Workshops for Writers
Harriet has taught at numerous writers’ conferences. Her topics include:
Gathered Fragments (So You Want to Write a Memoir)?
“So, when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” John 6:12 (NKJV) A person’s life experience recorded so that others can read it has great value. Much like a novel, a well-written memoir can take a reader back in time to experience an adventure or see an event through the eyes of the person who experienced it. In this workshop attendees will learn ten “DOs” and “DON’Ts” of writing a good memoir, as well as five reasons to write a memoir. Attendees will learn how to gather up the fragments of their story and write them in a way that interests readers.
Keep On Keeping On (Encouragement for Writers)
This workshop is more geared toward encouraging writers than instructing them. Harriet shares her own unlikely writing journey from red marks on her high school papers to numerous rejection notices from magazine editors and publishers to becoming an prolific award-winning writer with hundreds of published pieces. The workshop allows for a time of sharing from participants about their writing journeys as well.
Writing Powerful Devotions
Want to learn to write devotions that resonate with readers? Different publications differ in their length expectations and writing guidelines, but all devotions also have some similarities. This class will cover the basic format for writing a devotion which can be adjusted according to a publication’s specific requirements, as well as places where devotions might get published and how to submit them.
Freelancing 101
This workshop covers the basics of freelance writing including writers’ rights, query letters, writing on inspiration versus writing to a theme, where to find publications that want freelanced submissions, how to submit, and understanding contracts.
Writing for Magazines
Participants in this workshop will learn the what, how, and where of magazine writing—what to write (what type articles magazines are looking for), how to write an article that will be chosen for publication, and where to submit. This can be a one hour workshop or a longer practicum in which participants write and submit a magazine article.
The Joy and Challenges of Co-writing
This workshop explains the pros and cons of co-writing. Drawing from the many times Harriet has worked with another writer on her various books, in this workshop she will shed light on both the ups and downs co-writing. For writers who have considered co-writing a book or other piece, this workshop will help them think through the possibilities.
Speaking Topics
Harriet loves to speak to women’s groups, especially Christian women’s groups, and will happily tailor her messages to whatever a group may desire, including preparing a message on a new topic of your choice.
Understanding Prayer
This message looks at the many facets of prayer. In it Harriet shares how she came to be interested in the study of prayer which culminated in her first book, Prayer: It’s Not About You as well as insights and basic understandings on prayer as it is portrayed in scripture.
Gather Up the Fragments
This message emphasizes the importance of piecing back together that which has been lost or broken. This is an especially nice topic for fall and can easily include things women love about the fall.
Keep on Keeping On
This messages offers encouragement to “hang in there” during difficult times.
Catch the Fire
This message covers the call of missions and the need for missions. Harriet shares about some famous missionaries in history and how missions have both changed and stayed the same today.
Christmas Stories
Harriet shares Christmas stories, presenting a lighthearted topic for a Christmas gathering.
Glimpses of God through the Seasons
This topic can be tailored to any of the seasons, and contains many of the thoughts offered in her devotional books on this subject.