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Author Interview and Book Give Away with Jenny L. Cote

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By Vonda Skelton | October 28, 2008

October 28, 2008

Hi, writers! I can’t wait for you to hear from my friend, Jenny L. Cote. But before you do, let me tell you a little about her. Jenny and I met at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference a few years ago, before she ever had a book contract–and wait till you see what she’s done!

In her new fantasy series, The Amazing Tales of Max and LizTM, Jenny beautifully blends her passions for God, history, and young people as she takes heroes Max and Liz through pivotal points in Biblical and world history. And get this–Jenny is currently working with a movie studio to produce the first book, The Ark, The Reed and The Fire Cloud, as a 3-D animated feature film! How cool is that???

Jenny is from Norfolk, VA, and holds two marketing degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. Her career has focused on strategic planning and marketing–not a bad combination for an author! She now writes and speaks full time and lives in Roswell, Georgia, with her husband Casey, son Alex, and of course, the REAL Max and Liz. Jenny is an active member at Dunwoody Baptist Church.

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer’s Den, Jenny. Would you begin by telling us when you started writing?

Jenny: I’d love to! I’ve been writing since I was a kid. I actually wrote stories about talking fruit when I was about 10, so before Phil Vischer wrote VeggieTales I was writing FruityTales!

Vonda: So I’m assuming you’ve graduated from writing about talking fruit?

Jenny: Yes, I’ve written three books, and am currently writing a fourth. My primary project now is my new fantasy series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz. Book one, The Ark, The Reed and The Fire Cloud, was just released by AMG Publishers. It’s the story of the animals making their way to Noah’s Ark where heroes Max and Liz foil a plot by a stowaway who is out to kill Noah and his family and stop the human race from starting all over again.

Vonda: Wow! Max and Liz are amazing!

Jenny: Max is a brave Scottish Terrier and Liz is a French cat who is a scientific genius, and they both had human cultural characteristics long before people were even in those areas! Like the “Forrest Gump” of animals, they make all sorts of things happen behind the scenes in history.

Vonda: Sounds like fun! So, who is the series written for?

Jenny: The target audience is 8 to 12-year-olds but so far, all ages are loving it. I’ve heard from teens and adults who devoured the book and can’t wait for book two!

Vonda: I can see why! But I gotta ask. You take great liberties with weaving fantastic ideas around a well-known traditional Bible story. Why?

Jenny: I really feel that God inspired me to write this series. Think about it: The most cataclysmic event in the history of the world, and we have only three chapters that give few details of what happened that year aboard the ark. So I’ve taken a beloved story and woven a fantasy from the animals’ point of view to engage readers in a “what if” scenario, making it a ton of fun while maintaining the integrity of what we do know to be true.

Vonda: As I understand it, Max and Liz will go through time in future sequels in the series. Where will they go?

Jenny: Max and Liz save the day in book one, and God chooses to send them through pivotal points of human history to affect the lives of people both in Bible stories and recent history. I’m currently writing book two, The Dreamer, The Schemer and The Robe, about Joseph due out in 2009. Then we’ll help Moses in The Prince, The Plagues and The Promise before we jump to The Revolutionary War and help Patrick Henry and The Marquis de Lafayette in The Voice, The Revolution and The Jewel. I want to show God interacting in the human experience not just in Bible stories, but across all points in time. It’s a way to make history come alive and be fun and exciting and–dare I say–teach readers a little history in the process.

Vonda: Well I want to hear about this film. How exciting!

Jenny: Yes, it’s very exciting! I’m working with a studio to bring The Ark to the big screen as a 3D animated feature film. Budgets and contracts are being worked on as we speak, and I’ll be able to give details on this soon. The movie will be in production about 18 months. It’s been a total God-thing from the beginning. It completely goes against the normal scenario of taking a book to film, which usually takes an average of 9-12 years! But God said, “How about a verbal movie deal before the book is even released?” Just blows my mind!

Vonda: Okay, so tell us about the inspiration for The Amazing Tales of Max and LizTM.

Jenny: The REAL Max and Liz are my pets (see photo), and I truly think God sent them on a mission to inspire these stories.

Vonda: Jenny, thank you for giving us an inside look at the story within the story of Max and Liz. In closing, would you tell us how to get this book and “meet” the real Max and Liz?

Jenny: I’d love to! Just visit where you can get signed copies, see some book trailers, and get the latest news on Max and Liz. The book’s also available at bookstores and online at Amazon and Christianbook.com. I’m currently on a book tour, visiting schools and giving lectures on creative writing. I love hanging out with kids,
so if anyone is interested in having me come to their school or church, please give me a buzz.

