Schedule

SCHEDULE for 2009-2010

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009	FALL KICKOFF MEETING: "MINUTE WRITE: A MINI-CONFERENCE FOR WRITERS" Four seasoned writing professionals offer practical advice and hands-on instruction in this mini-conference setting.
OCTOBER 13, 2009	Songwriter DAVID HANVELT shares his experience from writing songs, to translating his song lyrics into devotionals, and compiling them into his new book, Kickin' Up Gold Dust: Celebrating Life in Christ... Now and Forever! released in August 2009 from Harbinger Books. David has often been called “Wisconsin’s premier gospel songwriter.” In his new book, he has selected thirty-one of his favorite songs to lead readers on a spiritual journey. This unique devotional is an inspiring mix of song lyrics, pertinent Scripture passages, personal stories and tidbit testimonies. David is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He has worked as a stock broker, real estate broker, technical college instructor, construction manager and residential architect. He has been an author and gospel songwriter for more than twenty years, with over one hundred recordings of his songs by various artists; some landing on the national radio charts. David and his wife, Sally, have one child and three grandchildren. They live in Eau Claire.
NOVEMBER 10, 2009	Playwright and author KAREN HURD presents "WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION: The Pitfalls and Pleasures." Karen will discuss the challenges of accuracy and meeting existing relatives' approval, along with the need for writer's license in writing historical fiction. You'll come to appreciate the benefits of making history come alive. As Karen says, "The past steps on the heels of the present!" Karen Hurd (www.karenhurd.com) is a writer of historical fiction, religious plays, nutritional books and articles. She writes a weekly column ("On the Heels of the Past") for the Augusta Area Times/Tri-County News. And is the author of seven historical musicals. As a full-time nutritionist in Fall Creek, Karen has published two books: And They Said It Wasn’t Possible (ISBN 141208212-9) and The Bean Queen’s Cookbook (ISBN 978-1-4269-1683-0). Her third nutritional book, The Cowboy Diet, swill be out in 2010.Karen's first full-length historical fiction novel features the original settlers of the Augusta, Wisconsin. In her spare time, she writes and directs drama and music.
DECEMBER 8, 2009	CANCELLLED DUE TO WEATHER-Merry Christmas to All! CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION. We've missed gathering to celebrate so we're bringing the tradition back. Join us for an evening of food, fun and fellowship as we remember the reason we do what we do! The evening will include sharing from guild members inspired by some of the great classic Christmas hymns. Join us!
JANUARY 12, 2010	CHRISTMAS REVISITED! In December, we cancelled because of the weather, But we still dearly wanted to gather together To celebrate, laugh and enjoy one another Because we're a group not quite like any other. Bring the Christmas hymn pieces you worked hard to write, We'll share those and the contest winners too on that night. There'll be goodies to eat and time just to chat And get to know others--you KNOW we like that! So join us in January for a Christmas revisit! (That's not against any law anywhere, is it?)
FEBRUARY 9, 2010	MICHELLE RAYBURN "THE WRITER'S CHECKUP" Are you overwhelmed by the writing bug you caught at WWCWG? Worn out from feverish bouts of creativity? Plagued by a lack of focus? Come prepared to do some self-analysis and examine your discipline as a writer. Michelle will talk about creating a God-honoring spiritual environment that protects the gift He has given you. She’ll also give some creative ideas for establishing a constructive physical environment for writing including an organized workspace, and accessible tools and resources. Finally, we’ll explore how to simplify your emotional environment by setting priorities and creating boundaries in your life. It’s just what the doctor ordered for the busy writer. Michelle www.michellerayburn.com is a WWCWG member and she has written for Focus on the Family, Christian Communicator, Victory in Grace, and she has a monthly column in Wisconsin Christian News. She has an M.A. in Ministry Leadership with a pastoral counseling emphasis.
MARCH 9, 2010	MONICA HOLTZ "LOW-COST and NO-COST WAYS to MARKET YOURSELF and YOUR WRITING" Children’s author and publishing consultant Monica Holtz is the owner of Holtz Creative Enterprises (www.holtzcreativeenterprises.com), a contract book publishing business in Eau Claire, and is the author of “Emily at the Zoo,” a children’s book about Irvine Park Zoo in Chippewa Falls that was published in October 2009. Monica has been a writer and editor for more than 30 years. She worked as a journalist and editor at several daily and weekly newspapers in Wisconsin before starting her book publishing business in 2005. As a contract publisher, she helps people publish books of all types and offers one-on-one assistance with book editing, layout, design, and printing. She also offers marketing advice based on her research and experiences. This year she has been busy participating in storytimes and book signings for “Emily at the Zoo,” and she is working on two new children’s books.
APRIL 13, 2010	MARY PIERCE "WRITING THE SPIRITUAL MEMOIR" We all have stories to tell--stories of ourselves, our families, and the working of God in our lives. How do we tell our story in such a way that readers feel it's their story too? Learn to craft your personal story for universal appeal, drawing readers in and showing them God at work. (This is a preview of the week-long session Mary will be teaching at the Green Lake Christian Writers' Conference in August 2010.)
MAY 11, 2010	HAPPY BIRTHDAY BASH! Details to follow
PLEASE NOTE:	While we make every effort to adhere to this schedule, there are times when TOPICS or SPEAKERS MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. And, since we meet in Wisconsin, there are times when weather causes us to cancel altogether. If we must cancel, we'll notify WWIB and WHEM radio in the Chippewa Valley by noon on meeting day. Thanks for your understanding!