Portland Christian Writers

Next Meeting Nov 14, Special Guest Speaker

2011-11-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

Hello, ACFW Portland Chapter andfriends!

The next meeting of the ACFW PortlandChapter will be on Monday, November 14, 2011. We meet at 6:30pm for socializingand our meeting begins at 7 pm. Please Note: We are meeting at a newchurch!!! Please email Cheryl Martin (calm1954 at yahoo dot com) if you need the directions.

We'll be having a drawing for a number of signed books donated by some of our authors as well as four outside ACFW authors, as follows:

Trish Perry

Yvonne Lehman

Donita K Paul

Kathi Macias

Miralee Ferrell

Mesu Andrews--Love Amidthe Ashes

Tracie Hesket

Terri Reed--3 titles

Barbara Guardino

There may be more, but this is the list we have to date.

Our guest will be KimberleyWoodhouse. She will be speaking on her experiences, sharing quick wit,enthusiasm, and a positive outlook through difficult circumstances.

Bio for Kimberley:

Kimberley Woodhouse and her family were introduced to 15million TV viewers in January 2008, when they werefeatured on ABC’s hit program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Thisfollowed years of front-page newspaper stories, national magazines articles,and medical journals. Since the ABC show aired, they have shared their storyon The Montel Williams Show (April 2008), Discovery HealthChannel’s Mystery ER (October 2008), ClubHouseMagazine(September 2009), David Phelps’ O Holy Night DVD (WORD -Christmas 2008), David Phelps’ Christmas with David Phelps DVDwith feature of Woodhouse Family (Gaither Music – Christmas 2010) Focus on theFamily’s National Radio Broadcast (March 2011), Homecoming Magazine(January 2011), American Family Radio (April 2011), The Harvest Show (March2011), Chris Fabry Live on Moody Broadcasting (June 2011),Group Publishing’sLiving Inside Out (Fall 2011), the Hourof Power at the Crystal Cathedral and on TBN and Lifetime (May2011), In Touch Magazine (Fall 2011), Susie magazine(December 2011),as well as over 1,000 other shows, newspapers, magazines andhundreds of radio programs. Her first non-fiction book – Welcome Home: Our Family’sJourney to Extreme Joy – released from Tyndale/Focus on the Family in September2009. Fiction written with daughter Kayla, No Safe Haven (March 2011 –received Christian Retailing’s Top Pick, and 4 stars from RT), and RaceAgainst Time (Nov. 2011) release from B&HPublishing Group. Denali Dreams releasesfrom Barbour Publishing in November 2012, as well as moreinspirational non-fiction from Barbour – A Life That Matters,releasing July 2012.

Her thirteen-year-olddaughter, Kayla Woodhouse, was born with HSAN, Hereditary Sensory AutonomicNeuropathy, an extremely rare nerve disorder. Unable to sweat, or feel pain,she’s also been through brain surgery. But even through a life of extremehardships, her ever-present smile encourages others to pursue their dreams, nomatter the obstacles. In addition to being homeschooled and writing with hermom, she’s an amazing swimmer, and spends up to thirty hours a week intraining. She has appeared on ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, TheMontel Williams Show, Mystery ER, and numerous other nationalprograms. No Safe Haven, her first release from B&H Publishersin 2011, written with mother, Kimberley, makes her the youngest author to havea full-length novel published by a royalty paying publisher.

SALLY STUART - Monday, August 29 at 6:30pm

2011-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

ACFW Portland Chapter will meet Monday, August 29, 2011 at 6:30 at the Vancouver Church of Christ, 9019 NE 86th St, Vancouver, WA 98662.

Our guest is Sally Stuart, author, columnist and long-time editor of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide. She will be speaking on Trends in the Christian Marketplace.

Sally Stuart (Tigard, Oregon) has been writing for 44 years and full-time for the last 27. She was the originator and has put out twenty-six editions of the Christian Writers' Market Guide. In addition she has published a dozen other books, and countless articles and columns. After 30 years of writing marketing columns, she has passed on the market guide and the column to Jerry Jenkins and the Christian Writers Guild. She is currently writing a Q & A column for the Christian Communicator and columns for The Advanced Christian Writer and Oregon Christian Writers. She is in demand as a conference speaker/teacher nationwide. Sally is the mother of three and grandmother of eight.

We’ll begin at 6:30 with snacks and a chance to mingle, then give Sally the floor at 7:00pm. Remember, you get a chance to enter our drawing (Two Night Beach House Stay in Lincoln City) by bringing a snack, a guest, buying books, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: There has been a change in our Beach House Drawing. The Lincoln City beach house is headed for the long-term rental market soon. So, we need to draw for the winner on August 29 and schedule the winner for a stay in September. This might be tight for some people, but hopefully whoever wins it will be able to schedule a time to use the house.

DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST:
From I-205 North, take exit 32 (toward Battleground)
East on NE Padden Parkway
North (Left) on NE 94th Ave
West (Left) on NE 86th St

Novel Journey: Born to Beauty

2011-03-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Novel Journey: Born to Beauty

February 21, 2011 with CHIP MACGREGOR

2011-02-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

ACFW Portland Chapter’s next meeting will be held Monday, February 21, 2011 at the Vancouver Church of Christ. Our guest speaker is Chip MacGregor with MacGregor Literary. This will be a valuable opportunity to hear from an extremely knowledgeable literary agent in the publishing industry.

Chip MacGregor is the president of MacGregor Literary, Inc. He has been working in the publishing industry for three decades, and made his living as a freelance writer and editor for several years. Chip is the author of numerous books, formerly served as a Publisher with Time-Warner, and began working as an agent about fifteen years ago. Five years ago he began his own literary agency, and in 2009 was the busiest agent in the United States. He works in both the Christian and general markets, and the majority of the business he is currently doing is fiction. A well-known speaker at writing conferences and via online writing sites, he lives on the Oregon coast.

What Chip will be speaking about:
Is it realistic to think you can make a living writing fiction?

We'll take some time to talk about current trends in fiction publishing, discuss both traditional and nontraditional publishing methods, then explore what an author needs to know if they are going to try to make money in today's publishing economy. There will be plenty of time for everyone to ask their questions about the industry, agents, marketing, and CBA.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to meet and learn from such a powerhouse in the industry! Please come around 6:30 pm to socialize and snack. Chip will begin sharing at 7 pm.

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Don't forget - we're doing a drawing again this year for a two-night beach house stay in Lincoln City. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win. The winner will be drawn at our last meeting of the year.

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will receive an entry slip. Also, everyone who brings a snack or brings a guest will receive an entry. If your guest becomes a member of the chapter, both will receive an entry. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks or friends, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the beach house getaway!

More information about the drawing and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

Location:
VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST - 9019 NE 86th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662

View Map
Directions:
From I-205 North, take exit 32 (Padden Parkway exit – right lane east toward Battleground)
Continue east on NE Padden Parkway
At 1st light, turn left (north) on NE 94th Ave
At 1st left, turn left (west) on NE 86th St

August 23rd with Special Guest Author PATRICIA RUSHFORD

2010-08-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Novelists & Writers: We are blessed to welcome Patricia Rushford to Portland ACFW on August 23rd. Pat will present a workshop on Story Openings and why they matter. Bring a sample of the first line and first paragraph of your current work in progress and get come away with valuable tips for writing a captivating beginning to your novel. Come around 6:30 pm to socialize and snack. The meeting begins at 7 pm. Bring a friend!

Internationally known author, speaker and teacher, Patricia H. Rushford has book sales totaling over a million copies. She has written over fifty books, including, What Kids Need Most in a Mom and Have You Hugged Your Teenager Today?

She has also written five mystery series three for adults and two for children. Her current projects include writing a mystery for the Guidepost series, Mystery and the Minister’s Wife, and is working on her second book in the medical series, Hope Haven. In addition, she is currently under contract with Summerside Press for a romantic suspense, Strangers in the Night.

Patricia was nominated for an Edgar by Mystery Writers of America, received the Silver Angel for excellence in media and has received a number of other prestigious awards. Patricia has a degree in nursing and holds a Master's Degree in Counseling. In addition, she conducts writer's workshops for adults and children and served as director of the Oregon Christian Writer’s Summer Conference from 2005 through 2010.

In addition to writing, Patricia loves arts and crafts. She is an avid quilter and knitter and works in a number of other crafting areas such as drawing and watercolor. She is currently the Chairperson of Charity Quilts for Clark County
Quilting. Patricia is enthusiastic, loves people, and enjoys teaching and encouraging writers.

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Member News–Oregon Author Bonnie Leon, who was scheduled to be with Portland ACFW this month, is hospitalized with severe back trouble. Please be in prayer for Bonnie! Visit Bonnie's Page on Facebook.

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Don't forget - we're doing a beach house drawing again this year. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the calendar year (at our last meeting of the year.)

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will receive an entry slip. Also, everyone who brings a snack or brings a guest will receive an entry. If your guest becomes a member of the chapter, both will receive an entry. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks or friends, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST - 9019 NE 86th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662

View Larger Map

Directions:
From I-205 North, take exit 32 (toward Battleground)
East on NE Padden Parkway
North on NE 94th Ave
West on NE 86th St

August 23rd with Special Guest Author BONNIE LEON

2010-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Northwest writers: Join us Monday, August 23rd at 6:30pm for a fun, info packed evening. Our guest speaker will be Bonnie Leon. Her presentation: Opening Lines - Why do they matter? Learn how you can write a captivating beginning to your novel.

Bonnie Leon is the author of seventeen novels and counting. Her latest book, Touching Clouds, is the first in her new Alaskan Skies Series.

More about Touching Clouds: Kate Evans is an adventurous and independent young woman with a pioneering spirit. She pilots a mail-delivery plane in the forbidding Alaskan wilderness, the lone woman in a male profession. But even that seems easy compared to finding true love. She likes a fellow pilot and would even consider marrying him--if it weren't for Paul, a mysterious man on her mail route with a gentle spirit and a past to hide. Can Kate break through the walls Paul has put up around his heart? And will her quest for adventure be her demise? Book 1 in the Alaskan Skies series, Touching the Clouds will draw readers in with raw emotion and suspense, all against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilds.

