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Category: WordSowers Events & Happenings

Kathy Nickerson Is Our Guest Speaker



       
Two Topics:  Developing Strong Characters and Using Humor

Thursday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center, Fellowship Hall
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134

Don’t you love a good book that keeps you chuckling throughout? Better yet, one where you gasp with laughter while tears run down your face? Or a book where strong characters pull you into the story and keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning? And you talk about them like they’re real people to the point your family and friends think you’re a little cra-cra? Don’t you wish you could write such a book?

If the answer to the above questions is yes, we have great news for you. Kathy Nickerson is our guest speaker for the March meeting. She will discuss two important topics that can make a good book even better: building strong characters and using humor. Since her books are slathered with both, she’ll be able to share with us from her hands-on writing experiences.

Kathy is an author, speaker, and eternal optimist. It was once said about her, “Kathy loves to find God’s silver lining in a cloudy world.” She’s married with four adult children and a plethora of grandchildren. You can learn more about Kathy or get in touch with her through her website at Kathy Nickerson | author, speaker, and eternal optimist. You can connect with her on social media at Facebook and Kathy Nickerson (@KathyNick_) / X (twitter.com)   .

Kathy’s books are available on Amazon or her website. For Amazon orders, go to Amazon.com: Kathy Nickerson: books, biography, latest update. (Maybe we can talk her into bringing a few books to the meeting. Be sure and bring some extra cash with you.)

There will be a time of food and fellowship after the meeting.

Parking: Park in the lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the fellowship hall. If you can’t join us in person, Zoom will be available.

To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It’s a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.

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Ignite the Flame in Your Writing at the February Meeting

Help us to help you start 2024 with a bang.

Thursday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center, Fellowship Hall
4215 N. 92nd Avenue

Omaha, NE 68134The leadership team’s desire is to encourage and motivate you as a writer. Here are some ways you can help us to help you “fan into flame” your gift of writing in 2024. At the February meeting we’re asking you to do three things: 1) be prepared to share; 2) share your ideas for future meetings that you feel will help you in your writing endeavors; 3) share any questions you have pertaining to writing or Wordsowers. We may not have all (or any of) the answers but we’ll find someone who does.

There will also be a time of food and fellowship. Please note, there’s a change in parking and entering the building. Park in the main parking lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the meeting room in the fellowship hall. If you can’t join us in person, Zoom will be available.

To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It’s a closed group so if you haven’t joined the group yet, click on “Invite.” Answer the questions, agree to the guidelines and an administrator will let you into the group. Please do this by 4:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.

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The in-person meeting is on for tonight. The weather isn’t too bad, just a little on the cool side. The main parking lot (south side) at Omaha Christian Center isn’t too bad, just a little slippery in spots. Park as close to the building as possible because the sidewalk is in good condition. Hope to see you tonight. David Turner will be speaking.

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Weather: If winter raises its ugly head this coming Thursday, the leadership team will make a decision by late afternoon about meeting in person. Wordsowers will still meet via Zoom. If there is bad weather, we’ll notify you no later than 5:00 p.m. to either confirm or cancel the in-person meeting. There will be several ways to check the meeting’s status: 1) an email notice will be sent.; 2) a notice will be posted on the website (at wordsowers.com) under “Meetings;” 3) Facebook notices will be posted on the Wordsowers Christian Writers page and Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups page.

Great Topic: How to Use Audiobooks to Enhance Your Readership

Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center, Fellowship Hall
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134

David Turner will share how the use of audiobooks can expand your writing and readership. David has a strong background in radio and has worked in nearly all areas from DJ to General Manager. He also had the opportunity to be part of a small recording studio in South America that recorded local music, drama, and radio programs (in 13 languages) as well as producing promotional videos in English. After years of recording other people’s voices, David decided to record his own voice.

He currently splits his time between working part-time and building his voice-over-business. He’s been married to Becky for over 30 years and they have two adult children and one teenager. David is excited to join us to explain audiobooks from his perspective and to answer your questions.

After David shares with us, there will be a time of food and fellowship. Please note, there’s a change in parking and entering the building. Park in the main parking lot on the south side of the church and enter through the main doors. Follow the signs to the meeting room in the fellowship hall. If you can’t join us in person, Zoom will resume at the January meeting.

Click on this link to join the January meeting via Zoom: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook

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snowy roads
snowy roads

Due to inclement weather we are cancelling Wordsowers January meeting tonight. The snow/rain is supposed to continue throughout the day off and on and with temperatures going below freezing, the roads could get bad and we have people who drive from a bit outside of Omaha. We want everyone to stay safe!

