WorDshops Near You!

We have an exciting line up of ‘WorDshops’ coming your way this spring. What is a WorDshop? Think of it as a ‘mini-conference’ – a day of speakers and workshops geared to encouraging and assisting both new and seasoned writers in their craft and calling. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other writers in your area, and you’re sure to come away inspired and equipped.

This year there are several WorDshops planned across western Canada, including events in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. (See the listing below or go to the Inscribe website – http://inscribe.org/events/wordshops ) The overall theme for 2017 is ‘Write Words’, but each event has its own flair and features seasoned and award winning Canadian Christian writers as keynote presenters. As well, each WorDshop includes a variety of break out workshops.

For more information, visit the Inscribe website. Registration is online and is a two-step process. First, fill out the application form. Then, go to the online store and pay for your session. You can also register at the door, although there is a discount for registering online. Local authors that attend have the opportunity to sell their books, and there are door prizes and other incentives, too.

If you’re looking for a way to connect with other authors of faith, or if you need some inspiration, why not come to the WorDshop nearest you?

2017 InScribe Spring WorDshops

Edmonton, AB

March 18, 2017 – 9am – 4pm

Keynote: Dayna Mazzuca –

‘Write On Target’ – a ‘hands on’ day of reaching your target audience

Location: Richmond Park Evangelical Missionary Church

9340 69 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB   

Steinbach, MB

March 18, 2017 – 9am – 4pm

Keynote: Tracy Krauss

“A Call to Authenticity”

Location: Steinbach Days Inn

75 Pth 12 N, Steinbach, MB

Regina, SK

March 25, 2017 – 9 – 3:30 pm

Keynote: Janice Dick

“Sharing the Writing Journey”

Location: Argyle Road Baptist Church

3510 Argyle Road, Regina, SK

Blackfalds, AB

April1, 2017 – 9am – 4pm

Keynote: Marcia Laycock

Location: 5005 Broadway Ave

Blackfalds, AB

Aidrie, AB

April 1, 2017 – 9am – 3pm

Keynote: TBA

Location: Nose Creek Valley Museum, Symons Valley Room

1701 Main Street SW

Airdrie, AB

Fort St. John, BC

May 13, 2017 – 9am – 4pm

Keynote: Erin Peters

Location: Evangel Chapel

10040, 100^th Street, Fort St. John

 

WorDshops! Words of PEACE

There are several exciting opportunities for writers to connect this spring at local 'WorDshops'. What are WorDshops? They are like mini-conferences and are a wonderful time to get inspired and connect with other writers. This year's theme is: WORDS OF PEACE. Here is a list of the WorDshops currently available:

Saskatoon Wordshop – April 2, 2016

Keynote – Bonnie Grove

Workshops: Arthur Slade, Nina Morey, Tracy Krauss, Sheila Webster

Edmonton Wordshop – April 16, 2016

Keynote – Dayna Mazzuca

Workshops:  Liam Connelly, Jane Wheeler, Connie Inglis

Blackfalds Wordshop – April 23, 2016

Keynote – Marcia Laycock

Workshops: Ruth Snyder, Linda Siebenga

Airdre Wordshop – April 30, 2016

Keynote – Sheila Webster

Workshops: Tandy Balson, Kim Clarke, Linda Hopkins

Peace Region Wordshop – May 14, 2016

Keynote – Tracy Krauss –

Workshops: TBA

 Need more information? Registration is online at the Inscribe Website

Navigating the Conference by Kimberley Payne

The Inscribe Spring WordShop Conference is coming up again soon (March 19, 20). In light of this, I’d like to repost an article I wrote some years ago (First printed in Exchange Newsletter April 2005) that I feel is still relevant today:


As I left the conference, I got lost and was sinking into a panic. “I’m on Bloor Street, heading east, in a traffic jam. The DVP is closed. Help!” The calm voice on the other end of the line guided me in the right direction. From his comfortable chair at home, my husband knew the roads of Toronto like his own shoe size.

I recognized that same panic at home when I looked at my pile collected from the conference.

By taking simple steps, you will be able to navigate yourself without getting lost.


Before

· Pray. Earnestly pray for yourself and all others involved in the conference.

· Prepare ahead of time. Give thought to what you want to get out of the conference. I pore over the brochure.

Would you like to learn about a specific writing technique? Choose workshops to meet this goal; have backup choices.

Want to meet with an editor? Review the faculty biographies for those who fit your area of interest, and plan to make an appointment with at least one.

Hope to network with other writers? Develop a list of questions to discuss, and psych yourself up talk to everyone you can, not just to those you know.


During

· Pray. Be in fervent prayer throughout the conference, and pray for a teachable spirit.

· Collect freebies. Carry a bag to gather sample publications, writer’s guidelines, handouts and books.

· Mark business cards. On the back of the card, jot what you discussed with the cardholder, the date, and the conference.

· Sit by yourself. This allows you to focus on the presenter and not miss important information while chatting with a friend.

· Highlight main points. The pile of notes can grow heavy, and important points can be easily lost. Take a highlighter to underline the significant points for easy reference.

· Asterisk actions. Put an asterisk beside each idea that you must take action on later. Once home, label a blank piece of paper with, “To do – Conference Title – Date” and filter through all conference material, seeking out the asterisks.

· Colour Website addresses. Use a coloured pen to write important Website addresses. At home, add them to your “favourites.”

· Ask questions. Now is not the time to be shy. Participate in discussions and ask questions. Chances are someone else will be grateful that you had the courage to ask.


After

· Pray. Pray for guidance, because the real work begins when the conference is over.

· Write an encouraging note to all who blessed you at the conference.

· Organize your pile of conference goodies soon, while everything is still fresh in your mind.

Business cards: File alphabetically.
Flyers and promotional materials: Put into a file labeled with the name of the conference and date.
Workshop notes: Punch and place into a large binder under suitable headings, e.g., Inspiration, Non-fiction, Technique, Business, Marketing, Legal.
Writer’s guidelines: Staple onto the front cover of the periodical, and file.

· Get cracking on your “to do” list. Review the asterisk list, prioritize, and follow up immediately. It’s too easy to fall back into routine and lose the steam of enthusiasm from a conference.

Don’t get lost in a wave of panic after a conference. Follow these simple tips and you can navigate a conference with enthusiasm and confidence.