From Florence... Thank you so much for remembering my 80th birthday!  It is a definite milestone and surely one to be celebrated!  We had a Friday evening party with neighbors, relatives and close friends at my home, a Saturday dinner party at the country club and a Sunday brunch at the Bellagio where I opened gifts and cards.  Even the waitresses wanted to see what I was receiving.  Everyone loves a party! With thanks to you all, Florence

Finding a photographer for your headshots By John Thurman How to find a photographer Increase your awareness of a good headshot. Look in the business section of your local newspaper, as well as business and professional magazines. Observe other people's materials. Google "speakers" and see what is going on in the publicity world. Check out photographer's websites or visit their studio. Ask around, see who others recommend. When you see a good headshot, find out who  the photographer is. Interviewing the photographer   "Do you do headshots?"   Any photographer worth his salt will answer yes, so find out more. Remember, a headshot, a.k.a. a talent shot, is intentional.   "How do you go about a headshot?"   Let them know exactly what you are looking for, what look or feel you want them to capture. Be clear , "I am a speaker who focuses on helping _______."   If you see a photo of someone you like, bring it. They will love the challenge of trying to make that style work for you. Copyrights   Just as each of your talks, articles and books are uniquely yours; the work of a photographer is theirs. Be sure they photographer understands how you will use the images.   For most of us, the use includes one sheet, websites, and other printed materials. Most will give you permission to use images for these purposes. Some speakers want universal rights, which is ok, but could double your expense.   Fees vary, but should include the sitting fee plus a certain number of images which usually includes limited modifications. What to wear   Wear dark solids. Avoid busy patterns and bright colors. When people look at your photo, you want them to go straight to your face, not your shirt, blouse, jewelry, or props. Headshots are taken in color, so wear either neutrals (black, gray, or white) or darker colors that will compliment your eyes. Avoid loud reds in a headshot. It will draw attention to your outfit and not you. If you must go with a red, make sure it is a muted one. Attitude   Headshots are advertising tools. You want people to immediately feel you are the speaker they are looking for. So come with a good attitude.  Practice smiling with your eyes, not your teeth. Two of the photographers I interviewed agreed, "People need to learn to smile with their eyes. Many times someone with perfect teeth has a hard time communicating warmth in a photograph. We can improve the teeth with Photoshop; we can't make their eyes smile." Hair & Make-up   You want your hairstyle to look the same as it does when you have a speaking engagement. For men, if you are going to get a haircut prior to your shoot, make it at least a week in advance so it won't look freshly cut. Consider hiring a makeup artist who knows photography. They understand skin tones and how to make you look great for the camera.   Look at your current headshot. Does it need to be updated? Do the research, communicate thoroughly with the photographer and I can assure you the outcome will be good. A Retired Army Reserve Chaplain and Professional Christian Counselor, John Thurman is a CLASS Grad, Speaker and Faculty Member.

WRITER'S CORNER Three-Step Writing Process by Susan Osborn   For over 20 years I have used and taught the "Three-Step Writing Process." It works for nonfiction books and novels as well as for articles, stories, devotionals, and children's material. For books I would break your writing into smaller pieces-chapters or sections of chapters once you have outlined the entire book.   Step One:  Before you begin to write, decide what your primary purpose is. The first step in the writing process is to state your Theme in one word. Then state it in one sentence. Each point must support the main theme. Do not deviate from your premise. This is the main problem with the majority of articles and books that are rejected.      Next, create a Preliminary Outline before you write one word. After your outline is complete, finish the first stage of writing your article or book chapter, which is to develop your idea into a full page. This is accomplished by using the analytical, or critical, side of your brain.   Step Two:  Wait a few days before you begin the second step of the writing process which is to write the First Rough Draft. As you begin, let the theme and supporting ideas form in your mind.       Now, write your story, article, book chapter, or section of a book chapter. Turn off the critical side of your brain and turn on the creative side. Let the words flow onto the paper. Don't get hung up in spelling, punctuation, or phraseology; just write whatever comes into your mind. Get everything down on paper you can think of regarding your subject. You may end up with much more material than you will use, but don't worry about that when you are writing this first draft.         Step Three: Before you pick up your manuscript, wait a few days for it to cool. Then you are ready to begin the third step of the writing process-Editing Your Own Work.  This is the most important step and where you will spend most of your time.   Read through your draft quickly for an overview. Make a mark in the margin where it doesn't flow smoothly. Make sure your outline and theme sentence support what you have written. Then do a line-by-line editing, checking grammar, punctuation, and word usage.   What makes a published writer is a willingness to go through this process step-by-step.   Always pray for God's guidance before you start writing. We must listen to God and submit to His will before we can start writing for Him effectively. Susan Osborn is a CLASS Grad and long-standing Faculty Member. She is the author of 29 books and is the owner of The Christian Communicator Manuscript Critique Service.

