Latest Blog Posts

Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | February 28, 2014

Ice skate microsoft imagesThe Olympics have just ended, so this is the perfect time to share a special Parting Words From The WORD… blog post with you, written by my friend, Lynn Blackburn. I know it’s much longer than our usual Friday posts, but after reading it, I knew I just had to share her encouraging words here. Thank you, Lynn.

Friends, are you weary? Ready to give up? Or do you know someone who is? Either way, this post is written for you.

Because the Second Half is Exhausting, by Lynn Huggins Blackburn


I love figure skating. It’s one of my favorite parts of the Winter Olympics, right up there with curling, because let’s face it, curling is cool.

Anyway.

Figure skating has seen its share of drama, some of which led to a complete overhaul of the scoring system a few years ago.

Now, the skater sits in the “kiss and cry” section and waits with their coaches for the score. A voice comes over the speaker and says, “The score, for fabulous skater from cool country is, 63.7.”

It really lacks the drama from the old days. You remember how it went, don’t you?

5.8 (dramatic pause)
5.7 (dramatic pause)
6.0 (wild cheers from the crowd)
5.3 (hissing and boos)
5.8 (skater bursts into tears of joy or grief)

Yeah, those were good times.

Anyway.

I have to confess that I don’t understand the new scoring system, but it has one feature I find fascinating.

Skaters can earn bonus points.

Each jump is given a certain number of points, and when they land that jump, they get those points. But if they land that same jump after the halfway mark of their program, they get a bonus.

Because it’s a lot harder to land those jumps when you’re tired.

Oh baby, don’t we know it.

We take the ice and we’re skating our hearts out, but somewhere along the way, everything gets harder. Legs tremble. Breaths spasm through our chest. Arms quiver. We try to maintain our form, our speed, because there’s more to come. More twists and spins. More fancy footwork. More jumps.

It’s exhausting.

If this makes perfect sense to us when we think about an ice skating routine, why do we forget it when it comes to this crazy free skate we call life?

We started out great. We opened our hearts to people in need. We sacrificed—our time, our money, our desires—for the sake of the Gospel. We knew He had a great plan even when it didn’t make sense. Then it got harder, and for some reason, this shocks us.

Every. Single. Time.skate on its side microsoft

We’re struggling to get enough oxygen to our brain to think clearly, and we can’t figure out what happened. When all that happened is we got tired. We’ve been at this for a while, and it’s exhausting.

This idea has been spinning in my brain for the past week as I near the end of an unplanned free skate. After weeks of demolition and construction, we are in the final stretch. When the last pile of sawdust is swept away, my home will be more beautiful than it was before.

But it’s been exhausting, and even though I can tell from the music that it’s almost over, I’m faltering. I’m not sure I’ve got another jump in me.

So when a friend shot me a text this morning, reminding me that this is just a slice of time, that this will end, and that it won’t be like this forever, it came as both a gentle reproof and a much needed boost to my morale.

And it got my mind twisting a little more. Because if you’re reading this, I know you’re in one of two places. Maybe even in both at the same time.

1. You’re exhausted. You’ve been pursuing the dream, the friendship, the child, the spouse, the number on the scale, or the boss you can’t please, and you’ve got nothing left.

If this is you today, can I remind you that Jesus is the one who said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Your fatigue doesn’t shock Him, and He’s not looking down on you in disgust, wondering how you could be so weak. He likes weak, because when we recognize our weakness, that’s when His strength can pour through us. In His strength, not our own, the jumps we land near the end of the program will be the ones that glorify Him most.

2. You know someone who is exhausted. The friend who gave up her bedroom to care for an aging parent a year ago. The co-worker who’s wondering if the cancer treatment is going to save her life or just kill her faster. The couple who’ve been waiting a decade to announce a new baby. The family who opened their home to foster or adopt. The people next door who don’t know if they’ll be able to pay the power bill. Or maybe it’s closer to home. Maybe it’s the spouse who dreads leaving for work each day, or the child who withdraws more every week as she navigates high school.

