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Author Interview and Book Give Away with Renae Brumbaugh

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By Vonda Skelton | October 26, 2009

In 2007 Renae Brumbaugh went to a writer's conference. They said authors should have a blog. She went home and started a blog. They said writers should send out queries. She sent out queries. They said writers should be in a critique group. She joined a critique group. Two years later she has two traditionally-published books with three more contracted, a syndicated column, and has had over 200 articles published. Lucky girl.

Yea. Right.

What a joy to introduce my friend, Renae Brumbaugh. Renae is an author, syndicated columnist, and freelance writer, with more than two hundred articles in print, and she has two–yes, TWO–books releasing between September and January! (And believe me, it has NOTHING to do with luck!) She lives in Texas, where she juggles being a mom to Charis and Foster, and teaching seventh grade Language Arts at the local junior high. Check out her latest article in November's In Touch Magazine, or learn more about her at You can join her for Morning Coffee at and read her weekly humor column at

Now readers, don't forget to leave a comment here at the website and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of Renae's awesome new book!

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Renae. I am so excited about all your successes and would like to first clarify that luck wasn't what brought you success, as we'll soon discover. First, let's talk about your new book, the just-released, Morning Coffee with James. Tell us the real story of how it got published.

Renae: In 2007, I attended a writers' conference. There I was told that every writer should have a blog. I didn't even know what a blog was! So I went home and typed, "What is a blog?" into my search engine. Blogger.com came up, and before I knew it, I had my very own blog. I named it Morning Coffee.

I had no idea what to write on my blog. I mean, my life just isn't that interesting! I couldn't see writing about my piles of laundry or my less-than-thrilling weekly menu. After giving it a little thought, I decided to write devotionals.

morningcoffeewithjamesbookcover But that was too hard. There are simply too many great passages to choose from! Every day I spent more time deciding which passage to write about than I spent actually writing. Finally I said, "Enough. I'm going to make this easy."

I opened my Bible to my favorite book: James. I started with chapter one, verse one, and began blogging my way through the book. Before long, I started getting encouraging comments and e-mails. "This is great! You should turn this into a book!"

Yeah, right, I thought. But little did I know, God had plans for my little blog.

I wrote up a query and sent it to every publisher that accepted devotional books. Every single one. Within a few weeks, I had interest from three publishers. I sent them each a full proposal. It was rejected by two of them. It was accepted by one: Chalice Press. And it only takes one!

Vonda: What a great story! You go to a writer's conference and do what they tell you to do…and you get published! You've had a lot to happen in just a couple of years. It really is possible, isn't it? I'm glad to know it doesn't take everyone seven years! But back to Morning Coffee. Tell us why you chose to write about the book of James.

Renae: I'm fascinated with James' relationship with Jesus. As His younger brother, He was too close to Jesus to see Him as special. After all, this was the guy he shared a room with, the guy he had played brotherly pranks on! It wasn't until after Jesus' death and resurrection that James accepted Jesus as God's Son. He spent the remainder of his life building the church.

Vonda: I noticed that Morning Coffee with James isn't really a Bible Study and it's not your typical devotional book, either. Tell us what makes it so unique.

Renae: Well, each devotional study is set around a coffee theme. There's the First Cup – a verse and a short commentary. Then there's the Cream and Sugar – a thoughtful question and a prayer. Next comes the Second Cup – study through cross-reference. Finally, there's the Last Drop – a related quote from literature or scripture. Fun coffee facts and recipes are scattered throughout the book.

But I guess what makes this study unique is that it is a verse-by-verse study; most devotionals are topical in nature, but Morning Coffee with James is expository. If you want to see what the book is all about, you can check the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon.com. Just type in Morning Coffee with James by Renae Brumbaugh.

Vonda: Since completing Morning Coffee with James, you've completed several other Morning Coffee projects, as well. I'd love to hear about those, too.

Renae: Sure! After I completed James, I wanted to keep going! The Word of God really is addictive. The more time you spend in it, the more time you want to spend. Next, I blogged through 1 – 3 John, then Ruth, Ephesians, Esther, Philippians . . . and then, with some help from some fellow bloggers, I tackled the life of Christ! That one is called Morning Coffee with Jesus. I'm currently having coffee with Jonah.

campclubgirlsbookcover Vonda: That's a lot of coffee, my friend! But I happen to know you've also written some children's books. It was a joy to announce your Barbour contract in our kudos on March 11, 2008 blog entry, Have You Failed…to Write? 🙂

Renae: Yes! I wrote four books for Barbour's upcoming Camp Club Girls' series. It's a fun, exciting series for girls, ages 8 – 12. The first book, Mystery at Discovery Lake, will be released on January 1, 2010.

Vonda: I can't wait to read them. I know how much I love kids' mysteries! Well, our time is almost up. But before we go, what advice would you want to give to aspiring authors?

