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Interview and Book Give Away with Author Yvonne Ortega

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By Vonda Skelton | April 27, 2009

Hi, writers! Today I'm honored to introduce to you, Yvonne Ortega. Yvonne is not only a speaker and author, but she's also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and cancer survivor. She is the author of Hope for the Journey through Cancer (Revell) and a contributing author to The Embrace of a Father (Bethany House). (That book has my story about my daddy in it, too!) She has also been published in CBN.com, Spirit-Led Writer, The Secret Place, The Quiet Hour, The Virginia Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors VAADAC Views, and other magazines. You can find out more about her at her website.

Vonda: So now, let's get started. Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Yvonne.

Yvonne: Thanks, Vonda. I'm happy to be here.

Vonda: Okay, I'm gonna just jump in. With all the books on cancer already out there, why did you chose to write this book on cancer?

Yvonne: Cancer shattered my world. I wanted a book with Scripture, prayer, and hope, one that would assure patients and their families God would never leave them or forsake them. I also wanted a book that, with honesty and boldness, would address the emotional roller coaster cancer patients, even Christian ones, endure.

Vonda: And you did just that with Hope for the Journey through Cancer. But tell me, did you ever get to the point that you could laugh about cancer?

Yvonne: Yes! I actually asked God to help me keep my sense of humor. The day my hair started to fall out, I went to work with wet hair. My colleagues thought I had a power outage. I told them I was afraid to blow dry my hair. I might blow it all off and arrive looking like a Buddhist monk! I laugh now about how angry I was with God. I thought he had made a mistake. Now I understand he used the cancer for good in my life and the lives of others. I laugh every time I reminisce about George, my radiation therapist. He entertained me with stories about his childhood adventures. 

Vonda: I can't imagine being afraid to blow dry your hair! But your saying that made it easier for your friends to talk about cancer, too. So many times we're afraid to bring it up. But you opened the door to conversation. Now that you've been through it, what would you say is the most important lesson you learned from your experience in having cancer?

Yvonne: It's that in God's economy, nothing is wasted, not even cancer. I prayed God would use my bout with cancer to his honor and glory and for furthering his kingdom on earth. I never dreamed he would do that through the publication of my book, TV and radio interviews, and speaking engagements.

Vonda: So, do you live differently today as a result of having had cancer?

Yvonne: Definitely. I've learned to listen to my body. When I get tired, I rest. When I'm thirsty, I stop and drink water. I don't put off my dreams, because "next year" may never come! I signed up for a phone package with unlimited long-distance to call my family and friends any time. I appreciate the little things in life-walks to enjoy God's beautiful world, a ride in my friend's convertible, and sunset at the beach. I left teaching to become a full-time counselor because I felt God leading me to do so. I've never looked back.

Vonda: But how did you keep your spirits up while going through the cancer treatments?

Yvonne: I played praise and worship music and watched videos and DVDs by Christian comedians. I planned the party I would have after completing my residency and obtaining my state license. I selected the music for the dance my friend and I would perform. I dreamed about the sheet cake with white icing and hot pink roses with "Yvonne Ortega, LPC, To God be the glory" on the cake. I chose the Bible verses for my party invitations. After my diagnosis, I accepted an invitation to present a workshop on writing devotionals at the Maine Christian Writers Fellowship conference the following August. I prepared for my workshop and looked forward to the reunion with fellow writers and delicious Maine blueberries.

Vonda: What great ideas! But tell the truth, did you ever think about giving up-that the treatments were too hard?

Yvonne: After my second treatment, my blood counts dropped to 500. Normal is between 4,000 and 11,000. My doctor hospitalized me. She said she would release me when my counts rose to 1,000. My counts dropped two days in a row. I called my parents to come see me, but Dad's heart condition prevented them from doing so. I feared I would die alone in a military hospital more than an hour from my home.

And after my final chemotherapy treatment, I thought I'd never stop vomiting. I experienced a weariness that made my bones ache. I kept reminding myself it would soon pass and in a few months I would travel to Maine.

Vonda: What kinds of emotions did you experience during this time?

Yvonne: I experienced denial. I guess I thought if I didn't talk about the cancer, maybe it would go away.

I also experienced anger at God, the Food & Drug Administration, televangelists who preached health and wealth, and anyone who told me Christians couldn't be angry with God.

Fear overwhelmed me after my diagnosis and at times during treatment.

