Tag Archives: Vonda Skelton

Writer’s Headlines: Call for Kudos & MoGo7000 Totals; Christian Communicators is Filling Up!

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By Vonda Skelton | March 7, 2013

Who has good news to share?

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

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

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

I can’t wait to celebrate with you in this new year!

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Did You MoGo in February?

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

To report your February results, please leave a comment below with your total new words written in February. (Please do not send your totals by email or through the Contact page. Totals must be left as a comment by next Monday).

And if you missed out on 2012′s money-winning writing challenge, don’t worry. It’s a new year and that means a new challenge! Here are the MoGo7000 Challenge rules. It’s free and you can join in at any time!

Just remember, each month in 2013 that you write at least 7000 NEW words on a book project, you can receive an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100! The more months you meet the goal, the more chances you have to win!

So what are you waiting for? Get started now and you could make a lot of headway on a book this year–and possibly win $100!

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The 2013 Christian Communicators Conference is Filling Up Fast!

Ladies, are you considering Christian Communicators this year?

There are only 15 spots left for the August 28-September 1, 2013 conference, to be held at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC! If you feel called to a speaking ministry and don’t know where to begin or perhaps you’re already speaking, but would like to learn how to grow your ministry…Either way, we have the conference for you!

The Christian Communicators Conference is an all-inclusive package and has everything you need to grow your ministry! Training, breakouts, social media classes, promotional opportunities, your professionally-recorded video and professional headshots, etiquette classes, a lovely afternoon tea, and ongoing mentoring are all included! Be sure to check out the Conference Details, Conference Schedule, Conference Leaders, and Testimonials, and discover how this conference could be just what you’re looking for! Partial scholarships are available.

Got questions? Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you!

As my partner, Carolyn Knefely says, “Write and speak on!”

Vonda

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Two Writing Tips to Help You Avoid First Sentence Mistakes

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By Vonda Skelton | October 16, 2012

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

If you’ve been a student of writing a while you know that first sentences are critical to the success of your work. I’ve actually heard an editor say she reads the first sentence, and if it grabs her interest and doesn’t have any glaring errors, she’ll move to the second.

She will then read the second sentence and decide if she wants to read the third. The process continues until she comes to the end of the first paragraph. At that point she’ll have a pretty good idea whether she has any interest in the story or not.

But did you know the first sentences of the remaining paragraphs are equally critical?

Once you leave that first paragraph to begin the second, the real struggle begins. Here are two common problems to look for as you work on your rewrites.

1.  Take a look at the opening sentences of the following paragraphs. Do you see a problem?

I remember the first time I bought a pair of designer shoes. Money was tight, even though we’d always had enough for our needs. But between the mortgage, the Christian school, and the grocery bill, there wasn’t much left at the end of the month.

I decided that bargain shopping and yard sales would clothe my family. But one day I decided the time had come—I deserved better. And in those days, “better” meant a pair of Aigner shoes.
I headed to the mall and made my selection. I wrote the check for $52 (at least four times my usual shoe allotment) and wore the blue fashion statements out the door.

I walked across the parking lot and proudly glanced around for anyone who might want to smile at me and my shoes. No one smiled.

I drove to the grocery store, anticipating the envious looks from shoppers wearing their dirty old sneakers. But no one noticed. No one except me. By the time I’d selected the apples and thumped the cantaloupe, the left shoe had begun to rub my big toe.

I knew fashion came with a price so I forged ahead, waiting for the admiring glances of moms who wanted to wear—but couldn’t afford—Aigner.

I finished my shopping and hobbled out the door. Then reality hit. Not one person had acknowledged my shoes and the message they carried. Not one person cared that I had just spent half my grocery money on a pair of hard, uncomfortable status symbols. Not one person gave a rip about me and my designer shoes.

I got what I deserved.

Okay, what do you think? If you said all the first sentences started with the same word, you’re correct.

A good writer will vary the first word of the paragraphs.

2.  Now take a look at the first sentences of these paragraphs. Do you see a problem?

As a bona fide, card-carrying daddy’s girl, I grew up feeling beautiful. It didn’t matter if I sported blue-ribboned ponytails or a wet head full of bright pink curlers, Daddy never missed an opportunity to pull me onto his lap, wrap his arms around me, and tell me I was beautiful. It was a great feeling, but it didn’t last.

Before long, I was like every other female in America—I believed the lie. The lie that says we must be beautiful or young or sexy to be worthy of love.

If you’re aware of today’s culture, you may realize airbrushed models, Botoxed movie stars, and ready access to plastic surgery has fueled this lie. And we’re falling for it.

As you know, sex and beauty sell. They sell everything from cars to toothpaste and lawn mowers to furniture polish. But the world’s beauty is a false reality, one manipulated through technique . . . and presented as truth.