Renae: Be humble. Take advice from the pros. They really do know what they're talking about. Attend writers' conferences, read books about writing and publishing, join a writer's group. Follow the advice you're given.

And write a lot! The more you write, the better writer you will become. If it is in your heart to write, then write! God will bless your efforts. You never know who will benefit from the words God lays on your heart. It may be published, or it may stay in a box in your garage for decades, only to give a blessing to your grandchildren. Either way, wow! What a legacy.

Vonda: Yes, what a legacy. For years, during all those rejections, I kept remembering that even if I never had anything published, my manuscript could be around for my grandchildren to read long after I was gone.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Renae. Your words have encouraged us today.

And readers, be sure to leave a message for Renae and you'll be automatically entered in the drawing for a free copy of Morning Coffee with James. Somebody has to win–It might as well be YOU!

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Do You Know a Teen Who's Interested in Film, Acting, Screenwriting, Radio, or TV?

I'm honored, along with author Sarah Ann Sumpolec, to be a co-director of The Gideon Intern Program, a unique and fabulous part of the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival to be held at Ridgecrest, NC June 3-8, 2010. It is designed exclusively for Christian teens between the ages of 16 and 18 who are ready to take their love of the media arts to the next level. Media Arts, you ask? Well, we're talking about things like writing, screenwriting, acting, directing, radio, TV, church drama, and producing.

Selected teens have the opportunity to meet with and learn from film producers and directors, professional actors, screenwriters, TV and radio personalities, and more! If you know a teen who would benefit from this amazing opportunity, please have them check out the site where they'll discover more about the program and how they can apply to be a GI (Gideon Intern)–It's boot camp without the sweat!

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Don't forget to leave a comment here at the website and you could win Renae's book! (I'm sorry, but Facebook and Twitter comments aren't entered because I draw numbers based on the comment number.)

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And now, as we continue the journey of our calling, let's remember the words God spoke as He called Jeremiah:

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

No, we're not prophets, but we are called nonetheless. God has a plan for each of us. And if you're reading this blog, there's a good chance that plan includes writing. 

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

Vonda

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The Journey to Becoming a Master Writer

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By Vonda Skelton | October 19, 2009

forestroadlgMy journey to publication was like that of many writers…filled with unexpected (and of course, undeserved) detours of rejection and denial. What were those editors thinking? Didn't my years as a high school newspaper reporter and editor of the literary journal count for anything? And what about all those A's I made in college English Comp class?

Yes, the day I placed my fingers on the keys of the blue and silver Selectric, I was confident I was embarking on a short trip to bestseller lists and six-figure royalties. Little did I know the long and winding road that lay ahead.

What about you? Has your journey been harder than expected? Are you tired of the lay-overs, delays, and potholes? I often wonder if I would have even started writing if I'd known it would take sixty-three rejections and seven years to see any of my words in print. Yep. You read right. Seven years and 63 rejections before ever having anything published.

I'm so thankful God gave me the perseverance (AKA hardheadedness) to stay the course. Even though the goals of bestseller lists and six-figure royalties have been replaced by more realistic goals of gas for the car and an occasional dinner out, my desire to write hasn't changed a bit. If anything, I'm more driven than ever to tell the stories I know I was created to tell. Stories that speak truth to readers-adults and kids-through both fiction and non-fiction.

But what has changed is my passion to write well. Really well. It's no longer enough to have another article published or sign another book contract. I want to write with excellence. I want to become a Master Writer.

If you'd like to join me on this journey to excellence, I hope you'll head on over to Mary DeMuth's excellent article, What It Takes to Become a Master Writer, posted at Michael Hyatt's (CEO of Thomas Nelson) blog. 

And when you finish absorbing the wisdom you find there, I hope you'll then check out Mary's blog post she wrote after her novel, Daisy Chain, was praised by Chuck Colson on his international radio program, Breakpoint. Her honest words challenged me and I believe they'll challenge you as well.

So, are you up for the challenge? Are you willing to do what it takes to become a Master Writer, one writing worthy words in the name of Truth?

That's my goal. I hope you'll join me on the journey.

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.Net)

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Writing Opportunities

1.     Love is a Flame: Stories of How Marriages Regain Their Passion, is a compilation to be published by Bethany House. The 1000-2000 word stories should have a creative title, an attention-grabbing introduction, main body with a conflict or challenge, and a clear, satisfying resolution. Please include a biography of 30 words or less at the end of each manuscript. They need to be descriptive, rooted in time and place, compelling personal experience stories with a realistic portrayal of the characters involved. They need to be substantive stories rather than mere testimonies or teachings, and the focus should be relational rather than spiritual. Deadline December 15. For more information, contact Jeanette Littleton at . 

