Latest Blog Posts for May 2012

Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities for YOU!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 17, 2012

Here are May’s writing opportunities, selected just for you. Check them out and then get to work. And don’t forget to let us celebrate with you when it leads to something good!

 

General:

1.  OakTara is looking for short stories—real-life love stories—for our upcoming anthology, to be published in fall 2012. If your story is chosen, you’ll receive either a cash award or a royalty percentage of net retail sales, plus complimentary copies of the book. And you’ll be a published author, with a credit to add to your growing publishing résumé! For more information, visit http://oaktara.com/tellusabout The deadline for submissions is June 15th, 2012. Send all questions and submissions to tellusabout@oaktara.com.

2.  New Leaf Publishing Group has been a non-denominational Christian publishing company for over 35 years. New Leaf Submission Guidelines here.

3.  Creation Illustrated is the “leading Bible-based nature journal” and is looking for writers and photographers. Creation Illustrated Submission Guidelines here.

4.  Eldridge Plays and Musicals is always looking for new Christian plays and musicals to help spread the Word through drama. Click in  the upper left for Eldridge Plays and Musicals submission guidelines.

5. Bead&Button Magazine is a bimonthly magazine devoted to techniques, projects, and designs of beaded jewelry and accessories. Bead&Button Submission Guidelines here.

Children:

6.  Guide Magazine: Guide is a Christian story magazine for young people ages 10-14. The 32-page, four-color publication is published weekly by the Review and Herald Publishing Association. Our mission is to show readers, through stories that illustrate Bible truth, how to walk with God now and forever. Guide Magazine Writer’s Guidelines here.

7.  The Kids’ Ark is always looking for great stories for kids. The Kids’ Ark is a quarterly children’s Christian magazine full of the truth about God’s love. There are many questions kids have growing up: Who am I? Am I loved? Am I worthy? Am I valuable? Think of all the pain that could be avoided in a lifetime if a child knew the answers to these questions at an early age. The Kids’ Ark Writer’s Guidelines here.

8.  Highlights for Children is a general-interest, advertising-free magazine for children up to age twelve. It was founded in 1946 by Dr. Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers, and is still owned and run by their family. The magazine has no religious or organizational affiliation. Highlights has a circulation of about two million and is published monthly. Highlights Writer’s Guidelines here.

9.  Lerner Publishing Group works with many talented authors and illustrators to create its books for children and young adults. Lerner Books Submission Guidelines here.

10. CBH Ministries Keys for Kids teaches children about God’s love and His Word. Keys for Kids Writer’s Guidelines here.

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Don’t forget to MoGo…You could win $100 this year AND write a book!

That’s right–someone is going to win $100 at the end of this year, and it could be you! All you have to do is write at least 7000 new words on a book project and you’ll have an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing. For each month that you reach that goal, you’ll have another entry!

Cindy Patterson was last year’s winner. Who’ll be the 2012 winner? Visit the MoGo7000 Challenge page for details. It’s free!

Well, that does it for this week’s writer’s headlines. Hope you find just what you’re looking for!

Write on!

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Conference Etiquette

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By Vonda Skelton | May 15, 2012

Al Gansky and me BRMCWC 2010

I’m in the midst of final preparations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that begins this coming Sunday, May 20 and runs through Thursday, May 24. As always, I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing conference. Have you registered yet? It’s not too late!

And since conference season is up and running, I thought it’d be a good time to repost my Conference Etiquette reminders. I hope it’ll help you make a better first impression than I did! Like many of my blog entries, this one is written and shared with you because I wish someone had taught these concepts to me when I was starting out!

I’ll get right to the point about Conference Etiquette: I didn’t have it and didn’t even have enough sense to know I didn’t!

Here are my suggestions on how to be a gracious receiver of a faculty member’s time and input:

1.    Seriously pray about and consider who you should meet in faculty appointments. Don’t just take an appointment because there’s an opening. I did that the first year. Signed up to talk to just about everybody–even if I had no intention of ever writing what they’d be interested in! Wasted my time and theirs.

2.    Be on time for your faculty appointments and be considerate when the faculty member says the time is up. I think most instructors are like me and try to stay on schedule in fairness to all those with appointments.

