Blog Entries for: Writer's Conferences
- Owning Your Talent by Guest Blogger Marilyn Shipe
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Do you know what today is? Yep--it's the fifth Tuesday, and that means it's guest blogger day! I'm thrilled to introduce my friend, Marilyn Shipe. Marilyn is an aspiring magazine freelance writer. She's a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and the CBI Clubhouse. She enjoys attending writers conferences and is currently working on an historical novel, a young adult mystery novel, and enjoys writing poetry. Marilyn is editor of three monthly newsletters. She also enjoys knitting, cooking, scrapbooking, and reading. Be sure to check out Marilyn's daily blog. Welcome, Marilyn. Thank you for sharing your thoughts today!
- August 31, 2010 | 10 Comments | View or add comments
- Need Writing Opportunities? Take a Look at the Smaller Picture
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I received an email last week from a precious writer I've had the joy of encouraging. She's doing everything she needs to do to make the transition from new writer to published writer. Of course, the first step is that she's following The Christian Writer's Den! (Okay, okay, maybe it's not high on everyone's list, but could I have a little grace here? :-) She's also looking into attending a writer's conference in the fall, is seeking opportunities to take other classes and meet with other writers. She's started a blog and purchased a 2010 Christian Writer's Market Guide.
- August 16, 2010 | 6 Comments | View or add comments
- We're F.I.N.E.: Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotionally unstable
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When I was writing my women's book, Seeing Through the Lies, I created a survey for women about their fears. My friend, writer and speaker Robin Bryce, cracked me up with one of her answers. She wrote, "I'm okay. You're okay. We're all just FINE...really! (FINE--Freaked out, Insecure, Neurotic, and Emotionally unstable!)" Robin admitted the statement wasn't original with her, but she says there are days she certainly could have coined it.How about you? How often do you say you're fine, when in truth, you're FINE? If we're honest, we all experience the feeling at one time or another. Why are we afraid to admit our need for help?
- August 3, 2010 | 21 Comments | View or add comments
- Filters, Elvis, and a Sequined Jumpsuit: The Subtleties of Good Writing
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I had the joy and honor of hosting Cec Murphey at my home for several events this past weekend, and what a weekend it was! I watched as he ministered to Christians at my church, to people struggling with drug addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness at a Celebrate Recovery meeting, and to writers who feel they may eventually be driven to alcoholism and drug addiction by the frustrations associated with writing!Seriously, it was a weekend of encouragement and challenge. Encouragement to stay the course when things aren't going as planned, and challenge to create the best work we can with the gifts we've been given.
- July 20, 2010 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- SPECIAL REMINDER! You're Invited to a Free Writer's Seminar with Cec Murphey!
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SPECIAL REMINDER! You're Invited to a Free Writer's Seminar with Cec Murphey!
The Christian Writer's Den and the Write 4 Him Writer's Group are joining forces to bring you 90 Minutes with Cec, a writer's seminar in Upstate SC on Saturday, July 17!
- June 27, 2010 | 1 Comment | View or add comments
- The Non-Fiction Book: Concept to Contract
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Although the technique of good writing is a necessary craft that crosses genre lines, there are considerable differences in the planning, writing, and submitting of the fiction vs the non-fiction book. Today we'll focus on the steps you'll need to take in order to see your non-fiction book in print.Planning:
- June 15, 2010 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Screenwriting Basics
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Well, I've just returned from the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, where Sarah Ann Sumpolec and I co-direct the Intern Program. What fun! Here's a photo of Sarah and me with all the interns at the banquet dinner. If you have 16-18 year-old teens who are interested in a career in acting, screenwriting, or any area of film production, this is the program for them! Similar to a writer's conference, the Gideon offers great opportunities for adult and teen interns to network and learn from industry professionals in the media arts. I hope you'll plan now to attend next year. The dates are August 6-11, 2011.
- June 8, 2010 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Speaker Sarah Bush
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(I'm sorry this is late. I've been sick.)
- May 25, 2010 | 6 Comments | View or add comments
- The Truth about Publishing and Writing Opportunities for YOU!
