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Interview and Book Give Away with Author Janet Thompson

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By Vonda Skelton | May 25, 2009

janetthompsonheadshotWhat a joy to introduce my friend, Christian author and speaker, Janet Thompson. I watched her onstage several years ago when I attended a LifeWay training session on mentoring. I remember sitting in the audience, thinking how much I'd love to do what she was doing–speaking to women from the stage. Fast forward eight years or so here we are! See, we just never know what God has in store for us!

Janet is the founder of Woman to Woman Mentoring and About His Work Ministries. Sharing life's experiences and God's faithfulness is the premise of her books and speaking. She's the author of: Face-to-Face Bible Study Series (New Hope Publishers 2009); Praying for Your Prodigal Daughter: Hope, Help, & Encouragement for Hurting Parents (Howard Books / Simon & Schuster 2008); Dear God, They Say It's Cancer: A Companion Guide for Women on the Breast Cancer Journey (Howard Books / Simon & Schuster 2006); and Woman to Woman Mentoring: How to Start, Grow, and Maintain a Mentoring Ministry (LifeWay Press 2000).

Janet has a Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Masters of Business Administration from California Lutheran University. She and her husband Dave live in Lake Forest, California and have four married children and ten beautiful grandchildren. They attend Saddleback Church and lead a "Parents of Prodigal Daughters" Support Group.

Vonda: Welcome, Janet! First of all, tell us what prompted you to write this Face-to-Face Bible study series.

Janet: Well, I had started the Woman to Woman Mentoring Ministry at Saddleback Church and written resources to help other churches start the ministry, and one day my husband asked me if I had ever thought about writing Bible studies for the mentors and mentees (M&M'S)–something they could do together. He envisioned me writing about how mentoring relationships in the Bible could be applied to today's M&M relationships. I told him I would check in the Bible to see if I found any mentoring relationships, and I located twelve! So I started to work writing.

Vonda: You started Woman to Woman Mentoring in 1996. Has this Bible studies series been around that long?

Janet: No. I originally wrote the series titled Mentoring God's Way for another publisher who decided not to publish them.

Vonda: Ugh!

Janet: No, it worked out great! I just went ahead and self-published the first three,maryandmarthacover and they've been on the market since 2003. Then recently I met New Hope Publishers, and my studies were just what they were looking for to start a new Women's Bible Study line.

Vonda: Yes, I'm afraid if we're on this writing journey any length of time, we all hear about releases that never came to be. But that's when we have to remember, God truly is in control. And you're proof of that! Now, to change gears here, what experiences prepared you to write a Bible study?

Janet: I've led Bible studies for years, and I also have a Masters from Fuller Theological Seminary. So I was able to combine the practical with the academic to write Bible studies that help the reader delve into the biblical relationship, but also think about how to apply the principles they learn to their own life.

Vonda: Is there a reason you changed the title? And is there a significance to the title Face-to-Face?

Janet: New Hope said they wanted to change the title. Later I was reading the book of Numbers and one morning I read Numbers 14:14 "They have already heard that you, O LORD, are with these people and that you, O LORD, have been seen face to face." The minute I read that Scripture, I knew that was the title, and New Hope liked it too.

Vonda: Isn't it exciting when God does something like that? I love it! Now, tell us a little about the format of the studies.

Janet: I'd love to! There are five fast-moving sessions and each session is divided into five days. Each study has a "three-way application." There are questions for studying:

  • On Your Own
  • M&M'S-two women studying together
  • Group Study-with a Leader's Guide in each book.

Vonda: I see you've included a Leader's Guide in each book, which is a great idea. What made you think of that?

Janet: After years of leading Bible studies, I knew just how I wanted to make leading easy. So there are icebreaker ideas and then a complete guide for how to go through each session–which questions to focus on and what the answers are in case they get stumped. Anyone could be the leader or facilitator with this guide.

Vonda: Sounds like a great resource. So what is the main theme or focus of each of the studies published so far?

naomiandruthcover Janet: Face-to-Face with Mary and Martha: Sisters in Christ features the sisters Mary and Martha, but expands on the fact that as Christian women we are all sisters! It also has the distinction of having a chronologically younger, but spiritually older, woman as the mentor.

Face-to-Face with Naomi and Ruth: Together for the Journey is the beautiful story of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and it focuses on how mentoring, as well as all, relationships should be two-way and reciprocal.

Vonda: This sounds like it would even work for the basis of a conference or retreat. Have you thought of that?