And because our culture and its web of deceit are never satisfied with us, we’re never satisfied with ourselves.

Well, what do you think? Did you see a problem?

If you said all the first sentences are similarly constructed, you’re right. The opening sentence of each paragraph begins with a phrase or clause, followed by a comma.

A good writer will vary the structure of the first sentences in a page of paragraphs (and the other sentences throughout the piece).

So there you have it, two things to look for as you rewrite your work. Vary your first word choice and your first sentence structure in your paragraphs, and you’ll increase your chances of seeing your work in print.

(Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | October 12, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

 

Nothing more need be said…

You show that you are a letter from Christ…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
2 Corinthians 3:3

 

 

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | September 21, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Good morning, writer. It’s Friday. How did your week go?

Did you get another rejection? Have an argument with a friend? Struggle with your health?

Did you run out of ideas? Run out of money? Run out of time?

Did you feel alone?

In some ways, I’ve had an incredible week. Great events over the past few days, a few checks coming in, commitments for future programs.

And yet, in other ways, it’s been a tough one. I haven’t felt the best, missed a few deadlines, suffered the results of miscommunication.

But the good news is, regardless of what the week brought, God has always been there by my side. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18

Will you join me in rejoicing, even in the midst of the struggle?

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

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Superman, Daddy, and The Almighty God; Plus Pam Farrel’s Book Give-Away!

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By Vonda Skelton | September 4, 2012

Free photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Superman, Daddy, and The Almighty God; Plus Pam Farrel’s Book Give-Away!

(I just returned from the 3rd Christian Communicators Conference where I told this story. Awesome week, BTW! But in going back to my “Story List,” I see that the experience was about Superman, not Peter Pan as I had said at the conference. So since today’s post is supposed to be a spiritual message, I’m re-telling my story here–partially excerpted from my book Seeing Through the Lies–in order to get all the details straight…and to share the Truth of God’s Word.)

As a little girl, I never wanted to do little girl things. Instead of being a cheerleader, I played on the boys’ baseball team. Instead of running from the guys who pulled my hair, I chased them, threw them to the ground and beat them up. Life was good.

Then I found Superman. Standing up for truth, justice, and the American way, this muscle-bound hero showed up in my living room every week, protecting the population of Metropolis from the evil forces of the world. He was always there when they needed him. And although I understood that Superman wasn’t real, I still wanted to be like him. I wanted to fly.

I don’t mean really fly. I was old enough to realize that some sort of trick made Superman soar above the needy crowd. Then I discovered the secret. They used ropes! So I tied a towel-cape around my shoulders, grabbed a rope, and climbed up my favorite tree.

First big mistake.

I was very careful to make sure the rope was the correct length, long enough to allow me to soar back and forth over the sandbox, but short enough to assure a satisfactory elevation. I wrapped the corded braid around my waist and tested the knots until I was confident they would hold me up. On the count of five, I took a deep breath and jumped.

Second big mistake.

Have you ever tried to breathe while hanging from a rope? In case you didn’t know, it doesn’t make any difference whether the rope is tied around your waist or around your neck, the end result is the same: you die. So there I was, dangling from the tree, folded in half like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, the dead weight of my arms and legs hanging over the sandbox. I couldn’t reach the tree and couldn’t squeak out a call for help.

For the first time in my young life, I knew real fear. In the few moments it took for my entire life to flash before my eyes (all of about three seconds—it doesn’t take too long to flash through seven years), I realized I was going to die. I had climbed the tree in order to pretend I was saving the world, and now I prayed that someone would come along and save me. I imagined my parents’ reactions when they found my limp body hanging on display, right there in the front yard for all to see. Boy, was I in trouble this time.

And then a miracle happened. Daddy came home early. As a hard-working young man trying to support his wife and four kids, he was rarely home before bedtime. But that day, he was. And just as the last three molecules of oxygen were circulating through my brain, Daddy’s big, strong arms reached up and saved me. He took control of my most dangerous situation.

That day confirmed what I already knew: Daddy was right up there with Superman. And although he wasn’t faster than a speeding bullet and couldn’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, he was my hero. He had rescued me in the most fearful moment of my young life.

If only we would always recognize and tap into the super powers of our Heavenly Daddy. Unlike our earthly father—or Superman—God’s power is never limited. And He wants to be our Hero!

Are you at the end of your rope today, hanging on for dear life? Are you fearful? Suffering with illness? Hurt over a broken relationship? Searching for His will in your life? Disappointed in your ministry?

Call on your powerful Daddy. Like my daddy was back then, God is constantly at work. But instead of being busy and unavailable like my earthly daddy, God-at-work means He’s always with us. He doesn’t miss a thing. He’s ready and willing to step in and take control…if only we’ll let Him.

God’s big, strong arms are ready to reach down and save you. What do you need to release to Him today?

