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Kaylene Powell Answers Your Writing Questions

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*Kaylene Powell shares insights on maintaining writing focus amidst life’s busyness. She encourages self-reflection on time management and prioritizing writing, suggesting that consistent writing varies by life stages. By reevaluating commitments and defining “consistent” based on personal circumstances, writers can carve out time for their passion.

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Question: With the busyness that life throws at you, how do you consistently stay focused on writing?

Kaylene’s answer: Well…here’s a humdinger of a question! And here are a few reflective thoughts.

First, am I really as busy as I think I am? Perhaps, if I were to do some of my regular activities more efficiently or organize my tasks on a calendar more effectively, I might find that I have short or long pockets of hidden time to redeem–and I could assign writing to several of those slots.

Second, why am I this busy? Perhaps I’m in a season of life where I have to work a “regular” (non-writing) job, be a main caretaker for family members, etc. Or perhaps I do not have as many responsibilities towards other people, but I have filled up my days with all kinds of activities, service opportunities, and other hobbies. In any season, it’s possible and easy to use my busyness to put off the writing I know deep down I am meant to do. AND it’s good to regularly consider if there are certain things I might say “no” to OR other things I might delegate so that writing can still have a place in my life on a regular basis.

Third, what does the word “consistently” mean? Back to the previously mentioned seasons of life, I need to remember that hourly, daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly are all consistent, or regular, intervals of time. For example, there was a time when I was able to journal every morning and draft a few pages every evening; now, I’m satisfied and thankful for the consistent production of some writing on a weekly basis. And that’s okay–it is still consistent.

In summary: consider regularly and prayerfully reassessing priorities in how you spend your time…and then consider (gracefully and realistically) what “consistent” can look like for you in each season of your own life.Kaylene (Powell) Sasse is a former ESL and English instructor who is published across genres, including curriculum, academic non-fiction, fiction, memoir, and poetry. She loves spending time with her beloved husband and spunky dog. You can read more about her writing at kaylenepowell.com. Send your questions to Kaylene at begladintoday@gmail.com.

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*The opinions given belong to the author (or guest authors) and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the WS support team or Wordsowers as a whole. Take what you like and leave the rest.

We’re Desire Your Ideas and Input

Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) on Pexels.com

WS Christmas Party Planning Meeting

You’re invited to attend the WS Christmas Party Planning Meeting. We value your ideas and suggestions, so please join the WS Support Team to help plan the party. If you can’t attend the meeting but would like to give some input, please email Lollie Hofer at lolliehofer@yahoo.com or leave a comment on the WS Facebook page at Facebook. You can also respond by replying directly in the comments below.

The meeting is on Thursday, October 15th at 1:00 p.m. The location is Stories Coffee at 15526 Spaulding Street, #100, Omaha, NE 68116.

Attendees Were Encourage and Inspired

Wordsowers Retreat
Don’t Write in Isolation

It would take pages to share everything that took place at this year’s Wordsowers Retreat. On Saturday, September 19th, eleven authors gathered together at Mahoney State Park to further enhance their writing. Although encouraged and inspired, they came away with so much more. They discovered they needed not only God in their writing endeavors but each other as well.

The day began with breakfast, games, and laughter. Who knew some folks are highly opinionated about pencils? Kaylene Sasse shared her beautiful singing voice by leading the group in some hymns from way back in the day. Singing together felt holy and inspirational. 

Ashley Shannon shared a devotional, and everyone agreed she heard from God with a timely message that impacted their lives. Using the story of Job, Ashley shared a Job moment from her life. Here are some things she learned from her experience:

-Don’t write in isolation. We need each other.
-Seek wise counsel.
-Satan doesn’t want us to share our words.

She concluded with a powerful quote from Flannery O’Conner: “When a book leaves your hands, it belongs to God. He may use it to save a few souls or to try a few others, but I think that for the writer to worry is to take over God’s business.”

Although lots of writing took place, some of the sweetest moments came from fellowship and praying for each other. Again, there isn’t enough space to share all that the Lord did in the hearts of those in attendance, but the fruit of it will be evident in their writings. 

A HUGEMONGOUS THANK YOU to Amy Stanley for coming up with the retreat idea and for all the work she put in to make it a reality and a success. Amy, you rock!
 

Sell Your Books in August at Bellevue Farmer’s Market

August Outing: Bellevue Farmer’s Market
Sell! Sell! Sell!