When I found out the cancer had traveled to one lymph node and adjacent to another, depression forced me to my knees in prayer.

Vonda: Oh, Yvonne, I can't imagine what that must be like. So what can we do to help friends who are going through cancer treatment?

Yvonne: Listen without judging them. Expect cancer patients to ride an emotional roller coaster. Send cards or e-mail greeting cards, especially humorous ones. Phone and visit them. Prepare a meal and take it in a disposable container. Help with yard work and house work. Run errands for them. Take cancer patients to their chemotherapy and radiation treatments and pray with them and for them.

Vonda: Great suggestions. Thank you for sharing your heart and your message with us today, Yvonne.

Yvonne: And thank you for allowing me to be here.

Vonda: So, readers, the message is this: God has a plan for our lives. We know that. But sometimes that plan involves hardship. Praise Him that He can take those difficult times in our lives and use them for His glory!

And remember, if you'd like the chance to win a copy of Yvonne's book, Hope for the Journey through Cancer, all you have to do is leave a comment. A name will be drawn on Sunday and announced on next week's blog. So leave a word of encouragement for Yvonne and don't forget to come back next week!
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And lest we ever think God has abandoned us in our time of need, let's remember His words, spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

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

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Formatting Basics

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By Vonda Skelton | April 21, 2009

If you've read The Christian Writer's Den blog for any length of time, you know that I believe in writer's conferences. As a matter of fact, you can read about how I sold my first article at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference over grits and bacon. It's true! Just ask Jesse Florea of Focus on the Family.

The best use of your conference dollars is to take advantage of all the opportunities the events offer, including submitting pieces for critique, entering the contests, and scheduling appointments with professionals.  Last week we discussed the synopsis part of the process. This week I'd like to continue our conversation by talking about how to format your manuscript. Remember, you have one chance to make a good first impression. It's your job to prepare as much as possible for that moment. Here are the basics:

  • Use white paper and black ink. I know this may sound too basic, but believe me, it must be said. This is not the moment to be unique. Professionals want to know that you've taken the time to learn the basics. Colored inks and bright or pastel paper say you haven't.
  • Along those same lines, don't use fancy fonts. Most word processing software systems set 12 pt Times New Roman as the default font, and for good reason–it's the most widely-used font. Other fonts may not only be difficult to read, but they may not even be included in the receiver's software package, which can prevent the clean delivery of your manuscript.
  • Do not add clip art. It screams "unprofessional!"
  • Here's a formatting sample of a book manuscript. (Scroll down to sample pages) Unless the publisher's guidelines state something different, follow this basic format.
  • Here's a formatting sample of an article. Again, if the editor asks for a different format, you will want to follow that format. I have one editor who asks for single spaced articles. Out of all the publishers and editors I've worked with, this is the only one who has ever asked for anything other than the standard format.
  • Note that the header at the top of each page begins with the second page of the manuscript. If you don't know how to do headers, use the Help menu of your software. I'm sorry, but since each system is a little different, I can't explain here how to do them. (Besides, I'm a bona fide techno-dummy!)
  • Also, be sure each page has your name and the page number on it. Just imagine someone is carrying a stack of manuscripts across the room and drops them, causing all the pages and manuscripts to mix together. You'll want the editor to be able to connect your words with your name–and in the right order!
  • Be sure all your contact information is on the first page. (Some old instructions may say to include your SS number. That is no longer necessary and, in fact, is quite dangerous in this day and age.)

Okay, I think that covers the major points. If you have a question I didn't cover, just leave a comment and I'll try to answer it.

I hope this has helped you as you prepare for your conference. Remember, it's all a process. You're not going to your first conference and walk out with a contract. (Although you could have some genuine interest.) But each time you attend a conference, you'll learn more about the craft, learn more about the needs of the publishers, and hopefully gain a better understanding of what God has called you to do.

And if you've already made some of those mistakes I mentioned, don't worry. None are fatal. I'm living proof of that. Just come to a conference where I'm teaching and you'll most likely hear a story from my "Idiot File."

And the idiot is ME.

Let me just say, you'll walk away from that conference knowing that "If that idiot can get published, ANYBODY can get published!"

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Upcoming Writers' Conference Opportunities

I'll be at these conferences this year and would LOVE to see you there! (I'm sorry but you'll need to cut and paste the links until I can get back in and do it. I just ran out of time!)

