Speaker Karen Gaus

Karen shares her experiences of raising a child with Autism who now lives a self-sufficient life. She is inspiring and encouraging to all her hear her.  

Fees: $100 & up, depending on length & distance, + travel expense (Negotiable lower fee or free for those near Central Texas area)

Travel: USA

Categories: Autism, Motivation, Inspirational, Goals, Achievement, Relationships, Dreams, Challenges, Faith

Speaking Topics
 

• The True Story of a Child Freed from the Bonds of Autism

A crisis such as having a child with Autism is stressful and heartbreaking. Hear how Karen and her family overcame autism—the lessons learned, and how her son went from a seemly incurable disability to a whole young man who lives a normal life in every aspect.
 

• Motivation with Excellence

This presentation is an inspirational, motivational speech on excellence and achieving goals using fun anecdotes.

• The Power of Words

In this speech Karen uses her unique experiences in life as well as great resources to give an inspiring speech full of emotion that helps the listener manage challenges, inspire dreams, and build relationships.

• The Imprint of God

This is an inspiring speech about the evidence of a loving God in our chaotic world. God is blamed for everything from war to menstrual cramps. With stirring anecdotes, the Imprint of God will encourage and uplift..


Recommendations

“I have enjoyed seeing and hearing Karen blossom into an engaging and competent speaker who offers her insight and passion as a gift to every audience. I have known her through our affiliation in Toastmasters International, but I also speak from my experience as a college speech instructor. No matter what the topic or audience, Karen will bring an organized and entertaining speech that is full of useful well-researched information and compassionate and sensitive personal experience. Over and over I am drawn in by her testimony and focus on godly advice. I can highly recommend her as a speaker for any occasion.” 

D. Kirkland, Temple College Speech Instructor, Distinguished Toastmaster, Belton, Texas

"Karen Kraus understands the power of communication, both written and verbal. She is both encouraging and inspiring to everyone who has the pleasure of hearing her speak."

Brandi Myers

“I heard Karen Gaus deliver a speech entitled, The Power of Words. She had great use of stories and quotes to prove words have power. She concentrated on the power of words resolving issues which was great. Extremely effective speech!” 

Matt Mathieson

Bio

Karen Gaus grew up the fifth daughter in a family of six children. During her childhood, one of her favorite pastimes was to tell adventurous stories to her friends. One day the teacher arrived during an impromptu puppet show and loved it so much she invited her to entertain the whole class. It’s only logical she would grow up to write novels. Karen has won several first place and finalist awards including the 18th Annual Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards, Inspirational Writers Alive in Houston, Austin Manuscript Contest, and Barclay Literary Competition. She has been a school board member, an ACFW member, and president of her Toastmaster club. Karen lives in Texas with her husband of thirty-three years and is mother of two wonderful children, a twenty-four-year-old daughter and a twenty-year-old son.

Contact

Website/Blog: www.karengaus.com
Email: karen.kaus@yahoo.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/karen.gaus

Speaker Angela E. Arndt

Angela talks about the joy on the unexpected back roads of life and how Angels, messengers of God, were used in history and are still used to influence your life today. 

Fees: Love Offering, plus travel if over 50 miles

Travel: Carolinas

Categories: Angels, Faith, Joy, Humor, Women's Ministry

Speaking Topics
 

• Joy on the Back Roads

Sometimes as we travel down the road of life, we have to take some unexpected detours. Sickness, divorce, losing your job -- all the things can make our plans skid out of control.

Those byways can be bumpy, but if we listen to the Great Navigator, we can keep on track and even find a little joy on the back roads.
 

• Angels Among Us

Have you ever wondered if someone was looking over you? Angels are God's messengers of hope, peace and encouragement. Angie talks about the history of angels in Scripture, shares some personal accounts and discusses how angels fit into your life today.

• Ages and Stages of LOL

Most people use the acronym, LOL, to indicate that they enjoyed something online, but it can mean something more. Join Angie as she shares a humorous look at how a woman can gracefully move from Laughing Out Loud, to Lots of Love and finally land in Little Ol' Lady status.

• Your Choice

Angie Arndt is willing to consider developing a program for the topic you've chosen for your next women's meeting. Contact her for details.


