Pre-conference Intensives

The 2018 Orlando convention will feature two extended, intensive seminars focusing on writing and editing. These seven-hour interactive sessions, led by two of our own EPA members who are among our most highly-rated presenters, will delve deeply into advanced techniques designed to sharpen the skills of writers and editors at any level. Come a day early and make an investment that will take your writing or editing skills to a deeper level.

Both sessions begin in the evening on Tuesday, April 3, and continue through Wednesday afternoon, April 4, with a lunch break (lunch included).

Participants will need to bring a laptop or mobile device with Internet access.

Writing Intensive

Tuesday, April 3, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 4, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration fee: $99, includes lunch

Writing Powerful Stories

All of us tell stories about people whose lives have been changed. But how do you capture those experiences in a meaningful way? During this seminar you will discover how to write compelling stories that will connect you with your audience. We’ll talk about the writing process, the secret ingredient to every story, and ways to ensure your readers fully understand your message. Bring an assignment you are currently working on. We’ll provide time for you to write, and we’ll offer feedback.

Instructor: Anne Marie Winz
Anne Marie coaches people of all ages to become better writers. Everyone writes best when starting with confidence in the abilities they already have. Anne Marie helps writers discover what they do well when they write. Then, after they see their own success, she shows them how to improve their skills. Because she is passionate about training others to clearly and thoughtfully communicate their faith in writing, she developed Writing for Life to train writers of all ages to tell their stories and write about their beliefs. Writing for Life is a ministry of Cru.

What others say: 

  • “By far one of the best, if not the best, seminars that I have ever been to. Spiritually and professionally encouraging and helpful.”
  • “[Anne Marie’s] synthesis of the spiritual and practical was seamless, inspiring and beautiful.”
  • “I simply can’t say enough about this. This needs to be a prerequisite for every ministry writing job. Best course I’ve taken yet.”

Editing Intensive

Tuesday, April 3, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 4, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration fee: $99, includes lunch

For the Love of Editing

Editing is something we can’t simply study; we have to do. And in the doing, we get better at our craft. Learn how the editor is a coach, an archaeologist, a surgeon, and a diplomat all at once. Whether you’re new to the role of editor, or you have some experience under your belt, join us to gain a few more tools for your editing toolbox, as well as to engage in hands-on editing workshops. Notify the speaker, Diane McDougall, if you’d be willing to send an article you’re working on (not yet published) by March 1st, for consideration as a workshop sample.

Instructor: Diane J. McDougall
Diane has lived and breathed magazines since 1985 — from Cru’s Worldwide Challenge and the organizational pub World Relief, to the Evangelical Free Church’s EFCA Today and Ethiopian Airline’s inflight magazine, Selamta. (Yes, travel editing.) As editorial director at the creative agency Journey Group, she’s been mixing it up with both print and digital over the past few years. She firmly believes that the best articles are the result of a trusting partnership between the creator and the editor.

What others say: 

  • “Awesome seminar. It helped me a lot as an editor and gave me some new tools to freshen up my editing/writing. Diane was personable and I liked the mix of presentation and group work. A lot of good input to take back to my team. Many great take-aways!”
  • “Smooth, well-informed, up-to-date. Loved her heart for nurturing and developing young writers—few young editors would even think of this. Good interactions and pacing.”
  • “Excellent! Everything about this workshop…I would definitely attend any workshop that she leads in the future.”