➢    Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, May 17-21, Ridgecrest, NC.  
➢    Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival, May 31-June 4, Ridgecrest, NC.
➢    St. Davids Christian Writers' Conference, June 22-27, Grove City, PA.
➢    Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference, August 6-8, Langhorne, PA. Register by June 1 for early discount.
➢    North Texas Christian Writer's Conference, September 11-12, Keller, TX.
➢    CLASS Christian Writers' Conference (formerly Glorieta Christian Writers'Conference), November 4-8, Abiquiu, NM. (new website under construction, so check back soon)
➢    And last, but certainly not least…the annual Christian Writer's Den Fall Writing Retreat registration will be announced soon.  This year's dates are October 1-4 at The Cabin Cove in Todd, NC. You can check out last year's retreat here.

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Writing Opportunities for YOU!

➢    Centered Magazine, an online and soon-to-be-print magazine for men 18-35 is looking for writers. (Our own Edie Melson is already a contributing writer!) If interested, contact Alex Sok at .
➢    Christian Ladies Connect Lifestyle Magazine is a new online magazine looking for writers.
➢    Christian Devotions has published many of our readers. Editors Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles say they are still looking for writers for Faith & Finances, Spirit & Soul, and Spirit & Body.
➢    Cup of Comfort books continue to seek writers. Several of our readers have been published through this series of books. Paying market!
➢    Chicken Soup books still going strong! This series has also published several of our readers. Paying market!
➢    Just Between Us, a magazine "for women with a heart for ministry," is looking for writers.
➢    Guidepost is sponsoring a new series: The Incredible Power of Prayer. Contact Jeanette Littleton for writer's guidelines: . This is a paying market!
➢    For those living in Upstate SC, the Hub City Writers Project is seeking submissions for a book on the Upstate outdoors. Contact Michel Stone at for writer's guidelines.
➢    Bestselling author, Cec Murphey (90 Minutes in Heaven) is working on a book about men who were sexually abused as chil
dren and he's looking for testimonies from/about women who helped them in the recovery process. If you think you might have a story that would be a good fit, please contact Cec at . Note: This is not a writing opportunity, but a chance to share your story with Cec and possibly see it used in his book. Names will be changed, if desired. But you must hurry. Deadline is next week at the latest.

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Writing Contests
➢    Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition –You could win $3000!
➢    Cheerios Children's Book Contest -You could win $1000!
➢    Mystery Writers Festival Competition-cash prizes!

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Whew! I don't know about you, but I'm tired! But what great information we have right here at our fingertips. Could it be that the time is right for you to step out in faith and take the next step in your call to write and speak for Him? I know it's scary. But Jesus had words about that for His disciples 2000 years ago, and He has the same words for us today. We may not worry about being arrested (at least not yet), but the application is still the same. We must do whatever He calls us to do, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be.

"On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." Matthew 10:18-20

Let's commit to opening our mouths and preparing our fingers. He has words He wants us to share.

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

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The Synopsis: Short & Sweet

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By Vonda Skelton | April 13, 2009

computer_smallYou've just completed the Great American Novel. You've done everything you've been told to do. You've created compelling characters and plopped them right smack in the middle of emotional/physical conflict. You've engaged the reader with your perfectly executed plot and subplots. You've edited and proofed and allowed your baby to be critiqued by your writer's group. 

Now it's time to share the pictures and see if anyone wants to hold her. So you register for a writer's conference where editors, agents, critiquers, and contest judges may ask for a synopsis.

A what?

Although you'll find varying guidelines depending on the organization, here's a quick overview of what most people look for in a synopsis:

1.    The synopsis is a summary of the plot of your book that gives the reader a chance to see if it warrants a closer look.

2.    It's often limited to 1-3 pages, but in some cases, the page limit is much higher. Be sure to follow the guidelines of the organization you're submitting to.

3.    It's usually single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.

4.    Print it in black ink, on white paper, using a standard font (Times New Roman is most often used).

5.    It is written in present tense, third person.

6.    The synopsis must tell the ending of the story, even if the book is a mystery, thriller, or suspense novel. This is not the time to leave the editor/agent/judge/critiquer hanging and hope he or she will beg you to tell the ending. I've actually read a synopsis where the writer said something like, "I can't give away the ending because it's so unusual, but I'll just tell you, it's a real twist!" Hmmm. Not a good idea.  

