Here is our workshop list for the 2023 Conference. First is the PDF with the times the workshops are currently scheduled. Beneath that, you’ll find the workshop descriptions. Good luck on choosing from all of these wonderful options!
HACWN 2023 Schedule with classes-MASTER- Juicing Your Ideas – Sherri Langton
You just went through an experience and can’t wait to write about it. Perhaps you’ll write an article. But is that all there is? The same experience can be “juiced” to get more out of it: a devotional, opinion piece, profile — and more. Bring your ideas, and even reprints, and see how much you can “squeeze” from them for different publications!
- From Personal Experience to the Printed Page – Sherri Langton
Jesus used parables to communicate to His listeners. We’ll review the effectiveness of story to communicate biblical truth; where ideas come from and which ones to use; how to build strong reader identification; and how to show the action instead of telling about it so the story will come alive to the reader.
- What Magazine Editors Wish Writers Knew – Sherri Langton
What really goes on behind a magazine editor’s desk? Why do editors revise your manuscript? Where do freelancers fail and where they succeed? We’ll answer these questions and more, as well as cover changes in the world of publishing.
- Be Yourself: Everyone Else is Already Taken! – Deb DeArmond
Theme: Finding your authentic voice.
* Do you know your voice? What makes it younique?
* Do you know how to discover it?
* Why is it important?
The workshop will answer the three questions above and provide tips for developing your authentic voice.
- Invest to Increase: Time, Talent, and Treasury – Deb DeArmond
Theme: This session will explore six tangible methods of investing your time, talent, and or treasury to develop your gift and fulfill your calling.
* Writing and speaking are valuable gifts that deserve to be performed with excellence.
* Developing your talent is His expectation and may require an investment of your time, talent, and your treasury – but the return is worth the cost.
This session is designed to provide ideas and options for making wise investments and review methods on how to start today. We will also identify outlets that allow you to practice your gifts through blessing others while meeting a need in the Kingdom of God.
- Tending the Writer’s Soul – Kathy Nickerson
How does a Christian writer keep his or her soul fresh and maintain a good relationship with the Lord, who calls the writer to write? Kathy will help us learn how to find that balance.
- How to Get the Most out of the Conference – Kathy Nickerson
So many workshops! So many people to talk to! If you’re new to the HACWN conference or need help focusing, let Kathy take the “overwhelm” out of the experience!
- How to Start a Podcast (from a blog or from scratch) – Caroline Cooper
- How to Set Up a YouTube Channel – Caroline Cooper
- Writing from Life Experiences – Cheryl Paden
- Meet the Ancestors Generational – Elaine McAllister
Are you an overwhelmed family historian with untold stories but no direction? Meet the Ancestors is the introductory step to all generational storytelling. Learn how to determine your goal, narrow your focus, and jump-start your storytelling journey. Discover how to use historial timelines to enhance your family history. Be empowered to preserve your own past for future generations, whether by ancestory profile, heritage album, legacy narrative, or memoir.
- Humor Helps: Learn to Incorporate Humor into Your Writing – Jeanette Levellie
The world needs to chuckle more, and you can give them what they need when you learn to incorporate humor into your writing. Jeanette will show you ways to weave funny business into your articles, devotionals, and book manuscripts. When you help your readers laugh, you can attract a wider audience and increase your sales
- How to Start a Speaking Career – Jeanette Levellie
Jeanette has been speaking in a wide variety of venues for over twenty-five years, with many repeat gigs. Learn from her vast experience how to start a speaking career, what mistakes to avoid, and how speaking will add credibility to your writing bio and help you sell books.
- Writing Compelling Devotions – Jeanette Levellie
In an age where people juggle careers, hobbies, and other people, devotions meet a need for a short yet nourishing time in the Word. Learn how to create devotions that stay with your reader throughout the day with these simple techniques. Jeanette has published devotions in several Guideposts anthologies, Chicken Soup for the Soul, CBN.com, The Upper Room, The Secret Place, and other publications.
- Writing for Guideposts: Basics and Winning the Contest – Jeanette Levellie
After taking a class in 2017 from BJ Taylor and applying the principles, Jeanette won a spot at the Guideposts Writers Workshop in 2018. Since that time her stories and have appeared in all four of the major Guideposts magazines, several books in the near death experience series, and devotions in Mornings with Jesus, Strength and Grace, One-Minute Devotions, and Pray a Word a Day. In this class she’ll teach you the kinds of stories Guideposts is looking for, the style of writing they want, and tricks to winning the bi-annual contest.