Recommendations

"I was privileged to meet Angie Arndt recently. She came via the recommendation of a friend and I was not disappointed. She visited and spoke to a group of ladies from my church at a Saturday morning brunch. She is very personable and made all of our ladies feel as though they had known her for a long time. With these ladies, that was very important. When we contacted her concerning our event, we gave her our theme and she built her presentation around it. She spoke on our theme and also did a musical presentation. She is very talented, came well prepared and adapted to the group she was addressing. I would definitely recommend Angie for speaking engagements and her musical talents are an asset as well."
Barbara R Shiver, Kershaw-Lancaster Farm Service Agency
Camden, South Carolina

"[Angie] is a bright young woman who grabs your heart and soul when she speaks about those things that are important to her. Besides being an accomplished artist, she is writing a book that shares her love of people and their stories of others."

Charlene N. Herring, Mayor of Ridgeway

"Angie is an extraordinary communicator. In my experience listening to her teaching in our congregation, she had been able to present the truth with clarity, passion, and love. Her excellent ability to write and speak with eloquence is undergirded by a deep faith in her Lord and heart devoted to loving and serving His people."

M. D. Connor, Pastor of Aimwell Presbyterian Church, Ridgeway, SC


Bio

Angie enjoyed her career as a corporate trainer and curriculum writer at one of the largest insurance companies in the nation. That is, until she retired due to health issues in 2007. Her struggle to live a full life in spite of pain led her to write "Joy on the Back Roads," published in Heartbeat of the Home's magazine, "Backyard Friends."

She's served in various volunteer positions with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and their Charlotte-area chapter, Carolina Christian Writers. She currently serves as a team member of Seriously Write and assistant editor of DevoKids.com.

Angie is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency and is currently working on a series of mystery novels set in small Southern towns. She and her husband, Charles, live in the middle of a big wood with three dogs, Beau, Jade and Harley.

Contact

Website/Blog: http://joyonthebackroads.blogspot.com  
Email: angie@angelaearndt.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aearndt

Twitter: @aerndt

Speaker Elaine W. Miller

Elaine gives life altering retreats and to encourage an evangelist life that's better than chocolate and spiritual insights to boost your marriage. 

Fees: Flexible

Travel: Willing to Travel (National & International)

Categories: Evangelism, Marriage, Spiritualism, Retreats, Salvation

Speaking Topics
 

• A Life Better Than Chocolate

In this evangelistic message, Elaine shares the crisis that brought her to the realization of her sin and her need of a Savior. Elaine concludes with an invitation to pray and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Many have responded to this powerful salvation message.
 

• Marriage Boost

Based on her book "We All Married Idiots," Elaine shares the three things you will never change about your marriage and the ten things you can.
 

• A Spiritual Makeover

Living in a world obsessed with outward appearance, we can neglect what's happening inside. Elaine takes the audience through Colossians 3 and performs a spiritual makeover of the heart.
 

• Good To Go - Glad I Went

In this four-session retreat Elaine encourages the audience to get rid of things that entangle, and run the race God planned for us before we were born. Session titles are Surrounded by Witnesses, Throwing Off What Hinders, The Sin That Entangles, and The Race Marked Out for Us.

• Shine!

Elaine shares her heart for the lost and for the church in her teaching of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the Holy Spirit. The audience is given opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit (salvation) and to be filled with the Holy Spirit (living the life God intended for each believer). Those attending have said, "Speaker was amazing. Subject matter was so applicable. Easily understood message.


Recommendations

"Elaine had us laughing and crying in every talk she gave. Not only was Elaine Miller entertaining, her talk-times were so practical. Her strengths are her ability to captivate an audience when she tells a story, her use of original illustrations from real life, her subtle mix of humor and emotion, her gentle and vulnerable way of sharing the truth she has learned from scripture." 

Deborah Kessler

"Incredible! I could listen to her on a regular basis. Her wisdom and knowledge is admirable as well as her obvious obedience to God's plan. What an awesome woman!!!"

"I loved her talks and was touched by her heart. There is a part of me that has changed and will never be the same."



Bio
A popular author and speaker, Elaine W. Miller is known for sharing biblical insights with warmth, enthusiasm, and humor. A member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, she has brought splashes of serenity to audiences for over 25 years. Elaine is the author of three books, "We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can," "Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms" and "Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives." Her work is published in "Sanctuary — A Devotional Bible for Women" as well as several magazines. Elaine and her husband, an ordained minister, have led many marriage retreats and counseled numerous hurting couples. They travel annually to Bosnia as a Pastoral Care Couple to missionaries there. Residing in upstate New York, Elaine and Dan enjoy a beautiful life and ministry together. Three married children and eight grandchildren complete their joy.