7.    Of course, you can't cover all the points of the book, but you'll want to include the major plots points that move the story along to a satisfactory ending.

8.    Give enough detail that the reader is engaged, but–with a limit of 2-3 pages–you'll have to carefully decide what earns a place in the synopsis.  

So, there you have it–a quick overview of the synopsis. If you'd like more in-depth information, bestselling novelist, Randy Ingermanson, has a great thread about it at his Advanced Fiction Writing Blog. You can start the thread here.

The section about sequencing scenes changed the way I looked at tackling a synopsis. Of course, I still won't like doing it, but at least Randy gives a formula for fitting all the pertinent details into a couple of pages. Thanks a bunch, Randy!

Computer photo compliments of FreeImages ()

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Kudos…Kudos…Kudos…Everywhere!

Wow! What a month for kudos! Y'all have been busy–and your hard work is paying off. So everybody take a deep breath and hang on for the showcase!

1.    Edie Melson (SC) has two articles with a new online magazine, Centered Magazine. Her article, "Sending a Son to War," is currently one of the most clicked articles on the site. The article will also appear in the first printed issue in August. The other article is "Network Your Way to the Career of Your Dreams," which is also currently on the site. Edie will continue to be a contributing writer and columnist for the magazine, targeted to men 18-35. Congratulations, Edie!

2.    Caroline Eschenberg (SC) will have an article, "Cycling for Life," published in the May issue of Clubhouse Jr, a Focus on the Family publication. Talk about starting your writing career off with a bang! 

3.    Cheryl Barker's (KS) article, "No More Lone Ranger," has been accepted by The Christian Communicator. Way to go, Cheryl!

4.    Andrea Merrell (SC) has a devotional published in Christian Devotions' new book, Spirit and Heart: A Devotional Journey. Congratulations, Andrea!

5.    Barbara Parentini (NC) is also publishing with Christian Devotions. You can check out her latest entry, "Italian Feast," by going to her website, clicking on Blog, then on "Italian Feast." Great job, Barbara!

6.    Ann Wayne's (NC) first feature article appeared in the debut issue of Southern Home, a new magazine based in the Lake Norman, NC area. "Post and Beam on the Lake: Built Green to Save Green" featured a home owner who built an energy efficient home. thecabincovesmallBy the way, Ann is the owner of The Cabin Cove, where we hold our annual women's writing retreat. Stay tuned for details in the next few weeks. Ladies, you won't want to miss it! The cabin is also available for ministry groups and retreats. Check out the website for more information.

7.    Jo Rae Johnson (SC) will be at Lichtenfelt Nurseries in Greenville, SC on May 2 at 9:15am. Jo Rae will lead attendees on a stroll through the nursery as she highlights some of her favorite plants and reads her story from the book, The Ultimate Gardener. And that's not all…Jo Rae will also be on local ABC affiliate News 13 in the Greenville, SC area on Tuesday, April 14, with two segments during the 6am-8am time period. She'll be discussing her story in The Ultimate Gardener and demonstrating gardening techniques. We're proud of you, Jo Rae!
8.    Lochlanina Tobey's (PA) poem, "The Finality of Rain," won second place (and $500!) in the Utmost Christian Writers Poetry Contest. You may remember, this contest has been listed several times in the Opportunities section of this blog. See–it really works! Kudos, Lochlanina!   

9.    Linda Greer (SC) has a new blog, Spiritual Heartbeats. Be sure to check it out. Linda will also be leading the Annual Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndromes Seminar on May 9, 2:30-4:30 at the downtown Spartanburg, SC library on Church Street. And to promote this event, Linda will be on the Y
our Carolina Morning Show with Jack Roper on April 21 at 10am. Good job, Linda!

10.    Terri Kelly (NC) also has another devotion listed with Christian Devotions. and she encourages us to sign up for the daily devotions. As you can see, many of our Christian Writer's Den members now write for this publication. A quick review of the authors shows at least seven! (Hey, what would Eddie and Cindy do without us?) 😉 Seriously, thank you, Terri and all the other writers, for putting out such quality work! Congratulations!

11.    Melony Brown ( GA) has a contract for a new educational book, Solving Word Problems for Life, Grades 6-8, due out early 2010. Melony also has a cool new website. Be sure to check it out! Keep up the good work, Melony!

