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The Window: A Glimpse of God’s Calling

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By Vonda Skelton | September 30, 2008

September 30, 2008

This is the fifth Tuesday of the month, so you know what that means–we have a special guest blogger! Christian Writer's Den member, Ann Wayne and I met  years ago when I spoke at a women's event at her church and I immediately knew I'd found a new friend! Ann is the owner of The Cabin Cove, where we hold our annual Writing Retreat. I hope you'll check it out for any groups or vacation needs you might have. Please welcome Ann as she shares her wisdom and insight on this journey we call writing. Thank you, Ann!

The Window: A Glimpse of God's Calling by Ann C. Wayne

I'm so excited about starting my new master bathroom remodel.  The builder will actually begin this week.  He came by a few weeks ago and  measured for the cabinets and talked about the new additions. I excitedly pointed out to him that I wanted a small window cut into the exterior wall.  You see, there has never been a window in this bathroom. 

When the builder left that day, I stood there and imagined looking out the window and seeing God's creation in the back yard.  The tall oak trees towering in the woods, the deer that pass by occasionally; and now I will be able to hear the sounds of the finches chirping as they hang on to the swinging bag of thistle seed while filling their bellies.

This small window reminds me of God's calling on those of us who write and speak.  For the past several years, God has given me opportunities to attend conferences and hone these skills a little at a time.  He hasn't opened any doors yet, but I know that He will in the right time. And for a lot of us, these skills are developed over the years through life experience and taking a class here and there.  There are a some who actually have a journalism degree to lay their foundation of writing on.  But I think it is so cool when someone says, "I have known for years that God has called me to write; I am just getting the opportunity to work on the skills."

thecabincovesmallIn Psalm 102:18 ( NKJ), the psalmist writes "This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord."  This is so exciting to me, that not only are we using our gifts to glorify God, but our children and grandchildren will read what we have written and praise the Lord.   I think that this is one of the main reasons that God is calling me to write, so that I can share the hope and victories of trials with the generations to come.  Notice that the psalmist didn't say that it should be written, but that it will be written.  Now brothers and sisters, the word of God is not to be compromised.  We are supposed to act upon what we read in His word.  So get busy and write!  Or maybe you are supposed to be speaking too! 

I have actually struggled for a while figuring out what I am supposed to write, finding the time to write and how best to hone the skills that are waiting to jump out on the paper.  I would like to share a few strategies with you that are helping me to go forward.

Journal, journal, journal.  This is one of the best ways to capture your thoughts each day.  It's amazing what the Lord can reveal to you in your quiet time.  You may write only a few short notes, but you will realize that what you write today may be just the script you need later for an article or even a book.  I even have a voice recorder that I carry with me in my purse.  Sometimes, driving down the road, I will have a brainstorm with ideas for writing or speaking. Or maybe even a life experience is so unique that it will be recorded.  My handy voice recorder captures the thoughts I wouldn't be able to stop and write down.  The Lord will also gives me glimpses of opportunity as I communicate with Him through prayer.

Attend conferences or take classes. We wouldn't expect a child to learn his alphabet or how to count by figuring it out on his own.  The same principle applies to writing and speaking. We must seek out different venues for training so that we can hone our skills.  There are many Christian conferences and retreats all over the country.  Even the community colleges offer writing classes.  There are also writing mentorship programs that are very helpful and some even offer certificates and diplomas.  Yes, they cost something, but doesn't anything in life worthwhile?  The old saying goes something like this.  "You get out of it what you put into it."

Subscriptions and Publications. The Christian and secular media is saturated with all types of publications to enhance writing and speaking.  Looks for annual publications, monthly or quarterly magazines, online publications and free material that is handed out at some of the conferences.  These are great avenues to make connections with the niche you are looking for to help develop your skills.

I hope that these bits of information are helpful, especially to the amateur writer and speaker.  Look for windows of opportunity; don't try to walk through doors yet.  Wait for God to open the door; it will be in His perfect timing.

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If you'd like to be a guest blogger, please email me and I'll get you on the schedule. We'd love to read your words!