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And Who’s the Winner of Pam Farrel’s Latest Book, Becoming a Brave New Woman?

Random.org says it’s Judy Parker! Congratulations, Judy! Just send me your snail mail address and your free book will be on its way!

But don’t worry if you didn’t win. You can get your own copy of Pam Farrel’s book, Becoming a Brave New Woman right here. You don’t want to miss it!

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That’s it for today. Don’t forget to return Thursday to see who wins a copy of Marcia Moston’s book, Call of a Coward. It could be you!

Blessings,

Vonda

(Daddy and daughter photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | August 17, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

I just returned last night from the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, where I had the joy of learning from wise professionals as they talked about this creative-for-Christ ministry we feel called to. It’s an awesome, scary, difficult journey, a journey full of potholes and pitfalls.

You know what I’m talking about. “It’s all in who you know.” “You have to look out for number one.” “Use every opportunity to promote yourself.”

We heard some incredible speakers this week. Speakers who left us with not only words of wisdom for our careers, but words of caution for our hearts.

Torry Martin was one such speaker. I’ve had the privilege of hearing Torry speak many times, and he always makes me laugh. But this time…this time it wasn’t about laughing, it was about loving.

“Jesus is not a genre.”

“Are we leaving footprints on the backs of others?”

“Are we PRAYING FOR each other or are we PREYING ON each other?”

Wow.

Friends, we have a wonderful calling and it sometimes requires us to step into the spotlight of books and events and blog posts and followers and auditions and screenings. It requires to us find those opportunities to share what we have.

But because of that very calling, Satan wants to fill our God-given spotlight with the motivation of self. It’s his way of turning good into evil.

God has a different plan.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.     Philippians 2:4

It’s a delicate dance. And one that depends on the motivations of our hearts.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Would Jesus Network?

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By Vonda Skelton | August 7, 2012

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

(I originally addressed this idea on the Christian Communicators blog, but now realize this is a great concept to share with writers, too!)

Okay, let’s be honest here. How many times have you cringed at the word, networking? When I first started writing and speaking, I struggled with the whole concept of promotion and marketing and…yes, networking.

After all, this writing/ministry thing was supposed to be all about Him, not me. I just wanted to write and speak words that would ultimately point others to the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus Christ. I didn’t want to talk about me.

My goodness, humility is enough of a struggle, and now they’re telling me I’ve got to advertise? Good grief!

But then somewhere along the way, a wise person told me that Jesus believed in networking. That just couldn’t be true! What about Jesus’ words in Matthew telling us to be humble, like Him? What about the whole “last shall be first” thing? What about Philippians 2 where Paul says:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

And now they’re telling me I need to network?

Wise Person then pointed out that when Jesus selected His disciples and sent them out, He was telling them to network. When He declared what we now know as The Great Commission, He was telling His followers spread out, to make other followers, and teach them to network. When Paul and Barnabas and others traveled on their missionary journeys, they brought letters of recommendation from those in leadership…and they wrote letters for others. That was networking.

With Al Gansky at Blue Ridge 2010

Attending writers conferences, reading and posting on others’ blogs, promoting others’ work and helping them succeed, taking classes, and yes, writing for free are all forms of networking in the writing world. As I look back on my years as a writer, I can see that most of the friendships and connections that have positively influenced by business and ministry have come about through networking.

But don’t be deceived. Networking is NOT using others and making connections for the sole purpose of advancing your own agenda. It’s sad to say, that happens a lot.

So what about you? Are you connecting with others in order to spread the Name of Christ? Are you seeking like-minded leaders who could give letters of recommendation for your work? Are you recommending others yourself? Are you helping others succeed?

If so, then you’re networking. And done right, networking is a good thing.

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

Vonda

(Handshake photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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Writer’s Headlines: Call for Kudos and Call for MoGo7000 Results

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By Vonda Skelton | August 2, 2012

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

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

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Call for Kudos!

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

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

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

I can’t wait to celebrate with you!

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Did You MoGo in July?

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

To report your July results, please leave a comment below with your total new words written in July (Please do not send your totals by email or through the Contact page. Totals must be left as a comment by next Tuesday).

You can join any time, and it’s free! Here are the MoGo7000 Challenge rules. For each month that you write at least 7000 new words, you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100, sponsored this year by our own Cathy Young! Meet the goal four months this year and you get four entries. Meet it nine months and you get nine entries! The more you months you meet the goal, the more chances you have to win.

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

See you next week!

Vonda

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Aligning Our Dreams With God’s Calling, by Nan Trammell Jones, Guest Blogger; Golden Parsons Book Give-Away

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By Vonda Skelton | July 31, 2012

It’s my joy to introduce my friend, writer and speaker Nan Jones, as our guest blogger. I know her words will encourage you today, just as they did me.

