Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop

18/02/2019

Back by popular demand...this year’s Workshop speakers include Author Sylvia Bambola and Dr. Steve Davis, along with my co-host, Christina Cook Lee. Make plans to join us Saturday, Mar. 2, 1-5 PM, in the Tabernacle at Christian Retreat. Free. Registration online or at the door. Don’t miss this great opportunity to improve your writing skills and learn how to get published!

01/02/2019

SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, Mar. 2nd, at Christian Retreat, 1-5 PM in the Tabernacle. FREE this year; Registration required. Watch for more details—and plan to be there. Time to stop talking about writing...
and DO IT!

22/03/2018

If you missed Joanne's Writer's Workshop or just want to hear it all again, the CDs are available through the Christian Retreat Website!
http://christianretreat.storenvy.com/products/23506104-writers-workshop-three-cd-set

Speakers include authors, editors and publishers who offer inspiration, encouragement and resources… for the beginning writer as well as those who are always searching for ways to hone their skills.

17/03/2018

A great crowd this weekend at the 2018 Writer’s Workshop geared toward the Institute of Ministry. Audio recordings are available.

09/03/2018

Join Christina Cook Lee and me next weekend, Mar. 17, ONLY, 1-4 PM in the Tabernacle at Christian Retreat for a condensed version of Writer's Workshop. FREE admission. Pick up valuable tips on becoming a successful writer!

29/12/2017

Save the date! Mar. 16-17, 2018, next Writer's Workshop at Christian Retreat. Watch for guest speakers, schedule...

20/01/2017

Author, songwriter and blogger, Christina Cook Lee is speaking at Joanne Derstine Curphey’s Writer’s Workshop, January 20-21st at Christian Retreat, in Bradenton, FL.
Christina was born and raised in Michigan, the daughter of two very creative parents. When she was thirteen, the family of five re-located from their country home in a small rural community to urban life in the Detroit area. From that point on, Christina attended a different school every year until she graduated from high school in 1969. Christina found pleasure in writing poetry and stories throughout her adolescent years and as a young adult began writing songs for a hobby. Everything changed when one day God said, “When are you going to start writing songs for Me?”
Christina wrote her first devotional books, A Quest For Virtue and A Quest For Intimacy With God as a new mother in the quiet hours while her baby was napping. A Quest For New Strength is a daily devotional blog offering hope and encouragement to people who are trying to get and stay free from depression and dependency. It was written in the year following the tragic death of her beloved niece. Christina writes out of her experience and passion for God.
Christina is also an accomplished media producer. She and her husband Jeff have had their own production company for more than twenty-five years. Christina and Jeff have lived in Florida since 1987 and have two talented daughters, one son-in-law so far and five grandchildren at this point.
Christina’s topic will be: “Promoting Through Social Media” she will also have some tips and a handout on "How to Make Money Blogging".

You can register online or at the door. It's not too late!
http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

20/01/2017

Joanne Derstine Curphey is the Host and Keynote for her Writer’s Workshop, January 20-21st, at Christian Retreat in Bradenton, Florida.

Joanne is a writer, former journalist, editor and Director of Communications at Christian Retreat, where she serves in management and oversees all aspects of marketing. She has spent a lifetime in ministry, serving alongside her father, Gerald Derstine, and brother, Pastor Phil Derstine, traveling to mission fields around the world.

Joanne’s stories have appeared in numerous publications and she has ghostwritten books, including her father’s autobiography, “Following the Fire.”

She created the “Writer’s Workshop” in 2010.

Joanne and her husband, Bill, live in Bradenton and Atlanta, and are parents to 5 children and 12 grandchildren.

