• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

OCCWC: or what I did this weekend

by Chautona Havig ·

WHEW!

Well, I’m semi-coherent, so I thought I’d update you on the OCCWC (the conference I was at this weekend). It started early (well, for me) Thursday morning.  Had to get up at 7.  I survived.  This is a testament to the Lord’s goodness, and I am not being facetious. My friend, April, and I got on the road by 9 o’clock and down to Garden Grove by noon.  With three crock-pots in “hand,” we began the daunting task of trimming, cutting, and sorting 20 lbs. of chicken chests. The vice-president of our ACFW chapter was holding the faculty reception at her home, so we used those three crock-pots, plus one of hers, and started crock-pot chicken marsala.  Note: I adapted that recipe to include about 4x more garlic per pot than the recipe calls for, and I highly recommend adding about 2TBS onion powder. Oh! and fresh, sliced mushrooms instead of canned/jarred. Just sayin’.

Then April and I dashed off for lunch (Chipotle!) and a trip to the Daiso store where I bought cool stuff for my launch team. After check-in at the hotel and a nap, we changed clothes and rushed over to the house to finish the marsala.  Note:  I took the juice out of the pan, added a tiny bit of water to the corn starch, stirred it in, and then balanced it with a bit more cold water if it got too thick.  Monday’s trial run failed to thicken in the crock-pot as the recipe claimed it would.  By the time it was done, the OCCWC had officially kicked off.  The house was full of industry professionals, ACFWOC members, and well, they were all hungry.  The rest of the ACFWOC chapter provided salad, cookies, drinks, broccoli–let’s just say we had a yummy meal, shall we?

April woke me at 7:00 on Friday.  We had been expected to be at the conference BY 7, but alas and alack!  NOPE!  EIGHT!  I cheered.  After a few hiccoughs (not enough half and half for coffee or ice to chill the sodas and water bottles), the day began. People keep asking me what I learned, so I need to clarify something. I went to help. It was my main purpose in being there. Once I saw the volunteer list and how many places people were volunteering while still trying to take classes and make appointments, I decided not to try to “network” deliberately or take a class. I just was there to make sure people had food to eat and things to drink when they needed one or the other of those things.

Orange County Christian Writers' Conference OCCWC
Just before things got going… #OCCWC 2016

Kathy Ide (the director of OCCWC) did a PHENOMENAL job of organizing this thing. Seriously, the woman is amazing. She set up the program as a split between “mentoring tracks” (closer to a personalized teaching and working workshop rather than a series of lectures you bounce between) and a resource room full of industry professionals there to help you. GENIUS. I was in the resource room all day both days, so I got to watch how this went.  I saw people nervously sit down, try to begin, and move from nail-biting nervous to energized and excited as these encouraging professionals helped people take their dreams and find ways to make them realities.  They encouraged, gave gentle, critical advice, and sent the attendees out energized and ready to “do this thing!”  Seriously, if all conferences were like OCCWC, I’d go every year just to watch.  It was beautiful.

Antonio (the other head guru of OCCWC this year–can’t remember his title) was wonderful as well. Every time I said, “I need ice” or “we didn’t have enough tomatoes” he was on his way to get me what I needed. Always with a smile, no matter how much I know he probably wanted to bean me over the head.  He even grinned at me when I missed a pan of spaghetti noodles and people had to wait for them!  He didn’t bite my head off when I served the hummus crackers as “croutons” for the gluten-free folks.  OOPS!

All day, if you had any prayer needs, someone was in the back, ready to pray for you behind a private wall.  Just knowing people were back there praying for each other and the attendees, faculty, and volunteers at the OCCWC is what made this such a beautiful conference.  I’ve never seen anything quite like it and won’t forget it soon.

As for me?  I made friends.  We had a lovely young student from Azusa Pacific who was ready to jump in with a smile and ready to help at the blink of an eye.  I had to make the girl get off to her class before she missed too much. And when April and I wanted to duck out a bit early, she was ready to break down the coffee bar for us so we could go.  So sweet.  Loved talking with her.

