2013 Catholic Writers Conference Online CANCELED

January 11, 2013/3 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, Catholic Writers Conference Online, Catholic Writing and Publishing, CWG member benefits, CWG Needs Volunteers, CWG News and Announcements, Writing Tips and Tricks/by Karina Fabian

2012 proved to be a difficult year for many of us, and we’re sorry to have to begin 2013 on such a sad note. Circumstances beyond our control have caused us to cancel the Catholic Writers Conference Online, which was scheduled for March 4-15. It was a combination of several factors, and not a decision reached lightly. We had high hopes for this conference and some wonderful workshops planned, but alas, it was not meant to be.

We’d like to thank the generous people who volunteered to present and moderate at CWCO in March; it is through no fault of yours that the conference faltered this year.

In the meantime, we are still going ahead with the writers’ retreat October 13-17, 2013, at St. Francis Retreat Center, Dewitt MI. The speakers will be Michelle Buckman, Al Kresta, Father Matthias Thelen, David Krajewski. We are not sure of the fee yet, but will keep you informed.

In addition, we are also holding the Catholic Writers’ Conference Live on August 7-9, 2013 – Garden State Exhibition Center, Somerset, NJ. We are in need of presenters, and thanks to a generous contribution, are able to pay small stipends to speakers this year. Please contact Ann Lewis at treasurer(at)catholicwritersguild.com if interested. We will also need volunteers, and as always, will provide hotel rooms and free admission.

Networking and the CWCL

September 10, 2012/2 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, Catholic Writing and Publishing, Self-Publishing/by Karina Fabian

As a Catholic writer, do you sometimes feel out of touch with other Catholic writers? Do you feel out of place at your secular writers’ group?

Years ago, when I first began writing fiction, I joined a local secular writers group. However, I soon felt like a fish out of water. No one in the group was even Christian, let alone Catholic. They were nice, but I didn’t feel a connection. When I joined the Catholic Writers Guild at the suggestion of my friend, Lisa, I soon realized that it was the best thing I ever did, not only to become a better writer, but to become a better Catholic.

Jerry Webster, his wife, Anne, and volunteer coordinator, Margaret Realy, at the CWG Registration Desk, photo Jerry Webster

One of the most valuable ways to network with fellow Catholic writers is to attend the annual CWCL conference. A few weeks ago, at the Catholic Writers Conference Live/Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show/Catholic New Media Conference in Arlington, Texas, attendees had the incredible opportunity to meet many like-minded Catholics and Catholic writers in particular. Jennifer Fitz shared some of the events from the conference a few weeks ago when she was blogging live.

Talking with Patti Armstrong after my Marketing talk. Photo courtesy Jerry Webster

For me, it was an overwhelming and enjoyable experience, although it was also exhausting as I’m sure Ann Lewis, (President and organizer of the Conference) as well as Margaret Realy (Volunteer Coordinator) would agree. There were opportunities for book signings at the booth. Some CWG members had a unique opportunity to be interviewed by Doug Keck from EWTN’s Bookmark. At the Conference breakfast on Thursday morning, Doug was given an honorary CALA award for his support of Catholic writers.

CWG President Ann Lewis signing copies of her book – photo courtesy Jerry Webster

New friendships were made and long-time friendships were solidified. Volunteers came forward to help out. Ann, Margaret and I are extremely grateful for their assistance.

The hustle and bustle of the CWG Booth – photo courtesy Jerry Webster

On Thursday morning, authors seeking publication had the opportunity to pitch their book ideas to several publishers.

CWCL participants listened to great talks by Fr. Andrew Apostoli, Teresa Tomeo and Gail Coniglio, Sarah Reinhard, Michael Russell, Patti Armstrong, Ann Lewis, myself and several others.

At the sponsored meals, we heard talks from Fr. Michael Gaitley, singer Collin Raye and Dr. John Bergsma. There were also presentations by Immaculee and Jeff Cavins. Author book signings for well-known authors as well as not-so-well known authors happened hourly during the Trade Show. Many of us attended the screening of the new St. Augustine movie, Restless Heart.

If you’re looking to network with other Catholic writers, there’s no better way than to attend our annual conference. Needless to say, I had a great time and I highly recommend attending next year!