You can register online or at the door. It's not too late!
http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

19/01/2017

Angie Bass Williams, will be speaking at Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop, January 20-21st in Bradenton, FL.
Angie is a wife, mother and grandmother, a retired Federal employee, and an ordained Mennonite minister. She preaches in various denominations, and is guest on Valley Family Forum’s television and radio programs. Angie has been widely used as a Public Speaker and Retreat Leader, as well as Publicity Director and Prayer Ministry Team Leader for interdenominational evangelistic crusades.
Angie was Advertising Director and Staff Writer for “Blessings” magazine at Gospel Crusade. She recalls an assignment from Joanne Derstine, was interviewing Tim and Beverly LaHaye. "What a scare!" Angie said. After the interview, Tim’s God-ordained words blessed her and boosted her confidence considerably, “Hey, you’re good; you must do this all the time!”. Her reply, “No, this is the first time I’ve done it!”
Angie operated a home-based writing and editing business. She enjoys serving (pulpit or kitchen), writing poetry, hospitality, teaching Bible studies, and helping others to get their books published.
Her book, “Jesus Wants Your Mind!” demonstrates how to allow God’s Word to dominate our thinking, producing phenomenal results.
Angie underwent breast cancer surgery and radiation treatments while writing “Joy In Adversity.” This account of God’s overcoming power in her life, serves to encourage and build the faith of others who are walking through life’s trials. The Lord affirmed: “You are a miracle in motion.” Having experienced many episodes of physical suffering and difficult times, such as the loss of three babies, Angie
says, “We are what we are in adversity!” One of her favorite Scriptures is Philippians 4:6-7, which tells us not to worry, but to pray and thank God for the answers, resulting in God’s perfect peace.
Don't wait any longer! Register for Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop at: http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

18/01/2017

17/01/2017

Marion Zasadil will be speaking at Joanne Derstine Curphey’s Writer’s Workshop, January 20-21st at Christian Retreat in Bradenton, FL. Her topic will be “Promoting Your Book With a Blog”.

Marion has written four books, “Granny’s Memories”, “Living Twenty Years in a Historic Mill”, “This I Remember….” and “Way Back When I Was Young” (a book for children), all written in her seventies and based on her memories while living in Barry County, Michigan. And now at almost 86, she is starting a new adventure….she's learning to blog.

Marion started her love of antiques when her Aunt Violet gave her an amber salt dip when she was just eight years old. That was when her interest of the long ago began. From then on, she latched onto any old dish or article from the past that was about to be thrown away. She has been preserving and recording history all of her adult life.

Marion always said she was too old for computers and too young for bingo. However, when she was 71, she borrowed a computer to write her first book, “Granny’s Memories” which she finished in 2004. At age 73, she bought her first computer and has been preserving area history by writing three more books about her life in Barry County, Yankee Springs Township, Michigan, where she has lived most of her life.
She is the proud mother of three daughters, Dawn, Christina and Carleen. Mother in love to their husbands, Frank, Jeff and Owen. She has six grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Don't wait any longer! Register for Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop at: http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

17/01/2017

Pat Finn will be speaking at Joanne Curphey's Writer's Workshop on January 20-21st at Christian Retreat in Bradenton, Florida.

A 2010 graduate of Southeastern University and licensed to minister with United Christian Church & Ministerial Association, Patricia uses humor and writing to reach the non- Christian reader. “My writing is secular but my life focus is God. As Believers everything we do is a witness for Him.” Patricia writes a weekly humor blog, leads workshops that include the National Center for Family Literacy and sells her recent book Late Bloomer / Baby Boomer on Amazon. She describes herself as a child of God who writes. "Late Bloomer, Baby Boomer" will brighten your day and put a smile on your face. Pat Finn speaks for the Baby Boomer generation, yet appeals to all. "Late Bloomer" takes us on the ups, the downs, and the sometimes wildly humorous side of life. Pat has proven herself to be a 21st century humor queen.

Two Reviews on her book:

I'm definitely in Pat Finn's demographic, and I really enjoyed Late Bloomer Baby Boomer. Many of the situations Pat writes about are universal, but her outlook and approach to life's challenges are original and funny. Her narrative voice is personal and conversational, and invites you into her bemused way of seeing the world. I was sorry when I finished LBBB; I would like to have heard more from Pat!

"Laughter makes the heart glad" and for this reason I enjoy comedy (clean comedy) whether books or shows...I came across her blog one day and enjoyed her writings....gave me a good laughter even though I'm NOT a
baby boomer (20 yrs younger lol). The book is done the same....plus I loved the price. I give it a 5 star for her sense of humor and 5 star for the price....after reading, I wouldn't of mind paying more.

