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Parting Words From The WORD…Ministry is Hard

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By Vonda Skelton | April 29, 2016
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Let’s face it, sometimes ministry is hard. But how can that be the case if we’re doing what God has called us to do?

We may mistakenly think that if we’re in the middle of God’s will, doing what He has for us to do with our lives, then everything should work out smoothly.

That wasn’t the case with Jesus…and it’s not the case with us today. Jesus had no place to lay His head, few friends who stood by Him in the hard times, He suffered, bled, and died. And yet, He continued in His call.

We know that today’s suffering isn’t usually physical, as it was in the lives of Jesus, Paul, and the disciples. But it is suffering none the less.

Peter is clear that those who follow Christ will suffer.

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…
1 Peter 3:13-15

Our responsibility is to answer the call He has placed on our lives, and if it results in suffering or hardship or struggles of any kind, remember that we are called to suffer so that we may inherit a blessing.

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

Vonda

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Interview & Book Give-Away with Sandra Merville Hart

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By Vonda Skelton | April 26, 2016

Sandra Hart headshotHappy Tuesday! I’m excited to introduce my friend, Sandra Merville Hart, to you today. Sandra and I met years ago, I believe at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. And since that first conference, we keep running into each other at conferences around the southeast. That’s one of the many benefits of writing conferences–you get to make new best friends everywhere you go!

And friends, be sure to leave a comment for Sandra and you’ll be in the drawing for a free copy of her book! Let’s get started!

Welcome, Sandy. First of all, would you share the story behind your book, A Stranger on my Land? 

While researching another novel for the Civil War time period, I found fascinating books written by Union and Confederate soldiers. One of these soldiers wrote about the “Battle Above the Clouds” on Lookout Mountain. He talked about people living in caves. Women made these temporary shelters comfortable and cozy.

“How did it feel to find a wounded soldier on your property after a Civil War battle? It surely happened.” . . . “Would you walk away and leave him to die if he fought for the other side?”. . . “What if your members of your family fought for the opposite army? Does that change anything?”. . . “Suppose you help them anyway and fall in love?”

I pondered those questions and the story was born.

What started you on your writing journey?

I wanted to be a writer in elementary school. I wrote my first mystery novel while in the sixth grade, The Mystery of the Missing Diamond Ring. Unfortunately I received little encouragement. The dream died but the stories kept coming. A devotion I wrote about a choir song sparked encouraging comments, reawakening my long-forgotten dream.

I know you like to travel. Have any places you’ve traveled inspired you and ended up in your writing?

Continuously! I traveled to Chattanooga, Chickamauga, and Lookout Mountain to research A Stranger on My Land. The museums, the people, the scenery, and the history deepened the story already growing inside my imagination.

The small city of Troy, Ohio, inspired me as a book setting. “This place is so special that something needs to happen here,” was my comment to my husband. Upon discovering that something important did happen in that city’s history, an idea formed. I weaved my story and an important historical event into a novella that I hope to publish.

My creative spirit comes alive every time we drive to Gettysburg. I knew a novel idea waited for me in that important city. I found the story while visiting battlefields and walking the streets. I’m hoping to publish this novel soon. 

Sounds like you have a lot of books fighting to get onto the page! It’ll be fun to see what comes next. As a Christian writer, do you have a special verse or passage you’d like to share with our Christian Writer’s Den friends?A Stranger On My Land cover Sandra Hart

Yes, I do!

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV)

This whole chapter is filled with gems but these last two verses offer so much hope. I think I first heard a portion of this chapter quoted in a movie. It was such a powerful scene that the comfort and beauty of the words stayed with me.  

Has your writing changed your reading habits?

I love to read, but now I pay attention to how authors build tension. I notice descriptions of people and settings. In other words, reading has become another opportunity to learn the writing craft.

Who has been your greatest encourager on your writing journey?

My husband has supported me the whole way. I like to visit historic sites to discover the local history. He uses vacation time to go on research trips with me. He supports whatever I need to do. He understands that rejections break my heart and bolsters my courage to try again.

Who inspires you?

Great authors like Mark Twain inspire me.

People who face insurmountable challenges and somehow find courage to get through it inspire me.

Those who cling to their faith when it’s all they have left to cling to inspire me.

I’m inspired by a friendly smile, a warm welcome, and how good old-fashioned hospitality feeds the soul.

Inspiring people live anywhere and everywhere, if I only take time to listen.

I totally agree, Sandra. Well, our time is almost up, but before we go, would you tell us about your current writing project?

My favorite genre to write in remains inspirational historical romance. I’ve written another Civil War romance. This novel traces how historic events of an important battle fought in Gettysburg affect a seamstress who lives there and a brave Confederate soldier left behind when his army retreats.