Ms. Manners Goes to Conference! Conference Etiquette for a Better Experience

August 28, 2012/3 Comments/in Blogging, Catholic Writers Conference Live, Catholic Writers Conference Online, Catholic Writing and Publishing, Encouragement for Writers, Fiction, Inspirational, Journalism, Marketing Your Work, Self-Publishing, The Writing Life, Writing Tips and Tricks/by Karina Fabian

Headed for Catholic Writers Conference? Are you excited? You should be! What an opportunity to rub shoulders with industry professionals, to put faces and personalities to folks you’ve met online, to renew friendships, and to network. This is a once in a lifetime experience; make the most of it. There will never be another gathering of exactly the same people at this point in their faith and writing journeys. Truly you are in Arlington, Texas, because God has called you to be there!

Each of you has a specific reason for attending, a goal you hope to accomplish. If this is your first conference experience, the coming days are likely to be a roller coaster of euphoria juxtaposed with self doubt. Be assured that you are not the only one grappling with these feelings. I hope this knowledge translates into a greater sense of ease in a new and sometimes intimidating environment. Here are some words of advice (of wisdom, too, hopefully!) for both newbies and veterans, for authors, for agents, and for editors, geared toward making this conference the best it can be for everyone:

1) Everyone’s goals are the same, ultimately. Editors want to find the next diamond of a manuscript to publish. Agents want to discover the next author whose career they can guide to new heights. Authors want to find a publisher and/or agent to promote their awesome work. And in this particular setting, all of these people want to serve God with their talents and gifts in the way that pleases Him the most.

When viewed through that prism, competition loses the edge of greed and rejection loses its sting. We’re all on the same side, and God’s looking out for the good of each person’s life and career. This doesn’t mean you should fail to promote your product, just that there is no need for fear. Which brings us to the next point.

2) Be confident. You have something no one else does: your voice, and your work. These are gifts that God has given you, gifts that you have honed with hard work and prayer. No one can duplicate your contribution. Take heart in that fact, and know that your work will find its home. Maybe through this conference; maybe not – which leads to…

3) Don’t take rejection personally. Sometimes it just isn’t a good fit for the publisher or agent. Imagine a library with thousands of books. You have three days to find the best two. You will have to create a system to sort and discard the ones that aren’t suitable for your purpose. Do you see that many wonderful, deserving books will be overlooked? This does not reflect on the worthiness of each one, the same way it does not reflect on your particular project. And in today’s climate, many options are available. So…

4) Be open. There are many possibilities that we may not recognize in our limited, human view. Be open to new ideas, new directions, new options. You may discover a brand new path, or even a calling! You may discover it through…

5) Networking. This is the whole purpose of a conference. Meet people! Ask them what they write, who they want to represent, what they want to publish. Have a brief answer for these questions, too, so you can give a nutshell sense of your project when it comes up. (I write ___, and my current project is about ___.)

This is a remarkably small community, and the contacts you make in the next few days will serve you for your entire career. Do not discount the importance of these interactions. They are crucial for your success. But remember…

6) Be nice. This should go without saying, especially in this setting, but we are human and sometimes we need to be reminded. Keep your comments positive; you never know who might overhear or repeat something you said in a frustrated or disappointed moment. Again, this is a remarkably small community even though it may not seem that way.

Also, restrict your interactions to appropriate venues. Don’t try to pitch to an agent or publisher in the restroom, or shove your manuscript under the door of the stall. I have witnessed the first and have heard of the second, so these are not as far-fetched as they seem. Be considerate of folks. If the target of your interest has a headache or gets a pained look on their face when you approach, be brief. Introduce yourself and say you’d like to send them a query if that is acceptable; believe me, they will remember and appreciate your kindness. And that goes a long way. Which leads to the last point…

7) Be yourself. This may call for leaving your comfort zone, though. If you tend to be shy (many writers are!) push yourself to be more sociable. It’s not hard; smile and ask people around you about themselves. You’ll be glad you did. If you are an extrovert, recognize your tendency to overshadow the more timid among us and let them shine, too.

I hope each one of you has a wonderful experience at the Catholic Writers Conference! And… Oops! I forgot the most important words of advice! HAVE FUN!

Why Attend the Live Conference?