Be sure to check out this book and the other books in Bonnie’s collection of works.

About Bonnie: Bonnie Leon dabbled in writing for many years but never set it in a place of priority until an accident in 1991 left her unable to work at her job. She is now the author of several historical fiction series, including the Sydney Cove series, Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, and the Northern Lights series. She also stays busy teaching women’s Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and women’s gatherings. Bonnie and
her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

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Please come around 6:30 pm to socialize and snack. The meeting begins at 7 pm.

Don't forget!! We're doing a beach house drawing again this year. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the calendar year (at our last meeting of the year.)

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will receive an entry slip. Also, everyone who brings a snack or brings a guest will receive an entry. If your guest becomes a member of the chapter, both will receive an entry. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, you will earn a chance as well. So, the
more you attend, bring snacks or friends, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST - 9019 NE 86th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662
Directions:
From I-205 North, take exit 32 (toward Battleground)
East on NE Padden Parkway
North on NE 94th Ave
West on NE 86th St

Monday, June 14 with MIRALEE FERRELL

2010-06-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the ACFW Portland Chapter will be held Monday, June 14. Our guest speaker will be our own Chapter President, Miralee Ferrell.

Miralee's presentation will center around her writing journey, finding an agent, and marketing. It will be a relaxed evening with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Miralee serves as president of the Portland, Oregon, chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers and belongs to a number of writer’s groups. She also speaks at women’s groups, libraries, and churches about her writing journey. When she started writing fiction Miralee believed that she’d always stay with women’s contemporary, but has since branched out to historical romance. Exploring family and marriage issues, The Other Daughter follows a family of four who receive a shock in the form of a 13-year-old girl who lands on their doorstep, claiming to be the daughter of the husband/father of the family—a girl they didn’t know existed. Finding Jeena features a secondary character from the first book and explores socioeconomic issues through a single woman’s sudden job-loss and ensuing struggle for survival. She’s working on her third historical romance with Summerside Press in their Love Finds You series, set in Tombstone, Arizona.

All the Love Finds You books are stand-alone novels, and take place in a real town in America. Miralee’s first two are set in 1877, Love Finds You in Last Chance, CA, and 1902, Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon. Each has a suspense thread as well as romance. Miralee and her husband Allen have been married 36 yrs. They live on 11 acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, play with their dogs, take walks, and go sailing. Miralee also rides her horse on the wooded trails near their home with her grown daughter who lives nearby.

Find out more about Miralee and her books on Facebook and her FB Fan page and visit her website.

Please come around 6:30 pm to socialize and snack. Miralee will speak at 7 pm.

Don't forget the wonderful "twist" to our meetings. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the calendar year (our last meeting of the year.)

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will receive a slip of paper to enter. Also, everyone who brings a snack will receive an entry slip. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, bring a friend, or you or your friend joins our chapter, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks, bring friends, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST:
To get to the church, follow I-205 to the Padden Parkway exit #32 and go east on Padden. Turn left at the 94th Ave light, then take the first left and turn left again into the church parking lot.

April 26: Strategic Planning for Novelists with RANDY INGERMANSON

2010-04-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 26th at 6:30pm: Portland Christian Writers & Portland ACFW is pleased to introduce a new workshop from Randy Ingermanson on Strategic Planning for Novelists. If you write fiction for publication, you won't want to miss this!

Strategic Planning for Novelists

How's that fiction writing career of yours going? These are tough times for writers. There's more on our plate than ever. Publishers and agents expect us to be brilliant writers, dazzling self-editors, and sexy self-promoters. It's darned hard to get it all done. What's a writer to do?

Get strategic!

You can't possibly get it all done, until you get a handle on what "it" is and make a plan to do "it." I'll walk you through five simple steps to do exactly that. If you do all five of these steps, you'll get an amazing amount done this year.

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A little about Randy:

Randy Ingermanson was both the class clown and the class nerd. He is the author of six novels and has won numerous awards for his writing, including two Christy awards. Randy serves on the ACFW Advisory Board, holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, and is known around the world as "the Snowflake Guy" in honor of his widely used method of designing a novel. He is also CEO of Ingermanson Communications, a small publishing company. His most recent book is WRITING FICTION FOR DUMMIES, published by John Wiley, Inc.

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Leave a comment and let us know if you plan to attend. Guests of Portland ACFW are welcome to visit twice before deciding to join the chapter. Cost is $10 per year for ACFW members. Join us!

From the desk of our Vice Prez:

And don't forget--we're continuing the Beach House Getaway Drawing "twist" to our meetings. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the year.

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will recieve a slip of paper to enter. Also, everyone who brings a snack will receive an entry slip. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser or bring a guest, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks or a guest, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

Also: Please let me know if you can bring snacks or beverages! And remember--attendance, donating snacks, bringing a guest, and buying a book each gives you an extra chance to pick up entries for the Beach House Weekend Getaway Drawing!

DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST:
I-205 to the Padden Parkway exit
Go east on Padden. Turn left at the 94th Ave light
Take the first left and turn left again into the church parking lot.

Monday, February 22: Meet JUDY GANN

2010-02-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Drive-by Signings & Other Adventures of a Reluctant Marketer

Publishers expect authors to take an active role in promoting their books. But what if the thought of “book promotion” makes you break out in a sweat? Join a reformed reluctant marketer as we explore the unique challenges of marketing fiction, how to select the marketing avenues that best fit your personality and gifts (you can’t do it all!), as well as practical and relatively painless ways to connect with readers.

A librarian for over twenty-five years, Judy Gann selects Christian fiction for a large library system in Washington State. Although once a reluctant marketer, she conducted “drive-by” book signings in over 135 bookstores in thirteen states to promote her book The God of All Comfort: Devotions of Hope for Those Who Chronically Suffer (AMG Publishers). When she isn’t writing, speaking, or playing matchmaker for books and readers, Judy enjoys cheering the Seattle Mariners, collecting children’s books, and taking long walks—even in the rain. Visit her web site at http://www.judygann.com/

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And don't forget--we're continuing the wonderful Beach House Getaway Drawing "twist" to our meetings. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the calendar year (our last meeting of the year.)

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will recieve a slip of paper to enter. Also, everyone who brings a snack will receive an entry slip. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser or bring a guest, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks or a guest, and buy books,
the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

That brings me to snacks. Who is willing to bring SNACKS for the February meeting? Let me know if you can help, and what you plan to bring. Thank you!

Also, I believe that it's time to pay the chapter DUES. Please come prepared to give $10 cash or check (payable to PORTLAND ACFW) to Camille.

DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST:
To get to the church, follow I-205 to the Padden Parkway exit and go east on Padden. Turn left at the 94th Ave light, then take the first left and turn left again into the church parking lot.

Please let us know if you can bring snacks or beverages! And remember--Attendance, donating snacks, bringing a guest, and buying a book each gives you an extra chance to pick up entries for the Beach House Weekend Getaway Drawing.

2009-12-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

The drawing for the Beach House get-away in Lincoln City was held at our December Portland ACFW meeting and we have a winner. Congratulations to MESU ANDREWS! Woo hoo!

We had fun with this membership incentive this year, so we plan to do it again in the coming year for another weekend getaway. Make plans to join us in February (date to be announced) for special guest Judy Gann, and mark your calendar for the Master's Seminar coming to Portland in April. (This is open to contracted and published book authors.)

Reminder: Annual dues are due in January for 2010. Please send $10 (checks made out to Portland ACFW) Address: Portland ACFW, 17950 Davis St, Sandy, OR 97055.

Also: Miralee, Cheryl and Camille would like to thank members for the vote of confidence and will be serving another year as officers on the board.

Merry Christmas! See you in February.

"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer." Ps 45:1

2009-12-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

Our next ACFW Portland Chapter meeting is Monday, December 14. We will meet at 7 pm this month so you have time to eat dinner, but save room for Christmas treats. You won't want to miss this one---we are drawing the winner for the Two Night Beach House Getaway!

By attending, bringing a treat, buying a book, and bringing an ornament to exchange, you could earn up to FOUR more entries before we draw the winner.

Please bring some kind of Christmas cookie or treat to share and an ornament to exchange. We're planning on a very festive evening!

For the ornament exchange--please wrap, bag, or box your ornament. We can decide how we want to exchange. There are a couple choices, so we'll see what everyone prefers.

Leave a comment and let us know if you plan to attend. Hope to see you then!

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DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST

From I-205 North, take exit 32 (toward Battleground)
East on NE Padden Parkway
North on NE 94th Ave
West on NE 86th St

New Master Seminar for Authors Coming Soon

2009-11-04T22:41:00.000-08:00

Chip MacGregor, Tiffany Colter and a group of ACFW authors are hosting a Master Seminar in various cities across the country. They’ll be coming to Portland in the spring (2010) and more information will be posted as the time draws closer. This is for published and/or contracted authors. Here’s some basic info, and we’ll be sending out an email showing a member discount via our Yahoo group. Email Miralee Ferrell (miralee at gorge dot net) if you have further questions.

What are the Master Seminars?

The Master Seminars are a series of events to be held across the US covering marketing and craft. Each city we go to will cover a single topic. The first two events [Nov. in Dallas and Dec. in Indianapolis] are on marketing. These events are limited to 16 participants. Each participant will leave with an actual step-by-step plan for marketing their novel. This is customized to each person and you will be able to brainstorm with Chip and Jim on your own project. Jim is a full time marketer and Chip is a top agent. We also have two different seminars on craft. One is on writing bestselling fiction and the other is on adding depth to your fiction. Again, these will be done with top authors [Susan May Warren, Lisa Samson and Susan Meissner] working side by side with you on your specific project.

These seminars are designed to help authors master their craft and master their marketing. In one weekend you can save time and money you would have wasted on trying old, worn out ideas. Our goal is to have authors leave these seminars with new excitement for their writing and a very clear plan to reach their writing goals both in craft and in sales.

