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This month’s speaker was Wendy Lutzke. Wendy is an environmental educator, who shared about her lifelong writing, impromptu writing, and inspired writings. She sprinkled in examples from her life and ask for others to share theirs. Thank you Wendy for a wonderful and inspiring share! We appreciate you! We are also looking forward to listening to Wendy Lutzke on https://www.wisconsinlife.org/
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  PENS OF PRAISE June 19, 2018
Christian Writers Group Introductions everyone! The craft of writing tip. Devotion – Pat Klein Teaching: Susan Fink FINDING YOUR BEST IDEA Susan is sharing a teaching on discovering ways to Find Your BEST Idea! Seriously—who couldn’t use this teaching! 😊 Bring your computer or paper and pen for this excellent method and inspiration for your successful writing journey! Prompt: Finding Your Best Idea! You may use this share for your cozy murder mystery, poetry, short story or devotion that you wish to write! This can be in blurb form or an actual scene! Enjoy! Announcements – Pick a Book to be explored at the next Pens Readers meeting. Challenge—sell articles to earn enough to attend a writer’s conference or purchase books on “how to write.” Possible handouts about conferences or contests or teachings. Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.) The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz is our current read. Shared by Susan Fink: https://afajournal.org/past-issues/2018/june/more-than-world-class-sst-is-kingdom-class/ www.sight-sound.com https://www.youtube.com/user/sightsoundtheatres Contact Susan L. Fink - https://www.facebook.com/susan.l.fink  CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP
Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you! July 17, 2018 Tuesday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Faith Free Church 2201 42nd St. Manitowoc, WI 54220 This month’s speaker is Wendy Lutzke. Wendy is an environmental educator, who will share about lifelong writing, impromptu writing, inspired writing...those are true to the kind of writing she does. Those themes will be the heart of her talk and she will sprinkle in examples from her life and ask for others to share theirs. Any genre writer will appreciate hearing about Wendy’s knowledge and experience! Prompt: The Bounty of Nature! If you wish to use this as practice for your cozy, or poem or short story – etc. the world is your oyster! Enjoy! Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.) The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz is our current read. We invite you to stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while. Email Susan Marlene if you can attend: susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com May the Lord bless your creative endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com Blessings! EVENT SHARED BY SUSAN FINK: GriefShare’s Loss of a Spouse, Saturday, August 18th 9am – 11am Grace Lutheran Church, 2426 N. Rapids Road People who are widowed haven’t just lost a loved one—they’ve lost an entire lifestyle. If you, or someone you know, have experienced the death of a spouse, You are warmly invited to attend: To Register or for more information please contact Grace Lutheran Church (920-682-7377) or gracelutheran@tm.net This seminar includes a video featuring expert Christian counselors, authors, and pastors, and a supportive discussion opportunity. Participation booklets include an outline, devotional materials and grief recovery exercises.   In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing. Vincent Van Gog
We writers can take encouragement from words from this man who has been considered one of the greatest Dutch painters. During his life he was not recognized in that esteem, surely, he was practically unknown throughout his life. I know little about him. I’m really not a fan of his work. We all have our preferences, right! But this spunk shows through as he focuses on his pencil…which translates his purpose and passion to me. Words are timeless and powerful. They can move nations and be ignored no matter how wisely spoken or written. But there is an audience for each writer and artist. Wouldn’t you agree that when we write with Him, Father God the Almighty Lord, though our human audience wavers and dips, rises or falls off—we can still enjoy freedom and plumb the depths of connection and the thrill of expression, leaving bread crumbs for those who need even our scant offerings. Our next Pens meeting will be Tuesday, June 19 :) Monday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Faith Free Church 2201 42nd St., Manitowoc, WI 54220 Our book for the reading club is... "The Lacemaker" by Laura Frantz. This is a historical. Contact Susan Marlene (me) if you are interested in joining this read and want to attend the discussion meeting.  PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you! MAY 15, 2018 Tuesday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Faith Free Church 2201 42nd St. Manitowoc, WI 54220 This month’s speaker is Susan Marlene. Susan will share a teaching on This, That & The Other Thing!This will be a merging of information regarding dialogue, plot and whatever else captivates Susan’s mind! Come join us as we seek, retrieve and sneak a peek at this hodgepodge of tools and techniques! Prompt: This That & The Other Thing! If you wish to use this as practice for your cozy, or poem or short story – etc. the world is your oyster! Enjoy! Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.) Stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while. May the Lord bless your creative endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com Blessings!  GOALS AND ORGANIZATION -TIME IN A BIND? GOALS – What is your target for success? Susan Fink did a wonderful presentation on Writing Goals in February. She gave us handouts and inspired all who attended the meeting! Thank you Susan Fink! Research Resources & Your Library by Susan M. Menk, Youth Librarian Speaker Susan M. Menk, Youth Librarian from Manitowoc Public Library taught “Research Resources @ Your Library.” This expertise is useful for sharpening the validity and accuracy of whatever we write, be it historical, contemporary, non-fiction, or fiction. Our libraries are true resources that will be valuable for us to make use of! Prompt: “One cozy character!” What type of cozy murder mystery character would you wish to read about? Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.) GOALS AND ORGANIZATION -TIME IN A BIND Continued by Susan Marlene ORGANIZATION – Does it really matter? At what cost? CISION PR NEWSWIRE: Lost & Found: The average American spends 2.5 days each year looking for lost items collectively costing U.S. Households $2.7 billion annually in replacement costs. (Millennials {40 - 28} are the biggest losers being twice as likely as boomers to misplace possessions.) The average American will waste more than a year over a lifetime looking for something to watch on TV. By Ashley Rodriguez Nov. 6, 2016 (23 minutes per day flipping channels.) Time is precious. The information above may vary per person significantly, yet the point is made concerning lost time. How many of us keep our records filed concerning expenditures and where you send articles? Knowing where we have information stored will minimize wasted time, so you can be more productive with those gems called minutes, hours, and days. I know I’ve been meaning to improve in this area and have made only a half-hearted attempt until now. FILES BY THE MILES: What are excellent items to file? If you wish to build your writing business so that it flows like a well-oiled machine file—millage, expenses—materials and conferences costs and mailings, research, historical research, where you submitted articles, short stories and or manuscripts etc., as well as confirmation of acceptance and rejection information. Contracts. Contact information per item and dates submitted and also when or if that piece is free to resubmit. An excellent time saver on the computer could be Excel –the date that would alert you to when your work is available to resubmit. Conditional Formatting. WHAT AMOUNT OF TIME IS NEEDED TO ORGANIZE: Most of you may have a half-hearted start to organizing your writing information. I personally took a day and worked on my book shelves. One shelf for writing information and how-to, one section for Bible study and another for Civil War. The next book case is for research books of a variety of subjects with upper shelves being used specifically for Revolutionary War topics and memorabilia. I also purchased a magazine holder where I put like magazines together. My file organization was started, but need a ‘do-over’ to work efficiently. It took me one hour to organize and add files that I needed and take out the ones that didn’t logically belong there. This will especially be excellent for tax time information gathering. (Expenses and money made.) CORKBOARD – Pin up your plotting info and inspiring or research photos and anything else that can assist your productivity. You can keep it on an easel or slip it behind a piece of furniture when not in use—your choice. Its usefulness is limited only by your imagination. KNOWING WHO TO PURSUE: Don’t wait for the last minute to choose an agent, editor, or publishing editor. Take a bit of time each week or month to look into who sells your genre. Keep a watch over them. Jot down what would work or not work with each one. Join their social media or email list. Check the acknowledgements to see who is appreciated in your chosen genre? (If you write similar to time period and style with an author who praises their agent and editor—you may wish to look elsewhere. This may be a conflict of interests for that agent or editor to have two authors so alike in genre to represent. SUGGESTED ORGANIZATION I’M TRYING:
 Due to inclement weather we are canceling the Pens of Praise meeting set for tomorrow night. I will email our writers and post on this WEB page and on my blog the updated information.
Take care and keep safe and warm!  I used this Williamsburg, VA photo because it made me think of organization!
Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you! April 16, 2018 Monday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Faith Free Church 2201 42nd St. Manitowoc, WI 54220 “GOALS AND ORGANIZATION – TIME IN A BIND” This months teaching by Susan Marlene is a continuation from our previous class on developing goals by Susan Fink. Susan Marlene will lead your amazing journey to discover your possibilities with organization. This is the ‘other’ skill which can make or break your writing career or your beloved hobby. How would you like to enjoy more time creating and playing with written communication and storytelling? I sure want that! Come and be inspired! Prompt: “One cozy character!” What type of cozy murder mystery character would you wish to read about? Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. (Kathy you have a week to stir something up! I can’t wait to see your imagination emerge with this prompt!) Non-fiction Writers: What non-fiction ‘how to do’ book would you like to write or see written? Scare something up that will charm your imagination and make an impact on your neighborhood. Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.) Stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while. May the Lord bless your writing endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com Blessings!  PENS OF PRAISE
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you! MARCH 19, 2018 Monday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Faith Free Church 2201 42nd St. Manitowoc, WI 54220 This month we are pleased to have as our speaker Susan M. Menk, who is a Youth Librarian from Manitowoc Public Library. Ms. Menk is teaching “Research Resources @ Your Library.” This expertise is useful for sharpening the validity and accuracy of whatever we write, be it historical, contemporary, non-fiction, or fiction. Our libraries are true resources that will be valuable for us to make use of! Prompt: “One cozy character!” What type of cozy murder mystery character would you wish to read about? Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like. Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow. Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.) Stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while. May the Lord bless your writing endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com Blessings!  Due to weather conditions we had to reschedule. We have never had to cancel a meeting so many times...hmmmm must be important! :) See you Monday, February 26th! Sue Fink has a prize to give, hope to see you there!
PENS OF PRAISE CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP Monday, February 26, 2018 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Faith Church 42nd Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220 Faith Church is located next to Festival Foods Not far from the Manitowoc exit off Interstate 43 “GOALS AND ORGANIZATION -TIME IN A BIND?” is our topic this month. Susan Fink & Susan Marlene are leading your amazing journey of discovery over two often avoided or ignored skills that can make or break a writing career. (Or at least beloved hobby.) Do you want to enjoy more time creating and playing with written communication and storytelling? Come to inspire and be inspired! We are a safe place to share. We invite you to bring your WIP (Work in progress!) for a five minute read. The prompt for this ary is February… “If I could, I would, but I can’t so I shan’t_________” Bring your favorite coffee or tea with you! Our precious Kathy Leist brings treats—we all appreciate her so! J As always, if you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to contact Becky McLafferty @ rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com or Susan Marlene@ susanmarlenewrites@gmail.com |
Words are not just words. They are thoughts and inspiration that have been behind every relationship and every deed--good or bad throughout time. If you have that burning desire to communicate and explore, come peruse my pages, teaching, and short stories. Allow inspiration to anchor your dreams on the written pages of memoirs, devotions, poems or stories, both short or long! Luxuriate in the creativity you were born to share! Archives
November 2018
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