The fellowship is amazing too.

Join us at the Bellevue Farmer’s Market
Saturday, August 22nd
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

One of Debbie Crom’s greatest desires since joining the Wordsowers support team has been for WS to seek opportunities for our authors to sell their books. After several discussions as to how we could successfully do this, we decided to check out some of the local farmer markets. Amy Stanley diligently called around to various places. As a result, the Bellevue Farmer’s Market seemed like a good fit for what WS hoped to accomplish in supporting our authors.

It has indeed proven to be a good fit. We’re headed back for our third outing on Saturday, August 22nd. The Bellevue Farmer’s Market runs from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. at Washington Park in Old Towne Bellevue, NE. (Located between E. 19th and E. 20th Avenues off of Franklin Street.) The cost for the table is $30.00, which we’ll split between those who want to sell books. This is a great opportunity to get out into the community at a lower cost to you. 

If you’d like to participate, email Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor@gmail.com, and let her know you’re interested. She’ll email you further information and instructions. If you don’t have books to sell but are willing to help staff the table, let Amy know that as well.

(Wordsowers is scheduled to return to Bellevue Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 12th.)

Book Signings Can be a Challenge

Words of Wisdom 
From Our Very Own Kat Crawford

I’m a professional bookseller, right? Wrong.

It’s been several years since I participated in a book signing. After my story was published in “Chicken Soup: Being Grandma,” I contacted a Barnes and Noble Rep who assured me she’d have a table set up for me. She also planned to order the books.

Did I call from the first of June to the end of July to confirm? No. I trusted the B & N Rep to carry through.

On Saturday, July 25th, I arrived at B & N thirty minutes early and checked in at the counter. My assigned rep had the day off. No table set up. No books.

A very apologetic young salesclerk made phone calls.

Why didn’t I double-check with the rep ahead of time?

The day didn’t turn out badly. I knew my widow friends planned to have coffee and support me. One of them, Teri, had contacted the others and said, “We need to represent our famous author.” (Now that is high praise.) Seven women showed up. We had a great party and visit in the coffee bar.

Monday, I called the rep at B & N. Such a sweet lady who apologized a thousand-fold. She did call someone on the previous Tuesday: an author named Katherine, also scheduled for a book event at the same time as mine. (That makes me giggle — two Katherines in one day?)

The Lord can always fix stuff we allow, right? I learned I can sell my own books on consignment at B & N next month. I’ve already ordered Dew Drops of Hope (Dew Drops of Hope: Help for Those Going Through Grief and Loss) and Buckets of Hope (Buckets of Hope: Recovery from Grief and Loss).

And can you believe a Nebraska friend called a couple of weeks ago saying, “I’m so disappointed, but my daughter and I can’t make your book signing in July.” Guess what? Looks like she’s coming for the August 29th Barnes and Noble event.

What did I learn?
-Always double-check the date, time, and if the books are ordered.
-Always ask if you need a table cover or acrylic book stand.
-Always ask if you can sell your own published books.
-Always praise the Lord for arriving safely at your event.
-Always enjoy the opportunity to meet and greet anyone who might stop by.

Share a Table with Other Authors

Photo by John Robertson on Pexels.com

Hello Wordsowers

Join us at the Bellevue Farmer’s Market on
Saturday, July 18th
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Here’s another opportunity to sell your books. Our last outing at the Bellevue Farmer’s Market was a huge success.



The Bellevue Farmer’s Market runs from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. at Washington Park in Old Towne Bellevue, NE. (Located between E. 19th and E. 20th Avenues off of Franklin Street.) We’ve rented a table for Saturday, July 18th. The cost for the table is $30.00, which we will split between all who want to sell books.

If you’d like to participate, please notify Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor@gmail.com as soon as possible and let her know:

1. That you’ll be at the July 18th event.
2. If you’re interested in participating in additional Farmer’s Markets this summer and fall.

If you don’t have physical books to sell but are willing to help staff the table, please let Amy know as well.

Blessings,
Amy Stanley

Great Time of Fellowship and Selling

Wordsowers went to market – the Bellevue Farmer’s Market, actually. The weather was perfect, and folks showed up eager to spend their money. Since we were the only book table at the market, our authors had a successful morning selling their wares. Plus, we spent a glorious morning hanging out together.

