FRIDAY WORKSHOPS, 2:30 – 3:45 pm, April 26, 2024
Writing All Your Wrongs: Editing that Transforms Your Novel – Tessa Afshar (fiction writing)
One of the requirements for becoming a successful writer is skillful editing. Using examples from her own books, Tessa will demonstrate techniques for creating a better story, showing us how to transform a mediocre first draft into writing that captivates readers.
The Third Path: A Journey for Writers on the Path of Questioning Session 1 – Eva Marie Everson (soul care)
In these four sessions based on her award-winning work The Third Path, participants delve deeply into the Word so that God can show them who He is in them, who they are in Him, and why God called them to write in the first place.
The Third Path is limited to twelve attendees only. Participants must commit to all four sessions throughout the weekend. If you are interested please email info@renewwriting.com giving confirmation of your participation. Instructions to start preparing for these sessions will be sent to participants prior to the retreat.
A Speaker’s Heart – Cynthia Fantasia (speaking)
Preparing a message is hard work, but even before fingers touch the keyboard there are some issues that need to be addressed. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Join us as we address matters of the heart and purpose to change our lives as well as others.
Plan to Persevere – Lori Roeleveld (writing life)
We begin writing thinking it will be one thing. When it turns out to be something else, we fight discouragement and the temptation to quit. We can plan to persevere by incorporating biblically based strategies for mental and spiritual resistance. This will also form the foundation for branding and marketing.
How To Write and Speak About Hard Topics * – Kia Stephens (writing and speaking) Please note the content of this workshop is different from Kia’s plenary session with the same title.
You believe God has called you to share your difficult story with the world but just exactly how are you supposed to do that? How do you know when you are ready to share your story? How do you share honestly while respecting the other people involved? In this session, Kia will unpack 6 non-negotiable guidelines she follows for writing and speaking about hard topics.
Turning Your Story Into a ScreenPlay or Stage Play – Lauren Yarger (writing)
Have you ever wondered whether your book could be turned into a movie or adapted for the stage? Maybe your newest story idea is screaming to be a TV series or radio drama instead of a novel. Explore the possibilities and learn about the process of developing scripts for stage and screen.
FRIDAY NIGHT OWL 9:00 – 10:00 pm, April 26, 2024
Unveiling Your Real-Life Stories – Myra Ingargiola (writing and speaking)
As Christian writers and speakers we are compelled to share real-life stories, such as the disciples did as they walked with Jesus. This night owl is designed to help you explore creative opportunities and bring to light the richness of your personal experiences. No life experience is random – so let’s get at it!
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 9:15 – 10:30 AM April 27, 2024
How to Start and Grow Your Email List – Heidi Chiavaroli (fiction and non-fiction)
One of the strongest marketing tools an author has is a newsletter list. But how do you start one? How do you get subscribers? And how do you keep your subscribers engaged and your open and click rates high? Join award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli as we talk about strategies to grow an email list that will not only help you connect with your readers, but will help to give your next book the best launch it deserves.
The Third Path: A Journey for Writers on the Path of Questioning Session 2 – Eva Marie Everson (soul care)
In this class of four sessions based on her award-winning work The Third Path, participants delve deeply into the Word so that God can show them who He is in them, who they are in Him, and why God called them to write in the first place.
The Third Path is limited to twelve attendees only. Attendees must commit to all four sessions throughout the weekend. If you are interested please email info@renewwriting.com giving confirmation of your participation. Instructions to prepare for these sessions will be given prior to the retreat.
The Speaker and the Listener – Ensuring the “Twain” Shall Meet – Cynthia Fantasia (speaking)
Knowing what to share with an audience you haven’t met is not for the faint of heart. Learn some speaker secrets of how to connect with your audience and leave an impact on their lives and yours. Re-invigorate your speaking and refresh yourself in the process.
Step Up and Step Over Imposter Syndrome – Cindy Saab (writing and speaking)
Imposter Syndrome is prevalent in both the novice and seasoned communicator. We will create a Vision Life Map which will clear the path beyond our barriers and roadblocks and pave the way that can catapult us beyond what we could hope or dream. An additional resource: “12 Strategy Statements to Step Up and Step Over Imposter Syndrome”
From Blog to Book Deal: 10 Practical Steps You Can Take to Get Published – Kia Stephens (non-fiction)
Is it really possible to go from a blog to a book deal? In this workshop, Kia will share the practical tips she learned on her journey from elementary school teacher to published author. Every attendee will walk away with steps they can implement immediately on their publishing journey.