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And the Winner Is…

The winner of Brenda Nixon's new book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts is Dana Arcuri! Dana just email your address to me and we'll send you your own copy to add to your Christmas book collection! Congratulations!

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Thank you for joining us again here at The Christian Writer's Den. I appreciate every one of you and hope you'll come back week after week for more instruction, inspiration, and direction for your writing and reading life. Writers need to hang out with other writers!

I leave you with these words from Psalm that Ann pointed us to. What does God have for you to write?

This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. Psalm 102:18

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

Vonda

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Interview and Book Give Away with Author and Speaker Brenda Nixon

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By Vonda Skelton | September 23, 2008

September 23, 2008

Hello, writers! Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den. Today you are in for a treat! I'd like to introduce you to my friend, speaker and author Brenda Nixon. I met Brenda years ago on one of the writer's loops and we've been hanging around the internet together ever since! In addition to speaking and writing, she's a frequent instructor at writer's conferences across the country. I've had the joy of teaching with her several times and I can tell you she has a teaching spirit and a gift of encouragement. I hope you'll pay attention as Brenda shares her tips on becoming a speaker.  

And don't forget to leave a comment for Brenda or me. You could be the winner of Brenda's new book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

Vonda: Okay Brenda, let's just get to the point. Suppose someone came up to you and asked, "I want to be a successful speaker." What five pieces of advice would you give?

Brenda: "Successful speaker." That's what I want, too! Truthfully, I haven't met my personal definition of successful. But if I was to share five tips with a pretend someone, I'd say:

  1. Continuing Education – One of the sites I visit is Larry James' Authors & Speakers Network. It's wild and stimulating, but packed with tons of information like the free articles. Also, attend speaker's conferences – you can find them at Christian Leaders and Speakers Services (CLASS) or Carol Kent's Speak Up Speaker Services or various secular conferences through the National Speakers Association (NSA). Speak Up Speaker Services offers a speech coach. Also, attend your local chapter meetings of the NSA, where planned programs with guest speakers will give industry help. Every career demands growth and improvement, so continuing education is the hallmark of a professional.
  2. Understand Networking – Networking does not mean sucking life and information out of every known associate to get where you want to be. One speaker who published a book and appeared on a major network daytime show now travels the country. One time this person came to my office and for two hours asked questions, took notes, and copied some of my ideas. Has this person ever looked back and said, "Thanks" to me or given me an update or even kept in touch? No. Do I feel used? Yes. This wasn't networking — it was usury. True networking is an equal exchange of ideas and a willingness to help each other achieve ministry goals. Believe me, if you nurture relationships with a caring attitude, it'll return to benefit you.
  3. Join a Speaker's Group – Speaker's groups offer fellowship, contagious enthusiasm, learning and network opportunities. You can join Toastmasters, online speakers groups, or even form one in your own community. Don't try to be a lone ranger. Speaker groups are a way to be with like-minded individuals who share your passion, you can swap idea and leads, build friendships, and keep abreast of the latest industry news and trends. You need to be with other speakers for business-related conversations; those outside the industry don't always understand or care.
  4. Pay Your Dues – Start out giving freebie presentations. Give away your work so you can practice, develop a following, and give your name and topics exposure. And thank people along the way! Pay your dues to people for their kind help and support.
  5. Start Small – Too many people immediately want to speak at a Women of Faith Convention . . . well, so do I. But, it takes years to develop your brand, reputation, experience, and network before (if ever) you're invited to mammoth events. Be humble and willing to share with small audiences. Personally, I have such passion for parenting issues that I'm willing to speak to any size audience. Before taking the microphone at an event, my prayer is, "God bring those who need to hear what will be said. And help me say what needs to be heard." Then I leave the numbers up to Him.

Vonda: Great information, Brenda. Now, can you tell us your speaking journey in a nutshell?
Brenda: In 1996, I began speaking professionally — yuck, that makes me sound old. OK, I was only 14 at the time. Seriously, in '96, I resigned my position with the Kansas City, MO school district, where I was working as a Parent Educator, and launched a vertical learning curve into the speaking industry. I had child development/behavior and parenting education knowledge, but needed to learn about public communication and platform skills. Feeling as dumb as a doorknob, I read any books about speaking I could get my hands on, and sat watching videos of other speakers. I also went to industry conferences and meetings (never joined Toastmasters) and within four years joined the National Speakers Association. The NSA bills itself as an organization of "Experts Who Speak."

