Tag Archives: article writing

Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities for YOU!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 17, 2012

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

 

General:

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

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

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

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

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

Children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Write on!

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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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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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Author Interview & Book Give-Away with Phoebe Leggett

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By Vonda Skelton | March 27, 2012

Phoebe Leggett

Hello readers! It’s the 4th Tuesday of March, so that means it’s time to talk with an author and give away a book! Today’s guest is Phoebe Leggett, a friend I met at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference who is now part of our local Word Weavers writer’s group!

Be sure to leave a comment for Phoebe and you could win a free book!

Welcome, Phoebe! Let’s just start at the beginning. When did you first begin writing?

As a child I wrote poetry and children’s songs. After my husband’s employment moved us to new locations, I began creating poems about my children when they were younger and other topics when an idea hit.

When my son was killed in 2004, writing about my struggle through grief produced the poems featured in my book. Journaling my thoughts and feelings helped put my grief into perspective.

Tell us about your first publication.

My first published article was in a magazine called Who’s DANN. This publication supported handicapped and disabled persons by encouraging them to tell their story. My bio, poem, and MS article were accepted for publication as I have multiple sclerosis. It was exciting to see my work in print. At that point I was given space in the magazine, and Phoebe’s Corner was born–featuring a poem each publication. A couple of years later the magazine lost its funding, and was cancelled. By that time, I was well on my way as a freelance writer.

You certainly were! What else has been published under your name?

Many children’s stories have been published in Our Little Friend, a Pacific Press Publishing Company for children’s literature. Articles, stories, and poetry have found their place in Christian literature and various monthly publications. The Upper Room featured one of my devotionals last year, and other devotionals have been published at www.christiandevotions.us. This past year an article on kayaking was published in Heartland Boating, along with articles published in The Evangel, Live, a weekly journal of Practical Living, MS Focus, MS Connection, with poetry in SheMom, and Harold and Banner Press.

Several poems have been read on air at WORD Radio in Greenville, South Carolina. And, I serve as Assistant Editor for www.DevoKids.com.

Wow, that’s quite a list! Do you currently have work featured in a publication?

Every month, Greenville Critter Magazine features one of my poems about animals. Since I love cats and have three of my own, it’s easy to write about them.

How do you decide what to write about?

When an opportunity presents itself, I write per the publisher’s request or guidelines; or look through my files and find something I’ve already written that can be submitted.

When did you decide to write your book, It’s My Time To Grieve?

When my twenty-two-year-old son was killed in a car crash, I felt a deep desire to help others who were also grieving. My dad had already passed when my son died. A couple of years later, my best friend was diagnosed with cancer, and later passed. Following her death, my mother died. These deaths prompted me to write my first book, It’s My Time To Grieve.

Tell our readers what the book is about.

When I received a tragic call in the middle of the night nearly eight years ago, my life was forever changed. My twenty-two-year-old son had just been killed in a car crash. Devastated and confused, I embarked on a long and difficult journey to recovery.

Using personal experiences as a guide, I share personal stories in my book It’s My Time to Grieve while providing a resource for others to successfully navigate through the grieving process. This includes:

  • Moving through the stages of grief
  • Managing the holidays
  • Handling the emotions of fear, anger, and regret
  • Dealing with the death of a child, spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or pet
  • Sharing the pain
  • Gaining comfort and healing from the Bible
  • Moving forward

It’s My Time to Grieve offers hope for the brokenhearted with the comfort God provides.

I know you have contributor stories in your book. Could you talk a little bit about that?

The best of contributor stories are included in my book, It’s My Time To Grieve.

  • Ann Tatlock, an award-winning novelist from North Carolina, reveals the crush of losing her mother, and the devastation that followed.
  • Belle Woods from Illinois writes about losing her husband of many years when he passed during the Christmas season.
  • Carolyn Knefely from South Carolina writes about the infant daughter she lost years ago.
  • Cathy Pendola from Texas shares personal pain after her teenage son lost his life in a fatal car accident.
  • Lori Marett from North Carolina writes how her close relationship with her dad helped her deal with his death in a positive way.
  • And of course, you write about the passing of your father in the Foreword, and the horrendous pain you felt following his death.