We will resume our meetings in February.
We miss you all. Stay safe and warm!

New Wordsowers Leadership

It is fall time and change is in the air.

A new leadership team is forming. Are you ready to meet them? Stay connected via newsletter, website, and FB page to hear the upcoming announcement about our new team and their plans moving into 2020 and beyond.

In the meantime, as you have opportunity, communicate to Kat Crawford, Jeanie Jacobson and Teresa Tierney your many thanks for all they have done over the years to lead Wordsowers locally and through the annual conference.

As the new leadership makes plans, the Annual Wordsowers Writers Conference has been put into hiatus for 2020. Be sure and come to our monthly meetings and critique groups to continue growing in your craft and to stay connected to other writers.

Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference

Words of wisdom for after the conference from Anne Rauth.

The Wordsower’s 2019 conference is over.  Are you sad?  Glad?  In between?  Dear writing friends, trust me there is still more to do! 

Thank you:  Take the time to use your writing skills and say thank you to the conference organizers, who spent countless hours on many details for you to have a great time.  You’ll find their addresses in this newsletter.  Many countless hours of preparation have gone into this conference.  If it blessed you, then bless them! 

Follow up:  Perhaps you had meetings with individuals (agents, editors).  Make sure that you have developed a system to follow up with them about things you talked about, or some clarification you’d like to receive.  And, if they have given you some deadline for materials they are needing, make sure you have that date identified. 

Blog:  If you have a blog, please consider writing about the conference and inserting the link from this year’s event.  It’s a great reminder to you about the wonderful time you had and also an encouragement to other why may be on the fence about attending an event. 

Social Media:  If you have pictures or great comments from the conference, please post on social media!  Use the hashtag #Wordsowers2019

Receipts:  The conference fee and related expenses might be a deduction for you.  Make sure to save all your receipts and mileage information.  And consult your tax advisor for further information! 

Save:  Consider setting up a system to save a tiny amount every month so that the next time the conference rolls around, you’ll already have the money saved, and perhaps even have some extra to spend at the bookstore!

Write:  You may have many new opportunities, or not as many as you would like.  In either case, continue writing. Remember, you were called to create! 

Anne Rauth

Anne Rauth grew up in a small town in Northwest Missouri, with a high school graduating class of only 44. After high school, Anne received her MBA from the University of Kansas and immediately went to work at Hallmark Cards in their Advertising and Hallmark Hall of Fame division.

She belongs to the Heart of America Christian Writer’s Network and has led sessions at their annual conference. This year, Anne taught the workshops Don’t Monkey around with Mailchimp and Email Marketing.

Connect with Anne on her website and find out more about what she does.

Charles Christian


Charles Christian is the managing editor for both Grace & Peace and Holiness Today magazines. He served as a Nazarene pastor for more than twenty-five years.

He taught systematic and moral theology at a variety of colleges, universities, and seminaries, Including the Nazarene Theological Seminary and Nazarene Bible College. He continues to teach as an adjunct professor of theology at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Charles will be teaching the workshops Writing an Article and Academic vs. Popular Writing. Visit the workshop page for more information.

Charles will also be available to schedule a one-on-one with and talk to about

We asked Charles a few questions to help you get to know him better.

Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? My grandmother, who lived to be 93, always said that I should not fear growing old, because it beats the alternative! 

What or who inspired you to become an author or singer or preacher?I had many friends, relatives (including my parents and grandparents), and even teachers who would tell me throughout my life that God may call me to be a preacher. They saw some things that would take me years to see for myself!

What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing? I have been a musician most all of my life (I play several musical instruments). My own love for music is fueled in part by musicians who write their own songs, so I became interested in song writing at about the same time I became interested in other forms of writing.

Catch up with Charles at the conference and visit with him about what you have to offer Grace and Peace or Holiness Today.

Jackie Mahr

Jackie Mahr is the host of Share His Light Ministries on AM 660 KCRO, and a senior account executive at Walnut radio in Omaha. With years in the business, Jackie is passionate about working with individuals and businesses to develop marketing ideas for the unique market of Christian radio, KCRO and KOTK, and Boomer Radio in Omaha and The Mix and Big Dog in Fremont.

Jackie will be teaching the workshop Giving your work a Voice Through Radio Marketing. Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Jackie a few questions to help you get to know her better.

Do you set goals for the new year? If so, does it help you produce more? Yes, I love setting goals ~ I’m ‘carrot’ driven!  Love to challenge myself to do/be more!