Throughout the years, I've tried to continue my professional growth and education because audiences want and deserve the whole package. You know some speakers are entertaining, but their content is empty fluff, while others have the knowledge, but are BORING. Hopefully, I can offer the credentials, creativity and credibility to speak at childcare conferences, MOPS groups, in schools, churches, businesses, libraries, hospitals and parenting venues. Abraham Lincoln said, "Whatever you are, be a good one." And that's my attitude.

Vonda: I love that quote. What a great piece of advice for all of us.

Changing gears here, I have to admit that as a speaker, I've had some experiences that I'd rather forget. Do you have an embarrassing moment you'd be willing to share?

Brenda: Not an embarrassing moment in front of a live audience, but, worse, one on camera when I was doing my live parenting segment for FOXTV4 in Kansas City. Against my daughter's wise counsel, I wore white to the studio. (Hint, white makes you look BIGGER on top of the 10 pounds the camera puts on). There I sat, next to a svelte news anchor, spewing forth my pearls of parenting wisdom looking like a puffy marshmallow. Then, and this is bad, I leaned forward with my e
lbows on the desk and a certain part of my female anatomy laid on the desk. It looked like the marshmallow finally boiled over. 'Nuff said.

Vonda: What's the most memorable speech you've given?

Brenda: Hmm, good question, Vonda. I don't have a unique memorable one, but a few stick in my mind. I was privileged to be a featured speaker at one of the MOPS International Conventions and more recently to speak at the Hearts at Home National Convention. In November, I was the keynote speaker for Iowa's Early Childhood Caregivers Conference and a few years ago at Ohio's Dream Child Conference. Thanks for allowing me to travel down memory lane.

Vonda: I mentioned earlier that in addition to speaking, you also write books. Tell us about that.

Brenda: Oh yes, there's a marriage between speaking and writing. I find it a natural to put on paper the information I share aloud to audiences. But, writing isn't easy. It is a learning curve and I encourage people who want to write to attend writer's conferences, read books about the craft, join critique groups and whatever they can to improve their skills and also to learn about the writing industry.

Vonda: So, are your books on parenting?

Brenda: Two of them are, Parenting Power in the Early Years, which is now sold out and The Birth to Five Book: Confident Childrearing in the First Five Years (Revell). I'm also a co-author of the new Christmas giftbook, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts , and a contributing author to 24 others.

Vonda: Wow, Brenda, you certainly stay busy! Thank you for taking the time to share your writing and speaking journey with us here at the CWD. I know we've all learned something today! And I want to personally thank you for your encouragement to me when I started out. I'll never forget your kindness. That's what we're supposed to do, right?

Now readers, I hope you'll check out Brenda's books, which are both available for preorder. And if you'd like a chance to win a copy of A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts , be sure to leave a comment and you'll be entered into the drawing. The winner will be announced next week. And I hope you'll visit Brenda's website for more information about her books and speaking ministry.

Thanks again, Brenda. It's been a pleasure having you here with us.

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And here's a verse to focus on this week as you seek God's direction on the words He has for you to write…and perhaps speak:

The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD ? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:11-12

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

Vonda

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Bad News/Good News

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By Vonda Skelton | September 16, 2008

September 16, 2008

"I've had a hard life," the eager new writer says. "It's an amazing story. All my friends say I need to write a book. I know it would be an encouragement to everybody who reads it."

It's the conversation every knowledgeable writing instructor dreads.

On one hand, the instructor knows that the story most likely is amazing. It probably would be an encouragement to many others who are going through a similar hardship. But the sad truth is, unless the author is a celebrity or has a huge platform, most editors aren't interested in publishing personal stories as books. 

And writing instructors are often the ones who have to break the bad news. It's not something we want to do. We know the writer most likely came to the conference or sent the email expecting it to be the beginning of her publishing destiny. We know she'll be disappointed. We will be, too.

