Calling All Catholic Writers!

Catholic Writers to Hold Online Conference
World Wide Web--Writers, editors, agents, and other publishing professionals from around the world are gearing up for the second annual Catholic Writers’ Conference Online, which will be held February 2-9, 2009. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Extraordinary Moms Network, the online conference is free of charge and open to writers of all levels who register by January 15.

Last year’s conference drew over 300 participants and had more than 30 editors and writing professionals from all over the country presenting. Here's what attendees had to say:

"Gas prices are high. Writers' conferences are out of reach. CWC met my need! Write ON!" Jewel Sample, author of Flying Hugs and Kisses, and Flying Hugs and Kisses Activity Book (jewelsamples.blogspot.com).

"This conference … moved beyond practical concerns of writers and revealed the creative union between writing and faith, establishing it as a source of endless inspiration. As writers, we all want to feel good about what we write. The CWCO helped to show us how." Kate Wicker, “Momopoly” (www.katewicker.com).

"If ever a newbie writer on the scene needed an added boost of confidence, input, and tips, the Catholic Writer's Conference Online was the place for them to camp out for the week. I learned so much and enjoyed being in an arena that was friendly for all who want to share the Catholic faith. Thanks for the great week of advice, information, and meeting new people." Elizabeth Weidner, “A Catholic Mum Climbing the Pillars”

“We were very happy with the caliber of publishing professionals who volunteered to participate in the last conference,” says event co-chair Heidi Hess Saxton, author and founder of Extraordinary Moms Network. “There was a nice mix of fiction and non-fiction as well as book and magazine publishing represented. Something for everyone … and you can’t beat the price!”

"On-line conferences cross economic and political boundaries. We can reach Catholic writers who normally wouldn't have a chance to meet, much less learn from, successful writers, editors and publishers. Plus, the faith-sharing is phenomenal," said Karina Fabian, author of the Catholic science fiction anthology Infinite Space, Infinite God and President of the Catholic Writers' Guild.

Early registration is recommended. Although the conference is offered free of charge, donations are accepted; proceeds will go toward future conferences. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

Catholic Writers Conference Deadline Nears

Just a reminder that you only have a few more days to sign up for the wonderful and completely free Catholic Writers Conference Online. The Conference is completely free and can be attended entirely online. Find more information here and join me in taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Register here.

Calling All Catholic Writers

Do you know what you're doing next May 29 - 30? I do! Why don't you join me and some of you Catholic Mom friends for the first annual RTBE Catholic Writers Conference in Chicago?! This wonderful initiative is being spearheaded by the talent Heidi Hess Saxton of Canticle Magazine. Heidi has all of the initial details at her blog, but I want to personally persuade as many of you as possible to try to take part in and support this event.

If you're like me, you may be saying, "Well, I'm not really a real writer: I've never published a book, so I probably am not qualified to attend."

This was my reaction a few years ago when I was able to attend a Catholic Writers Conference that used to be held here in California at Thomas Aquinas College. In fact, as Greg was dropping me off at the event I nearly chickened out! I felt like a total impostor, due to my lack of credentials. Well, needless to say, within five minutes of arriving I was thrilled I'd made the decision to attend. The opportunity to learn and to network with other Catholic writers whom I'd admired from afar was well worth the expense, the effort, and the case of nerves I had to face.

I still don't consider myself a "real" writer, but I'm committed to attending and to helping in the promotion and coordination of this greatly needed resource. Please visit Heidi's blog to view the preliminary details and to voice your support. I want a bunch of my Catholic Mom cyber buddies to be on board for this - what a thrill it would be to meet many of you in person!

Mark Your Calendars

I just received word about the schedule for this year's Southern California Home Educator's Conference. The event will be held on June 23 in Chino Hills, California. for additional information on the conference, visit the SCCHE web site.