Fiction One-Day Writing Conference

PEAK WRITING CONFERENCE: Writing the Gift with Excellence

Date: February 28, 2009 (Snow date: March 7, 2009)

Location: Journey Chapel on Baptist Road, 505 Baptist Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Cost: Early-Bird Discount (must be postmarked by Jan. 31^st): ACFW members: $50.00; Nonmembers: $55.00

After Jan. 31st and walk-ins: ACFW members: $55.00; Nonmembers: $60.00

Registration includes lunch and two snack breaks.

For Registration and More Conference Details: Log on to http://www.acfwcolorado.com/events.html

SCHEDULE

9:00 am: Check-in

9:30 am–11:00 am: Speaker: Donita K. Paul

Workshop: Fantastic Fiction: Fantasy appeals to many people because the genre puts the universal struggle of Good versus Evil up front. Many of the elements of high fantasy transfer well to other genres. Donita K. Paul has explored the hero's journey and found some nuggets that help her write with appeal to a wide variety of readers. She shares basic key components of a successful tale. Donita is the author of The Dragon Keeper Chronicles, a series that has influenced mature as well as young fantasy enthusiast. She hits the mark in providing spiritual input without being preachy.

11:00 am–11:15 am: Break

11:15 am–12:45 pm: Speaker: Lisa Tawn Bergren

Workshop: Show vs. Tell / Point of View: Lisa Bergren will address two subjects in her session: Understanding the nuances of Point of View and the classic rule, "Show Don't Tell." She'll begin with very basic instruction on both fronts and move to a more advanced, detailed look at each that will help more experienced writers, using a manuscript she's editing, her own novels, as well as other published works. Her session will include a Q&A period to address specific issues. Those who attend are welcome to bring their own paragraph examples with specific questions they'd like to ask. Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over thirty books including children's books, contemporary romance, medieval suspense, and nonfiction. She's also a former fiction editor for Multnomah and WaterBrook Press. She continues to do some freelance editing, as well as write. She lives with her family in Colorado Springs. Visit her website at http://www.LisaTawnBergren.com.

12:45 pm–1:30 pm: Lunch

1:30 pm–3:00 pm: Speaker: Beth Jusino

Workshop: Writing a Proposal That Sells: "You only have one chance to make a first impression." That's true for many things, and your novel is no exception. The proposal you put together for agents and editors can woo and win them to the power of your story. Using real proposals that have sold to major publishing houses, in this workshop we will dissect what it takes to create a great introduction to your writing. Beth will talk about crafting a great synopsis, capturing the right marketing hooks and presenting an author bio that highlights your strengths. Beth is a literary agent with Alive Communications, which represents best-selling inspirational novelists Karen Kingsbury, Donita K Paul, Brandilyn Collins, Laura Jensen Walker, and dozens more. Beth came to Alive Communications in 2004 with a love for words and a passion for serving a new generation of writers. Before becoming an agent, Beth contributed to dozens of books as a writer and editor, and was widely published in national magazines. She spent six years as the Managing Editor for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International and sat on the organization's Publishing Acquisitions Team. She is also the former editor of MOMSense Magazine, the most widely-distributed Christian parenting publication in the United States. Beth grew up near the New Jersey shore and earned her BA in political science from Wheaton College, Illinois. She and her husband, Eric, live in the Denver area.

3:00 pm–3:15 pm: Break

3:15 pm–4:00 pm: Book signing