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The Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival by Lori Marett & Writing Opps

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By Vonda Skelton | May 31, 2012

Guess what. It’s the 5th Thursday, and that means I get to do what I want AGAIN this week! And this time I want to introduce screenwriter Lori Marett, co-director of the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival, to be held August 11-16, 2012 at Ridgecrest in the Asheville, NC area.

Do you love film, acting, screenwriting, or directing? Do you dream of writing and singing songs for the Lord? The Gideon was created to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all types of media with an emphasis on television, film, theater, church drama, music, graphic arts, marketing and distribution, screenwriting, youth ministries, and spiritual encouragement.

Lori and her husband Rodney created the Gideon Conference in 2007 for adults, and yet, they also had a desire for teens to be able to learn from Christian professionals in the industry as well. So now I’m honored to be co-director, along with Sarah Anne Sumpolec, of the Gideon Intern Program for Teens 16-18 years old. If you know an interested teen, please let them know about the program today–the deadline for applications for the intern program is tomorrow, June 1st! Registration is open-ended for regular adult attendees. 🙂

And now, please welcome my friend, Lori Marett.

The Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival by Lori Marett

As co-director of The Gideon I am frequently asked, “What exactly is the Gideon?” I have perfected my answer over these past 5 years: The Gideon is a place where those interested in the media arts – screenwriting, drama/acting, music, graphics, television and filmmaking – may come to learn from and network with media professionals.

When Vonda asked me to guest blog about the Gideon, I had planned on giving the memorized extended version of what the Gideon has to offer. That is, until my preacher gave his sermon last Sunday about Pentecost. Then it dawned on me. The Gideon has many similarities to Pentecost, a Biblical historical event that took place 2000 years ago.  So if you’re curious whether or not you’ll hear a mighty rushing wind and have cloven tongues of fire descend on you at the Gideon, read on!

What is Pentecost?

Many of us, including myself, think that Pentecost was a onetime event, but actually it was an ongoing feast-day for the Jews – a festival observed 50 days (50 = penta) after the Feast of Firstfruits. Jews united from different parts of the world to commemorate the giving of the Law to Moses at Mt. Sinai.

But the meaning of this event changed at this particular Pentecost (read the second chapter of Acts) when the Holy Spirit came to be with the Apostles as well as the other followers of Jesus Christ, whose crucifixion and resurrection took place just 10 days prior. Jesus foretold that an Advocate, Helper, or Comforter would come in his stead (John 14:16) and the Holy Spirit descended upon them as the sound of a mighty rushing wind and as tongues of fire! This particular Pentecost was the day that “the Church” (a visible body of believers) was started.

What does Pentecost have to do with Gideon?

Just as Pentecost was the catalyst for spreading the gospel by word of mouth, Gideon is training and sending out individuals to spread the gospel by the way of media. Below you’ll see other some interesting similarities between Gideon and the Pentecost of Acts 2…

Pentecost united all sexes, all ages

Gideon Interns 2011

Still to this day, Jews do not allow the men and women to worship together. Children were also restricted in their participation. But at Pentecost, these traditions were broken. The Holy Spirit did not distinguish between the sexes nor did the Holy Spirit distinguish between ages.

In television and film, we still see a male dominated field, but the Gideon works hard to break down the barriers for women. This is also true for the teens who feel called into media. The Gideon is proud to have the GIDEON INTERN PROGRAM (ages 16-18) which offers unprecedented opportunities for young men and women. Gideon also offers FAMILY RATES to make it possible parents and their children to experience Gideon as a family unit.

Pentecost united all denominations, all races

Peter made it clear that this new church was for both the Jew and the Gentile. Even though the Gideon is sponsored by a Southern Baptist organization, LifeWay, the Gideon is not a Southern Baptist conference and our FILM FESTIVAL selections are from all around the world.

Pentecost united the rich and the poor

While we don’t have a caste system per se in this country, we do have a distinction between the levels of experience of individuals who participate at Gideon. Gideon tries hard to meet the needs of both the beginner and the professional. We design WORKSHOPS to give the attendee the maximum use of his/her time by offering various levels of training as well as networking opportunities.

