Latest Blog Posts

Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 31, 2013

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

I am a sinner.

No 12-Step or Sinners Anonymous Program can change that fact.

Guess what. You’re a sinner, too.

And yet we invest countless hours and waste sleepless nights trying to hide it. Why?

Oh, if only we would be transparent like Paul, who said in Romans 7 (and I paraphrase), “I don’t know why I do the things I do. I don’t do what I know I should do and I do what I know I shouldn’t!”

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Point of View for Fiction Writers by Guest Blogger Laura Hodges Poole, and Early MoGo & Kudos Call-Out

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By Vonda Skelton | May 30, 2013

Today is a 5th Thursday, and that means you get to hear from today’s guest blogger, Laura Hodges Poole, as she shares a great lesson on POV…

Point of View for Fiction Writers by Laura Hodges Poole

Point of view (POV) is the perspective of a character within a scene. POV may change from scene to scene depending on the genre. For example, Christian romance novels split point of view and scene time between the hero and heroine. Women’s fiction novels may show the point of view of several characters or just the main character. Short stories are typically told from one character’s POV.

Before you begin writing, decide which of the three narrative points of view your story will use.

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Interview & Book Give Away with Author & Speaker, Dianne Neal Matthews

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By Vonda Skelton | May 28, 2013

What a joy to welcome back my friend and AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) sister, Dianne Neal Matthews. I believe this is the 3rd time Dianne has joined us, and each time she shares new insights and information about the writing life.

And readers, be sure to leave a comment for Dianne and you’ll be in the drawing for a copy of her new book, Designed for Devotion: A 365 Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation. And don’t forget to check back next week to see if you’re the winner!

So, let’s get started, Dianne. When did you decide to be a writer?

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Writer’s Headlines: Conferences and MoGo7000

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By Vonda Skelton | May 22, 2013

It’s the 4th Thursday–Time to look at upcoming conferences!

I’m in the Asheville area of NC this week, teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and what a joy to see so many of you here! But for those who couldn’t join us, don’t feel bad. Here’s a list of other great conference offerings this year.

1.  Write-to-Publish: June 5-8, 2013, Wheaton College, IL

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When Are You Going to Finish That Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | May 21, 2013

If you’ve been working on a book for any length of time, you’ve probably heard something like, “Are you STILL working on that book? Good grief! When are you going to finish it?”

Yes, normal people think writers do just that . . . they just sit down and write a book.

Quickly.

Easily.

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 17, 2013

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

As writers, it’s often about us, about our successes, or lack of. It’s about acceptances and rejections, Followers and Friends, books and sales.

But as followers of Christ, we must take on the mind of Christ. And in order to have the mind of Christ, we must become servants. We must take off the royal robes  and put on the slaves’ rags.

People need to see Jesus in action, and if we’re willing to serve, they’ll be able to see Him . . . in us.

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities and Contests

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By Vonda Skelton | May 16, 2013

1.  Stages of Life Writing Contests for teens to retirement agers!

2.  Writer’s guidelines for Alive Now. The Upper Room.

3.  Miracles and Moments of Grace is an upcoming anthology edited by author and speaker Nancy B. Kennedy and published by Leafwood Publishers. This will be the 4th book in their Inspiring Stories of Survival series. Get the Miracles & Moments of Grace Writers Guidelines here. (repeated since deadline is still open)

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Writing the Best You Can by Cindy Sproles, and Who Won the Writer’s Block Blocks?

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By Vonda Skelton | May 14, 2013

Photo courtesy of DavidCastillo/FreeDigitalPhoto.net

Today I’m sharing a post from Cindy Sproles, faculty member at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, co-founder and executive editor of Christian Devotions Ministries and ChristianDevotions.us, and much more. Be sure to read her bio below. But today, I want to share her experience and sage advice for those seeking critiques at Blue Ridge next week, as well as for all of us who are writing and submitting.

Writing The Best You Can by Cindy Sproles

“This is what I see needs a little tweaking.” I twisted the paper around so the author could see.

“What? Tweaking?”

“Yes, did my accent throw you? I’m a Tennessee gal. Sometimes folks don’t understand my accent.” I chuckled and pointed to the first remark on the page.

“I’ve worked on this. It’s done. I didn’t pay for it to be torn apart.”

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | May 10, 2013

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

A friend texted me a few minutes ago and asked for the first scripture passage that came to my mind. It only took me a second to reply because I had just been thinking about this verse moments earlier as I was talking with another writer/speaker friend.

Now, as I sit down to write this week’s Parting Word From The WORD, I realize how much this verse applies to you as well, friends and readers of my blog.

About seven years ago I had an idea to start a writer’s blog, a gathering place for Christian writers to come, be encouraged, instructed, and

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Writer’s Headlines: Kudos, MoGo7000 Totals, & Last Call for Teen Interns

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By Vonda Skelton | May 9, 2013

Hello, writers. Well, it’s the 2nd Thursday and that means it’s a day to celebrate YOUR successes!

First, let’s give a big round of applause for all these writers who have been hard at work…and have the results to show for it.

1.  Edie Melson (SC): Edie has a new two-book contract with Thomas Nelson for books of prayer for military families, While My Husband Serves and While My Son Serves.

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