FAQs:
1. Who are these events for?
These seminars are designed for contracted and published authors.

2. Is there a fee?
Yes, there is a fee of $399 for the November/December events in Dallas and Indianapolis. The other events are $500 BUT we may extend a special discount to our zones and chapter members.

3. How does this benefit our chapter/zone?
There are both direct and indirect benefits to your zone.

a. First, we all root for each other in ACFW, so these events offer a chance for members of our chapters to get the skills necessary to build a strong writing career.

b. Next, we will have non-ACFW members at our events and we want to promote the participating zones/chapters to our attendees. We will be distributing ACFW brochures in our marketing materials. We want to point these published and contracted authors to the local zones where they can get connected locally.

c. Third, Tiffany would like to have a promotional event in each city, if possible. Each meeting extends Friday-Saturday and goes from 9am-5pm. She would love to hold a multi-author book signing at a local bookstore or other event that is put on by the local ACFW chapter and The Master Seminars. If this is not possible then she would like to offer other ideas to draw attention the local media to The Master Seminars and the Local chapters/Zones of ACFW. Some ideas are a meet-and-greet or she could come and speak on business principles for aspiring writers.

Please email Miralee Ferrell (miralee at gorge dot net) if you have questions.

Beach Drawing & Other News. . .

2009-10-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

Our next Portland ACFW writers' meeting, the last one for this year (around the end of Nov---the date will be announced soon) we will hold the drawing for our 2009 Beach Weekend Giveaway! You will have one last chance to get your entries in! Entries are earned by attending if you're a member, joining our chapter if you're not, bringing a guest, bringing a guest who becomes a member, bringing snacks, buying books from our used book library or from our guest speakers . . . and probably a few other ways as well.

We thought we'd post a few pics now just to taunt & torture you, get you dreaming and drooling of sand and sea and salty air, and with any luck, sun.

What will the winner receive?

A weekend at Blessings By The Sea in Lincoln City, Oregon: a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with an ocean view and close beach access.

Our last meeting for this year will be a special one. In fact, it's so special we can't tell you about it yet. Just be thinking steaming hot cocoa , tea and spiced cider, cookies, a roaring (electric) fire, some Christmas readings, some fun, a drawing for that sweet beach trip, and of course, delectable Christmas treats. You WON'T want to miss it!

AND . . . if you're a writer of fiction, another thing you won't want to miss: the release of the long awaited Writing Fiction For Dummies, co-authored by Randy Ingermanson. I'm still not sure if it's me or my audience to whom the title refers, but either way, my copy is going to get plenty of wear. Order yours today! Get it just in time to wrap it up and slip it under your Christmas tree. Just think how surprised you'll be in a few weeks when you open it!

BOOK CLUBS: the contest ends soon for the ACFW chapter to start the most book clubs. We're hearing some exciting feedback so far for our chapter. Start a book club that agrees on a book to read as a group and meets to discuss it either in person or online. That's all! Your club doesn't need to be comprised of ACFW members. ACFW wants to promote fiction reading. The chapter with the most book clubs will win a prize.

If you're starting a book club, or if you have any questions about American Christian Fiction Writers or Portland Christian Writers, just leave a comment here. Thank you!

~Camille Eide

Sec/Treasurer, Portland ACFW

October 26th ACFW: Join us for an evening with MARION DUCKWORTH

2009-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday, October 26th, ACFW Portland welcomes author Marion Duckworth as our guest speaker.

Marion Duckworth is the award winning author of seventeen books and hundreds of articles. Her memoir, Naked on God's Doorstep, was released November 2007 by Multnomah Publishers. Marion has traveled widely as a speaker and Bible teacher at women's seminars and retreats. For eleven years, she and her husband John were Village Missionaries.

She has also published hundreds of articles in publications like Woman's Day, Moody Monthly, Discipleship Journal and Writer's Digest. She is a past columnist for Power for Living.

Visit Marion at http://www.marionduckworthministries.com/

And don't forget the wonderful new "twist" to our meetings. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at our last meeting of the year. How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends a meeting will recieve an entry slip. Also, everyone who brings a snack will receive an entry. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST:
From I-205 North, take exit 32 (toward Battleground). Go east on NE Padden Parkway, North on NE 94th Ave, West on NE 86th St.

Please let us know if you can bring snacks or beverages! And remember--our last meeting for the year is coming up!! We'll draw for a winner of the beach house stay at that time. You have two more chances to get your entries in for the drawing.

Drawing--Contest!! Free Book!

2009-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

Sunflower Serenade Giveaway!

I've been reading Tricia Goyer's Sunflower Serenade and enjoying this sweet story of a small town, its residents, the county fair and the country western singer who arrives and sets the town on its ear. Tricia weaves a story of gentle country life, but also more complex family relationships. I have an extra copy of this lovely, hard-cover book to give away. Here are the rules:

Leave a comment telling me if you've ever read any of Tricia's books, or any of the Guidepost series books, and you'll be entered in the drawing. If you want a second entry for another chance to have your name drawn, either link my blog to yours or follow my blog, and let me know that you did.

