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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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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 | April 27, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Friend and writer, Marilyn Shipe, sent a blog to share with us: Famous People Who Found Success Despite Failure by Ben Hsu is a list of just that–famous people who found success despite failure. :-)

  • J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected 12 times.
  • Walt Disney was fired for lacking an imagination.
  • Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four.
  • Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting his entire lifetime.

The list goes on and on.

Do you know anyone like that? As you look at the list, the truth rises to the surface. These non-famous people became famous people because they didn’t give up. They might have been afraid, but they took the next step anyway.

Gideon was like that. He was fearful. The Midianites were stealing their cattle, taking their crops, oppressing them on every side. Gideon was so scared he was threshing his wheat in a winepress, hoping to keep it from the enemy.

An angel of the Lord came to him and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:11). Gideon asked if God was with them, why was all this happening to them. To which the angel replied:

“Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14

Go in the strength you have. Now. Take the next step. Don’t look at the weaknesses and past failures. Go in the strength–in whatever measure it is–that you have right now.

Of course, we know the rest of the story. Gideon led a mere 300 men into battle and beat the Midianites.

Gideon is a man who found success despite Israel’s previous failures and fears. He found success because God was sending him and he took the next step.

What is God calling you to do? Whatever it is, you can be assured if He is calling you, He will be sending you. But you have to take the first step.

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

 

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Interview and Book Give-Away with Author and Speaker Patty Mason

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By Vonda Skelton | April 24, 2012

It’s author interview and book give-away day and I’m so pumped to introduce my friend, author and speaker Patty Mason, to you. Patty and I met in May ’09 at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference where her book, Transformed by Desire: A Journey of Awakening to Life and Love, won an award in the Bible study category. At that conference, Patty also attended my How to Develop a Speaking Ministry to Women continuing class at Blue Ridge and I later endorsed her book. Then, in January 2011, Patty participated in our very first Christian Communicators Conference at Lake Keowee, SC, and I can tell you, she’s an amazing speaker.

As you can see, Patty and I have developed a lasting relationship and I’m honored to be able to share her books with you today.

Be sure to check out Patty’s bio below, but for now, just take my word that she’s someone you want to listen to. :-)

And if you’d like the opportunity to win a free copy of Patty’s book, just leave a comment below and you’ll be in the running! (Be sure to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.)

Thanks for being with us today, Patty. I can’t wait for the readers to hear your story. First of all, tell us about your newest book, Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs. Why did you write it? Who did you write it for?

Patty: Finally Free is my story—my personal battle with depression. In the book, I share how I got there—even to the point of becoming suicidal—to how I was instantly delivered from depression without drugs. When I first began to write Finally Free, I had other depression sufferers in mind. I know the pain of their anguish. I wanted to reach out to them and offer hope, to let them know they are not alone. However, during the months it took to write the book, many people approached me and told me how their mother, husband, friend, etc. was suffering. They were looking for answers because they didn’t know what to do to help those they loved. From these conversations I saw another need: To reach people who are living with a depressed loved one.

How difficult was it to write from both perspectives?

Patty: I know depression from both sides of the well. I know what it is to suffer, and I know what it is to live with someone who is depressed. About seven years after I was healed, my husband became depressed. Listen, I am not a doctor, so I do not share medical advice in the book. I wrote purely out of personal experience. I know what worked for me when my husband was suffering, so in the back of the book I share some practical tips, some do’s and don’ts, when handling someone with depression.

That sounds like a valuable resource. Would you share a couple of those tips with us?

Patty: First of all, be a good listener. Don’t judge or criticize how your loved one feels. Don’t say, “Oh, you’ll get over it.” That is what my husband would say to me. Prior to his depression my husband didn’t understand what I was going through, so he dismissed it as something I would “get over.” If someone has never experienced depression, they will not understand. However, when my husband began to experience his own trouble with depression, he apologized to me profusely.

Another good helpful tip is to get them out of the house. Depression suffers tend to hide from people and life, and a change of scenery can help. I took my husband and our three children on vacation for a few days, and that trip helped tremendously.

Although I’ve had down periods, like after the death of my daddy and while caring for my terminally-ill sister, I’m blessed that I’ve never suffered with lasting depression. Can you tell us more about what you went through? How did the depression start? Did you seek help? How did you find your way out of depression without drugs?

