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.

Greetings and Salutations!

This week we have another wonderful Conference Reflection by CLASSeminars President, Gerry Wakeland, who reminds us that the Class Christian Writers Conference is not just a gathering of writers, editors, publishers, and other top professionals in the Christian publishing world (which it is) but it’s also like a family reunion in which we renew old ties with our relations and meet new additions to our family. I know I am looking forward to this year’s gathering, and I hope to see many of you there!

Blessings,

Lawrence

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Conference Reflection

Homecoming

By Gerry Wakeland

Recently the University of New Mexico here where I live in Albuquerque celebrated homecoming. There was an air of excitement in the community as graduates returned to their alma mater. Sadly, the Lobos (that’s the UNM football team) lost their game; however, the camaraderie of the UNM family still permeated the weekend activities.

One day, we will experience the ultimate homecoming when we arrive in our heavenly home to be with Jesus. We will be reunited with friends and loved ones, and the celebration we experience will be far greater than anything we could know here on earth. The tailgate parties will have all our favorite foods, and it is guaranteed that our team will win.

Until that day arrives, God in His grace and goodness has provided other opportunities of homecoming. One of these opportunities is the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Each November, as we gather at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, it is as if the family is coming home.

In just a short time the family of God will gather together. We will worship, sing praises, and share stories. We will laugh and cry together as we recount the events of the past year. Old friends will reconnect and new friendships will be formed. Dreams will be dreamed, goals will be set, and commitments will be made. And in these moments we will experience a little taste of heaven right here on earth. We will celebrate homecoming.

It’s not too late to be part of the festivities. It’s not too late to respond to the invitation–not just our invitation to be part of the CLASS Christian Writers Conference, but to God’s invitation to step away and spend a special time with Him. Come and join the family!

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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, which takes place Nov. 2-6, is right around the corner. If you haven’t signed up yet, register today for this life-transforming event!

Today’s guest article is by Jan Johnson, who will be leading three workshops at this year’s conference: “Coming Clean: Confession Can be Good for the Writer,” “Scripture Meditation for the Writer’s Right Brain,” and “Breaking Into Secular Magazines.” In her article, “Prayers and Hit Lists,” she explains how she prays purposefully before attending a writer’s conference. This is something we should all be doing, especially in these last few weeks before the conference starts!

Many Blessings . . .

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Writer’s Corner

Prayers and “Hit Lists”

by Jan Johnson

In preparing to go to a writer’s conference, I like to make a “hit list” a few weeks before. This list includes not only editors I want to talk to either at appointments or by snagging them at a meal, but all kinds of odd things that come to me in prayer. I ask God to help me think of all the questions I have about writing and I put those on the list—sometimes with a “target” person, but mostly I leave them wide open. I lay this before God for more input and more comes to me. God has directed me to conferees who have helped me learn how to juggle kids and writing, how to make a living as a writer, and how to choose which computer programs for certain tasks.

Doing this also helped me see the conference as a large space in which God might speak to me in a variety of ways. I think this came to me because of what happened to me the first night at my first writer’s conference. I sat near the back, scared to death, eyeing the person sitting next to me, who was much better at pretending she wasn’t scared (a radio show producer, of course).  We began talking about which Morning Lab to sign up for. I was so confused.  Finally, she told me which one she planned to attend and said, “I’m not sure about the topic, but that woman would make a great role model for me, no matter what she talked about.” As an information junkie, I thought that was strange. But I was so confused I picked the same workshop, and it was one of the best things I ever did. The content proved to be appropriate—I went home and did every single thing she said. That teacher was a role model for me: confident, positive, and full of persistence and grit. (If you see me at the conference, you can ask me who it was!)

That experience taught me to be open to God’s guidance in comments all around me. God might use a variety of people to speak to me, and I needed to come to conferences alert and ready to hear.

Go ahead and make your “hit list,” but also think about the following: what questions might you include that would help you grow as a writer and as a person?

Jan Johnson is the author of 20 books (including Enjoying the Presence of God, When the Soul Listens, Savoring God’s Word) and truckloads of magazine articles and Bible studies. Also a speaker and spiritual director, she will be leading devotions every day and presenting 3 workshops at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. You can learn more about Jan at  www.JanJohnson.org.

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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 countdown is on for the CLASS Christian Writers Conference, Nov. 2-6 at the incredibly super mucho breathtakingly awesome Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico. If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time, so register today!

This week we have some helpful tips written by two of my favorite CLASS/Ghost Ranch buddies, Lee Warren and Ron Benson. These guys also happen to be co-instructors of the day-long “On-Ramp” orientation session, which I highly recommend to anyone attending the conference for the first time, as well as those attending for the second or third time. In the On- Ramp session (which is free, by the way) Ron and Lee share lots of valuable information that will help you get the most out of the conference, both professionally and spiritually.

