Greetings, Fellow Writers!

One of the cool things about social media is the opportunity to connect with folks that we’d otherwise never have a chance to meet.  Recently I “met” Tim Burns, director of the Maranatha Christian Writer’s Conference, through one of my connections on LinkedIn.com.  I was impressed by his willingness to share ideas about how we could use our experience and connections to help both of our conferences attract more attendees and provide a better experience for those who come.

Tim will be sharing his thoughts and wisdom occasionally throughout the coming year; this week, he offers some advice for authors, reminding us that we need to keep in mind the editor’s point of view, and that getting a book published is a “God thing.”

Enjoy, and if you found this article helpful, please share it with a friend!

Lawrence

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Writer’s Corner

Book Proposals – From an Editor’s Point of View

By Tim Burns

One of the most difficult tasks facing writers is how to bring their message to the public. After mastering the rules of composition, finding your style, and picking your message, one animal remaining to be conquered is “the marketplace.” Just how do you bring your message to the masses? This article contains insights mined from the Chicago “Write to Publish Conference.” I hope these questions and answers will better equip you to tame the marketplace beast.

Q. How important is it for a book proposal to convey the writer’s ability to get out there and promote the book?
A. In a class on book proposals, Christian publishing industry veteran Leonard Goss reminded attendees that “Your book proposal is the most important piece of your writing project, and without a well-focused proposal, you will not likely be published. An editor’s first response to a prospective book proposal is ‘No.’ The writer must give the editor a reason to say ‘Yes.’”

Jeanette Thomason (Special Projects and Acquisitions Editor for Baker Book House) added this during her panel discussion: “When I have read a proposal, I ask myself ‘So What?’ and ‘What’s new?’” In other words, as a writer, you must present not only a good idea, but also answer why your idea is different and better than similar publications. You must also convincingly answer why YOU are the BEST person to write on this topic.

Q. Would an otherwise good book idea be turned down because the writer has no ability in this area?
A. Yes. Editors want qualified writers. Qualified can be defined as both qualified to write with clarity and style, and personally qualified to write on the subject of choice.

Q. Do the answers to these questions depend on whether the book is fiction or nonfiction?
A. Somewhat. Personal qualifications do not weigh as heavily in fiction as nonfiction.

Q. What types of marketing tasks could a writer reasonably be expected to perform?
A. If you were really hungry, would you turn down a fishing pole and a can of worms because you were waiting for someone to take you to the grocery store? In other words, as a writer would you back away from personal marketing efforts, and wait for a publisher to do it all for you?

Q. How does a writer demonstrate willingness and ability to help market a book? What types of proofs should be offered in the proposal?
A. A speaking ministry, a unique story told well, or a ready-made audience from which to present your book tell the publisher that your presence amidst their publications will mean book sales. The publisher exists to bring well-presented ideas to the marketplace, and to sell books. Mr. Goss related that when he had a proposal with promise, he took it to his acquisitions team meeting, which included sales people, marketing managers, and other editors. Twenty-five people hashed out the pros and cons of the prospective book. In light of this process, anything you can offer to influence that process is to your advantage.

Lastly, Agent Steve Laube said this at the Florida Writers Conference. “Any time a book sells, it’s a God thing. So pray when you write. Pray over your proposals, pray when you have a contract, and pray when your book enters the marketplace.”

When we communicate His message and character to the world, it’s a God thing. And when we do everything we can do, God will do those things that only He can do.

Timothy Burns founded and leads Word Weavers of West Michigan, Michigan’s largest and most active Christian Writer’s group. You can find him online at www.timothyburns.com. He is available to speak to local writer’s groups or conferences, and can help you start a Word Weavers group in your area.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter, who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

Even though I feel like a CLASS Christian Writers Conference veteran, it is always exciting to hear or read about the experiences of a first time attendee. It takes me back to my first time at the conference, hustling back and forth from one session to another, furiously taking notes and trying to absorb as much material as I could, and tears streaming down my face as the Holy Spirit washed over me during the evening worship sessions.

This week we are blessed to learn how our Father’s voice kept speaking to one of his daughters about her need to write, and how her dreams finally came true when she was offered a scholarship to attend last year’s conference.

Enjoy, and please share with a friend who might be thinking of attending this year!