Be sure to read Nan’s complete bio below and then check out her Morning Glory blog, a place of community for Christians to find encouragement in God’s Word and comfort in His presence.

Welcome, Nan.

Aligning Our Dreams with God’s Calling

by Nan Jones

“It’s impossible to throw cold water on a dream birthed from the fire of God’s revelation.”
~Matthew Barnett

Tears cascaded in an endless flow of frustration, disillusionment…failure. Failure to thrive, they say, as a newborn clings desperately to life. Failure to thrive, I say, as a wannabe author and speaker frantically trying to hold fast to God’s call.

God’s call. It’s rather illusive, isn’t it?

Do you suppose we clothe God’s call in an air of sophistication, making it something grandiose to satisfy our need to be needed, to be used by the One who is our everything? Do you suppose, in our attempt to understand a totally awesome God, we place His “calling” into our proverbial box of understanding while He shakes His head back and forth at our foolishness? After all, God is grand, so our calling must be grand too. Right?

I feel as though I am rambling, yet I sense that I am not the only one who struggles with this. It is my desire to love and serve my Lord with all of my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. It is my desire to honor Him with the written words of my heart and the spoken words of my mouth. It is my desire to share the message of God’s Presence in our darkest hours with those who are hurting and struggling with their faith.

That is my desire.

That is also God’s desire for me.

His calling.

For several weeks I have questioned God’s calling on my life–His request for me to encourage others with the lessons He has taught me. I watched as life’s difficulties carried my dreams far, far way, only to turn and fight their way back like the ebb and flow of a salty tide. The force of emotions has been driving me crazy.

And then God’s Word spoke to me.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24, NKJV (emphasis my own)

I realize this scripture is referring to our salvation, but in the quietness of that moment, God opened the eyes of my heart to understand a profound truth. It is God Himself who sanctifies me–sets me apart–to fulfill His purposes in my life. Not a publisher, not a scholarship committee, not an agent. God calls me to Himself and to Him alone. He doesn’t call me to “a calling.” Not really. He simply calls me to Himself.

That’s amazing, isn’t it? Why do I fight it so much? His “calling” is to Him alone and, while in His sweet Presence, He orchestrates the purposes of my life. Regardless of life’s events that distract me and take me off course, God is calling me to Himself. Perhaps those life events aren’t really getting me off course. Perhaps they are leading me right where the Father wants me–sitting at His feet, drinking in His love, learning His wisdom and instruction.

And from that place of grace I am satisfied.

From that place of grace I can extend my hand to one reader at a time, one weary soul at a time and draw them to this same place of restoration I have found.

Could there be any higher calling? I think not.

Author’s Bio: Using the written word and the spoken words of her heart, Nan Jones assists fellow believers in discovering the essence of who God is in their darkest hour. Her devotional blog, Morning Glory, has become a place of community for Christians to find encouragement in God’s Word and comfort in His presence. Nan is also available to speak at conferences, Bible studies, ladies’ retreats, mother/daughter teas–any event where two or more are gathered in His Name. No event is considered too small or too large. To read Nan’s devotions, please visit Morning Glory. For information on speaking engagements, please visit Nan’s website at www.jubilantlight.com.

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Who Won Golden Parsons’ Book, His Steadfast Love?

Drumroll, please…

The winner is #8 Susan Stilwell! Congratulations, Susan! Simply contact me with your mailing address by email or through the Contact Page and Golden will get the book right out to you!

And, I have some NEW good news to share, His Steadfast Love has been named a finalist in the National Readers Choice Awards! Hoo-wee! Congratulations to you, Golden!

Readers, if you’d like you own copy of Golden’s book, here’s your direct link: His Steadfast Love by Golden Parsons.

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | July 27, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Gary and I visited old friends one night this week and they told us a story about their 1-year-old grandson with his mother’s cell phone.

They had watched from the sidelines as he picked up the phone, and anticipated him putting it to his ear–as children have done for generations–to imitate a verbal conversation.

But instead, they watched in amazement as he fumbled the phone between his tiny hands until he had the keyboard securely cradled. And then his thumbs went to work. Up and down, back and forth they went, sending imaginary texts and and unwritten conversations.

Of course, this precious little fella had no idea what he was imitating, only that he was doing what he had seen others around him doing.

Scary, huh? And I’m not talking about texting.

I’m talking about what children see in us. Children are going to imitate and believe us, whether good or bad, right or wrong.

“Tell them I’m not at home.”

“Don’t do as I do, do as I say.”

“You’re stupid.”

“Why can’t you be like your brother?”

“He runs this house.”

“You’re fat.”

“Hey, they gave me too much change! Let’s get an ice cream!”

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.      Matthew 18:6

What will the children in our realm of influence believe and imitate because of us?

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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