Brad Ediger of Sound X Design, LLC graciously recorded our 2013 FCWC sessions. Here is his contact info:
soundxdesign@yahoo.com to get recordings of all sessions, including keynote speeches. He may also be reached at:
503.201.3672
If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write
One of my favorite writing quotes is by Martin Luther: “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” I think I have always appreciated the power of the pen, the strength of story and the wonder of Words.
As we head into the weekend for Portland’s second Faith & Culture Writers Conference at Multnomah University, Friday-Saturday April 5-6, I am excited to lead a breakout session on “Freelance Writing in the Digital World.”
I love sharing the story of how God opened the door for me to freelance for The Oregonian newspaper beginning in 1996. I have had the honor of penning stories of doctors going to Africa, of kids raising money for orphans, of entire youth groups traveling to Mississippi rather than go to a summer camp for fun. After people read my stories, I receive emails or phone calls from folks saying they read my story and they decided to donate funds, or help someone, or go on a mission trip. Wow, that feeling of lives being changed through story is amazing.
My daughter Rach had written a teen column for The Oregonian while she was in high school and one of the things she wrote about once was how she did not want gifts for Christmas but instead she wanted money so she could go on a mission trip to Mississippi. She received a check in the mail for $ 100 from a reader who was so moved by her story. My Rachie said to me, “Mom, I did not realize how much writing can impact people.”
While I have specialized in stories of faith and culture, family and community for The Oregonian, I had also dreamed of writing for Christianity Today, and am grateful for the opportunity that has opened up for me to do just that. I have been able to pen stories about (the late) Richard Twiss and Lopez Lomong, whose story is that running — and writing — saved his life.
I look forward to penning more stories. But first, our upcoming writers conference. And, speaking of Christianity Today, I asked my editor Katelyn Beaty to donate magazines, and they did. We have a few gift subscriptions as door prizes, and a box full of magazines to give away. Christy Tenant Krispin will be here representing CT and its This is Our City Project, which collects stories of folks reaching out and impacting culture locally.
Buzz is building for this weekend’s conference as people who have never been before are learning about it. It’s fun to see all the connections being made with old friends and new friendships forming. Twitter hashtag #faithculture2013 is active on our @WritersUniteNW Twitter page and our Faith & Culture Writers Connection Facebook page can be found at: Facebook Faith & Culture Writers
Registration at the door on Friday-Saturday April 5-6 is $ 75 and students are just $ 25. Visit: Faith & Culture Writers Conference
Radio Show About Faith & Culture Writers Conference 4/1
Faith touching culture through multiple genre is what we’ll be talking about on 4/1. Writers and everyday people who love words and the Word, and feel led to share their message with others, will hear Cornelia Becker Seigneur, founding director of the Faith and Culture Writers Conference, and Adjunct Professor at Multnomah University, share what’s happening at the upcoming Faith and Culture Writers Conference in Portland, OR April 5-6. The faculty that’s been assembled is reason enough to attend. Ask a friend to listen in with you. Be inspired to push on to greater excellence with your writing goals.
Link to Show to Stream it LIVE Monday, April 1st and 2pm
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/
Why do you write?
By Keith Turley
“Talent develops in tranquility, character in the full current of human life.”
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It was two years ago that nothing less than a miracle occurred that allowed me to be a participant at the first Faith & Culture Writers Connection in 2011. While it may be cliche to say that those events and the conference “changed my life”, in so many ways I can never go back to where I was before.
In 2010 I had made a decision that I was going to write a book, something that I had put off and resisted for many years, though I was encouraged by several close friends. I had been writing a devotional email several times a week to a dear group of “peeps” that had grown from what was at one time just my bible study to a group of nearly 100 people that I now considered friends. So, as I began to formulate how to go about writing a book I began to look at writing groups, and then writing conferences. I was a writer of devotional emails, not an author of a book. What did I know about the process, let alone the qualifications?
In my Google wanderings I found out about the 2011 Conference. It was fairly easy to make the decision to go, but finding a place to stay (coming from Bellingham, WA) was a struggle as I didn’t have the resources to commit to a hotel room. But I did find a place to stay with friends in Portland. Then, literally on the Wednesday before the conference those housing plans fell through and I gave in to my not wanting to drive down at 5:00am Saturday morning. I shared as much with Cornelia, as we had shared many emails to this point. She encouraged me to not give up. So, I made literally one last desperate call to some friends up river in White Salmon, and found I had a place to stay.