Lawrence

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Conference Reflections

A Dream Come True

By Linda B. Correa

I’ve been a writer as long as I can remember. For me writing has been my salvation, a catalyst that helped me through years of abuse and emotional turmoil. It has always been a part of my life, but when God told me years ago He wanted me to write a book, I took a double-take. Having no professional education and never having written a professional piece, I hesitated (to say the least!). Several years passed, but the calling to write remained in the back of my mind.

My son went off to college and I was left with an empty nest. It was then God confronted me once again about writing. Through a series of providential events, I found myself at the CLASSeminars website. I learned about the scholarship, applied, and a few weeks later found out I was a recipient. Everything fell into place like clockwork, and I knew my God wanted me there.

I hit the ground running. I felt like a little girl in a candy store, there was so much to learn! The On Ramp workshop with Ron Benson and Lee Warren was a dream come true. Every question I ever had about the industry was answered. I was moved at their selfless conviction to see others find and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.

After meeting all of the publishers, editors, and professionals, I realized they are people just like me. I was humbled to see them invest their time and money to help other writers on their journeys. Each appointment, workshop, and devotional service at the conference served as an affirmation to all God has spoken to me over the years. There were new friendships forged and “Divine appointments” behind the scenes that I was privileged to be a part of.

Stepping onto the Ghost Ranch for me was like crossing over into new territory and unveiling this new facet of myself as a writer. I arrived at the conference with an empty slate and an open heart, and I’m so glad I did, because it was the best ride of my life!

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

The first time I met Lee Warren, he stayed up well past midnight helping me shape a rambling, 4,000 word short story into a a tight, concise piece that got the same idea across in about a third as many words. I kicked and screamed and spit and fought, but the lessons he taught me were invaluable, and I pass many of them along to my students to this day, whether in the college classroom or while mentoring a new group of attendees each year at the conference.

I am not the only one who has benefited from Lee’s experience and gentle guiding hand (and eraser!); he also co-hosts (with Ron Benson) the “On-Ramp” pre-conference workshop at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. This popular workshop helps “newbies” understand how the conference is set up and how to make the most of their time at the Ghost Ranch.

This week we are excited to feature a post from Lee’s new blog for writers; you can find it at http://www.christianmanuscriptediting.com/. Many people want to or wish they could write a book (about 80% of Americans, according to some polls) but very few will actually accomplish that goal. If you are one of those people, Lee’s article, “3 Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Book,” should help you get off to a good start.

Enjoy!

Lawrence

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Writer’s Corner

3 Questions to Ask Before You Start Your Book

By Lee Warren

Whenever I’m coaching prospective authors, I ask them three questions about their book in our first session. I give them a couple of days to think through their answers and generally, when they get back to me, they are excited because they feel more focused.

Here are the three questions:

1. What are you trying to say?

What is the primary message of your book, in 25 words or less? Whittling the message down to a blurb will help keep you focused as you write the book.

Fiction example:

• Tom Clancy might say this about his book, “The Hunt for Red October”: “My book is about a run-away, top secret Soviet sub venturing west. The Americans want her. The Russians want her back. The chase is on.”

That is brief (25 words), to the point and it whets the appetite of anybody who might be interested in military affairs and/or just patriotism in general.

Non-fiction example:

• Rick Warren might say this about his book, “The Purpose Driven Life”: “My book is a 40-day excursion for Christians to plug into God’s plans and purposes, rather than seeking our own.”

It’s a 20-word blurb that strikes at the heart of believers who crave a higher purpose.

Photo: Marco Bellucci

2. Who are you trying to reach?

Who is your target market? Men or women? Older or younger? Married or single? Churched or unchurched? You can’t go into your book project thinking you are going to write a book for everybody. That’s not realistic and that is not how the industry works. When the time comes to write your book proposal, you will need to pinpoint a target market and then tell the publisher why and how your book will minister to that group.

Consider your own book buying habits. When you walk into your local Christian bookstore, which bookshelf do you head for first? Which shelves do you never visit? Why do you favor some shelves over others? The simple answer is, you just aren’t interested in some topics.

In fact, none of us go into a bookstore with the intention of looking at every bookshelf. We go in to browse specific sections – historical fiction, contemporary fiction, relationships, theology, Christian living, devotions, etc. Each of these sections appeal to certain demographics. If somebody outside of those demographics wanders over and buys a book, that’s gravy, but publishers don’t count on those sales.