Contact
Website/Blog: www.splashesofserenity.com 
Email: splashesofserenity@yahoo.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#/elaine.w.miller

Twitter: @ElaineWMiller

Speaker Jeanette Levellie

Jeanette's speeches serves 2 scoops of grace with chuckles on top. Don't miss her heartwarming encouragement to spur you onward!

Fees: Love Offering + Travel Expenses

Travel: USA

Categories: Cancer Survivor, Marriage, Editing, Relationships, Emotional Healing, 

Speaking Topics
 

• Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top

This encouraging, humorous message can be used for a one-time event or divided into three parts for retreats. 

With touching and funny examples from her own life and biblical truths, Jeanette shows how we can extend grace to ourselves and others. She ends the message on a humorous note, detailing the emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of laughter. 

Jeanette weaves humor and music throughout the message, and interacts with her audience, for a feel-good experience.
 

• Touching Lives

Are you in a place you’d rather not be?

Are you waiting, waiting, and waiting some more for a prayer to be answered?
Do you wonder why certain events in your past took place?

In Touching Lives, Jeanette Levellie will take you on an encouraging journey to help you discover some of the why’s in life’s puzzling circumstances. 

Using biblical illustrations and stories from her own life, Jeanette undergirds your faith in God’s willingness to turn every tragedy to triumph, and use you to bless others. 

After hearing Touching Lives, you will never again say, “I am just a __________.” Instead, you’ll confidently declare, “I am touching lives right where I am today!”
 

• Spur One Another On

A cowpoke-themed program uses the acronym S.P.U.R. to encourage us to help fellow believers flourish in Jesus. 

Jeanette uses music, God's Word, and audience participation in this lively message, showing how to:

Speak words of encouragement, 

Pray for others, 

Understand others' points of view, and 

Rejoice with those who rejoice
 

• From Couture to the Cornfields

In this humorous message, Jeanette compares living in Los Angeles most of her life to living in rural Illinois, where she and her husband moved in 1999 to pastor a country church. 

Get ready for a hilarious adventure of city-life vs. country livin', complete with wardrobe change by Jeanette, and ending on a heartwarming note that focuses on being a good neighbor.

• Time Management for Part-Time Writers

If you have kids at home, work a day job, or got an A+ in Procrastination 101, you will benefit from the tools Jeanette has used to write and publish hundreds of columns, articles, and a full-length book—in her spare time. 

Discover how to employ the unique strengths of your personality to accomplish more as a part-time writer. Jeanette presented this workshop at the Northern Inland Christian Writers Conference in 2012 and received stellar reviews from participants.

Recommendations

“Jeanette combines wisdom and gentle humor to mend tattered souls. Her sweet spirit and selfless attitude rest upon her listeners like a nurse's reassuring hand. She is one of the most compassionate, encouraging Christians you will ever meet.”
--- Cammie Quinn, Author

"Very enthusiastic. Fun presentation - great ideas and usable solutions. Wonderful presenter."

"Very usable information. Lots of take home resources."

"A beautiful person who spontaneously gave me assistance.”

--Attendees at Inland Northwestern Christian Writers Conference

Bio

A spunky, sometimes reluctant pastor’s wife of thirty-plus years, Jeanette has published Stories in Love is a Verb with Gary Chapman, Falling in Love with You (Oak Tara Publishers), and Guideposts anthologies (Tragedy to Triumph and Love and Forgiveness); Articles in Vista, God’s World Today, The Christian Communicator, Birds & Blooms, Country, and Country Extra magazines; Devotionals in The Upper Room, Daily Hope, Light from the Word, and Glimpses of God; Verses for Celebration Greetings; Poems for La Leche League International calendars. 

She is the author of the humorous devotional book, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top: Sweet, Funny Reminders of God’s Heart for You, a bestseller in the humor category on Amazon, published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in April, 2012. 

Jeanette’s bi-weekly humor/inspirational column, God is Bigger, has been a popular feature in the Paris Beacon News since 2001. She writes at least twice a week for her blog, On Wings of Mirth and Worth, www.jeanettelevellie.com, and regularly contributes to award-winning writer and editor James Watkins’ Hope and Humor website,http://www.jameswatkins.com/


As a former history/government teacher with an Associate’s degree in English, Jeanette enjoys speaking to church and civic groups, offering hope and humor in every message. She is a trained vocalist, has recorded two records with her family, and written several songs. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling, and finding ways to avoid housework. 

She and her husband Kevin relocated from Los Angeles to Paris, IL. in 1999 to pastor Nevins Christian Church. They are still trying to adjust to the frigid winters, but they love the warm country folks. Jeanette and Kevin are Mom and Dad to two adults, grandparents to three children, and servants to four cats.