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Hello, writers! Well, as you read this, I'm having a ball at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in beautiful Ridgecrest, NC! And lots of Christian Writer's Den friends are here, too. Hoo-wee! If you're at home wishing you were here with us, I encourage you to start making plans now for 2011. This is a conference you don't want to miss! I think I've told you that in the early years, I asked my family to contribute to my conference fund instead of giving me gifts for Valentine's Day, birthday, Mother's Day, anniversary, and
Christmas. It worked! By the time Blue Ridge would roll around, I'd have most of the money saved up! So, you have about 365 days to get ready. What are you waiting for? :-)
- May 18, 2010 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Conference Etiquette: Mind Your Manners 2010
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I'm in the midst of prepping to teach at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that begins this coming Sunday, May 16 and runs through Thursday, May 20. As always, I'm thrilled to be part of this amazing conference. Have you registered yet? It's not too late! So this week, as I prepare, I can't think of anything better to talk about than Conference Etiquette--regardless of the conference you're attending. 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!
- May 11, 2010 | 11 Comments | View or add comments
- Author Interivew and Book Give Away with Michele Huey
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I'm thrilled to introduce my friend, Michele Huey. She has an amazing list of accomplishments, but since I want to include her great story, I'll just tell you that she's an award-winning newspaper columnist, has her own daily radio program, and is the author of two books, Minute Meditations: Meeting God in Everyday Experiences, and I Lift Up My Eyes: Minute Meditations Vol. 2. Both are compilations of her columns and have been sold nationwide. Michele's radio program, God, Me, and a Cup of Tea is currently broadcast on WMUG 105.1 LF/FM in Indiana, PA, and she has produced three CDs of meditations from the radio program: God, Me & a Cup of Tea: Favorite Meditations (2004), The Ten Commandments and Beatitudes for Today (2005), and Treasures in Jars of Clay: Thoughts on Aging with Grace (2006). You can find her books and CDs here.
- April 27, 2010 | 13 Comments | View or add comments
- Said is NOT a Four-Letter Word! (Well...)
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Last week we studied the wisdom of the writer's mantra, "Show, Don't Tell." No matter how compelling your conflict or how intricately you've woven your plot, telling instead of showing can result in a knee-jerk rejection from editors. This week we'll look at another easy reason for editors to say no: The use of inappropriate speaker tags.
- April 20, 2010 | 5 Comments | View or add comments
- Questions About Agents and Publishing by Chip MacGregor
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You have questions. Chip has answers. He knows a whole lot more about the publishing industry than I'll ever know, so I'll be quiet and let him do the talking today! Be sure to check out his blog post about agents. You can find it here.
- March 16, 2010 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Touching the Hearts of Children
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Whether you write for kids or not, whether you have children or not, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children.This past weekend, I had the privilege of participating in the second annual Write2Ignite Conference for writers of children's literature. It was a glorious time of focusing on our calling as writers in the battle for kids' minds and hearts. As I prepared for my Friday night keynote, "Setting Children's Hearts Afire for Jesus," I recalled considering a similar thought when I was writing my book, Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe.
- March 2, 2010 | 7 Comments | View or add comments
- Grits, Bacon, and Writers' Conferences
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Last week I talked about the need to see the writing journey as an investment. And since this is the time to gear up for the writer's conference season, I decided to share one of my favorite conference stories. Some of you have heard it, but many of you haven't. Either way, I hope it will encourage you to take the leap and register for an upcoming conference.
I sold my first article over grits and bacon at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I arrived early for breakfast and claimed my spot at Jesse Florea's table. As an editor at Focus on the Family, Jesse was sure to see that my article, Catch Your Child in the Act...of Being Good, was a perfect match for Focus' parenting newsletters. I was the first one at his table that morning and claimed two places--one for him and one for me. My heart pounded as I watched Jesse enter the dining room and head for his spot.
- February 16, 2010 | 10 Comments | View or add comments
- Is Your Doing of the Calling Getting Lost in the Doing of the Stuff?
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The past few weeks we've been talking about starting again, whether that means starting over, pressing forward, or completely changing gears. But, as we've already discussed, the most critical thing to do is to Start. Start something.
- January 19, 2010 | 6 Comments | View or add comments
- The Sin That Hinders in 2010
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My dear friend, Linda Shepherd, author, speaker, and founder of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, recently shared some words of wisdom with me. She has given me permission to share them with you."After a word from the Lord, [a friend] and I have been working hard to ‘remove the sin that hinders.' It's a good word, a word that requires a thorough search of one's heart. I've searched and I continue to do so. And as I've confessed revealed sins, I've seen God show up.