The Black and White Ladies BRMCWC 2010

3.    Listen more than you talk. Like many others, I tend to talk too much when I’m nervous. And before I learned this lesson, the less I knew, the more I talked! The best use of your time is to make a short introduction, tell a little about your experience, ask a sensible question, and then listen. Don’t plan your next question while the person is answering the one you just asked. Really listen. Take notes if necessary. Follow up with other questions as time allows.

4.    If you’re getting a critique, don’t defend every point the critiquer makes. If you do, you’re wasting valuable time you could be using to learn. Of course, you may have questions you need answered for clarification, but don’t argue or rationalize every point. Sincere questions are one thing, continually being on the defensive is another.

5.    Realize that instructors will most likely be unable to take your manuscript home from the conference. Remember, you’re one person. Multiply that by 300-400 students. If they’re interested in what you have, they’ll give you instructions for sending it to them.

6.    Faculty members love to eat with students, answering questions and giving encouragement. But don’t hog the conversation at meals. Occasionally there are those who dominate the conversation, treating the opportunity as one-on-one time.  Not good.

7.    One more thing about meals with faculty: It’s really nice when they can get in a bite or two of food.

8.    Be considerate: Don’t shove your manuscript in their faces in the restrooms. Don’t interrupt a conversation or break in line to speak to someone.  Don’t bad mouth one instructor to another.

9.     Don’t tell a faculty member that God gave you that book or article or story or song and it can’t be changed. The Bible has already been written. Your words may be inspired by God, but they’re not the words of God. I can almost promise you that it won’t be published as it is.

10.    Don’t insinuate that the publisher/editor/agent will be out of God’s will if he or she doesn’t publish or promote your work. The statement, “God told me to that you are to work with me” is often answered with, “Well, when He tells me, I will.”

Brittney Breakey and me at BRMCWC 2010

11.    And a common courtesy that’s often missing in our culture today: thank you notes. Handwritten ones are especially nice, but email ones are certainly acceptable. I cringe every time I think of all those kind people who invested in me…and yet, I never even wrote a thank you note. Sadly, that wasn’t something that I was taught as a child, and I didn’t even take such notes seriously until someone mentioned it regarding conferences. Now I try to write notes to everyone who does a kindness to me. Sometimes I forget, but it is something I want to do. They’ve invested time in me, the least I can do is invest time in writing a note.

If you’d like additional information about talking with faculty members or the benefit of attending conferences and taking classes, please check out this blog from the past: Put on Your Grown-Up Britches and Get to Work!

So there you have it–suggestions on how to present yourself as a professional writer, as well as a kind, considerate person.  :-)

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 11, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Perhaps you’ve noticed there’s been a lot of recent conversation here at the Christian Writer’s Den about stress, weariness, disappointment, hurt, and other symptoms of living on this earth. You’ve seen quite a few comments on the blog, but there have been many, many more that were sent to me personally, ones that were too tender to post out loud.

For those who’ve shared your hardship with me, please know I continue to pray for you. But even for those who are just going through the daily struggles of life, the pressure can be wearying.

Regardless of what we’re going through, we’re often afraid to admit our frustrations and fears. After all, we know we have Jesus and His strength in our corners, ready and quite able to take our burdens. If only we’d admit our struggle. But we’re supposed to be strong. How can we admit such weakness to our brothers and sisters?

David, the man after God’s own heart, had similar hardships and fears. The difference is, he admitted them…in writing…for all to see. Like many of us, David was a writer, singer, and poet and his words written over 2,000 years ago speak clearly to me today. Do they speak to you?

In Psalm 3, David cried out to God while he was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him. But even though he was facing possible death, he knew where his strength came from…

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

What a beautiful picture. The Lord Himself as a shield, surrounding David with His protection. I can see myself in that picture too, can you? If I close my eyes I can imagine Jesus sitting next to me as I rest against Him, my head gently cradled in His arms. I’m weary and tired and hurt…but He holds me with love.

Wow.

He is my shield.

He is my glory.

He is the lifter of my head.

