part 3
1 – Impact Our Culture – Preserving the Family – Rick Marschall (topic/speaker changes each session)
2 – Writing (and Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – The Novelist’s Toolbox – Terry Brennan
4 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Sharon Norris Elliott
5 – Go Indie – Taking Your Self-Publishing from Good to Great: 6 Deadly Mistakes and
How to Fix Them (cont’d next session) – Karen Bouchard and Michael J. Klassen
6 – Writing Nonfiction Books that Change Lives – Jim Watkins
7 – Picture Books Clinic – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle (by application)
8 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
11:50 – 12:45
Workshop # 3
3A – The Emotionally Fit Writer – Jendayi “J” Harris
3B – A Writer’s Armor – Edwina Perkins
3C – Researching Your Novel – Liz Curtis Higgs – LIVE
3D – Verb Power – Scoti Domeij
3E – Internet Safety for Writers – Rachel Kent
3F – Marketing for Today’s Market – Blythe Daniel
3G – Writing Nonfiction for Children – Karen Whiting
OR
11:50 – 12:20
12:20 – 12:25
12:25 – 12:55
12:55 – 1:00
Appointments
Transition
Appointments
Main Stage
1:00 – 1:45
Lunchtime and Small Group Q & A (Drop in and out of as many groups as you’d like.)
• Celebration Web Design – Jonathan Shank
• Agenting – Linda Glaz
• Writing for Kids – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle
• Public Speaking – Liz Curtis Higgs
• Your Book Done Right – Michele Chynoweth
• Faculty Networking – Closed to conferees
1:45 – 2:30
Main Stage – Panel – Indie Publishers
Agents Panel
2:30 – 2:40
2:40-2:45
Small Group Breakouts
Main Stage
2:45 – 3:40
Your Choice:
Workshop # 4
4A – How to Make Kindle Vella, Bingebooks, and Pubby Reviews Grow Your Brand and Increase Book Sales – Eddie Jones
4B – Grammar – What You REALLY Need to Know – Marie Collinson – LIVE
4C – First Round Edits Using Story Structure – Janyre Tromp
4D – So, You Want to Write a Nonfiction Book – Jim Hart
4E – Making Your Book Line Up to a Felt Need – Blythe Daniel
4F – Launch Your Book – David Winters
4G – The How-to and Why of Writing Poetry – Catherine Lawton & Angie Bass Williams
OR
2:45 – 3:15
3:15 – 3:20
3:20 – 3:50
3:50 – 4:00
Appointments
Transition
Appointments
Main Stage
4:00 – 5:15
Continuing Sessions, Part 4
1 – Impact Our Culture – Victory through Voice – Victoria Dorshorn (topic/speaker changes each session)
2 – Writing (and Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – The Novelist’s Toolbox – Terry Brennan
4 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Sharon Norris Elliott
5 – Go Indie – Taking Your Self-Publishing from Good to Great: 6 Deadly Mistakes and
How to Fix Them (cont’d from 10:30) – Karen Bouchard and Michael J. Klassen
6 – Writing Nonfiction Books that Change Lives – Jim Watkins
7 – Picture Books Clinic – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle (by application)
8 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
5:15 – 5:20
5:20 – 5:50
5:50 – 5:55
5:55 – 6:25
Main Stage
Appointments or time off or watch a recorded workshop
Transition
Appointments or time off or watch a recorded workshop
6:30 – 7:15
7:15 – 9:00
Dinner and Small Group Group Q & A (Drop in and out of as many groups as you’d like.)
• AuthorizeMe – Sharon Norris Elliott
• CIPA Supporting Authors in Every Way – Susan Neal
• Word Ninjas – Karen Bouchard
• Writing Coach – Leona Choy
• Screenwriting – Vicki Dorshorn
• Dinner with Authors
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Author’s Night
• Purchase books for autographing
Saturday, June 26 IMPORTANT – During the conference be sure to follow the schedule on the conference dashboard as there have been some minor changes.
