Fliterary

April 2012 Writer Conferences

2012-03-06T20:59:00.002-08:00

April 13-14, 2012
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS MENTORING RETREAT
Nashville, TN - Marriott Hotel
ACWriters@aol.com // http://www.acwriters.com

April 13-14, 2012
CALLED TO WRITE CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE
Pittsburgh, KS - Lamplighter Inn
http://www.christianwritersfellowship.blogspot.com

April 14, 2012
SAN DIEGO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SPRING FELLOWSHIP
Rancho Bernardo (San Diego), CA
http://www.sandiegocwg.org/?p=104

April 16 – April 19, 2012
NATURE WRITING BOOT CAMP
Highlights for Children Foundation, Honesdale, PA
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/nature-writing-boot-camp-0

April 19 – April 22, 2012
SCIENCE WRITING BOOT CAMP
Highlights for Children Foundation, Honesdale, PA
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/science-writing-boot-camp

April 20-21, 2012
CAROLINA CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE
First Baptist Church - Spartanburg, SC
www.fbs.org/writersconference

April 26 – April 29, 2012
CREATING AN AUTHENTIC CULTURAL VOICE
Highlights for Children Foundation, Honesdale, PA
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/creating-authentic-cultural-\
voice

April 29 – May 6, 2012
FINDING YOUR STORY
Highlights for Children Foundation, Honesdale, PA
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/finding-your-story-and-what-\
do-about-it

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March 2012 Writing Conferences

2012-03-06T19:56:00.003-08:00

March 10, 2012
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS TENNESEE CONFERENCE
Memphis, TN - First Baptist Church
ACWriters@aol.com // http://www.acwriters.com

March 11 – March 17, 2012
WHOLE NOVEL WORKSHOP
Highlights for Children Foundation, Honesdale, PA
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/whole-novel-workshop

MARCH 16-17, 2012
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
Oklahoma City, OK - La Quinta Inn
ACWriters@aol.com // http://www.acwriters.com

March 16-17, 2012
INLAND NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE
Spokane Valley, WA - New Life Assembly of God Church
http://inlandnwchristianwriters.com/conference

March 16-17, 2012
WRITE2IGNITE! CONFERENCE,
North Greenville University, Tigerville, SC
http://write2ignite.com

March 17, 2012
IDAHOPE WRITERS CONFERENCE
Boise, ID -- Cole Community Church
http://idahopewriters.org/

March 22 – March 25, 2012
SCREENWRITING FOR THE CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG-ADULT AUDIENCE
Highlights for Children Foundation, Honesdale, PA
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/content/screenwriting-childrens-and-\
young-adult-audience

March 23-24, 2012
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS TEXAS CONFERENCE
Dallas, TX - Crown Plaza Hotel
ACWriters@aol.com // http://www.acwriters.com/

March 30-31, 2012
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN WRITERS INDIANA CONFERENCE
Fort Wayne, IN - Marriott Hotel
ACWriters@aol.com // http://www.acwriters.com/

March 30-April 3
MT. HERMON CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE
Santa Cruz, CA – Mt. Hermon Christian Camp
http://mounthermon.org/adult/professionals/writers-conference

March 31, 2012
NORTH TEXAS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE
Keller, TX
http://ntchristianwriters.com

March 31, 2012
PEN-OF-THE-WRITER WRITEON! WORKSHOP
Dayton, OH
http://www.penofthewriter.com/conferences/write-on.html

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Writing Love

2012-03-04T19:19:00.002-08:00

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God whois sending a love letter to the world."

--Mother Teresa

I've Got a Secret by Molly Noble Bull

2012-02-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

I’ve Got a Secret

By Molly Noble Bull

It’s true. I have a secret—or did until I wrote The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities with five other published novelists. The book title alone tells what I’ve tried to keep hidden for so long—that I’m dyslexic.

Now, I’ve said it.

Even ten years ago I would never have admitted this.

The book is by Margaret Daley, Ginny Aiken, Jane Myers Perrine, Ruth Scofield and me, Molly Noble Bull. All five of us have published with Love Inspired. In fact, we met via a Love Inspired Internet loop.

And we all suffered from learning disabilities and still have these problems today. Contrary to what some might think, problems like ours don’t go away once you reach adulthood. We’ve merely discovered how to go around them, and The Overcomers encourages others to do the same.