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Writer’s Headlines: Kudos for Christian Writer’s Den Followers & MoGo7000 Results

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By Vonda Skelton | May 10, 2012

Well, it’s the second Thursday of the month and that means it’s time to see what Christian Writer’s Den followers have been up to the past few months…and you’ve certainly been busy!

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Kudos to These Working Writers!

1.  Cyn Rogalski (PA): I had a DevoKids devotion, “Wrinkly Words,” published on May 4th, 2012. I also had a piece, Adjusting Our Vision, published in the CLASS Communique, and a 738 word article published in thedollarstretcher.com back in January, in print and online. I am also assistant editor at New and True Friends E-zine and will also be a contributing writer there soon as well.

2.  Kimberly Long (TX): I went away to a cabin in the Texas Hill Country the month of April and finished my first book called, “FINANCIAL FAITH: THE PATH FROM POVERTY TO POWER.” I have entered it into the BRMCWC along with my blog (above web address). I hope to have it published in a month or so. Another blessing is that I have been asked to publish a monthly article in our local magazine: LIVING. My department is fashion and decor, but the editor is a Christian man and allows us to incorporate scripture into our articles. You can read the LIVING April issue here. I have been blogging for 3 years and am amazed that I have received over 700 comments. People from countries like Japan, Dubai, Italy, Finland, Australia, Europe, and Ghana to name a few. I don’t know why they would read my blogs, but I’m thankful for the platform. My desire is to build people’s confidence and offer hope for successful living from God’s word!

3.  Marilyn Turk (FL): Signed with Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency. Have a ghost-written story coming in September Guideposts.

4.  Lisa Lickel (WI): Rejoices in her fifth novel release, The Map Quilt, May 4. Celebrates a new contract with Whimsical Publications for another cozy mystery.

5. Raquel Haggard (OK): My book, Rebuilding Your Temple, will release May 22nd. I also have a speaking/book signing engagement that night. This book is a 14-week guided journal about faith, food and fitness.

6. Barbara Parentini (NC): Guest author on Southern Writers Magazine Suite T on April 26th, “Stained Glass.” Contributor to Life Lessons from Dads by Write Integrity Press, to be released June 2012. Also, my card line, Soaring Hearts, will be available this month in Florida at a national chain.

Congratulations to all these writers! You’re doing what it takes, and it shows!

Haven’t seen your name here in a while? Don’t worry, good news could be in your future sooner than you think. Be sure to return next Thursday for a new list of writing opportunities, collected just for you!

Also, if you’re working hard on a book project, remember that the MoGo7000 Challenge is created just for you! (See below)

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Who Met the MoGo7000 Goal This Month?

Congratulations to these writers who wrote at least 7000 words on their current book project:

5. Marilyn Turk  –  13, 808 words
6. Kimberly Long  –  10, 840 words
7. Eddie Snipes  –  8, 510 words
8. Cindy Patterson — 7,024 words

These writers now have another entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100! Would you like an extra hundred bucks? All you have to do is write at least 7000 new words on your book project and your name will be in the hat!

And the good news is, you can join in any time–and it’s all free! Be sure to visit the MoGo7000 Challenge page for guidelines.

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And It’s Not Too Late to Register for the 2012 Christian Communicators Conference!

Ladies, do you feel called to speak? Do you feel God has given you something to share, but don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you’ve been speaking a while, but want to expand your ministry. If so, this is the conference you’ve been waiting for!

The 2012 Christian Communicators Conference will be held August 29-September 2, 2012, at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. This is where you’ll learn everything you need to know to grow or develop your speaking ministry.

But don’t take out word for it. Here are some comments from past attendees:

“I’ve been to other speaker and writer’s conferences and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of attendees. In contrast, the serene setting, personal attention, and professional coaching I received at this conference was priceless.”

Jennifer Johnson, NC
www.ProperUseProject.com

“The Christian Communicator’s Conference was uniquely effective…The intimate number of women allowed for the focus needed to apply the teachings and to bond together with unity. I left with a sense of destination, equipped and prepared for the next step in ministry.”

Verna Bowman, PA

http://vernabowman.com

Rooms for two, three, or four are still available, and you’ll love the all-inclusive pricing. No hidden expenses!