Thank you, Amy Stanley, for organizing the outing. Thank you to Dwayne, Rene, Casey, and Lollie for joining us. We’ll keep you posted concerning our next adventure to the Farmer’s Market.

Bellevue Farmer’s Market Wordsowers Table

Photo by John Robertson on Pexels.com

Hello Wordsowers

Join us at the Bellevue Farmer’s Market
Saturday, June 20th
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

We have a table at this year’s Bellevue Farmer’s Market. Yay! This is an incredible opportunity for you to share a table and sell your books.

The Bellevue Farmer’s Market runs from 8:30 to 12:30 p.m. at Washington Park in Old Towne Bellevue, NE. (Located between E. 19th and E. 20th Avenues off of Franklin Street.) We’ve rented a table for Saturday, June 20th, with the potential for other dates. The cost for the table is $30.00, which we will split between all who want to sell books.

If you’d like to participate, please email Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor@gmail.com as soon as possible and let her know:

1. That you will be at the June 20th event
2. If you’re interested in participating at additional Farmer’s Markets this summer and fall.

If you don’t have physical books to sell but would be willing to help man the table, let Amy know that as well. This is a great opportunity to get out in the community at a lower cost to you!

Blessings,

Amy Stanley

Mark Your Calendar Now for Saturday, September 19th

Photo by Glenda Thompson on Pexels.com

Saturday, September 19th – The second annual Wordsowers Retreat/Write-In will be at Mahoney State Park, located at 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003. Meet in the Cedar Room on the main floor of the Peter Kiewit Lodge from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per person; however, you will need to purchase a day pass for $7.00 if you don’t already have a state park sticker. A continental breakfast (including some gf options), coffee, decaf coffee, tea, and bottled water will be provided, along with an afternoon snack. You will need to bring a sack lunch and a preferred beverage for the noon meal. Specific schedule details will be in the July newsletter. We wanted to give you plenty of notice so you can work the retreat into your fall schedule. Please contact Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor@gmail.com if you have any questions.

September 2026 WS Retreat

autumn landscape in lagro indiana state park
Photo by Glenda Thompson on Pexels.com

Saturday, September 19th – The second annual Wordsowers Retreat/Write-In will be at Mahoney State Park, located at 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68003. Meet in the Cedar Room on the main floor of the Peter Kiewit Lodge from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per person; however, you will need to purchase a day pass for $7.00 if you don’t already have a state park sticker. A continental breakfast (including some gf options), coffee, decaf coffee, tea, and bottled water will be provided, along with an afternoon snack. You will need to bring a sack lunch and a preferred beverage for the noon meal. Specific schedule details will be in the July newsletter. We wanted to give you plenty of notice so you can work the retreat into your fall schedule. Please contact Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Write-In & Photoshoot

Wordsowers Write-In/Photoshoot
Saturday, October 18th
9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Location: Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134

Our next Wordsowers write-in is Saturday, October 18th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you’d like to attend but don’t have a writing project, at least come for the fellowship. There’ll be opportunities for both writing and fellowship. Snacks and water will be provided. BYOD: Bring your own drinks. If you have any questions about the write-in, contact Amy Stanley at amystanleyauthor.com.

If you want to update your professional photo (or if you don’t have one), Pat Mingarelli will be available to take pictures. He’s offered Wordsowers a package deal of $60.00 per person, which includes a professional shoot plus four digital pictures.

Pat requires a minimum of four photo sessions, so please get in touch with Wordsowers if you’re interested in participating. If you would like to schedule a time, email Lollie Hofer at lolliehofer@yahoo.com by Saturday, October 11th. You’re welcome to have your photo taken even if you’re not joining the write-in. (Although you might want to stick around for some good fellowship.)

Please note: Pictures will be taken outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful fall colors. You can pay Pat either by check, cash, or Venmo. Make checks payable to Pat Mingarelli.

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Order Kaylene’s and Amy’s Books Here

Congratulations to Kaylene Sasse and Amy Stanley whose books were released today. We’re proud enough that our buttons are about to pop off our shirts.

Here is the link to Kaylene’s book:

Heaven Help Me: How One Abuse Survivor Overcame Terror and Learned to Trust Again: Powell, Kaylene: 9781732163355: Amazon.com: Books

Here is the link to Amy’s book:

The Bookworms: Stanley, Amy L: 9798312891614: Amazon.com: Books

Well done, ladies.