Probably my most powerful experience of the conference was finally meeting Cornelia. She was the only person I “knew” so I sought her out right away, and despite her other duties she made me feel part of a community that was new to me. Paul Louis Metzger’s keynote paved the way for incredible breakout sessions. Each session I attended was so valuable. In between sessions and during lunch I was able to meet not only other writers, but got a chance to talk with speakers and agents. Every conversation I had was so encouraging that I left with new contacts and friends, and the confidence that I could not only write but also publish book. I had the content. As a graphic designer and writer I had the skills, now I had new encouragement from new friends and other writers, I had new information, I had new confidence. I knew I could self-publish a book, which began another journey that has resulted in two published books…a journey which I will share at this year’s conference.
Fast forward…I still have the email from October 2012 where Cornelia invited me to speak at this year’s conference. Me? From a guest to a speaker? Once I picked myself off the floor, it only took me a few minutes to get past my fear of speaking and say yes. Cornelia’s friendship and support, even from a state away, made it so easy to say yes. Then the next day the topic of “why I write” was already formulating as the main subject, a topic I am so looking forward to sharing with others, as I believe it is foundational to all writers. For me, knowing the “why” of my writing gets me through many days I simply don’t want to or feel I can find the time to write.
I can not wait to be a speaker and participant at the Conference this year, it is such an honor, and such an invitation from Cornelia, who has become an incredible gift in my life.
From Timid Writer to Marketing Speaker
Had you tried to convince me two years ago that I’d be approached to speak at the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference, you would have failed. Trust me.
In 2011, I was a quiet, timid writer with a few year’s experience under my belt of attending writer’s conferences. I’d even rubbed elbows with some major editors and agents at the local Oregon Christian Writer’s conference. But something about the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference felt different.
It was a strange sense that overwhelmed and left me feeling like a newbie all over again.
But it was also a rush of excitement and anticipation.
The memories of the inaugural 2011 Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference fill me to this day—the intoxicating words of the keynote speakers, the intensive workshops, the friendships bonded and the rush of inspiration.
I walked away from the conference confident that big things were in store. And boy, were they. I signed with my literary agent that same year, I moved to a new job that entered me into the world of social media marketing, and I was offered my first chance to teach a workshop.
Now, I have the honor and privilege to be leading two workshops on marketing and social media tricks for writers. This step into teaching has fulfilled me in ways I never expected (and I’d love to see you all at the conference!)
2011 was a year of defining change, and I felt it stirring at the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference. I can’t guarantee the same experience for you—but I can guarantee you won’t regret the time and investment into your career and your spirit.
I challenge you to journal the day before, the day of, and the day after the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference. Just see what sort of difference comes about. It could be a big year for you.
Nicole M. Miller is an award-winning writer, history buff, equestrienne and a former rodeo queen—all of which come together in her historical fiction and blogging. A social media coordinator and self-proclaimed Facebook and Twitter addict, she coaches writers and small business owners in utilizing social media as a marketing tool. Connect with her at www.nicolemillerbooks.com and www.millermediasolutions.com.
Where God May Lead…
By Bethany Jackson
Our yearning to write can come at any point in our life. Young or old, experienced or beginner, at some point for us there comes a deep desire to pick up a pen and tell a story. I finally listened to the nudging after many years of busying myself with other activities and did not ignore it in 2010. I joined a group called the Writers Connection Group at Rolling Hills Community Church where I attend. There I found a group of writers from every genre, age group and level of experience in attendance.
Dusting off my keyboard and listening to the most fundamental advice, I began writing again. The group was not a class but something even more important for me, a springboard of encouragement to just do it. Just write and let God fill the pages with His inspiration… through our fingers to put those words on paper.
After some time had passed and I grew to know the director, Cornelia Becker Seigneur, I was invited to join the Leadership Team for the first Faith and Culture Writers Conference being held at Western Seminary in 2011. I must tell you that this was indeed a true honor for me. As I walked into the room where the meeting was being held, I was so thankful for being obedient to the nudging in my heart to follow God’s leading to that first meeting at Rolling Hills. I sat down amongst five other women of faith. When introduced, tears welled up in my eyes as I felt unworthy of the honor that this invitation held. I knew in my heart God had a plan for the women around the table and if we stayed in His will and let Him lead us, the conference would be all that He would want it to be.
Now two years later and being asked to be the Administrative Assistant for the second Faith and Culture Writers Conference, I know that being obedient to God’s “nudging” is the first step to being available for Him to work in our lives. Putting a conference together can certainly be a daunting task, but when we let God lead and direct, He somehow puts each task into manageable steps.
We hope that you will be a part of the conference. If you feel a nudging in your heart to come, don’t ignore it, as God may have a beautiful plan for you that day. It is in the small things that God leads us into bigger experiences with Him.