Contact

Website: www.jeanettelevellie.com

Blog: http://jeanettelevellie.blogspot.com

Email: jeanette@jeanettelevellie.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1796624570

Twitter: @JenLevellie

Meet Speaker Lena Nelson Dooley

Lena will teach you how to move your writing to the next level. 

As a ministry leader, Lena moves you beyond spiritual roadblocks. 

Fees: $100 - $250 + travel expenses

Travel: Wherever the group is willing to pay for the expenses

Categories: Discouragement, Faith, Encouragement, Writing, Editing, Writing Characterization, Writing Emotion, Pacing, Description, Settings



Speaking Topics

• Comparisons Equal Discouragement

So often, we are hampered by what we perceive about other people's successes. Our comparisons to what others accomplish or obtain should not be the measuring rod by which we decide if we're making it. I offer steps to recognize if that is your problem and how to move beyond that to where God wants you to be.

• Understanding God's Heart

Without an understanding of God's heart, we can't recognize when we are in His will for our lives. I share scriptures to help us move beyond the ties that bind us in our present position

• Getting the Words Right

A teaching that helps participants learn the best way to edit their own written words for maximum impact.

• Layering Pizzazz

A method that helps authors take their writing deeper into their characters minds and emotions. A workshop that helps them learn the layers that are needed.

• Settings Beyond Talking Heads and Bare Stages

A workshop that helps authors learn how to weave the tapestry of their stories to include enough description to ground the reader without overloading the narrative and slowing the story down.

Recommendations
"Your workshop freed me to move my writing to the next level." (TX)

"You're an enthusiastic speaker, who kept my attention on your topic for the whole time.” (CO)

“Your insights helped me move past spiritual roadblocks. Thank you." (TX)


Bio
Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 700,000 books in print. 

Lena loves James, her children, grandchildren, and great grandson. She loves chocolate, cherries, chocolate-covered cherries, and spending time with friends. Travel is always on her horizon. Cruising, Galveston, the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, Mexico. One day it will be Hawaii and Australia, but probably not the same year. Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with eighteen signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins, and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books. 

Her 2010 release was Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, from Summerside Press which won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Lena is currently under a 3-book contract with Charisma House/Realms. The first book released in October 2011. Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. The second is Mary’s Blessing, which released in May 2012. Catherine’s Pursuit is coming in February 2013.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She is also one of the co-hosts of the Gate Beautiful blog radio show.

Lena has an active web presence on Shoutlife, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Linkedin and with her internationally connected blog where she interviews other authors and promotes their books. 

Contact
Website: www.lenanelsondooley.com
Email: safe-ldwrites@flash.net
Blog: http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lena.nelson.dooley 
Twitter: @lenandooley
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/lenandooley

Meet Speaker Davalynn Spencer

Author & Speaker who will bring laughter in your tears as she speaks from the heart!

Fees: $200-$800 + Travel

Travel: California, Colorado & Neighboring States

Categories: Women's Ministries, Faith, Encouragement, Fear, Peace, Virtuous Women



Speaking Topics

• Sometimes Life's a Rodeo!

Have you ever found yourself face down in the dirt wondering what hit you? With this popular women’s retreat theme, Davalynn shares her experiences as the wife of a rodeo clown/bullfighter and offers practical suggestions for spitting the dirt out of your mouth, dusting off, and facing your charging bull as you Rely On Devine Energy Only.

• Warrior Woman

Ever wonder what it means to be a “virtuous woman”? You’ll be surprised to learn that it’s not what you expected.

• Always Before Me

As master of the universe, isn’t God too busy to care about little ol’ you? Besides, how can He be out in front leading you and right at your side—all at the same time?

• F.R.E.T.

Davalynn shares her struggle with and victory over a fear-filled topic that strangles life and peace from today’s busy woman.

Recommendations
“Davalynn’s passion for God’s word and how to apply it to everyday life is refreshing and extremely challenging. She models what she has learned in life experiences and leaves her audience with the desire to know and experience God on a deeper level. Her authentic presentation, candor, and love for the Lord are evident as she speaks from her heart.”
Debbie Smee, Dir. Of Women’s Ministries, Porterville Church of the Nazarene

"Davalynn is a gifted communicator as well as a teacher. She has the unique ability of combining knowledge, preparation, and excellence in delivery to get her message across.”
Carol Mardock, Ex. Dir. International Family Services

“Davalynn’s devotions cut right to the heart and speak God’s truth into women’s lives. Be ready for some laughter in your tears.”
Linda Scholtz, Co-editor The Line Rider (Fellowship of Christian Cowboys) Pueblo, Colorado

Bio
Davalynn Spencer is an award-winning journalist and freelance writer whose work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, Power for Living, Quiet Hour, American Cowboy, and Western Horseman among others. A former middle school teacher, she currently teaches writing at a Colorado community college and holds a B.A. in education and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Her first romantic novella was released December 2012 and she continues to write romantic-suspense represented by Linda Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency. As an active member of her church worship team, she loves playing the piano—even more than eating chocolate or taking morning walks along the Arkansas River. She and her husband make their home in Colorado.

