Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Conference Recordings

I'm sharing tidbits but if you want to listen to even some of the lectures with handouts, this is a great offer. 

Missed the Conference? Get the Recordings for $35! Use code 2025replayCWG.

Not a Member Yet? Need to Renew?

Friday, February 14, 2025

Conference Raffle Books and Tidbits

Look what I won at the conference! Not one, not two, but THREE books! Thank YOU, Maria Riley! I've only read the first one so far and it's so well-written. Joshua is a newly adopted child in a family with two children already in the family and he struggles to believe he's loved as much as the other kids. The three kids get to time-travel back to the Nativity and get to experience how St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus loves Him. Children will really connect with the saints in this series. 



I'm still not caught up on the conference videos because I've been working on pitches and proposals and polishing my manuscripts for submission. But here are some tidbits from the wonderful speakers. I hope you will discover some new authors and editors here that will help you on your own writing journey. A BIG THANK YOU to all the organizers and volunteers for making this possible.  

Powerful Not Preachy: Crafting a Story with a Message. Good stories are balanced between engaging both mind and heart. If a story is all heart, no mind, it can become sentimental. And the opposite, it can become more about an idea and the plot/characters can feel contrived to fit an agenda. Share truths, not propaganda. Powerful stories pose questions and explore them through character development. Trust your readers; they're allowed to come to a different conclusion than you, the writer. Let God work. Don't meddle. ~ Sister Allison

Publishing Industry Red Flags. Learn the different paths to publication. Have realistic expectations. Practice discernment. ~ Anjanette Barr, . It was good to listen to an agent. I've been thinking that once my historical is ship-shape, I might query agents again.

Instagram: So Much More than Likes or Follows. Use Instagram as an online business card. ~ Kate Frantz. This talk made me realize that I could try Instagram. I am visual and this medium would suit me.

Serious Popular Fiction. Calibrate the Mind to Reality. Remember Plato's example of people living in a cave, only see shadows. It's a false reality. Once they go outside, they see as things truly are. A well-calibrated mind is less prone to being deceived and is able to assess new ideas wisely. With stories we can both experience and reflect at the same time. We can judge the moral weight of an action. Serious fiction is fundamentally moral, not because it teaches morality, but rather creates experience of facing a moral dilemma. ~ G. M. Baker. This was one of the best talks that integrated writing with philosophy. Looking forward to reading his books.

Why the World Needs Catholic Romance Novels. Be countercultural, break stereotypes. ~ Gerri Bauer. I love romance and have toyed with a couple of ideas and this talk inspired me to revisit them.

Incorporating Biblical Themes into Fiction. We are authors of words...and Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God. Why not let the two intersect? Let the Bible inspire your fiction. Some topics to consider: sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, priesthood, purgatory, angels, sacrifice, chosen people, outcasts, barrenness/infertility, brokenness, healing. ~ Allison Ramirez. It's funny, but even as an atheist, I ended up incorporating some Biblical themes in my work because it's true.

Newsletter Marketing. A newsletter is the most stable and long-term marketing tool. Make it worth the reader's time. Be authentic. ~ Stephanie Landsem. I've been told this over and over to write a newsletter. Maybe this is the year I begin. I have loved Stephanie's historical fiction.

Author and Editor Relationships Panel. Editing is also where you allow another into the creative process. Education is an investment. Publisher brand should match your sensibility. Rebecca Martin, Colleen Pressprich, Michelle Buckman, Roseanna White, Marybeth Giltner. Really enjoyed listening to the publishing stories. 

Tips for Writing Your Nonfiction Book. Simplify. Evaluate your writing space, your commitment and fitness for writing, your writing itself. Write with Jesus! What is God's vision for me? If it's from God you will overcome all obstacles. Discern. What are your ruts, your killer thoughts? A big one is fear. It stops you from writing. So change your thoughts. Thoughts-->Action-->Behavior. When you are overwhelmed, PRAY! ~ Belinda Terro Mooney. I really loved these tips on pre-writing. 

I'll stop here. More tidbits later. Happy reading and writing. Look at these newlyweds in their cosy little home! Michael and I had a very rich Chef's Kiss dinner at New Realm last night. And we have leftovers. Yum! And it is because HE first loved us that we can even manage to love a little. A happy and blessed St. Valentine's Day to you and all yours. 