Pentecost united all for one purpose

When my husband, Rodney, and I started designing the Gideon in 2007, we were uncertain of the path God was going to lay before us. But the one thing we were certain of is the PURPOSE OF GIDEON.  At the inception of the Gideon Conference, Rodney and I carefully chose the scripture that we felt best described what we were called to do. And now, as I write this blog post, I see the irony of the scripture verse we settled on because it foretold what was about to happen at Pentecost.

“But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere.” Acts 1:8

Vonda here: Thank you, Lori. And friends, I hope you’ll join us at the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Fesitval where cutting-edge media arts are combined with one of the most unique Christian conferences and Christian film festivals in the country.

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I Know It’s Not Writing Opportunities Day, But…

I have some last-minute opportunities and don’t want to let them get by!

1.  Maranatha Christian Writer’s Conference has a call for submissions for their 35th Anniversary Book. On the day I’m posting this, the link isn’t working, but I’m assuming it’s down for maintenance right now. I hope it’s working when you check because it sounds like a great opportunity!

2.  Guideposts is hosting another Writers Workshop Contest! But you must hurry, deadline is June 20, 2012. Thanks to Marilyn Turk for sharing this great opportunity. As a past winner, she knows firsthand the amazing opportunity this is for ongoing training!

3.  Game Show Network (creators of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition) has posted on Craigslist that they’re looking for contestants for The American Bible Challenge, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy in Atlanta.

Write on!

Vonda

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Bonnie Calhoun

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By Vonda Skelton | May 29, 2012

Today is a 5th Tuesday so that means I can do anything I want! And I want to introduce my friend, Bonnie Calhoun, and her debut novel, Cooking the Books, with you! Bonnie and I first met years ago when we both were on faculty at the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. Bonnie is the Owner/Director of the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, Publisher of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, President of Christian Authors Network (CAN), Northeast Zone Director for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). And she is the Appointment Coordinator for both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

And as you’ll soon discover, she’s hilarious!

Want a chance to win a free copy of Cooking the Books? All you have to do is leave a comment for Bonnie and you’ll be in the drawing. Be sure to return next Tuesday to see who wins!

First of all, Bonnie, tell us how you fit all of these work hats on your head at the same time?

LOL…I do love hats! Some days I find myself like that man in the market place wearing a whole stack of them at one time. It has a lot to do with my personality…habitually crazy…er, uh…I meant busy. My saving grace is that I love Excel spreadsheets! On the Myer- Briggs I’m an ENTJ…frank, decisive, enjoy long-term goal planning…blah, blah, blah…and forceful in presenting ideas. LOL…that pretty much means that if my hands aren’t busy, my brain gets in loads of trouble.

Watching you on Facebook and some of the loops, you seem to be a wild and funny woman, and your main character Sloane Templeton has the same characteristics. Is she patterned after you?

Well if I tell you that, I might have to kill you. But since I consider myself a few loaves short of a baker’s dozen, it was an easy transference to Sloane. I have to admit that I’m close to twice Sloane’s age…so she can probably run a lot faster than my wide little self can manage. But I definitely shoot a gun better than she can!

Your novel Cooking The Books has a lot of things going on at one time. Was that by design, or did it just happen that way?

Think about your own life. You try to travel one path, and life keeps pulling you in other directions. And if it’s not life, it’s people yanking on your chain. So I wanted my character to have that same kind of stress in her life. The story revolves around whether she can get her act together, or at least tame all the little ducks to get them to walk in a row.

Tell us, does Sloane really have stress in her life?

Well that’s one…oh, uh…excuse me…Sloane Templeton has just shown up, and she’d like to answer that for herself.

Welcome to my life. I, Sloane Templeton had a fabulous, thought-provoking and exciting job as an internet forensics investigator for the black ops Cyber Crimes Unit that the CIA was developing at New York University. That was, until that good-for-nothing husband I had decided to hook my star to, decided that I was better as a punching bag than a significant other, and I had to flee New York City and move back to Brooklyn.

Just six months back and already my dear mother God rest her soul, decided there was more pressing business with Jesus, and deserted me for a glorious Homegoing, leaving me to deal with the lunatic fringe that had become her life.

There’s Felicia Tyler, better know as Fefe, bright red, tightly permed hair, wearer of noisy jewelry and ungodly bright spandex. She’s the half-batty manager of mom’s bookstore, and the batty part plays with loaded guns.

