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The Christian Writer's Den Blog

Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den! If you're a writer, ever thought about writing, or just like to hang around writers, I hope you'll join us! I post every Tuesday, but you can visit and comment anytime. Here's the schedule:

1st Tuesday-Encouragement from the Bible with application to the writing life.
2nd Tuesday-Writing instruction and kudos for recently published readers.         3rd Tuesday-Writing instruction and list of writing opportunities.
4th Tuesday-Visiting author interview and book give away.
5th Tuesday-We'll have a guest blogger--and it could be YOU!

Please don't be shy. This blog is for you, whether you're just considering writing, have been writing for years, or just enjoy hanging around writers, so please leave a comment or question any time. It's my prayer that this blog will help each of us grow in God's calling on our lives.

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Interview and Book Give Away with Michelle Cox and John Perrodin

July 22, 2008

Whew! I'm back from the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando and am so ready to get back to work! But one of the highlights of the yearly convention is having the opportunity to connect with old friends and catch up on what God is doing in their lives.

Last week I had the joy to spending a little time with my friend and fellow author, Michelle Cox. I met Michelle years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where she frequently assisted author Yvonne Lehman while honing her own skills as a writer. Michelle is now a speaker, co-author (with John Perrodin) of Simple Little Words: What You Say Can Change a Life, and the author of Mothers Who Made a Difference. She writes frequently for various publications at Focus on the Family, has written greeting card text, and recently taped a small group DVD curriculum on parenting and marriage for Focus on the Family. She and her husband, Paul, live near Asheville, North Carolina.

Michelle's co-author, John Perrodin, is Senior Editor for the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild. He has written three YA novels with Jerry in the Renegade Spirit series. For 12-plus years, he worked at Focus on the Family and served as Special Assistant to Dr. James C. Dobson. He and his wife, Sue, live in Colorado Springs. I haven't had the joy of personally meeting John, but am honored that he and Michelle could join us today.

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Michelle and John. I see that you've compiled a collection of stories from a wide variety of authors and known names in the industry for this book. What gave you the inspiration for Simple Little Words?

Michelle: A special moment from my childhood was the inspiration for Simple Little Words. As a child from a dysfunctional home situation, I had no self-esteem and no self-confidence. On a class field trip one day, a classmate's mom said, "You have the most beautiful green eyes I've ever seen." To her they were ten simple little words, but to a child who needed to hear there was something of beauty about her, they were life changing.

Vonda: Wow, what a story! What themes exist in Simple Little Words that you hope the reader sees?

John: I hope the reader sees that our time on earth is short. We don't know how many more opportunities we'll have to look a loved one in the eye and say "I'm sorry." That's the beauty of Simple Little Words. We're not asking anyone to make fancy speeches or write eloquent tomes. All we're asking is that they take the time to speak life, hope, and love to those around them.

Vonda: So tell me--what made each of you start writing?

John: Reading. Ever since I could read, I've wanted to write. I love how books draw you in and take you to places you could never otherwise visit.

Michelle: I never intended to write-but God had other plans. I had compiled a cookbook to welcome my son's bride to the family and included letters and stories about the friends and family who contributed recipes. I gave a copy to my pastor's wife and a few weeks later, my pastor called and said, "You need to do something with your writing."

God kept nudging my heart in that direction until one day I prayed and said, "Okay Lord, if that's what you want me to do, I'll do it...but we might have one small problem. Have you happened to notice that I can't write?"

Then I heard that still small voice say, "That's okay. I can. You just be willing and I'll take care of the rest." And God has provided everything I've needed for this writing journey.

Vonda: That sounds wonderful, but we all know it's not quite that easy. Tell us how you handle rejections.

John: Best case scenario? I learn from them. I especially appreciate when a kind editor takes the time to offer a few pointers on what I've done wrong - and right. That involvement is rare, but wonderful.

Michelle: I pray over my proposals before I send them. "Lord, this is the best I can do at this point in my career. I give this to you now. Please open and close doors according to Your will." Then when the rejections come, I realize that a contract with that particular publishing house at that particular time wasn't God's will for me. Looking at rejections as God's stepping-stones to teach me or connect me with someone has made receiving those letters much easier.

Vonda: Hmm. That's an approach we all need to adopt! Well, I want to hear more about Simple Little Words.

John: Simple Little Words is a book full of heart-tugging stories. You don't have to be a great speaker or published author to encourage someone. You just have to look for opportunities to put someone else's feelings first and then follow through with simple little words of encouragement.

Michelle: You might wonder what bestselling author Karen Kingsbury, Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, a farmer's granddaughter, and Focus on the Family CEO Jim Daly have in common. All of their lives have been touched or changed because of something someone said to them.

Words are powerful tools that can wound and leave scars or they can encourage and inspire. That's the message of Simple Little Words. The book concludes with a poignant question: What simple little words do you need to say to someone who needs to hear them?

Vonda: Wow. What a great reminder of the importance of our words. Thanks for sharing the message. And now that you both have found your calling as writers, do you have any advice for other writers?

John: Read and write. Every day if possible. And if it's not, then spend a few minutes thinking about the next scene you'll be writing. Or reflect on one of your characters. Consider the different ways they might respond to an upcoming conflict - and then brainstorm a completely different approach for them to take.

Michelle: Be persistent. Sometimes the most successful writers aren't the ones with the most talent. Instead, they're the ones who are most persistent in working to achieve their ambitions-and God's ambitions-for their lives.

Meet your deadlines. That's a personal goal for me. So far, I've never been late for a deadline. This one trait will set you apart from the majority of writers. I can promise that most publishers and editors will love you for turning your work in early or on time.