- January 5, 2010 | 14 Comments | View or add comments
- Interview and Book Give Away with Kathleen Y'Barbo
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What an incredible joy to welcome Kathleen Y'Barbo to the Christian Writer's Den! As the best-selling author of more than thirty books, Kathleen is one of the most prolific authors we've had here at CWD. Her numbers would make any of us writers drool! In all, over 850,000 copies of her books are currently in print in the US and abroad. She has been named as a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year contest every year since its inception in 2003, often for more than one book.In addition to her amazing writing career, Kathleen is also a publicist at Books & Such Literary Agency. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, American Christian Fiction Writers, the Public Relations Society of America, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and Authors Guild and is also a degreed paralegal specializing in criminal and family law. A native Texan, Kathleen has three grown sons and a teenage daughter.
- December 22, 2009 | 16 Comments | View or add comments
- Be a Writing Groupie
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Several years ago, Edie Melson, Debbie Webster, and I met at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference and were thrilled to discover we lived only a few miles from each other. All three of us were new writers with perhaps one published article each. We'd heard about writer's critique groups and knew we needed to be part of one. We didn't know of such a group in our area, so we did what we needed to do. We started one ourselves. That was eight or nine years ago. Today the three of us have been blessed with multiple writing credits and are actively working in the field of writing. Debbie, although no longer part of this group, continues to write magazine articles and run her ministry from Whispering Pines Stables. Edie is a novelist, freelance writer, and the managing editor of Centered Magazine. And I speak at women's events and writer's conferences and continue to write books and articles. I fully believe the writer's group was a huge part of our growth.
- December 14, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- 'Tis the Season of Joy?
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It's no surprise that many are struggling this December. The economy has taken a hit, resulting in joblessness, foreclosures, and financial ruin. In such an environment, it can be hard to be joyful this Christmas season. After all, what do we have to be joyful about?I admit, when things are hard (like they've been for me this past year), it's easy to get focused on the hardship and be blinded to the joy God makes available to us. And to be totally honest, when things are really bad, I'm likely to be more comfortable resting in the hardship than finding the joy.
- December 1, 2009 | 6 Comments | View or add comments
- The Journey to Becoming a Master Writer
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My journey to publication was like that of many writers...filled with unexpected (and of course, undeserved) detours of rejection and denial. What were those editors thinking? Didn't my years as a high school newspaper reporter and editor of the literary journal count for anything? And what about all those A's I made in college English Comp class?Yes, the day I placed my fingers on the keys of the blue and silver Selectric, I was confident I was embarking on a short trip to bestseller lists and six-figure royalties. Little did I know the long and winding road that lay ahead.
- October 19, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments
- Author Interview and Book Give Away with Kathi Macias
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Imagine the horror of being told your mother has been murdered. Now imagine discovering your son committed the crime. That's the premise of Kathi Macias' latest novel, My Son, John.I'm honored to have Kathi with me today as she shares her writing wisdom with us. Don't forget to leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of her book!
- September 22, 2009 | 13 Comments | View or add comments
- Writing Opportunities for YOU!
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Since I'm on the road this week in the great state of Texas, today's entry will get right to the point: Writing Opportunities.
Regardless of the economy, editors are looking for writers. They're looking for writers who can create well-written, professional material that is in the correct format, falls within the word count, and meets the deadline. Your ability to meet and exceed those expectations raises you above the masses and increases your chances of publication.
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- September 14, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Money in My Mailbox
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Last week I walked out the door to the mailbox. I came back in $25 richer. It was the second time I had gotten free money.Well, maybe not totally free, but almost.
- September 7, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Writer, Fear Not!
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Okay, go ahead. Admit it. You know it's true, so just go ahead and say it: You like to write. You find joy in writing. You may even feel you've been called to write. The question is, why aren't you? Why aren't you writing?I'll tell you why. You're afraid. I know...because sometimes I'm afraid, too. The truth is you and I and every other writer in the world experiences fear at times in our writing life. But what could possibly cause us to fear putting pen to paper or, as in most of our cases, fingertips to keyboard?
- August 31, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments
- Author Interview and Book Give Away with Sharon Fawcett
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Have you ever struggled with depression? Does someone you love suffer with it? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you won't want to miss today's interview with author and speaker, Sharon Fawcett. Sharon and I met in the cafeteria line years ago when I was teaching at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Now CLASS Christian Writers Conference) in New Mexico. Although Sharon is multi-published in magazines and anthologies, today we're going to discuss her first book, Hope for Wholeness: The Spiritual Path to Freedom from Depression (NavPress). And as you'll soon see, it's been quite a journey. Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Sharon. Thanks for joining us and sharing your message of hope. As a matter of fact, in HOPE FOR WHOLENESS, you combine your own story with solid advice for helping others find freedom from depression. What was your experience with depression like?