Vonda: Okay, you heard it here. Jenny is available to speak to schools, churches, libraries, and community groups. To schedule a talk, reading and/or book signing, or interview just contact her at . You can also find Jenny, Max, and Liz at Facebook. Thanks, Jenny!

And readers, if you’d like a chance to get a free autographed copy of The Ark, The Reed, and The Fire Cloud, just leave a comment for us here at the blog. A name will be randomly selected next Sunday and announced next Tuesday. BE SURE TO CHECK BACK TO SEE IF YOU WIN, otherwise, another name will be drawn. ;-(

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The Christian Writer’s Den Writing Retreat…

…was amazing! Kimberli Buffaloe is working on a video I can place on the website, but until then, you can catch it here. Believe me, after you see this, you’ll be packing your bags! (Quality is much better if you download it.) Mark your calendars for next year’s tentative date, October 8-11, 2009.

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Don’t Forget to Vote November 4!

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In this day of turmoil and confusion, despair and failure, I leave you with these words, taken from the book of Psalm.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

When we dwell in Him, we have no reason to fear.

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

Vonda

(Flag photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 2

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By Vonda Skelton | October 20, 2008

October 21, 2008

First of all, we had an incredible time at our 2008 Christian Writer's Den Writing Retreat this past weekend at The Cabin Cove in Todd, NC. Ladies, you need to plan now to be part of the fun in 2009! The date and more information will be announced after the first of the year. Here's a shot of this year's group. Recognize anyone?

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Okay–on to the task at hand. I've heard some great comments about last week's entry, Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 1. But the fun isn't over! I hope you find the conclusion to be equally helpful. 😉

The Fourth Paragraph:

This is the time to convince the editor that you're the best person to write this article. If you have special training, education, or credentialing in the field, let him or her know. If you have publishing credits, list the most prestigious ones first. And if you have lots of previous credits, don't list them all, just the ones that would carry the most weight, and then let him know there are others as well. The editor doesn't want a detailed resume, so don't list dates and titles of all the articles. But if you have written on this subject before, be sure to point that out. If you don't have publishing credits yet, don't point out that detail. Instead, focus on showing that you are qualified to write it because of your expert sources or your experience or interest in the field.

If you do have a writing resume, mention that you will be happy to send it. If you have writing samples, offer to send them for his review, but do not attach anything unless directed in the writer's guidelines. If he's interested, he may ask for them in a follow-up letter.

The Fifth Paragraph:

Let the editor know when you can have it ready. Be honest. Don't promise something you can't deliver or you'll cut your chances of having future opportunities with this editor.

Thank her and mention that you look forward to hearing from her.

Be sure to include your contact information with your signature. I have a friend who got an assignment the same day she sent her query, simply because her note came at the moment the editor needed a last-minute substitute writer…and my friend had included a phone number.

Now, before we end, here are some Do's and Don'ts for your publishing success:

Do's

  • Make sure you have the right name of the editor. If necessary, call the switchboard number listed in the guidelines and ask if So-and-So is still the editor. Whatever you do, don't say Dear Editor.
  • Check and recheck spelling, grammar, and form.
  • Be professional, even if you've met the editor before. 

Don'ts

  • If the guidelines state to send by snail mail, don't use fancy paper or write anything on the outside of the envelope. An exception would be if you've already had contact with the editor and he or she has requested something from you. In that case, you may write "Requested Material" on the outside of the envelope.
  • Don't say your mother or friend thought it was a good article.
  • Don't say anything that isn't true.
  • Don't ask for suggestions on what kind of articles he or she is looking for.
  • Don't ask how much the magazine pays.

So there it is. A formula for getting the editor's attention and possibly snagging another (or perhaps your first) publishing credit. It's not the only way to go about it, but it has certainly worked for me.

(And once you write that query and get that assignment, don't forget to let me announce it in our Kudos!)

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This Month's Opportunities:

And now, here are opportunities for you to submit those queries or submissions. Don't forget to follow any posted guidelines. And, as always, be cautious. This is a listing only, not a verification of the credibility of every posted source.

  1. Children's writers wanted! Story Something, a new online mag, is looking for a variety of writers for children's stories. 
  2. Kathy Pride, a CWD reader, published author, and personal friend, has just signed a contract with Focus on the Family for Expecting My Baby: Preparing for the Miracle of Your Child's Birth. (Hoo-wee!! Way to go, Kathy!!) She views this book as a cross between What to Expect When You're Expecting and The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, and she needs your stories! Contact Kathy at for topics and guidelines.   
  3. Falling for Jesus Writing Contest. You could win a $50 Amazon Gift Card and publication on Internet Café devotions. 
  4. God Sightings: Stories of His Involvement in Life's Greatest Moments. This is a paying project! Deadline for stories about God's involvement in your life is November 30, 2008. Don't miss this opportunity! For writer's guidelines, email Jeanette Littleton, at .