Thank you for joining us today, Sandra! And readers, be sure to leave a comment for Sandra and you’ll be in the drawing for a free copy of her book. Don’t forget to return next week to see if you’re the winner!

Thanks for Tweeting!

Interview & #FreeBook Give-Away w/ @Sandra_M_Hart via @VondaSkelton #amwriting (Click to Tweet!)

Sandra Hart photoBio: Sandra Merville Hart is the column writer for “History in the Making” at the popular and growing site, She is Assistant Editor for DevoKids.com where she contributes many historical articles. Her debut book, A Stranger On My Land, IRCA Finalist 2015, released in 2014. She has written for several publications and blogs. Sandra loves to find unusual facts in her historical research to use in her stories and drags her husband along on her adventures. Thankfully, he also enjoys these fact-finding missions.

To connect with Sandra:

Assistant Editor at DevoKids:

Contributing column writer for:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Pinterest:

Sandra’s Goodreads page:

Google+:

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Parting Words From The WORD…Why This? Why Now?

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By Vonda Skelton | April 22, 2016
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

I know today’s scripture is one we’ve all heard hundreds of times before, but I believe the Lord must be trying to tell me something, and perhaps He wants to tell you, too.

In just the past 5 or 6 days, I’ve had similar conversations with ladies in multiple venues: Several women at two different weekend retreats where I was the speaker; on a phone call with a lady who had questions about Christian Communicators Conference; at a restaurant where I met with a precious CC sister; and in the car with a dear young lady who picked me up at the airport.

In each situation, the sister in the Lord had either gone through or was currently going through a difficult situation and–at least at one point–wasn’t sure what God was doing. In each case, there were two questions regarding the struggle:

Why this, Lord? Why now?

I couldn’t believe I had heard the repeated refrain over and over again. Not necessarily in those same words, but it had been the same basic conflict in each case: Why was this happening and why was it happening now, at this point in my life?

Why am I having this conflict in my marriage at a time when I’m growing closer to you?

Why did I go through this completely unexpected medical issue at this young age?

Why did I let that sin overtake me when I have such a precious family?

Why did that woman discourage me at a time when I feel I’m following God’s direction?

Why this? Why now?

As I kept hearing these questions and talking and praying with these ladies, one verse continued to replay itself over and over in my heart and mind. It’s one we all learned early in our walk with Christ, and yet its words ring truer to me today than ever before as this world and our culture grow further and further from God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whohave been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Why this? God often uses His own blessings to draw us to Himself, whether it’s complications in our health or our children or our marriages.

Why now? Satan often uses the deepest joys of our hearts to attempt to put a distance between us and the Father.

But the good news is, the Lord is always the victor, because what Satan meant for evil, God can turn it upside down and use it for good.

I can look back on several hardships in my life that seemed to have been anything but a blessing. And yet it was those very things that God used to ultimately orchestrate His perfect will for my life and my family. If the struggle hadn’t happened, the good couldn’t have come about. It’s as simple as that.

Why this and why now?

Because it had to be. Because God wants to give us His best and bring glory to His name.

I pray His blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,

Vonda

Thanks for sharing!

Parting Words From The WORD…Why This? Why Now? The answer may surprise you. @vondaskelton (Click to Tweet)

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Writer’s Headlines: Writing Opportunities & Conferences

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By Vonda Skelton | April 19, 2016

newspapersYes, it’s the 3rd Tuesday, so it’s the day to find YOUR next writing opportunity!

1.  Splickety Magazine is Your Flash Fiction Fix! It exists to showcase high-quality short fiction from new writers, best-selling authors, and everyone in between. Here are the Splickety submission guidelines.

2.  Bethany House is looking for submissions for a new anthology. Life-Changing Miracles – True Stories of How God Miraculously Transforms Lives.

3.  Writer’s Digest Annual Writing Competition guidelines. Hurray the early deadline is May 6.

4.  Pelican Group Easter Lilies Annual Special Release guidelines here, but note: submissions only accepted August 1 – September 30 each year. So get started now so you’ll be ready in August!

5.  Chicken Soup is currently accepting submissions on Teachers, College Students, Moms, Blended Families, Dreams, Parenting, Dogs, Cats, and Confident & Curvy Women. Chicken Soup guidelines here. 

6.  Educational markets for children’s writers   

7.  Free Spirit Publishing: Their mission is to provide children and teens with the tools they need to succeed in life and to make a difference in the world. They publish high-quality nonfiction books and learning materials for children and teens, parents, educators, counselors, and others who live and work with young people.