Register for Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop at: http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

16/01/2017

12/01/2017

Denise Haas, aka Big D is joining us via a phone interview. She will be sharing some of her reflections on the writing of her book, “Just Hold On--Finding hope in the face of su***de", and some things she has been doing to promote her book since it was published by Xulon Press in October of 2016.
Denise is a su***de attempt survivor. In her early years, Denise was in deep despair, and had an obsession with death. Today, she is overflowing with hope and living life to the fullest.
She is a wife, a mother, mother-in-law, a grandma, friend, minister, musician, writer, and a passionate lover of Jesus. Her life’s goal is to be a blessing to others—helping in every way possible to bring hope to those who are lost in the darkness.
Denise currently resides in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband, one cat, and her Wiener-Poo puppy.
You can find her on Facebook (Denise Haas) or go to her website, bigdblues.com.
You can learn more about her book or purchase it at: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Hold-Denise-Haas-Aka/dp/149848767X
Register for Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop at: http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

10/01/2017

10/01/2017

One of the speakers at our upcoming Workshop (January 20-21) is Carol Ann Castagna, a Christian, poetess, composer and lyricist, published author and retired psychiatric R.N., Clinician. A Kiss from God, authored by our speaker, is her recently-published e-Book, an illustrated collection of poetry, prose, prayer, praise and lyrics. It summarizes her life’s heartfelt story. She is married to the Rev. Vincent Castagna. Their blended family consisting of four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Carol graduated from B.H.S.N., a 3-year program in Ct., receiving her R.N. diploma, the University of Bridgeport, with a B.S. degree in Human Services and later pursued graduate studies in Art Therapy at Albertus Magnus College in Ct. She’s held positions as Head Nurse, Supervisor, and Director of Nursing Services. One of her many creative interests is writing to which she’s devoted time to attending writing workshops in Ct. and Fl. and Mass. She was one of the administrators for Facebook’s Christian Poets and Writers. A former member of Word Weavers, Tampa, she is a current member of Word Weavers, International, Sarasota, assisting in its inception.

An accomplished pianist, Carol has been delighted to offer her talents to inspire and uplift church congregants and patients in assisted living residences, hospitals and hospices. Counting her musical and writing talents as gifts from God, she has produced JoyPsalms, a website avenue to unveil these at http://www.joypsalms.com.

Carol's work is seen in various publications, i.e., Penned from the Heart, “Poetry Pacific,” newsletters, magazines and the anthologies of the Library of Congress and the Amherst Society. Carol has received Honorable Mentions by her peers in contests, i.e., Senior Poet Laureate and the Editors and Writers Network. Her poetry was displayed for 2 consecutive years, by the Komen Ct. Art for the Cure at the New Britain Museum of American Art. Carol continues to encourage others through her music and through her writing.

Carol Ann Castagna
[email protected]
http://www.joypsalms.com

Register for Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop at: http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/

07/01/2017

The Writer's Workshop is right around the corner (January 20-21). Joe Eckstein will be one of our speakers. Joe will be talking about "Self-Publishing With Assistance", a topic near to his heart because that is what he helps people do. Joe is also a children’s book author, illustrator, and cartoonist who loves to encourage and inspire people through art and stories.

Originally from Ohio and drawing and writing stories since he can remember, he has a Bachelor’s degree in fine art from Bowling Green State University and has worked as an illustrator for leading children’s education publisher Carson-Dellosa.

His work has been published in books, greeting cards, magazines, and newspapers.

Joe is the creator of the cartoon character Herby the Parrot, author and illustrator of Herby Gets a Life, and illustrator of numerous other books for children including Twee’ and the “Between You and Me” series, and Two Homes for Daniel and the “Daniel the Dinosaur and Friends” series. He currently has more exciting books in the works.
Register for Joanne Derstine Curphey's Writer's Workshop at: http://christianretreat.org/conference/writers-workshop-hosted-by-joanne-curphey/