(Building Leaders, Authors, Speakers & Teachers)

Shannon hosts a one-year mentorship program called B.L.A.S.T. for aspiring writers and speakers, teaching you all she can about bringing your own ministry and publishing dreams to life! The spring group runs from March through February. The fall group runs from September through August.

If you’re interested in learning more about the program, click here to download an informational brochure and application packet. (Adobe Reader 9.0 required)

- BLAST FAQ's -

1) Is BLAST only for women?
NO! Men have also participated in the program as well.

2) Is there an online version?
The program IS DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR THE ONLINE STUDENT, so you can participate from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection.

3) Do I have to pay for the entire program up front, or can I make smaller payments along the way?
Once your application fee ($50) and your acceptance fee ($250) is paid, the remaining balance for the program can be charged monthly to your credit card throughout the year.

4) What if I don’t have a video of me speaking in front of an audience? How important is that?
Because I’m making a promise to all BLAST participants that the people they’ll be partnered with in their small groups have been heavily screened and deemed “cream of the crop-type of folks” to work with and be sharpened by, Shannon definitely needs to see some sort of speaking sample, even if it’s just you looking into your webcam and sharing from your heart with no audience. So while a speaking sample IS required, it’s NOT something you need to stress over. If fear is the only thing holding you back from this step of the process, GET OVER IT!

5) How many participants will be chosen for BLAST?
Ideally, I’d like to limit the group to 30-40 people so I can be available to each one on an as-needed basis.

6) How will BLAST help me in the writing and/or speaking process?
Shannon will be sharing some of her strategies for effectively crafting a personal testimony, and showing you how to develop manuscripts, book proposals, marketing summaries, press releases, etc. She’ll also share the editing secrets learned from her 10 years of working with some of the industry’s best professional editors.

7) If I’m already pretty established in my speaking and writing career, how will I benefit from the program?
BLAST isn’t just about “getting started,” it’s about “getting stronger!” The tips & tools you’ll learn about will help you reach far more people with the message that God’s laid on your heart, so participating in such a program is simply good stewardship of your time & talents.

8) If I’m just now trying to launch a speaking ministry or start my first manuscript, will all of this be over my head?
Absolutely not. The things you’ll be learning in BLAST will certainly help you start your speaking ministry off strong as you go along!

9) If my main goals are to improve my own ministry within a church setting, is BLAST too advanced for me?
Certainly not. The principles that apply to building an audience outside of the church will also apply to building a larger audience within the church.

10) What if I’m not able to keep up with all of the suggested reading & homework?
BLAST isn’t like a college course where you’re going to pass or fail based on how much you accomplish within the 12-month period. Some will be able to gallop with this information, others will trot, and that’s okay. God has us all going at different paces, and if some of the information is simply tucked into your back pocket for future use, it will still serve you well.

11) Will you offer the program again if I’m unable to participate this spring?
Yes, our hope is to offer BLAST every six months, starting each March and September. As the program builds momentum, however, the selection process could become more competitive, so the earlier you apply the greater the chances of being accepted.

BLAST Accomplishment Corner

CONGRATULATIONS to BLAST graduates Sheralyn Bucknell, Rebecca Pratt, and Lynn Ramey! They are officially "published authors" now! Woohoo! We're SO proud of you, Ladies!

Despite outward appearances, many of us face real struggles with our physical appearance, weight and self worth. In this frank and refreshing new book, Sheralyn Bucknell unveils the spiritual basis of such struggles. The Body Battle will empower you to make food and exercise your friend, not your enemy; find your real conflict and fight strategically to win the war; discover that your body battle is spiritual in origin and cannot be solved with physical solutions alone; eradicate 'good food/bad food' mentalities and 'good girl/bad girl' behaviours; celebrate your unique beauty and body, and love yourself

inside and out. This book releases the 2nd week of March and can be purchased from www.koorong.com or www.arkhousepress.com. Contact Sheralyn at sheralyn@tpg.com.au, thebodybattle Facebook page, or www.thebodybattle.com (coming soon)