Category Archives: Christian Communicators

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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Writer’s Headlines: Conferences & Opportunities for Creative People

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By Vonda Skelton | April 26, 2012

It’s Thursday, so let’s check out some conferences and opportunities for YOU!

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Don’t miss these upcoming conferences for teens, adults, and speakers.

If you haven’t figured it out already, conferences are the way for creative people to learn, grow, and connect with others. I can honestly say most of the good things that have happened in my career can be traced back to something or someone I met at a conference. Think of it as “getting your degree.” Yes, it takes time. Yes it takes an investment. But the return is worth it all!

1.  Upstate SC American Christian Writers Spring 2012 Workshop: May 12, 2012, Greenville, SC

2.  Colorado Christian Writers Conference: May 16-19, 2012, Estes Park, CO

3.  Orange County Christian Writers Conference: May 18-20, 2012, Newport Beach, CA

4.  Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: May 20-24, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

5.  St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference: June 19-23, 2012, Grove City, PA

6.  North Texas Christian Writers Conference: June 22-23, 2012, Keller, TX (I’ll see you there!)

7.  AnAuthor World/The Writers’ Plot Conference: July 21, 2012, Furman University, Greenville, SC (I’ll see you there!)

8.  Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: August 1-4, 2012, Langhorne, PA

9.  Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival: August 11-16, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

10. Christian Authors Guild “Catch the Wave” Writers Conference: August 23-25, 2012, Norcross, GA

11. CLASS Christian Writers Conference: October 31-November 4, 2012, Ghost Ranch, NM

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Do You Know Some Creative Teens?

The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival Intern program is looking for teens 16-18yo who are interested in acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, songwriting, singing, television or radio. This is their opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with those who can help them in their goals. I’m honored to be a co-director, along with Sarah Sumpolec, of the Gideon/Clash Entertainment Intern Program for Christian teens.

But you must hurry! The application deadline is June 1st! Tell all the talented Christian teens you know!

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Registrations are Filling Up for the August 2012 Christian Communicators Conference!

That’s right…the conference is in August, but with only 3 or 4 rooms left, space is already extremely limited.

Ladies, do you dream of having a speaking ministry? Do you already have a ministry, but want to grow as a speaker? The Christian Communicators Conference was created just for you!

The 3rd Christian Communicators Conference will be held at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina August 29-September 2, and Carolyn Knefely and I would love to have you join us!

But don’t take our word for it, here are some testimonials from the previous conferences:

“I’ve been to a lot of Christian conferences in my lifetime, yet CCC would prove to be the most rewarding and the most life changing.”
Glenda Mills, WV
http://GlendaMills.com

“The Christian Communicators Conference was an in-depth weekend of speaker training that was filled with encouragement, deep friendship, and love. It helped move my speaking to the next level…I feel more polished and confident as a professional speaker.”
Patty Mason, TN
Liberty in Christ Ministries
www.LibertyinChrist.net

“If you believe GOD is calling you into His service as a speaker, CCC is the very first thing you need to do. After PRAYING of course!”
Liz Cowen Furman, CO
www.LizCowenFurman.com

Feel free to contact me with any questions. You don’t want to miss it!

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Are You MoGoing?

You could write a book this year–AND win $100 in cold, hard cash!

That’s right! The MoGo7000 Challenge will help you complete a book and give you multiple chances to win money. For each month that you write 7000 new words on a book project, your name goes in the hat for the end-of-the-year drawing. Meet the goal three months this year and you get three entries. Meet it nine months and you get nine entries!

The good news is, you can join in any time…and it’s FREE!

Check out the MoGo7000 Challenge page for all the details. And get to work! Next Thursday I’ll be asking for the April totals, which will be announced the next week. So what are you waiting for?

Write that book!

Write on!

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | April 13, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

This week we looked at kudos and celebrated the successes of our Christian Writer’s Den friends. We announced our upcoming Christian Communicators Conference to offer help for women called to a speaking ministry.

And what a joy that is! Encouragement and teaching is at the heart of this blog.