July 6, 2012/0 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, Catholic Writing and Publishing, CWG Member News, Encouragement for Writers, The Writing Life/by Karina Fabian

Is it worth attending the live conference? Daria Sockey shares her experience:*

At last years’ Catholic Writers Conference, I made a book pitch to Servant Publications acquisitions editor Claudia Volkman. She thought the idea had merit and encouraged me to submit a full proposal, which I did about a month later. It was a long wait. Getting impatient, I sent a (nice) “nag” email to Claudia in January. She reassured me that my book was still under consideration. It was quite an education to learn about the mysterious “marketing team” and the lengthy process required to vet a proposal. To make a long story short, I signed a contract in early June. The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours will appear in Spring 2013!

I am so very grateful to CWG, because without the pitch sessions I don’t think I’d have a book contract today. The idea of writing a full proposal and sending it to a faceless publisher would have been too intimidating. And running a close second to my timidity was my laziness: who wants to do all the work of writing a proposal without having at least a hint that it might not be all for nothing? Receiving some friendly encouragement from a real human being who worked for a publisher made all the difference in the world, enabling me to take the next step and write the actual proposal.

I’m not sure whether I can manage to go to Arlington this year. After all, I have a manuscript deadline coming up. (How delicious to say that!) But I want to encourage everyone who has an idea, an outline, or half a chapter of a possible book to sign up for those pitch sessions. It’s true that a positive response to your pitch is not a promise of publication. But hearing an editor say, “yes, we would be interested in your proposal” makes all the difference in the world. I can’t recommend the CWG pitch sessions enough.

* Reprinted with permission. Daria’s articles on Catholic life have appeared in many publications. She authored several of the original Ignatius Press Faith and Life catechisms, and was a Senior Writer for Faith and Family Magazine until it ceased publication this year. She now writes for Catholic Digest. Her upcoming book will introduce Catholic laity to the “prayer of the whole people of God”, aka the Liturgy of the Hours. She blogs about the same topic at Coffee&Canticles and also at Catholic Exchange She’s a mother of seven and a grandmother of one.

The Value of Live Conferences and Long-Lasting Friendships

June 11, 2012/0 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, Self-Publishing/by Karina Fabian

“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” St. Thomas Aquinas

When I self-published my first novel seven years ago, I joined a local secular writers’ group but never quite felt a connection. It was only through the Catholic Writers Online (Yahoo group) that I discovered a new group called the Catholic Writers Guild in 2007. Initially, being a member consisted of receiving a newsletter and participating in Sunday chats. This grew to an online conference, then an opportunity to attend the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show in 2008.

2008 Trade Show, CWG Booth, talking to attendees: L to R, me, Lisa Mladinich, Karina Fabian

At the time, there was no accompanying conference, just interaction with fellow CWG members and Trade Show attendees at the CWG booth. In the beginning, I was nervous at the prospect of meeting such diverse and accomplished writers. However, I soon learned there was no reason to be nervous; they welcomed me with open arms and treated me as one of their own.

The next year, 2009, was the first year for the Catholic Writers Conference which was held in conjunction with the 2009 Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show in New Jersey. I learned a lot, met more talented Catholic writers and made more friendships. There were opportunities for book signings (photo below), as well as great talks by Regina Doman and Fr. Frank Pavone.

With Karina during our book signing. 2009 Trade Show/Conference

For me, the highlight of the 2010 Catholic Writers Conference Live was acting as moderator for the Catholic Fiction panel (third photo below).

moderating the 2010 Catholic fiction panel

On the panel were L to R, Michelle Buckman (the 2011 CALA award-winning author of Rachel’s Contrition,) Regina Doman (author of the Fairy Tale Novels and the 2011 CALA award winner, Alex O’Donnell and the 40 Cyber Thieves), Elena Maria Vidal (author of Trianon and other historical novels), Christian M. Frank/John Doman (author of JP II High books) and John Desjarlais (author of Bleeder and Viper). That was probably the most fun I’ve had in years. I looked a little dwarfed behind the podium, but I’m sure my loud voice overcompensated for what I lack in the height department.

In 2011, CWG president (Ann Lewis) and vice president (me) had an opportunity to show off our IPPY Gold medals (photo below).

CWG president Ann Lewis and I showing off our gold medals at the 2011 CWG Booth

There were talks on blogging, Catholic fiction and marketing. My talk on “Marketing the Self-Published Book” was so well-received that I’ll be giving it again this year at the 2012 conference.