If you have a character with a learning problem in your current or upcoming story or novel and want to know how such a character might think, feel or react in a given situation, The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities is for you. In fact, we recently learned that The Overcomers is a finalist in the Women of Faith contest for Christian writers. But for this article, I would like to start with my pre-school years—long before anyone knew I had a learning problem, including my parents.

I had loving parents that thought I was some kind of genius.

I talked early. I drew pictures early. By the time I was in nursery school, I’d created poems that my mother wrote down. I quoted one-liners from famous movies as my mother directed, and I could carry a tune by the time I was three years old. I know because I sing a solo on a local stage around that time.

When friends and family came for a visit, I was the entertainment. I’m sure if I was born in Hollywood instead of Kingsville, Texas, my mother would have made sure that I was interviewed by every talent scout in the state of California by the time I was five years old.

Why am I telling all this?

It explains the obvious talents and abilities a dyslexic child often has before his or her problem is revealed. But it’s a downward slide from that moment on.

Imagine a beautiful caramel cake with way too much baking powder spooned into the batter. Add a dash of vanity and a generous amount of self-importance and pop it in the oven. Then sit back and watch as the cake grows bigger and bigger and bigger. At last it reaches its limit. Finally, it cracks open.

When I first realized that I wasn’t everybody’s birthday cake or even the crumbs on the dessert plates after the party guests went home, all the leaven inside me burned up, making me as flat as a cookie sheet. All that remained were humiliation and a poor self image—a nasty tasting meal for a young child to swallow. In no time, I forgot that I was ever more than the dumbest kid in my elementary school.

It’s easy to drift back into the pity-party scenario—even after all these years. I went on to graduate from high school and college. I married, and I am the mother of three grown sons, a grandmother, a former elementary school teacher and a published novelist.

It was a long road, and for a while, I didn’t think I’d ever learn to read and spell—much less write sentences and paragraphs that made sense. But now I write articles and books that other people read.

God inspired me to continue on no matter how many times I told myself that I would never learn. Without Him, I would never have found the courage to overcome the kind of heartaches, embarrassment and emotional stress that people with learning disabilities face every day. I hope The Overcomers: Christian Authors Who Conquered Learning Disabilities will encourage and inspire others with learning problems—cause them to throw out their secrets and self-doubts. When they do, they could become overcomers, too.

Visit Molly at http://www.mollynoblebull.com/

Order at Barnes & Noble
Order on Amazon

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Writer Inspiration

2012-02-27T07:14:00.001-08:00

*Photo credit: Lisa Buffaloe

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The Larger Story

2012-02-21T14:23:00.001-08:00

“Story doesn’t just tell us something and leave it there, itinvites our participation. A good storyteller gathers us into the story. Wefeel the emotions, get caught up in the drama, identify with the characters…Honeststories respect our freedom, they don’t manipulate us… They bring us into thespacious world in which God creates and saves and blesses…they offer us a placein the story, invite us into the large story that takes place under the broadskies of God’s purposes.” ~ Eugene Patterson

2012-02-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Wow! The Page Turner

2012-01-20T11:28:00.001-08:00

What is Communication by JoJo Tabares

2012-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

What is Communication?

by JOJO Tabares

Communication is a word you’ve probably heard since you were young, but I’ll bet you can’t define it. Some people think communication is talking, conversation, making a speech or persuading someone of something. Others think it’s manners, etiquette or social graces.

Merriam Webster defines communication as “an act or instance of transmitting,” “information transmitted or conveyed,” “a verbal or written message,” “exchange of information,” “personal rapport,” or their most comprehensive definition, “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.”

To read the rest of this excellent article, please link to What is Communication?

http://artofeloquence.com/what-is-communication

5000 Easy Steps to be a Writer

2012-01-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Pray

Step 1 -- Write

Pray

Step 2 -- Learn

Pray

Step 3 -- Read

Pray

Step 4 -- Write

Pray

Step 5 -- Write

Pray

Step 6 -- Learn

Pray

Step 7 -- Read

Pray

Step 8 -- Write

Pray

Step 9 -- Write

Pray

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Communication Lessons From Five Year Olds

2012-01-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

NEW: Communication Lessons From Five Year Olds

By JoJo Tabares

Little children are inexperienced in communication, but as I will share over the next two weeks, we can all learn some valuable communication lessons from them.

Lesson number one: Speak Plainly.

Adults say, “The honour of your presence is requested at the…blah blah blah…” Adults go to great lengths to use the right words, the perfect invitation and the most respectful language, but at the end of the day, it can often sound confusing, standoffish or pompous.