Enjoy!

Lawrence

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Writer’s Corner

Packing for a Writer’s Conference

by Ron Benson and Lee Warren

Only days separate you from an exhilarating, possibly life-altering
experience. What do you need to do to prepare?

If you are new to writer’s conferences, sign up for On-Ramp. On-Ramp
is designed to get you up and running before the rigors of the week
begin. If you haven’t done so yet – get your name on the list. It’s
free.

Whether you’re a rookie or an old veteran, you’ll want to gather
some things for the conference, and you’ll need to start now.

Gather Your Belongings – Think of the usual – clothes, toiletries,
meds, etc. But also think of the things you will need with you to do
your best work and learn the most. Your favorite pen; your laptop or
netbook; a picture of your spouse or a good friend; a notebook for
jotting ideas and recording mind-storms – you’ll have a lot of them.

Gather Your Materials – Bring the best stuff you’ve ever written.
You don’t need a hundred copies – just a couple will do. Most of the
time an editor, agent, or advisor will only need to see a page of
your work. If they’re interested they might ask for more, but will
probably tell you to send it. They have to pay for extra checked
luggage just like you, so they probably aren’t looking to carry home
a full-length manuscript from every attendee. Business cards are
another story – bring a bunch. You’ll want to scatter them like
confetti.

Gather Your Encouragers – Right now – weeks before the conference
begins – enlist a group of people who will pray for you. Tell them
you need encouragement. Ask for their help to give you courage and
hope. Sure – it’s hard to ask for it, and maybe you think you
shouldn’t have to ask. Do it anyway. Make copies of anything they
give you, bring along any notes they write, get their phone numbers
in your cell. Half-way through the conference, when the bottom drops
out of your expectations and you’re ready to check out of the whole
“I-wanna-be-a-writer” thing, you’ll need to read those notes and
make a few quick courage calls.

Gather Your Thoughts – A writer’s conference can be intimidating.
Take some time to pray for your conference week. Every day, set a
moment or two aside to picture yourself at the conference, being
confident and malleable, absorbing a carnival of new thoughts, great
advice, and motivational gunpowder. Ask God to be working in you to
get you ready for the challenge.

Gather Your Steam – You’ll be up in the mountains, and you’ll be
walking a lot. You’ll be road-weary from traveling, and you’ll be
stressed. You won’t want to be physically exhausted. Do some
physical preparations ahead – walking, jogging, gyming, or swimming
– so your body will not be the first to reject your hard-won endeavors.

You’ve taken the first step toward your writing future by
registering for the conference. You’re going to be investing a lot
of time and money. It only makes sense to pack wisely. So gather it
all up and we’ll see you there.

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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 and Speakers!

Can you believe that the CLASS Christian Writers Conference is now less than a month away? Yikes!!!

In order to help build your excitement and assist you in getting prepared, I have lined up an all-star cast to write some guest articles, so check back in the coming weeks for some awesome Conference Reflections and Writer’s Corner pieces by several CLASS veterans, including Ron Benson, Kathy Carlton Willis, Jan Johnson, and Lee Warren.

This week we have another wonderful Conference Reflection by CLASSeminars President, Gerry Wakeland. Her last contribution included a beautiful “butterfly” metaphor as it applies to writers; if you missed that one, be sure to go to the blog archive and check it out. This week Gerry reminds us of the unique mission that the CLASS Christian Writers Conference fulfills; there are many conferences where we can learn writing strategies, gain insight into the publishing industry, and present our book proposals to editors and publishers. At this conference, though, we also have the opportunity to spend time with God and discover His plan for our writing lives. After attending the conference for several years in a row, I know exactly what she’s saying; it has been a “life changer” in many ways—yes, professionally, but more importantly, spiritually. I’m sure it will be for you as well!

Many Blessings,

Lawrence

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Conference Reflection

Meet Jesus at the Ghost Ranch!

By Gerry Wakeland

I’ve just returned from a spiritual formation conference. When I use the term spiritual formation people, even my Christian friends, often ask what that means. This always surprises me but I patiently explain that it’s an opportunity for me to learn ways to be more like Jesus. After all, as Christians, isn’t that what we strive for, to be more like Jesus? Sadly, this is still confusing to some. My good friend, Jan Johnson, gives what I believe to be one of the best descriptions of spiritual formation. I urge you to visit her website (www.janjohnson.org) and listen to what she has to say on the topic. We will also feature a guest article from her next week, so be sure to come back and read that as well!

In 2009, when God gave us a new vision for the writers conference, our planning team made a decision to be more intentional about including the element of spiritual formation or spiritual growth in the conference. In fact, we made it a priority. I often get the question, why? It seems that many feel they are attending a writers conference to learn more about the craft of writing, to meet with editors and publishers, or to network with other professionals.