Other writers provide exceptional contributions to the book.

What a great way to let others express and work through their own grief. Thank you for that opportunity. So, do you have another book in the works?

Currently, I’m writing my second book titled No Weapon Formed. This book features my own struggle as a battered wife with three small children, and how I escaped my abuser. Valuable information for battered women will be offered in the book. Contributor stories from women in similar circumstances will also be part of the manuscript, along with Bible verses that provide God’s point of view concerning abuse, and restoration.

Wow, Phoebe, that sounds like another much-needed book for those in similar situations. Your life and your books are proof that, if we give it to Him to use for His glory, God never wastes any hurts. Thanks for sharing with us.

And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing for an autographed copy of Phoebe’s book, It’s My Time to Grieve.

You can get your own copies by visiting Phoebe’s website at www.phoebe-leggett.com.

Phoebe Leggett is a freelance writer who has published articles, stories, devotionals, and poetry. Although she spends many hours developing her writing craft, her family is most important. She resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina with husband and three felines. This is Leggett’s debut book. I hope you’ll visit her online at www.phoebe-leggett.com.

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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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Valentine’s Day Articles of Love

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By Vonda Skelton | February 7, 2012

Photo courtesy of FreeImages.co.uk

It’s February, the month of love. And since many of us writers are married or hope to be one day, I thought I’d address the issue of L-O-V-E. So here are three short articles that will help all of us honor our sweethearts this Valentine’s Day…which, in turn, will honor the Lord. Besides, the research was kinda fun!

(In the first article I’m addressing the fairer [note I did NOT say weaker] sex, the lovely ladies. But guys, believe me, you’re gonna want to read on so you can shout your “Amen, sister!” And don’t worry, girls. I’ll give equal time addressing the guys one of these days.)

1.  Your Husband Doesn’t Need Another Mother

I thought this would be a good time to address something that took me years to understand: My husband doesn’t need another mother.

Yes, God created us women to be nurturers and as we all know, nurturers are helpers.

But there’s one little problem. I’ve discovered that what I consider “helping,” Gary often considers “nagging.” In my mind, I’m just assisting his memory, improving his grammar, and protecting his image. But in his mind, I’m telling him what to do, how to talk, and what to wear.

It doesn’t matter that my intentions are good, he still hears nagging.

In her book, For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn shares her survey results of 400 men and their views regarding sex, marriage, and love. When asked how they would feel if their wives pointedly reminded them that repair work needed to be done on the house, over 52 percent of men responded with at least one of the following:

  • I resent her nagging.
  • She thinks I’m a second-rate husband.
  • I’ve failed.
  • She’s accusing me of being lazy or not caring about the family.
  • She doesn’t trust that I know what I’m doing.
  • I can’t believe she’s mad at me.

Now, chances are, our words would be something like, “Honey, do you know when you’ll have a chance to fix the wall?”

But he’d hear, “You low-down, second-rate, undependable, failure of a husband! When are you going to get off your lazy duff and fix the wall?” We may think we’re offering gentle reminders and helpful hints, but they hear a mother’s voice, telling them what to do.

Arguing over semantics and trying to make them see the intent of our words probably won’t work. So I’ve chosen to get out of the nagging business. Now, that’s not to say I never fall back into the pattern of “helping” when he sees it as “nagging,” but I am a lot better about it than I used to be.

And if you still aren’t convinced that nagging’s not the way to go, consider this: Don’t we all dream of our husbands coming home from work, taking us in their arms, and carrying us to the bedroom, while whispering sweet nothings in our ears?

Um . . . do you think he would do that to his mother?

’Nough said!

(Adapted from my book, Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe)

2. Kiss and Make Up

Two thousand years ago, the apostle Paul wrote, “…Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” (Ephesians 4:26 NIV)  The scientific community is just beginning to realize the wisdom of those words. A University of Maryland researcher recently looked at the connection between harboring anger and lowering immunity in patients with certain chronic diseases. Initial results show those who “forgive and forget” tend to have better disease-fighting ability. In another study, participants who felt angry for only five minutes experienced decreased immunity for up to six hours.