Children say, “Wanna come to my party?” Children put things simply, succinctly and honestly. They don’t worry about how it sounds. They just say what they mean and because they don’t know big fancy words, they don’t use them. Children don’t send mixed messages. They don’t use subtlety. They don’t mince words. They come right out and say what’s on their mind. It’s clear, bold and honest.

To read the rest.... Communication Lessons From Five Year Olds http://artofeloquence.com/articles/communication-lessons-from-five-year-olds/

Good Writing Comes From a Healthy Soul

2012-01-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

By Jo Ann Fore

Maybe God wants to use my story to help someone else? Perhaps that’s the purpose for the painful life experiences I’ve walked through.

We women feel the need to share story, don’t we? To offer insight and hope, to let others know they are not alone, to debate God’s redeeming hand with Oprah (okay, maybe that’s just me on the last one).

It’s true, though. The sound of story resonates from the caves of ancient culture into the modern storytelling centers of today. Since we could speak, we’ve used our personal experiences to influence, educate, and encourage.

To read the rest, please link to Good Writing Comes From A Healthy Soul.

http://wordservewatercooler.com/2012/01/18/good-writing-comes-from-a-healthy-soul/

Friday Fun -- Matt Fore -- The Malcolm Zone

2012-01-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

Getting in the zone for writing and life!

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Ever have one of those days?

2012-01-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

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Writing in Your Own Voice

2012-01-10T09:55:00.000-08:00

It takes courage to let that elusive, indefinable quality shine through...you know the one--Your Voice. This stamp of individuality is not just something writers want, but singers...architects...chefs.

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Simultaneously, we attempt to remain boxed in by rules of technique, but scream out with a thread of something different.

It is said that unborn babies recognize their mother's voice, but when most people hear their first words recorded--they don't believe it. If you were never convinced that recorded voice was yours...would you have a difficult time leaving a message on a voicemail?

Similarly, how can an artist shine when they do not recognize their voice from their critique partner's? Or from the last thing they read?

Susan Bell suggests in The Artful Edit: "Relinquish your dogmatic agenda, be it highfalutin or low riding. Listen to what moves you, and if it isn't what you expect, rejoice in the suspense."

What else has worked for you to let your voice speaker louder than the words?

Mary DeMuth Answers Writing Questions

2012-01-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

Writing Q & A

How do you deal with writer's block? What inspired you to write? How do you find an agent? Watch this video by author, Mary DeMuth for the answers to these and more!

Please visit Mary DeMuth's site! www.marydemuth.com

Free Book from award-winning author Kathi Macias!

2012-01-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Free E-book from Kathi Macias available on SmashWords!

Kate Ames is a young widow grieving the loss of her father, and finds herself dating a lawyer who reminds her of her father. When her house is broken into, Kate fears someone is following her and her questions of faith increase. She meets Mark, a committed Christian, who is determined to draw her back to her faith...but will he...before it's too late?

Download free at ...Smash Words -- Storm On The Horizon

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/120837

Visit Amazon for a full listing of Kathi Macias' great books! -- Kathi Macias' Books On Amazon

Listen to a fun interview of Kathi Macias on Living Joyfully Free Radio

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The Best First Line Ever!

2012-01-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

Un-"leash" the writer within!

2012-01-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

Special thank you to Dana Pratola for the use of her photo!

Writertopia Fun

2012-01-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

Want a fun graphic to show your progress or writing mood?

Visit Writertopia at...
http://meter.writertopia.com/words=50000

http://meter.writertopia.com/words=40000&mood=3

Friday Fun -- Matt Fore

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

Ever wonder about "those" interesting phrases?

Please join Lisa Buffaloe over at Living Joyfully Free Radio for a short, fun audio clip from Christian comedian, Matt Fore -- "Just a Phrase".

www.Fliterary.com

Interview with Cec Murphey!

2012-01-02T06:04:00.000-08:00

Many words have been used to describe Cecil (Cec) Murphey: among them are giving, caring, compassionate, and transparent. He has fulfilled roles as mentor, encourager, and life-changer for many people. Whether you are a writer or someone how has experienced life's difficulties, you won't want to miss Cec's encouraging interview.

Award-winning author and international speaker Cec Murphey has written or co-written more than one hundred books, including the New York Times' bestseller 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). His books have sold millions of copies, translated into more than forty languages, bringing hope and encouragement to countless people around the world.

