Donna Shepherd, Inspirational Author and Speaker

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God's fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals and stories appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books), Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books), and The Best Grandma in the World (Howard Books) to name a few.

Donna's children's book, Topsy Turvy Land (Hidden Pictures Publishing, July 2005) has been described by one reviewer as "a perfect read for young children." Children's devos, Topsy Turvy Time, are shared monthly on CWAHM.

Her book, Ouch! Sunburn!(Guardian Angel Publishing), contains snappy rhymes along with 15 colorful and fun illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier, and helps children see the need to protect their skin in the sun. Sun Safety Tips in the back of the book reinforce the book's theme.

In No More Gunk (Guardian Angel Publishing), short, playful rhymes and Kevin Scott Collier’s humorous illustrations help children learn in a fun way the importance of proper dental hygiene. Tooth Tips in the back of the book encourage children to take care of their teeth.

In Chizzy's Topsy Tale, Donna J. Shepherd's whimsical rhymes speed Chizzy and Dotty into the jungle on a whirlwind search for tempting fruit. Kevin Scott Collier illustrates Chizzy's rollicking escapades with a deft and humorous touch. Solid values, like helping a friend in need and minding Momma, make Chizzy's Topsy Tale a wonderful read-aloud choice. Suggested age for readers:2-6

Saturday, February 28, 2009
Resurrection Lutheran Church
1270 N. Broadway
Lebanon, Ohio, 45036
Registration: $45

Have you always wanted to write but haven’t known where to start?

Is it your desire to write articles and devotionals for magazines and books?

Have you written a book, or would like to, but have no idea what step to take next?

Has fear paralyzed you and kept you from writing or submitting your pieces?

Greater Harvest Workshops are designed to move you closer to your goal of becoming a working writer and published author. Taught by Donna Shepherd, an author and speaker, and Mary Busha, a writer's coach, these workshops, along with hands-on training, will motivate you to step up to the next level!

Schedule:

8:30-9:00: Registration/Coffee
9:00-9:30: General Session
9:30-9:45: Break
9:45-10:45: Morning Workshops, Part 1
10:45-11:00: Break
11:00-12:00: Morning Workshops, Part 2
12:00-12:30: Lunch – Included with Paid Registration
12:30-12:45: Networking
12:45-1:45: Afternoon Workshops, Part 1
1:45-2:00: Break
2:00-3:00: Afternoon Workshops, Part 2
3:00-3:30: Closing Session “Reaping the Harvest”

Door prizes * Book Giveaways * Networking

Morning Workshops - Donna Shepherd:

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.

Morning Workshops - Mary Busha:

The Nuts and Bolts of Manuscript Preparation – Part 1

Learn how to prepare your book mansucript for submission, whether you’re going through a traditional publisher or self-publishing. Learn the parts of a book, the proper way to format your manuscript, how to copyright your work, and the tools of the trade.

The Nuts and Bolts of Manuscript Preparation – Part 2

In this workshop, we’ll apply the elements from Part 1 to your unique book project.

Afternoon Workshops – Donna Shepherd:

Make Every Word Count – Part 1

In this workshop, 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.

Afternoon Workshops – Mary Busha:

Marketing Yourself and Your Book – Part 1

Whether you’re approaching an agent or an editor, you need to put your best foot forward by submitting a professional and complete book proposal. Learn what goes into a book proposal and the proper way to prepare each component to make that best first impression.

Marketing Yourself and Your Book – Part 2

Begin your own marketing plan and apply the elements from Part 1 to your unique book project.

For more information and to register, go to http://www.greaterharvestworkshops.com

I will conduct a workshop at the Captivating Women Conference in the Cincinnati Area on June 14.

My workshop is called "From Podium to Paper and Back: Writing to Communicate and Captivate."

Donna J. Shepherd’s snappy rhymes along with the 15 colorful and fun illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier help children see the need to protect their skin in the sun. Sun Safety Tips in the back of the book reinforce the book’s theme. 27 pages. 94 word easy reader.

Order form Guardian Angel Publishing. Click HERE.

The Lonely Lightning Bug is a beautifully illustrated story about a young boy who comes across a lightning bug and learns the value and need for freedom. The colors pop and the pictures bring Ms. Shepherd's words to life. My children enjoyed this short tale and I have to say, I enjoyed reading it to them. As an added incentive, all proceeds from the sale of this book are given to StarShine Hospice- the Hospice of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. - Reviewed by Sandra Barkevich (http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/1424.html)

Donna Shepherd, Children's and Inspirational Writer, Speaker & Singer