I hope you’ll check out the Christian Communicators website, feel free to contact any of the graduates, or feel free to contact me here or either Carolyn or me through the Christian Communicators contact page. We’d love to partner with you to bring Him glory!

Write and speak on!

Vonda

 

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DON’T Write What You Know!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 8, 2012
Don't write everything you know...

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s a crazy-busy time of year, so today I’m reposting a teaching blog from way back in 2008. It’s an oldie but goodie that I hope will help you with your current WIP (work in progress), whether it’s fiction or non-fiction.

Don’t Write What You Know

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the adage, “Write what you know.” I understand the reasoning behind the statement, but I’m afraid I have to disagree. Now, before you post nasty comments and threaten to cancel your RSS feed, please hear me out.

Last week I had breakfast with two writer-friends, and one of them (who just happens to also be a freelance editor) was telling about a recent chapter she had critiqued. She said the writing was good, with perfect sentence structure and beautiful language. The problem was what he wrote. (NOTE: The specifics of the manuscript have been changed to protect the author’s identity, but the situation is entirely true).

For three pages, the character prepared breakfast, sipped coffee, read the paper, and then took the reader on a step-by-step description of repairing a car engine. Using technical terminology and painfully explicit detail, the author seemed to want the reader to be impressed with his knowledge of car engines. Or perhaps he wanted the reader to “be there.” But the truth is, the reader was long gone–bored to death by the very details the author had so eloquently included!

The truth is, in our zeal to create realistic scenes, it’s easy to include too much information–especially if it’s something we’re very knowledgeable about. We want to WOW the reader with our level of expertise, share the scope of our experience, and teach them a thing or two about the subject we’re so passionate about. But we have to remember that the reader probably doesn’t share our love of car engines or sailboats or nursing procedures. Most likely, the reader wants a few sentences to get an idea of what’s going on, and get on to the meat and emotion of the story.

And it’s not limited to fiction writing. With magazine articles, there’s a good chance you’ll have much more information than you need. The first draft of most of my articles ends up being about twice as long as my word limit. Which means I have to cut, cut, cut. And yes–I’m cutting good stuff with lots of good information. But reality is, I don’t have to give them everything I know. The reader doesn’t want to read everything there is about a subject.

But what if the opposite is true? What if you don’t know anything about the subject? No problem! There are lots of people willing to lend their expertise–especially if they know you’re writing a book or article! And with the internet, knowledge is simply a click away.

So instead of “Write what you know,” here’s my three-fold adage:

  • Lesson #1: Don’t write everything you know. Don’t use your blank page to deliver a tutorial about the technical steps of starting an IV or faux painting a wall or tying a sail knot. And don’t let your character do it, either! Give the reader just enough information to grab and maintain his or her interest. Just enough to engage them emotionally and let them experience what the character is feeling. Details are good. Information-dumping is not.
  • Lesson #2: Write what you’re passionate about or familiar with. Familiar topics will be more interesting–and probably easier–for you to write, especially when you’re starting out. I’ve written about many things that don’t really excite me–things like tooth whiteners, medicine cabinets, and heartburn. But I am passionate about good health and taking care of our bodies. These topics were simply off-shoots of my passion and experience.
  • Lesson #3: Write what you can research. Again, I didn’t know very much about tooth whiteners or medicine cabinets or heartburn. But there were many out there who did, and they were more than happy to tell me what I needed to know. And with the internet, we have an endless library of information right at our fingertips!

So, do you see that “Write what you know” is not an all-or-nothing concept? It’s taking your knowledge, experience, and passion, and judiciously sharing them with your readers in bite-sized pieces.

Write less and you’ll often have more.

(Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 4, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired. It seems I go two steps forward, only to take three steps back. Every week I think the next week will be better, but it’s not.

And I’m only talking about the pressure of busyness. I know some of you are really going through difficult times.

Is that where you are? Are you weary of the struggles of life? Tired of feeling like a failure or a fake or a weak-kneed soldier? Sick of being sick or broke or beaten down?

Then you’re right where God wants you…and I’m right where He wants me. I’m praying for many of you today by name and I know He will answer. But today let’s also take the time to meditate on these words, written by the great apostle Paul:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

“We are weak, but He is strong…” we sang as children. Could we be like Paul, and boast that today?