He has published over 700 articles which have appeared in a variety of publications. Cec has been a teacher, missionary in Kenya, voluntary hospital chaplain, preacher, and currently stays busy as a professional writer. He travels extensively to speak on many topics such as Christian living, recovery, spiritual growth, prayer, caregiving, significant living, male sexual abuse, and writing. Cec has more than 30 years experience teaching writing at hundreds of conferences, retreats, seminars, workshops and keynote venues across the United States and overseas.

Please visit Living Joyfully Free to listen to the interview with Cec Murphey.

http://livingjoyfullyfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/living-joyfully-free-with-guest-cec.html

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Friday Fun -- Matt Fore

2011-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

I'm starting a new adventure over on Living Joyfully Free. I'm adding Living Joyfully Free Moments during the week, which will be small audio clips or videos from Christian comedians, singers, and others who have a love and passion from God.

Please join me over on Living Joyfully Free for a short, fun audio clip from Christian comedian, Matt Fore -- "Ask".

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Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here and we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. At His birth, light came to a dark world, Heaven sang, and captives were freed. Man found hope, new beginnings, restoration, joy, and redemption.

Words cannot adequately express my feelings for a God who would choose willingly to leave Heaven’s glories to take on the flesh of man, complete with all the pain of suffering of living in a fallen world.

Why did Jesus humble Himself to be born a pauper’s son?

What did He look like as a baby?

At His first steps, did the ground tremble in gratitude?

How did His laugh sound?

Did His snow angels sparkle?

Did puppies wag and kittens purr as Jesus walked by?

Did trees long to bow at His feet?
Did the wind play in his hair?

Did hearts melt at His smile?

Why did He live for thirty-three years knowing every temptation and every heartache common to man?
Why did He come to die for sinners?

Why Jesus, did You choose a sinner like me?

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You.
Thank You for Your Son.
Thank You, for Your unfailing love.
Thank You, Jesus for coming to earth.
Thank You for calling to the lost and providing a way for us to come home.
Thank You for every sacrifice You made.
Happy Birthday, my precious Savior.

Please watch and listen to the song, "Happy Birthday, Jesus"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8ouaWgUCNg

Merry Christmas!

©Lisa Buffaloe

www.lisabuffaloe.com

Trusting God

2011-12-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

5.0 out of 5 stars Trusting God, December 18, 2011

Lisa B. Buffaloe

Like sitting and talking about God with your best friends on the front porch, Gwen Smith, Mary Southerland, and Sharon Jaynes, invite you into their lives with their new book, Trusting God. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, Sharon, Mary, and Gwen have traveled the same rough roads. Join them as they share the life lessons that have helped them discover the peace and joy that comes from trusting God.

My book is already filled with underlines and dog-eared pages. Trusting God, is one book that will be read and reread, shared with others, and lovingly pondered for years.

Trusting God is written in a devotion format that could be used for daily or as a group study. Questions are at the end of each chapter for reflection and encouragement. Order Trusting God for yourself and everyone you know. These beautiful Girlfriends in God will touch and abundantly bless your life with each story and word written.

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Humor for writers

2011-12-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

Listen in to author, Kathi Macias on Living Joyfully Free Radio!

2011-12-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

Join Lisa Buffaloe with guest, Kathi Macias as they discuss God's amazing ripple effect, running a tight ship with loose cannons, death row, fiction with a mission, and being an "easy writer".

Kathi is a multi-award winning writer who has authored 35 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, and recently won the prestigious Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association). One of her novels, Red Ink, won Novel of the Year from the Golden Scrolls and was a finalist for a Carol Award from ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Her nonfiction book Beyond Me took the number-one slot for Top Books of 2008 from The Book Connection, while her novel My Son, John won that same coveted position for 2009. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband, Al, enjoying their grown children and grandchildren.

Please drop over to Living Joyfully Free to listen as Lisa Buffaloe visits with Kathi Macias... www.livingjoyfullyfree.com

Threads in the Fabric

2011-11-30T07:35:00.000-08:00

Threads in the Fabric

by Karen Ball

If you came to visit my office, you’d see my walls are lined with bookshelves. Twelve in all—six ceiling-to-floor shelves and another six half that height. Plenty of room for all my books, right? Yeah, that’d be nice. I still have box upon box of books, all awaiting the day they can come out and play. Trouble is, I’m out of room for bookshelves. So I find myself faced with the painful duty of culling. I’ve done this difficult task probably 10 times since we moved here 8 Thanksgivings ago, and still the boxes aren’t empty.

