| May Speaker – Lollie Hofer Sage Advice What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?  May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. *Omaha Christian Center, Fellowship Hall 4215 N. 92nd Avenue Omaha, NE 68134 The meeting will be conducted both in-person and zoom. Please be aware that the meeting always takes place on the fourth Thursday of the month, which may not coincide with the last Thursday. (May has five Thursdays.) Be ready to engage in this interactive meeting. After Lollie Hofer encourages us with some sage writing advice she’s received throughout the years, the spotlight will be turned on you. Come prepared to share the finest and funniest writing advice others have offered you. Expect a laid-back gathering sprinkled with laughs. Although Lollie’s favorite genre is children’s fiction, most of her success as a writer has been in publishing Christian articles, devotions, and anthologies in numerous magazines, books, and online sites. She enjoys finding those golden nuggets in God’s Word that she can share with others. You can write to Lollie at lolliehofer@yahoo.com or visit her website at lolliehoferauthor.com. 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. + + + + + + + + + +If you have someone in mind as a speaker or an agenda idea for the monthly meetings, please contact Kat Parent at pure7peace@gmail.com. Donations are appreciated. Wordsowers has ongoing expenses throughout the year (paid speakers, name domain and hosting expenses, SSL certification, etc.). If you’d like to donate to Wordsowers, especially for those who join us on zoom, checks can be sent to Lollie Hofer at 12927 Chandler Street Omaha, NE 68138. Please make the checks payable to Eleanor Hofer (that’s her legal name). Since Wordsowers isn’t incorporated as a nonprofit or business, we can’t open an account in its name.*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for our meetings. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
April 25th Speaker – Lee Warren
The AI Advantage: The Power of AI
This will be an in-person and zoom meeting.
Thursday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m.
*Omaha Christian Center, Fellowship Hall
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
The subject of Artificial Intelligence has been in the news a lot recently. Lee Warren will offer insight into unlocking the potential of AI for research, editing, brainstorming, and beyond at our April meeting. Learn practical strategies to leverage cutting-edge AI tools and techniques to enhance your productivity and creativity in your writing. Be sure to bring your questions and concerns regarding this hot topic.
Lee writes contemplative essay books, devotional books, and inspirational character-driven fiction. He’s also a freelance editor and journalist who has written hundreds of articles for various newspapers and magazines. When he’s not writing or editing, he’s a fan of NASCAR, baseball, tennis, books, movies and coffee shops.
To contact Lee about his editing service or to check out his books, go to his website at Lee Warren (leewarrenbooks.com).
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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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
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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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!
On Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 6 pm Kelly Klepfer will present a workshop at the Wordsowers Christian Writers (WCW) monthly gathering. The WCW meets at the Bookworm, 89th and Pacific at 6 p.m.
Kelly’s topic: Co-authoring Fiction.
You want to write and get published. Traditional publishing is getting more complex requiring impressing agents, editors, marketing boards. Platform building is a huge component of future publishing, and don’t forget about networking. Now is the time to be more creative than ever. Kelly Klepfer will share tips and suggestions from her co-authoring journey.
June 12, 2014—Janet Nitsick presents:
Are you writing God’s Way
How do authors determine if the path they are traveling is their way or God’s way? Janet will share her insights and tips and participants will assess their own journeys through fun-analytical handouts and discussions.
Janet Syas Nitsick, lives in Springfield, Nebraska. She is the author of Seasons of the Soul, the story of life with her two autistic sons, Lockets and Lanterns, and historical western romantic anthology, Bride by Arrangement.
Interview by the Lionhearted Kat:
When I received word Janet Nitsick planned to hold a book event at Divine Truth, I dumped my plans for the day and drove west. When I walked in I saw this delightful lady in her elegant dress and hat. What a fun afternoon sitting and visiting with her.
When I received word Janet Nitsick planned to hold a book event at Divine Truth, I dumped my plans for the day and drove west. When I walked in I saw this delightful lady in her elegant dress and hat. What a fun afternoon sitting and visiting with her.