They need someone to remind them that it’s okay to be exhausted. It’s okay to be weak. It’s okay to need help.

Don’t fall into the trap of believing that since they’ve been “handling” this situation so well for so long, that they don’t need anything. Recognize that they are operating in bonus point territory. If there’s a way to provide tangible assistance, by all means, do it. Take them a meal or take their kids for an afternoon or invite them to a movie. Call them or text them with a little bit of perspective, even if it scares you to do it, because it may be exactly what they need.

No matter what, pray for them. Better? Pray WITH them.

Maybe you could pray this…

I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV, emphasis mine)

Lynn Blackburn headshotBIO: Lynn Huggins Blackburn has been telling herself stories since she was five and finally started writing them down. She blogs about living life at the intersection of fear and faith on her blog Out of the Boat. Lynn is a member of the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and Cross ‘N Pen Writers. She lives in South Carolina where she hangs out with three lively children, one fabulous man, and a cast of imaginary characters who find their way onto the pages of her still unpublished novels. She drinks a lot of coffee.

(Skate images courtesy of office.microsoft.com)

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Sharon Lavy, and Only One Spot Left for 2014 Christian Communicators Conference!

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By Vonda Skelton | February 25, 2014

Readers, I’m excited to introduce my friend, Sharon Lavy, to you. Sharon and I met years ago at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and I was immediately drawn to her sweet smile and enthusiasm for writing and for the Lord. You can read Sharon’s bio and book blurb below, but let me just tell you that she lives an interesting life with her husband, flying all over the country in their own plane!

In Sharon’s newest book, Deadly Secret: A Tale From the Ohio Valley, just released in November 2013, the protagonist is an oncology nurse. As an RN for almost 30 years with experience as a hospice nurse, I was particularly drawn to this story and I know you will be, too!

And thanks to Sharon’s generosity, I have a free book to give away! Simply leave a comment for Sharon and you’ll automatically be entered into the drawing. But you must return next week to see if you’re the winner.

Okay, let’s get started, Sharon. First of all, welcome to the Christian Writer’s Den. As I mentioned earlier, I was an RN for many years and love medical mysteries, but your Deadly Secrets is actually categorized as Women’s Fiction. Can you explain?

I’ve been told my genre is Women’s fiction because the main theme is always about relationships. In fact I think the most important part of our lives here on this earth is our relationships. And our Relationship with Jesus is at the top of the list.

As one who struggles with finding time to write, I want to know how you spend your writing days. And can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

I try to write 6 days a week. Sometimes the characters refuse to talk to me and I find myself staring at a blank screen.

The first three novels have taken me years just to write the first draft. Then many years of re-writing and editing. Each one took fewer than the book before, but still … years.

As I wind up the draft of Farewell for Awhile, my goal is to write a complete draft of Forgiving the Unforgivable before the end of 2014. What a challenge.

I know your stories always point to truth, so what is the spiritual message in Deadly Secret?Sharon Lavy Deadly Secrets cover  

The theme of Deadly Secret is that sometimes we’re asked to forgive the unforgivable. In fact that is also the theme of the manuscript I am working on at the moment, Farewell For Awhile.  Different situation, but it still deals with something unforgivable.

The actual title of my next book is Forgiving The Unforgivable.  And I’ve developed a problem with this one, because how do you forgive a monster who is still a monster, who makes no pretense of repentance?

That is the struggle many authors have. At first the idea seems straight forward. But before you know it, you’ve written yourself into a corner and wonder how you are going to pull it off this time. If not for the grace of God, I don’t think I will be able to do it.

Would you take this time to describe your latest novel to us? 

Sure! Here’s part of the back cover copy:

The covering on Evalena Davidson’s head invites all kinds of confidences and sharing, a blessing on her oncology ward. But people expect her to be perfect, which makes living up to the promise of her Old German Baptist uniform a challenge. After all, Old German Baptist Brethren do not get involved with the law. But after a series of accusations and unexplained circumstances, how can Evalena turn her back on a friend? An unlikely trio must put their lives and reputation at risk to uncover a deadly secret in an attempt to identify a killer before someone else dies.