- August 24, 2009 | 19 Comments | View or add comments
- Auditioning Characters at the Airport
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As I write this, it's 3:30pm and I'm sitting in the Washington DC airport. According
to my flight itinerary, I should already be home, lying on my sofa, dozing off as I pretend to read the newspaper. But instead of snoozing, I'm stuck at the airport, scouting out my next cast of characters...and they don't even know they're auditioning for the part. There's the lanky college-age fella across the aisle from me, chatting on one phone while checking his email on another. His molasses voice floats across the stuffy air as he makes alternate plans with his unseen buddy. A black flip-flop the size of a bread loaf hangs from his right foot while he picks at his toenails. Yep, there are possibilities there.
- August 10, 2009 | 7 Comments | View or add comments
- Author Interview and Book Give Away with Cec Murphey
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In the past few months, my sister has died of cancer, my mother has been diagnosed with cancer, and now this is the third author we're interviewing with a book on cancer. I never planned any of it. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to tell you about Cecil Murphey's new book and give you a chance to win a not only a free copy, but possibly a grand prize gift basket valued at $300! Check below for more details.
In When Someone You Love Has Cancer, Cec has written a loving inspirational book for cancer caregivers and family members. Cec is not only the author of 90 Minutes in Heaven and a seasoned ghostwriter of more than 100 books, but he's also a friend, mentor, and teacher to writers all over the world. Many of us here at The Christian Writer's Den have benefitted from his generous heart and it is an honor to have him with us today.
Cec's intimate care for his wife as she fought cancer is evident on the pages of this beautifully illustrated book. Prayers for difficult situations are scattered throughout the book and personal illustrations from cancer caregivers help validate and encourage readers. A gentle question and answer session is included. I know you're going to love hearing from Cec, so let's get started.
- July 20, 2009 | 26 Comments | View or add comments
- Chip MacGregor's Answers to Basic, Basic, Basic Questions
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I've been in Denver this week for the International Christian Retailers Show and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association conference. It's been a joy to brainstorm with my agent and plan future projects, share successes and disappointments with long-time writer friends, and make new friends to travel alongside on this journey called writing. It's been especially nice to meet some of you for the very first time! God is so good to give us the camaraderie of friends to stand by us through the ups and downs of this business (Or as my friend, Robin Bryce says, this Binistry! [Business + Ministry]).
Since my time is short this week, I appreciate agent Chip MacGregor's willingness to share two of his recent blog posts. Do you have questions about terms within the publishing industry? Are you confused about the differences between royalties, advances, and earning out? Do you have questions about book proposals? If so, just click on over to Chip's blog, where you'll find the answers to those questions and many more. Thanks, Chip!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Kudos for Our Readers!
It's that time again. Time to send our congratulations to the following readers of The Christian Writer's Den. You've done what it takes and you have the credits to prove it! Join me as we celebrate with our writing friends!
- July 14, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Following Up with Agents and Editors
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This is a crazy week. I'm taking my mother to three doctors appointments, teaching three writing classes for kids at libraries, emceeing at VBS every night, and our 10-year-old granddaughter is here for her special week with PaPa and MaMa (including, but not limited to: water park, "Up" movie, Gatti-Town, pottery, swimming with cousins, bowling, and getting our nails done)! All that to say, today's segment will be quick and to the point!
Now that several weeks have passed since the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, I thought it would be a good time to cover a few points about submitting to agents and editors. Perhaps you've been busy rewriting chapters, tweaking proposals, or finalizing query letters. Some of you may have even sent material in.
- June 16, 2009 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Conference Etiquette: Mind Your Manners
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(Note: I'm posting this on Sunday night instead of Tuesday so those attending Blue Ridge will have an opportunity to apply these suggetions at the conference.)
I'm having a ball at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week! Sure wish you were all here with us!
- May 17, 2009 | 2 Comments | View or add comments
- Put on Your Grown-Up Britches and Get to Work!
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I received an email recently from an unpublished writer. She wanted to know how to get her book published. At least that's what she said she wanted. But as I read her note, I realized the specifics of her request told an entirely different story.
