The Christian WRiters Coach

The Christian Writers’ Coach: How to Get the Most Out of a Writers Conference is the first in a series of books specially designed by Northwest Christian Writers Association writers. It is our goal to give you best-practices information and to put tools in your tool belt to help you succeed as a writer. We started this book with five bios of successful people in the industry. People who started out just like you and are making it in the world of publishing.

This book is designed as a primer for writers conferences. After the bios, the book is divided into three parts:

• Before a conference
• During a conference
• After a conference

In each section, your questions will be answered in articles on how to be prepared and how to put your best foot forward. Then we have provided links to the most helpful resources on the web. We hope you find this a fun and interactive research tool.

God created you for a purpose, and he gifted you with the ability to use words to inspire others and to shape culture. It is our prayer that as you read this book, you will find new tools that will alleviate the mystery of publishing and help you fulfill the dream you were called to.

If you’d like more information on the Northwest Christian Writers Association, you can find us on our webpage www.nwchristianwriters.org; our blog, http://nwchristianwriters.wordpress.com/; or look us up on LinkedIn groups, Facebook, and Twitter (@NWCWriters).

The Northwest Christian Writers Association is a group of writers and speakers in the Seattle area. We join together at monthly meetings, our annual conference, and special events to learn the craft, grow in faith, and encourage one another. If you're interested in learning more about faith based writing and speaking, NCWA offers:

• A speakers bureau-
• A bi-monthly newsletter
• A blog
• Resource recommendations.

Learn more about these and our members at www.nwchristianwriters.org

Author Lynnette Bonner’s current releases include the four books in The Shepherd’s Heart series, Rocky Mountain Oasis, High Desert Haven, Fair Valley Refuge, Spring Meadow Sanctuary, and her newest romantic suspense release, The Unrelenting Tide. Lynnette makes her home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her pastor husband and four children.

Author Dennis Brooke is a storyteller and aspiring novelist who tells stories at www.dennisbrooke.com He has written for international publications including Focus on the Family, Toastmasters, and Combat Crew magazines. His newest release titled The Last Apostle will be available in February 2016.

Author Kathleen Freeman spends her days working on novels, articles, editing, and, her passion, helping those around her use their talents to the glory of God. Her work appears in Vista: Journal for Holy Living, the Northwest Christian Author, Raising Small Souls, and Clubhouse magazine. She was the 2012 Genesis winner for the young-adult category. She also has several completed novels and a number of works in progress. You can find her online at www.findinghopeinhardtimes.com.

Author Lydia E. Harris, MA in Home Economics, has attended and taught at writers’ conferences. She has accumulated hundreds of bylines, contributed to 17 books, and writes a bimonthly column titled "A Cup of Tea with Lydia." Her five grandkids call her "Grandma Tea," and together they develop and test recipes that are published in Focus on the Family magazines. Lydia wrote the practical and inspiring Bible study, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting.

Author Michelle Hollomon is a licensed counselor and professional coach who has written articles for local and national publication. Her recent book, God Unwrapped: God Is Love, but Not the Kind You Are Used To (Harrison House) was published in September 2011. Author and copy editor Agnes Lawless Elkins has authored or coauthored eleven books. Her articles have been published in such magazines as Decision and Power for Living. She was one of the founders of NCWA and is the managing editor of the Northwest Christian Author.

Amy Letinsky has successfully pitched fiction and nonfiction books as well as articles at writers conferences. She is a college writing and literature instructor and blogger. Read more of her writing tips at amyletinsky.wordpress.com.

Kim Martinez is an ordained Assemblies of God pastor with a master’s of theology degree from Fuller Seminary. She is a ministry and life-development coach and can be found online at www.deepimprints.com and www.getunstuckbootcamp.com. She writes a weekly column for ministrytodaymag.com.

Novelist Lesley Ann McDaniel juggles a career in theatrical costuming with writing women’s and young adult fiction. She has completed four novels and is a member of Northwest Christian Writers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and an amazing critique group. She enjoys living under the blue skies of Seattle with her husband and two kids. In her spare time, she chips away at her goal of reading every book ever written. Visit her at www.lesleyannmcdaniel.com.

Gigi Devine Murfitt writes and speaks about God's work in her life. She is the author of Caregiver’s Devotions to Go (See Media, 2010) and coauthor of My Message is C.L.E.A.R. (Gabriel’s Foundation of Hope, 2012). She is a member of the Northwest Christian Writers Association and The Speaker’s Connection.

Melissa K. Norris is a novelist, newspaper columnist, and author of Pioneering Today: Faith and Home the Old-Fashioned Way. Visit her website to inspire your faith and pioneer roots. http://www.melissaknorris.com She is also co-owner of TriLink, a social media mentoring company. http://www.trilink-social-media.com.

Mindy Peltier was a reporter and columnist for the Cavalier County Republican during high school in North Dakota. She has blogged over a thousand posts about her life as a Christian homeschooling mom, grandma, thyroid-cancer patient, and writer at In the Write Moment. She serves on the board of directors for the Northwest Christian Writers Association and is a member of the Oregon Christian Writers. You will find Mindy online at www.mommamindy.wordpress.com.

As TriLink Social Media Mentors, Janalyn Voigt and Melissa K Norris help publishing professionals discover, implement, and market their brands. They partner with those ready to discover their brands, help take existing branding deeper, and customize plans to implement and market brands. They specialize in working with authors who need branding and social media made simple. http://TriLink-Social-Media.com

Kim Vandel wanted to be Princess Leia when she grew up, but she's decided that being a writer is even better than leading a rebellion against the Empire. Her current project is a young adult urban fantasy novel set in Washington State. It features plenty of coffee but no vampires. You can find her book reviews and more at www.kimvandel.com.

Erica Vetsch writes historical romance set in the American West. She loves history, museums, and fiction that sweeps her away into another time and place. You can find her online at http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/.

Janalyn Voigt is a novelist, literary judge, and avid reader. She serves as a writing mentor through her Live Write Breathe site and as a social media mentor via TriLink Social Media Mentors. Her epic fantasy series, Tales of Faeraven, begins with DawnSinger. She also writes historical fiction and is represented by Wordserve Literary.