Do you dream of becoming a freelance writer, but don't know where to start? These classes will provide how-to information and hands-on assignments to build writing skills. Barbara will discuss: where to get ideas, developing ideas into articles, unlocking creativity, query and cover letters, manuscript formats, copyrights, setting goals, dealing with rejection, marketing tips, and more.

Marsha will take you from your brilliant idea to your own published book. Her subjects will include choosing appropriate ages for a target audience, suitable topics, working with editors, revising, proposals, and promotion on a shoestring budget. She will also discuss dialogue, character development, and narration.

On Tuesday, Sally will speak on understanding and categorizing the markets. On Wednesday, she will describe niche marketing and how it can help improve your chances of selling regularly to Christian publishers. On Thursday, Sally will cover marketplace trends and how they will often determine if your book sells. On Friday she will conclude by helping you develop your own plan for selling.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Harry Bohrs will demonstrate the key elements of preparing a PowerPoint presentation.

On Thursday and Friday, Lisa Crayton--a writer who gets 95% of her business from the 'Net--will provide some navigational keys in "Wired but Wary." On Friday, she will teach conferees how to develop and market an effective internet publication in "Maximizing Your Potential with a Zine."

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Jana will teach you the benefits and how-to of setting your poetry to music. She will include instruction on how to use the hymnal's metrical index to choose an appropriate tune, which poetry characteristics make the best songs, and how to get those songs written and out to publishers.

On Thursday and Friday, Carol Hayes will discuss how the idea that poetry and prose should not mix is advocated vigorously in our culture. "It's hard not to doubt ourselves when we dream. We will practice weaving poetry through the prose of everyday routine, and read poets who have used everyday language to express the inexpressible."

If you need help with a troublesome manuscript, are stuck in your "work-in-progress," or just need some polishing, this workshop is for you. The in-depth writing retreat is for those who want to work hard for the week. Evelyn requests that you bring your writing struggles for honest input and look for astonishing breakthroughs!

This course is recommended for published authors and enrollment is limited and by invitation. To apply, send your registration form to the registrar, and send your resume with writing credits and a writing sample not exceeding 1,000 words to the director, Lora Zill, P.O. Box 149, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316 by May 31, 2008. Additional applicants may be accepted at the conference if slots are available.