Janet: Oh yes! As a matter of fact, I've already had great fun with churches choosing either "Together for the Journey" or "Sisters in Christ" as their retreat theme, and then I develop my talks to incorporate the many facets of each of these topics. I've written skits to go with each one, and the ladies come away with not only a better understand of the featured biblical relationship, but more importantly why God put them in the Bible and how they can be applied to our lives today.

Vonda: Sounds like lots of fun! Are there more Face to Face Bible studies in the works?

Janet: Yes, there are. Winter 2009 New Hope will release Face-to-Face with Elizabeth and Mary: Generation to Generation and Face-to-Face with Euodia and Syntyche: From Conflict to Community.

Vonda: How exciting! I've already added these great books to my online store, but where else can the Face to Face Bible studies be purchased?

Janet: They're available at all Christian bookstores, Amazon, and Christianbook.com, as well as from my website:

Vonda: And one last question. How can CWD readers lear
n more about you and your ministry?

Janet: All they have to do is head over to one of my websites: or

Vonda: Thanks for stopping by and visiting with us today, Janet. It's a good reminder of how one disappointment can lead to so much more. God certainly did have a plan, didn't He?

Janet: Yes, He did! And thanks for having me. It was a joy to be here!

Vonda: Okay, readers…someone is going to win an autographed copy of one of Janet's books! To be in the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment for Janet or me. (I'll be at the Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival next week, so the deadline for drawing is Saturday). I can't wait to see who wins the free book!
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The Christian Writer's Den Writing Retreat is Now Open for Registrations! Mark your calendars for October 1-4, 2009!

thecabincovesmallYou've heard about it and now it's time to secure your spot! Where else can you get four days and three nights in a beautiful, modern mountain cabin, nine homecooked meals, writing instruction, hours of writing time, and free stuff–all for $200??? (If you haven't guessed, this is a ministry effort of The Christian Writer's Den.)

Look at last year's video and then read all the details here. But don't wait–only 12 spots are available!

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Blue Ridge was AWESOME! And it was fun meeting so many CWD readers!

Yes, we took pictures. Yes, I said I'd post a group shot of Christian Writer's Den people who were there. But I forgot to take one teeny-tiny thing into consideration–my disorganization!!! I can't find my cord to download the photos from my camera! So…

If anyone would be willing to send me a copy of the group photo (preferably already resized–I haven't figured out how to do that on this Mac), I'd really, really, really appreciate it! (The life of a techno-dummy is so hard!)

Addendum: cwdatbr2009

THANK YOU, CYNTHIA LOVELY! Thanks to her sweet techno-geek hubby, we have a photo! Can you find yourself??

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I know I'm way over word count, but here are three quick things:

  1. I promised to meet with a beautiful young girl after the last group session at Blue Ridge, but ended up taking a friend to the ER instead. I'm so sorry, but I don't even have your name. If that is you, please email me. I want to apologize profusely. 
  2. I've received several emails about agents since returning from Blue Ridge. Here's a great interview with agent Beth Jusino (by Mary DeMuth) on When DON'T I Need an Agent?
  3. Want to Be In A Novel? Mindy Starns Clark, Jerry Jenkins, Terry Blackstock and lots of other bestselling authors are participating in a charity auction and the winners will see their names in print over…and over…and over. Check it out!

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And finally, as we gaze over the upcoming weeks of summer and all that entails, remember these words of Paul, as spoken to Timothy:

…be prepared in season and out of season… 2 Timothy 4:2

Are we prepared to be His light this month? This summer? This year?

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

Vonda

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Conference Etiquette: Mind Your Manners

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By Vonda Skelton | May 17, 2009

(Note: I'm posting this on Sunday night instead of Tuesday so those attending Blue Ridge will have an opportunity to apply these suggetions at the conference.)

blueridgelogo2009I'm having a ball at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference this week! Sure wish you were all here with us!

Now, before I start, I need to offer a quick disclaimer about this week's entry: This is NOT written because anyone here has done anything that offended me or hurt me or made me want to smack them. And if you don't know why I would use that particular term, please refer to last week's post. 😉

But like many of my blog entries, this one is written and shared with you because I wish someone had taught the concepts to me when I was starting out.

Since I'm already really busy at Blue Ridge and time is in short supply, I'll get right to the point: Conference etiquette. I didn't have it and didn't even have enough sense to know I didn't!