And lastly, I wanted to let you know that I'll be appearing on Niteline, WGGS, Channel 16 in Greenville, SC Tuesday night April 14, from 8-10pm. It's a live interview and I'm not at all sure what we'll be talking about, but I hope you'll join me if you can. 

Whew! Wow–God is certainly blessing this group! Thank you, writers, for allowing us all to celebrate His blessings with you!

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And now, as we close our time together this week, I pray you'll be encouraged and challenged by these words of Jesus. The world is a dark, dark place. But we have the Light. Let's be sure to share it this week.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

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

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Who Is It About?

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By Vonda Skelton | April 6, 2009

So many times, there are conflicts and disappointments in life because it's all about us. It's all about what we want, what we think, and how it will affect us. It's about our opinions, our goals, and our way of doing things.

When I began this journey of sincerely trying to be more like Christ (instead of just trying to follow rules), I found two verses that influenced my choices.

The first, Philippians 2:3, says, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, crossandmanbut in humility, consider others better than yourselves. As I began the process of evaluating my heart, I realized how much selfish ambition and vain conceit drove my actions. I had always considered myself to be a good person, and on the outside, I was. But when I peeled back the layers and saw the intent of my heart, I was saddened. Instead of finding a heart like His, I found ulterior motives, selfishness, and greed.

It was all about me.

A common struggle we have as Christians is feeling that no one appreciates what we do. "Nobody knows or cares how hard I work in this church. Well, somebody else can just do it; then they'll see how much time it takes! Then they'll appreciate me!"

I've been there. I've said those words, and I bet you have, too. But the truth is, if we're doing it for the right reasons, it doesn't really matter whether anyone takes notice or not. Oh, sure, it's nice to get pats on the back, but Philippians 2:3 says those accolades can't be our driving force. Our commitment is to God, and in obedience, we do these things for Him, not man.

With God's help, I assessed my motives and made changes. If the job was something I was truly called to do, I changed my attitude and moved ahead. If it wasn't, I completed my current commitment and then resigned. It was a freeing experience.

Then I took the next step in the journey and applied the rest of that verse to my everyday life: consider others better than yourselves. Instead of asking how it will affect me, I began asking, how will it affect others? Will it help them or hurt them? Will it build them up or tear them down? Will it encourage or discourage?

As I began to think more of others, my outlook changed. Oh, I'd love to tell you that all my selfishness was gone, and from that moment on, I worked totally from a pure heart. It wasn't, and I didn't. But at least now it's a question I frequently consider.

The other verse is found in Romans 12:18: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. As one determined to win, this verse was a real challenge for me. Living at peace sometimes meant giving in. And giving in isn't normally a desirable option for those of us with a competitive nature. After all, that would be like losing! But I realize now there's no way to lose when I honor Him.

I'm still learning to apply this concept to my everyday life. But the battle's not as hard as it used to be. Even my family can see the difference. I'm discovering I don't have to win, I don't have to have the last word, and I don't have to have my way. When the end result doesn't carry eternal consequences-when it doesn't matter in God's eyes-I can choose to simply give in and live at peace.

There they are–two verses that stand as a reminder that it's not about me, it's about Him. It's about what will honor Him and advance His kingdom. It's about serving others and considering them over my own desires.

Will you honestly ask yourself, "Who is it about?" Will you take these verses and apply them to your life and test your choices? If you do, you'll not only be closer to a heart like His, but you'll also find freedom in doing what He's truly called you to do.

(Cross photo courtesy of )

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And the winner is…

Abi Buening! I'm telling you, Abi must be living right–she's our book winner again! Abi, be sure to email me with your mailing address and I'll forward it along to Jo. And to those who didn't win, I'm so sorry. But don't miss out. Be sure to go ahead and order Jo Franz' book, Soar Unafraid. You'll be glad you did. 😉

And thanks again, Jo, for sharing your amazing story with us!

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We Need Kudos!

God is doing amazing things in your writing and speaking lives–and I want to share it with our readers! If you've had a recent publication, speaking opportunity, signed a new contract, had a book released, or any other good news about your writing, please email me so we can all celebrate together! God is working in this group and we want to praise Him together!

The deadline is next Sunday, April 12. We want to hear from you!

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And now, as we begin the most holy of weeks, I pray this will be a time of remembering what Jesus did for us through His death, burial, and resurrection. We serve a risen Savior!

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" Luke 24:5b-6a

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

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