I got to know author Cathleen Armstrong better as well. She’s a member of the ACFWOC group that I am a part of, and I had her as my “Secret Cupid” this year. I didn’t know her, so trying to be fun wasn’t easy but I think it worked out all right. Getting to know her better this weekend told me I didn’t totally botch it.  That woman spent hours working with us. And as she did, I got to learn about her books.  Can’t wait to read the first one which is FREE on Kindle.  Welcome to Second Chance.

Additionally, I met Carla–last name escapes me–who is passionate about history and has written curriculum.  I can’t wait to find out what novel is lurking in all that knowledge.  Can you imagine?  EEEP!

Susan Beatty, a hero of mine for decades (she’s been the head of CHEA for as long as I can remember), and I chatted about a book idea which, much to our mutual dismay, will necessitate a trip to England.  Mourn with us. Susan is ALSO a huge part of why this conference was such a success.  Just sayin’.

Lori Freeman has stories in several of Kathy Ide’s “21 Days” books, and we chatted for a while.  This woman is seriously funny.  She was open, welcoming, and really encouraged April on her book.  Of course, now I”m pulling out those books to check out what she’s writing.

Kathi Macias was there as well, and sent home a big surprise for my Challice.  I can’t wait to tell her.  (Challice, that is). I bought People of the Book for myself because I wanted it last time I  met her, but they were all gone.  🙁  Watch for my review!

Do you see how amazing the OCCWC WAS?  I mean, c’mon.  I talked to a young woman, Larae, who just got out of an abusive marriage and is eager to write an encouraging nonfiction book about OVERCOMING in Jesus.  Now THAT is something that makes me want to shout!  Not just, “coping” but OVERCOMING!  WOOT!

I’m forgetting people.  It’s all just a jumble in my head.  I talked to so many people, RAN more than I’ve run in the last six months combined, carried so many heavy things that my arm muscles are seriously perturbed with me for typing, and my feet look like I’m nine-and-a-half-months pregnant in July.

But you know what?  I did it.  I went to my first conference.  I talked to a TON of strangers.  Sure.  I made a fool of myself with my mouth running non-stop.  I do that.  But that’s okay.  It’s who I am.  April is still speaking to me after being stuck with me for three very long days, so I consider it a success.  I went into this conference determined to tell Kathy, “I’ll do anything you want me to do next year, but I don’t want to have anything to do with meals.”  Now?  Now I WANT that job.  I know what we need.  I know what’ll work.  What didn’t.  How we can improve and make it the best thing ever.

So, as soon as my feet quit squishing when I walk, I’m off to learn how to make gluten-free, dairy-free, out of this world custard or something like that for the 2017 OCCWC conference.  Of course, then I have to talk a caterer ito making it.  Baby steps. Baby steps. We’re going to ROCK THIS!

Share69
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
70Shares

Related

Filed Under: General Information

Previous Post: « Book Review & Interview: 21 Days Devotionals
Next Post: Controversy & Writing the Hard Stuff »

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Because Fiction: A Chat with Split-Time Author, Melanie Dobson
byChautona Havig

I chatted with Melanie Dobson a few weeks ago, and boy was it a wonderful time of talking about my favorite books of hers and her latest release, The Wings of Poppy Pendleton. Listen in to the heartwrenching story that sparked the idea for the book and the delicious (and fascinating) research she did to write it!

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

How a Family Mystery Sparked the Idea for a Beautiful Story

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton takes place during the dichotomous Gilded Age among New York’s famous Thousand Islands.  Combining a family mystery with that era, Melanie Dobson creates a wonderful story that echoes the tumultuous time at the turn of the 20th century.

We chatted about the research involved–both for Melanie’s family mystery of a missing child who was in a photo but no one knew who she was and for the era and area as well.  I loved hearing how her mother got involved in trying to discover what happened to… was it Marjorie?  I think.  And, of course, how that helped shape the story of this book.