Vonda: Great advice! Thank you both for taking time from your busy schedules to be with us.

Readers, you'll want to visit John and Michelle at www.simplelittlewords.com and view their cool book trailer at YouTube. And don't forget to leave a comment below for Michelle or John (or me) and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of Simple Little Words!

Remember--your words could change a life forever!

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Cruise Deadline Quickly Approaching!

Calling all cruisers! Please join me and lots of other Christian entertainers, authors, and speakers for a cruise to the Bahamas! But you must act now! The deadline to take part in the special Spring in the Son Cruise activities is August 27th and we want you with us! Family-friendly Christian comedians, music groups, authors, and speakers are looking forward to spending some time with you as we sail from Jacksonville, FL to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Fascination. Please note: only those booking through Hightower Cruises will be able to take part in these special activities.

If you register by July 27th, prices start at less than $599 (includes all taxes, port fees, fuel charges, and program fees). After July 27th, there will be a Carnival Cruise fuel charge of $42. Grab some friends and bring a group and you can save even more money!

So what are you waiting for? Register today!

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I want to thank you, dear friends, for visiting with me every week. I appreciate each of you and thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to hang out here at The Christian Writer's Den. Please invite your writing friends to join us. As you know, the writing life can be a long and lonely road. We can make it more enjoyable by sharing our lessons and experiences with each other. Together we can be better writers.

And now I leave you with these words of wisdom from King Solomon:

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to pick him up! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

July 22, 2008 | 6 Comments | View or add comments

Tap into the Senior Market

Well, I had good intentions. I had sincerely planned to post Birthing Your Baby Part 2, even though I knew I'd be at ICRS this week. But like so many of my good intentions, it just didn't happen.

But have no fear! I am pleased to be able to offer something even better! Please welcome guest blogger, freelance writer Susan Sundwall, as she shares her article on writing for the senior market. You won't want to miss these opportunities!

Thanks, Susan!

 

Tap Into the Seniors Market

By Susan Sundwall

Not too long ago a good friend and I giggled like teenagers as we contemplated what we were about to do; get our first "senior discount." It was only ten percent off at one of our favorite department stores, but there was a bit of devil-may-care in our giggles that said-so what? We were about to join the millions of other men and women of a certain age who had worked in earnest at a productive life and were now reaping a small benefit from a grateful merchant. Along with store discounts, cheaper insurance and early bird specials at some great restaurants, another benefit out there is the many publications that cater to the needs, desires, hobbies and overall changing lifestyles of the well-aged citizen. It's occurred to me more than once what a rich bounty this is for writers!

If you think you might have some ideas that will appeal to this age group and would like to write about them, there are some things to bear in mind. For instance: Seniors do - 

• Have sharp minds.
• Love to laugh.
• Enjoy sharing the highlights of their lives.
• Like to dress well, eat well and play hard (think travel articles).
• Have expendable income.

Gosh, seems like a great demographic to write for, doesn't it? Here are some markets for this group.

1. Eldr - A brand new magazine geared towards men and women over sixty. See website and guidelines at http://www.eldr.com/node/806
2. AARP the Magazine - Used to be Modern Maturity See full guidelines at http://www.aarpmagazine.org/Articles/a2003-02-21-mag-writers_guidelines.html
3. T/L Golf - The sport is certainly not for seniors only, but if you have a story to pitch that way, you'll reach hundreds.  See guidelines at http://www.travelandleisure.com/tlgolf/contact.cfm#submissionguidelines
4. More - Celebrating women over forty. Guidelines here: http://www.more.com/more/file.jsp?item=/help/writersGuidelines
5. Good Old Days - Write up some great memories for this one. Guidelines: http://www.goodolddaysonline.com/pages/magazineinfo.html

Seniors are just people. Sure, they've lived longer and done more than some, but writing for them only needs a bit of creative sensitivity while bearing a few other things in mind: Seniors don't -

• Have the energy and agility they had thirty years ago.
• Like what's happening to their bodies.
• Want to be left out of the technology loop.
• Listen to loud music or text message their friends
• Care as much as they used to about what others think.

Every person who lives for a half-century, and then some, comes to the realization that things change; sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Whereas a grandchild may be an utter delight, when it comes to horsey back rides on an old back-well-that's a whole other story. The idea of death may not hold the terror it once did, but trying to figure out all the features on a new cell phone can make a senior's blood pressure hit the ceiling. Writing about this side of senior life is important, too. Keeping it light and informative is what your editor will appreciate. Have a look at these markets.

1. Arthritis Today - Primary focus is baby boomers. See guidelines at http://ww2.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/writingforarthritistoday.asp#freelance
2. New Mobility Magazine - Another publication that will appreciate a senior slant. Guidelines available here: http://www.newmobility.com/magazine_writers_guidelines.cfm

My list of senior do's and don'ts, of course, does not apply to everyone. As with any age group you choose to address, there is wide diversity. By simply living I, and hundreds of other, have passed into the realm our society designates "senior' and it hardly bothers me at all. And I'm going to resist the temptation to put forth the old saw, "consider the alternative," which is-staying eighteen forever. Good grief, who would want to do that? Certainly not my friend and I. We're looking for discounts and great articles everywhere these days!

Thank you, Susan, for stopping by and sharing your leads with us!  

Susan is a freelance writer and children's Christian playwright. She writes from her home in upstate New York where she lives with her husband and Libby the wonder dog. She has recently completed her first novel, a cozy mystery.

See Susan on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Nine/dp/B000ZA7Z8U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215776467&sr=1-1

**********

And writers, I leave you with these words from God's Holy Word:

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b 

I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your heart.

Vonda

 

 

 

July 14, 2008 | 3 Comments | View or add comments

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