Here's a quick summary of the book again, in case you missed it on my earlier post.

About the Home to Heather Creek series: Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down when her daughter, Denise, dies in a tragic car accident. She ran away at eighteen and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's children, abandoned by their father, are coming from California to live on Heather Creek Farm in Bedford, Nebraska.

Charlotte is uncertain about her ability to care for three grandchildren who are not thrilled to give up the beach and sunshine for snow and farm chores! But she sees a chance to make amends and will do whatever it takes to keep her fragile family together. Feel the courage, strength and commitment of this family as their lives unfold in the Home to Heather Creek series.

ACFW welcomes guest speaker BIRDIE ETCHISON - Monday, August 31st

2009-08-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Join us Monday, August 31st at the Vancouver Church of Christ for

"FINDING YOUR NICHE: The Short and the Long of it" with Birdie Etchison.

At conferences the emphasis is on writing the novel, but what if you don’t have
time? What if you’d like to try something shorter first? Or, give yourself a break in between writing the longer muse.

How to make transitions in your life of writing. How to keep on going when the engine is rusty.

Topics we’ll discuss:

Hearing the call
Getting started
Keeping at it
Marketing
Bouncing back after rejection
Mentoring others

Birdie Etchinson first began selling short stories and articles to a variety of Christian publishers. Her first published books were juvenile, three nonfiction, and then romance. OREGON was an alternate selection For Crossings Book Club. Her nonfiction written with a non-writer became a movie made for TV. She’s also written novellas and short articles for collections like The Heart of a Mother. Her other accomplishments include being an instructor for Writer’s Digest Schools.

Birdie resides on the Long Beach Peninsula. She has six children, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grands. Her hobbies include reading and cooking.

Please come around 6:30 pm to socialize and snack. Birdie will speak at 7 pm. Don't miss out on Birdie's valuable insight and experience.

And don't forget the wonderful new "twist" to our meetings. Each ACFW Portland
Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the calendar year (our last meeting of the year.)

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will recieve a slip of paper to enter. Also, everyone who brings a snack will receive an entry slip. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the meeting.

Directions to Vancouver Church of Christ:
I-205 to the Padden Parkway exit and go east on Padden. Turn left at the 94th Ave light, then take the first left and turn left again into the church parking lot.

If you can bring snacks or beverages, please contact Cheryl Martin: calm1954 at yahoo dot com.

Portland ACFW Meets Monday, June 29

2009-06-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Join us Monday, June 29th at 6:30pm to meet and hear from NW author LINDA CLARE. Linda will be teaching on Writing To the Rule of 3.

Linda is a published non-fiction author and is looking forward to the October 2009 release of her first novel, The Fence My Father Built, from Abingdon Press.

Address: Vancouver Church of Christ 9019 NE 86th St. Vancouver, WA 98662.

Directions: From Portland: Take I-205 northbound and cross the Columbia River into Washington. Take the Padden Parkway eastbound exit (exit 32). Continue right onto Padden Parkway. You'll see the church on your left. Turn left at the first traffic light, NE 94th Ave. Take the first left (NE 86th St.) and then another left into the church parking lot. We meet in the Fireside Room to the right of the main entrance.

Writing Seminar June 30th with JILL WILLIAMSON

2009-06-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

Jill Williamson, author of By Darkness Hid, a Christian fantasy novel, is giving a writing seminar. She will be sharing 10 Tips for Better Writing and 10 Steps to Publication.

June 30th - 6:30 PM
Liberty Bible Church in Salmon Creek
12401 NE Salmon Creek Ave
Vancouver, WA 98668

(360) 574-9302

Admission is free.

Multi Author Signing June 20th

2009-06-10T22:15:00.001-07:00

Come join me at Beaverton Christian Supply on Cedar Hills Blvd, on June 20th, as I join with six other fabulous authors for 2 hours to sign your favorite books. Here's the authors you'll meet:

Robin Jones Gunn
Cindy Hannan
Miralee Ferrell
Melanie Dobson
Leslie Gould
Pat Rushford
Jill Williamson

Where Do I Find Christian Fiction??

2009-05-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Are you a starved Reader? Looking for solid, faith inspiring books that offer Suspense? Romance? Adventure? Mystery? Edge of your seat thrills? An escape into times past? Times to come? Have you read every Christian novel your neighbor owns and gave up on finding any more?

We wanted to make your life easier, sort of. So we collected links to a whole bunch of Christian Fiction Authors---just for you! Because you are very special, Reader. This is not an exhaustive list by any means. We are just getting started, so please be patient. If you don’t see your favorite Christian author listed, please give us a shout! And if you are a published Christian author and would like your books included in this listing, let us know. It’ll cost you no more than a Starbucks. Or a MooLatte. (This is a sophisticated drink for grown ups and not just a coffee flavored milkshake.)