So, ask yourself this question – which bookshelf in my local Christian bookstore would my book rest on if a royalty publisher were to offer me a contract and then publish it? Then ask yourself who reads those types of books.

3. How are you planning to say it?

Before we get to the structure, or the way you are planning to portray your message, keep in mind that you will need to use cultural reference points that your target market will understand (no references to the rock band Foreigner if you are writing a novel for male teens – Foreigner might have been part of your teenage experience, but the modern teen probably has no idea who the band is), and if you are writing a novel, you will need to create a world that will tap into a felt need of your target market.

Non-fiction example:

• If you are writing about the history of an event that will appeal mostly to middle-aged men, then writing your manuscript in chronological order may be best for the “just give me the facts” type of reader. A more anecdotal approach might work better for a younger male reader who wants to be entertained more than he wants to be informed.

Fiction example:

• If you are writing a novel about a teenage girl who travels back in time to make a different choice, will you take young female readers back and forth, showing them parallel worlds? That might be a great way to engage a younger audience who is accustomed to watching action movies. But if your target market is the young contemplate woman who wonders what it might be like in the protagonist’s shoes, a more methodical approach might work better.

Lee Warren is an author, editor, and freelance writer with three books and hundreds of articles in print. He co-owns A Write Start Communications, and he is a blogger whose work has been nominated for several awards. He also co-authors a blog for singles on CBN.com, Single Purpose.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

I am always amazed to see the various ways God speaks to and teaches us during our days at the Ghost Ranch.

This week we are blessed with some thought-provoking comments by my friend and fellow Texan (well, I’m adopted, but anyway . . .)  Lyndie Blevens.

Enjoy!

Lawrence

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Conference Reflections

“Cleaning” and “Jesus”—in the Same Sentence?

By Lyndie Blevens

Maybe, you’re like me. It is hard to write a memory of something before the event ends. While our physical time at the ranch has ended, the community we created there hasn’t faded. I feel it every time I read a post or email from one of you.

As I go through my everyday chores, the odd things will spark memories, too. I recently finished reading one of my homework assignments, One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. As I read it, I remembered your faces and comments you made during Jerome’s sessions.

This year, Coyote, one of the higher dorms, was my home at the ranch. After getting my stuff into the room, I decided to check out the ‘path’ down to the dining hall. As I started the ‘journey’ down, a gentleman came along. I asked him if I was on the right path? He not only assured me that I was, but stayed with me through the more treacherous parts (some of the steps were as tall as my knees). The next day, I couldn’t keep from chuckling when the gentleman turned out to be Jerome Daley, who was leading the track I had chosen, The “Spiritual Journey of a Writer.”

Then there was the moment in devotions when my sweet friend, Myrna Parks, shared that she had cleaned her bedroom with/for Jesus. If I’d been in the back of the room, I would have still known it was Myron speaking. I have to confess, housework is nowhere on my radar. Even though I know full well the scripture about doing everything as unto the Lord, I would have never used cleaning and Jesus in the same sentence.

Hearing it said so cheerfully, though, has changed my perspective. While I am still no June Cleaver, my attitude is changing and is influencing my behavior. And this allows me to ask Voskamp’s question, “What if I opened the clenched hand wide to receive all that is–a life that receives all of God in this moment?”

And finally, I had to mentions the teens. Community is really important to me and to my work. I was captured by the community the teens created for themselves. During our final worship time together, their every move intrigued me, sitting on the front row, engaged in worship, taking communion as a group. And then the crowning moments when they approached each solitary communion seeker with hugs and prayers. Didn’t it feel like the right thing to have been done, and yet sorrowful that the young led the way?

Voskamp’s book is much about Eucharisteo. “The Communion service is only complete in service. Communion, by necessity, always leads us into community.”

And from the strength of that community we move forward…

To find out what’s happening with Lyndie, check out her blog, www.lyndieb.blogspot.com or her web site, WWW.GUIDINGWIND.COM.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

As we come to the close of one year and approach the beginning of another, we often think of what we could have done, what we did wrong, and what we might do better in the coming year.  Many of us will also spend the next few days visiting with family and friends, and attending various gatherings and celebrations with family, co-workers, friends, and current and potential business associates. We also will probably spend more time “socializing” online, since we have a few extra hours available on our day(s) off.

