Christian Speaking & Anthology Writing - Nancy B. Gibbs

By Nancy B. Gibbs
Author, newspaper columnist

I am excited to be a part of the faculty at the Florida Christian Writers’ Conference. It's hard to believe the event is right around the corner.

I will be teaching two classes:

1. The Christian Writer/Speaker (Thursday, 4-5 p.m.)
2. Writing for Anthologies (Friday, 4-5 p.m.)

The Christian Writer/Speaker

Once we begin writing and getting our names out there, people will call us to speak. I have learned that writing helps me get speaking engagements and speaking gives me writing opportunities. (Speaking also gives me the opportunity to sell my books, producing needed revenue, during a time that many churches and organizations can't afford large love offerings.)

During this class, we’ll have fun while learning a great deal about what works in the speaking arena. I will help you see how the topics you write about can become topics for your speaking engagements.

Writing for Anthologies

I have been published in approximately 200 anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts Books, God Allows U-Turns, God's Way and many more.

I had one story that has appeared in several of these series. It was selected as the "promotional story" for the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthology where it was published. This same story has appeared in national magazines, Sunday school papers, devotional books and on many Web sites.

In this class we will look at that particular story. We will dissect the story and talk about the elements that made it a successful story - worthy of publication. We will discuss the benefits of anthology writing. I will answer any questions you may have regarding anthologies.

If we have time, I'll help you get started with your first paragraph (by far the most difficult part of any anthology.)

If you haven't begun getting ready for the conference, it's not too late. Write a couple of pieces, perfect them and bring them along with you. You will receive lots of great information and will return home ready to reach your writing dreams.

Nancy B. Gibbs is a pastor's wife, mother and grandmother. Nancy is the author of 8 books and writes a weekly newspaper column. She has been published hundreds of times in anthologies, magazines, Sunday school papers and devotional guides. Nancy's writings have appeared in books by major publishing companies such as Honor Books, Standard Publishing, Health Communications, Adams Media and dozens others.

Nancy has had stories published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, The Lookout, Mature Living, Happiness, On Mission, Decision, Woman's World, Family Circle, Angels on Earth, Marriage Partnership and numerous others.

Nancy has an early morning spot on WSST-TV two mornings a week called "Wisdom From the Word." Nancy also began her own Christian newspaper, Celebrations, last December. Celebrations started out strong and is doing very well.

Nancy is also a motivational speaker and has spoken in numerous states. Nancy is also busy trying to encourage her three granddaughters to love the art of writing. Visit Nancy at www.nancybgibbs.com.