10 Ways to Make the Most of an Online Conference

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The Catholic writers Conference is next week! Today is the last day for registering! If you’ve been putting it off, there may still be time. Go to http://catholicwritersconference.com for details and the link! In the meantime, here are ten ways to make the most of your online conference experience.

  1. Clear your calendar. Turn off social media during the webinars, shut the door to your office, put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. This is an immersive experience. Reduce your distractions to get the most out of the experience.
  2. Get your manuscript ready. We have publishers ready to hear pitches. We’ll have pitch practices twice during the conference and pitch sessions the week following.
  3. Meal Prep! This is one intense weekend of high-value presentations that you can apply to your writing immediately. You won’t want to miss any. While we’re providing half hour breaks between webinars, these are social times and time for asking questions not covered in the conference.
  4. So get those crock pot meals ready or buy that oven lasagna. You can keep your family well-fed and not miss a thing.
  5. Prep your questions. The list of workshops is at http://www.catholicwritersconference.com/workshops. Check them out and have your questions ready. If we have a full house, the quicker we can answer questions, the more we can answer.
  6. Remember the hashtag #CWCO2016. Use it on Twitter and FB to track events, praise presenters and hook up with other attendees in social media.
  7. Take Notes! Have a notebook handy, open a doc file on a separate window, or if you’re attending the CWCO, take notes right in the webinar software!
  8. Stick around for the between presentations conversation. This is where you can ask questions not covered by any of the workshops, make connections, brainstorm with others. You can socialize, trade puns…it’s open chat, so have fun!
  9. Use private chat. Like in a regular chat room, the webinar software allows you to chat privately with a single person. Use it to hold private conversations.
  10. Follow up with people. Just like in a live conference, you want to make contacts, then follow up with them after the con. Use the private chat to exchange emails, Facebook profiles and other contact information. Then, in the week following, touch base with the people you met.
  11. (Bonus Tip!) Practice! Pick a few things you learned and apply them to your work right away.

How the Catholic Writers Conference Made a Gardener into a Writer

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Registration is still open for the Catholic Writers Conference Online, March 4-6. Get the details and sign up here.

Attending a writing conference is an investment of time and money. How can you be sure you’ll get anything from it? The Catholic Writers Guild has had dozens of success stories, from writers who found their inspiration to those who landed book contracts. One of the most touching and inspiring stories is that of Guild member Margaret Realy. But we’ll let her tell you:

How could I possibly glorify the Lord by writing? I was only a gardener, and rapidly losing my identity as one because of encroaching arthritic disability.

The life change from landscapes to laptops was nothing I had anticipated. It began in the Adoration chapel with tearful prayers for direction and guidance. That guidance came through the Catholic Writers Guild.

In 2009 when I attended the CWG Live Conference, I set aside my fears and entered the unfamiliar world of publishing. I listened intently to those who guided me into an industry I knew nothing about.

There were seminars, workshops, and pitch sessions. I was introduced to professional writers and acquisition editors. Each opportunity that the CWG offered, I seized. As an introvert, the hardest event to manage—and most significant—was the informal networking that took place in hallways and at meals.

Through the guidance of Guild members and their willingness to mentor, my anxiety and insecurities began to lessen. My words became manuscripts which became book summaries and proposals. These were groomed for pitch sessions through the CWG support system.

The graces and blessings of the Guild have allowed me to develop as a writer, to serve God with words instead of a trowel. Left to my own devices, I would never have realized the seed planted in me to be a spiritual gardening author. The CWG members gave breath to my prayers.

Margaret Rose Realy, Obl. OSB, is a lay hermit and award winning author of three books: A Garden of Visible Prayer, Cultivating God’s Garden through Lent, and A Catholic Gardener’s Spiritual Almanac. She is a columnist, presenter, retreat leader, and a regular contributor to Aleteia, Catholic Mom, and Catholic Digest. Margaret blogs at Morning Rose Prayer Gardens on Patheos.

Margaret’s amazing transformation came at the live conference, but others have found blessings at the online one as well. The online conference offers instruction, networking, and even pitch session opportunities at a fraction of the cost and without the hassle of travel.

If you haven’t signed up yet, do it now. Go to http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EC51DE87844F3B and fill out the form. We’ll see you there!

 

Why Attend an Online Conference Like CWCO2016?

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CWCOiconCWCO2016 is almost here! It’s set for March 4-6, and all the terrific details are at http://catholicwritersconference.com. It’s $40 for nonmembers,  $25 for CWG members. Drop by the website and register soon. Registration ends Feb 27 or when we get 200 attendees.

It’s been a long haul for Laura Lowder and I. We’ve been recruiting speakers for months, working on the new webinar software and putting together a huge amount of publicity and training materials we’ll be sharing with attendees. We have 24 presentations and 6 pitch sessions with Catholic and secular publishers.