The Catholic Writers Conference is a great place to learn about writing, marketing and our faith. But when it comes right down to it, the best thing about the Catholic Writers Guild and the live conferences are the friendships. I have made long-lasting and deep friendships based on mutual faith, charity and respect. When I ask for a review of my latest book, my friends in the CWG are there. When I ask for prayers, they respond with great charity.

Whether you’re a self-published author or a traditionally published author…whether you write for a living or as a hobby…whether you write non-fiction or fiction…the Catholic Writers Conference Live is an outstanding opportunity to learn, to network and to gain deep friendships.

This year, the Catholic Writers Conference Live will be held on August 29-31 in Arlington, Texas. I’ll be running the CWG booth, giving two talks (one on Marketing the Self-Published Book and one on Fiction and the New Evangelization). Most importantly, I’ll be reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

I hope to see you there!

Because this could be YOU

May 30, 2012/2 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live/by Karina Fabian

In lieu of a serious post about blogging, I’m going to put this forth as a reason to come to the Catholic Writers Conference Live:

YOU could be the one in these pictures!

Pat Gohn and me, who always makes me smile

Ellen Gable Hrkach with me, who has an enthusiasm that’s ten feet tall

The incredible and amazing Lisa Hendey, pausing for a picture from her #1 fangirl

These are all pretty big names in Catholic writing, but they didn’t blink an eye when I asked them to mug it up with me. They were, in fact, that way with everyone. Everyone there at the conference was. Didn’t matter if they were a bestselling author or a lady with a cute baby (my secret is now exposed).

You’ll come home with far more than just some cool pictures, but it sure is fun to look back at the pictures, don’t you agree?

What’s New, CWG?

May 25, 2012/0 Comments/in Catholic Arts and Letters Award, Catholic Writers Conference Live, Catholic Writers Conference Online, Catholic Writers Guild, CWG Blog Info, CWG Member News, CWG Needs Volunteers, CWG News and Announcements, Inside the CWG Newsletter/by Karina Fabian

Hi all! A little late with this because my life has been busy! The great news is, the Guild has been busy, too! We’ve been going strong with several of our projects, and a couple that have been on hold took off this month. Here’s the scoop:

Catholic Writers Conference-LIVE: Arlington, TX, Aug 29-31 (https://catholicwritersconference.com/index.php): Are you going? It will be an awesome time, as usual. In addition to the workshops on writing, the opportunity to promote your work to publishers and bookstores on the events floor, and the in-person pitch sessions, we have secured a special deal with SPQN! They are having their conference next door to ours, and for an extra $25, you can attend their Friday workshops on blogging.

Ann Lewis still needs some volunteers to help her out. Contact her at president(at)catholicwritersguild.com.

The Catholic Arts and Letters Award: We hope eventually this award, also known as the CALA or the Lilly, will become the premier award for Catholic writing. After a small start, we had to put it on hiatus for a year because of lack of volunteers to help out. (Folks—we need you!) However, Michelle Buckman has courageously taken it on, and is gearing up to do an award in 2013 for books published in 2011 and 2012.

In addition to fiction, the 2013 award will have nonfiction categories. We’re tentatively thinking theology, devotionals, biographies and self-help/misc. We may also be able to offer a cash prize to the winner—someone has offered a grant, and we are talking with that person about details.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE WHO MIGHT ENTER: You must have an Imprimatur or the CWG Seal of Approval to qualify. That means if your book is published in late 2012, you must get the manuscript approved (if you are a member) or the book submitted no later than Jan 2013 to the CWG committee. There will be no exceptions!

Right now, we have a committee of three and could use some more folks to help. Of special need are a couple of people to receive and distribute the books to the judges (CWG will pay for postage), and folks to help promote in conjunction with the publicity committee. Please e-mail MichellePBuckman(at)gmail.com if you can help.

Catholic Writers’ Retreat: April 19-23, Indianapolis, IN: Things are looking good as far as getting a grant to help us keep the costs down on this. We’re putting a down payment on the Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in order to hold the dates. Mark your calendar!