The Power of Telling True Stories (keynote) – Craig VonBuseck
Is our desire for stories merely a means of escape, or is there more power in the telling of stories than perhaps we have known. Dr. Craig von Buseck explores emerging research to help writers understand the power of story – and then harness this knowledge in the writing of dynamic narrative nonfiction and memoir. Building on the theories of storytelling, von Buseck provides practical instruction on the art and craft of telling true stories as narratives.
- Fiction Techniques in Nonfiction Writing – Craig Von Buseck
Have you heard this quote? “Give me 26 lead soldiers and I will conquer the world.” Did you know that both Benjamin Franklin and Karl Marx said it – and they were both correct? Writing is a transaction between the writer and the reader and your job is to give them an entertaining read, full of hard-hitting facts and heart-tugging stories. In response they will read your book to the end – and hopefully will recommend it to others. The best way to achieve this goal in the nonfiction realm is by learning the techniques of fiction writers. Find out how you can uphold your end of the bargain and lure readers to your books. - Adapting a Book to a Screenplay – Craig Von Buseck
Learn the basics of adapting a novel to the three or four act structure needed for writing a screenplay. Learn some of the most important aspects of plotting a film. Discover what formatting issues are essential in order to sell your movie script. - Doing Historical Research – Craig Von Buseck
My mentor was a New York Times reporter and editor, who also wrote best-selling books. He taught his students: “The best writers are the best reporters. In other words, learn to do your research well.” In this class I will share how I did research for “I Am Cyrus,” my biography on Harry Truman and the Zionist Movement, for “Victor: The Final Battle of Ulysses S. Grant,” and for “Nobody Knows: the Harry T. Burleigh Story,” - Get Unstuck – Rebecca Ford
Do you have a message to share but you feel stuck? Perhaps you have ideas and stories swimming in your head, but you find it hard to put them on paper. All authors at some point have felt this way, from beginning authors to experienced authors. This workshop will help you get unstuck from concept to completion. You will learn how to formulate and build on your ideas. Consider this time as the breath of fresh air that you need to begin your journey.
- The Business of Traditional, Indie, Hybrid, and Partnership Publishing – Rebecca Ford
The world of publishing can be confusing. Today, there are many different options to choose from. If you would like to know the similarities and differences between the different avenues of publishing, this workshop will help you decide what is the best option for you.
- Questions? Answers! – Rebecca Ford
Writing your manuscript is quite an accomplishment. Now that it is written and are considering your next steps, you have a lot of questions. In this workshop, Rebecca will go over the top 15 questions that authors have asked her as an author liason for a hybrid publisher. If you have wondered about photos, permissions, or anything about the publishing process, this workshop will end the confusion. This workshop will also allow time for you to ask questions.
- Kindle Direct Publishing – A “How to” Seminar – Shawn Barr
This seminar will cover…
The pros and cons of using KDP to publish independently.
How to source or create a professional / quality book cover.
The costs to publish with KDP.
Examples of books published with KDP.
Using your own ISBN or a KDP provided ISBN.
A live Demo of creating a book with KDP.
- How to Write Poetry – Sally Jadlow
- – Elements of Cover Design – Michael Freeman
Cover design makes the first impression on readers. Learn what to look for and what to be wary of in creating your book cover. We will discuss common book cover mistakes, elements of good front cover design composition, and back cover blurbs.
- – Working with Agents – Dave Fessenden
What does an agent do? How does someone find an agent? Does an agent help shape your career? Does an agent cost anything? Dave will answer these questions and more.
- Book Proposals: The Front-End Method – Dave Fessenden
Maybe one in ten book proposals is complete and well-prepared. Why? Because most authors go about it backwards, and it’s a process doomed to failure. This workshop shows you how to prepare a simple and successful proposal.
- Your Platform May Be Bigger than You Think – Dave Fessenden
Many authors have a larger and more diverse following of readers, and potential readers, than they are aware of. This workshop prepares you to conduct a brainstorming session to discover the contacts and promotional opportunities that may be right under your nose.
- Editing Your Own Material – Dave Fessenden
It’s a basic fact of human nature—we tend to be blind to our own mistakes. (Otherwise, we wouldn’t make the same ones over and over again!) These tips on self-editing show you how to step out of your skin—to be “objective” in the truest sense of the word—and smooth out the rough spots in your manuscript.
- AI and the Future of Writing: Will AI Put Writers Out of Work? – Rhonda Robinson
Explore the crossroads of faith, creativity, and technology. This workshop dispels fears around AI in the writing industry. We’ll uncover how AI can serve, not replace, God-given human creativity in crafting compelling narratives. As we navigate the ethical landscape of AI usage and look forward to future implications, we’ll delve into what it means to be a writer in the age of AI. Join us as we balance faith and innovation in this exciting new era of writing.