Here are some suggestions on how to be a gracious receiver of an editor's or agent's or other faculty member's time and input:

1.    Seriously pray about and consider who you should meet in faculty appointments. Don't just take an appointment because there's an opening. I did that the first year. Signed up to talk to just about everybody-even if I had no intention of ever writing what they'd be interested in! Wasted my time and theirs.

2.    Be on time for your faculty appointments and be considerate when the faculty member says the time is up. I think most instructors are like me and try to stay on schedule in fairness to all those with appointments.

3.    Listen more than you talk. Like many others, I tend to talk too much when I'm nervous. And before I learned this lesson, the less I knew, the more I talked! The best use of your time is to make a short introduction, tell a little about your experience, ask a sensible question, and then listen. Don't plan your next question while the person is answering the one you just asked. Really listen. Take notes if necessary. Follow up with other questions as time allows.

4.    If you're getting a critique, don't defend every point the critiquer makes. If you do, you're wasting valuable time you could be using to learn. Of course, you may have questions you need answered for clarification, but don't argue or rationalize every point. Sincere questions are one thing, continually being on the defensive is another.

5.    Realize that instructors will most likely be unable to take your manuscript home from the conference. Remember, you're one person. Multiply that by 300-400 students. If they are interested, they'll give you instructions for sending it to them.

6.    Faculty members love to eat with students, answering questions and giving encouragement. But don't hog the conversation at meals. Occasionally there are those who dominate the conversation, treating the opportunity as one-on-one time.  Not good.

7.    One more thing about meals with faculty: It's really nice when they can get a bite or two of food in.

8.    Be considerate: Don't shove your manuscript in their faces in the restroom. Don't interrupt a conversation or break in line to speak to someone.  Don't bad mouth one instructor to another. 😉

9.    And a common courtesy that's often missing in our culture today: thank you notes. Handwritten ones are especially nice, but email ones are certainly acceptable. I cringe every time I think of those kind people who invested in me…and yet, I never even wrote a thank you note. Sadly, that wasn't something that I was taught as a child, and I didn't even take such notes seriously until someone mentioned it regarding conferences. Now I try to write notes to everyone who does a kindness to me. Sometimes I forget, but it is something I want to do. They've invested time in me. The least I can do is invest time to write a note.

So there you have it–suggestions on how to present yourself as a professional writer, as well as a kind, considerate person. 😉

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Writing Opportunities for YOU!

➢    SUSIE Magazine is a new monthly print magazine for teen girls. According tosusiemaglogo editor Susie Shellenberger (creator of Focus on the Family's Brio Magazine), the purpose "…is to lead girls into intimacy with Christ, guide them in developing healthy relationships, showcase positive entertainment choices, provide healthy role models and teach positive self-image." Susie is currently looking for EXPERIENCED freelance writers who would be willing to donate their work for the first year. If you're qualified, please email Susie for writers' guidelines at with the words, FREE FREELANCE in the subject line. 

➢    Chicken Soup is looking for NASCAR stories. Several of you have been published in Chicken Soup books, so we know it's a viable opportunity! Submit your story here. But hurry. Deadline is June 15. (Thanks for the heads' up, Jo Rae!)

➢    One Touch from the Maker and Escape from the Prison System are two books from PuckettBrowne Publishing that need true short stories of the grace of God. The stories include salvation, healing, provision, getting through and others. Check out the website for Writer's Guidelines. This is a paying market.

➢    Age of Elegance Writing Contest. Ladies, are you a baby boomer? If so, you're invited to share what Age of Elegance means to you–and you could win cash! Check it out here.

➢    Thanks to Buffy Griffin for sharing this link for free writing courses!

➢    If you're a graduate of CLASServices, you're invited to submit articles to the CLASS Communique! Contact Tama Westman at for more information.

➢    Didn't find what you're looking for? Go back and check the Blog Archives for ongoing opportunities. 

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And now, as this week's entry comes to a close (and I head back to Blue Ridge heaven), I hope you'll meditate on these words of Paul, written to the believers at Colosse:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name if the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

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

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Put on Your Grown-Up Britches and Get to Work!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 11, 2009

forestroadlgI received an email recently from an unpublished writer. She wanted to know how to get her book published. At least that's what she said she wanted. But as I read her note, I realized the specifics of her request told an entirely different story.

She started out by telling me about the book she'd written. She knew it was a good book and was sure to be published "If only someone would take the time to really look at it."

She talked about how she hated her job and just knew she was called to be a writer. She was contemplating quitting the hated job in order to be free to do the job she would love.

All she needed was someone to publish her book.