Yes, Jesus loves you and me, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.

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

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Call for Kudos and MoGo7000 Results

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By Vonda Skelton | May 3, 2012

It’s the 1st Thursday of the Month, so I need to hear from you!

Yep, it’s that time–time to let us celebrate your successes with us, so…

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Call for Kudos!

Have you had something exciting happen recently in your writing and speaking life? Maybe you’ve had an article published, signed a book contract or released a new book, got an agent, or started a new blog. If so, we want to hear from you!

It’s really simple, but I do ask that you contact me with the info in this format:

**Your name
**Your state in two-letter abbreviation
**Link to your website or blog
**Your good news
**Link to your good news, if online (online bookstore, online article, etc)

I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Who MoGo’d in April?

If you wrote at least 7000 new words on a book project, you could be in the drawing for $100 cash! It’s easy!

To report your April results, please leave a comment below with your total new words written in April. You can join any time, and it’s free! Here are the MoGo7000 Challenge rules. For each month that you write at least 7000 new words, you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100. Meet the goal four months and you get four entries. Meet it nine months and you get nine entries! The more you months you meet the goal, the more chances you have to win.

So what are you waiting for? Get started and you could write a book this year–AND win $100!

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Well, that’s it for this week. Be sure to come back next week to cheer your fellow writers along!

Write on!

Vonda

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The Writer’s Fruit of the Spirit

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By Vonda Skelton | May 1, 2012

Photo courtesy of John Kasawa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There’s a saying that goes something like, “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Hmmm…

In Galatians 5, Paul says we identify ourselves to the world by how we live, whether in the sinful nature or the nature of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of that nature is visible for all to see. It confirms our heritage, our roots.

What does the world see when it looks at us? What does it see as it watches us deal with each other as writers? Jealousy, discord, selfish ambition, and gossip announce that we’re walking in the sinful nature.

But Galatians 5:22-24 says:

. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

The Fruit of the Spirit. I’d heard that phrase all my life. I could even stand up in church and quote the verse word for word. But for years, those who knew me could look at the evidence, and it was telling a different story. It was telling of selfishness and greed and rudeness. Of pride and fear and self-centeredness. On the day I came face-to-face with the attitudes of my heart, I was shocked. I was ashamed.

Friends, the Fruit of the Spirit is not a list of nice things we should try to do. Neither is it a collection of possible gifts we may or may not have. Instead, this is God’s command to those of us who belong to Christ Jesus: to crucify the sinful nature and the evidence it produces.

Crucify is such an ugly word, but that’s exactly what we have to do. We have to kill that sinful nature with all its ugliness, and put on the image of Christ. And that includes in our writing relationships.

In other words, can we:

  • Love the person who lands another fast contract when we’re still waiting for our first?
  • Find joy in the midst of our poor sales?
  • Claim His peace when we find another rejection in the inbox?
  • Be patient with the person who doesn’t deliver what he promised?
  • Be kind to the new writer who wants us to teach her in 15 minutes what it has taken us 10 years to learn?
  • Demonstrate a heart of goodness by sharing our leads, our resources, and our contacts with other writers?
  • Be faithful to pray for those we promised to pray for?
  • Let the gentleness of our Servant-Savior, Jesus, come through our words, whether written or spoken?
  • Use self-control to avoid hogging the conversation with faculty at conference meals?

There it is—the Writer’s Guide to the Fruit of the Spirit. If others can see His fruit in us, our words are more likely to bear fruit for Him.

And isn’t that why we write?

Let’s not fall far from our Tree.

(Photo courtesy of John Kasawa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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And you’re not going to believe what Patty Mason is offering!

First of all, the winner of the free copy of Patty’s book, Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs, is Bea. Congrats, Bea! All you have to do is contact Patty at patty@libertyinchristministries.com and you’ll get your free book.

But Patty was so moved by everyone’s comments that she is offering a special deal for everyone. Instead of the normal price of $8.99 plus shipping, Patty is offering a special price of only $5 plus shipping! Just contact Patty at patty@libertyinchristministries.com for details.

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I hope y’all have a great week!

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