Sounds exciting! Now that you’re published, you can sit back and relax, right? 

You’re joking, right? No matter which publishing house publishes the book, the moment an author is published, he or she has the responsibility of marketing, marketing, marketing. I’m still trying to find out what works and what doesn’t. And I don’t want to turn people off. I need all the friends I can get.

So true, Sharon! We’re quickly running out of time, but readers always want to know where authors get their ideas.

That’s sort of a hard question to answer because a writer’s mind is normally going a million miles a minute, but occasionally stops with an “Aha!” moment. So I always say, if you see a writer with a faraway look in the eye … DO NOT DISTURB!

Oh, I know what you mean. My problem isn’t how to find ideas–it’s how do I keep ideas from constantly bombarding my limited brain space! Hahaha!

Sharon, thank you for joining us and sharing your journey today. It’s always a joy to see how the writing experience unfolds for different writers. 

And readers, I know you want your own copy, so here’s an Amazon link to Deadly Secrets: A Tale From the Ohio Valley. Here’s the Kindle link for Deadly Secrets: A Tale From the Ohio Valley, and it’s only $2.99! Don’t forget to leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing for a FREE book! Then be sure to return next week to see if you’re the winner.

BIO: Sharon A Lavy lives with her husband in SW Ohio. When not reading, writing, or sewing for her family, she enjoys traveling with her husband in their small Flight Design airplane. Sharon has a heart for hurting women, and writes about healing relationships. Because when~~it’s all said and done~~It’s all about relationships. You can reach Sharon here:

Website/blog
Facebook:
Twitter:
Amazon Author Page:

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That’s right–there’s only one spot left for the 2014 Christian Communicators Conference at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove!

ccclogosmall

Update 2-25-14 3:15pm: The waiting list is now open for the August 2014 Christian Communicators Conference. To be placed on the waiting list (at no charge), please contact Conference Coordinator, Cynthia Owens, at ccc [@] GoWithVision.com. Thank you for your interest in CCC. We’d love to see you there!

We are blown away by the response to the 2014 CCC! As of Monday afternoon, we only have one place remaining. Is it for you?

As soon as that one spot is filled, we’ll open the waiting list. If you go to the Online Registration page and see that registration is closed, please contact Cynthia Owens, Conference Coordinator at ccc [@] gowithvision.com to be put on the waiting list. We expect there will be a few cancellations.

Please note that the five scholarship spots are still being held until the scholarship submission deadline of April 1, so if you’re in need of a scholarship to attend, please complete your application and submit it by the April 1 deadline.

Here’s the link for all the CCC 2014 information. We’d love to see you there.

Thank you for your amazing response to CCC. We praise God for the opportunity to partner with you in ministry!

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

Vonda

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Parting Words From the WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | February 21, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

A few years ago I was introduced to a video that was on a friend’s blog. Even though I had heard “Jesus, Friend of Sinners” many times before, it was the first time I had really listened to the Casting Crowns lyrics. As I watched the words flash across the screen, my heart was broken for my more-often-than-I-want-to-admit failure to be like Christ.

One line in the song, written by Mark Hall and Matthew West, gripped me at my core, stabbing me with the reality of my own sin.

Could it be possible that I’ve tripped up someone who was on his or her way to Jesus?

I immediately envisioned the faces of those who’ve struggled to believe in a loving God because of my actions or my words. Where possible, I’ve asked them for forgiveness. Some have granted it; others, I’m sad to say, have not.

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opps, Conferences, Announcements, & Who Won Jo Ann Fore’s Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | February 18, 2014

newspapersYep, it’s that time again…Time to help you get published, find a conference and maybe even win Jo Ann’s book!

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Here are this month’s writing opportunities, compiled just for you!