Does that mean her life doesn't count or that Christian publishers don't care about what she's been through? No. It just means that even though Christian publishers want to point readers to Christ, they must make a profit in order to do it. And in most cases of personal stories, they just aren't able to sell enough of those books to make a profit.

So what's a writer to do? What if you do have an amazing story that would be an encouragement to others? The good news is, you have options.

Self publish your book. If your primary goal is to document your story for your family and friends, self-publishing is a viable option. Whether you choose print on demand or regular press technique, self publishing can create a lasting document of your story, allowing you to leave your message for those who come behind you.

Are you a speaker who frequently addresses large audiences? Self publishing might also be considered if you're associated with a large organization that has a built-in audience…and the means for delivering your message. And even if you don't address large audiences, if you simply want to make your story available to those who hear you speak, self-publishing may be the way to go.

But if you decide to go the self-publishing route, you must choose your publisher carefully. There are great publishers out there who produce high quality books that look as good–if not better–than many traditionally published books. But there are also publishers who create sloppy products that label your book unprofessional. And depending on the publisher, self-published books can have a harder time getting distribution in brick-and-mortar bookstores.

So do your research! Don't take anything at face value. A wise writer will do internet searches for warnings or complaints, will have all contracts evaluated, and will personally contact authors who've published with the house. Don't go through the publisher or ask for references–that may not give you a true picture. Instead, find the names of authors, visit their websites, and contact them directly, preferably long after publication. There are many sites that report warning about publishers. One is located here and has links to many more warnings.

Self-publishing can be a wonderful way to get your story out, but you have to choose wisely and be sure you know you're dealing with a reputable company.

Fictionalize your story. Did you know you could create a novel using the lessons and scenes you experienced in your struggle? You can use fiction writing techniques to create compelling characters who travel your emotional journey. Readers often connect with well-written fictional characters as easily as–and sometimes better than–they connect with real people. It's all in the writing and delivery of the story. And a well-written novel that taps into your experiences and emotion has a much better chance of publication than the actual story of your life.

Although my Bitsy books aren't based on horrible experiences of life, I do use a lot of real life events in my children's mysteries. Many of the scenes, conflicts, and emotions Bitsy and her friends and family go through are taken directly from my own life. But you need to realize that if you translate your experiences for fiction, you don't have to stick to the truth. As I tell students when I teach writer's workshops in schools, take your story or event and make it bigger, funnier, meaner, sadder, happier, or scarier. Take clips from your entire life and compact them into a short time span. The lessons are still there, the testimony can still affect others, but rather than presented as truth, it's delivered through the vehicle of fiction.

And sometimes that's the vehicle that increases your chance of publication and allows you to share the lessons of life with others.

So there's the bad news and the good news about publishing the story of your life. Yes, as writers, our stories can make a difference for those who read them. But we need to be aware of the options in sharing our message. 

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Meet My New Best Friend, Babbie Mason!

What a joy it was to meet and share the platform with Babbie Mason this past weekend at the North Carolina Baptist Women's Prayer and Evangelism Conference at Ridgecrest, NC. If you've never had the opportunity to hear her, she's an awesome worship leader and speaker. I hope you'll check out her website and grab some great CDs. It's the next best thing to being there!

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And the Winner Is…

Susan Dollyhigh! Congratulations, Susan-you're the winner of Kathi Macias' awesome new book, Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World! Just email me your address, and Kathi will get it right out to you!

And Kathi, thank you again for blessing us with this nice little surprise! 😉

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It's the Week for Opportunities

Yep, it's that time again! I hope you find the following opportunities to be just the nudge you need! Remember, many of our readers have been published by following through on these leads and/or attending these conferences.