But I never want readers to think that success–at least not the way the world sees success–is the goal here. After all, the scripture says:

“All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever.” 1 Peter 1:24

No, the goal of the Christian Writer’s Den is to encourage each of us in the journey He has called us to take, and then to trust God with the results.

If He has planted this desire to write or speak in you, you can be assured He will use it. It may not be for the masses. Perhaps His plan is for you to simply reach your family or a neighbor.

But whatever He’s called us to do, as long as we rightly stand on His Word, we can know it will be successful…even if we don’t see the evidence of it.

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, MoGo7000 & Christian Communicators Conference for Speakers

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By Vonda Skelton | April 12, 2012

Yep, it’s the second Thursday of the month, so that means it’s time to party! Who and what are we celebrating this month? Kudos for writers, MoGo7000 qualifiers, and Christian Communicators Conference to train Christian speakers!

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Let’s Celebrate the Successes of These Christian Writer’s Den Friends!

These writers have something to celebrate…and we get to join in the fun!

1.  Barb Winters (IL): My devotion was published at Christian Devotions recently. You can read it here: Free-Falling Trust. Additionally, I have an article being published in a May edition of SEEK, a Sunday School paper.

2.  Laura Lee Groves (FL): Just got a copy of Always There: Reflections for Moms on God’s Presence. I contributed “From Guilt to Grace” for this MOPS devotional.

3.  Diana Leagh Matthews (SC): Diana started a blog, Where the Winds Blow.

4.  Liz Cowen Furman (CO): Liz has her own blog and is now writing for a Suicide blog. You can read her  Thinking about Suicide posts here. This is a great resource for all of us who may come in contact with those who suffer with depression and suicidal thoughts. She also is a humor writer at The Christian Pulse. Liz says, “And I’m frantically trying to finish my first fiction novel before CCWC this spring and reworking my pre teen series for the same! Eak. CRAZY but loving it!”

5.  Ellen Andersen (SC): I had a devotion published April 5 at Christian Devotions.

6.  Tracy Crump (MS): My story, “Pressure Perfect,” appears in Chicken Soup for the Soul
Family Caregivers that came out in March.

Great job, writers! I’m so proud to share your successes at The Christian Writer’s Den!

And friends, don’t forget to check back next Thursday for a new list of writing opportunities, selected just for you! Many readers have been published as a direct result of something they saw on our writing opps. You could be next!

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And Who Has Another Entry into the Drawing for $100?

These writers have collected entries for the end-of-the-year drawing:

  1. Eddie Snipes – 36,372 words
  2. Cindy Patterson – 7,787 words

Do you want to write a book this year? Then check out the MoGo7000 Challenge. It’s free and you can join in at any time!

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The Christian Communicators Conference is Accepting Registrations!

If you’re a woman who’s ever considered developing or growing a speaking ministry, I hope you’ll check out ChristianCommunicators.com. It’s so much more than a conference. It’s also a community of like-minded women who love and support each other; it’s ongoing training, and the opportunity to get your ministry into the hands of event planners.

Our third conference will be held August 2012 conference at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, and we’d love to have you join us!

The all-inclusive package includes:

  • the complete 5-day training program with breakout sessions
  • 4 nights lodging in a beautiful 2-queen room with bath
  • 12 delicious meals from Wednesday dinner through Sunday lunch
  • a high tea with etiquette training
  • praise & worship led by La-Tan Murphy
  • a professionally filmed video of your presentation
  • snacks, access to the free yogurt bar and cappuccino machines, continuous access to coffee and soft drinks
  • handouts, notebook, and bag
  • reproducible ministry forms
  • give-aways
  • critiques
  • small groups
  • ongoing training and support after the conference
  • a one-hour phone appointment after the conference
  • promotional opportunities
  • the chance to make lifelong friendships with like-minded women across the country

This is an exciting week of learning, growing, and hearing from the Lord. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the Christian Communicators Testimonial Page to hear from some of our graduates. And take a peek at this short video of Patty Mason and Ginny Dent Brant:

The Cec Murphey Scholarships have been awarded, but we still have room for YOU! However, space is limited.