Thankfully, Kathy Carlton Willis is here to give us some tips to help maximize that time spent socializing, whether in person or online. As a Choleric/Sanguine personality type, I am often torn when I’m invited to social functions because my Choleric side quickly loses patience with small talk and keeps reminding myself how much work is waiting for me at home. Of course, my Sanguine side loves being around people and having the opportunity to tell funny stories or sing my latest song. When I’m online, the way I interact is an extension of the way I am in person. Kathy’s advice will help me to both enjoy myself and feel like I’m actually accomplishing something and not just wasting time, whether I am interacting with others in person or online.

I hope you get as much out of her article as I did!

Many Blessings to You and Yours in the Coming Year,

Lawrence

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Writer’s Corner

How to Social Network?

The Way You Function at a Party!

By Kathy Carlton Willis

Your personality type has something to do with it.

Many of my clients struggle with sounding genuine when they post articles or comments on their blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. They say it feels canned, like they’re giving infomercials. Social networking needs to be a natural flow from the way you think and talk with others. It should never feel forced or it will come off sounding scripted.

Here’s my suggestion. Show up online like you show up at a party. Each personality type shows up at parties with different attitudes, emotions, and actions.

Cholerics believe they have something to offer the others. They are more cut and dry in their approach, and deal in facts more than feelings. They report happenings and opinions. They set goals and judge how they measure up in achieving those goals.

Sanguines are the life of the party. They are funny and charming. Their online presence is entertaining. They bring the sparkle. They often aren’t intentional, but instead operate on a whim. If there’s a lag in conversation, they’ll fill it!

Melancholies are in tune with their own emotions, and the emotions of others. They will connect on a deeper level. They have high expectations of themselves and strive for perfection, whether it’s their image or their performance.

Phlegmatics are the contented wallflowers at the party, and in social networking. They live up to the advice, “don’t try so hard.” They don’t find fault with how others are interacting, but if there’s a silence, they don’t think they have to fill the void. They aren’t uncomfortable with a slower pace.

Consider your own personality type, and consider how you function at parties. Take those observations to your social networking attempts, and it will help you sound and feel more authentic and less like a marketing ploy.

The best advice of all is to remember that social networking is social. It’s meant to be about connecting. Relationships. Give and take. It’s not dropping word bombs on the public and disappearing, but interacting and engaging in conversations that matter. Just like when you do public speaking and writing, social networking should always keep in mind the value-added for the audience. What’s in it for them?

Try this new approach on for size, and I think you’ll feel much more comfortable in your social networking “skin.”

Kathy Carlton Willis, owner of KCW Communications, gets jazzed fiddling with words as a publicist, author, speaker, and more. Kathy looks forward to meeting with conferees at conferences such as the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. She can help you with the next “aha light bulb moment” you need to advance your writing or speaking career. She shines, whether she’s shining the light on God’s writers and speakers, or reflecting God’s light during speaking engagements. You can find her online at http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

I hope everyone his having a safe and blessed Christmas week, wherever you are.  My wife Kristen and I have been snowed in at our New Mexico cabin for the past week–got plowed out last night just in time to enjoy Christmas dinner with some dear friends.

This week I would like to share something written by our beloved CLASSeminars President, Gerry Wakeland, that is not necessarily about writing, but reminds us of the “glue” that bonds us all together as Christian writers, speakers, editors, and publishers.

God bless, and Merry Christmas to all!

Lawrence

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A Christmas Prayer

by Gerry Wakeland

Abba Father:

Christmas is upon us, the celebration of the birth of your son, Jesus. It is still so hard for me to comprehend how you could love us so much to send your only son to earth, to walk in our shoes, learn our ways, and then to give His life so that we might live with you forever. How grateful I am for this love, this incredible gift – the gift of Jesus!

Lord, as I think about Christmas and what it means I am reminded of the words written long ago, words that were written so that we might have a tangible reminder of what Christmas is all about. I recall the “Story of Christmas.” How I wish I could have been there, perhaps a little mouse in the barn that night. As I look back I think of the people that you used to bring about this awesome miracle and I long to be more like them.

Lord, hear my prayer and allow me to be more like Mary, who even when she didn’t understand your plan praised you and surrendered to your will.

Help me to be like Joseph, who received your message and walked in obedience even when he faced ridicule and disgrace.