The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson

In this compelling new time-slip mystery, a little girl goes missing from her family’s castle in the Thousand Islands of New York. Eighty-five years later, a journalist teams up with a woman living on Koster Isle to find out what happened to Poppy, once and for all.

1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York’s gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.

1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy’s castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe’s doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe’s store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she’d thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma’s life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.

You can learn more about Melanie Dobson on her WEBSITE.  Also follow her on GoodReads and BookBub.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Because Fiction: A Chat with Split-Time Author, Melanie Dobson
Because Fiction: A Chat with Split-Time Author, Melanie Dobson
November 25, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 281: A Chat with Angela Hunt
November 23, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 280: A Chat with Debut Author, Johanna Rojas Vann
November 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Because Fiction 279: A Chat with Amish Author, Leslie Gould
November 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 278: A Chat with WWII Author, Amanda Barratt
November 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 277: A Chat with M. D. House about Sophia
November 11, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 276: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright about Her New Release
November 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 275: A Chat about Knowing You by Tracie Peterson
November 3, 2023
Chautona Havig
Because Fiction 274: A Chat with Sara Beth Williams about No Matter How Far
October 31, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 273: A Chat with Debut Author Holly Varni
October 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

  • Why This Author Sold Me on a Whole Series in One Fun Interview (October 28, 2023)
  • Why an Almost Love At First Sight Mystery Actually Works! (November 28, 2023)

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • How a Family Mystery Sparked the Idea for a Beautiful Story
  • How Angela Hunt Keeps Delivering Great Books to Her Fans
  • How One Fascinating Book Could Change Your Perception of Colombia

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
I should be editing the podcast or writing, but i I should be editing the podcast or writing,  but it's been a long day,  and I haven't read all week. So, quick reading break with some Hungarian coffee cake and a cup of tea. Oh, and On Moonberry Lake by @hollyvarni 
#AmReading 
#LyonsGold
Or just love a suspenseful novel? Reposted from @ Or just love a suspenseful novel?

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks Now that the weather has turned chilly, are you pining for the summer sun? ☀️🌴 Well, you're in luck because it's not too late to get your copy of Come What May, volume 3 of our Summer Heat series, and escape to summer in collection of FOUR novels! Head over to my link in bio to find your copy before it's gone.

 #weekendreading #weekendreads #summerheat #SummerReading2023 #summerreading #summerheatseries #avidreadersofchristianfiction #deals #bookseries #weekendread #bookshelf #2023reads #tbr #readmorebooks #bookstack #faithwriter #ChristianFiction #authorlisaphillips #ebooks #readerlove #christianromanticsuspense #romanticsuspenseseries #comewhatmay
Oh... how I need to learn this lesson! Sigh. Comin Oh... how I need to learn this lesson! Sigh.
Coming December 6! Preorder coming VERY soon! EEEP!
#Bookstrings
#ClockTowerBound
#BerneIndiana
#BookishBooks
#ChristFic
#AmWriting
How did I manage to wait this long to start this? How did I manage to wait this long to start this? I'm ready to move to Moonberry Lake.
@hollyvarni 
#AmReading 
#ChristFic
Tonight's reads. What's on your TBR tonight? #AmR Tonight's reads.  What's on your TBR tonight?
#AmReading 
@nadinebrandes 
#ChristFic 
#Eschatology
Day 4: Vacation Read I LOVE collections for vacati Day 4: Vacation Read
I LOVE collections for vacation reads. They're usually a bit shorter (these aren't novellas but they are shorter novels) and there are usually several options to choose from. 
I love the Summer Heat Series, and not just because I've got a book in there!
#BookishChallenge
Day 3: Colorful Colors Well, I made myself choose Day 3: Colorful Colors
Well, I made myself choose books that are in the shed-i-ffice instead of going and looking at what I had throughout the house. These were some that were bright and vivid. I've only read parts of two of them (plan to finish The Major and the Missionary tomorrow and Fawkes I'll start reading on the 5th for obvious reasons). #BookishChallenge
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!