Christian Writers' Conference to Be Held in Livonia, Michigan

The FaithWriters website (http://www.faithwriters.com) will be sponsoring its first writing conference August 10, 2007 through August 12, 2007. People are gathering from all over the United States for this conference and one of the main speakers, Deborah Porter, is coming all the way from her home in Australia. It will be a great time to share your love of writing with other Christian writers in an atmosphere of fun and fellowship.

Here is what some of the conference attendees are saying:

I am so looking forward to the FaithWriters' conference this summer. What a unique opportunity to meet some wonderful Christian writers like me in person, hone my craft, and spend some wonderful time worshiping and fellowshipping with likeminded brothers and sisters in Christ. What else could you ask for?

Joanne Sher
Michigan
Freelance Writer

It has been my privilege to be a FaithWriters member since 2003 and watch the phenomenal changes and growth take place right before my eyes.
Back then I always seemed to be saying, "None of us are here by accident; this is all part of a bigger picture." I still believe we have yet to reach the height and width and depth of this site's influence on the whole world.

Finally getting to meet old and new FW members will be an incredible blessing. It is almost like the anticipation of seeing loved ones at a family reunion. We are connected by a sweet and mysterious common bond as Christians and wordsmiths. Seeing these folks in person that we have come to know on screen will be like discovering long lost siblings and parents. But then again...we are blood relatives.

Linda Germain
Tennessee
FaithWriters Book Reviewer
Freelance Writer/Editor
Humor Columnist

I'm so looking forward to road-tripping to Michigan with my daughter (who also loves to write and edit). While we expect to gain much in the ways of writing, we also know it will be a marvelous time of fellowship for us with other believers. We can hardly wait!

Marty Wellington
Kansas
Ever-Hopeful Writer

Until just a couple of years ago, my talent as a poet was barely visible. My writing was random, and lines that often swirled in my head seldom made it onto paper. Then the Lord led me to FaithWriters, and everything changed. Through FaithWriters' nurturing and nudging, I actually began to write. My portfolio has grown over several months, and now I have the privilege of having my own column on Ezraweb, a website whose ministry reaches around the world. I have also had the privilege of finding in-print homes for poems that otherwise would never have been written.

Although I live almost a thousand miles away from the location of the FaithWriters Conference, I literally cannot imagine NOT going. Besides the thrill of meeting on-line friends and colleagues, the workshops offered there will be fascinating and motivating. And, of course, with a group like FW, I couldn't possibly miss out on all the laughs! Is it worth the extra time, money (a bargain!), and schedule shifting? You better believe it!
...and it's also a great way to say 'Thank you!' to FaithWriters for all this site has done for me.

Linda O.
Mississippi
Minister's wife and Author

FW has made a huge difference in my life. Their constant encouragement boosted my confidence while teaching me valuable lessons. Having a chance to attend the FW Conference, learn more in the lectures and workshops, and hone my skills, while meeting a super group of writers and friends--all for a reasonable price is too good to miss. I can't wait!

Patty Wysong
Illinois
Aspiring Writer and Home Schooling Mom

To kick the conference off, Amy Michelle Wiley, one of the conference coordinators, will welcome everyone and provide an overview of the weekend's events. Scott Lindsay, the founder of FaithWriters, will then speak on The Vision of FW. This will be followed by an evening of enjoyable group writing activities.

Miss Wiley, of Washinton state, shared some of her thoughts on the conference."I am so excited about this conference because it will be unlike any you've ever been to! FaithWriters is not just a writing group--it is a home, a community that supports the whole writer, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. This conference will reflect that in a very real way with hands-on workshops, inspirational messages, and a group time of worship, not to mention the just-for-fun talent show!"In addition to being one of the conference coordinators, she is also thedirector of the international collaborative fiction group, Peculiar People.

The three-day conference, held in Livonia, Michigan, Mr. Lindsay's hometown, will have workshops on Saturday covering a wide variety of topics and taught by successful authors, a professor, and a theater director. There is truly something for everyone, from beginners just getting started, to seasoned pros who may want to expand in a new direction.

David Ian, of Portland Oregon, is a published author, award-winning playwright, and performer is scheduled to be one of the instructors at the conference. Here are some of his thoughts about the upcoming conference, "The FaithWriter's Conference is going to be a glimpse of what Heaven will be like; seeing kindred hearts we've never met in person before but they have been like family all along. I'm stoked and excited!"

The workshops are divided into three blocks, and you get to choose between nine amazing workshops:

Block A

"Are You Ready To Be Published?"
Deb Porter

"Nuts and Bolts, Turn Your Grammar a Half Twist"
Dub Wright

"Write from your Inner Child"
Wendy Decker

Block B

"Freelancing"
Cori Smelker

"Who's Afraid To Be Critiqued?"
Deb Porter

"Writing to be Performed"
David Ian

Block C

"Writing the Perfect Query Letter"
Sally Stuart

"Unleashing Creativity"
David Ian

"Writing Humor Is a Funny Business"
Rev. James L. Snyder

The two main speakers for the conference are Sally Stuart and Deborah Porter. Both women are highly respected experts in their field and will come with invaluable information for conference attendees.

Sally Stuart is probably best known for the Christian Writers' Market Guide (http://www.stuartmarket.com) that has been the best source for Christian writers looking for publishing opportunities for the last twenty years. Ms. Stuart will be speaking on "Trends in Christian Publishing". She will speak about the trends within the publishing world itself, beyond the popularity of topics. With the constant flux of the writing world, this information is worth its weight in gold.

Deborah Porter is not only a published author and popular speaker, she is also the owner of Finesse Writing & Editing Service (http://www.finessewriting.com.au/index.html), a unique editing service that not only helps improve the author's writing, but is encouraging as well. Ms. Porter's topic will be "Someone Please Remind Me Why I'm Doing This Again?", helping writers learn to deal with discouragement, a struggle for all writers.

The conference is not all work, however. There are fun get-to-know-you and enjoyable writing activities planned. A talent show is also on the schedule for Saturday evening, where the attendees can share their non-writing talents. Included in the acts will be vocalists, instrumentalists, skits and dramatic readings. The highlight of the evening is sure to be the sneak preview of the Peculiar People (http://www.peculiarpeoplebooks.com/) project, Secrets of the Ice, a Christian science-fiction story co-written by several of the FaithWriters members.

If you are already a published author, there will be opportunities to sell your books at the conference. More information on this can be found at link below.

A worship service is planned for Sunday morning, lead by a music team comprised of members of the FaithWriters website.

The price of the conference cannot be beat, with a registration fee of $75.00 (March 1 - June 30) and $80.00 (July 1 - August 10). The hotel has a group of rooms set aside at a discount for conference attendees.

For more information about the conference and to register, please visit the FaithWriters' site (http://www.faithwriters.com/conference.php).