Time is running out... call now to register. Get In Get Out Get Published! CLASS offers a 2-day workshop: Get Published Now! July 14 - 15, Orlando, FL Work with a mentor to polish your story and leave a published author - your story included with others in a professionally published compilation book. Receive 20 copies of the book 6 weeks later. What a way to accomplish that elusive first clip,or to have a beautiful book to sell on your book table. Welcome reception and ICRS badge included. CLASS also offers Book Proposal Blitz a 2-day ICRS workshop Acquisitions Editor Dan Penwell shares "How to Make an Editor Sit Up and Beg." Learn the basics of book proposal writing, what editors are looking for and how to present your idea in the most effective way. Mentors help you develop a powerful proposal in just 2 days. Welcome reception and ICRS badge included.

Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career in just a few days. Contact Ramona at 800-433-6633 to reserve your spot in one of these workshops now.

Florence Littauer Scholarship Fund Raises $20K When we announced the establishment of a scholarship fund honoring Florence on her 80th birthday we never imagined the response it would bring. To date contributions and pledges have exceeded $20,000. Florence is overwhelmed by your love and generosity.   These funds will be used to help so many attend the CLASSeminar and then to ultimately make a difference in lives. (Application and guidelines on our website soon.)   If you have not donated and would like to do so, make your check payable to: Redlands Community Foundation. Mark it: Florence Littauer Scholarship Fund and mail to:  CLASServices, Inc., 2201 San Pedro Dr. NE, Building 1, Suite 225, Albuquerque, NM  87110.   Thank you for your generous support!

Getting to Know... Kay Rizzo   Teacher, author, humorist Kay Rizzo says, "Joy is a perfume you can't pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself."   A CLASS Grad and Faculty Member since 1992, Kay has authored  over 1000 articles and 57 books. That's right, 57 books! A biography I Will Die Free remained on the press' best seller list for 10 years. What an inspiration.   "Long ago, I discovered attitude is a choice I make every day. I can be thankful and praise God or I can blaspheme His name by griping and complaining. Regardless of my circumstances, it is always my choice." Kay and husband Richard basking in the sun.   At six-years-of-age Kay believed God wanted her to become a preacher. Her bubble burst two years later when a fellow student told her, "Girls can't be preachers." If she couldn't be a preacher, Kay decided she would become a missionary teacher. "After all," she reasoned, "teachers talk almost as much as preachers." Her life pathway would take her from classroom teaching to writing her first book which ultimately paved her way to the pulpit.   She dabbles in interior design and painting, loves Mrs. See's chocolates and makes a to-die-for eggplant parmagiana. Jarod, Kay and Alec blowing balloons.   Kay resides in California's San Joaquin Valley where she serves her local congregation as a praise team leader and women's ministry director.  The "apples of her eye" include Richard, her husband of 44 years, her two daughters, two sons-in law, and two grandsons. With a special heart for the hurting, Kay is a continual source of joy, grace, laughter and praise. Just being near her makes a person happy.

Are you ready for Upper CLASS? "Nothing surpasses the lessons I learned, the confidence I gained, and the confirmation I received by attending Upper CLASS. My few days at Upper CLASS brought me forever girlfriends-colleagues who share my speaker's heart. The personal time I spent with Florence and the wisdom she shared with me regarding my speaking style, content, and delivery will touch those I speak to for the rest of my life." - Janet Lynn Mitchell The next Upper CLASS will be held at the beautiful lakeside home of Bill and Virginia Littauer, originally built for and owned by William Buckley in the early 1930s, in Lakeville, CT, September 19 - 21. The cost of  $1350 includes meals, but not travel or lodging. "Upper CLASS was a life-changing opportunity for me! Valuable nuggets of knowledge were gleaned from the fabulous one-on-one session with Florence, as well as the small group sessions. If you haven't taken advantage of Upper CLASS, I recommend that you do so. Experience the knowledge nad joy that will be your lasting lifetime gift!" - Dr. Elise D. Schneider Upper CLASS has a new application process. Invitees must: be a CLASSeminar graduate have been speaking professionally for a minimum of two years complete the application process submit a demo CD for review submit a letter of recommendation from your CLASSeminar Small Group  Leader Once the application process has been completed and approved you will be notified or your acceptance to Upper CLASS. "If you have been asked to participate in Upper Class I hope that you will prayerfully consider this once in a life opportunity.  You will be blessed beyond measure by the wealth of encouragement, wise counsel and presentation strategies imparted to you.  It will enable you to refine your speaking to effectively impact your relationships and audiences with a professional, powerful and precise God-given message. Let Upper Class polish the gold placed within you!" - Doreen Hanna