She started out by telling me about the book she'd written. She knew it was a good book and was sure to be published "If only someone would take the time to really look at it."
- May 11, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments
- Formatting Basics
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If you've read The Christian Writer's Den blog for any length of time, you know that I believe in writer's conferences. As a matter of fact, you can read about how I sold my first article at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference over grits and bacon. It's true! Just ask Jesse Florea of Focus on the Family.
The best use of your conference dollars is to take advantage of all the opportunities the events offer, including submitting pieces for critique, entering the contests, and scheduling appointments with professionals. Last week we discussed the synopsis part of the process. This week I'd like to continue our conversation by talking about how to format your manuscript. Remember, you have one chance to make a good first impression. It's your job to prepare as much as possible for that moment. Here are the basics:
- April 21, 2009 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Compilations--A Viable Path on the Road to Publication
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Not long after my first children's book (Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island )
came out, I had the opportunity to submit to a compilation, Mystery Readers Journal: Religious Mysteries. (And just so you know, the words "Religious" and "Christian" are not synonymous!) I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was they were looking for writers of "religious" mysteries to share something of interest with mystery readers. Surely I had something of interest to say! So I wrote a piece, "Teaching Truth through Fiction," and talked about the fact that we can teach Biblical and moral truth without preaching. I was thrilled when they accepted my article. And even though I didn't get paid for it, it was still a good investment. Not only was it an opportunity to introduce mystery readers to my book, but the publication also gave me another writing credit. On top of that, "Teaching Biblical Truth through Secular Fiction" is now one of my most popular classes at writer's conferences.
- February 16, 2009 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Linda Rooks
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Please welcome my friend, author and speaker, Linda W. Rooks. Linda is the author of Broken Heart on Hold, Surviving Separation. Together with her husband, she ministers to those in marital crisis. Linda's credits include Chicken Soup for the Beach Lover's Soul, Focus on the Family, HomeLife, Light and Life, The Lookout and many other national and local publications. She writes regularly for Tapestry, a Walk Thru the Bible devotional magazine and will soon be featured in Today's Christian Woman. Linda is listed in Who's Who and has participated in numerous TV and radio shows across the nation.
- January 28, 2009 | 8 Comments | View or add comments
- The Cereal...er...Serial Comma
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December 15, 2008
Okay, I know the title is corny, but I'm desperate. Many writers say the serial comma is passé. Well, you tell me if you think a little comma would have clarified this phrase, reportedly taken from a book dedication: "To my parents, Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II." Say what?
Could the writer really be the unclaimed offspring of Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II? I don't think so! Can you see that a serial comma (one placed after Mother Teresa) would have made the writer's intent clear?
- December 15, 2008 | 8 Comments | View or add comments
- Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Sharon Hoffman
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I first met Sharon Hoffman at CLASServices speakers' training in Knoxville, TN, where she was a faculty member. I was immediately drawn to her welcoming smile, but it didn't take me long to realize Sharon didn't just have a beautiful smile, she was the real deal!
I can't wait for you to hear about her latest book, but first let me give you a little background. Sharon is a popular speaker and the author of four books. She and her husband, Rob, live in Maryville, TN, where Rob is the pastor of Victory Baptist Church. They've been married forever and have two adult daughters and six grandchildren. (Yeah, I know. She doesn't LOOK like a grandma, does she?) Visit Sharon's website for more information on her writing and speaking ministry.
- November 24, 2008 | 21 Comments | View or add comments
- Author Interview and Book Give Away with Jenny L. Cote
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October 28, 2008
Hi, writers! I can't wait for you to hear from my friend, Jenny L. Cote. But before you do, let me tell you a little about her. Jenny and I met at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference a few years ago, before she ever had a book contract--and wait till you see what she's done!
- October 28, 2008 | 9 Comments | View or add comments
- Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 2
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October 21, 2008
First of all, we had an incredible time at our 2008 Christian Writer's Den Writing
Retreat this past weekend at The Cabin Cove in Todd, NC. Ladies, you need to plan now to be part of the fun in 2009! The date and more information will be announced after the first of the year. Here's a shot of this year's group. Recognize anyone?
- October 20, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments
- Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Brenda Nixon
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September 23, 2008
Hello, writers! Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den. Today you are in for a treat!