And now, an opportunity for your creative teens:

I am honored to be teaming up again with Sarah Anne Sumpolec as a co-director of the teen track, The Gideon Intern Program, at The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival to be held May 31-June 4, 2009. Applications are being accepted from now until December 15, 2008.

If you have a creative, talented teen who is interested in media arts, I hope you'll consider taking advantage of this amazing opportunity! The program includes one-on-one time with accomplished producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, and authors; personal mentoring; opportunity for producers and directors to see your teen's work and input their personal projects; a week-long project to be shown at the conclusion of the conference; and networking with others in the media industry. Don't delay! We want to help your teen reach his or her goals!

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Well, that brings us to the close of another week at The Christian Writer's Den. Thank you for taking the time to hang out here with me and other writers who love the Lord and want to write worthy words.

Therefore this is what the Lord says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman."       Jeremiah 15:19

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

Vonda

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Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 1

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By Vonda Skelton | October 14, 2008

October 14, 2008

Query letters. I hate them. You hate them. Everybody hates them. But the ability to write a good query letter can mean the difference between publication and rejection. Over the next two weeks, I'll be sharing a five-step formula for writing query letters that will create interest and increase the chances of seeing your name in print. (It will be presented as a query letter for a proposed article, but the basic concepts would work for a manuscript cover letter, too.)

The First Paragraph:

When I started out writing query letters, I always began by introducing myself. That might have worked just fine if my name had been Patsy Clairmont or Erma Bombeck. But since my name carried no weight or recognition, I was simply wasting my time and most likely sealing the deal for my rejection. The truth is, the editor didn't want to know anything about me until he knew I could write.

In the same way that the opening paragraph of a book must grab the editor's attention, the opening paragraph of a query letter must do the same. One good way to do that is to begin with the first paragraph of your article. The goal is to show the editor that you can write an eye-catching hook and draw the reader in. Once I discovered this little tidbit, I experienced much more interest in my proposed articles.

The Second Paragraph:

The job of this paragraph is to convince him or her that your proposed article would be perfect for his magazine. Let him know you've studied the market guide by mentioning the target audience and his magazine's demographics. Be specific regarding the take-away you offer the reader. Study the guidelines first and then state your proposed word count. Whatever you do, don't offer to write a 2000-word article when his guidelines say they publish 500-word articles.

Offer to include side bars. Editors are like everyone else–overworked and understaffed. By offering side bars, you show that you're aware of the current trend in articles and that you're willing to do the extra work.

The Third Paragraph:

Let the editor know who you plan to use as outside sources. Most magazine articles reference experts or books or statistics. Your use of these sources will show that you're a professional and you're willing to do the research. You may have experienced something you'd like to share from your own life, but most often the editor will want more than your opinion or experience. She'll want input from experts. And don't worry if you don't have them lined up yet. The editor will simply want to know that you'll interview lawyers or doctors or cosmetologists with special training or interest in the subject you'll be covering.

You can find these experts in your own community, through internet searches, and through sites such as Profnet.com. (I'll teach a lesson on the actual writing of magazine articles in November and we'll look at this in more detail at that time.)

Okay, that covers the first three paragraphs–enough to get us started. Be sure to come back next week when we cover paragraphs four and five, as well as a list of query letter Do's and Don'ts. You won't want to miss it!

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And Now for Kudos of the Month…

Please join me in celebrating with these Christian Writer's Den writers who are giving God the glory and praising Him for His blessing!

  1. Dr. Linda Greer (SC) will have a short story published in the book, Too Soon to Say Goodbye: Healing and Hope for Victims and Survivors of Suicide, by Susan Titus Osborne.  Congratulations, Linda!
  2. Andrea Merrell (SC) has joined our friends, Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles, as a contributing writer at Christian Devotions. I hope you'll check out and sign up for these devotionals. They're some of the best. Way to go, Andrea!
  3. Lisa Oxendine (NC) has three bits of good news: 1)Her book, The Pink Begonia Sister's Caribbean Retreat, is now available at Barnes and Noble. 2)The book is currently being used in high school English classes and university health classes. 3)The Student Study Guide for The Pink Begonia Sister's Caribbean Retreat is available at Lisa's website. Great job, Lisa!
  4. Tom Slovenski (SC), a private investigator and writer, recently spoke at the Florida Association of Private Investigators and will be speaking this month at conferences in Arizona and South Carolina. Kudos, Tom! 

