Thanks to everyone who entered the writing contest, sponsored by the Utah Christian Writers Conference on Saturday, September 12. The winners of the writing contest were announced at the closing ceremony. Huge congratulations go to:
FICTION CATEGORY:
1st place - Jim Cook, for "Advise and Dissent"
2nd place - Daniel Leitch, for "The Birth of the Ornate"
3rd place - Lee Faulkner-Wilson, for "Mylaan the Magicor"
NONFICTION CATEGORY:
1st place - Mark Francis, for "Changed by the Flaming Eyes of Jesus"
2nd place - Lilian P. Hosfeld, for "Amazing Provision and Protection"
3rd place - Mary Jo Sanger, for "Testimony of the Stars - the Gospel Story"
Everyone who entered received comments on their submission by two judges, both members of the UCWC faculty. The winners above were honored with a certificate, and the first place winner received a $50 cash prize. Thanks to everyone who entered! Next year we hope to have enough Poetry entries to award prizes in that category, too.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
UCWC Keynote Speaker Signs New Book Contract
The following press release was sent to Christian Newswire and other media outlets on September 8th. It features the keynote speaker at Utah Christian Writers Conference, Virginia Smith.
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SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 8 / Virginia (Ginny) Smith is feeling extremely blessed these days. With recent nominations, awards, speaking engagements and book releases, she's busier than ever.
Writer's Digest, the number one general market magazine for writers, recently picked Ginny's website as one of their Top 5 Picks for their October 2009 issue. The website, VirginiaSmith.org, is carefully designed with the public in mind. From personal information to links for media, the website gives browsers a comfortable and accurate glimpse into who Virginia is and what she's busy tackling now.
Along with Writer's Digest, other organizations have been paying attention and noticing Ginny Smith. She's been nominated for Book of the Year Award in the Long Contemporary Category by the American Christian Fiction Writers for her book, Stuck in the Middle. The winners will be announced at the annual ACFW conference in Denver on September 19th.
This summer she has also signed a contract for her twelfth book in four years. "Dive Into Danger" has no release date set, but plans are in the works to get this scuba diving manuscript written. Ginny shares, "I've got three books coming out next year, and one of them isn't written yet, so I've got my work cut out for me. Of course, I have to write 'Dive Into Danger,' so that's going to get my immediate attention. And since part of that book is set in Mexico, my husband and I are planning a trip to Cancun next month. But even when I'm writing a book, I'm always thinking of the next story, and even the one beyond that."
Over the next few months Ginny will be the keynote speaker at several writers conferences including the Utah Christian Writers Fellowship on September 12, and the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in June 2010. She will also teach a workshop called "Stories that Sparkle" at the ACFW Conference in Denver, September 17-20, 2009 and Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference in Eldridge, IA, April 9-10, 2010. Regarding her upcoming speaking engagements Smith says, "I'm excited about the opportunity to share my heart with other writers, because I know what it's like to have a dream that feels unattainable at times. I wrote for twenty years before my first publication, and received 143 rejection letters. I plan to share some of the lessons I've learned along the way."
Now scheduling interviews.
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Busy Author Signs 12th Book in 4 Years
Contact: Kathy Carlton Willis, 956-642-6319
Contact: Kathy Carlton Willis, 956-642-6319
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 8 / Virginia (Ginny) Smith is feeling extremely blessed these days. With recent nominations, awards, speaking engagements and book releases, she's busier than ever.
Writer's Digest, the number one general market magazine for writers, recently picked Ginny's website as one of their Top 5 Picks for their October 2009 issue. The website, VirginiaSmith.org, is carefully designed with the public in mind. From personal information to links for media, the website gives browsers a comfortable and accurate glimpse into who Virginia is and what she's busy tackling now.
Along with Writer's Digest, other organizations have been paying attention and noticing Ginny Smith. She's been nominated for Book of the Year Award in the Long Contemporary Category by the American Christian Fiction Writers for her book, Stuck in the Middle. The winners will be announced at the annual ACFW conference in Denver on September 19th.
This summer she has also signed a contract for her twelfth book in four years. "Dive Into Danger" has no release date set, but plans are in the works to get this scuba diving manuscript written. Ginny shares, "I've got three books coming out next year, and one of them isn't written yet, so I've got my work cut out for me. Of course, I have to write 'Dive Into Danger,' so that's going to get my immediate attention. And since part of that book is set in Mexico, my husband and I are planning a trip to Cancun next month. But even when I'm writing a book, I'm always thinking of the next story, and even the one beyond that."
