Speaking Topic Summaries
These are just a sampling of workshops and topics. Would your church, women's ministry, or writers' group like to have me speak in a way structured to meet your unique needs? Email me for more information: donna.shepherd (at) Gmail (dot) com. (And I sing, too, if requested.)
Writing/Speaking:
Start Writing with Confidence! – Part 1
What’s keeping you from fullfilling your dream to write? In this workshop, we’ll identify obstacles to writing and help you gain confidence in your writing skills. No matter how much experience you’ve had, you’ll always be tackling new projects and facing new challenges writing that next book, article, or short story. Learn how to overcome fear and procrastination and write with confidence!
Start Writing with Confidence! – Part 2
In this workshop, we’ll strategize ways to eliminate fear and obstacles that keep us from writing, and move on to the work at hand. Be prepared to brainstorm and get down to the business of writing.
Make Every Word Count – Part 1
You'll learn how to write pieces that will touch the hearts of your readers, offering hope and encouragement. Devotional markets, magazines, and e-zines are a good place to make first sales while polishing your writings skills. Learn how to say a lot in a few words.
Make Every Word Count – Part 2
During this hour, learn how to compose a short piece, study the markets, and how to format your writing for submission to magazines, anthologies, and e-zines.
From Podium to Paper and Back - Writing to Communicate and Captivate
Identify and meet the needs of your audience and get on the pathway to publication. Learn how to develop your message, where to submit your wiriting, and how to incorporate your pieces into your speaking ministry.
Write His Glory
As Christians, whether we're writing a book, a magazine article, or for the web, our ultimate goal is to write for God's glory. Would you like to see more clearly how God is involved in your writing process? Come ready to examine what motivates you to write and to determine how best to use your unique gifts to obey His call to communicate the message He's given you…for His glory!
A-Z's of Lively Writing
Get rid of those passive sentences. Wake up your reader with words that engage and rouse. Whether you're writing for children or adults, this workshop will inspire you to liven up that prose. Donna will share twenty-six ways to liven up your writing.
The Critical Critique
Are you afraid to have someone criticize your work? We'll discuss all the reasons no professional author ever submits without one..or several critiques. How do you find a writers' group in person or online? You'll learn how to critique and learn the benefits of working with other writers, editors, and readers to refine your writing.
How to Write Devotionals
Devotionals. You've read them. You've been inspired by them. You've even found your life transformed by them, but what are they? Through thoughtful and well-written devotionals you, the writer, have the ability to touch the hearts of your readers while offering hope and encouragement. But how do you write a devotional? What steps should you take to write an effective devotional? You'll be writing a short devotional before this class is over!
Blogging Basics for Beginners:
Have you wanted to jump into blogging, but don't know where to start? In this workshop, I teach the basics - how to set it up, how to come up with a name for your blog, and what to write about. Blogging is a great way to interact with your readers and market your writing.
Use Your Good Senses:
Let's boost creativity by paying attention to sensory details. We'll stir up our senses with hands-on activities and writing exercises and watch creativity come alive as we enjoy the senses God gave us.
Branding and Social Networking:
Do you really need a Facebook Page? Do you Tweet? Find out how to determine your best course of action to promote and brand yourself on the Internet.
Women's Ministries (conference, meetings, MOPS, etc.)
Hats Off to Mothers!
Praise the King
Busy Parent's Tips
In Shape for Service
Your Legacy
Mother on a Mission
General:
Having Done All, Stand!
Love In Deed
Masterpiece
The Symbols of the Holy Spirit
Christians in Society
Nourishing the Body, Mind, and Spirit
From Deep Space to Deep Within
Wonderful job last night. Loved the message, as always great singing, I really liked both songs! - Jerry Souders
Thank you! It was a joy to hear you sing and speak! - Christy
Donna, thank you!! thank you!! when you spoke tonight it spoke to my very soul. The songs you sang, I needed to hear. Thank you!! - Teresa Amburgey
Feedback from MAC Writers:
- Donna is such a great teacher! I believe everyone shares my sentiments when I say how blessed we are to have her. Thank you, Donna
- I am very excited about this book writing club! Thank you again for all you do to make this happen.
- I've already learned so much from you and I enjoy the fellowship of being around Christians and Christian writers.
- Thanks again for your workshop it was wonderful!
- Thank you Donna! I had such a great time at the meeting last night! I definitely would like to continue to attend. I know that your time is valuable and I so appreciate you speaking to us out of your expertise!
- You do such a wonderful job of leading our group.. through encouragement, useful information, accountability. We are SO blessed to have you!!
- What a great meeting last night!! I learned so much; still so much to learn!!! Thanks so much for all your help.