Let me be like the angels, heralding the good news and great joy of Jesus to the world.

May I be like the shepherds, ready to jump up and run to your side, worshipping at your feet.

I pray that I would have the wisdom and discernment of the wise men who came to see the newborn King, and that I, too, would bring Him a gift–the gift of myself.

And Father God, most certainly I want to be more like Simeon, who trusted your promises and stood fast in his faith, knowing that you would bring those promises to pass.

The Story of Christmas and these men and women are but examples of your grace and faithfulness. Lord, I ask that I might every day be drawn closer and closer to you so that in time I will be more like these examples and the many others that you have placed in my life. Lord, my fervent prayer is that one day my life might be an example of your grace and faithfulness, encouraging others along the way.

And so, sweet Jesus, as we prepare to celebrate your birth, I thank you for the gift of your self, the gift you give us over and over each day. I pray this prayer not just for myself, but for all those I love and care about, for those I share this journey with, knowing that they too strive to be shining examples of your love and grace in this world.

To you, Lord, be all glory and honor!

Amen

The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

Every once in a while we hear about a new software package, training program or seminar, or gadget that is just way too cool to keep to ourselves.  This week, Anita Brooks shares with us a”simple gadget designed to help you make more money and cut expenses as a writer.”  How’s that sound?

If you are one of those tech-savvy people who likes to have the newest and greatest gizmo, or if you’re not even tech-savvy but have one of those new-fangled smart phone thingies, read on and find out how you can turn those pixels and bits into some cold, hard cash to support your writing and ministry!

Lawrence

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Writer’s Corner

Got Squared?

by Anita Brooks

Anita Brooks

Hidden benefits at writer’s conferences often come in surprise packages. Simple conversation sometimes turns into bonus value. Attendees huddle in corners, chat over meals, brainstorm while they walk, or trade banter in cars. Regardless of the location, some of the most beneficial information can come from those spontaneous moments, and some of those exchanges can make you money – fast.

So lean in, and we’ll re-enact a conversation that took place at the 2011 CLASS Christian Writer’s Conference.

“Want to sell more of what you write?”

“I’m listening.”

“Do you know about Square?”

“What’s Square?”

“A simple gadget designed to help you make more money and cut expenses as a writer.  Okay, maybe it wasn’t designed specifically for us writer-types, but it can help us operate a thriving business.”

This discussion aroused the curiosity of a few people at the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. It added value to the conference by alerting writers they could increase their income with Square.

A tiny device could make your sales soar as well. Just ask Salvation Army spokesperson, Major George Hood. The New York Times recently quoted him as saying, “A lot of people just don’t carry cash anymore. We’re basically trying to make sure we’re keeping up with our donors and embrace the new technologies they’re embracing.”

Square fits in the palm of your hand and allows you to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express through most smart phones with wireless access. From almost anywhere, you can collect payment, immediately.

You now have the chance to make more money with your writing. Carry a few copies of your books, tip-sheets, or other writing creations with you. When someone says, “What do you write?” an opportunity to sell, not just tell, presents itself.

With Square, the initial setup takes approximately ten minutes – then you can accept most major credit or debit cards. There is no cost for the device, no monthly fee, and the reasonable transaction charges compete with other credit card processors. It’s a win/win. If you don’t sell, you pay nothing.

Once a transaction is complete, the funds are direct-deposited into the account you designate, and your customer receives an email or phone text receipt. Jot down their contact information as backup in case you need to resend the confirmation. This also gives you a legitimate reason to add them to your database. Grow your writing portfolio and platform with Square.

Conferences are a great place to learn. Seminars provide obvious value, but sometimes simple conversations add hidden benefits to your business – Squared.

For more information on Square, follow this link: https://squareup.com/

Anita Agers-Brooks is a business expert, Certified Personality Trainer, communications specialist, speaker, and writer. She lives in Missouri.

You can contact her via www.freshstartfreshfaith.org or anita.freshfaith@gmail.com.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Greetings, Fellow Writers!

The CLASS Christian Writers Conference is now two weeks behind us, and what a glorious time it was!

In the coming weeks and months, we will feature conference reflections by several of our attendees, faculty, and staff.  If you would like to write a short piece about your experience at “The Holy Ghost Ranch,” please send it to me at lawrencejclark@yahoo.com.