Do you have some good news to share? Be sure to email me and we'll announce it next month. What an encouragment it is to all of us to see God at work in our work!

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It's Not Too Late to Join Us on the Big Boat!

There's still room for you! I'm thrilled to be one of the speakers on the Spring in the Son Christian Caribbean Cruise, March 30-April 4, 2009. Bring your family for fun days and nights with clean, family-friendly comedians, singing groups, speakers, and writing workshops. Please note: in order to attend these special Christian events, you must book through Hightower Cruises. I'd love to see you!

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Thank you for joining me today at The Christian Writer's Den. I appreciate each of you and the encouragement and support you give me. My goal is to be an encouragement and support to you and your writing life. 😉

And now, I leave you with these words from Peter. I hope we'll all meditate on them as we go through our week.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.       1 Peter 3:15 

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

Vonda

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Are You Running on Empty?

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By Vonda Skelton | October 7, 2008

October 7, 2008

Two weekends ago I was in the Atlanta area where I had the joy of teaching at the Christian Authors Guild Writers' Conference. By the time I left, I was emotionally and spiritually full to the brim! Yes, I was full…but my gas tank was nearly empty. And there was no gas anywhere around. That was Saturday evening. It was Monday before my husband and I were able to find gas and get back on the road. It was not a good feeling.

We don't like running on empty, do we? And yet, sometimes that's exactly where God wants us to be, because that's when He can show Himself for who He really is.

Our youth pastor recently spoke on the story of the Widow's Oil in 2 Kings 4. The widow owed debt, but all she had of worth was a small amount of oil. But by following Elisha's instruction and trusting God's power, she was able to fill more than enough jars of oil from that small amount, allowing her to pay her debt and still have money to live on.

That story made me focus on the concept of emptiness. I admit–I don't like it. I don't like being empty. I don't like not having enough gas; I don't like looking at next year's calendar and seeing holes in the schedule. Instead of emptiness, I like to be full. Really full. I like knowing what's coming up for the next year, and that I'll have enough money to pay my ministry expenses. (Or more importantly at this point–that I'll have enough money to pay for my GAS!)

While I listened to my pastor's comments, I found a note I had written in my Bible years ago, probably the words from another pastor's sermon: "If you're not experiencing the power of God, maybe you're not empty enough."

BAM! I took it right through the heart.

Oh, that's not to say God isn't present and active in my life and ministry–He is! I'm constantly amazed at how He's blessed the work of this ministry and allowed me to share in the joy of leading women and writers to a deeper understanding of who He is.

But the truth is, I'm tired. It's been a busy year with lots to do. And even though I love every minute of it, I sometimes feel overextended and weary to the point of exhaustion. Sometimes I just feel empty. But could it be that I'm not empty enough? Could it be that God wants me to drain the last drops of me and allow Him to fill me more completely with Himself?

When we can take care of ourselves and are working in our own power, we're not depending on God to be who He is. We can only experience the fullness of His power when we're at the end of us and our strength–the end of our money, our patience, and our hope. The end of our trust in who we are as writers and speakers.

Emptiness is a gift from God to show us who He is and to bring us closer to Him and His power. But we have to be willing to be emptied. We have to be willing to be bone dry and have no one except Him around to fill our tanks.

GULP.

Are you–am I–experiencing the full power of God in our lives, our writing, our speaking, and our ministries? If not, then we must ask ourselves the determining question:

Am I empty enough?

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Could We Get Together?

Any chance you're going to be in any of these areas? I'd love to see you there!

  • 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 18: Radio Interview with Linda Goldfarb at Not Just Talkin' the Talk Radio, KKYX 680AM, in San Antonio, TX 9am to 10am CT. 
  • October 22-26: I had planned to be at Glorieta Christian Writer's Conference in New Mexico, but due to my sister's serious illness, I am unable to attend.  I know many of you will be there. I'll miss seeing you! ;-(
  • November 1: Ascension Lutheran Church Ladies Luncheon. Contact Salli Watkins for more information at  or .
  • November 7-8: Holiday for Her, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Fountain Inn, SC, .
  • November 14-15: Anderson Museum Mistletoe Market and Children's Writing Workshops. Call Diane Brown at or email at for more details.
  • November 22: Victory Baptist Church Women's Event, Maryville, TN, .

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Last Call for Dana Arcuri!

Dana, you're our lucky winner of Brenda Nixon's new book, A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts!  Please email your mailing address to me this week or I'll have to draw another winner. I have the copy here and let me tell you, you do not want to miss this opportunity!

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And now I hope you'll meditate on these words from our Lord, as recorded by Paul:

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

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

Vonda

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