Thursday, January 30, 2025

Focusing on Writing Again

I had a burst of creativity last fall and then things got busy with Christmas concerts and Masses and wedding. All good things. I'd manage to scribble a few thoughts. And just as I was getting back into my stories, I got sick with the worst flu, which I've not had in decades. Ugh. Fever. Chills. Cough. Cold. Headache. I couldn't even read much, let alone write. But now that I'm on the mend, I signed up for the Catholic Online Writing Conference. It's starting tomorrow. I'm so excited. This is just the shot of inspiration I need. And I encourage anybody else who is even thinking about writing to register.

Here are the details!

When: Friday, January 31 – Feb 2, with pitch practice on Feb 3 & 4, and pitch sessions Feb 10-13

Cost:

  • $65 for nonmembers

  • $45 for CWG members (find the coupon code in the #online-conference thread)

More information at https://www.catholicwritersguild.org/online-conference/


This year’s speakers:


·        Powerful Not Preachy by Sr. Allison Regina Gliot, FSP

·        Tips for Writing Your Nonfiction Book by Belinda Terro Mooney

·        Instagram: So Much More Than Likes and Follows by Kate Frantz

·        Panel: Balancing Practicing the Faith and Writing about it by Allison Gingras

·        Mary as Muse by Maria V Gallagher

·        Substack by Danielle Bean

·        Publishing Industry Red Flags by Anjanette Barr

·        Incorporating Biblical Themes Into Fiction by Allison Ramirez

·        Newsletter Marketing by Stephanie Landsem

·        Fairy Tales and the Catholic Writer by G. M.(Mark) Baker

·        Why the World Needs Catholic Romance Novels by Gerri Bauer

·        Website Building by Sophia Lebano

·        Panel: Author/Editor by Rebecca W. Martin

·        Practical Uses for AI in Writing by Karina Fabian

·        How to Create a Well Rounded Character by Jane Lebak

·        Spiritual Warfare In Our Craft by Maria Riley

·        Compiling Your Best Writing Team by Caitlin Bootsma

·        A guide to Traditional Publishing by Rebecca W. Martin

·        Unpacking the AI Art Dilemma by Jillian Chapman

·        Panel Historical Fiction by Rhonda Ortiz

·        Great Escapes from Common Pitfalls in Writing for Kids by Sr Maria Grace Dateno, FSP

·        Dialogue Details by Lisa A. Wroble

·        Making Your Story Meet a Need; Nonfiction Spiritual Writing by Heidi Saxton

·        Let's Talk about Speaking by Allison Gingras


This year’s publishers that are hearing pitches:


·        Dr. Sebastian Mahood, OP, EnRoute                            

·        Anjanette Barr, Dunham Literary                      

·        Jane Daly, Elk Lake Publishing                   

·        Karen Ullo, Chrism Press                   

·        Rebecca Martin, Our Sunday Visitor                                     

·        Dr. Joe McAleer & Chris Sparks, Marian Press                   

·        Sr. Maria Grace & Sr. Allison Regina,  Pauline Children

·        Sr. Marie Paul, Pauline Adult


Where is it held?


We use BigMarker web conferencing software. It works similar to Zoom, but you don’t need to download anything. Just click the links that will be provided in your email the day of the conference.

What do I need to attend an online conference?


A computer, good internet, and time.


What if I can’t make it to all the presentations?


No problem! We’ll be publishing the recordings after the fact, so you can watch or rewatch at your leisure. Often, our presenters give us their slides or handouts to share with attendees afterwards as well.


Will I have a chance to talk to the presenters or other members?


Of course! We program in extra time for Q&A as well as chatting. Naturally, private chat is also available—just don’t PM a presenter while they are presenting.


Does the conference really help a writing career?


Absolutely! We get feedback every year from people who have completed their books, been inspired for marketing, or gotten a book contract as a result of their participation in the conference. In fact, CWCO has launched an estimated 50 or more careers since its inception.


I don’t have a book written yet.


Come anyway! Start laying the foundation by learning more about writing or marketing (which needs to be started while you’re writing).Start networking with other authors and editors—often, a book contract comes through knowing the right person rather than a cold submission. Plus, the conference is very motivating.


I don’t write fiction. I don’t write nonfiction. I don’t write religious stuff.


No problem. We cover all genres of fiction and nonfiction, plus the business side. While we talk about how faith influences our writing, we do not require anyone to write religious-exclusive works (in fact, three of the people hearing pitches accept secular works). We are a Catholic conference but we are also a catholic (universal) conference.


I went last year, why attend again?


We have new speakers and new topics, plus the chance to meet writers, editors and publishers. We have people who have attended every year and come away with something new—sometimes, even a new book idea, a new writing buddy, or a new book contract.


I’m not a member. Can I get a discount?