This week, we have a wonderful reflection by first-time attendee Andrea Thurston Brown; God did some amazing work as He introduced her to several “angels” during her five days at the ranch.

I hope you enjoy Andrea’s contribution, and I look forward to readings YOURS in the near future!

Lawrence

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Conference Reflection

Meeting with Angels

By Andrea Thurston Brown

He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go.

Psalm 91:11 (The Message)

I arrived at my first writer’s conference not knowing what to expect.  I am not a published writer; I’m a personal trainer and fitness instructor whom God wants to use to get a message out to women regarding their health and body image.

I came a day early because I read about the “On Ramp” class and knew it would be vital to my conference experience. I met up with my fellow “On Ramp” classmates in the airport and we bonded quickly.  This is where the first miracle of angels occurred.  God sent friends to be angels of Love and Acceptance.

Anxiously, I arrived to class the next day. We learned about the conference, what to expect, who’s who, and important terminology to help understand the lingo of the writing world.  Ron Benson and Lee Warren were full of valuable information they enthusiastically shared with all of us.  God put them in my path to be Angels of Clarity.

Toward the end of the “On Ramp” class, we were able to do a mock interview with a publisher.  Gloria Penwell, from AMG, graciously gave of her time. I nervously volunteered to do the mock interview. With my heart beating out of my chest, she calmed me down with her kind eyes and gentle smile. She liked my idea and asked to meet with me again. She became my angel of Validation. She gave me the assurance that my book is needed.

God then placed Edna Ellison in my life, who also was my critique coach during our small group time.  She showed me how to use my words in a more powerful way. With her loving approach she taught me how to edit my work, and with her sweet spirit she spoke dreams into me. Edna was an angel of Encouragement.

Kathy Willis showed up in my life in July when I attended the CLASS “Marketing Boot Camp.”  We crossed paths again in the library at the Ghost Ranch, another one of those divine appointments we all experienced during the conference. She gave me clear direction and insight into building my platform.  She was my angel of Wisdom.

Susan Osborn was an angel I almost didn’t meet, but with God’s great providence I ended up in front of her at a round table discussion. She used her years of experience in the writing field to help me understand the art of pitching to a publisher.  She granted me the honor of winning a contest that would help perfect my proposal and make it available to a multitude of publishers. Susan was my angel of Peace.

My last appointed angel was John Van Diest. With his humble heart he listened to me as I poured out the vision God had given me. He offered me acceptance, clarity, encouragement, wisdom, and peace.  He made me see the possibility of getting my book published. He gave me permission to spread my wings and fly.  He was my angel of Opportunity.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:18 (NIV)

God proved His Word all week. He went before me placing people in my path to help me get where He wanted (and wants) me to go. Everyone I met at the Ghost Ranch played a part in God’s purpose for me. I will forever be grateful for my week at the ranch, the experiences I had, and the friendships I made.

Each time I stepped out of the dining hall and looked up at the glorious mountains surrounding me, it felt like I was in the palm of God’s hand. Looking back on the people He placed in my life, I know without a doubt that’s where I was.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

Today, as the first CLASS Christian Writers Conference attendees begin arriving at the Ghost Ranch, we have another insightful and inspirational message from CLASSeminars president Gerry Wakeland. I’ve never known Gerry to be a fan of insects, but in this case, I can see why.

I look forward to seeing some of you at this year’s conference; if you are unable to make it, please stay tuned in the coming days and weeks for more inspiring messages from attendees and conference faculty.

Many blessings and safe travels!

Lawrence

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Conference Reflection

The Lesson of the Ants

by Gerry Wakeland

It was a glorious fall day as I headed out the door for the Ghost Ranch and the final walk through for the 2011 CLASS Christian Writers Conference. My two-hour drive was filled with praise and worship as God and I talked about the upcoming conference. I told him my plans, then He chuckled and told me His.

As I approached the main campus of the Ghost Ranch the beauty took my breath away. As many times as I have been to this location it’s always the same. I am just in awe of what our Creator has done here. Today the trees were in all their glory, shades of yellow, gold, orange, and crimson with a few evergreens thrown in for affect. What a spectacular vision! The great bluffs of copper and red stone rose behind them. It was indeed a masterpiece.

