Here are some of my favorite topics and schedule.



Endorsements

However, I'm very dis-passionate about self-promotion, so let me have a few college leaders and conference directors describe my speaking ministry:

Humorous and witty . . . edifies the Body and glorifies God in an entertaining way.
Creator magazine

Your keynote was a hit at the conference, Jim, and I appreciate your being there for us.
Jerry B. Jenkins, Writing for the Soul conference

Your biblical perspective was exactly what the graduate students needed to hear. You have reminded us of God's perspective in research, writing, and life.
Faith Mullens, Liberty University

I highly recommend Jim Watkins as a speaker, keynoter, instructor, or whatever. God used him in powerful ways at the Quad-Cities Christian Writers' Conference over the weekend. His keynote speech "I Have a Dream" was a big WOW! Humorous, brought people to tears, made an eternal impact on lives. (That guy can preach and teach and reach lives!)
Twila Belk, Quad-City Christian Writers' Conference

Intensely practical . . . hilarious . . . one of the best.
Keith Drury, Indiana Wesleyan University

You were a smash hit in chapel. The students raved about you.
Michael R. Smith, Taylor University

I would highly recommend Jim for your writing event. He is personable with one-on-one appointments, and when speaking to crowds he has the perfect balance of humor, information, inspiration, spiritual emphasis, and life application. Kathy Carlton Willis, publicist. (And he's not even one of my clients!)

Informed, approachable and humorous.
Gayle Roper, former director of Sandy Cove Writers Conference

When the keynote speaker was unable to attend, Jim came to bat and knocked it out of the park.
Billie Wilson, Florida Christian Writers Conference

Jim has the gift of teaching and encouragement.
Marlene Bagnull, director of Colorado and Greater Philadelphia writers conferences

One in a million—two in a million would be overkill!
Calvin Miller, author/speaker



Venues

In 2007, I spoke at 19 conferences, camps, churches, colleges, and convenience-store grand-openings. (Okay, no 7-Elevens, but just about every other venue.) I really need to be more selective and strategic in where and on what I speak. There are hundreds of speakers who address those venues, so I am limiting my speaking now to:

1. Ministry and writers conferences where I can train people to communicate to change lives. (If I encourage or educate a general audience of 100 people, I've encouraged or educated 100 people. But, if I encourage or educate 100 writers, speakers, teachers or ministers, hopefully, I've exponentially increased the number of people reached as they pass along that encouragement or education.)

2. Venues with at least 100 in attendance.

3. Events where I can share a keynote address and/or teach a continuing session on communicating to change lives



Topics

In the past, I've spoken on everything from sex to sects. I'm now limiting my speaking to the following topics. (Topics marked with • are available on CD from American Christian Writers for $6.00 each. Call 1-800-WRITE to order.)

Communicate to Change Lives (Continuing Session) A one-day or four- to six-part series for Christian educators, executives, ministers, church staff and parachurch staff who want to change lives through writing and speaking. Click here for outline and for information on how you can sponsor a seminar for your church or community.

Confessions of an Author and Speaker (Keynote talk, 30-40 minutes) Includes three stages authors go through in learning to connect with an audience in print, pixels, or person. Click here for a transcript.

• Crossing-over with the Cross (Keynote or Seminar, 60 minutes) Practical ways to take the message of the cross into the crossroads of the world?including cyber space (60-75 minutes). Click here for article based on talk.

• "I'm a Giant Killer!" (Keynote, 30-45 minutes) A motivational talk that combines humor and practical suggestions for battling the giants that confront would-be authors (30-45 min.). Click here to hear it.

• I Have a Dream! (Keynote, 30-45 minutes) An inspirational talk using the story of Joseph as an example of a dream received, the dreamer refined, the dream redefined, and finally, the dream realized in relationship to writing. Click here to hear it.

• The Ministry of Writing (Seminar, 60 minutes) Includes twenty-five-rejection-proof markets that truly do minister to needs. Click here for article based on talk.

• Soaring with Eagles, Walking with Emus (Keynote, 30-45 minutes) Encouragement for those who are "soaring" as well as those who are "walking" in their writing and speaking. Click here to read the transcript, here to hear it.

Taking the Word to the World Wide Web (Three 60-minute seminars, or three stand-alone sessions) Includes practical tips for researching and writing online, as well as setting up one's own Web site. The writing online session can be taught without Internet access, but other two session require Internet access with video projection.)

Writing with Banana Peels (Seminar, 60-90 minutes or three-part series) Based on my latest book, the seminar provides practical strategies for communicating more effectively with humor. If nothing else, you'll laugh a lot.



Schedule

2013

February 7-8, 2013
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia

March 15-16, 2013
American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat
Dallas, Texas

June 7-8, 2013
American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat
Grand Rapids, Michigan

July 12-13, 2013
American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat
Atlanta, Georgia

September 26-28, 2013
Maranatha Christian Writers' Conference
Muskegon, Michigan

October 8-13, 2013
Salvation Army International Literary and Publications Conference
St. Louis, Missouri

November 22-23, 2013
American Christian Writers Mentoring Retreat
Orlando, Florida

2014

February 26-March 2, 2014
Florida Christian Writers' Conference
Leesburg, Florida

October 10-11, 2014
Greater Metro Atlanta Christian Writers Retreat
Atlanta, Georgia

Hope to see you at one of these conferences!

Legal stuff and dire warnings

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