Join the Celebration!    For over 27 years Florence Littauer has invested in the lives of others. She has shared the passion God has given her to train and equip men and women to take their message and share it with the world.    Little did she know when she held that first CLASSeminar with 33 women in February of 1981 what an impact she would make for the kingdom of God, an impact that would eventually reach out and touch your life as well. Now we invite you to invest in Florence's legacy.    On April 27th Florence will celebrate a milestone birthday. In honor of this momentous occasion we have established a scholarship fund in her name to be used to supply financial assistance to men and women who desire to attend the CLASSeminar and develop the skills they need to share their message with the world.    What better birthday gift for a woman who has invested of herself in so many of us than our investment to continue the legacy she began?    Please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this wonderful celebration honoring Florence.    You may send your birthday cards or letters of appreciation to Florence at our office. Most importantly your generous contribution to the scholarship fund will make a huge difference in many lives. Make checks payable to: Redlands Community Foundation Memo line: Littauer Scholarship Fund Mail your cards and letters and donation to: CLASServices, Inc. 2201 San Pedro Dr., NE Building 1, Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110 Thank you for participating in this momentous event. (Contributions are tax deductible.)

the grandmother's Bible The Grandmother's Bible (Zondervan) will help you give your grandchildren the priceless gifts of faith, wisdom, acceptance, encouragement and love only a grandmother can offer. Over 65 well-known Christian women including Florence Littauer, Ruth Graham, Elisa Morgan, Thelma Wells, Karen Kingsbury, Jan Silvious, Patsy Clairmont, Karen O'Connor, Gayle Roper, and Leslie Strobel, share guidance, inspiration, and practical tools to support you as you share your love and God's Word. Features designed with grandmothers in mind: 365 Daily Devotions draw you closer to your Lord and to your grandchildren Grandchild in Focus Prayers help you pray regularly for your grandchildren Praying The Scriptures Bible verses in a prayer format Photo Sleeve on the inside cover holds your grandchildren's 4" x 6" photos Stories to Share help you share biblical lessons with your grandchilren Perspectives address joys and challenges of being a grandmother Talking Points over 40 relevant topics discussing finding God, thankfulness, friendship, money, love and more Topical & Feature Index comprehensive index for greater understanding and spiritual guidance A beautiful edition, created with grandmothers in mind, The Grandmother's Bible is a delight to read (large font) and easy to navigate, making those special moments with your grandchildren more meaningful and life-changing. No matter how many Bibles you have already, this one is sure to become your favorite resource as you share God's Word and share God's love with your grandchildren. You can order copies at a special discount price from the CLASS office, call Ramona at 800-433.6633.

WRITER'S CORNER Multiply Marketing Efforts by Lisa Copen By collaborating with other authors and speakers, you can not only save time, but multiply your marketing efforts.   1. Start a group e-mail newsletter. An e-zine is one of the best ways to keep people coming back to your web site and building a relationship with you so they are eager for your next book, excited about your events and recommending your books. An e-zine can easily be done with authors who live anywhere in the country. The same idea can work for a blog and authors can contribute on a regular basis.   2. Network with authors locally who will do book signings and speaking engagements with you. For example, there are over 40,000 Red Hat Society chapters that the "Dixie Divas" can speak to collectively, creating a fun environment where women walk out with books from each author. The Dixie Divas say they have sold over a hundred books in an hour. They also get better local media attention when they speak as a team, since it's an event, not just a signing, which thereby increases attendance.   3. Cross-promote with an author you admire. Include blurbs in each other's e-zines, on one another's blogs, and even in your sale area where you can feature, "Readers of my books also liked (friend's book)." Would they have your book on their book table when they speak? Who sells a kit that should include your book? I have a "HopeKeepers Start Up Kit" for churches who start an illness ministry and it contains Lauren Littauer Briggs' book, The Art of Helping.   4. Ask authors you admire how you could help one another. and you may be surprised at what they offer. Authors and nonprofits can often reach your niche market and have sponsorships or advertising available for a much smaller financial investment then purchasing a cold mailing list. It never hurts to ask.   As you read marketing ideas, remember to ask yourself: What author do I know who could benefit from this idea? Would our efforts be stronger as a team? Lisa Copen is a CLASS Grad and founder of Rest Ministries which serves the chronically ill. For daily marketing tips, or to submit your own, please visit www.youcansellmorebooks.com.