I’d like to share with you why I feel so strongly about this conference.

In 2007, I attended my first writing conference. What an experience! I sharpened my skills as a writer and was introduced to the then-new world of internet marketing. I sold my first novel to a small press publisher. I – an introvert who seldom socialized – attended a huge party and laughed for hours. To top it all off, I made connections that have pushed my publishing career forward and made friends that I can still depend upon for help or companionship.

But the most amazing thing? The conference was completely online!

Have you ever wished you could attend a conference, learn from the writers who had been there/done that and succeeded, meet publishers and make friends who identify with your passion for words?

Have you ever had to push that dream aside because live conferences don’t work for you? They may be too expensive, involve travel that takes you away from work or family…or maybe it’s too far beyond your comfort zone to talk to complete strangers.

I’ve been there. I know how much easier it is to correspond, where I can think about my responses and not whether I’ve spilled something on my shirt or if my face “looks wrong.” My husband, Rob was working at the Pentagon, which meant LONG hours, so I could hardly leave the four kids for several days. Plus, we had enough bills without plane tickets and hotel fares. That first online conference changed my life and career. I wanted to do that for others.

But with the help of the Guild, I could do that. Ann Lewis and I started the first online conferences, and when she began the live ones, Laura Lower stepped in to co-chair the online ones with me. With Laura’s influence, we’ve given the conference a greater Catholic identity. Not only do we have excellent workshops on writing and marketing fiction and nonfiction, but we have presentations with a Catholic angle including theology, prayer and fellowship that is uniquely for our faith.

Our 2016 CWCO is coming March 4-6, and this year, we’re entering the 21st century with webinar presentations. If you can watch YouTube or use a chat like Facebook Messenger, then you have all the skills you need to participate. We have presenters covering all aspects of writing, faith and literature.

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Let us help you! Sign up for the CWCO 2016 today!

http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EC51DE87844F3B

The Catholic Writers Conference Online is Coming Soon

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CWCOiconIt’s almost here! CWCO – the biennial online conference for writers – is set for March 4-6. 2016.  This faith-focused authors conference offers presentations covering all aspects of writing from finding your calling as a writer to publishing and marketing your books.  There will also be online pitch sessions with noted Catholic publishers and secular publishers.

Attendees must register by Feb 27 at on the CWCO website or this direct link. However, if we get 200 attendees, we will close registration early. Don’t delay!

This year, the conference will be held using webinar software, making the experience more personal and immediate.

“We’ve had people asking for webinar formats in the past, but this is the first year we felt comfortable with the technology and the ability of our attendees to stream live presentations,” said organizer Karina Fabian. Fabian said the workshops offer terrific opportunities to ask in-depth questions and get feedback from knowledgeable instructors.

This year’s sessions include an emphasis on the faith aspects of writing no matter what the genre. Speakers like Gary Zimak, author of Faith, Hope and Clarity; Joe Wetterling, President of the Catholic Writer’s Guild, horror author Jonathan Ryan and others will speak on writing as a calling, a literary revolution, and an evangelization. In addition, there are practical workshops including legal issues, techniques for characterization and plotting, how to journal, and time management.

Pitch sessions give authors with finished books a chance to personally interest a publisher.  Pitch sessions include well known Catholic publishers like Servant Books and Ligouri, smaller presses like Liberty Island and Dragon Moon Press, and ebook publishers like eTreasures. (Find the still-growing list here.)

“Every year, we hear back from an author who finished a book, started a project, or got a publishing contract thanks to the Catholic Writers’ Conference Online.  Plus people make contacts and good friends.  It’s a terrific opportunity, especially for those who can’t afford to attend a live conference,” Fabian said.

This year’s conference is $40; $25 for members of the Catholic Writers’ Guild. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

Giving thanks

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UntitledIt’s a couple of days early, but the season is never wrong for giving thanks. I’ve seen a number of gratitude challenges online this year, and I think it’s a great trend.

Last year at this time, I had just returned from the CWG biennial writers retreat in DeWitt, Michigan. I am thankful that I’m still in touch with most of the people I met there. One has become a close friend in spite of the distance that separates us. Several have become my cheerleaders, and I hope my support buoys others from that special weekend. My life has been immeasurably enriched from that brief time and in getting to know my fellow retreatants/CWG members.

With the perspective of time, I am again reminded how powerful those few days were. I’ve attended other writing retreats along with numerous conferences, but putting our Lord and our Catholic faith at the center of the retreat was key to its uniqueness.

One of the themes that continues to come up in my monthly columns is that of connecting with other writers, whether it be critique based, genre based, special interest based, online, or in person. The Catholic Writers Guild is a great place for Catholic writers to connect. Opportunities abound. The Online Conference usually takes place in February; look for details as the time approaches. 2015’s Live Conference will be in Summit, New Jersey. Check out the website for critique groups. And if you’re not on the CWG Facebook page yet, email one of the officers for an invitation. While a writer’s life is solitary, find strength and encouragement in the fellowship of those who share the passion of the written word.