I responded as I usually do, with encouragement to join a critique group, go to a writer's conference, and sign up for free writing instruction, like The Christian Writer's Den. (I know, shameless self-promotion–but hey, the blog IS here to help writers AND its free!) I suggested she hang out with other writers online and in person. I recommended books I'd found helpful in my journey.

It wasn't what she wanted to hear.

"Yea…yea…yea…" she wrote back. (Well, those weren't her exact words, but I can tell you for a fact, that's what she meant!) She said that since she'd already finished the book, she didn't feel she really needed those things, even though she'd never attended a writer's conference or taken a class. Instead, what she wanted from me was just a list of publishers who would want to publish her book. When I asked if she knew about the Writer's Market, she said she did. But since it was so big and since there were so many companies and since I knew "all about publishing," couldn't I just send her a list of the people who would be interested in her kind of book?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

I wanted to smack her. But I didn't. Because a few years ago, that could have warningsignbeen me. I could have easily written the same exact letter when I started on my writing journey. I was pathetic. I wanted to know the shortcuts, the secret tricks of the trade, the right combination to get the job done…and done quickly! I mean, who has the time–or the money–to take classes and search markets and learn the silly rules of POV?

If you've ever been to a writer's conference where I've been on staff, chances are you've heard me confess some of my early mistakes. I've even written about some of them, which you can read about here and here. But for now, I'll just say that because I searched for shortcuts and secrets and combinations…because I just didn't have time to do things the way they were supposed to be done…I DASHED to publication in a mere seven years and 63 rejections!

So, in order to save you time and money, I've listed the secrets to publication here (secret handshake and all!):

  • There are no shortcuts.
  • Writing for publication is usually very different from writing in high school and college.
  • Becoming a writer is like any other career–you have to learn how to do the job, and learn to do it well.
  • You must study the market.
  • It takes an investment of time and money (conferences, books, educational opportunities).
  • The return on that investment is often slow.
  • Never stop learning.
  • And when you think you've learned everything you need to know…it's at that very moment that you prove you haven't!

I'm still learning. I read everything I can get my hands on. I'm part of a critique group. I go to conferences and take classes. And I'll be doing all those things as long as I'm a writer. Maybe longer.

So, forget the handshake, forget the shortcuts, forget the secret code. Just go ahead and put on your big boy or big girl britches and get to work.

Because if you want to be a published writer, WORK is what it takes.

BTW, it's not too late to sign up for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I'll be there, telling some of my secrets. 😉 (Another BTW–I just checked the link to make sure it worked, and was surprised to find I have an article at the Blue Ridge Conference site. I submitted the article a while back and didn't know when it would appear! I hope you'll check it out!)

(Trail photo compliments of )

(Warning sign photo compliments of )

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Kudos for Our Talented Readers!

Wow, what a diverse and creative group we have here at The Christian Writer's Den! Join me in the celebration!

1.    Suzanne Patterson (DC) is an Emmy Award-winning make up and special make up effects artist. Take a look at her latest productions for film, video, TV, and print. You'll be blown away! (Caution-some images are realistically graphic) Awesome job, Suzanne!

2.    Bitsy Rawlings (TN) Bitsy has started Mourning into Dancing, a new online encouragement ministry for Young Widows. There are two new areas of outreach: a Facebook group which is designed specifically for the young widow, and a new blog which is designed to reach a general female audience. The blog is open to any reader. The Facebook group is a closed group, but permission to join can be granted by emailing the administrator. You'll need a Facebook account to be a member of that group. Thank you for opening your heart to such a needed ministry, Bitsy. Congratulations!

3.    Norma Vera (TX) has also started blogging. Her site is Grandma Teach Me Wisdom. And as a grandmother of five, I'm sure she has lots of wisdom to share! Way to go, Norma!

4.    Lynda Moldrem's (SC) new book, Image of Gold, will soon be released by PublishAmerica.  For more information and release date, check out the website.  Kudos, Lynda!

5.    Kimberli Buffaloe (NC) was interviewed about her nature/hiking blog on TV! You can watch the two parts here and here. Kimberli is also the talented person who put together our CWD Writing Retreat 2008 video. (Watch for the 2009 announcement soon!) Thanks, Kimberli! You're awesome!

And if you have any doubt that conferences and networking pay off, I met four of these writers at writers' conferences and one on Facebook.  So yes, writers need to hang out with other writers, even if it's online!

Don't forget to come back next week for a bunch of writing opportunities, collected just for you. Do what it takes, and you could soon see your name listed here!