The Art of Critical Writing – Lauren Yarger (writing)
Reviews are a part of a writer’s life. Understanding the process of how book (and other) reviews are written will help you deal with them and possibly give you another way to use your writing gift.
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 10:45 – 12:00 AM April 27, 2024
Deep Point of View: The Secrets of Writing an Immersive Story – Tessa Afshar (fiction)
Do you want your writing to immerse the reader into another world from the first page? Learn how to create an intimate reading experience and eliminate the blahs from your writing with this simple technique.
A Speaker’s Heart * – Cynthia Fantasia (speaking)
Preparing a message is hard work, but even before fingers touch the keyboard there are some issues that need to be addressed. “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” Join us as we address matters of the heart and purpose to change our lives as well as others.
10 Disturbing Ways God May Use Your Writing – Lori Roeleveld (non-fiction)
You have a plan for your writing. God does, too. What happens when they don’t align like you thought they would? Learn ten unexpected avenues through which your writing can serve God and others. Survive the disconnect between your plans and His and find unbeaten paths for your words!
Growing Your Audience By Focusing on a Niche Market – Kia Stephens (writing and speaking)
When it comes to growing our audience we may be tempted to try and write for everyone. This is impossible to do. Although it is difficult to appeal to the masses, you can effectively grow your reach by narrowing your target audience. In this session, Kia will share some practical steps a writer can take to grow their audience by focusing on meeting the needs of a specific niche market.
The Third Path: : A Journey for Writers on the Path of Questioning Session 3 – Eva Marie Everson (soul care)
In this class of four sessions based on her award-winning work The Third Path, participants delve deeply into the Word so that God can show them who He is in them, who they are in Him, and why God called them to write in the first place.
The Third Path is limited to twelve attendees only. Attendees must commit to all four sessions throughout the weekend. If you are interested please email info@renewwriting.com giving confirmation of your participation. Instructions to prepare for these sessions will be given prior to the retreat.
Turning Your Story Into a ScreenPlay or Stage Play * – Lauren Yarger (writing)
Have you ever wondered whether your book could be turned into a movie or adapted for the stage? Maybe your newest story idea is screaming to be a TV series or radio drama instead of a novel. Explore the possibilities and learn about the process of developing scripts for stage and screen.
SUNDAY WORKSHOPS 9:15 – 10:30 AM, APRIL 28, 2024
The beauty of blogging – Rachel Britton (non-fiction)
Creating a website where you blog offers numerous benefits for the beginner and seasoned writer. Discover the joy and empowerment of growing, engaging, and leaving a lasting digital legacy. Come and learn from Rachel Britton who has been blogging her way across the world since 2011.
Creating Compelling Characters – Heidi Chiavaroli (fiction writing)
The backbone of any strong novel are the characters who live within its pages. In short, characters make your story! Join two-time Carol award-winning novelist Heidi Chiavaroli as she helps fiction writers sift through what makes a compelling character. We’ll talk about how to create convincing characters that leap off the page by determining their objectives and motivations, using character interviews, and diving into the many dimensions of their emotional lives.
The Third Path: A Journey for Writers on the Path of Questioning Session 4 – Eva Marie Everson (soul care)
In this class of four sessions based on her award-winning work The Third Path, participants delve deeply into the Word so that God can show them who He is in them, who they are in Him, and why God called them to write in the first place.
The Third Path is limited to twelve attendees only. Attendees must commit to all four sessions throughout the weekend. If you are interested please email info@renewwriting.com giving confirmation of your participation. Instructions to prepare for these sessions will be given prior to the retreat.
Goal Setting for the Goal-Resistant Writers – Lori Roelevend (writing life)
Do you struggle with setting goals? Are your resolutions already kaput? This workshop will help you understand how to make progress writing with or even without goals. Reject the lies that keep us stuck and cultivate the mindset that keeps us moving in the direction we plan to go.