Move into Radio by Linda Gilden    One of the ways to expand your speaking ministry and the scope of your influence is through radio interviews. Not just for the rich and famous, radio interviews are a great way for those of us with a message to get the word out.     Make a list of possible stations. Listen for programs that seem appropriate for your message. Search station websites to see which ones include talk shows. Some sites give instructions as to how to become guests. Others list producer's names.     Contact the station. Know what you want to talk about and present a specific proposal. Point out the value you will bring to their show and audience. Provide the producer with enough material to make sure you are a good fit.    Anitra Parmele, CLASS graduate and Morning Show Host of ReachFM, offers a few pointers: 1)    Be prepared. Time your answers to fit the        show parameters. 2)    Confirm details. 3)    Have alternate contact numbers in case of a        technology glitch. 4)    Listen to the show in advance so you know what        to expect. 5)    Repeat your name and expertise often during        the show. Listeners frequently tune in after initial        introductions are made. You don't want them        wondering who they are listening to! 6)    Be confident. Even if this is your first radio        experience, trust that God has brought you to this        moment and will equip you completely for it. 7)    Pray that you will be a blessing. 8)    Thank your host. A short note or email expressing        your appreciation is invaluable.     Go slowly. Don't try to book yourself on every talk show you can find in the first week. Do a few shows, request honest critiques. Ask the station for a copy of the show and critique yourself. Request copies of any feedback from listeners. Learn & do better next time.     Anitra says, "Don't forget that we listen to other stations for ideas. If you do a wonderful job, others stations will contact you for a booking on their show." Linda Gilden is a CLASS Grad and Faculty member and has authored many books, her most recent is with New Hope, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups.

CLASS Career Coaching with Marita Littauer and Golden Keyes Parsons So often CLASS graduates ask us "what's the next step?" Whether you've been out there speaking a while or just getting started, the logical next step is CLASS Career Coaching. CLASS Career Coaching will help you: Define Your Mission, Purpose and Vision Refine Your Presentation Skills Design Power Packed Promotional Materials Dates: June 22 - 24, 2008, Albuquerque, NM Our Price: $675 (+ $46.41 NM State Sales Tax) - Limited to 8 participants -

Advance your writing career at Publishing Connections 2008! Something special for you... ICRS - July 13 - 17, Orlando, FL! Welcome Reception Personal ICRS Badge Choose a 2-day intense workshop (July 14-15) Make publishing connections Learn about industry changes Host your own book signing at the CLASServices booth* Shop Christian retail vendors Meet authors, attend book signings, free concerts and movie previews Get Published Now!  Led by Linda Gilden In this fast-paced two-day workshop, personal mentors will work with you for two mornings, editing and rewriting your original piece of work. Completed articles will be compiled into an anthology published following ICRS. You will receive 20 copies of the book six weeks after the workshop. You can also purchase additional copies at a discount. This workshop is excellent for those seeking their first writing credit, those who would like individual and specialized help with an article, and speakers who want to have an additional title for their book tables.   Book Proposal Blitz  Led by Tama Westman 9 out of 10 nonfiction books are sold from a nonfiction book proposal What do you need to get your book proposal crafted, written and ultimately sold? This hands-on workshop will help you refine and polish all aspects of your book proposal in just 2 afternoons so that you can pitch your book idea with confidence to editors, knowing you have a polished proposal to present. Bring your laptop, your work-in-progress and let's get busy in a blitz to success! Dan Penwell will start this workshop off with a bang as he briefly shares tips and secrets from his popular talk, How To Make an Editor Sit Up and Beg.

Contact Ramona at 800-433-6633 to reserve your spot in one of these workshops now. *CLASS grads should contact the CLASS office to sign-up for an ICRS booksigning at the CLASS booth.

Getting to Know...    Susan Osborn    When Susan isn't writing, editing or teaching at writer's conferences, she enjoys traveling or camping at the beach with her husband of 15 years, Dick. Together they share four sons and a daughter, and 12 grandchildren, ages 2 - 24. With children and grandchildren living in London, Susan and Dick try to cross the pond at least once a year for hugs and kisses and to spend time reading to her grandbabies.         Her oldest granddaughter, Amber Rose expects to deliver a little rose in July, making Susan one of the soon-to-be hippest great-grandmothers on the planet.    She has helped aspiring writers improve their skills for more than 20 years through her company, The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service, as well as through her 20 years service with CLASS.    A fun-seeking, closet chocolate-lover, Susan shared that her favorite book this year has been 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Cecil Murphy. "It's bringing many people to the Lord," she said.    Her favorite Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11, and she has encouraged many throughout the years with it, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."    More than an editor, Susan is an encourager and a prayer warrior. She has come alongside many the hopeful writer and helped her to accomplish her dreams. With love on her lips and the Lord in her heart, we pray Susan will continue to be a vital CLASS faculty member for many years to come.