The lesson of these studies?  Kiss and make up for good health—and do it now!

3. Pucker Up: 6 Health Benefits of Kissing

If your want a fun, quick tutorial on kissing this Valentine’s Day, I hope you’ll check out my latest Inspire A Fire article, Pucker Up: 6 Health Benefits of Kissing.

So there you have it, three articles for your Valentine’s Day reading. Oh the joys of writing…and research!

See you Thursday!

Vonda

(Sparkling Hearts photo courtesy of FreeImages.co.uk)

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Writer’s Headlines: BONUS Author Interview & Book Give-away with Edie Melson!

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By Vonda Skelton | December 29, 2011

Today is a fifth Thursday, and with my new blog schedule, that allows me to post whatever I want, so we’re going to talk with author, speaker, and social media guru, Edie Melson!

Edie needs no introduction on this blog. As you know, we started out together after meeting as conferees at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference back in 2001 and have worked on many projects together. You can read Edie’s complete bio below, but I just want to say here that she has become the go-to person for social media and her book, Social Media Marketing for Writers, has been an Amazon #1 Bestseller. Way to go, Edie!

But today I want to introduce you to Edie’s newest book, this one from the heart of a mom. Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle, debuted on Veterans Day, 2011, and is a devotional book for those with family members in the military.

And readers, be sure to leave a comment for Edie and you could win a copy of her new book!

Welcome to the Christian Writer’s Den, Edie! I love to hear this story, but for those who haven’t heard, tell us why you wrote this book.

Our oldest son decided to bypass college and go straight from graduation, to Marine Corps book camp, to Iraq. I struggled with fear during his time in the military – especially during the deployments. I looked for resources for families and only found things written for military wives. I decided that if I survived his time in the military I’d write about how God had kept me sane.

What do you hope the readers get from this book?

I hope they realize they are part of a community. They aren’t alone. So many of those families struggling with deployment don’t live on a military base. That can cut them off from a group of people who understand the experience.

I want this book to be a resource and to point loved ones to the ultimate help, God.

What held you together during his times of deployment?

I have to give all the credit to God. He surrounded me with family, friends and an amazing church, to give me the support I needed.

How can other families dealing with this issue find help?

I have a great community blog with tips and encouragement from others who are and have experienced the deployment of a loved one. It’s also important to let those around you know what you’re dealing with. Our church family was a great resource for prayer support during Jimmy’s deployments.

My website is www.WinningTheWarAtHome.com

Also, for moms of active-duty or honorably-discharged kids there is an organization called Blue Star Mothers of America. This is a 501(c)3 organization and there are chapters in most cities and areas of the US. I’m a member and they helped me immensely by providing a place where everyone understood what I was going through.

As a matter of fact, my publisher and I are donating a portion of every book sold to the troops through the Blue Star Mothers organization.

Speaking of Jimmy, is he out? How is he doing?

He does have some disability from the time he served, but he’s doing really well. He and his wife live about three and a half hours from us and he’s in college full-time right now. He wants to go into teaching – but I suspect he may turn out to be in denial about his own writing abilities.

So, how long have you been a writer?

I’ve been a writer as long as I can remember. I was in denial for a long time, but I actually wrote my first novel – long-hand – when I was in eighth grade.

What pulled you out of your writing denial?

A lot of things helped. But the defining moment for me was feeling like God was calling me to share His message through the written word. At that point writing became less about me and more about obedience to Him. Soon after that I began attending writing conferences and as they say, the rest was history!

So you don’t have any kind of writing degree?

Nope, I started the hard way. I learned the craft of writing by attending years of online classes and workshops as well as writing conferences and reading writing books. And…most important…by WRITING!

If someone wants to be a writer and they don’t have a degree, how do you recommend they get started?

I think it’s vitally important to take classes and attend conferences. It’s also important to be part of a growing community of writers – like an online or in person writers group.

I think you also have to ask yourself if you could be happy doing anything else but writing? If you could – go do it! This is a great business, but it’s also brutal. You’ll never survive if you don’t love it.

Do you have any conferences you recommend?