Contact
Website: www.davalynnspencer.com 
Email: davalynnspencer@hotmail.com 
Blog: http://davalynnspencer.blogspot.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/davalynn.spencer

Speaker Terry Burns

Author and Agent for Hartline Literary Agency, Terry often speaks on the craft of writing and the do's and don'ts in the publishing industry. 

Fees: Depends on topics and length

Travel: USA


Categories: Writing, Publishing, Faith


Speaking Topics

• Writing to Reach the Unbeliever 

Jesus used fiction to make some of his most important points. They were called parables. Terry talks about using fiction in order to spread God's word and about the difference between writing for the Christian market and writing in hopes of reaching an unbeliever. Too often people say they are writing a "crossover book" but I believe a crossover book is an accident. Books are written 180 degrees for the maximum effect in the two markets so the writer should choose one and hope he or she can make people from the other market read it as well. Too often a book intentionally written for both markets ends up in that no-man's-land with too much faith content for the mainstream market and not enough to interest the Christian market. Terry will talk about these differences and how to reach the desired audience.

• Just Say Yes 

Too often we don't understand that not saying yes to the Lord is the same as saying no. People who would never dream of saying no to God can do it through inactivity and failure to act. What can this concept mean to the Christian Writer? Presented as a keynote or 30 min to an hour.

• Editor and Agent Pet Peeves   

Are there things that can rub an editor or an agent the wrong way and effect the success of a submission? You bet there are, and Terry has collected a number of them in a program designed to help writers avoid some of the pitfalls they may not even see coming.

• Survive Your Way to Publication  

Publication is not a selection process but a survival process. Terry walks to author through the entire pitch and submission process, How to do a proposal and what each portion is and what it does. How to pass the various tests and make it into the 15% of submissions that are actually in the running. This workshop is presented in a Q & A format that goes along with his new book on the same subject.

• Agent Q & A  

The most popular sessions at most conferences are the agent and editor panels. If your conference or workshop is not planning an agent panel Terry does a Q and A session designed to answer to key questions like "do I need an agent?" "How do I get an agent?" He talks about how to work with an agent, and a variety of other questions about the publishing
industry.

Recommendations

"My highest compliments on the job you did in presenting this material. I found it practical, honest, insightful, and clear. You offer a lot of wisdom in what you've presented. I see this as excellent material for a person just starting out, and good or reassuring for someone who is farther down the writing path."

Max Elliott Anderson, Author

"This was a tremendously helpful course. I so appreciate your time and effort to respond to all our questions, even in the midst of recovering from an injury! Although I didn't participate much, I was inspired to get off my duff and put on my "I am a writer" hat by putting together a website and blog. It seems everyday I had a question answered I hadn't even thought to ask. Your explanation about why agents and editors want to see a synopsis changed my whole perspective on the dreaded thing! What a blessing you've been to us all, thank you so much!"

Niki Turner, Author

"I ended up mostly lurking but I learned so much. I learned that I can hide behind my VP on Stage personna and not be as afraid to pitch (I hope, lol!). I so appreciate all the time you took and for giving a thorough class with such  usable material. Thank you seems rather puny by comparison."

Pamela James, Author

Bio 
Terry has been with the Hartline agency for over ten years, five years as an agent, and has a substantial list of clients, a growing list of credits, and a reputation for presenting to conferences all over the country with workshops, speeches, keynotes and generally having individual appointments with authors in connection with the event. He is consistently listed near the top on the Publisher's Marketplace list of agents helping debut authors to publish. Terry comes from a writing background, has over 40 books of his own in print, is a graduate of West Texas State and did post graduate work at Southern Methodist University.  

Terry is a native Texan and is based at Hartline's Amarillo Texas field office. He is a member of the Association of Author's Representatives and a signatory to their rules and practices.


Contact
Website: www.terryburns.net
Blog: http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TerryWayneBurnsAuthor
Twitter: @Terry79104