Patty: Disappointment and disillusionment caused me to fall hard into my well of depression. From the age of 18, I went on one pursuit after another expecting “people and things” to fill me in some way. By the time I was 35 I had everything. I had a husband who loved me, three beautiful, healthy children, a nice home and successful career, yet none of it gave me the sense of worth and satisfaction I was looking for. For a long time I wore the mask that told those around me I was fine and I had it all together. Outwardly I looked like I had everything, but inwardly I was dying. I didn’t want to admit I had problems, so I didn’t seek help at first.

Finally, once I figured out I couldn’t help myself, I began to seek help through family and friends. When that didn’t work, I turned to the medical profession, but I couldn’t find any doctors who would help me.

The most critical day came when I had come to the end of myself. Suicidal, I cried out to God to help me. “Only you can help me!” I told Him, “Please, help me!” Later that same day, God reached into my well of darkness and pulled me out. And when I came out of that well, I came out a different person.

What an amazing story of the power of our God! Since your book came out, I know your story has been told numerous times. Would you tell us about some of the places you’ve had opportunities to share your story of God’s healing grace?

Patty: Actually, I began sharing my story before audiences back in 1997, shortly after the healing took place. God has given me many opportunities to share it over the years at various conferences, churches groups, and workshops. But since the release of Finally Free, He has opened doors for me to share on numerous television and radio programs, including CBN 700 Club. My story has also been published in several magazines, on blog sites, and in books by other authors, such as Unshackled and Free and Recycled Women.

I’ve watched your video interviews and you do a great job of telling your story. I hope the readers will visit your website to find out more about Liberty in Christ Ministries and to check out your videos.

But now, let’s switch to writing. Tell us more about your journey. What are you working on these days?

Patty: My writing began at the age of nine when I won my first writing contest. From then on my mother would tell me, “Patty, you’re a writer.” My writing career, however, began 34 years later. I wrote my first book in 2003. Since then I have had the privilege to write five books, including two Bible studies. Transformed by Desire: A Journey of Awakening to Life and Love was released in 2010; then Finally Free in 2011.

I’m currently working toward publishing my second Bible study, Know That I AM God, and working on the video series that will accompany the workbook. In between all this, I’ve written several magazine articles and on various blog sites.

Writer’s conferences have played a big part in my developing career; as well as the guidance from my writing mentor, Doc Hensley, who I met at the first writer’s workshop. And as you said, Vonda, we also met at a writer’s conference—whoo hoo! You, too, have played a big part in my writing and speaking. What I have learned from you is priceless to me.

Wow, thank YOU for your kind words and for sharing your wisdom and journey with us. It’s been a joy to watch God bring glory to Himself through your faithfulness.

And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment below for Patty and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book! Be sure to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.

Thanks for joining us today, Patty.

Patty: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my heart and my story of God’s healing mercy.

Author Bio:

Patty Mason is a wife and mother who found hope and healing when Jesus reached into her well of depression and set her free. From her painful past God created Liberty in Christ Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and freedom for their souls. As a speaker and Bible teacher, Patty continues to speak at women’s luncheons, events, workshops and conferences and has reached audiences all over the world through Sisters on Assignment, Christian TV, Salem Communication’s Light Source, WLGT Blog Radio Live, and CBN 700 Club.

Website: www.libertyinchristministries.com

Contact info: patty@libertyinchristministries.com

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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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The Tax Man Cometh: Recordkeeping Tips for Writers

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By Vonda Skelton | April 10, 2012

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net/koratmember

Yes, this is how I feel. Like I’m drowning.

In honor of the approaching tax deadline and in confession of my yearly tax ritual, I’m reposting this blog from last year.

Some of you have seen it before and think there’s no need to read it, but I’ve added a few more details that might be helpful. :-)

Others think you don’t need to read this post because you’re not “there” yet. That’s the whole point. You need to be “here” before you get “there.”

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Don’t Be Apwaid to Take a Wisk!

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By Vonda Skelton | April 3, 2012

Photo courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As some of you know, I do a little acting. Nothing big. I don’t have stars in my eyes and certainly don’t entertain visions of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But I do love acting. I love the opportunity to be somebody else, doing and saying and choosing things I might never do, say, or choose as Vonda. It’s simply another fun, creative way to enjoy life using the passions He placed in me.