What can I say? I love books. Always have. To read the rest, please link to Threads in the Fabric

Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer: Common Problems (Part 9 of 50)

2011-11-29T18:49:00.000-08:00

Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer: Common Problems (Part 9 of 50): Don't filter #2. To avoid filtering, we need to be aware of staying within the selected POV. When you are in the POV of one person, readers...

Writing the Season

2011-11-28T06:52:00.001-08:00

Out of curiosity: who is gleaning sights, sounds and smells for a Christmas novella...and who is just enjoying the season?

Writing is such an introspective task. You can concentrate on your WIP while driving, cooking, brushing your teeth...worshiping. Although, sometimes plots and characters hijack life so every event in your day, and nearly every thought begin to apply.

There is a season where this is a necessary for planning/plotting--but who wants to serve or worship their work?

How do you purposefully pull back, or refrain from allowing the joy of writing to take over another season?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Editing Your Own Book -- The Top Ten Tips - BubbleCow

2011-11-08T09:23:00.000-08:00

Editing Your Own Book -- The Top Ten Tips - BubbleCow

Loose ends and forgotten characters

2011-11-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

We watched Source Code the other night.

Story Line: Colter Stevens, a US Army helicopter pilot whose last memory is flying in Afghanistan, wakes up on a commuter train. However, he discovers that he has assumed the identity of another man. 8 minutes later, the train explodes and Stevens finds himself in some kind of pod.

The thing is: I couldn't stop thinking about the man whose body/identity Stevens assumes. And in the end, I felt sorry for this poor schmuck, Sean, who took months to work up courage to ask a girl out, and by the end of the date...ceases to be.

It didn't ruin the movie for me, it was an "acceptable loss." But the memory of it does overshadow.

If you've seen the movie, comment if you can think of a way the writers could have created a satisfactory conclusion for Sean. Or mention another character from a book/movie which you wonder, "What ever happened to that guy?"

Meanwhile, as you write today, keep in mind your loose ends and forgotten characters.

Writing Contest

2011-11-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

Idahope Writers (Idaho ACFW chapter) has an annual writing contest to help fund their conference.

But, they need a minimum number of entrants--10. Currently, the deadline has been postponed until November 30 to try to get the minimum number. It is a $25 entry fee, but those are great odds.

Prizes:

Grand Prize: Kindle Wifi Model (Retail Value: $109)
2nd Prize: $75 Amazon Gift Card
3rd Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card

Contests are a great way to learn and to earn writing credits, and this one will help Idahope bring Jeff Gerke next March. If you have a contest going on in your area--leave a link in the comments.

Writing Ain't Easy

2011-11-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

You are not alone...Writing Ain't Easy
By Rachelle Gardner

Crawling Out of the Boat

2011-10-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Lisa Buffaloe has an article featured today on So You Want To Write.org.

I pray to write in excellence, to honor the Lord with all I do, say, and write. Instead my failures rear their ugly heads, and inadequacies whisper words of doubt. Who are you to write? What on earth are you thinking? Knees bent, I plead and grovel. Help me Lord! Send someone to firm up the areas where I’m weak.

To read the rest please visit So You Want To Write.org and link to Crawling Out of the Boat

Living vicariously through your characters

2011-10-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

I think I am an entrepreneur at heart, albeit an entrepreneur without guts, glory, capital or time.

Because of this, I invent elaborate businesses for my characters to start or run. That detail doesn't always make it into my writing but I dream of it nonetheless.

How do you live vicariously through your characters?

What Caught My Eye

2011-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Below are the short pitches of proposals that have caught my eye over the years from debut authors...by Steve Laube
What Caught My Eye

Cliched Groceries

2011-10-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hilarey here...

If you have ever worked at a grocery store, you know there are some interesting combinations. I grew up in Lake Tahoe, and we could identify tourists by their shopping carts. (If the way they talked, dressed or walked didn't give them away.) For example, most ski bums had beer, bread, toilet paper and little else.

I knew someone who worked at a grocery store. She told me the funniest combination she ever saw was prophylactics and aspirin.

Here is your chance: write two shopping cart items that define a character. Peanut butter and grape jelly don't really give anything away--people eat that together all the time.

It can be random and cliched, or for a character in your current WIP.

Book endorsements

2011-10-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hilarey here...