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Let's Make a Lunch Date at Blue Ridge!

Many CWD readers will be attending the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, so let's get together! Mark your calendars for Wednesday lunch. We'll meet at the tables behind the coffee/cereal/toast bar. (And if someone gets there before me, please grab some tables, okay?) Bring your friends, even if they aren't part of the Christian Writer's Den yet. No pressure, no agenda. We just want to get to know each other! Oh, and I'll be telling you about our upcoming Women's Writing Retreat. (Sorry guys, this one's just for the girls!) See you Sunday!

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As we prepare for the journey God has for us as writers, let's heed the words of Paul, spoken to Timothy:

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.         2 Timothy  2:15

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

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What is My Motive?

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By Vonda Skelton | May 4, 2009

burningskyAs you know, the first week of each month we take a look at a spiritual truth and its application to our writing lives. Last month the question was "Who Is It About?" This time we're asking, "What Is My Motive?" And oh, what a booger this is for us as writers!

The answer to that question is often complex, and I hate to admit it, but the battle is a life-long process. Even after years of evaluating my heart, I continually struggle to know my motives.

And I'm not alone. Jeremiah 17:9 says, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Left to their own devices, our hearts cannot be trusted! They require continual comparison to Scripture, evaluation, and confession.

Regardless of what our actions may look like to others, we must look internally. What's driving me? Why do I want (or NOT want) to do this? Am I following the rules so people will admire me? Or am I following them from a heart of true obedience?

And the one that often gets me: Am I following the letter of the law, while ignoring the spirit of it? If so, I'm just like the Pharisees. In Matthew 23, we see Jesus' confrontation with the religious leaders and their commitment to following the law with an impure heart. Jesus said (in part):

  • Everything they do is done for men to see.
  • You give a tenth . . . but have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
  • On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

In contrast to the Pharisees, Peter rebuked the people when they tried to praise him for healing the crippled beggar. Instead, Peter points to the Father when he says, "Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?" (Acts 3:12)

"Humble yourself . . . Don't be afraid to seem unimportant in the eyes of people," says Catherine Martin in her book, Revive My Heart. "Choose to be famous in the secret audience of God. Don't worry if it seems life is passing you by. Stay at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, worshiping and following Him."

As writers, it's so easy to get caught up in the all-consuming goal of publication. I know, because at one time I was there. After years of writing and accummulating nothing but a stack of rejection letters, I attended Write His Answer, Marlene Bagnull's writing seminar. During the 2-hour drive up the mountain, I cried out to God, begging Him to let me get published. I even promised I'd do anything if He'd only let me see my name in print. I had no idea what God had in store for me. You see, I drove up the mountain begging for publication. But after 24 hours of truly seeking Him, I drove down the mountain a different person, promising I would write…regardless of the outcome. It was no longer about seeing my name in print. It was no longer about receiving praise.

David knew the danger of seeking the praises of men. He knew the necessity of a heart examination. In Psalm 139:23-24, he says, Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Would you join me in praying the prayer David prayed? Asking God to search our hearts will be a daily, continual request, but it will be one that will lead us the way He wants us to go.

And it all begins with the question, "What is my motive?"

(Sky photo compliments of ChristianPhotos.net)

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And the winner is……..

Beth Fortune! Congratulations, Beth! You're the winner of Yvonne Ortega's latest book, Hope for the Journey through Cancer. I know you or someone you love will be touched by her words. Now all you need to do is email me with your mailing address and Yvonne will get it right out to you.

And for those who didn't win this time, I hope you'll buy the book for you and your family. You won't be sorry.
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It's Not Too Late!

It's not too late to register for these two great conferences coming up!

blueridgelogo2009 The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer's Conference is May 17-21 at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area. Lots of great classes, valuable networking ops, and fun, fun, fun! And it's not too late to sign up for critiques! Several of us are still taking submissions. Be sure to check out the website and make your plans. All Christian Writer's Den readers will meet for a meal during the conference. I'll announce the day and time next week. (And if you want to read about how I got my start at the Blue Ridge Conference, check out my blog post here.)

The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival is May 31-June 4, also at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area. Come and you'll see why it's called "Hollywood in the mountains." Producers, directors, actors, screenwriters, writers of church drama, radio personalities, and more will be there, eager to teach how to spread the message of Jesus through the media arts. I'll be there again this year and would love to see you there!
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Thursday is the National Day of Prayer for our Country. Would you join me as we approach the Father on behalf of America? His Word says:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

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

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