Steady as she goes…

Catholic Writers Conference Online: March 4-13, (https://catholicwritersconference.com/index.php). We’re already lining up presenters and publishers. If you know someone who could do a workshop (or want to do one, yourself), contact Laura Lowder at laura.lowder(at)gmail.com

Blog: If you’re here, you know it’s awesome. However, it’s getting BIG! Jennifer would like someone to help her with the tech side of wordpress to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.

Note for Paying Members Only: We are taking poetry submissions for the blog. No pay, just credit, and do remember that publishing on a blog does count as publication to some magazines. If interested, send your submission and a short bio to: poems(at)catholicwritersguild.com. If you can devote an couple of hours a month to tweaking and some simple tasks, e-mail her at blog(at)catholicwritersguild.com

Seal of Approval: We’re in our second quarterly cycle, and things are running smoothly. Please note that we have a new PO Box for sending hardcopy books to.

CWG Book news: We send out a monthly newsletter to bookstores and interested readers. We’d like to expand this list. If you know any stores, libraries, schools, etc. that might be interested in learning about new Catholic books, please send a note to Ellen Hrkach at vicepresident(at)catholicwritersguild.com

CWG newsletter: Maria is always looking for new writers! She especially wants some help with book reviews, the saints column, and news. Please contact her at mariarr(at)comcast.net

The Value of Face-to-Face

May 16, 2012/0 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, Encouragement for Writers/by Karina Fabian

I love how the internet and the media-that’s-not-really-“new”-anymore has opened many doors and windows in my life.

I’ve made friends who are not virtual in any way, though miles may separate us. We drink our coffee via Twitter, share joys via email, follow each other’s lives via blogs. We ask for sudden prayers through texts and even call from time to time to sob and pray out loud.

There is no doubt, to me, that the digital continent is a blessing in my life.

When I first started blogging, the Catholic Writers Guild began sponsoring the online conference. I attended, not thinking of myself as a “writer” in any serious way at all. It was a kind of playing for me, a hobby and a way of learning something new.

Five years and four conferences later, I’m a published author.

Last year, I put faces to names during my first foray into the Guild’s live conference. I said, when asked, that I think I might be addicted to it.

When I returned from the fun and adventure last year, I wrote a reflection on my blog, with my heart on my sleeve:

When I reflect on the Visitation, it makes perfect sense to me that Mary would drop everything and go to Elizabeth. Aside from the fact that Elizabeth was probably having a more difficult time with her pregnancy because of her age, there’s just something about BEING THERE, in real life, with someone else.

I’ve heard people argue that all this New Media stuff is a distraction from real life, but, for me, it has opened the door to many graces and blessings.

It’s common to be advised, as a writer, that you should go to a conference. You’ll hear that it’s beneficial to help you learn the trade and to meet the people.

Yeah, that’s true. But here’s my take, continued from last year:

Just as Mary rushed off to help Elizabeth, I feel like these events that bring us all together in real life offer an opportunity: to serve, to hug, to smile, to enjoy each other in the very best ways. I think Elizabeth must have been very blessed by Mary’s presence and generosity, and that’s just how I feel after a week around amazing people.

Why should you come to the Live Conference in Texas?

So we can SEE you and TOUCH you and BE WITH you.

The rest is important too, yes. Let’s not forget, though, that we are a people of senses. We are not operating alone. The Body is not all feet, all eyes, all mouth. It’s a combination.

I hope I see you there!

image source: MorgueFile

Volunteer call-wiki writers/editors, live conference and publicity

May 11, 2012/0 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, CWG Needs Volunteers/by Karina Fabian

CWG members! (and those interested in joining) We need you! We have some exciting projects coming up, and would use a few hands in making them happen and making them awesome!

Catholic Author’s Wiki: this has been a project long in the making, but we are finally at the point where we need help—writers and editors.

This is a wiki of Catholic authors, famous and new, that we want to start to promote Catholic literature and to show Catholic authors are out there in all genres. Dave Law has been setting it up, and here’s his call for help:

I have a ‘to do’ list of broad general areas that need improvements (https://www.catholicwritersguild.com/wiki/index.php/To_do ) but I am sure once others get into it more may be added to this list. What I am looking for as far as volunteers go is either people who understand the wikimedia text formatting or are willing to learn. The basic formatting is quite easy and straight-forward to learn. The volunteer should have a passion for writers and their lives. As far as time commitment goes, given that this is quite a large project and bit helps so long as it is on a continual basis, so the volunteer should be willing to help out on the site at least few hours a month. Anyone interested in helping out should send me at: authorswiki(at)catholicwritersguild.com a note indicating the interest as well as if he or she is a current member of the CWG.