Have you ever chosen a book by new authors based on the endorsement of another author you liked? I have.

Book endorsements can be a great way to sell yourself to new readers, whether you are the author or the endorser.

Steve Laube has a great post about endorsements and the risk. Read it here.

Has anyone been (politely) rejected for a book endorsement or had to decline a request for an endorsement?

Let us know if you have a suggestion for a helpful endorsement policy.

And for fun, we are looking for a bad endorsement policy.

Bare Your Soul & Find Your Voice by Bonnie Gray

2011-10-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Snapshots of Faith: Bare Your Soul & Find Your Voice

By Bonnie Gray

A snapshot I took while peddling on bike

Don’t examine whether your voice is worthy. Give it freedom out of your heart and you’ll be true to who God’s made you.

I love my digital camera.

It has revolutionized my life.

I am no longer limited to 12, 24, or 36 exposure rolls.

I can capture the moment with as many rapid fire clicks as I want — while laughing, gulping back tears, or half-falling off my bike pedaling.

I don’t have to worry. I’m sure to find one or two good pictures out of the gazillion shot.

The best ones are the unplanned moments.

Candid. Surprising. Real.

Because of faith, finding my voice has taken me on the same journey.

This journey is called freedom.

To read the rest, please link to... Snapshots of Faith: Bare Your Soul & Find Your Voice

Conference Proposal Requests

2011-10-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Conference Proposal Requests

by Tamela Hancock Murray

The recent ACFW conference (attended by nearly 700 writers and industry professionals) has writers, agents, and editors in overdrive as we all attempt to follow up on conference proposal requests. Writers are working feverishly to get proposals to editors. Some are thinking, “Surely the editor who seemed so excited about my proposal is checking email at least once or twice a day looking for it. I must, must, must get the proposal out today!”

Not so fast

To read the rest, please link to.... Conference Proposal Requests

A Time Piece by Patricia PacJac Carroll

2011-09-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

A Time Piece

Patricia PacJac Carroll

Patricia PacJac Carroll, aspiring writer, fell into bed. With a heavy sigh, she realized that once again the day had been stolen from her. The tasks were undone, the list untouched. “Not again, where did it go?” She rolled over and shoved her face into the pillow.

Fortunately, her cry did not go unnoticed. For just in time a kindly friend, Nick, happened to be walking by and heard her plight. He rushed off to send a telegram.

***

“Hi Oh, time and away!”

Patricia scrambled out of a fitful sleep. “What was that?” The clock commanded it was time to get up anyway. She jumped out of bed and went to the window. Two men on horses waited on her lawn. “Don’t you know what time it is?”

The tall one, wearing a mask over his eyes, remarked to the one with a feather in his headband. “This is the right place. She doesn’t know the time of day.”

Raccoon man turned his attention to her. “Ma’am, we’re here to help. We heard your time has been stolen by Time Bandits.”

Patricia rubbed her eyes, sure she was having a dream. After the fifth eye rub, she realized they had not disappeared. “Who are you guys?”

“I’m the Zone Ranger and this is my second hand, Pronto. We are here to help you take control of your time.”

Remembering her undone to do list, she nodded. “Hmm, I suppose I could use some lessons. I never accomplish all I want to and the day just slips away.”

“Time doesn’t slip away. You’re not watching, and it’s being stolen. The best way to help is to follow you around for a day. We’ll just stay in the background while you go about your normal routine.”

Patricia wondered how normal her day could be with a masked man in tight pants following her around. But she was a writer and use to strange characters. She did need to learn how to use time more wisely. Having talked herself into letting them help, she turned and motioned for them to come into the house. “You can put your horses in the garage. I’ll make some breakfast.”

She finished eating and opened her iPad. Halfway down the first paragraph, the gadget was ripped out of her hands. “What—”

The Zone Ranger held up the tablet. “Pronto, take a look.”

Pronto peeked underneath. “Kimo Seiko, there are at least thirty minutes hiding under here.”

Tapping his watch, he pierced her with a gaze. “You see that? Half an hour of your day was about to be stolen right out from under your nose. No wonder you don’t accomplish anything.”

“I had no idea. I guess it adds up. Okay, no more reading the news. I can listen to the radio and hear what’s going on in the world.” She cleared the dishes and then sat down in the TV room. She was on her second wave of surfing the channels when a loud noise startled her.

Pronto was behind the TV. “There are at least two hours worth back here!”