  1. Get Published Now! at Glorieta Christian Writer's Conference Glorieta, NM, October 22-26. Sign up for the Get Published Now class and you'll leave as a published writer! I'll see you there!
  2. Christian Author&#39
    ;s Guild Writer's Conference , Woodstock, GA September 25-26. I'll see you there! 
  3. "23 Places to Find Freelance Writing Jobs and Freelance Blogging Jobs " by Deborah Ng.
  4. Writer's Digest Poetry Awards Competition
  5. The Ultimate Series -They are looking for stories on gardening, golf, weddings, honeymoons, and lots of other titles.  
  6. Ever considered becoming a speaker? The CLASServices Seminar will be in Atlanta September 29-October 1. Scholarships available!!! Call the office for details: . 
  7. Upstate SC American Christian Writers Workshop and Contest. Contest deadline extended to September 22! Contact Elva Martin
  8. Mount Hermon/Zondervan Novel Contest for Unpublished Authors. 
  9. Spread the Word Conference 2008, October 10-11 in Atlanta. If you already have a book, you might want to check out this conference on marketing.

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That completes our time together this week. I hope you found something of worth here at The Christian Writer's Den. After all, that's my goal!

I leave you with these words, taken from Proverbs, the Book of Wisdom:

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. Proverbs 1:5

 I pray God's blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts.

Vonda

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Do You Really Need an Agent?

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By Vonda Skelton | September 8, 2008

September 9, 2008

After my blog post, Scams, Shams, and Flim-Flams, a writer asked, “Do I really need an agent?” Well, you’ll be happy to know I can confidently and unequivocally answer that question in three simple words: Yes, no, and maybe.

When I wrote my first book, I knew I didn’t want an agent. I mean, why would I want to give a whopping 15 percent of my earnings to a total stranger when I could do it myself and keep all that money?

Then the rejections came–years of them–and I finally began to think that perhaps 85 percent of something would be better than 100 percent of nothing! So I started my search for an agent, and if you read the above-mentioned post, you know exactly where that got me!

Fast forward eight years to 2001 and I finally have a book contract for Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island–without the help of an agent.

So, did I do the right thing by publishing without an agent? I’ll never know. But I do know this: When it came time to write my first women’s non-fiction book, I didn’t even consider trying to find a publisher as an unagented writer. And I’m so glad I didn’t.

You’ve probably heard it said that finding a good agent is harder than finding a publisher. That may be true. But it’s also true that once you find a good agent, it’s a lot easier to land a publishing contract. Some publishers use agents as their clearinghouse to wade through and find the publishable writers. Those publishers know that a good agent will only take on good writers, so the fact that a reputable agent is presenting you lends credibility to your work.

A good agent will know who’s looking for what, what genre has the best chance at certain houses, and whether a publisher just signed a deal for a book similar to yours. Good agents have connections, know the latest scoop, and many of them have worked as editors themselves.

So let’s look at the three simple words and their meaning in response to the agent question.

Yes…

  • You most likely need an agent if you want to be published by a large publisher. Every now and then we’ll hear the story of an unsolicited manuscript being picked up by a large house, but most major publishers will not even consider an unagented manuscript sent in by the author.
  • You need an agent if you don’t have the time, patience, or knowledge to reach multiple editors simultaneously.
  • You’re most likely to need an agent if you’re not going to writer’s conferences where you’re meeting with editors face-to-face.

No…

  • You don’t need an agent if you’re interested in any form of self-publishing, such as POD, vanity press, or old-fashioned self-publishing.
  • You don’t need an agent if the Writer’s Market Guide or the Christian Writer’s Market Guide state the publisher does not work with agents.
  • If an editor at a writer’s conference tells you that he or she is interested in seeing your manuscript and then personally tells you how to submit it, you do not have to have an agent.
  • You don’t need an agent for poetry.

Maybe…

  • You may not need an agent for children’s material, especially shorter pieces like picture books and board books. Just be sure to do your research and follow the writer’s guidelines.
  • You may not need an agent for a small press, regional press, or university press. Again, check the guidelines in the Writer’s Market Guide.
  • Even if an editor offers you a contract without agent representation, you may want to consider seeking an agent at that point. There are many agents who would love to represent you in the negotiation phase when you already have a contract–and their involvement could mean a higher advance or higher royalty schedule for you.