Then comes Aunt Verline Buford, mom’s younger sister, who fancies herself as the Iron Chef, when in reality you need a cast-iron stomach to partake of her culinary disasters. Her husband died of food poisoning, but they swear that she didn’t cause it. Just to be safe, I take a food tester when I go to her house, picking whoever I’m mad at that day as the sacrificial lamb.

And last but by no means the least of my worries, the Granny Oakleys Book Club, a strange bunch of little old people from the neighborhood that meet at the store once a week and smell like food but never read books.

Oh, and let’s not forget that I did the ‘from the frying pan into the fire’ routine, and left the punching bag prize fighter to come home and hook up with a homicidal maniac. Heh, heh…got your attention didn’t I? Well he’s not exactly a maniac in the most literal of terms, but there are rumors about the homicidal part that I’d rather ignore, especially since I kicked him to the curb, and found my dream man…the love of my life…the pièce de résistance. Never mind that mom thought he was the wrong color and Fefe just plain didn’t cotton to him. But it’s all good. We are the world. And it’s a purely rhetorical question…but what else could possibly go wrong?

Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring authors?

Keep writing! That sounds too easy, but my agent Terry Burns has a great quote that I use…“Publishing isn’t a selection process, it’s a survival process.” Oh…and btw…I’ve found that continually posting on Facebook, Twitter, or any of your email loops…does NOT count as writing. 🙂

You are blessed and highly favored…amen.

Thank you for joining us today, Bonnie. You always make me laugh!

And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment for Bonnie and you could win a free copy of her book! Then check back next Tuesday to see if you’re the winner. And if you want to go ahead and get your own copy, check out Cooking the Books on Amazon.

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Who Won Kathi Macias’ Books?

Ladette Kerr! Ladette, you’re the winner of both Special Delivery and Deliver Me, by Kathi Macias! All you have to do is contact me with your mailing address and the books will be on their way! Thanks for joining us!

Hope you all have a great week!

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 25, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

The words, “Be strong and courageous” are seen over and over in the Old Testament. God said it to Moses. Moses said it to Joshua. God said it to Joshua. Those are the stories we know and recognize about being strong and courageous.

But did you know that David said those very same words–and more–to his son, Solomon?

David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. I Chronicles 28:20

In this situation, David was giving encouragement to Solomon about building the temple. He told him to be strong and courageous, just like God had told Moses and Joshua. But did you see what else David said?

David added the words, “…and do the work.”

He then goes on to say that God will not fail or forsake him until all the work is done on the temple. In other words, God will give him everything he needs to get the job done.

God has done that for you and me as well. He has given us the talent and the passion to be writers and speakers, and He will see it through until we complete our jobs.

Just as David said to Solomon, I believe God is saying to us today: Be strong…be courageous…and yes, do the work.

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Writer’s Headlines: Writers Conferences

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By Vonda Skelton | May 24, 2012

Welcome to the Writer’s Headlines! It’s the 4th Thursday, and that means we’re checking out upcoming conferences!

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Writer’s Conferences:

I’ve taught at all these conferences and can highly recommend every one of them!

1.  St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference: June 19-23, 2012, Grove City, PA

2.  North Texas Christian Writers Conference: June 22-23, 2012, Keller, TX (I’ll see you there!)

3.  AnAuthor World/The Writers’ Plot Conference: July 21, 2012, Furman University, Greenville, SC (I’ll see you there!)

4.  Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: August 1-4, 2012, Langhorne, PA

5.  Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival: August 11-16, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

6. Christian Authors Guild “Catch the Wave” Writers Conference: August 23-25, 2012, Norcross, GA

7. CLASS Christian Writers Conference: October 31-November 4, 2012, Ghost Ranch, NM

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Do You Know Some Creative Teens? Deadline June 1st!

The June 1st deadline for the The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival Intern program is quickly approaching! We’re looking for teens 16-18yo who are interested in acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, songwriting, singing, television or radio. This is their opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with those who can help them in their goals. I’m honored to be a co-director, along with Sarah Sumpolec, of the Gideon/Clash Entertainment Intern Program for Christian teens.

