Posts Tagged ‘Writing Contests’

2011 OC Christian Writers Conference Memoir Contest Winner ~ Dani Nichols

April 4th, 2012 Lynne.Leite

Dani Nichols

Are you writing a memoir? Looking for a place to get some feedback? Maybe even thought of entering it into a contest? Read on as Dani Nichols shares her experience at the OC Christian Writers Conference.

I credit my experience at OCCWF for teaching me a couple of incredible lessons in my writing journey.

First, it taught me that everyone – published, dreamers, scared and confident are all still growing and learning. It’s easy to get intimidated as a young writer starting out, but it’s awesome to meet people who are much farther along on their journey and still willing to be honest about their struggles.

Second, it taught me not to get discouraged too easily. Read my blog from last year for the full story, but suffice it to say that I went from dejection to soaring-over-the-clouds happiness in one day at the conference last year.

Third, it reminded me that staying true to myself and the story I’m called to write is what’s most important. Letting the destructive voices in my head keep me from writing is never helpful.

Writing can be lonely, hard work. I’m a full-time copywriter/blogger and sometimes it’s difficult to make time to write less-profitable stories, but the OCCWF conference already has me excited to come back for another year of inspiration and learning (and maybe even another contest win!)

Dani Nichols

For more information about Dani Nichols go to www.wranglerdani.com.

For more information about the OC Christian Writers conference held May 18-10th in Newport Beach, CA go to www.occwf.org.

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Your Infinite Publishing Potential with Alice Crider

March 18th, 2012 Lynne.Leite

Alice Crider

“Today, my mission is to empower you to realize your publishing dreams and live a life that thrills you.” Alice Crider

One of the exciting new features of the 2012 OC Christian Writers Conference is the six pre-conference intensive workshops on Friday, May 18th.  This year, Alice Crider, successful Author Coach, returns to lead a workshop entitled, Your Infinite Publishing Potential.
This class is a must for you if…

  • You’ve done all you know to do to build your publishing career, but you aren’t where you want to be.
  • You’ve been developing your writing, but platform building seems daunting.
  • You’ve been writing but still don’t have an agent.
  • You wonder if self-publishing is right for you.
  • You wonder if the book you’re writing will land on the bestseller list.

In her all-day interactive coaching session, Ms. Crider answers these and many other questions. Her extensive and successful career in the publishing industry coupled with her life coaching skills make this workshop a must for any writer who wants to become not only a published author, but also a more joyful one.

Here’s what others have said:

“Alice Crider helped me strategically think through the daily aspects of my career so I could maximize my output and have a fuller, joyful writing experience. My time with her proved just how valuable an author coach can be, and I’m certainly enjoying my career more because of our time together.” —Mary DeMuth, author of twelve books

“I didn’t even refer to myself as an author when I first spoke with Alice. I was tethered to the past and bound by tomorrow’s fears. Using her uncanny ability to hear the things I struggled to say, her knowledge and experience in the field, and her patient and nurturing faith, Alice was the catalyst for monumental change in my life. Anyone can track how much her coaching has impacted me by the skyrocketing of my career, the tremendous improvement in my communication skills, and above all, the growth of my confidence.” —Kate Johnson, children’s author/illustrator

If you are ready to explore your vision and potential as a writer, then make sure you register for this all day interactive workshop.  Class size is limited to 10 students, so register early to secure your spot.

More information about Alice Crider can be found at www.alicecrider.com.

More information about The 2012 OC Christian Writers Conference held on May 18-20 in Newport Beach, CA can be found at www.occwf.org.

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Jeff Gerke: Finding a Home For Speculative Fiction

February 22nd, 2011 DebbyAlten

Jeff GerkeBy now you’ve probably heard of Jeff Gerke, and Marcher Lord Press, publishing fiction beyond our world– of flying castles and vampire wars. I thought it would be fun for Jeff to introduce us to the unusual and why he loves it.

Beneath this fantastical umbrella we’ve come to know as speculative fiction lie a few subgenres. I’m certain not everyone is familiar with these.

Jeff: My short definition of speculative fiction is “anything weird.” So it would include science fiction, fantasy, time travel, vampire, superhero, alternate history, supernatural thrillers, apocalyptic/end times, spiritual warfare, paranormal, urban fantasy, cyberpunk, technothriller, and more. (more…)

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Christian writer breaks free–and into print

February 17th, 2011 pegrose

Christian writer Mary Henderson won the first annual WestBow Press Publishing contest for unpublished authors at the 2010 Orange County Christian Writers Conference. Are you writing a Christian book and thinking of entering our second annual Westbow contest? Read Mary’s story about her book, Break Free, now available at amazon.com or from her website at http://www.maryhenderson.org.

Christian author discovers the key to breaking free—and into print

By Mary Kay Henderson

Sitting in the audience at the Christian writers conference in Orange County, I could hardly believe they had called my name: Mary Kay Henderson. It was one of those surreal, longed-for moments you treasure for a lifetime.  I was announced as the winner of the WestBow Press Publishing prize for my manuscript Break Free. My first book would now be published! (more…)

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OC Christian Writers Conference Announces 2nd Annual WestBow Writing Contest

February 3rd, 2011 occwf-director

Writing Contest, WestBow Writing Contest,

WestBow Press Writing Contest

The OC Christian Writers Conference is now accepting submissions for its 2nd Annual WestBow Writing Contest. First place will win a Bookstore Advantage Publishing Package valued at $2,799. IRVINE, CA (April 29th-30th, 2011)- One fortunate writer will win a Bookstore Advantage Publishing Package. All entries will be judged for quality, and the award will be announced after lunch before the entire conference. The Bookstore Advantage package will give an author access to distribution backed by one of the most prestigious publishers in the world. Features of publishing package can be reviewed at WestBow. See the website for entry rules to the 2nd Annual WestBow Writing Contest.

2010 contest winner Mary Henderson, awarded for her book, Break Free, describes the publishing process with WestBow as, “delightful to work with in every way. They have provided excellent professional service each step of the journey, from editorial consultation, to cover design, to marketing strategies.” In addition to WestBow Press is the Beverly Bush Smith Aspiring Writer Award for new authors, plus OCCWF’s own Fiction and Memoir Writing Contests. (more…)

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