1.  Vista, Light for the World, and Book submission guidelines from the Wesleyan Church

2.  Jeanne Doyon is looking for Guest Bloggers. Deadline May 1. Click here for guidelines: WANTED Guest Bloggers from Jeanne Doyon

3.  Weekly Christian Flash Fiction Writing Contest by Pastor and writer Charles W. Short

4.  Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award is accepting submissions February 16 to March 2, 2014. $50,000 Grand Prize!

5.  Castle Gate Press, a new publisher, is looking for submissions with a Christian worldview

6.  Appleseeds Magazine for Kids (Cricket – parent company) is looking for submissions appropriate for kids 6-9

7.  Free Spirit Publishing accepts non-fiction book and resources on character building, self-esteem, service-building, civics education, and more for children and teens

8.  Dog Fancy Magazine writers guidelines. One of our Christian Writer’s Den friends just had an article published in this magazine!

9.  Dollar Stretcher Publications writers guidelines

10. Just 4 Kids Magazine writers guidelines

11. Writer’s Digest Magazine submission guidelines. This is the magazine I insulted Steven James and embarrassed myself about. (And Steven James still likes me, I think!)

12. The Writer Magazine submission guidelines. As far as I know, I haven’t insulted anyone with this magazine. 🙂

Well, friends, that should keep you busy for a while. Be sure to let us know if you find success through the writing opps. I sure encourages me to keep working at finding them for you!

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Upcoming Conferences Black and White ladies at BRMCWC2010

We know conferences are THE BEST way to get your training and possibly meet editors and agents, too! So here are the conferences I know about. Feel free to Contact Me with any you’d like for me to add!

1. Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators: February 21-23, New York

2.  Writers Advance Boot Camp: February 21-23, 2014, Asheville, NC

3.  Florida Christian Writers Conference: February 26-March 2, 2014, Leesburg, FL (I’m teaching there and would love to see you!)

4.  Mid-South Christian Writers Conference: March 8, 2014, Memphis, TN

5.  Carolina Christian Writers Conference: March 13-15, 2014, Spartanburg, SC

6.  Idahope Writers: March 14-15, 2014, Meridian, ID

7.  Write2Ignite: March 28-29, 2014, Tigerville, SC

8.  FAM Fest Film Festival: March 29, 2014, York, SC

9.  Festival of Faith and Writing: April 10-12, 2014, Grand Rapids, MI

10. Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop: April 10-12, 2014, Dayton, OH

11. Orange County Christian Writers Conference: April 25-26, 2014, Santa Ana, CA

12. Colorado Christian Writers Conference: May 14-17, Estes Park, CO

13. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: May 19-23, 2014, Ridgecrest, NC

14. Expecting Goodness Short Film Festival: June 14, 2014, York, SC

15. St. David’s Christian Writers’ Conference: June 17-21, Grove City, PA

16. Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival: July 11-15, 2014, Orlando, FL (I’ll be there co-directing the Teen Intern Program again and would love to see you there!)

17. Christian Communicators Conference: August 27-31, 2014, The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Asheville, NC (Registration now open! Hope to see you there!)

18. Breathe Christian Writers Conference: October 10-11, 2014, Grand Rapids, MI

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christian-communicators-promo-cove-2014Registration is Now Open for The Christian Communicators Conference for Speakers

Ladies, if you feel called to speak, you don’t want to miss the Christian Communicators Conference at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. Carolyn Knefely and I would love to see you there!

At a Christian Communicators Conference, less truly is more…

By limiting the conference to about 30 ladies, you receive more!

  • You won’t be surrounded by hundreds of women . . . but you’ll be embraced by thirty who will become lifelong friends
  • You won’t experience long lines for dinner . . . but you’ll have long conversations over dessert
  • You won’t need change for vending machines . . . but shared stories at afternoon tea can change your life

Come and learn in a small, intimate setting . . .
then go out and change a great big world

Check out the Christian Communicators Conference registration details here. But don’t delay, with only 30 spots, we fill up quickly!Print

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I’m Looking for Teens 16yo-18yo Who are Interested in the Media Arts!

I’m honored to again be a co-director of The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival Teen Intern Program at this year’s conference, July 11-15, 2014 in Orlando.

