Media

Dena has been featured numerous times on radio and television, and always enjoys being a media guest.

Listen to an interview with Dena by Jill and Diane at Christian Work at Home Moms.

Download a podcast where Dena speaks about parenting with chronic illness for National Invisible Illness Week.

Hear Dena interviewed by national radio host Steve Boneburger about the importance of gratitude in family life.

Speaking

Dena’s speaking style has been called “engaging”, “genuine”, “delightful”, and “challenging”. She has spoken to a wide variety of both large and small groups. Dena's audiences have included MOPS, Aglow, Women's Connection, Lions' Club, schools and many other organizations. She’s also taught writing for community education classes, local groups, and conferences such as Glorieta Christian Writing Conference, Writing Down the Brazos, and Art and Soul at Baylor University.

Dena loves to share her heart with audiences of all sizes and denominations. She'd love to talk to you about how she can best serve the needs of your group. If you don't see a topic you like, she can customize one for you. And she's willing to add music and/or drama to her presentations, as well. Contact her at denadyer [at] austin [dot] rr [dot] com for more info, including her speaking fees and travel requirements.

Topics For Women:

Moms of the Bible

Rachel, Hannah and Sarah struggled with infertility. Eunice was a single mom. Eve lost a child, and Naomi lost a spouse. Jochebed gave up her child, and Pharoah’s daughter adopted him. Hagar felt rejected, Leah felt unloved, and Job felt abandoned by God. Dena will share the stories of these and other biblical moms, pointing moms to the God who longs to meet us in the midst of our circumstances, just as He did for moms in the Bible.

The Grooviness of Girlfriends (CD available)

Why are friendships so important? Discover the reason we need friends and gain encouragement about making time for relationships--especially with Jesus (who wants to be our Best Friend!)--in this upbeat and poignant speech.Listen to excerpt.

Finding Peace in a Chaotic World

Though we may not like it, God often uses crazy (and even tragic) times to teach us more about Him. In this program, Dena touches on five scriptural keys to living a life characterized by God's peace--even in the most difficult circumstances.

When You Don't Feel Groovy: Dealing with Depression (CD available)

How do we find hidden gifts in the hard times? Dena shares a testimony of hope, which is full of humor and scriptural examples of biblical characters who struggled with depression. Dena also gives women ideas on how to spot and recover from depression. Included is a resource list of books, scriptures and other tools to aid in dealing with the disease.

A Garden of Gratitude (CD available)

In the midst of a crazy world, how do we resist cynicism and despair? One way is by becoming—and remaining—grateful. In this garden-themed presentation, Dena shares tips on planting, watering, pruning and reaping a thankful heart. She also gives examples of specific ways parents and grandparents can raise grateful kids.Listen to excerpt.

Only Cats Have Nine Lives: Purr-fect Peace for Busy Women (CD available)

Many women feel stressed out, burned out and worn out. Dena uses humorous anecdotes, personal examples and scripture passages to point listeners towards a life of peace and contentment.

Why Can’t Shopping Be my Spiritual Gift?

Find those bargains that you love to brag about! In this fun speech, Dena gives tips on where to shop, when to shop, and how to use wise shopping as a ministry tool (really!).

Workshops for writers:

Writing Personal Essays for Fun and Profit (CD available)

Writing personal essays is a great way to hone the craft and gain writing credits. In this class, participants will discover ways to gain an editor’s interest by making their submission stand out from the crowd. They’ll also receive a comprehensive list of anthologies, magazines and websites that publish essays.

The 15-Minute Writer (CD available)

In this speech, Dena shares tips on finding the raw material for fillers and anecdotes, which are quick to write and simple to sell. Participants will learn how to spot the multiple markets for short pieces, as well as how to craft, revise and submit them.

"The Organized Writer" (CD available)

This session gives writers practical tips on how to organize their files, research, thoughts and time. Using "Personality Training" principles, Dena shows aspiring and established writers how to tap into their strengths to create a profitable, enjoyable (and maintainable!) working environment.