As you can see, there’s no one-word answer to that question. So, go back and do everything we talked about in Giving Birth to Your Book, Part 1 and Giving Birth to Your Book, Part 2, then study today’s entry. I have a feeling you’ll know the answer to your question.

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Any Chance You Could Watch Me on TV September 15?

I just got word that I’ll be on FamilyNet’s Every Day with Marcus and Lisa television show on Monday, September 15 at 11:00 ET. The show will be live from Atlanta, but is televised nationally through syndication. I’d love to have at least one friendly face in the “audience!” Thanks!

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It’s Kudos Week!

Congratulations to the following Christian Writer’s Den readers who have seen the fruit of their hard work. If you’re one of those who is working hard, but haven’t seen results yet, don’t give up! Remember, I had 63 rejections before I had anything published.

Don’t give up! Keep learning. Keep applying what you’ve learned. And one day we’ll be celebrating with you!

  1. Sue Falcone (NC)–Sue is featured in the September issue of The Good Life, a Christian newspaper.
  2. Cherise Bopape (GA)–Cherise has several blessings to share with us! Her article, “Give Work a Rest,” was published in the August 31st issue of The Lookout magazine; her devotional, “Jump-Started with Pansies,” will be posted on MustardSeedMinistries.org site September 22-28; she was interviewed on ChristiaWomenOnline.net–scroll down to her interview; and she will be a guest TODAY on The Harvest Show–check your local listing.
  3. Cynthia A. Lovely (NY)–Cynthia had an article published in the Methodist periodical, The Connection. She also had an article accepted for publication in the Cross and Quill Newsletter.
  4. Barbara Parentini (NC)–Barbara was interviewed by Sandra Stanford on We Love Girltalk on BlogTalkRadio. You can hear the archived interview here. Just scroll down to her name.
  5. Jean Hall (NC)–Jean’s article, “Something Wonderful Happened,” will appear in the September issue of Nature Friend Magazine.
  6. Terri Kelly (NC)–Terri’s devotion, “Satan Himself,” was just posted at Christian Devotions.
  7. Jo Rae Johnson (SC)–Excerpts from Jo Rae’s piece, “Garden Sense,”has been included in the Fall 2008 Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living (a Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publication) in the Stories to Share section.

Congratulations to all The Christian Writer’s Den-ers who’ve found success! Keep working hard, and maybe we’ll see your name listed next month!

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Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

We have a bonus book give-away this week! Author and speaker Kathi Macias has graciously donated a copy of her new book, Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World for a surprise book give-away. Want to win? Just leave a comment about anything on this blog post and you’ll be entered! And I hope you’ll visit Kathi’s site and check out all her books. She’s a prolific writer! Be sure to let her know how much you appreciate her sharing her latest book with us. (Hey gang–you’ll want to check out her excellent writing instruction book, The Train-of-Thought Writing Method.)

Thanks, Kathi! You’re a dear friend to writers everywhere!

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And now I leave you with these words of encouragement as you write words that can touch a life for eternity:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24

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

Vonda

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The Writer’s Fruit of the Spirit

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By Vonda Skelton | September 1, 2008

September 2, 2008

There's a saying that goes something like, "The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree." Hmmm…

In Galatians 5, Paul says we identify ourselves to the world by how we live, whether in the sinful nature or the nature of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of that nature is visible for all to see. It confirms our heritage, our roots.

What does the world see when it looks at us? What does it see as it watches us deal with each other as writers? Jealousy, discord, selfish ambition, and gossip announce that we’re walking in the sinful nature.

But Galatians 5:22-24 says:

. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

The Fruit of the Spirit. I’d heard that phrase all my life. I could even stand up in church and quote the verse word for word. But for years, those who knew me could look at the evidence, and it was telling a different story. It was telling of selfishness and greed and rudeness. Of pride and fear and self-centeredness. On the day I came face-to-face with the attitudes of my heart, I was shocked. I was ashamed.

Friends, the Fruit of the Spirit is not a list of nice things we should try to do. Neither is it a collection of possible gifts we may or may not have. Instead, this is God’s command to those of us who belong to Christ Jesus: to crucify the sinful nature and the evidence it produces.