But you must hurry! The application deadline is June 1st! Tell all the talented Christian teens you know!

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Registrations are Filling Up for the August 2012 Christian Communicators Conference!

That’s right…the conference is in August, but with only 3 or 4 rooms left, space is already extremely limited.

Ladies, do you dream of having a speaking ministry? Do you already have a ministry, but want to grow as a speaker? The Christian Communicators Conference was created just for you!

The 3rd Christian Communicators Conference will be held at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina August 29-September 2, and Carolyn Knefely and I would love to have you join us!

But don’t take our word for it, here are some testimonials from the previous conferences:

“I’ve been to a lot of Christian conferences in my lifetime, yet CCC would prove to be the most rewarding and the most life changing.”
Glenda Mills, WV

“The Christian Communicators Conference was an in-depth weekend of speaker training that was filled with encouragement, deep friendship, and love. It helped move my speaking to the next level…I feel more polished and confident as a professional speaker.”
Patty Mason, TN
Liberty in Christ Ministries

“If you believe GOD is calling you into His service as a speaker, CCC is the very first thing you need to do. After PRAYING of course!”
Liz Cowen Furman, CO

Feel free to contact me with any questions. You don’t want to miss it!

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Are You MoGoing?

You could write a book this year–AND win $100 in cold, hard cash!

That’s right! The MoGo7000 Challenge will help you complete a book and give you multiple chances to win money. For each month that you write 7000 new words on a book project, your name goes in the hat for the end-of-the-year drawing. Meet the goal three months this year and you get three entries. Meet it nine months and you get nine entries!

The good news is, you can join in any time, no registration required…and it’s FREE!

Check out the MoGo7000 Challenge page for all the details. And get to work! What are you waiting for?

Write on!

Vonda

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Author Kathi Macias

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By Vonda Skelton | May 22, 2012

I’m so excited to welcome my friend Kathi Macias, back to the Christian Writer’s Den. Kathi was our guest in September 2009 when she had almost 30 books to her credit. Now, less than three years later, she’s the author of almost 40 books AND has ghostwritten several others! I have a feeling we can learn a lot from Kathi, don’t you?

Want to win TWO of Kathi’s books? Simply leave a comment below and you’ll be in the drawing for one copy each of the first two books in the Freedom (human trafficking) series, Deliver Me From Evil and Special Delivery. Be sure to check back next Tuesday to see if you’re the winner.

Okay, let’s get started! First of all, Kathi, I’d love to hear your one-sentence elevator pitch about your most recent novel, Special Delivery, the second book in the Freedom Series from New Hope Publishers (released March 2012).

Finally free from a life of slavery, Mara believes she is safe—until her uncle and former owner uses his underground connections to seek revenge. Deli

Sounds like a story we all need to read. I’ve known you a long time, but I’m sure there’s still a lot I don’t know. Please tell us five random things we might not know about you.

Most people aren’t aware that until very recently my husband and I were avid Harley riders—hence my “road name” of Easy Writer. I served as an associate pastor at a major Southern California church for several years (in the ‘90s), and have been active in jail and prison ministry, going into some of the most hard-core prisons in the country, where I met/interviewed Charles “Tex” Watson of the Manson Family, as well as others (even spent a day on Death Row at San Quentin). I also helped David “Son of Sam” (now known as “Son of Hope”) Berkowitz write/edit his prison memoirs. Finally, my husband and I have known one another since we were six years old.

Well, I was right…I’ve learned some new things about you! But now, please tell us a bit more about the plot of your new novel.

In Special Delivery readers find Mara fighting against her attraction to Bible college student Jonathan Flannery even while wrestling with risking her own precarious safety to become involved in the rescue of another girl who is pregnant and desperately wants to escape her captors and save her own life, as well as her child’s. Halfway around the world in a brothel in Thailand, a young girl is rescued with the promise of being reunited with her younger sister who was adopted by an interracial couple in the States, friends of Jonathan’s family. Meanwhile, Jefe—Mara’s uncle, who held her as a sex slave in his brothel in San Diego for years—seeks revenge for Mara’s testimony that put him behind bars for life. Will his underworld connections be successful in kidnapping and killing the girl who believes she has finally won her freedom?