Over the next few months Ginny will be the keynote speaker at several writers conferences including the Utah Christian Writers Fellowship on September 12, and the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in June 2010. She will also teach a workshop called "Stories that Sparkle" at the ACFW Conference in Denver, September 17-20, 2009 and Quad Cities Christian Writers Conference in Eldridge, IA, April 9-10, 2010. Regarding her upcoming speaking engagements Smith says, "I'm excited about the opportunity to share my heart with other writers, because I know what it's like to have a dream that feels unattainable at times. I wrote for twenty years before my first publication, and received 143 rejection letters. I plan to share some of the lessons I've learned along the way."
Now scheduling interviews.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
What to Expect at the Conference
The Utah Christian Writers Conference is this weekend - Saturday, September 12! After months of planning and preparation, the conference committee is so excited to have the Big Day almost here. We've been praying for the event and for every person who will attend, and we believe this will be a blessing to all. Everything is on schedule for a really great conference. Excellent speakers. TONS of free resources, like magazines that you might want to write for. A wonderful bookstore (hosted by the good folks at Jordan Landing Barnes & Noble) with lots of excellent writing resources. Door prizes. A yummy lunch and snacks.
When you arrive at the conference, you will check in at the registration desk and receive your nametag. If you've paid a deposit, plan to pay the remainder of your registration fee then. The first general session begins at 9:00, so be sure to arrive in time to get registered and get a seat.
When you register, you'll pick up a conference bag that will include a folder of information about the day, a notepad, and a pen. You don't need to bring anything to take notes - we'll provide it for you!
Snacks and lunch will be provided. We'll also provide a selection of drinks, like coffee and bottled water, to enjoy at the breaks and during lunch.
Dress comfortably. You'll be sitting a lot, and walking to and from workshop sessions. All the rooms are close, so you won't need your hiking boots!
If you'd like to sign up for a free consultation with one of the faculty members, bring samples of your writing. Understand that these 15-minute consultations will not give the faculty member time to read your work thoroughly, nor to present critique comments. But perhaps you'd like to discuss the next step for your writing, or discuss potential markets for a story or article. Or maybe you have a general question you'd like to pose to a faculty member during the consultation.
Money to buy books. We're very excited that the Jordan Landing Barnes & Noble has offered to staff a conference bookstore. We've provided a list of books that faculty members will mention in their workshops, so you may want to take a copy home with you. Plus, they'll have copies of the books written by our keynote speaker, Virginia Smith. You can have her autograph it!
If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at utahchristianwriters@gmail.com. Or post your question on our Facebook page.
And if you haven't registered - what are you waiting for??? It's going to be a tremendous day for writers at all levels. But it won't be complete without you! Visit www.utahchristianwriters.com to register online. (You may pay online, too!)
When you arrive at the conference, you will check in at the registration desk and receive your nametag. If you've paid a deposit, plan to pay the remainder of your registration fee then. The first general session begins at 9:00, so be sure to arrive in time to get registered and get a seat.
When you register, you'll pick up a conference bag that will include a folder of information about the day, a notepad, and a pen. You don't need to bring anything to take notes - we'll provide it for you!
Snacks and lunch will be provided. We'll also provide a selection of drinks, like coffee and bottled water, to enjoy at the breaks and during lunch.
Dress comfortably. You'll be sitting a lot, and walking to and from workshop sessions. All the rooms are close, so you won't need your hiking boots!
If you'd like to sign up for a free consultation with one of the faculty members, bring samples of your writing. Understand that these 15-minute consultations will not give the faculty member time to read your work thoroughly, nor to present critique comments. But perhaps you'd like to discuss the next step for your writing, or discuss potential markets for a story or article. Or maybe you have a general question you'd like to pose to a faculty member during the consultation.
Money to buy books. We're very excited that the Jordan Landing Barnes & Noble has offered to staff a conference bookstore. We've provided a list of books that faculty members will mention in their workshops, so you may want to take a copy home with you. Plus, they'll have copies of the books written by our keynote speaker, Virginia Smith. You can have her autograph it!
If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at utahchristianwriters@gmail.com. Or post your question on our Facebook page.
And if you haven't registered - what are you waiting for??? It's going to be a tremendous day for writers at all levels. But it won't be complete without you! Visit www.utahchristianwriters.com to register online. (You may pay online, too!)
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