Our meeting finished early so I had time for a walk before lunch. It was such a beautiful day I could not pass up the opportunity so I headed off toward the New Arts Center. I got as far as the Zen Garden and then stopped for a moment of solitude. In the midst of the silence I could hear the song of the birds, the brush of the leaves in the gentle breezes and I could smell the crisp clean fresh air scented with pine.

Next stop was the labyrinth. I never miss a chance to walk the labyrinth and pray. I paused for a moment at the entrance, gathering my thoughts. Suddenly I felt the urge to go to the opposite side of the labyrinth and sit on a boulder and spend some time in God’s presence. I had not been seated on the boulder too long before I noticed an ant colony at my feet, lots and lots of ants scurrying about.

I watched as the ants crawled form their hole. Some came in groups of twos and threes, other more independent ants traveled alone and would venture far away from the entrance of the ant hill. They were the risk takers. Some would quickly find a morsel and scurry back to safety inside their hill. Others would continue their search looking for that one special particle.

Then one ant in particular caught my eye. This ant was carrying something large, as large as itself. I watched as it struggled moving its burden forward, tiny ant step by tiny ant step. Sometimes the fragment would fall and the ant would struggle to get it moving again. I realized that I am a lot like that ant. I often carry burdens far larger than I can manage on my own. Pride and independence keep me from asking for help. Maybe you’re like my friend the ant, too.

Suddenly my thoughts shifted to the upcoming writer’s conference.  I looked around and realized that in just a few days writers would be arriving at the Ghost Ranch from all over the country. Some would arrive in twos and threes. Others would arrive alone. Soon, like the ants, writers would be scurrying all around the conference center. They would all arrive carrying something. Indeed there would be burdens in many shapes, sizes, and guises.

As I continued to ponder this picture I realized that a wonderful opportunity awaits us at the Ghost Ranch–the opportunity to share our burdens. If we will but only take the risk to ask for help, to seek out wise counsel, to pray with another, to hand the burden we carry over to God and let Him carry it. I have discovered that the writer’s conference is about far more than learning the craft of writing. It’s about much more than meeting with editors and agents who can further our writing careers and make our dreams come true. It’s about building and nurturing relationships with God and with one another. Those relationships often last far longer than the five days of a writer’s conference.

As I headed back to the Dining Hall for lunch I thought of the ants and how sad it is that they carry their burdens all alone. But how glad I am that we have a Creator, an incredible God that encourages us to build relationships and share our burdens so as to make our load lighter.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.

Howdy, Folks!

At last year’s conference I had the privilege of meeting a fellow Texan-transplanted-to-New-Mexico, Chad Spriggs.  Unlike me, Chad enjoys living in New Mexico full-time, but I try not to hold that against him.  Like me, Chad is a songwriter, and although our styles are very different, I enjoy his honest, energetic, and emotive vocals, as well as his unique brand of humor.

This year, Chad will be joining us again at the Class Christian Writers Conference, and in addition to helping us worship through music, will be leading a workshop called “The Creative Market.” In the following Conference Reflection, Chad reminds us of Whose we are, and to “prepare our hearts and minds for what God has in store” at this year’s conference.

Blessings,

Lawrence

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Conference Reflection

The Overflow

By Chad Spriggs

The “overflow” continues to spill into my thoughts and actions. To the friendships that have been etched in time to the challenges to be God’s vessel, the CLASS Christian Writers Conference has truly blessed my life and ministry.

The Writers Conference is an experience that I’ve been looking forward to all year. Last year was my first conference and I can say with confidence that the relationships, insights, and the challenge to live an authentic life for Christ have continued to challenge me. I’ve begun to look at ministry as an opportunity to not only share God’s truth with others, but to grow my devotion to God and his word. I’ve even found that ministry is not a thing we do, but it’s an overflow of God’s transforming power revealed through a life devoted to God and God alone.

Let’s begin to anticipate His transforming power transforming each of us this year. As each of us prepare our hearts and minds for what God has in store, let us prayerfully consider what we can do even now to plan for what God longs to teach us. We do what we do because of what we’ve become…..His.

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The CLASS Christian Writers Conference blog is managed by Lawrence J. Clark, an author, speaker, and songwriter who frequently speaks and performs in schools, churches, and libraries throughout the United States. He is co-founder, with his wife Kristen, of HisWitness.org and NewBeginningsMarriage.org, for which he writes a regular column based on personality theory, marriage and relationships, men’s issues, and Christian living.