IN THIS ISSUE:

A Special Thank You

Finding a Photographer

Writer's Corner

ICRS Workshops

Littauer Scholarship

Getting to Know...

Upper CLASS

ICRS Booth/Booksignings

News & Reviews

Submission Callouts

2008 CLASS SCHEDULE To register, please visit www.classervices.com or call 800.433.6633 Jun 22-24 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 Location TBD Nov 17-19 CLASSeminar Indianapolis, IN * Alumni receive special discount when booking a re-boost seminar.

Career Coaching with Marita Littauer Golden Keyes Parsons & Gerry Wakeland Whether you've been speaking awhile or just getting started, the logical next step is CLASS Career Coaching. Define Your Mission, Purpose and Vision Refine Your Presentation Skills Design Power Packed Promotional Materials      June 22 - 24, 2008      Albuquerque, NM SOLD OUT! Call office for dates of the next Career Coaching program 800-433-6633

ICRS Book Signings - A few spots left... 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. A few Monday and Wednesday spaces are available. Authors are expected to stay one hour and distribute a minimum of 100 books. *************** CLASS Authors We Want Your Books  We want to aim the spotlight of success on our CLASS Grads, Alumni and Speakers in our newly designed ICRS booth!  Please send a copy of each of your 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  Plan to attend ICRS. Find special hotel rates at the ICRS website.

Bookstore Specials A favorite month for weddings, June brings you these CLASS favorites, they make wonderful wedding gifts:                 Tailor-Made Marriage, Praying Wives Club, Love Extravagantly, by Marita Littauer All 3 for $25 Personality Plus for Couples, by Florence Littauer Just  $7 To order, contact Ramona or call 800.433.6633. Prices through June 30th.

I do not object to people looking at their watches when I am speaking. But I strongly object when they start shaking them to make certain they are still going. - Lord Birkett

News & Reviews Do you find the articles here helpful? You'll find even more every week when you log onto the CLASS Blog ********** Florence Littauer will be the featured speaker at the Golden Scrolls Awards and Banquet, Sunday, July 13, during the ICRS convention, Orlando. The event honors the Publisher, Editor and Fiction Editor of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. All CLASS graduates and friends are invited and encouraged to attend the event and hear Florence. July 13, 1-3 p.m. Dessert Reception The Rosen Centre (adjacent to Convention Center) Register now Also, this year there is a special Hollywood Symposium that will feature screenwriters and other experts on writing for movie/TV. Click the above link to register and purchase tickets. Awards Banquet $45 Hollywood Symposium $25 ********** Congratulations to CLASS Grad Rosemary Flaaten. Her book, A Woman and Her Relationships is a finalist for The Word Guild Award, Canada's top Chrisitan literary award. Winners will be announced June 11 in Toronto. ********** "I highly recommend anyone involved with the publishing industry to read and digest the book Print is Dead." It is one of the top couple of books I have read about publishing and I can unequivocally state that it is an invaluable guide to the uncharted territory that lies ahead for writers, editors and other wordsmiths involved with the creation of content." Sean Fowlds You can read more of Sean's comments on this book at www.lightpost.blogspot.com

SUBMISSION CALLOUTS: Chicken Soup - Baking with Kids Deadline Dec. 31 Info available online at www.chickensoup.com ********** Chicken Soup - Celebrating Life's Most Embarassing Moments Deadline Dec. 31 Info available onine at www.chickensoup.com ********** Chicken Soup - Twins   Send submissions to  Susan Heim ********** Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families Deadline June 15 Tips/guidelines at  www.cupofcomfort.com

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/community, contact Karen Porter. CLASServices, Inc. 2201 San Pedro Dr., NE Building 1, Suite 225 Albuquerque, NM 87110 800.433.6633 www.classervices.com