Wow! What a story! What is it about your lead character that will make your readers care about her?

Mara has suffered more than any young woman should ever have to do, beginning when she was a young child. Yet her determination to be free drives her onward, despite her skepticism about a loving God who waits to welcome her into His family. Her distrust of others is understandable, but she finds herself considering risking her own precarious safety and freedom to help rescue another young girl now in a position similar to her former captivity.

Please share with us one quote (other than a Bible verse) that either inspires you or simply amuses you as you go about your efforts as a writer.

“There is no limit to where a man can go or what he can do if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit for it.” President Ronald Reagan

Great quote! That makes me curious about what you like to read. What is the last book you read that you would recommend? Why do you recommend it?

It’s a toss-up between The Rhythm of Secrets and What the Bayou Saw by Patti Lacy. Not only are they wonderful stories, but Patti Lacy is an exceptional novelist.

What are you working on now?

I have two fall releases that are currently in production—The Deliverer (Freedom series #3) and Unexpected Christmas Hero. I am currently writing Last Chance for Justice, one of the books in the new multi-author Bloomfield series from B&H, and The Moses Quilt, the first novel in a new trilogy for New Hope Publishers titled “Patches of Courage.”

Wow, you certainly are a prolific writer–and a good one at that! So obviously we can find you at Amazon, but where else can readers find you online?

The primary place is at (though you can also get there via ), but I’m also at my Easy Writer blog () and In addition, I have active pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

I’m sure the readers are going to want to know more about your books. And of course, one person is going to win TWO of your books next week! Thanks for joining us again, Kathi. It’s always a joy to get to hang around you. And I’m looking forward to being with you in July in Orlando. 🙂

Friends, be sure to leave a comment for Kathi and then check back next Tuesday to see if you’re the winner of TWO of her latest books!

Bio: Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), as well as Golden Scrolls Novel of the Year for Red Ink, ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Carol Award Finalist for Red Ink, and 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al.

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 18, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

God called the prophet Jeremiah…and He calls us.

God gave Jeremiah the words to say…and He’ll give us words, as well.

That’s not to say that our words will be the inspired word of God, but it does mean that God inspires our words.

Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.” Jeremiah 1:9

Let’s be faithful to write and speak the words God inspires us to share.

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

Vonda

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities for YOU!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 17, 2012

Here are May’s writing opportunities, selected just for you. Check them out and then get to work. And don’t forget to let us celebrate with you when it leads to something good!

General:

1.  OakTara is looking for short stories—real-life love stories—for our upcoming anthology, to be published in fall 2012. If your story is chosen, you’ll receive either a cash award or a royalty percentage of net retail sales, plus complimentary copies of the book. And you’ll be a published author, with a credit to add to your growing publishing résumé! For more information, visit The deadline for submissions is June 15th, 2012. Send all questions and submissions to .

2.  New Leaf Publishing Group has been a non-denominational Christian publishing company for over 35 years. New Leaf Submission Guidelines here.

3.  Creation Illustrated is the “leading Bible-based nature journal” and is looking for writers and photographers. Creation Illustrated Submission Guidelines here.

4.  Eldridge Plays and Musicals is always looking for new Christian plays and musicals to help spread the Word through drama. Click in  the upper left for Eldridge Plays and Musicals submission guidelines.

5. Bead&Button Magazine is a bimonthly magazine devoted to techniques, projects, and designs of beaded jewelry and accessories. Bead&Button Submission Guidelines here.

Children:

6.  Guide Magazine: Guide is a Christian story magazine for young people ages 10-14. The 32-page, four-color publication is published weekly by the Review and Herald Publishing Association. Our mission is to show readers, through stories that illustrate Bible truth, how to walk with God now and forever. Guide Magazine Writer’s Guidelines here.

7.  The Kids’ Ark is always looking for great stories for kids. The Kids’ Ark is a quarterly children’s Christian magazine full of the truth about God’s love. There are many questions kids have growing up: Who am I? Am I loved? Am I worthy? Am I valuable? Think of all the pain that could be avoided in a lifetime if a child knew the answers to these questions at an early age. The Kids’ Ark Writer’s Guidelines here.