Janet’s book Seasons of the Soul is a heart touching story about being the parent of two autistic sons. While we visited that day, Janet shared even more about the challenges of their family life, their travels and how God has blessed them because of their sons.
Check out the interview page to learn about Hannah Segura and Lori Schulz. Our workshop presenters on Thursday, 8th at the Garden Cafe.
LIONHEARTED KAT: The first post I browsed on your website talked about your comfy shoes. Your word pictures and your description of painting them tickled my funny bone. This feels like a book for kids who don’t want to give up their favoritest T-shirt they wear every day, or the PJ’s they’ve got to have. Where are you going with the shoes, Lori?
LORI: First, I have to ask you if you’ve been in my home recently at bedtime because my youngest son has one of those t-shirts that he wears to bed every night. It is really too small for him and it is literally falling apart. I’ve bought him new t-shirts, but he continues to wear his too small, tattered t-shirt simply because it’s comfortable. I suppose he gets his need for comfort from me as I think about my comfy shoes, which are similar to that t-shirt. My shoes do not have holes in them, however. So, where am I going with those shoes? That’s a good question. I’ve been going to a lot of places with those shoes and they keep reminding me of new lessons that I want to share with others. So tune in for more about my comfy shoes on my blog. And maybe I’ll write a story about that comfy, tattered t-shirt someday!
Kat: When did you feel called to write?
Tara: I have always written. I wrote poems and short stories for school. I kept a journal as a kid. I have always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t defined as a fiction writer, but more as an inspirational writer. I wanted to write so that people were caught, taught, changed, or challenged in their thoughts.
Kat: Tara I know you self-published your manuscripts. Did you try presenting them to a mainstream publisher—if so, how did the editor/publisher respond?
Tara: I tried sending out queries and I was told regularly that what I had was good, but it is more niche’ oriented. Several time after submitting a piece to a publishing house, it was rejected. About two years later the same company published something very similar. I lost respect for traditional houses and feared giving out my material. I used to think poorly of self published authors, but eventually I realized that it was the avenue I needed because I don’t write for the masses I write for the one that will be inspired. I do not write to make a profit or to sell a lot of books. I write for the one. So, my marketing strategy works for me. I do nothing. 🙂 The icing is that they do get purchased.
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| Mandy Mouse Lives at Lydia House |
Kat: I know you stay busy. Can you tell us what you are involved in at the present time?
Tara: I write for the Kansas Nebraska Digest as a regular and for CWAHM. I have a calendar reminder each month to submit and I do. I did write for the Examiner, but decided it wasn’t worth my time. I have written for LIFEWAY since 2005 as a Bible curriculum writer.
Kat: You finished your dissertation. Does that mean you are Dr. Tara Rye?
Tara: Yes, I am now Dr. Rye. It is a DEdMin, a doctorate of educational ministry. The last four years has been a very intense writing experience from the scholarly perspective. It was not about inspiration, but information. It was tough, but through it God has taught me that I can do hard things. I am getting requests for it (the dissertation) and I have been asked to publish it beyond the seminary publication.
I write daily. I write when I teach about the lessons. It is my greatest joy. I do not feel that I am a gifted writer grammatical. I enjoy the thoughts. I hate the grammar and spelling. I am terrible at it and struggle through it. For this reason, I have a hard time releasing my work. LOL! However, I cannot imagine a day without some sort of written expression.
Kat: What are the credentials behind your name?
Tara: DEdMin
Tara gave a workshop at the WordSowers Writers Conference on March 2, 2013. She is an awesome speaker, author and prayer warrior. You may know her from the Cultivating Hearts Radio Ministry or through her ministry at the Open Door Mission.
Don’t miss Thursday, May 2nd at the Rockbrook Garden Cafe
108th and Center.
Wordsowers meets at the Rockbrook Garden Café at 108thand Center the first Thursday of each month. Some of our group come to eat at 6 p.m. We support the café and catch up on news. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.
April 5th I’ll be talking about—well if you read any of the posts, you know the topic. Dialogue.
Please come. Bring a friend. If you don’t have time to write anything before April 5th meeting, come anyway.
See you there, Kat