Crucify is such an ugly word, but that’s exactly what we have to do. We have to kill that sinful nature with all its ugliness, and put on the image of Christ. And that includes in our writing relationships.

In other words, can we:

  • Love the person who lands another fast contract when we’re still waiting for our first?
  • Find joy in the midst of our poor sales?
  • Claim His peace when we find another rejection in the inbox?
  • Be patient with the person who doesn’t deliver what he promised?
  • Be kind to the new writer who wants us to teach her in 15 minutes what it has taken us 10 years to learn?
  • Demonstrate a heart of goodness by sharing our leads, our resources, and our contacts with other writers?
  • Be faithful to pray for those we promised to pray for?
  • Let the gentleness of our Servant-Savior, Jesus, come through our words, whether written or spoken?
  • Use self-control to avoid hogging the conversation with faculty at conference meals?

There it is—the Writer’s Guide to the Fruit of the Spirit. If others can see His fruit in us, our words are more likely to bear fruit for Him.

And isn’t that why we write?

Let's not fall far from our Tree.

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And the Winner Is…

The winner of Marty Norman’s awesome book, Generation G – Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray, is…Andrea Merrell! Congratulations, Andrea. Be sure to email me with your address and I’ll forward it along to Marty. I can tell you from experience, you’re in for a treat, my friend!

Hey what about the rest of you? Wish you were the winner? You could be next! We have an author interview and book give away every 4th Tuesday. All you have to do to enter the drawing is to leave a comment. Someone’s going to win every month. It might as well be you!

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Do You Have a Success to Share?

Next week is Kudos Week. If you’ve gotten a new contract, a book has been released, an article published, a new writing gig, or any other writing or speaking achievement, we want to celebrate with you! But we can’t celebrate if we don’t know about it.

All you have to do is email me with the details and I’ll announce it next week. Just put “Kudos” in the subject line. Be sure to include your state and any book covers, links, websites, and any other information that the readers need to know.

Can’t wait to see what you’ve all been up to!

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Could We Get Together?

As I mentioned last month, several have emailed, asking if I’ll be in their area, so I've decided to list any upcoming events in the next two months that are open to the public. I hope you'll check the list and see if we could connect. I'd love to see you!

  • September 4: Buford UMC Women's Event, Gaffney, SC
  • September 6: Antioch Presbyterian Church Women's Workshop, Goldsboro, NC
  • September 11: Mauldin First Baptist Church Ladies' Night Out, Mauldin, SC
  • September 12-13: NC Women's Prayer Evangelism Conference, Ridgecrest, NC
  • September 17: Fourth Presbyterian Church Fellowship, Greenville, SC
  • September 19-20: Aiken Children's Book Festival, Aiken, SC
  • September 25: Philippi Baptist Church Women's Event, Union, SC
  • September 26-27: Christian Author's Guild Writer's Conference, Woodstock, GA
  • October 3: Take Fridays Off, The Firehouse Inn, Rutherfordton, NC
  • October 10-11: Celebrating Womanhood Women’s Event, Redeemer Community Church, Katy, TX
  • October 16-19: The Christian Writer’s Den Writing Retreat for Women, Todd, NC (We’re currently full, but have a waiting list. You may still be able to go!) Email me for more details.
  • October 22-26: Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, Santa Fe, NM

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It's Not Too Late to Plan YOUR Cruise!

I just talked to Emily Hightower of Hightower Cruises and they still have a few rooms available for the Spring in the Son Cruise! I hope you'll join me and lots of Christian musicians, singing groups, comedians, speakers and teachers as we sail the seas and have some good, clean fun.

Believe it or not, I'll be emceeing and (hopefully) entertaining you every evening, as well as teaching some classes. But remember, no one's going to be checking the roll. If you just want to hang out on the deck all week, you just go right ahead!

But you can't take part in any of the special Christian activities, including the entertainment, unless you book your cruise through Hightower Cruises.

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Well, that does it for another installment of The Christian Writer’s Den. I hope you’ll come back next week as we answer the question: "Do I Need an Agent?"

I leave you with these encouraging words from Paul:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

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

Vonda

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