We have filled our need for moderators this year. However, if you join the Guild ($40/year), you get a $15 discount on this conference. Plus, you get discounts on later conferences and on a multitude of editorial and other services—not to mention, the intangible benefits of Guild fellowship.


Saturday, January 25, 2025

My Mom's Death Anniversary

The years are flying by...and it's been 38 years since my mom died. I needed a picture of myself circa 1980 for publicity so I was going through my album and picked out these last few pictures from 1986. My sister came over in the fall with her little girl to help take care of my mom so that I could finish my undergraduate studies. What a joy it was to have this imp in the house. Our home was always filled with little ones because my mom started a babysitting business after her divorce. It would've been too sad if it were just the two of us trying to manage everything on our own. It made for a happier home life to have my sister and my little niece. My brother came home with his fiancée and they were married at home by the deacon. My mom was too frail to leave home. She died just a month later. I have so many happy memories of our time together, sad ones too, when we were exhausted, but what a privilege it is to accompany the dying. Now, I dream of meeting her and all the loved ones who've gone before me in heaven. Pray for us, Ai! Pray for us, St. Paul! 








Thursday, January 23, 2025

Snow!

Tuesday evening it started to snow! We haven't had this magical white stuff since Jan 2018. We went for a walk the following day--it was so pretty and crispy cold. 
We've been enjoying other people's snowmen. Note the beer can--it's happy hour!


So Dagny did get her wish for a White Christmas! I'm so glad it didn't happen around her wedding with so many people travelling. She sent me pictures around her neighborhood of Christ our King Catholic Church. So beautiful.

I hope everybody is enjoying snow days and getting to play! Happy New Year!!! 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Videos from Wedding

Family and friends took some videos... Enjoy!!!




 

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Happy New Year!

January is the month of the Holy Name of Jesus, which means God saves. I love that January 1st is the Octave Day of Christmas, the day of our blessed Lord's circumcision, where He first shed His Precious Blood for us, according to the Law, and is given the name JESUS, the Holy Name told to St. Joseph (Matt 20-23):

But after he had pondered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to embrace Mary as your wife, for the One conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin will be with child
and will give birth to a son,
and they will call Him Immanuel”
(which means, “God with us”).

Even one drop would've been sufficient to save us all but He chose to give ALL 33 years later on Calvary. I developed a devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus a couple of years ago and was surprised that our Lord's Circumcision isn't included. I do as a matter of habit because it was when His Holy Name was given and so often, His Name alone is my prayer. I hope to die with Jesus upon my lips.


It is also the Feast of the Maternity of Mary, Virgin Mother of God. It is all still so much a mystery to me, this Infant, who created His own mother. Of course, she'd be perfect!

A blessed and happy New Year! May it be filled with love and laughter, joy and peace, in all that you do. And words! My words for this year are Heal, Restore, Renew. Here I am with my sister--we got to sing together for two Masses. (Holy Family and Feast of the Circumcision).








Thursday, January 2, 2025

The Best Christmas Ever! Wedding!

 

What a year! What an amazing year of preparation for Dagny and Ian's Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. It was the best Christmas. And the most beautiful Nuptial Mass. It will remain with me forever. Everything we've ever dreamed of to celebrate with our family and church community came true. Deo gratias! 




And it was off to the beach for a few pictures. Such a gorgeous day!





We were all starving by the time we got to Firefly. Dashi provided the wonderful food. The quartet, Put a Ring on It, sang beautifully. And a good time was had by all.

Friday, December 27, 2024

Christmas Octave




I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Christmas holiday. I love that we get a full week to bask in the mystery that is Christmas! Yesterday was the feast of the martyr St. Stephen, today St. John the Evangelist, tomorrow the Holy Innocents. Oh, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of Him Who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation ~ Is 52:7. We are so blessed to be able to make a visit to the hidden Christ in the Tabernacle. Of course, He's in our hearts too, but our home is a busy place right now as we prepare for Dagny and Ian's nuptials, so I appreciate having the opportunity to make a Holy Hour in church, so beautifully decorated. 

Enjoy Cantique of Jean Racine by Gabriel Faure sung by Voces8. 

Word equal to God, the Almighty, our only hope,
Eternal day of the earth and heavens;
We break the silence of the peaceful night,
Divine Saviour, look upon us!
Fan the fire of your powerful grace upon us,
So that all Hell may flee at the sound of your voice;
Shake off the sleep of a languishing soul,
Who has forgotten your laws!

O Christ, be kind to these faithful people
Who have now gathered in thanks.
Listen to the chants they offer to your immortal glory,
And may they come away fulfilled with your gifts!