I'd like to introduce you to my friend, speaker and author Brenda Nixon. I met Brenda years ago on one of the writer's loops and we've been hanging around the internet together ever since! In addition to speaking and writing, she's a frequent instructor at writer's conferences across the country. I've had the joy of teaching with her several times and I can tell you she has a teaching spirit and a gift of encouragement. I hope you'll pay attention as Brenda shares her tips on becoming a speaker.
- September 23, 2008 | 18 Comments | View or add comments
- Bad News/Good News
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September 16, 2008
"I've had a hard life," the eager new writer says. "It's an amazing story. All my friends say I need to write a book. I know it would be an encouragement to everybody who reads it."
- September 16, 2008 | 3 Comments | View or add comments
- Scams. Shams, and Flim-Flams
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August 19, 2008
I'm so excited about all the writing opportunities I have for you this week! But before we get to those, I'd like to take a few minutes to share some warnings.
- August 18, 2008 | 7 Comments | View or add comments
- Giving Birth to Your Book, Part II: All Cleaned Up, Now Where Do We Go?
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August 12, 2008
About a month ago, I posted Giving Birth to Your Book Part I, with plans to post Part II the following week. As you can see, birthing this baby is long overdue. Well, after reading today's entry, you won't be able to say, "Oh, Ms. Vonda, I don't know nothing about birthin' no books!"
- August 12, 2008 | 8 Comments | View or add comments
- Giving Birth to Your Book, Part I: Clean It Up!
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July 8, 2008
You've worked for months or years and finally, it's done. You've accomplished your dream and finally created "new life." But new life is just the beginning. Yes, your baby-your book-is created, but how do you start the delivery process and get your baby out into the world?
- July 8, 2008 | 8 Comments | View or add comments
- Hook 'Em!
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June 17, 2008
The query letter, written by an eager new writer, was penned with hope and enthusiasm. But hope and enthusiasm were eliminated as soon as the editor read these deadly words: "I know it starts off a little slow, but..."
By the time the editor finished reading those nine little words, the decision had already been made. The rejection letter was on its way. The eager writer might as well have written, "Whatever you do, please don't publish my book."
- June 16, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Don't Wimp Out on Good Writing
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June 10, 2008
I've always considered myself a fairly strong person. After all, I've taken karate lessons, played first base on an all-boys baseball team, and been scuba diving with alligators. (Okay, I admit the alligators were a surprise, but I had bravely planned for the rest of the adventure.) But when I sat down to start writing, I turned into a real wimp...and I didn't even know it.
It wasn't until I started taking classes and going to conferences that I finally discovered one of the reasons I couldn't get published: I used wimpy verbs.
- June 9, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- The Red Pen
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June 3, 2008
Well, it's been a little over a week since I returned from the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and my inbox is full. The response has been everything from "Now I know how to make my writing better" to "I quit--I must not be a writer."
I can't help but smile. I could be reading my own words, spoken at different times in my writing journey. Of course, most of you are much better students than I was when I started out! I hate to admit it, but when I first began this journey, I thought anyone who saw a need for improvement in my writing was just . . . well . . . wrong!
- June 2, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Interview and Book Give Away with Author/Entertainer Dena Dyer
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May 27, 2008
I'm so excited to welcome my friend, Dena Dyer. We initially met online at The Writers View, a site for professional and advanced writers (The Writers View 2 is for beginners, so be sure and sign up for the one that best fits your needs). Then we met in person when we were both on faculty at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico a few years ago. Dena is an amazingly talented woman and I'm honored she agreed to be with us today!
- May 27, 2008 | 6 Comments | View or add comments
- Hello from Blue Ridge!
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May 19, 2008
Hello from the beautiful mountains of North Carolina where the skies are blue, the trees are green, and the hills are alive with music! Okay, maybe that's taking it a little too far, but I can tell you, I could get lost in the joy of writing up here.
- May 19, 2008 | 2 Comments | View or add comments
- Who Says?
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May 13, 2008
Back in 1993, before dinosaurs walked the earth, I decided to write my first book. Gary bought an electric typewriter and converted my sewing table into a desk. I ordered erasers and Correct-o-Type. But I knew that to be a real writer, I needed one more thing--a Roget's Thesaurus.
Two sentences into the first page, I opened the ten-pound book. It was a heady experience. I followed the alphabet to the one word I knew I needed to avoid: said. Everybody knew said was a wimpy word, and I was not going to be a wimpy writer!