- AI as a Research Tool – Rhonda Robinson
Demystify AI as we distill the complex world of Artificial Intelligence into an accessible tool for your research needs. We start at the beginning, defining AI, before exploring how it can revolutionize your research process. The session culminates with a practical demonstration, showing you firsthand how to wield AI for effective research. Simplify your research, empower your writing, and step confidently into the future.
- Writing Online Articles, Blogging, and SEO – Rhonda Robinson
This class unravels the secret to a blog’s success: discoverability. Exceptional writing is a must, but your content needs to be found. That’s where the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play. As you master these SEO techniques, you’ll be better equipped to pitch and sell your articles to online publications and get paid for your work Join us to elevate your blog from a hidden gem to a lighthouse in the vast digital sea.
- Writing for Focus on the Family – Rhonda Robinson
This workshop is designed to prepare writers who are passionate about family values, Christian principles, and impactful storytelling. Discover the nuances of crafting compelling articles, stories, and resources that resonate with the Focus on the Family readership. We’ll provide you with insights into the publication’s editorial guidelines, preferred themes, and the art of weaving faith into contemporary narratives. In addition, we will go over the submission process, giving you the best chance to see your work published.
- Selling What You Write – Lin Johnson
If you want to get published, you need to know how to market your manuscripts. Learn 10 commandments for selling your manuscripts plus tips for multiplying your sales.
- Structuring an Article for Impact – Lin Johnson
If you want editors—and readers—to read your articles, you need to grab them in the first couple of sentences. Learn how to do so in this class, then explore ways to develop your content and bring your article to a satisfying conclusion. Plus overview the most popular types of articles editors are buying.
- – The Craft of Interviewing – Lin Johnson
Whether you want to write profiles, add life to your nonfiction, do firsthand research for your novel, or include expert opinions and knowledge in your manuscripts, you will want to develop good interviewing skills. Learn how to get an interview, prepare for it, conduct it, and write it up.
- – Make Money Writing for Specialty Markets – Lin Johnson
A wide variety of markets for freelance writers exists outside of periodicals and books. These include curriculum, Bible study guides, drama, puzzles, games, crafts, tracts, devotions, and greeting cards. In this workshop, you’ll gain an introduction to these genres, learn about any special qualifications for writing them, and become acquainted with potential markets for your manuscripts.
- The Power of Showing (Rather Than Telling) – Lee Warren
Have you ever wondered about the writing rule, “Show, don’t tell,” and what it truly means? Whether you’re new to the concept or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop is designed for you. We’ll explore the art of vivid storytelling by identifying the pitfalls of telling, understanding when to utilize telling, and then delving into the essential techniques of Showing. Join us for a session that will breathe life into your fiction.
- Fast Draft Your Novel – Lee Warren
Do you often find yourself endlessly editing your drafts without ever crossing the finish line? You’re not alone. In this workshop, you’ll find the motivation, strategies, and support to break free from this cycle. Join us for this session and gain the tools and mindset you need to fast draft your novel and achieve your writing goals.
39 – Taking the Fear Out of Contracts – Janet Stapleton
Feel intimidated by the idea of a contract? Janet will take you through the clauses of a contract so you can see what it’s like and understand what various sections mean. She will not be giving legal advice, only familiarizing you with certain terms.
- Understanding Rights – Janet Stapleton
Copyrights and other rights can be confusing—and frightening—for authors. Just what rights are they giving away when they sell their work? Do they relinquish all rights? Does this mean they never own that piece of work again? Janet can educate you and reassure your mind on some things. She has been the contract specialist for The Foundry Publishing (formerly Nazarene Publishing House) for more than 20 years. She not only has experience working with rights in the US, but also has worked with rights issues internationally.
- Basics on Writing for Children – Jeanette Littleton
Do you have a passion for writing for children but have never done so? If you’re looking for some of the basic information and want to discuss children’s writing in a conversation format, Jeanette can help you. She was pleased to write the first kids’ fiction “missionary mystery” for the Church of the Nazarene, has written short stories for various elementary age groups, and is copyeditor and fact-checker for Kids’ Answers magazine.
- Batchin’ Social Media: Recipe for Success – Anne Rauth
Social Media can be just as fun as baking a batch of cookies! Come to this workshop and learn why you should be on social media and how to “batch” your social media posts together for a winning social media success strategy. Who knows…. Attendees may also get to partake in a REAL cookie too!
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