Word for Thought ... Do Compilations Count? by Tama Westman    Ducking into a corner shop, my daughter snagged a snack and turned to pay. "You speak English? You are American?" asked the store clerk. At her nod, he shot his hands straight up in the air and exclaimed, "It is a sure sign from heaven!"    "Can you tell me what means - apparently?" Somehow the man had come across a contraband copy of Chicken Soup, and while he had a loose grasp of the English language, not all the words translated easily into his native tongue. "You can help me, yes?" When my daughter looked down at the paperback he held she saw many words that he had underlined that needed explaining. Sighing, then smiling, Shana put her snack down.    Not an extrovert Christian, not a speaker, not anything other than a young twenty-something on holiday in Shanghai, when they parted 45 minutes later Shana said she felt as though she had helped to open a window in his heart.    China is the world's largest and most populous country in the world with over 1.3 billion people - - people prevented by law from studying the truth of God's Word or practicing Christianity. Yet a copy of Chicken Soup found its way into this man's hands, to impact his life, one story at a time.    What do you think? Do compilations count? Have you written for one lately? Check out the submission callouts section in this newsletter to learn of writing opportunities. Tama Westman is a CLASS Grad and faculty member, and editor of this newsletter.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Littauer Scholarship

Grandmother's Bible

Multiply Marketing

Move into Radio

Publishing Connections

Getting to Know You

Word for Thought

Calling CLASS Authors

News & Reviews

Submission Callouts

2008 CLASS SCHEDULE To register, please visit www.classervices.com or call 800.433.6633 Apr 14-16 Personality Training Henderson, NV May 5-7 CLASSeminar Austin, TX NEW! - Jun 22-24 CLASS Career Coaching Albuquerque, NM Jul 13-17 Publishing Connections ICRS Orlando, FL Aug 4-6 Faculty Training Henderson, NV Aug 18-20 CLASSeminar Livermore, CA   Sep 8-10 CLASSeminar Jamestown, NY Sep 19-21 Upper CLASS Lakeville, CT Sep 29-Oct 1 CLASSeminar Canton, GA   Oct 22-26 Glorieta Christian Writer's Conference Glorieta, NM Nov 10-12 Personality Training Nashville, TN Nov 17-19 CLASSeminar Indianapolis, IN * Alumni receive special discount when booking a re-boost seminar.

Limited openings available PERSONALITY TRAINING WORKSHOP April 14 - 16, 2008 Henderson, Nevada Learn from the pros! Florence Littauer Marita Littauer Georgia Shaffer Linda Jewell To register, call Ramona at 800-433-6633.

Calling CLASS Authors CLASS grads interested in having a booksigning at ICRS should send an e-mail to classrvcs@aol.com. Indicate ICRS Booksigning in the subject line. Please let us know what day (M, T, W, TH) you would like to schedule and preferance for an a.m. or p.m. timeslot. Authors are expected to stay one hour and be prepared to distribute a minimum of 100 books. We will finalize the schedule as we draw closer to the event. *************** If you are a CLASS graduate,  alumni or speaker, we want to aim the spotlight on your success in our newly designed ICRS booth! Help us to showcase a spectacular display of CLASS authors! Please send a copy of each of your published books (in excellent condition) to the CLASS office by June 15th. CLASServices, Inc. ATTN: ICRS BOOTH 2201 San Pedro Drive., NE Building 1, Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110  Make plans to attend ICRS. Find special hotel rates at the ICRS website.

Special CLASSales just in time for Mother's Day       grandmother's Bible Hard cover - $26 Leather edition - $36 Making the Blue Plate Special 50% off  -  Now $10 To order, contact Ramona or call 800.433.6633. Prices through May 5th.

CLASS ONLINE CURRICULUM Tuesday nights, 8 - 9 p.m., Central  www.classervices.com/chat.html   April  1 Pamela Christian   April  8 Sharon Norris Elliott  April 15 Surprise Guest from                Personality Training  April 22 Lessie Harvey  April 29 Topic:The Personalities For more info, or to teach, email Pamela Sonnenmoser.

News & Reviews It's Live!       It's Fabulous! Log on! CLASS Blog Florence to be keynote speaker at Texas State Prayer Breakfast, Austin, TX, April 30.  For more information,  visit www.ndpaustin.org.  Congratulations to CLASS Grad Lynda Young who co-wrote Hope for Familes of Children with Cancer (Kindred Press) Congratulations to CLASS Grad Ralph Harris on the recent release of Better Off Than You Think - God's Astounding Opinion of You (Evangel Publishing House)

SUBMISSION CALLOUTS: Chicken Soup for the Actively Retired Soul Deadline May 31 Info available online at www.chickensoup.com ********** Chicken Soup for the Soul - Baking with Kids Deadline Dec. 31 Info available online at www.chickensoup.com ********** Chicken Soup for the Soul - Celebrating Life's Most Embarassing Moments Deadline Dec. 31 Info available onine at www.chickensoup.com ********** Chicken Soup  for the Soul of Twins   Send submissions to  Susan Heim ********** Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families Deadline June 15 Tips/guidelines at  www.cupofcomfort.com   **********  Hugs Bible Study  For info and guidelines,  contact Mindy Ferguson.

We want to celebrate your success! Please share book releases, submission callouts, new markets, photos, pertinent articles and comments. Tama Westman, Editor.

If you are interested in bringing the CLASSeminar to your church or community, contact Karen Porter. CLASServices, Inc. 2201 San Pedro Dr., NE Building 1, Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110 800.433.6633 www.classervices.com