2.     Creation Illustrated Magazine writer's guidelines here. 

3.     Lutheran Woman Today Magazine writer's guidelines. 

4.     Eldridge Publishing is looking for plays and musicals. Guidelines here.

5.     Together Newspaper is looking for fast-moving personal experience stories. 

6.     Presbyterians Today Magazine writer's guidelines here. 

7.     Here's a list of Book Editors and Publishers of Christian, Religious, Inspirational, New Thought, and Spiritual Books, compiled by John Kremer. 

8.     KidLit Query Letter Contest by agent Mary Kole of Andrea Brown Literary Agency. You could win a critique of your first 30 pages! (As always, must follow detailed instructions carefully.)

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Upcoming Writer's Conferences and Workshops

1.     AnAuthor World, ongoing writing classes, Greenville, SC

2.     Carolina Christian Writer's Workshop, October 23-24, Anderson, SC 

3.     CLASS Christian Writers Conference, November 4-8, Abiquiu, NM 

4.     Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference, November 6-7 

5.     Foothills Writers Guild, November 17, Anderson University, Anderson, SC. I'll see you there!

6.     Write 2 Ignite Writer's Conference , February 26-27, 2010, North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC. I'll see you there!

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Could We Connect in Your Neck of the Woods?

These events are all open to the public. If you're in the area, I'd love to see you there!

1.     Granite Falls, NC: Day3Church LifeBridges Women's Retreat, October 23-24

2.     Aiken, SC: Writer's Workshop, November 12, Aiken County Library, 6:30 pm

3.     Aiken, SC: Sugar ‘N Spice Women's Event, November 13, Millbrook Baptist Church, 7pm. Contact Abundant Vine Christian Store at .

4.     Aiken, SC: Booksigning, November 14, Abundant Vine Christian Store, 10am

5.     Anderson, SC: Foothills Writers Guild, November 17, Anderson University, 7:30pm

6.     Florence, SC: Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church Women's Event, November 21, Doors open at 6pm. Call .

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And now, as we seek opportunities to share His truth with excellence, let's meditate on these words of Paul, spoken to Timothy:

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. I Timothy 4:14-15

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

Vonda

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Research: The First Step to a Great Story

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By Vonda Skelton | October 12, 2009

As I write this entry, I'm on the coast of NC, researching settings and story ideas for the fourth Bitsy book, Bitsy and the Mystery at __________ (location to be decided, hopefully this week).

To be honest, one of the hardest parts about writing the Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries is coming up with plausible reasons for a 12-year-old girl from a poor Greenville, SC family to visit all these cool islands! Well, the way I begin that process is through research.

When I decided to write my first book, I knew I wanted it to be set on Tybee Island…because we had gone to Tybee Island when I was a child. I knew I wanted it to be a book for kids…because I love being around kids. I knew I wanted it to be a mystery…because I love mysteries. But I had one little, bitty problem…I had no idea what the mystery was.

That meant I needed to do research. Ugh. Just the thought depressed me. Research. Sounded too much like school to me. But I grudgingly packed my bags and my mother and headed to Tybee Island.

It was the best thing I could have done. By doing research, I not only found my mystery, but I found lots of other great info to include in the book as well. Now I love research! Here's a quick look at some fun ways to do research

1.     Take pictures. Take LOTS of pictures. I take pictures of settings, the interior of buildings I think I may include, close-ups of patterns and details of walls and ceilings and floors, dirt, flowers, trees, intersections, signs, restaurants, stores…and of course, people. It's amazing how often ideas hit me later. Good, detailed pictures help bring those ideas to life.

2.     Visit the library. That's where I found my mystery for the Tybee Island book. Now, most of you are probably a lot smarter than me, but would you believe I didn't know that Blackbeard the Pirate was a real person? It's true! Until I went to the Tybee Island library, I thought Blackbeard was a fictional character! It was at the Amelia Island library that I discovered the history of The Nun House. And I learned about the endangered loggerhead turtles at the Hilton Head library.

3.     Visit the museums. I found out about the Hilton Head loggerhead protection program at the Discovery Museum. When I visited the Fort Screven Museum, I not only discovered there were 178 steps in the Tybee Island lighthouse, but the cabin we had stayed in (and Bitsy was staying in) was once the officer's latrine! And Amelia Island's ghost folklore came alive when I stopped by their local museum.  

4.     Interview people on location who know the area stories. The rat running up Bitsy's mom's back? Really happened to someone in Ann Smith's family on Tybee Island. The talking pink cockatoo? It's owned by the current residents of the historic Amelia Island Nun House. The caretaker of vacation homes on Hilton Head? A beautiful, distinguished friend of mine who lives down the road from the fictional River Cats' team house.

5.     Research on the internet. With technology at our fingertips, we can find out just about anything about anything. I learned about loggerhead turtles, video cameras, and high tide through simple searches. Just be sure the sites are reputable.