Well, last week I had my first experience with video auditions. There’s a great film in the works in Asheville, one I’d love to be a part of. I submitted my resume and headshots and was thrilled to get an invitation to audition. But since I was going to be out of town on the appointed day, I was given the option of submitting a video audition. Something I’d never done before.

I’m blessed to be part of a community of actors who help and support one another, many of whom have already experienced video auditions and have the technical skills to pull it off. Two of them volunteered to help me.

I arrived confident of my choices about the characters I was auditioning for, confident of my ability to do a good job. But my confidence was soon deflated as my experienced friends critiqued my performance. I wasn’t invested enough in the character…I needed to dig deeper into the feelings she was experiencing…The scene was too slow, sucking the energy out of the character.

One of my friends said, “You’re playing too safe. Make strong choices. Commit to and believe your line that says, ‘Don’t be afraid to take a risk.’” The truth was, for a moment, I just wanted to walk away.

But I knew acting required me to take a risk.

So I did. With the camera off, we replayed the scene over and over, and each time they both encouraged me to go deeper, to feel the heart of the character and express it at a more realistic level.

And soon I was in the groove. I was fully invested in the scene, feeling each word as if it were my own. We were ready to turn on the camera.

My character took over. The camera rolled and I, Vonda, disappeared as “Mitzi” moved and spoke and challenged her young friend at the bakery counter.

“Proceeding with caution,” I/Mitzi said, nodding approval. “Very wise.” My heart pounded in my chest. I was there, feeling her emotion, dispensing her advice, thinking nothing of Vonda or who she was. I was Mitzi!

The moment I’d been building to was here…my signature line, to be spoken with wisdom and confidence and a touch of spice. It was the best taping yet—I was on right on target!

The sage in me leaned in, winked across the counter, and announced, “Don’t be apwaid to take a wisk.”

Bwwaaaaaahhhhhaaaaa!!!!!! Don’t be apwaid to take a wisk? Did I really say that?

Did that unexpected, unplanned, and undesired, second rate Elmer Fudd impersonation really come from MY mouth?

The next second my actress friend and I fell to the floor as our giggle boxes flipped end-over-end in laughter. (You girls know–the kind that will mean cleaning the mascara from your cheeks and completely redoing your make-up.)

Our poor video guy did the usual guy thing and laughed for a few minutes, then watched with a kind, wholly-male smile. Every time my friend and I thought we were getting it under control, we’d look at each other or one of us would repeat the line and it would all start over. For at least five minutes, maybe ten.

But you know what? That night I took a risk, invested everything I had in the moment, only to have it turn around and bite me in the funny bone. And although we tried several more times, I never quite got back to that deep groove level.

But at least I overcame the fear and took the risk.

I wonder if Noah and Moses and Joshua and Esther were ever afraid of taking a risk. What if they had been confident in their own ability, only to realize they didn’t measure up? What if they’d fought against God’s instruction to invest in their roles with all they had? What if they had refused to dig deep, down to the emotions and giftings God had placed in them for such a time as this?

The truth is, without their willingness to overcome fear and take a risk, history would have been a different story; this world would have been a different place.

You know what, dear friend? God has such a role for each of us. It may not mean He’ll separate a sea so we can lead others through it on dry land, but it could mean that friends, family, and acquaintances could come to know Him through our leading. Would we be willing to invest in that role, digging deep into all it would mean and require of us?

Would we be willing to make strong choices, overcome our fears, and take a risk?

If not, perhaps we’re not really committed to the role, but impersonating a second rate copy instead…meaning God will have to give the part to someone else.

Don’t be apwaid to take a wisk. :-)

(PS: I just found out yesterday I did get one of the other parts! Yay!)

(Photo courtesy of cooldesign/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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The Winner of Phoebe Leggett’s Book, My Time to Grieve, is…

Friends, you’re not going to believe it, but Phoebe Leggett has graciously offered to give away not one, but THREE copies of her book! Hoo-wee! Thank you, Phoebe!

Today’s three winners are Tammy Whitehurst, Marilyn Nutter, and Catherine Young. Congratulations, dear friends! Just contact me with your mailing addresses and your books will be on the way.

And for those who didn’t receive a free gift, you can visit Phoebe’s website to order your own copies.