8.  Reader’s Digest: “If you are a writer and would like to submit a great article proposal, email us at .”

9.  Parents Magazine is always looking for writers

10. Creation Illustrated Writers and Photographers guidelines

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ workshop sign Pixabay

Writing Conferences are Your Ticket to Success!

1.  Writing Success 25: April 30, 2016, Stoneboro, PA

2.  Colorado Christian Writers Conference: May 11-14, 2016, Estes Park, CO

3.  Northwest Christian Writers Renewal: May 13-14, 2016, Redmond, WA

4.  Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: May 22-26, 2016, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

5.  West Texas Writers’ Academy: June 6-10, 2016, Canyon, TX

6.  Write to Publish: June 8-11, 2016, Chicago area

7.  West Virginia Writers Conference: June 10-12, 2016, Ripley, WV

8.  New England Christian Writers Retreat: June 17-19, 2016, Hamilton, MA

9.  St. David’s Christian Writers Conference: June 22-26, 2016, Grove City, PA

10. Kentucky Christian Writers Conference: June 23-25, 2016, Elizabethtown, KY

11. Romance Writers of America: July 13-16, 2016, San Diego, CA

12. Greater Philly Christian Writer’s Conference: August 3-6, 2016, Langhorne, PA

13. Taylor University’s Professional Writing Conference: August 5-6, 2016, Upland, IN (This is a brand new conference!)

14. Atlanta Christian Writers Conference: August 18-20, 2016, Marietta, GA

ccclogosmall15. Christian Communicators Conference: August 24-28, 2016 The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove, Asheville, NC. (Only 7 spots left–Don’t delay!)

16. American Christian Fiction Writers: August 25-28, 2016, Nashville, TN

17. Breathe Christian Writers Conference: October 7-8, 2016, Grand Rapids, MI

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That’s it for another 3rd Tuesday Opportunities Day. What are YOU going to do with it? 🙂

Happy writing!

Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD…Open Doors

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By Vonda Skelton | April 15, 2016
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

As speakers and writers, we often struggle with promotion. And it’s no wonder. Throughout God’s Word and throughout our lives as Christians we’re challenged to humble ourselves, think of others better than ourselves, guard against pride and self-focus. (I wrote about this whole idea on a post years ago. You can read Would Jesus Network? here.)

Reality is, if we want to share our verbal and written words with the world, we must speak up, whether audibly or written. Otherwise, how will they know about our message of grace and mercy that’s available to them by calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ? As Paul 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? Romans 10:13-14

How can they hear without someone telling them?

Okay, so now that we see the need, what can we do to gain more opportunity to tell others, while still holding tight to Jesus’ words and our convictions?

The first thing is in who we’re promoting. Are our words all about us, or are they about what He’s done for us? There’s a huge difference between “Let me tell you about what I can do” vs “Let me tell you about what He’s done.”

Once we have that straight and are focused on promoting what Him, it’s time to ask for open doors. Yes, we need open doors. We need opportunities to speak and write. And that, dear friends, is what we should be praying for.

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Colossians 4:3 (NIV)

Just as Paul asked for open doors to share Christ while He was in chains for the Gospel, we should pray for open doors to share Christ through our lives and ministries.

Open doors.

That’s my prayer for you…and me…today.

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

Vonda

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Scriptwriting: Biblical Truth From the Stage and Let’s Celebrate Kudos & MoGo7000 Successes

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By Vonda Skelton | April 12, 2016
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I love drama. I love how it visually projects truth in a non-confrontational way. I love how it can have us laughing one moment and contemplating the complex issues of life the next.

Jesus loved drama, too. His parables are truth presented in a visual, non-confrontational way. They have us laughing one moment (I mean, a camel going through the eye of a needle? Someone carrying around a log in his eye?) and contemplating the weight of sin the next.

Here are some things to consider if you feel called to write drama, whether for your church or for publication:

  1. What message do you want to get across? Just as with other kinds of writing, there must be a take-away. Do you want your audience to consider their choices? See Christ in a different way? See themselves as others see them?
  2. Use common events, actions, thoughts the audience can identify with. Jesus used equipment, people, careers, and needs common to the time and place.
  3. Create believable dialog. One of the biggest mistakes I see is addressing characters by name too often. Think about your own conversations. Do you repeat the other person’s name over and over in real conversation? No. And you shouldn’t in a script, either.
  4. Consider stage limitations. Consider stage space, mics, props, costumes, and casting. The more complex the needs, the less opportunity for others to use your script.
  5. Be sure to include a “Wow factor.” I often read scripts that are simply a retelling of events: this happened, then this happened, then this happened. That’s fine if you’re simply demonstrating a Bible story, but it’s not going to be enough if you’re creating a new story. There needs to be something that takes the common situation and creates an uncommon turn of events. Humor, absurdity, or shock; an unusual character or story development; and a surprise twist are all compelling “Wow factors” that can take your script from interesting to memorable.