They think they can get their spiritual needs met at church on Sunday, or in their small group, or at the Bible study they attend. And they can. But I’ve discovered that sometimes God needs to pull me away from my usual routine to get my attention, to be able to speak to me at the level He needs to. This is one of the reasons I attend spiritual formation events. Not only am I fed by the messages of the speakers and the materials presented, but I actually have time that I can devote to listening to God and what He has to say to me.

During this last event I took a new journal and found myself writing all kinds of thoughts and ideas. I wrote while waiting for the general sessions to begin, before and after workshops, and as I sat in the car before heading back to my hotel room. I found myself filling the journal pages. Some of what I wrote was God’s affirmation of plans and ideas. And then there were lots of new thoughts. There were a number of entries that just praised God for who He is and what He’s doing in my life. A time or two my writings were more like cries to God seeking His wisdom and direction.

In just a few weeks a number of us will gather at the Ghost Ranch for the CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Many who are coming will think they are there to learn more about writing, to pitch their projects or ideas, or to become a published author as they participate in the conference book project. Those are all good reasons to come to the writers conference; however, I wonder if your plan and God’s plan are the same. Perhaps God is bringing you to the writers conference to get you away from your usual routine and get you to a place where He can speak to you.

Each year as we begin to prepare for the next writers conference, I begin to pray. I’ve prayed the same prayer for the last three years. “Lord, let them meet you at this place this year.”

So grab your journal and join us–let’s meet Jesus together!

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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!

This week’s guest post is by writer, editor, and publisher W. Terry Whalin. Even though I am generally suspicious of people with initials as first names (reminds me of lawyers and politicians) Terry has proven to be an all-around decent guy with lots of great information to share. If you haven’t read Book Proposals That Sell: 21 Secrets to Speed Your Success, I highly recommend you do so, especially if you are planning to bring a book proposal to this year’s conference.

See below for an excellent reminder that even though the author invests a lot of time, creativity, and emotional energy into the writing of a book, it is the publisher who takes the financial risks associated with printing, distribution, etc.

Enjoy!

Lawrence

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Writer’s Corner

Shocking News To Authors: The Book Business Is A Business First

By W. Terry Whalin

Before I began working inside a book publishing house, I had written more than 50 nonfiction books, ranging from children’s to adult books. I have never self-published a book and always worked through traditional publishers. However, I was unaware of the financial production numbers for nonfiction books and I found it shocking—and something critical for potential authors to understand. The author never sees these figures for their books as the publisher doesn’t reveal them throughout the contract negotiation process. A publisher will produce these financial calculations as simply a part of good business practices.  As an author, understanding this helped me see publishing as a business. Authors have huge amounts of time and emotional investment in their words. When I saw these production numbers, I understood that the publisher, not the author, has the largest out-of-pocket cash investment in a book.

Inside the publisher, the editor will gather a sales projection about how many copies the sales department believes they can sell of your title the first year. That sales figure will be used to calculate the production costs of ink, paper, and binding for various amounts of printing (5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 copies). As the initial print number is raised, the cost per book decreases. You may ask, so why not print a large volume each time? The answer is, if the publisher prints a large number of copies, then he has to store those copies in the warehouse (read cost and expense), plus make sure they actually sell those copies within a year’s timeframe. The cost of tying up financial resources in storing and warehousing books that aren’t selling is large. Also, the federal government taxes publishers on each copy in storage. These tax rules have forced publishers to think long and hard about how many copies of each book to print.

Inside my former publisher, we calculated the overall printing details of the book (paperback with general publishing look or hardcover with jacket) and the number of books to print before offering a book contract. In short, publishers pour a great deal of work into their books and financial projections before they call you and offer a nonfiction book contract. Understanding this process helps you see some of the reasons it takes such a long time for an author to receive a publishing contract…

Often the publisher returns to an author with whom they have already published a book. If the publisher takes a second or third book from the same author, they are investing in that author’s career and trying to build that author’s audience and market. If the author’s books are selling well, then the publisher will be eager for another project. Each week, publishers monitor sales numbers on their books to see if particular authors merit another book contract.

Many writers focus only on the creative aspects of writing a book and getting it published, but the executives inside a publishing house are business people who want to sell books and turn a profit at the end of the day. It’s a delicate balance between creating the best possible product and assuring that each product has the best opportunity to sell into the market and reach the target audience.

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W. Terry Whalin, a writer and publisher, lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. A former acquisitions editor, former magazine editor, and former literary agent, Terry has written more than 60 nonfiction books, including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. To help writers, he has created a 12-lesson online course called Write A Book Proposal. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.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.