Thank you, dear Phoebe, for your kindness to us and to those who will benefit from your words. I pray God blesses you and your ministry to our grieving brothers and sisters around the world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And thank you, dear friends, for joining me week after week here at the Christian Writer’s Den. You bless me with your presence and your words. Without you, this Den would be a lonely place. :-)

Blessings on all your projects!

Vonda

 

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The Kids’ Ark Magazine: Wittiness, Witness, and Writing Opportunity All Rolled into One!

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By Vonda Skelton | March 29, 2012

(It’s the 5th Thursday, so today we get to bring you a special treat!)

Let’s face it, kids spend a lot of time watching TV, playing video games, and getting lost in Facebook. But what if you could offer your child games, puzzles, and the chance to win $100? Do you think that would generate some interest?

Jim and Violette Burger have done exactly that through their non-profit ministry, The Kids’ Ark magazine! Be sure to leave a comment and you’ll be in the running for a FREE subscription!

I spoke at Write2Ignite Christian Writers Conference a few weeks ago and had the joy of meeting Jim and Violette Burger, and what a blessing they were!

Jim and Vi have a heart for children and it shows through their ministry, The Kids’ Ark, a quarterly children’s Christian magazine they’ve publish in Victoria, Texas since 2004. Targeted to children 6-12 years of age, the purpose of the magazine is to teach the truth of God’s Word while also helping them make good choices in life.

The Burgers love kids and encourage them to learn about the Bible by giving away $100 to a young reader every single month! The kids simply read the magazine, fill in the blanks in the back, and mail it in. Once a month they draw a winning name, and that child receives $100 in cold, hard cash! Now that’s a great way to get kids to get excited about reading and learning God’s Word!

Each issue of The Kids’ Ark has a theme. The magazine includes puzzles, mazes, fiction stories, Bible stories and a true story featuring a child who is living his or her life for God. The 10 Commandments and a Salvation prayer are also included each month. Children who pray to ask Jesus into their hearts can complete a form and mail it in. Within weeks, their “Born Again” re-birth certificate with the date they received Christ arrives in the mail, addressed to them.

Jim and Vi said, “God flooded the earth once, with water to destroy all the evil people, but He gave an ark to save His children, the people who really loved Him. Now, the earth is again being flooded, but this time, by Satan. He’s flooding the earth with lies and distractions to keep us from loving God. And, just as before, God is giving us an ark to save His children. This time, the ark is not a boat but a magazine full of the truth–the truth about God’s love for each of us.”

And The Kids’ Ark is not a little four to six page black and white magazine. No! The sample copy I read online had almost 40 colorful pages of fun and faith!

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles

The Kids’ Ark has reached children across America, Canada, Taiwan, Australia, U.K. and India. Many of the magazines have been donated to foster agencies to touch children who might not go to church.

Jim and Vi are trying to reach children for the Lord and tell them that God is exciting and He has a plan and a purpose for their lives. So, what children in your life would benefit from this great resource? I’m ordering a subscription for my granddaughter’s birthday coming up in a few weeks! What better way to help her learn more about our Savior, while having fun at the same time?

The Burgers would love your prayers and support to help reach more children. The cost of a one-year hardcopy subscription is only $20; online subscriptions are $15. This not only helps them reach children, but it also helps pay The Kids’ Ark writers. (Yes! It’s a paying market!)

So what are you waiting for? For more information on how to order, as well as the writers guidelines, you can check out the web-site at www.thekidsark.com. You can also call 1-800-455-1770, or write The Kids’ Ark, P.O. Box 3160, Victoria, Texas 77903.

Bio: Jim and Violette Burger are graduates of Destiny Bible Institute and have been active members of Faith Family Church in Victoria for over 18 years. Jim is still employed and has worked as a Respiratory Therapist for the last 37 years. Violette was a former Flight Attendant with Braniff Airlines until they went bankrupt in 1982. The Lord moved her to Victoria where she met Jim and has worked in outside sales for the last 20 years selling building maintenance and janitorial supplies. Violette likes to let everyone know that this means she sells toilet paper! (Don’t you love it???)

In September of 2007 the Burgers were nominated as “Hometown Heroes” by KAVU, the Victoria local NBC television station, for their sacrificial work on the magazine.

Readers, don’t forget to leave a comment and you could win a free subscription!

Grace and peace,

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles)

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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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