Please feel free to contact me or Carolyn Knefely with any questions. We’d love to talk to you!

Well, that’s it for this week’s headlines. Hope to see you back tomorrow as we end our week with the only WORD that matters.

Write and speak ON!

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: A Brand New Call for Submissions, Conferences & Contests

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By Vonda Skelton | March 22, 2012

It’s time for Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines…

And that means great opportunities for you! This week’s Writer’s Headlines include a brand new, time sensitive call for submissions, a list of writers conferences, and some writing contests that could bring you some money to help you GO to writers conferences!

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Edie Melson is Looking for True Stories of Abuse

Friends, Family, and Foes: Learning How to Recognize and Stop the Cycle of Domestic Violence—Call for Submissions By Edie Melson

In 2001 my best friend and her daughter were murdered…by her husband. I had spent hours in close proximity with this family and never knew they were victims of domestic violence. That tragedy, along with the things that followed, dramatically shaped my life. I’ve made it one of my life’s missions to warn others about the signs of domestic violence I missed and help them put an end to the cycle of domestic violence so common in our world today.

This book is under contract with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. We are now accepting submissions of your either your true-life experience with domestic violence or how you dealt with a friend’s experience of domestic violence.

Access the full call to submission for Edie Melson’s writers guidelines for Friends, Family, and Foes here, or find them at Edie Melson’s website. But you must hurry–the deadline is May 31, 2012.

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Writing Contests Can Help You Win

Jennifer Slattery recently joined us here at The Christian Writer’s Den to talk about writing contests. You can check out Jennifer Slattery’s post here.

Here are some contests you might want to check out:

1.  Utmost Christian Writers Poetry Contest

2.  Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel will be announcing a new contest soon. Be on the lookout for it!

3.  Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest

4. Writer’s Digest Writing Competition

5.  Word Weavers Writing Contest for members of Word Weavers only. Check with your local chapter for details.

6.  Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest is closed for this year, but you could be working on your book now for next year’s contest!

7.  Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards

8.  PBS KidsGO Writing Contest for kids

9.  The Frasier Contest for Voices members at My Book Therapy

10. The Biggest Loser Write It and Win Sweepstakes–Okay, this isn’t officially a writing contest, but you can write letters to your favorite Biggest Loser competitor and win a trip to the Biggest Loser Resort, Biggest Loser meals, or tickets to the Finale! :-)

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Speakers Conferences


1.  2012 CLASS Reunion: April 27-29, 2012, Palm Springs, CA

2.  Christian Communicators Conference: August 29-September 2 at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Asheville, NC. Come join Carolyn Knefely and me as we partner with you to bring Him glory through your writing and speaking ministry! Cec Murphey Scholarships are available! But you must hurry–scholarship deadline is April 1, 2012! Registration deadline is July 29, 2012. Space is limited, so please don’t delay. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

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2012 Writer’s Conferences are Moving into High Gear!

Here’s an updated list of writers conferences. Hope you’re planning to make it to at least one!

1.  Carolina Christian Writers Conference: April 20-21, 2012, Spartanburg, SC (I’ll see you there!)

2.  Colorado Christian Writers Conference: May 16-19, 2012, Estes Park, CO

3.  Orange County Christian Writers Conference: May 18-20, 2012, Newport Beach, CA

4.  Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: May 20-24, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

5.  St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference: June 19-23, 2012, Grove City, PA

6.  North Texas Christian Writers Conference: June 22-23, 2012, Keller, TX (I’ll see you there!)

7.  AnAuthor World/The Writers’ Plot Conference: July 21, 2012, Furman University, Greenville, SC (I’ll see you there!)

8.  Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: August 1-4, 2012, Langhorne, PA

9.  Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival: August 11-16, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

10. Christian Authors Guild “Catch the Wave” Writers Conference: August 23-25, 2012, Norcross, GA

11. CLASS Christian Writers Conference: October 31-November 4, 2012, Ghost Ranch, NM

Can’t wait to see what comes from these links!