• Welcome
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Keynote – “Sitting at His Feet” – Liz Curtis Higgs
10:15 – 10:25
Small Group Breakouts
10:25 Main Stage
10:30 – 11:45
Continuing Sessions, Part 5 (with small group breakout)
1 – Impact Our Culture – The Price of Mercy – Dr. Bruce Porter (topic/speaker changes each session)
2 – Writing (and Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – The Novelist’s Toolbox – Terry Brennan
4 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Sharon Norris Elliott
5 – Go Indie – Front Matter, Back Matter – Yes, It Does Matter! – David E. Fessenden (topic/speaker changes each session)
6 – Writing Nonfiction Books that Change Lives – Jim Watkins
7 – Picture Books Clinic – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle (by application)
8 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
11:45 – 12:00
Main Stage for Small Group Breakouts
12:00 – 12:55
Workshop #5
5A – The Business of Writing/Editing – Deb Haggerty – LIVE
5B – Revelation, Inspiration, or Perspiration? – Angie Bass Williams
5C – Be BOLD! Bridging the Gap through Edgy Christian Fiction – Michele Chynoweth
5D – Narrative Nonfiction: The Power of Story – Marti Pieper
5E – The Art and Science of a Fiction Proposal – Janyre Tromp
5F – How to Write Great Marketing Copy & Get Your Work the Attention it Deserves! –
Karen Bouchard
5G – Secrets to Crafting a Talk that Sells Books – Michael J. Klassen
OR
12:00 – 1:05 One-on- One Appointments if you are scheduled
1:10 – 1:55
Lunchtime Small Group Q & A with Indie Publishers (Drop in and out of as many groups as you’d like.)
• Christian Book Services Services LLC, Carpenter's Son Publishing, Clovercroft Publishing – Larry A. Carpenter
• EBooks Listing Services – Amy Deardon
• EABooks Publishing & AudioBook Division – Jim Watkins & Linda Goldfarb
• Fruitbearer Publishing & Fruitbearer Kids – Candy Abbott, Pam Halter, Kim Sponaugle
• Honeycomb House Publishing LLC – Dave Fessenden
• Illumify Media Global – Michael J. Klassen & Karen Bouchard
• Pageant Wagon Publishing – Kathryn Ross
Faculty Networking (Closed to conferees)
1:55 – 2:00 Main Stage
2:00 – 2:55 Your Choice:
Workshop #6
6A – How to Make a Living as a Freelance Writer – Michael J. Klassen – LIVE
6B – Self-Editing Checklist – Kathryn Ross
6C – SHOW and TELL TIME: How to KNOW if you SHOW! – T.E. Bradford
6D – 20 Tips to Better Profile Interviews – Ava Pennington
6E – The Publishing Contract – David Fessenden
6F – Improve Your Book’s Amazon Rank – Susan Neal
6G – Writing Books for Children – Michelle Lazurek
OR
One-on-One Appointments ir you are scheduled
3:00 – 3:15 Main Stage—Small Group Breakouts
3:15 – 4:30 Continuing Sessions, Part 6 (with small group breakouts)
1 – Impact Our Culture – Get Out of the Boat – Angie Bass Williams
2 – Writing (and Selling!) Personal Experience Stories – B.J. Taylor
3 – The Novelist’s Toolbox – Terry Brennan
4 – From Idea to Manuscript to Masterpiece – Sharon Norris Elliott
5 – Go Indie – How to Design Your Book Cover and Write Your Title and Back Cover
and Copy – Amy Deardon
6 – Writing Nonfiction Books that Change Lives – Jim Watkins
7 – Picture Books Clinic – Pam Halter & Kim Sponaugle (by application)
8 – Serve Your Audience: The #1 Way to Grow a Rock-solid Platform – Patricia Durgin
4:35 – 6:00
Main Stage
• Wrap Up & Awards
• Worship with Marty Goetz
• Keynote – “Keeping Your Dreams Alive” – Jim Watkins
• Closing Challenge & Time of Commitment