One of my favorites, of course, is the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. It was one of the first I attended, back in 2001. Now I’m the co-director, along with Alton Gansky.

Why are conferences important?

They give you the opportunity to learn the craft, network with industry professionals, and meet other writers.

If it hadn’t been for Blue Ridge, I might not have ever gotten published. It was the mentoring of faculty and opportunities presented by editors that gave me my start.

Back to your book. How can someone get their own copy?

They can order it online from Amazon or Barnes and Noble or they can have their local bookstore order it. It’s available as an eBook or a traditional print book.

Or, if you want an autographed copy, I’ll be happy to arrange that through either my writers website: www.theWriteConversation.com or the book’s website: www.WinningTheWarAtHome.com

And as I mentioned earlier, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home isn’t your first book.

I do have another book out, Social Media Marketing for Writers. And as you said, it actually hit #1 in its category on Amazon this past summer. It’s available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble as an eBook.

Thanks again for joining us, Edie! What a personal joy it is for me to see all your successes…and to know first hand that they didn’t come easy. Writing is hard work, but so worth the effort!

Readers, be sure to check out the rest of Edie’s bio here: Edie is a freelance writer and editor with over 16 years experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, publishing over 700 articles in 2010. She also has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation and is a frequent contributor to many others. In keeping up with the leading edge of all things digital Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on Twitter, Facebook, and social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, Social Media Marketing for Writers, is available on Kindle and Nook.

As a sought after writing instructor, her heart to help others define and reach their dreams has connected her with writers all over the country. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and Southwest Christian Writers Studio, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. Edie is also the Assistant Acquisitions Editor for www.ChristianDevotions.us.

Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is Edie’s latest project. This devotional book for those with family members in the military debuted on Veterans Day, 2011. www.winningthewarathome.com.

She’s a member of numerous professional writing organizations, including the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, The Christian Pen, The Christian Writer’s View I and American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s also an assistant copy editor for the Voices E-zine, a publication of My Book Therapy and a part of the My Book Therapy Special Teams Blog and The Social Media Coach for the My Book Therapy Core Team www.mybooktherapy.com .

Married 30 years to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, they have raised three sons. You can contact Edie directly at ediegmelson (at) gmail (dot) com.

And readers, don’t forget to leave Edie a comment below and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book! Don’t forget to check back next Thursday to see if you’re the winner!

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You Have TWO More Days To MoGo! 

That’s right! The 2011 MoGo7000 Challenge will end at midnight, December 31 and someone is going to win $100–it could be YOU!

I’ll ask for your totals next Thursday and those who wrote at least 7000 new words on a book project will get another entry into the drawing. The winner of the $100 cash prize will be announced on January 12.

But don’t stop writing! The new 2012 MoGo7000 will begin on January 1, so be sure to keep a record of your word count. Check the MoGo7000 guidelines here and then get to work on your new goal.

I can’t wait to see who wins!

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What a joy to meet up with you each week. Thank you for your encouragement and support, not only for me, but for writers, like this week’s Dianne Matthews and Edie Melson, who share their knowledge–and their books–with us!

Write on!

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities, Flash Fiction Contest Winners, BOGO & MoGo7000!

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By Vonda Skelton | December 15, 2011

Welcome to Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines!

I’m excited about all the great stuff packed into this week’s news! First let’s start with writing opportunities, collected just for you! Thanks again to Marilyn Shipe for her excellent work in gathering these!

~Writing Opportunities for YOU!~

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How to Include Numbers in Your Writing

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By Vonda Skelton | December 13, 2011
I recently received an email question about the proper use of numbers in writing, so I thought it might be a good time to discuss it. When I first started writing, the rules were easy–write out numbers nine and under, use numerals for anything higher. It’s not so simple today.

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Sustainable Writing, Part Two by Edie Melson

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By Vonda Skelton | May 10, 2011

vondahannahshot6As you read this, I’m back at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, having a ball seeing old friends and making new ones. But don’t worry, I’ve still got a great class here at The Christian Writer’s Den–just for you! Please join me in welcoming back Edie Melson as she shares Part Two of her series, Sustainable Writing.

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