Do you desire to write compelling drama that will draw others to Him? If so, I hope these guidelines will help you take the first steps to writing biblical truth that can be shared from the stage.

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Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Let’s celebrate with our friends!

Congratulations to the following Christian Writer’s Den friends who’ve been doing the work and finding success!

1. Kristi Woods (OK): Chicken Soup for the Soul highlighted my story, Tested, Not Arrested, on a recent Motivational Monday. To God be all the glory

2. Bonita Bandaries (LA): I have a feature article, Refresh Your Heart, Wellness Self-care Tips for Family Caregivers in The Minute Magazine, March-April edition

3. Susan M. Baganz (WI): Released my second novel at the end of January, Salsa & Speed Bumps, a romantic suspense. I have a novella due out in August and another novel (book #3 in this series) due out in September. Praying I might squeak a third in by the end of the year!

4. Gail Cartee (SC): I had a devo poem and two ideas for kids published last month. The poem was published by Refresh Bible Study Magazine. The kids ideas were published by DevoKids.

Congrats, writers!

And friends, if you didn’t have anything to share in our Kudos this month, be sure to check out the writing opportunities next week!

mogo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who MoGo’d in March?

#8: Diana Leagh Matthews – 8,504 words
#9: Amanda Everett – 8,496 words

Way to go, Diana and Amanda! And readers, if you want to join in the fun and have a bunch of chances to win $100 at the end of the year, check out the MoGo7000 Challenge. It’s free!

Well, that does it for the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Be sure to return next week for another list of writing opportunities and conferences!

Happy writing,

Vonda

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Call for Kudos & MoGo7000 Totals and Who Won Ramona Richards’ Book?

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By Vonda Skelton | April 5, 2016
Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s the 1st Tuesday of April & time to gather your good news for Kudos & MoGo7000, and to announce the reader who won Ramona’s book!

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Call for Kudos!

Okay, friends, it’s time for us to celebrate YOU and celebrate EACH OTHER! After all, that’s the goal of The Christian Writer’s Den–to encourage and instruct writers.

In order to do that, I need to hear from you! It doesn’t matter how small it may seem to you or how recently it’s been, every step forward is a step that leads to the next one.

So I want to know what you’ve been up to. 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. Everybody’s welcome to share.

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

**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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~mogo

Who Worked on Their MoGo7000 in March?

If you wrote at least 7000 new words on a book project in March, you’ll receive an entry in the drawing for the 2016 MoGo7000 $100 cash prize! It’s open to everyone who qualifies.

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

If you missed out on last year’s money-winning writing challenge, don’t worry, the 2016 Challenge continues! 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. (Actually, Random.org selects the winner.) Reach the goal one month and you’ll have one entry. Just starting out? Don’t worry! Meet it the next 9 months and you’ll have 9 entries!

So what are you waiting for? Get started now and you could have an extra $100 next year. And it doesn’t cost you a cent. :-)

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Ramona Richards My Mother's Quilts coverAnd who won Ramona Richards’ book, My Mother’s Quilts: Devotions From a Legacy of Needlework

And the winner is…

Judy Taylor!

Congratulations, Judy! To receive your free copy of Ramona’s book, simply contact me with your snail mail address and Ramona will get the book right out to you!And for those who didn’t win, here’s a direct Amazon link to My Mother’s Quilts. It would make a perfect Mother’s Day gift! Don’t tell my moms, but they’re both getting a copy!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,Vonda

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Parting Words From The WORD . . . Whose POV Matters?

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By Vonda Skelton | April 1, 2016
Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

Laughing Jesus by Robert Wilson, Sr.

As writers, we often discuss the issue of Point of View (POV). It’s an important concept to learn if we want to grow as fiction writers.

There are several rules involved in the teaching of POV, but the main rule is, there should be only one point of view per scene. One person’s thoughts. One person’s beliefs. One person’s truth. It’s the only point of view that really matters in that scene because it’s the only view the reader needs to know.

It occurred to me one day that there’s only one point of view that really matters in life and death, too . . . and it’s critical that the reader know the POV character’s truth.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6

“I am the only way to heaven,” Jesus is saying. Not Zen. Not peacemaking. Not reincarnation. Not keeping all the rules.

Jesus’ POV is the only truth that matters . . . because it’s the only truth there is.

Life and death depend on it.

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

Vonda

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