PLUG TIME (since it’s our site and we can do whatever we want): The Portland Christian Writers would like to take this opportunity to brag on the Christian authors in our local area. Here are a few of our very own Oregon & Washington Christian authors listed in a totally random and in no way secret bible coded order:

Christina Berry http://www.christinaberry.net/
Sherrie Ashcraft http://www.sherrieashcraft.blogspot.com/
Lorena McCourtney http://www.lorenamccourtney.com/
Randy Ingermanson http://www.ingermanson.com/books/index.php
Bonnie Leon http://www.bonnieleon.com/
Karen Kingsbury http://karenkingsbury.com/
Robin Jones Gunn http://www.robingunn.com/
Jane Kirkpatrick http://jkbooks.com/
Miralee Ferrell http://w3.gorge.net/miralee/Author.html
Melanie Dobson http://www.melaniedobson.com/
Jill Williamson http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/
Patricia Rushford http://www.patriciarushford.com/
Randy Alcorn http://epm.org/books/alphabetical_book_indexDetail.php
Leslie Gould http://www.lesliegould.com/pages/books.html
Melody Carlson http://www.melodycarlson.com/
Mesu Andrews http://mesuloveshim.blogspot.com/
Lindy Jacobs http://lindyjacobs.blogspot.com/
Ann Shorey http://annshoreycom.blogspot.com/

If you belong on this list and are not, please leave us a comment with your web link. A nice comment.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

OKAY, NOW FOR SOME PAINLESS PLACES TO FIND FICTION:
First, you’ll find current titles and a good variety of Christian Fiction at
Christian Book Distributors: http://www.cbd.com/

Michelle Sutton’s Edgy Inspirational Author Blog offers more book reviews than you could ever possibly find time to read. But more important to the topic at hand: this site lists countless Christian authors. I mean that. I gave up counting. I actually attempted to copy each of the links for you here, but my mouse started to smoke. Just go there. You’ll need to scroll down a little and look for a list called “Incredible Authors” on the left. http://www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

The American Christian Fiction Writers’ website lists gobs of Christian Fiction authors: http://acfw.com/readers/authorlist.shtml

. . . and upcoming releases: http://www.acfw.com/upcomingreleases.shtml

. . . more book reviews: http://www.acfw.com/bookreviews.shtml

. . . and Mary Connealy tells me that this list, broken down by sub-genre, is so comprehensive it’s scary: http://tiny.cc/ysOAM Of course, I gotta check that out now, just because she said that. (Yes, I grew up reading Stephen King.)

Vicki Hinze lists more authors here: http://web.mac.com/vickihinze/Vicki_Hinze_Author/

And some authors just don’t seem to be listed on any of these sites, they’re just grazin' around out there having fun: Maggie Brendan http://www.bustlesandspurs.com/
(Maggie, I'm sure you're not the only one. We'll round up the others soon.)

Grace Bridges supplies a list of Christian Speculative Fiction and some reviews here: http://splashdownbooks.com/lost-genre-library.html

If you STILL haven’t gotten your fill of book reviews, Roseanna White does more here: http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/

There’s some sort of battle of the authors going on here, looks like it could be fun: http://acfw.com/readers/authorcomparison.shtml

Again, I’m sure we’ve missed someone even with all these lengthy lists. Just let us know who’s missing and we’ll get them added.

So, see? There is no way you can complain about not having anything to read now. Not that you would complain. And even if you have time to read all these titles, by the time you finish them, there will be more. I may even have a book for you by then. Wow. You’d better be on hand for that . . . I’m thinking that will be a MooLattes on the house kind of day.

~Camille Cannon Eide
EXTREME KEYBOARDING

Jill Williamson's new cover for By Darkness Hid

2009-03-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

Miralee suggested I post my new book cover, so here it is:

Isn't it pretty?

Next Meeting for Portland ACFW

2009-01-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the ACFW Portland Chapter will be on Monday, February 16. We are so pleased to have Sandra Bishop, agent with the Chip MacGregor Agency. This will be a great time to learn from an agent associated with a well known literary agency.

Please come around 6:30 pm to socialize and snack. Sandra will speak at 7 pm.

SOMETHING NEW AND EXCITING!!! Starting with our February meeting, we are implementing a wonderful new "twist" to our meetings. Each ACFW Portland Chapter member will be eligible to win a weekend Beach retreat at Lincoln City. The winner will be drawn at the end of the calendar year (our last meeting of the year.)

How do you win this stay in a four bedroom beach house with a view? Everyone who attends any given meeting will recieve a slip of paper to enter. Also, everyone who brings a snack will receive an entry slip. Whenever you buy a book from our used book fund-raiser, you will earn a chance as well. So, the more you attend, bring snacks, and buy books, the more chances you have to win the stay in Lincoln City!

More information about the raffle and the beach house will be available at the February 16th meeting. Come join us and get your first entry! Bring a snack and get a second one!

That brings me to snacks. Who is willing to bring snacks for the February meeting? Please let me know if you can help, and what you plan to bring. Thank you!

DIRECTIONS TO VANCOUVER CHURCH OF CHRIST

Here are the directions: (listed two times with a little different language)

From I-205 North, take exit 32 (toward Battleground)

East on NE Padden Parkway

North on NE 94th Ave

West on NE 86th St

To get to the church,

follow I-205 to the Padden Parkway exit

and go east on Padden. Turn left at the 94th Ave light, then take the

first left and turn left again into the church parking lot.