But most important, for us as Catholics, is the need to connect with God. Sometimes we need to take a step back from the pressures of writing and recall for Whom we write, and why we toil at this sometimes-thankless task. Enjoy your family this Thanksgiving. Work to alleviate hunger, poverty, and loneliness. Use your gifts for the glory of God. Avail yourself of the Sacraments. Spend time in prayer and Adoration.

May God bless the work of your hands, and may you enjoy the company of your fellow saints-in-making during this busy holiday season.

 

From the President’s Desk – March 28

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ASG mini
I’m going to avoid talking about the lengthy, brutal winter that most of us are still experiencing to tell you about my new book, A Subtle Grace. It’s the sequel to my second novel, In Name Only, and continues the story of the wealthy and unconventional O’Donovan Family in the year 1896. At 19, Kathleen (oldest daughter) is unmarried with no prospects. Fearing the lonely fate of an old maid, her impatience leads to an infatuation with the first man who shows interest. The suave, handsome son of the local police chief seems a perfect match. But will her impulsive manner prevent her from recognizing her true beloved? A disturbing turn of events brings a dark shadow that threatens the life-long happiness she desires. Dr. Luke Peterson (the family’s new physician) also makes quite an impression on Kathleen. His affection for her leads him to startling revelations: about Kathleen, about his practice and, most importantly, about himself. Will (oldest son) believes God may be calling him to a religious vocation. Eventually, he discovers the hidden circumstances of his humble beginnings compelling him to embark on a pilgrimage to Rome.

(Although “A Subtle Grace” is a sequel, it can be read as a stand alone book.) It’s now available on Kindle and in print.

In other Guild news, the Catholic Writers Online Conference took place a few weeks ago and was a great success. If you missed any of the talks, most of them are available via transcripts at the conference website. I found the talks edifying, inspiring and helpful. Special thanks to Laura Lowder and Karina Fabian who organized the conference, and to all the moderators and transcribers!!

Volunteers needed!! If you have spare time and would like to help out with any of our committees, please leave a comment below or email me privately. We especially need a Public Relations volunteer and at least one additional person to help out with our Seal of Approval Committee.

If you’re a member of the Guild and on Facebook, please let us know so we can add you to our exclusive members only Facebook group! As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to email me: president (at) catholicwritersguild.com

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, Catholic Writers Guild

From the President’s Desk – February 28, 2014

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Image from iStock

Image from iStock

You don’t have to live in Canada to have experienced a brutal winter this year with record breaking amounts of snow and bitterly cold temperatures across the North, Midwest, South and East. Some experts say that it’s the result of the Polar Vortex. Whatever it is, I am sure of one thing: I’m ready for spring.

I’m also ready for the Catholic Writers Conference Online which will take place from March 10th to 21st. If you’ve already registered, great! If not, registration is now closed (and hopefully you can join in the fun next year). Take a look at the schedule here.

In other news…are you a self-published author? If so, have you ever heard of The Independent Author Network? I belong to IAN. They are a great resource as well as a good marketing tool for the independently published author. Starting on March 1st, they will be offering a special yearly rate, 20% discounted from their normal rate. If you’re interested, email me at fullquiverpublishing(at)gmail.com and I will give you more details (as well as a coupon code for the discount).

Have you written or contributed to at least one book? If so, your book is probably on Goodreads. Goodreads is an excellent marketing tool for both self-published and traditionally published authors. To learn more about the Goodreads Author Program, click here.

Volunteers needed! We have two positions currently open that need volunteers.

First, Sarah Reinhard, SoA Chairperson, has asked for one additional volunteer for the Seal of Approval committee (Evaluation Coordinator) whose duties are as follows:

1.Recruit evaluators by sharing the link to the Google Form
2.Follow-up to make sure evaluators have received books, are reading
3.Log denial points from submitted evaluations on current quarter’s Decline Notes document
4.Bring concerns and needs to Chair’s attention as needed

Second, the CWG blog needs a Virtual Book Tour (VBT) Coordinator, duties as follows:
1.Communicate with CWG members regarding new books and hosting them for VBT
2.Copy and paste the information for the VBT into a blog post (making sure that the books are appropriate for the blog) Note: VBT Books do NOT have to have the Seal of Approval
3.Schedule posts

If you feel called to do either of these two positions, please email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Last, but not least, my fifth book, A Subtle Grace, will be coming out on Kindle March 22nd and in paperback on April 6th. I recently received a proof copy. After years of work, it’s always very satisfying for me to hold the finished product in my hands. Special thanks to my husband for taking this cool photo of all my books (this represents ten years worth of writing, polishing, editing and nearly 500,000 words!)

photo copyright James Hrkach

photo copyright James Hrkach

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, Catholic Writers Guild

From the President’s Desk – January 24

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Happy New Year! At the last CWG Board Meeting, Board members decided to make a plea for more volunteers. Now that the Guild has over 500 members, the Board has come to realize that only about 20 members are doing 95 percent of the work of the Guild. All of us are volunteers, many of us have families, some of us have outside jobs.