8.  Highlights for Children is a general-interest, advertising-free magazine for children up to age twelve. It was founded in 1946 by Dr. Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers, and is still owned and run by their family. The magazine has no religious or organizational affiliation. Highlights has a circulation of about two million and is published monthly. Highlights Writer’s Guidelines here.

9.  Lerner Publishing Group works with many talented authors and illustrators to create its books for children and young adults. Lerner Books Submission Guidelines here.

10. CBH Ministries Keys for Kids teaches children about God’s love and His Word. Keys for Kids Writer’s Guidelines here.

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Don’t forget to MoGo…You could win $100 this year AND write a book!

That’s right–someone is going to win $100 at the end of this year, and it could be you! All you have to do is write at least 7000 new words on a book project and you’ll have an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing. For each month that you reach that goal, you’ll have another entry!

Cindy Patterson was last year’s winner. Who’ll be the 2012 winner? Visit the MoGo7000 Challenge page for details. It’s free!

Well, that does it for this week’s writer’s headlines. Hope you find just what you’re looking for!

Write on!

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Conference Etiquette

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By Vonda Skelton | May 15, 2012

Al Gansky and me BRMCWC 2010

I’m in the midst of final preparations for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that begins this coming Sunday, May 20 and runs through Thursday, May 24. As always, I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing conference. Have you registered yet? It’s not too late!

And since conference season is up and running, I thought it’d be a good time to repost my Conference Etiquette reminders. I hope it’ll help you make a better first impression than I did! Like many of my blog entries, this one is written and shared with you because I wish someone had taught these concepts to me when I was starting out!

I’ll get right to the point about Conference Etiquette: I didn’t have it and didn’t even have enough sense to know I didn’t!

Here are my suggestions on how to be a gracious receiver of a 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.

The Black and White Ladies BRMCWC 2010

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’re interested in what you have, 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 in a bite or two of food.

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

9.     Don’t tell a faculty member that God gave you that book or article or story or song and it can’t be changed. The Bible has already been written. Your words may be inspired by God, but they’re not the words of God. I can almost promise you that it won’t be published as it is.

10.    Don’t insinuate that the publisher/editor/agent will be out of God’s will if he or she doesn’t publish or promote your work. The statement, “God told me to that you are to work with me” is often answered with, “Well, when He tells me, I will.”

Brittney Breakey and me at BRMCWC 2010

11.    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 all 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 in writing a note.

If you’d like additional information about talking with faculty members or the benefit of attending conferences and taking classes, please check out this blog from the past: Put on Your Grown-Up Britches and Get to Work!

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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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 11, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Perhaps you’ve noticed there’s been a lot of recent conversation here at the Christian Writer’s Den about stress, weariness, disappointment, hurt, and other symptoms of living on this earth. You’ve seen quite a few comments on the blog, but there have been many, many more that were sent to me personally, ones that were too tender to post out loud.

For those who’ve shared your hardship with me, please know I continue to pray for you. But even for those who are just going through the daily struggles of life, the pressure can be wearying.

Regardless of what we’re going through, we’re often afraid to admit our frustrations and fears. After all, we know we have Jesus and His strength in our corners, ready and quite able to take our burdens. If only we’d admit our struggle. But we’re supposed to be strong. How can we admit such weakness to our brothers and sisters?

David, the man after God’s own heart, had similar hardships and fears. The difference is, he admitted them…in writing…for all to see. Like many of us, David was a writer, singer, and poet and his words written over 2,000 years ago speak clearly to me today. Do they speak to you?

In Psalm 3, David cried out to God while he was running from his son, Absalom, who was trying to kill him. But even though he was facing possible death, he knew where his strength came from…

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3 (ESV)

What a beautiful picture. The Lord Himself as a shield, surrounding David with His protection. I can see myself in that picture too, can you? If I close my eyes I can imagine Jesus sitting next to me as I rest against Him, my head gently cradled in His arms. I’m weary and tired and hurt…but He holds me with love.

Wow.

He is my shield.

He is my glory.

He is the lifter of my head.

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

Vonda

(Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net)

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Writer’s Headlines: Kudos for Christian Writer’s Den Followers & MoGo7000 Results

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By Vonda Skelton | May 10, 2012

Well, it’s the second Thursday of the month and that means it’s time to see what Christian Writer’s Den followers have been up to the past few months…and you’ve certainly been busy!