- May 13, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- God's Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will
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May 6, 2008
I can't tell you how many times I've begged God to give me a clear sign so I'd know His perfect will for my life--you know, something really Biblical, like a message written across the sky, with fireworks exploding around it. But when I gaze up into the vast blue beauty, all I see is a white puffy cloud that looks like a hamburger. Am I supposed to give up this writing thing and work at McDonald's? (Don't laugh. I'd certainly make more money flipping burgers!)
- May 6, 2008 | 18 Comments | View or add comments
- Going Fishin' by Guest Blogger Renae Brumbaugh
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April 22, 2008
Vonda here: Welcome, friends! As promised, we're pretending today is the 5th Tuesday. After all, we're writers, and writers can make it whatever day they want, right? Next week we'll have a wonderful interview and book give away with author Allison Bottke and we'll pretend it's the 4th Tuesday. Totally confused? Good! That means I'm not alone! ;-)
- April 22, 2008 | 5 Comments | View or add comments
- Move Over, Audrey Hepburn!
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Hi Gang! As you read this, I'm at the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival at Ridgecrest Conference Center, NC. I'm having a ball hanging around movie producers, directors, screenwriters, radio personalities, and professional actors. If this sounds like something that interests you, I hope you'll plan to join me next year!
In addition to co-directing the teen program, I'm teaching church drama. But believe me, it's not all work. I'm having a ball participating in The Scene Shop, where a few of us actor wannabes (along with some real live professionals) present scenes from brand new movie and TV scripts!
- April 15, 2008 | 2 Comments | View or add comments
- Teaching Biblical Truth Through Secular Fiction
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April 8, 2008
Today's fictional children are invincible. They're smart and calculating and wise beyond their years. They're totally independent and answer to no one. They nab the bad guy and save the planet and solve the world's problems through their ingenuity and insight. And where are today's fictional adults while all this is going on? They're standing in the corner, picking their noses--inept bystanders in the crises of life.
Truth is, real kids need us adults. They need us to listen and understand and offer guidance. Lesson #1: Fictional kids need adults, too.
- April 8, 2008 | 4 Comments | View or add comments
- Writer's Conferences: The first step on your writing journey
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January 22, 2008
I sold my first article over grits and bacon at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I arrived early for breakfast and claimed my spot at Jesse Florea's table. As an editor at Focus on the Family, Jesse was sure to see that my article, Catch Your Child in the Act...of Being Good, was a perfect match for Focus' parenting newsletters. I was the first one at his table that morning and claimed two places-one for him and one for me. My heart pounded as I watched Jesse enter the dining room and head for his spot.
Within minutes, the table full of eager writers attacked him with questions regarding guidelines, submissions, and editorial needs. And even though I felt sorry for Jesse, I added my own din to the I-want-to-be-a-writer clamor. He stopped, took the proffered article from my hand, and read. He smiled. I thought I was going to throw up.
"This sounds like something we could use," he announced.
- January 22, 2008 | 2 Comments | View or add comments
Solomon's Beloved!
Want a laugh????
Solomon's Beloved has finally arrived at YouTube! I hope you'll take a look and leave a comment (and maybe even post a great rating;-). Thank you, friends, for all your support and encouragement!
2010 Christian Writer's Den Writing Retreat
**I'm sorry, but registration is full--BUT we have a waiting list and would be happy to add your name! No deposit necessary for the waiting list. When an opening comes available, we'll contact you then for your decision.**
Ladies, it's time to register for our
annual Christian Writer's Den Writing Retreat in Todd, NC. This year's date is October 21-24. (Don't worry, there won't be snow in October!) Check out the 2008 video here. More info and registration here. Or feel free to email me for more information.
Featured Books
Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe
"Vonda helps us get a grip and find our footing...and she does it with giggles and grace. Her light touch combined with her deep heart make this worth embracing."
Patsy Clairmont, author of Dancing Bones...living lively in the valley
Is your study group considering using my new book? I'd love to join you by speaker phone! Just contact me for details.
Want to read the first chapter?
Order your copy today !
Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island has arrived!
Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island--the third adventure in the Bitsy Mystery Series--is now available. You can get your signed, personalized copies here.
In this new adventure, Bitsy (the only girl on her baseball team) heads to Hilton Head Island for a tournament, where Bitsy expects sun, fun, and a first place trophy. But her plans change when she discovers a loggerhead turtle egg thief is on the loose. Could he be hiding right under their noses?
Read the first two chapters to find out more.
Visit the Bookstore to see all Vonda's books and find out how to get your own signed and personalized copies.