Writer Workshop Topics

WHERE FICTION AND NONFICTION INTERSECT

Ann’s a storyteller. When she presents two compelling stories, which is fiction and which is not? Will the audience be able to tell? Fundamental truths apply to every story. Explore the transforming power of a good one.

WEAVING GRACE INTO YOUR STORY

It’s all in the way you say it. The Word teaches the letter of the law kills, but the Spirit brings life. Your story can give life and bring hope in the most unexpected ways.

THE BELIEVING WRITER AND REJECTION

How to handle the hurt of rejection, learn from the difficult, believe the impossible, promote others, and still maintain your vision.

THE FIVE SPIRITUAL SENSES IN YOUR WRITING

The five natural senses ground a story, evoke emotion, create atmosphere, and make it memorable. Inspirational writers should want more than moral and wholesome books. How can their stories breathe life? Learn how to incorporate the spiritual senses in your writing.

GENERAL SPEAKING TOPICS

WHOA GOD! YOU WANT ME TO WHAT?

How God stretches the self-doubter and plants destiny in his heart, while tenderly teaching confidence and dependence.

THE LOSS OF A CHILD: WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE PARALYZED

Though the heart is torn and a gaping hole is left, there is healing after the loss of a child. While Ann is acquainted with loss and understands that each person must heal in their own time and in their own ways, she encourages the grief stricken not to stand still too long.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION AND THE FATHER’S HEART

God has always gone after the one lost sheep, his heart all about the individual. Adoption is not new, but during the 20^th and 21^st centuries, the adoption movement has changed the face of our world. Though God doesn’t call everyone to adopt, what is the Father’s heart and how can you help?

CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING IN TODAY’S WORLD

Christian publishers have taken a hit the past decade—many bought out by secular giants. Rough economic times, diminishing supply and demand, and new rules for platform have redefined traditional publishing roles. What can the believer do to promote and help Christian publishing thrive from the author up?

HOMESCHOOLING SPECIAL NEEDS: CAST YOUR NET

For many years Ann did everything she could to help her children, even at the cost of her health. What she discovered during her homeschooling journey that can help you as you war in the trenches.

MEG’S SPEAKING TOPICS:

HE HAS MADE US VICTORIOUS SPIRITS

Megan, adopted from South Korea at age five months, knows what it’s like to struggle while growing up. How did she go from repeating grade levels in school to being on the honor role in college every semester? She built strengths in the face of adversity. Yet determination alone didn’t provide the help she needed.

CELEBRATE YOUR SINGLENESS: LOVE IS AN OPEN ROAD

In a harsh, relentless, and untrustworthy world, where does the Christian single find strength for weakness and hope for disillusionment? The sacred road one journeys with the Father while single is a wide open walk with the one who declares His love for us in a gentle and renewing exchange.

HI, I’M MEGAN, AND I’LL BE YOUR SERVER

After being a restaurant server for more than seven years, Megan has developed an understanding of what it’s like to continually serve others. People have treated her well, and people have behaved in less than desirable ways. But whether customers are sensitive and caring or rude and seemingly heartless, she’s found secrets for maintaining her joy. In a society where growing numbers of people are stressed, rushed, and lack social graces, how can servers handle the pressure?

WHAT? I’M ADOPTED!

Having been adopted from South Korea into an Arkansas Caucasian family, Megan finds humor in how people react to her southern drawl and tea and cornbread culture. Asians react in interesting ways, as well. They often expect Megan to understand their broken English and Eastern philosophies. Totally confused by these two bombarding worlds, Megan has learned skills for balancing it all.

A HOMESCHOOLED GIRL IN A SECULAR WORLD

Megan enjoyed the homeschooled life, unrushed hours when her creativity was allowed to flourish. She wouldn’t trade those long, lazy days when life’s simple message sang a song of love and nurturing—a pace set by the rising and setting sun and the rhythmic purr of her cat. But, what happened when secular college loomed on the horizon and adulthood beckoned the fast lane? Megan wants others to know just how to respond to the insanity of a worldly university and the background noise of society. How does one balance between compromise and standing your ground on a daily basis? If you’ve been homeschooled and you’re on life’s threshold, the test is coming.

MEG’S BIOGRAPHY

Megan McCauley, adopted from South Korea at age five months, spent most of her growing up years in Louisiana and Arkansas with her forever family. She’s a 2013 graduate of Henderson State University with a bachelor of fine arts degree.

Having written original music for the past eleven years and performed in various settings throughout the South along with the states of Missouri and Illinois, she has gained recognition as a musician. In 2007, she collaborated with recording artist Nick Flora and produced her first EP, Loved Ones Near and Far. During her undergraduate study, she performed in many venues to showcase these songs.

In the summer of 2009, she was asked by film director, Zac Heath, to compose music for an inspirational independent film featured on Netflix. Megan now has much experience in both the fields of art and music plus the development of products and the expertise of public speaking and public relations.

She is ready to present at women’s conferences, women’s retreats, service club meetings, singles’ groups, multicultural and adoption related meetings, Bible study groups, and other venues. Megan’s faith is a big part of all that she does. It is her desire to lead people into the presence of the Father and extend eternal hope to others.