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Kudos to These Working Writers!

1.  Cyn Rogalski (PA): I had a DevoKids devotion, “Wrinkly Words,” published on May 4th, 2012. I also had a piece, Adjusting Our Vision, published in the CLASS Communique, and a 738 word article published in thedollarstretcher.com back in January, in print and online. I am also assistant editor at New and True Friends E-zine and will also be a contributing writer there soon as well.

2.  Kimberly Long (TX): I went away to a cabin in the Texas Hill Country the month of April and finished my first book called, “FINANCIAL FAITH: THE PATH FROM POVERTY TO POWER.” I have entered it into the BRMCWC along with my blog (above web address). I hope to have it published in a month or so. Another blessing is that I have been asked to publish a monthly article in our local magazine: LIVING. My department is fashion and decor, but the editor is a Christian man and allows us to incorporate scripture into our articles. You can read the LIVING April issue here. I have been blogging for 3 years and am amazed that I have received over 700 comments. People from countries like Japan, Dubai, Italy, Finland, Australia, Europe, and Ghana to name a few. I don’t know why they would read my blogs, but I’m thankful for the platform. My desire is to build people’s confidence and offer hope for successful living from God’s word!

3.  Marilyn Turk (FL): Signed with Joyce Hart, Hartline Literary Agency. Have a ghost-written story coming in September Guideposts.

4.  Lisa Lickel (WI): Rejoices in her fifth novel release, The Map Quilt, May 4. Celebrates a new contract with Whimsical Publications for another cozy mystery.

5. Raquel Haggard (OK): My book, Rebuilding Your Temple, will release May 22nd. I also have a speaking/book signing engagement that night. This book is a 14-week guided journal about faith, food and fitness.

6. Barbara Parentini (NC): Guest author on Southern Writers Magazine Suite T on April 26th, “Stained Glass.” Contributor to Life Lessons from Dads by Write Integrity Press, to be released June 2012. Also, my card line, Soaring Hearts, will be available this month in Florida at a national chain.

Congratulations to all these writers! You’re doing what it takes, and it shows!

Haven’t seen your name here in a while? Don’t worry, good news could be in your future sooner than you think. Be sure to return next Thursday for a new list of writing opportunities, collected just for you!

Also, if you’re working hard on a book project, remember that the MoGo7000 Challenge is created just for you! (See below)

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Who Met the MoGo7000 Goal This Month?

Congratulations to these writers who wrote at least 7000 words on their current book project:

5. Marilyn Turk  —  13, 808 words
6. Kimberly Long  —  10, 840 words
7. Eddie Snipes  —  8, 510 words
8. Cindy Patterson — 7,024 words

These writers now have another entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100! Would you like an extra hundred bucks? All you have to do is write at least 7000 new words on your book project and your name will be in the hat!

And the good news is, you can join in any time–and it’s all free! Be sure to visit the MoGo7000 Challenge page for guidelines.

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And It’s Not Too Late to Register for the 2012 Christian Communicators Conference!

Ladies, do you feel called to speak? Do you feel God has given you something to share, but don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you’ve been speaking a while, but want to expand your ministry. If so, this is the conference you’ve been waiting for!

The 2012 Christian Communicators Conference will be held August 29-September 2, 2012, at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. This is where you’ll learn everything you need to know to grow or develop your speaking ministry.

But don’t take out word for it. Here are some comments from past attendees:

“I’ve been to other speaker and writer’s conferences and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of attendees. In contrast, the serene setting, personal attention, and professional coaching I received at this conference was priceless.”

Jennifer Johnson, NC

“The Christian Communicator’s Conference was uniquely effective…The intimate number of women allowed for the focus needed to apply the teachings and to bond together with unity. I left with a sense of destination, equipped and prepared for the next step in ministry.”

Verna Bowman, PA

Rooms for two, three, or four are still available, and you’ll love the all-inclusive pricing. No hidden expenses!

I hope you’ll check out the Christian Communicators website, feel free to contact any of the graduates, or feel free to contact me here or either Carolyn or me through the Christian Communicators contact page. We’d love to partner with you to bring Him glory!

Write and speak on!

Vonda

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