If you know a teen interested in acting, directing, screenwriting, singing, songwriting, or anything else related to the media arts, please send them to the Gideon Intern Page for details and application. But they must hurry–Deadline for applications is April 1.

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Jo Ann Fore book coverAnd Finally…Who Won Jo Ann Fore’s Book?

My goodness, I can tell you loved Jo Ann, her book, and her interview! That was one of the highest number of responses ever received. Thank you for your support and encouragement. And now, the winner is…drumroll please…

…Kimberly Ruedger-Wheatfill!

Congratulations, Kimberly! Just Contact Me with your snail mail address and Jo Ann will have your book right out to you!

And for those who didn’t win, here’s your direct Amazon link to Jo Ann’s amazing book, When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference.

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Okay, friends, that does it for today’s post. Yes, I know it was longer than usual, but that’s because I had so much good stuff to share with you!

Happy writing!

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | February 14, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

I love how God’s word is not only a message of love, grace, and mercy, but it’s also applicable to real life. I had another blessed time of applying His word this past week.

As many of you know, we usually open Christian Communicators Conference registration the first week of February. That had been my goal again this year, but between family illness, some medical testing of my own, ministry, computer issues, and other urgent deadlines, it just wasn’t happening.

And then the snow storm came.

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Jo Ann Fore; Kudos & MoGo7000 Totals

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By Vonda Skelton | February 11, 2014

You are in for a treat today, sweet friends! Today I have the joy of introducing my friend Jo Ann Fore to you. We’ve known each other for many years and she just gets more and more beautiful!

Jo Ann is a speaker, life coach, and author of a life-changing new book, When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference. As you’ll see in this interview, her ministry is all about hope.

I know you’re going to fall in love with Jo Ann, just as I have. Be sure to leave a comment for Jo Ann and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book!

So let’s jump right in, Jo Ann. I think I know the answer to this question, but I want our friends to hear your heart. So tell us, why did you write When A Woman Finds Her Voice?

I believe God created each one of us with this distinctive life message to share, but far too often the hurts of life block us from sharing. Our stories deserve to be told, need to be told, but sometimes there’s this part of us that can’t help but wonder if what we say really matters, wonders if we ourselves matter.

We tend to develop this concept of who we think we should be, so we spend our days presenting that to the world, masking our true voices. And in this masking, we lose our true selves. Sometimes we try to be so many things to so many people that we stuff our voice so deep that even we forget who we are.

That’s not God’s plan.

I’m passionate about helping with women in this area because I’ve walked this journey. I know the silence, fear, and doubt that comes from unfathomable hurts. And I want to help women identify these toxic beliefs that twist our thinking in the fallout of these hurts.

What do you hope readers will gain from your book?Jo Ann Fore book cover

I want women to know, to really know, that just because we walk through some hard stuff in life, it doesn’t mean God’s purpose for us changes.

Sometimes what we need most is a simple word of encouragement that God’s still with us, that if we stick it out we will somehow see His hand and His hand will somehow lead us through.

There’s a scripture tucked in Acts 18:10 where Paul had been trying to share the message that God entrusted him with but no one would listen to him, so in a dream God told him this, “Don’t let anyone silence you. No matter what happens, I’m with you and no one is going to be able to hurt you.”

That’s what Paul needed to stick it out, to make it through the storms that threatened to blow him off course. It’s the same thing we need: to know God is with us. And we need to trust that, to hold to that when nothing else makes sense.

How do you define “finding your voice?”

As a writer we hear a lot about voice, about finding our voices. It’s drilled into us from the beginning, about how it’s our unique voice that sets us apart in the millions of words that are being spread daily.

And much like that individualism that we read in a particular author’s words, each one of us, whether we write or not, holds our own unique voice deep inside.

Our voice is what makes us us, it’s this unique combination of our personality, belief systems, feelings, and passions, it’s basically everything that encompasses all of who God made us to be.

It’s this unique that pours red from the vein of our authentic selves. A crucial individualism that’s about being known, not just to others, but first to ourselves.

