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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

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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.)

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

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

Join Us for a Cup of Coffee and Fellowship and Writing

Write-In: Coffee (or Smoothies), Conversation, and Creativity
Thursday, June 25th
7:00 p.m.

The meeting location is at Scooters
751 Pinnacle
Papillion, NE 68046

There’s a special place waiting for you at our next Wordsowers write-in meeting. This will be an informal and relaxed meeting where you’ll have ample time for coffee, conversation, and creativity. Be sure to bring your laptop (or pen and paper) along with a writing project. If you don’t have a project, come anyway. We’ll offer you some writing prompts to get those creative juices flowing. If you were at the March meeting and wrote a story, bring that along to share as well.

By the way, not a coffee drinker? Don’t worry. Scooters offers other options besides coffee.

Artistic Write-in with Theresa Graeve

A Splash of Color: Sent with Love
A Write-in with Theresa Graeve

Where watercolors will lead to an inspiring story

March 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center

Theresa’s done it before and will do it again. Using an artistic approach, she’ll inspire us as writers. (Ask Kaylene. She had an idea for a book, and thanks to Theresa’s inspiration, the first chapter is now written.) After painting postcards with watercolors, the creative juices will “send our writing to the next level.” (That’s a Theresa quote.)

Obviously, we’re going to have fun. Theresa will provide the watercolors, postcards, pens, and paper needed. Feel free to bring your laptops as well. Snacks and water will be served.

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Omaha Christian Center is located at 4215 N. 92nd Street, Omaha, NE 68134. The meetings are held in the church’s fellowship hall. Park in the south parking lot, enter through the main door, and follow the signs.

Dwayne Straw: The Importance of Research

The Importance of Research

Join us at our next Wordsowers meeting:
February 26, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Street
Omaha, NE 68134

Please note: We no longer offer Zoom as an option for our monthly meetings.

Wordsowers is proud to announce that our very own Dwayne Straw will share about the importance of thorough research for both fiction and nonfiction writers. Some of the topics he’ll cover are: 1) What is the definition of research? 2) Does your story need research? 3) How does research impact your work, and we might add, your credibility? 4) Where do you search for information? 5) What pitfalls should you watch for?

Dwayne has been a part of Wordsowers for many years, way back when Kat Crawford conducted critique meetings in her home. He attended the meetings along with Jeanie, Angela, the Williamsons, Karen, and many others. (What an incredible legacy those names represent.) We’re encouraging you, whether an oldie-but-goodie or a newbie, to honor Dwayne for his years of faithfulness by attending this meeting.

Dwayne is a self-published author of four books that are a part of a fictional series set in World War Two, The Dane Shaw Series. Dwayne wants folks to know Dane Shaw’s name has no bearing on his own name. And yes, this editor (Lollie) asked him that question.  I have also read all four books and can vouch for his excellence in research, not to mention his strong character development, and powerful verbiage. His books are available on Amazon:  Dane Shaw Adventure (4 book series) Kindle Edition.

After Dwayne’s presentation and the Q&A session, if time allows, we’ll spend a few minutes addressing additional questions related to writing, publishing, formatting, editing, and more. Index cards will be available for you to jot down your questions, and one card will be selected to discuss.

Beginning in March, keep an eye out for our new WS newsletter feature, “Because You Asked,” where we’ll share answers to some of your submitted questions.

(The meetings are held in the church’s fellowship hall. Park in the south parking lot, enter through the main door, and follow the signs.)

Artistic Write-In with Theresa Graeve

Fun October Meeting Planned

Thursday, October 23rd, at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom will not be available.)


Many of our Wordsowers members were not able to attend the July meeting with Theresa Graeve. Once people saw her artistic work and how much fun we had, they realized what they missed. Good news. She’s back!

Theresa will teach about Shibori and tie-dye paper techniques. Hopefully, she’ll bring a sample of her artwork, especially her COVID-19 survival kit. (Hint, hint, Theresa.) Since it’s also a write-in, we’ll tackle a surprise writing topic together. Be sure to bring your laptop or paper and pen.

We hope you’ll make a special effort to attend as this will be our last regular monthly meeting of the year.

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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.

*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

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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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Kaylene Sasse Will Speak on a Powerful Topic

August Wordsowers Meeting

Guest Speaker: Kaylene Powell
Made for This: When the Lord Uses Our Shaping for the Edification of Others

Thursday, August 28th, at 7:00 p.m.

In-Person Meeting location:
*Omaha Christian Center
4215 N. 92nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68134
(Zoom is also available. See details below.)


Come and hear about how both natural wiring and personal experiences shaped the heart, outlook, and output of one cross-genre writer. Reading of book excerpts and reflective exercises (for your own use afterwards) will be included. 

Kaylene Sasse (who writes under her maiden name, Powell) has published multiple language learning curricula and academic essay papers, as well as a novel, an academic nonfiction volume, a poetry collection, and a memoir. She has also written a second novel, three novellas, and several children’s stories that she would like to publish in the future. You can read more about Kaylene and enjoy her blog posts via www.kaylenepowell.com and follow her on Facebook (Kaylene Powell, Author). Kaylene lives in Bellevue with her beloved husband and sweet Maltese puppy.

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Zoom: To join the meeting via Zoom, click on the following link: Wordsowers Christian Writers Group Meetups | Facebook. It is 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 prior to 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

Please note: The church is experiencing internet issues. We apologize if you’re not able to connect via Zoom. The church is working on the issue and we’re praying Zoom will be available for the May meeting with Angie Hanson.

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.


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*Wordsowers is not affiliated with Omaha Christian Center. They graciously allow us to use their facilities for the meetings.

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