Thank you, and see you on February 16,
The Board, Miralee, Cheryl and Camille

New Book Releases

2009-01-26T11:42:00.000-08:00

Love Finds You In Last Chance, California

Miralee Ferrell's newest release just hit the shelves. You can find it on Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or most Christian bookstores. It's also being carried at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Sam's Club, and select WalMart stores. Here's a short summary.

It's 1877 and Alexia Travers is alone in the world. Her father has died unexpectedly, leaving her burdened with a heavily mortgaged horse ranch. Marrying one of the town's all-too-willing bachelors would offer an easy solution, but Alex has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dons men's trousers and rides the range, determined to make the ranch a success on her own.

But despite Alex's best efforts, everything seems to go wrong: ranch hands quit, horses are stolen, and her father's gold goes missing. Alex is at her wit's end when wrangler Justin Phillips arrives in Last Chance with his young son, looking for a job. But there seems to be more to Justin's story than he's willing to share. Will Alex ever be able to trust him? More importantly, will the independent woman finally learn to depend on God?

First Annual IdaHope Writer's Conference

2009-01-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

Writing with joy, in humility, to encourage

Register Online for the Idahope Writers 2009 Conference or...download a registration form here. The early bird rate has been extended for anyone who signs-up for a 2009 membership to IDAhope Writers for a total of $65.

Full scholarships now available. Send your request to ameuser@cableone.net

Dates:
January 30-31

Location:
New Creation Fellowship5707 Castle Dr.Boise, ID 83703
(Near Chinden and Veteran's Memorial Parkway) View Map

Offering:
Classes, Contests, Critiques

Speakers:
Author, Robin Lee Hatcher
Author, Jeannie St. John Taylor *
Author/Editor, Jill Williamson
*Sorry, Jeannie St. John Taylor will not be able to attend, but in her place an editor from Pacific Press will be avalable. (Jeannie St. John Taylor will be avalable for phone appointments if children's writers want to get a critique from her)

Conference Schedule
Friday Night
5:30 Registration
6:00 Welcome/Worship
6:30 Panel of Guest Speakers
7:00 Keynote Speaker
8:00 Dessert/Contest Awards

Saturday
8:00 Welcome/Worship
8:30 Keynote Speaker
9:45 Breakout Session #1
11:00 Breakout Session #2
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Book Signing
2:00 Critiques/Appointments
3:45 Keynote Speaker
5:00 Raffle/Giveaways/Closing

My (Jill's) workshops are:
Fiction for Young Adults
Delve into the mind of a teenager as we take a look at what makes young adult fiction work. Learn to create engaging characters, intriguing plots, edge-of-your-seat pacing, and that unique voice that will appeal to this generation of readers.

Creating a Realistic Sci/Fi/Fantasy Storyworld
What sets science fiction and fantasy novels apart from other genres is the storyworld they take place in. In order to be successful in this genre, you need to create a believable and captivating storyworld. We’ll learn how to create a unique world from scratch including maps, cities, people and beasts, magic, and how to follow the laws of the land you create. All this will help you create a more engaging story.

Advanced Praise for Jill's New Book, By Darkness Hid

2009-01-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited about the feedback I've been getting, I wanted to share. Here are two of my favorite endorsements for my medieval fantasy novel that's coming out APril 1, 2009 from Lord Press. Yay!

You can see the other endorsements here: http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/the-blood-of-kings/

“I love a good fantasy, and By Darkness Hid more than fills the bill. With an unpredictable plot, twists of supernatural ability, and finely crafted tension between the forces of good and evil, Jill Williamson’s book had me captivated. I jumped into the skin of the heroine and enjoyed her journey as if it were my own.”

–Donita K. Paul, author of the Dragon Keeper Chronicles: DragonSpell, DragonQuest, DragonKnight, DragonFire, and DragonLight.

“Jill Williamson is a major arrival. She presents characters full of mystery, and leaves room for plenty of further exploration. By Darkness Hid is a fast-paced addition to the world of swords and sorcery, using a backdrop of political and spiritual intrigue to heighten the tension. When readers begin lining up for the sequel, you'll find me at the front of the line.”

–Eric Wilson, author of Field of Blood and Haunt of Jackals

Welcome to Portland ACFW

2009-01-09T20:20:00.001-08:00

We're so glad you've decided to join us here at the brand new site for the Portland chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

We're a group of just over a dozen writers, some published, a couple just starting out, and several pre-published authors. Our focus is on developing our craft and fellowship with like-minded people. Our meetings are typically on the 2nd or 3rd Monday evening of every other month, beginning at 6:30 and ending at 8:30. We hope you'll consider joining us as we listen to a variety of quality speakers, including multi published author, literary agents, editors, publicists and more.

Please drop us an email at Portlandacfw@gmail.com if you'd like to know more. And of course, check back here often as several of our members will be posting writing articles, sharing sucesses in their writing life, or updating info for the next meeting.

Blessings! Miralee Ferrell
www.miraleeferrell.com