What fills your basement and why? (basement is my garage)Toys, lots of toys!  Golf cart, corvette, beach floats, bicycle, lawn chairs.

What is your favorite hobby? How does it help or influence your writing?I read every morning for an hour or so – mainly bible, devotionals, Christian living books, journal. It helps me put together my To Do list for the day as stuff pops up.  Ie:  call that friend, finish that proposal.

How do you deal with writer’s block? Pray!

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? 1 John 2 – Beloved, I wish above all things that you would prosper and be in good health even as your soul prospers!  – (I could preach that all day!)

Do you read for relaxation? If so, what authors do you keep close by?I read nonfiction, devotionals and Christian living.  Bill Johnson, Max Lucado

A Few Things to Know about the Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference
A Few Things to Know about the Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference

There are always a few last minute questions. We’ve gathered a few, along with the answers, we think someone might be asking.

You can still register at the door on Friday night or Saturday morning. The cost at the door: $100. We do not discount for those only attending on Saturday only.

Come prepared to meet editors, publishers and authors. It doesn’t matter if you are an introvert or an extrovert, whether you are published or not. From the leadership right down through the volunteers or those leading workshops, we want this to be a positive experience for you. If you have questions, ask. 

Network, network, network. Use the time at the conference to exchange business cards and connect with other writers. You may glean a great idea for your next article or novel.

Every manuscript you bring needs your name, email and page number. Most people reading your material will not accept a hard copy at that moment, but if they did, could they find you?

Basic Submission Formatting: Use font—Times New Roman; 12 pitch; double space. Set your paragraph for 0.5 (do not hard indent.) Use single space between sentences.

Thank you for praying for WCWC leadership and all the volunteers who are working hard to help you become a published author.

Pam Morgan

Pam Morgan Pam Morgan is a Christian speaker, author, and recording artist who has appeared on various radio and television shows, including Oprah.  She and her singer/songwriter husband, Phil, have released fifteen gospel CDs and travel nationwide, inspiring audiences from Alaska to the Caribbean.  Although Pam enjoys photography, scrapbooking, teaching women’s Bible study, French Vanilla coffee, and (of course) chocolate, she says nothing compares to her two favorite pastimes: sharing the hope of Christ and spending time with her beloved husband and their two young adult daughters, Kayla and Alisha, at home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Pam will be leading the workshop Speak Up You Have a Great Book! Visit the workshop page to learn more.

We asked Pam a few questions to help you get to know her.

Pam Morgan: Did a parent or grandparent say something to you that you have remembered for a lifetime? When my oldest daughter was a day old, I thought I might have to send her back.  We had hardly slept all night.  With a bottle in her grip, Mom scooped my crying baby out of my arms, sent me to bed and said, “Pam, don’t wish away these days.  You will blink, and she’ll graduate high school.”  I tried to cherish each moment, but without my permission, time flew and now my nest is empty.  Both of my daughters are out of the house.  Don’t get me wrong – I am super proud of my girls (who are now successful young women), and I love the freedom their launch into life has returned.  But waves of nostalgia tinged with sadness sweep over me now and then when I see a young mom chasing her kiddos at church or trying to quiet them in the grocery store.  Life truly is a vapor.  Someone else once said, “the days are long, but the years are short.”  Let’s make them count. 

What fills your basement and why? Christmas decorations!!  Ok, they don’t fill the entire basement, but most of our storage space.  I love the beauty and hope of the Christmas season and how the lights, ornaments, and decorations hold memories of moments with those I love.  My sister (now in heaven) shared my affinity for the season (her house always a wonderland of glitter and garland), and when she passed away I acquired a bunch of her stuff.  Thankfully, my sweet husband lugs (most of) it out and back into the basement every year!

Do you have a favorite scripture, if so, how has it helped you? It is extremely difficult to zone in on ONE favorite scripture…there are so many.  So I will focus on the one I usually list when I autograph my books and the one included in my email signature: Isaiah 40:31 – …those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.I could probably write a book about how this one verse has helped me, but to be brief, it reminds me that hoping in the the Almighty, all-powerful, Alpha and Omega Yahweh, the great “I AM” will, not might, it WILL renew my strength.  I struggle with weakness daily.  If we are honest, we all do.  It’s part of living with sin in a fallen world.  But this promises that placing my hope in the proper place (specifically, in the lovingkindness of a gracious and merciful God) WILL bring everything I need to do whatever He calls me to do, whether that be soaring, running or walking physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.  I need that assurance! 

Visit Phil and Pam’s website to discover more about their music and ministry.