So there you have it, five ways I always do research. And believe me, it's fun! Now, if I could just figure out how to get Bitsy to Hawaii!

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Let's Celebrate Your Successes!

We're celebrating with these Christian Writer's Den readers this month:

  • Sherry Bridges (SC): Sherry Bridges has been named Sports Columnist for Centered Magazine. You can read her latest post online now at Sports Talk with Sherry. 
  • Edie Melson (SC): Edie has two articles in the October issue of Centered Magazine, "Keep Your Twitter Clean" and "Finding Your Passion." Catch them here.
  • Karen Trigg (TN) and Marian Green (VA) were interviewed about their Unexpected Friendship at Ungrind.com. 
  • Karen Trigg (TN) also has an upcoming article at Ungrind.com. 
  • Jo Rae Johnson (SC) has a beautiful new website, At Home with Jo Rae. 
  • Ann Coogler (SC) has several booksignings this month for her books, including the new one, An Oconee Christmas. Visit her website for details.
  • Colleen Luntzel has started a new blog, Designing DNA.  She also has articles coming out in High Country Home and in the February issue of Susie Magazine, and an upcoming devotion in Christian Devotions.
  • Jenny Cote (GA) is now on book tour for her second book in The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz series, The Schemer, the Dreamer, and the Robe. This book is now going into its second printing and the first in the series, The Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud is in its THIRD printing! But that's not all! They're working on a film adaptation of her first book AND she's working on the third in the series, which will be out next August! Wow! Add to that a co-authored children's book, A Star for You, about the star of Bethlehem, and you can see that Jenny is one busy woman! You can read about all her books at her website. 
  • Rene Lackey has recently had two devotions published in Rest Ministries daily devotions! 
  • Wendy Saxton (TX). Wendy's new book, The Jonah Chronicles: A Memoir of Hope for the Hopeless, is now available. You can check it out here. 

Congratulations on all your successes, my friends! We join you in praising God for His blessings. Don't forget to check back next week for a list of writing opportunities compiled just for you. Who knows, we could be celebrating with you soon!

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And now, as I leave the comfort of this chair and go out into the beauty of His creation, I'm reminded of this passage from Romans, assuring us of God's message of His power.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20

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

Vonda

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Developing Beautiful Feet (It’s a Message for Guys, Too!)

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By Vonda Skelton | October 5, 2009

As many of you know, Edie and I just returned from our annual Christian Writer's Den Writing Retreat in the beautiful mountains of Todd, NC. The retreat consists of four days and three nights set in the midst of God's creation at Ann Wayne's lovely cabin with all the latest conveniences. The weekend is filled with sixteen women (Sorry guys, but we aren't able to invite you–at least not yet!), delicious food prepared and served by our own Theresa Garrett, cook and entertainer extraordinaire, praise and worship, teaching from God's Word, writing instruction, and hours of uninterrupted writing time. Yes, you read right–sixteen women remain totally quiet for hours at a time! 

Why? Because these women are committed to the call, to the Gospel, to the job of sharing the message of Jesus Christ. And that, my friends, is reason enough to be silent.

But in order to share the message, there comes a point at which we must speak up.

Romans 10:13-15 says, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Brittany McCombs, 2006 valedictorian of Foothill High School in Henderson, Nevada, knows the truth of those words. At her graduation ceremony, Brittany stepped up to the microphone to deliver her commencement address, even though she had already been told she would not be allowed to complete it.

As expected, the microphone was silenced the moment she uttered the forbidden six-letter word feared by administrators: Christ. Although McComb had a GPA of 4.7 and had earned the right to address her peers, the American Civil Liberties Union advised the school to deny her that right. But she would not be deterred. She had a message of love to share.

Brittany McComb's speech may have been silenced, but her message was loud and clear: Christ offers love and hope to a world searching for love, but giving up hope. Brittany McComb has the beautiful feet of a messenger. Do we?

Are we willing to do what it takes? To work–sometimes day and night–to deliver a message of hope to a lost and dying world? Are we willing to be a light in the darkness of fear, anger, and confusion? If we're willing, we can develop the beautiful feet of a messenger.

We gathered this weekend to work on our feet, scrubbing away the hardened areas of our hearts and applying the lotion of gentleness. Sometimes we laughed. Sometimes we cried. But through it all, we heard the whispers of God's heart to ours: Go. Tell.

How beautiful are the feet of those who spread the Good News!

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I Need Your Kudos!

Next week we celebrate together as we praise God for His blessings on this group. Had an article accepted or published? Got a new website? Started a new ministry? Signed with an agent? Received a book contract? Please send me your news!

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Are you ready to have beautiful feet?

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. 1 Peter 4:10-11a

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

Vonda

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