~ Bethany Jackson
Making a Way in the Wilderness
It is so exciting to be back this year for the second Faith & Culture Writers Conference on April 5 and 6, 2013. I am especially grateful to be at Multnomah University where I serve as the faculty advisor for MUSE student publication, which I helped launch in 2011. I have been an adjunct professor at Multnomah since 2010, and I am thrilled that Multnomah has caught the vision for this conference.
I have been a freelance journalist for The Oregonian since 1996, specializing in faith, culture, family and community stories. Bottom line is I pen positive stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Over the years, people have asked me how I got started writing and how am I able to share so many stories of faith. I believe that our culture is hungry for stories that share hope and faith and community. We need to be looking for those stories and be willing to share them. Creativity and the literary arts — indeed, all the arts — are a gift from the Creator.
I love connecting and networking engaging fellow people of faith to encourage them to embrace their creative calling. I have always viewed my writing as a ministry, as a calling, as a way to share truth. Quoting Martin Luther on my Twitter account, I believe that, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.”
At Rolling Hills, I had put out a call for writers of any and all genres to meet for a time of fellowship. We had 50 people show up in a space for 25. It showed me that people of faith are interested in this creative calling and they want to gather in community to encourage one another. Fellow believers are looking for a place to bond around their mutual love for creativity and the Word. That is when we began dreaming of a larger event, where we would gather hundreds of creative people of faith together for a day to engage, encourage, challenge, and inspire one another in this mutual creative calling on our lives.
I had been involved with the Network for Women in Leadership at Western Seminary, where they used to host a women’s writers conference every other year under the direction of Bev Hislop. She decided to cease that conference, but was open to something new. That is when we began meeting and talking about my vision for the Faith & Culture Writers Conference. She loved the idea and allowed us along with a great leadership team to bring the conference to their campus in 2011.
It was such a wonderful, overwhelmingly positive day filled with creative energy. I had people come up to me during the event and say they’ve never been to anything like it. One man wanted to duplicate this in the Seattle area. Something about the event struck a cord. People asked if we would return in 2012, but my daughter Rachel was getting married that year and so I knew I could not plan it. But, 2013 was on my radar.
When the time got closer to think about another conference, Western Seminary decided they were going in another direction (plus, we had outgrown that venue our first year), so I approached Multnomah University. That made the most sense to me as I am on staff there. I am grateful that Dean of Campus Life Dave Groom–whom I report to as the faculty advisor for MUSE student publication–love the idea as well.
God laid on my heart those who should help head up the conference this year. It was a no-brainer to have Bethany Jackson return. I asked her to join our conference leadership planning team in 2011 and her expertise in event management and facility coordinating was priceless. This year, Bethany serves as Administrative Assistant. Kari Patterson was another one that came to mind right away as another potential planning team member. Kari introduced herself to me at the 2011 conference after the breakout session I led on Freelance Writing. A fellow West Linn mom, Kari’s soft heart and drive to write is contagious, and she happily joined the team for the 2013 conference, serving as the communications coordinator. I met Ashley Larkin, this year’s literary agent and mentor coordinator, two years ago, falling in love first with her writing on her blog. With so many shared connections, including West Linn and the University of Portland, I invited her to my Writers Connection at Rolling Hills, and we have been friends ever since. Her soft heart and get-it-done attitude are exemplary, and our theme verse Isaiah 43:19 came from her. Ana Brors, our Social Media strategist and web designer, reached out to me on our Faith & Culture Writers Connection Facebook page this year. She had attended our 2011 event and loved it. I found her expertise in social media so helpful, asking her to join our leadership planning team as well.
We are excited about our top-notch line up of speakers for 2013. S ome big names — William Paul Young, author of the Shack, Ken Wytsma, The Justice Conference Founder, Brian Doyle, author of 13 books, Dan Merchant, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers filmmaker and producer — and we also have some lesser known names whom I am excited to introduce into the conversation around the intersection of faith and culture and the arts– Keith Turley, author, publisher and marketer from Seattle, Tyler Braun, 20-something pastor, blogger, and author, and Christal Jenkins, speaker and author of three books. And, Martin French, an exquisite artist, illustrator and art professor, once again designed our classy WORDS logo, incorporating our new theme.
One of the things noted on the survey we took after the conference in 2011 was that people wanted more fellowship during the conference. Time to talk with fellow attendees and speakers. So we have added Friday night this year, and an after the event social hour on Saturday.
Feel free to shoot me an email with questions at cornelia@corneliaseigneur.com
Or text or call me 503-318-3480
You may also get a hold of our conference administrative assistant Bethany Jackson at newbethany1@gmail.com