Sort of like our favorite author, when we pick up her work and recognize her voice, this is what we need to walk out in our own lives. When we make decisions, when we live our daily lives, we need to check to make sure it’s our own voice we’re walking out and not a substitute because those just waste our time.

How did you decide on this topic?

I have a wise agent. {Really, I do.} About 18 months ago, I had a meeting with my agent {and his lovely wife}, tossing about ideas for what book I would write. He asked me a simple question, “What book would you write that excites you each morning—a book that you will make you want to get out of bed each day so you can work on it?”

It was this book.

You are passionate about the power of story—do you have any tips to help us tell our stories?

There is an extraordinary power in the sharing of story. This finding our voices, its about sharing our stories—stories that have the power to change both our lives and the lives of others.

In the book we have a list of tips for finding your voice, but you can also grab them for FREE in a downloadable printable over here.

Jo Ann, you don’t realize it, but you’ve hit on a very important point we stress at Christian Communicators Conference for women: There truly is an extraordinary power in the sharing of our stories. God doesn’t waste any scars. Thank you for sharing your message and your book with us.

And readers, be sure to leave a comment for Jo Ann and you’ll automatically be in the drawing for a free book! Don’t forget to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.

But you don’t have to wait to get this great book! Here’s a direct Amazon link for When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference. You could get yours today!

Bio: Jo Ann Fore is known as the “Hope Coach.” She is a popular blogger, certified Life Purpose Coach-Facilitator, and the author of the recently released When A Woman Finds Her Voice: Overcoming Life’s Hurts & Using Your Story to Make a Difference. Jo Ann serves a powerful promise of hope to a woman’s heart. Her encouraging words have been featured in Guideposts, Christianity Today’s Just Between Us & Today’s Christian Woman, Lifeway’s HomeLife, as well as many others, while her coaching experiences have helped many women transform broken lives into beautiful ones.

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Kudos to YOU!

We only had two Christian Writer’s Den friends to send in their successes this month, but my goodness, what great successes they are!

1.  Eddie Snipes (GA): I had two books released in January. Abounding Grace and Out of the Ashes (a book written for the Pregnancy Resource Center). Here are Amazon links to Abounding Grace and Out of the Ashes.

2.  Lori Hatcher (SC): Lori is pleased to announce a contract with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas for her devotional book, Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time. Also, this spring, she’ll be the featured speaker at the Women to Women Spring Conference at Myrtle Beach, SC March 28-30. She’ll serve with worship leader Janet Rollings and devotion leader Cherie Nettles to present “Too Stressed to Be Blessed? Come Away.”

Congratulations, Eddie and Lori! We’re so proud of you!

And readers, be sure to check back next week for a list of writing opportunities collected just for you. Follow through with submissions and maybe we’ll be celebrating with you soon!

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Congrats to These MoGo7000 Qualifiers in January!

My goodness, y’all have been busy! These CWD writers have earned an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100 in cash!

#1: Joan Hall – 7,035 words
#2: Susan Baganz – 14,190 words
#3: Jeanne Doyon – 8,520 words
#4: Eddie Snipes – 65,000 words

Want to know how you can qualify for the $100 challenge? Check out the MoGo7000 Challenge here. It’s free and open to everyone!

Well, we’re expecting snow and ice today and the next few days here in SC. Be safe, everyone!

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

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…

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By Vonda Skelton | February 7, 2014
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

The Winning Step Awaits, by Cathy Baker


“It took bravery on my part to take the first step, so tonight is not the winning step. The winning step was the first one.”
 David, runner up for The Biggest Loser 2014

Perhaps it was the timing of his statement that caused me to drop my 3 point-worthy Bagel Thins and pick up a pen instead. Thanks to Vonda, author Dave Weiss’ post Your Muse is DEAD had been raising its hand for my constant attention all day long:

“Inspiration is not something to wait for, it’s something to seek. It’s not some wispy goddess who capriciously decides to withhold your creativity. The muse is dead, actually she was never alive. Most of inspiration is work.” Dave Weiss, AMOKArts.com

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Your Muse is DEAD by Dave Weiss; Call-Outs for Kudos & MoGo7000 Totals

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By Vonda Skelton | February 4, 2014

Dave Weiss stage shotToday it’s a joy to welcome back Dave Weiss, artist, writer, speaker, and founder of AMOKArts, where Dave helps Christian Creatives use their gifts for God’s glory. I read Dave’s post recently and knew immediately that I wanted to share it with you!