Catholic Writers Conference Live: If you are going to the live conference in Arlington, TX (Near Dallas) Aug 29-31, we need folks to help work the conference and the booth. Here’s the list from Ann Lewis, annlewis(at)joesystems.com:

Presenter’s Aids: introduces speaker, makes sure presenter has everything they need. They also help with pitch sessions

Go-fer: someone who is around to help go for things

Registration: runs registration table—hands out badges, takes new registrations, handles money (checks or credit card info) Also serves as information desk.

She could also use someone who lives in Arlington who would be willing to get some things for us like bagels in the morning (We loved bagels in the morning!) or last-minute items.

CWG Booth: promotes CWG, makes sure none of the books walk away

She’s also looking for a couple of people to help her before the conference, so if you can’t go but would like to participate, this could be your chance. She mostly needs someone to liaise with the presenters—recruit them, answer questions for them, etc. It’d be nice to get someone who has been to the conference before, but Ann will train you.

Also, she did not ask, but I know she spends a lot of time making name tags, creating the program, etc. She didn’t let me know if she has folks helping her or not, but if you have skill in these, please contact her and offer her your help.

Publicity: We are gearing up for the CWCL and could use a few more dedicated volunteers and a co-coordinator for the publicity committee. Please contact Maureen Martin at dovemem(at)gmail.com

Press Release: Catholic Writers to Hold Conference in Arlington, Texas

May 10, 2012/0 Comments/in Catholic Writers Conference Live, CWG News and Announcements/by Karina Fabian

M E D I A R E L E A S E

CONTACT: Ann Margaret Lewis

Phone: (317) 755-2693

e-mail: [email protected]

For Immediate Release

Catholic Writers to Hold Conference in Arlington, Texas

Arlington, TX–The fourth annual Catholic Writers’ Conference LIVE will take place August 29-31, 2012, at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, TX. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Catholic Marketing Network (CMN), and held in conjunction with CMN’s annual retailer trade show, the Catholic Writers Conference LIVE provides Catholic authors with a prime opportunity to meet and share their faith with editors, publishers, fellow writers, and bookstore owners from across the globe.

This year’s conference will focus on “Writing and the New Evangelization.” Speakers include Catholic publishing representatives Claudia Volkman of Servant Books/St.Anthony Messenger Press, Mike Marshall of FAITH Catholic Publishing, authors Ellen Gable Hrkach (In Name Only and Stealing Jenny) and Patti Armstrong (Catholic Truths for Our Children, Stories for the Homeschool Heart), Ann Margaret Lewis (Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes), and EWTN personalities Teresa Tomeo and Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR. More excellent speakers are still being confirmed.

The conference will offer “pitch sessions,” allowing authors an opportunity to meet personally with publishing professionals and pitch their writing projects. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to sign up for critique with professional editors and writers. Information for this event can be found on the conference web site.

In partnership with the Catholic New Media Conference, also taking place in the convention center, writers conference attendees will be able to attend a special track on blogging for $25. Information on this opportunity will be made to attendees upon registration.

“It’s not just writing, it’s not just fellowship, it’s inspiration, too!” says 2011 Conference attendee Sarah Reinhard, blogger and author of Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative or Clueless and several other Catholic family books. “It was great to put faces with names and personalities with suspicions. It was also great to share the Eucharist and evening meals in person with writers who inspire me, encourage me, and motivate me the rest of the year. I enjoyed it so much I’m afraid I’m addicted.”

The Catholic Writers Guild, a religious non-profit organization, sponsors both this live conference in August and an online conference in February to further its mission of promoting Catholic literature. “Our conferences are totally focused on encouraging faithful Catholics to share genuine Catholic culture and faith in their writing no matter what genre,” says CWG President Ann Margaret Lewis. “These events are integral to our mission of ‘creating a rebirth of Catholic arts and letters.”

Registration costs $70 for CWG members, $75 for non-members and $40 for students. There’s also a discounted combined membership. To register or for more information, go to https://www.catholicwritersconference.com.

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Graphics, interviews and further information available upon request.

Click here to download the media release as Word document.