GRN Radio Interview for Catholic Writers Conference

UPDATE: Follow-up interview today at 12:45 Dallas time to discuss the three parallel conferences beginning tomorrow and Wednesday.

Free events open to the public:

Immaculée Ilibagiza will speak on Tuesday night  at 8:30 in the Champions Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel adjacent to the Arlington Convention Center and present the film, "If Only We Had Listened – The Prophecy of Kibeho"

Jeff Cavins will speak on Wednesday night at 8:15 and the Maximum film, "Restless Heart" about St. Augustine's life will be shown at 9:00.

Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show will open its doors to the public Friday morning at 9:00 until noon.

Local Catholic writers interested in forming a support group for critique and marketing will meet on Wednesday morning after 9:00 a.m. the Catholic Writers Guild Meeting.

Listen to my Aug 4 interview supporting the Catholic Writers Guild Conference and introducing JoyAlive.net. This was a fun afternoon with my friend Dave Palmer, general manager for the Guadalupe Radio Network in North Texas. Our local station KATH 910 AM airs in the Dallas/Fort Worth and surrounding North Texas area.

His questions ranged from the topics, schedule and cost of the Catholic Writers Conference to whether people are losing their ability to write in the social media era. Blogs and websites came up with a discussion about what it takes in time and technical knowledge to maintain a blog. We ended with "We need more Catholic writers," to which we can all say, "Amen!"

I was so glad that I attended the Catholic Writers Guild Conference last year in Philadelphia. One of the seminars was "How to be a Good Media Guest." So, I dug out my notes and refreshed the points presented by Lisa Hendey and Nick Thom (producer for Al Kresta). You see, although I have interviewed dozens of people over the years for magazine, newsletter and website articles, sitting on the other side of the interview desk is different. Again, the Catholic Writers Guild came to the rescue!

Now I am even more exited than before at what new skills I will acquire at this year's conference here in Arlington, Texas, August 29-31. I know the blogging summit is timely for me. I will learn that I have done a few things right and find a lot of things to change. All of you will benefit from that!

Since none of them live in Texas, it will be like a reunion for me to talk with those I met last year in the writing and publishing community. I hope that many local writers will join us for this marvelous opportunity to network with the best writers and publishers anywhere. My earlier blog gave the featured speakers and their topics. Here are the workshops:
•    Critique Sessions
•    Pitch Sessions
•    Marketing – about half of writing is marketing
•    New trends and direction in publishing with Teresa Tomeo “Catholic Connections” + Q&A with Teresa and Gail Coniglio, PR person for her and Fr. Mitch Pacwa).
•    Catholic marketing and publicity- with a panel of publishers of adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction books + Q&A (Claudia Volkman of Servant Press told me that those who are invited but not confirmed for this panel are: Eva Muntean, Ignatius Press; Heidi Hess Saxton, Ascension Press; Peter Mongeau, Tuscany Press/Christus Publishing; Peter Marshall, FAITH Catholic Publishing; Robert Hamma, Ave Maria Press
•    Blogging 101 with CWG Blogging Queen Sarah Reinhard

Whether you are a beginning writer or a published author, check out many other talks, workshops and networking opportunities for writers at every skill level at Catholic Writers Conference Schedule, Here are some highlights for writers at different stages of their careers.

For Beginning Writers:
•    If you write poetry, fiction, non-fiction or children’s books there’s something for you to learn, someone to meet there.
•    Come to the Catholic Writers Guild meeting and discover its many resources and dedicated volunteers, especially the officers.
•    Bring your manuscript for critique sessions.
•    Find fiction and non-fiction marketing resources.

For Writers who have a book proposal or unpublished book:
•    How to pitch your unpublished book
•    Pitch sessions with publisher’s reps – sign up by Aug 15 (email Laura Nelson at pitches@catholicwritersconference.com.

For Self-Published Writers there are two special seminars:
•    How to market your self-published book in print
•    How to publish your book digitally

Writers with published book in hand can promote their book through
•    Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show exposure and book signings at CWG booth
•    Interview with Doug Keck for “EWTN Bookmark” for CWG Members
•    Talk to published writers, speakers and publishers reps

Friday is a crossover day for CWG and the Catholic New Media Conference http://cnmc.sqpn.com. They are hosting an all-day Blogging Track. Those registered for CWG Conference can attend for $25.

As you see, there is much for all of us writers to learn. I especially encourage local writers to join us for this marvelous opportunity to network with the best writers and publishers in the world. Find all the details on registration at CatholicWritersConference.com