Currently, membership fees are only $30 a year. Benefits are numerous. Most other professional organizations charge $100 or more for fees. We would like to keep these fees low. Hence, we ask members to volunteer, if they can. Perhaps you might like to read and evaluate for our Seal of Approval Committee? Maybe you would like to create the Catholic Book News or help out with the online or live conferences?

Below is a list of volunteers we currently need.

Seal of Approval Evaluators: This committee needs readers/evaluators for the Seal of Approval process. Volunteers must attend a training session before evaluating the first book; volunteers must then commit to reading at least one book per quarter. For more information, email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Catholic Book News Editor(s): One to two volunteers would be ideal and both would need to attend a two-hour training session to learn how to create this monthly e-zine to bookstores that showcases one SoA novel and one SoA non-fiction book. Editors must also email new SoA winners in order to obtain a Sell Sheet. Hours per month: two to three. For more information, email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

These are just two of the committees that need more volunteers in order to keep them running smoothly. We also need volunteers for both conferences. Please prayerfully consider being a volunteer!!

The CWCO (online conference) will be taking place this March. It’s free, informative and fun! For more information: www.catholicwritersconference.com

As always, if you have any concerns, comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to email me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com.

In Christ,

Ellen Gable Hrkach
President, CWG

2013 Catholic Writers Conference Online CANCELED

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2012 proved to be a difficult year for many of us, and we’re sorry to have to begin 2013 on such a sad note.  Circumstances beyond our control have caused us to cancel the Catholic Writers Conference Online, which was scheduled for March 4-15.  It was a combination of several factors, and not a decision reached lightly.  We had high hopes for this conference and some wonderful workshops planned, but alas, it was not meant to be.

We’d like to thank the generous people who volunteered to present and moderate at CWCO in March; it is through no fault of yours that the conference faltered this year.

In the meantime, we are still going ahead with the writers’ retreat October 13-17, 2013, at St. Francis Retreat Center, Dewitt MI.  The speakers will be Michelle Buckman, Al Kresta, Father Matthias Thelen, David Krajewski.  We are not sure of the fee yet, but will keep you informed.

In addition, we are also holding the Catholic Writers’ Conference Live on August 7-9, 2013 – Garden State Exhibition Center, Somerset, NJ.  We are in need of presenters, and thanks to a generous contribution, are able to pay small stipends to speakers this year.  Please contact Ann Lewis at treasurer(at)catholicwritersguild.com if interested.  We will also need volunteers, and as always, will provide hotel rooms and free admission.

President’s Message

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Hello CWG Members!

On behalf of the entire Catholic Writers Guild Board, I’d like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

I’d also like to take this opportunity to formally welcome Jennifer Fitz to our board as Vice President. I had the pleasure of meeting Jen at the past CWG Conference in August in Dallas. She’s already become an asset to the Board. Ann Lewis, CWG’s devoted and conscientious past president, is now our Treasurer so if you have any questions for her, she can be reached at treasurer(at)catholicwritersguild.com. Other long-time board members are Karina Fabian (past president) as Committee Coordinator and Dave Law as Secretary.

The Catholic Writers Guild has been busy during the month of December recruiting members to volunteer in various positions. Karl Erickson is our new blog news coordinator. If you have any new and exciting book news or information you’d like to share, please send it to erickson1990(at)comcast.net Other new volunteers are Larry Peterson and Nancy Carabio Belanger. Again, many thanks for stepping forward to help!

It’s been an exciting year for the Guild. A well-attended online conference took place in March and a live conference in Dallas in August were two of the highlights. We received a large grant towards our conferences and retreat next year. Several of our members were featured in the June/July Catholic Digest article and more will be featured in the January issue. Some of our members appeared on EWTN’s Bookmark show. More and more people are becoming acquainted with the Guild, so our membership is increasing!

Don’t forget about our online conference which takes place March 4-15, 2013! We’ll be sending out special notices on that event soon. For those of you who can’t travel, this free conference is for you! Please consider attending. We’ll have hour-long chats and week-long workshops, plus opportunities to pitch to Catholic and secular publishers and (hopefully) agents. In addition, we’re trying to schedule some critique sessions.

If you have a novel that was released in 2012 or 2013, please consider entering it in the CALA’s awards. For more information, check out the link here.

And, as always, if there’s anything I can do for you, please feel free to contact me: president(at)catholicwritersguild.com

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