Your Muse is DEAD, by Dave Weiss of AMOKARTS

You’re going to see a side of me you may not like today. I am hoping you will stick with me. There is one thing that always drives me a little crazy. It happens whenever I hear a creative type who seems to be waiting on his or her muse. Waiting for inspiration to strike. Worse still are people who blame this lack of inspiration on God. So today let’s get it straight. The concept of muses comes from mythology, it’s pagan. It has no place in your Christian life. Your muse is dead.

As far as blaming God, that happens when you say God is not inspiring you today. Now I’ll be the first one to admit there are days when it’s hard to find the idea and there are days where you need to unplug, cease striving and be still. I do not think it is fair to blame anything on a perfect God though…

Inspiration is not something to wait for, it’s something to seek. It’s not some whispy goddess who capriciously decides to withhold your creativity. The muse is dead, actually she was never alive. Most of inspiration is work.

What we’re really missing most of the time is not inspiration, it’s motivation. We all know those days where we have the idea and everything is flowing and creating is fun. And then there are those other days where it all just feels like work. Guess what… on those days the best thing you can do is get to work. Let’s just say for a moment that on any given day there is no new idea. My first question is have you finished and shipped yesterday’s idea or last week’s or last year’s? Most of the times when I feel stuck, the reality is, I’m not stuck. I have a project that is at a point where it’s not fun, it’s work and I’m just not motivated to do something that isn’t fun. In those times the answer is to suck it up and push through. Sometimes the new idea doesn’t come because we have to finish the old idea. It’s called faithfulness.

Look at God. He created the Universe in six days, saw that is was good (ready to “ship”) and then rested. That’s a good word for us all. Give your project your best, get it done and done well, ship it and take a break. Maybe instead of looking for a non-existent muse, we should look at what we already have going and finish that, before we start seeking the next idea.

God is not witholding from you, when He has something for you to do, He will make it clear. In the mean time look to what He’s previously given you that you left unfinished and start working on that.

Inspiration must be accompanied with motivation and determination. Don’t use it as an excuse for procrastination.

What do you need to finish?

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Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Call-Out for Kudos…I Want to Brag on You!

Have you had something exciting happen recently in your writing or speaking life? Maybe you’ve had an article published, signed a book contract, released a new book, got an agent, or started a new blog. If so, we want to hear from you!

It’s really simple, but I do ask that you contact me with the info in this format and order:

**Your name
**Your state in two-letter abbreviation
**Link to your website or blog
**Your good news
**Link to your good news, if online (online bookstore, online article, etc)

I can’t wait for us to celebrate with you!

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mogo7000 logoCall for MoGo7000 Totals

If you wrote at least 7000 new words on a book project in January, you can get your first entry in the drawing for the 2014 MoGo7000 $100 cash prize! It’s open to everyone who qualifies.

To report your January results, please leave a comment below with your total new words written in January. (Please do not send your totals by email or through the Contact page. Totals must be left as a comment here by next Monday). 

If you missed out on last year’s money-winning writing challenge, don’t worry, a brand new challenge is underway! Here are the MoGo7000 Challenge rules. All you have to do is write at least 7000 NEW words on a book project in any month and you’ll receive an entry into the end-of-the-year drawing for $100.

Each month that you qualify with 7000 new words, your name goes in the “hat” for the drawing. Reach the goal one month and you’ll have one entry. Meet it 12 months and you’ll have 12 entries!

So what are you waiting for? Get started now and you could have $100 this time next year. And it doesn’t cost you a cent. 🙂

Now, quit putting it off and get to work!

Blessings,

Vonda

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