Write on!

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Kudos, MoGo7000 February Results & Cec Murphey Scholarships

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By Vonda Skelton | March 8, 2012

Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines…

Yep, it’s Thursday, and that means we’re looking at the headlines. Read below to see who’s been blessed with writing success, who’s been writing away and is in the running for $100, and discover a scholarship opportunity for Christian women speakers!

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Conferences, Speakers Conference, & MoGo7000 Writing Challenge

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By Vonda Skelton | February 23, 2012

Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines…

The conference season is upon us, so now’s the time to start making your plans for the year. I’ve got a list of conferences for writing (some are new additions!) and speaking, as well as a program to help you have something ready to show agents and editors!

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities and Cec Murphey’s Secret Video

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By Vonda Skelton | February 16, 2012

Welcome to Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines!

Today we’ve gathered lots of writing opportunities for you and have a secret video from Cec Murphey!

Writing Opportunities Just For YOU!

1.  Dena Dyer and Tina Samples are collecting stories from contemporary women who’ve been healed in various ways–emotionally, spiritually, physically, or mentally. They’ll be including their own stories of God’s grace and mercy at different points in the book, but they need LOTS of material from others. Guidelines at Dena Dyers’ Mother Inferior blog.

2.  Write Integrity Press is doing three compilations: Life Lessons from Moms, Dads, and Teachers. Writer’s guidelines here.

3.  Vista needs 2-14-12

4.  LIVE needs 2-14-12

5.  Silver Boomer Books is Looking for Stories

6.  Alaska Magazine Submission Guidelines for Freelance Writers – And yes, we have a couple of writers who live in Alaska, so girls, this is for you!

7.  The Cattleman Magazine – Guidelines for Writing for The Cattleman – Yes, we have some cowgirls, too. :-)

8.  A Cup of Joe for Woe is seeking stories of the hard lessons you learned.

9. Greatest Parenting Tip Contest by Adriana Vermillion. You could win a $50 gift card. :-)

10.  And as a bonus, here’s a link to Keiki Hendrix’ ongoing writing opportunities. You can always come here to find places to send your work!

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Cec Murphey as you’ve never seen him before!

Okay, many of you know Cec Murphey, the Author; Cec Murphey, the Giver of Scholarships; Cec Murphey, the Speaker. But have you ever seen Cec Murphey, the Funny Guy?

I’ve got a link below for you, but before I share it, I want to be sure you know about two things:

Cec Murphey has again generously sponsored scholarships for this year’s Christian Communicators Conference, to be held at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, August 29-September Ladies, if you feel God may be calling you to speak, or if you’ve been speaking for a while and want to expand your ministry, this conference is for you! Small group, intimate setting, personal training, and all in the middle of God’s beautiful creation! Check out all the details at www.ChristianCommunicators.com.

And second, I want to tell you that Cec’s new book, Unleash the Writer Within is powerful! It’s not a technical how-to, it’s a deep-reaching why-to. It cuts through the trendy writer-speak and heads straight to the heart of writing. As Cec says, it IS about us. As much as we want to deny it, it is. I hope you’ll get Cec’s book today.

And now, for a good laugh, check out Cec’s Video, Thoughts on Writing a Book for Writers. Oh, and it has to be our secret! He doesn’t know about this, and if he finds out, Twila Belk, his worthy assistant, will be looking for a new job! :-)

Thoughts on Writing a Book for Writers by my friend and yours, Cec Murphey.

Write on!

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: It’s Time to Celebrate!

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By Vonda Skelton | February 9, 2012

Welcome to Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines!

Today we’re celebrating with our friends who’ve had success in their writing and speaking, announcing our MoGo7000 update, and a new announcement for Christian Communicators.

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Writer’s Headlines: MoGo7000, Call for Kudos, & Christian Communicators Conference!

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By Vonda Skelton | February 2, 2012

Welcome to Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines…

Lots of good news today!

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It’s Time to Count Your MoGo7000 Words!

So, have you been MoGoing this month? I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to during January!

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