“Two hours? You mean I was going to waste two hours watching TV?” Patricia scratched her head and looked at the clock on the wall. It was already nine.

“That’s right. You would have lost the entire morning. Half your day. You have got to set Time Zones.”

“You mean like Central and Eastern?”

“No. I mean a time to write, read, and do errands. If you spent three hours in the morning on a specific project, you would be able to finish them.”

“Thanks, Zone Ranger. I—” The phone rang. She ran to get it, but instead Pronto grabbed the phone and hung it up.

Pronto shook his finger. “You can call her back during your break.”

“Break? What break?”

The Zone Ranger handed her a paper with a schedule. “You have a break at ten and another at two.”

“Wait a minute—”

“No, that is what you have been doing all along--waiting minutes. Just when do you think you’re going to write?”

“I can write anytime during the day.”

The Zone Ranger pointed to the clock face. “Do you see a number called anytime?”

“Of course not, silly.”

“But that is the time zone you have set for your writing. Instead, set a specific time, stick to it, and you will be productive.”

Pronto motioned to the Zone Ranger. “Kimo Seiko, we have another case.”

The Zone ranger nodded and then handed her a list. “Watch for these time thieves and set your time zones. Do that and you’ll be a prolific writer.”

She took the list from him.

Top Ten Time Thieves.

10. Visiting friends: Set limits and boundaries for yourself.

9. Eating: An avoidance technique of weighty proportions.

8. Reading newspapers, magazines, books: It is important to read. So set a specific time zone for it and you can read guilt free.

7. Reading what you have written: Especially things you are not currently working on. I know you think they’re good, but if you don’t get serious, you are the only one that will ever read them.

6. Video games, solitaire, free cell, word with friends: They are all expert time wasters.

5. Internet: Use for research, but be careful. It is full of rabbit trails that can take you away from your writing.

4. Emails, fb, blogs: Set a certain amount of time to go through them. Look at them only after you have written.

3. Phone calls: Turn off the phone if you have to. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message or call back.

2. TV: Need I say more?

1. Failure to set Time Zones: Specific blocks of time set aside to accomplish your writing goals.

Patricia took the information to heart, set her time zones, and guarded her time.

Did it work? If you’re reading this article – YES!

Loving to Laugh by Tamela Hancock Murray

2011-09-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

Loving to Laugh

by Tamela Hancock Murray

At least once a week I’m asked if romantic comedy is currently marketable. While sometimes this category seems hot and then cold, I’d say that sharp, witty, well-executed romantic comedy can find a good home no matter what the publishing season. Note that I take the adjectives I used seriously. This is not a category that most writers can whip off with little effort. Successful writers of romantic comedy are gifted with the ability to find humor in everyday situations and the talent to share that humor in an entertaining way. The writing must fly like a magic carpet. The reader is looking for a fun story.

To read the rest... http://stevelaube.com/loving-to-laugh/

About your Novel...Don't Worry by Allen Arnold

2011-09-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

About your Novel…Don’t Worry
By Allen Arnold

Admit it – the headline above feels unbelievable. Impossible. Naive.

At a major writer’s conference last week, I said one of the main ways for authors to overcome what held them back was to not worry about their novels or their writing careers. That comment got one of the biggest laughs of the session. Only I wasn’t kidding.

To read the rest....http://allenarnoldwrites.com/about-your-novel%E2%80%A6don%E2%80%99t-worry/

Why Facebook Subscribe Button Makes My Facebook Page Obsolete -- Tony Bradley

2011-09-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Why Facebook Subscribe Button Makes My Facebook Page Obsolete

By Tony Bradley, PCWorld

Perhaps you've heard that Facebook has been tweaking the social network a bit? In the past few weeks Facebook has implemented a wide variety of changes--many of which mimic popular features from the rival Google+, and at least one of which leaves me with little reason to continue maintaining my Facebook Page.
Facebook finally added Subscriptions for personal profiles.

Facebook Subscriptions

What is a Facebook Subscription you may ask? By opening up Subscriptions on my personal Facebook profile, I enable anyone who chooses to subscribe to my profile to see any posts I share with "Public".

Subscribers let me use my personal Facebook profile with the public as well.When I first started using Facebook, I wanted to be able to share information and post links to my articles, but only those in my social network would be able to see those links and updates.

To read the rest, please link to....Why Facebook Subscribe Button Makes My Facebook Page Obsolete

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/240193/why_facebook_subscribe_button_makes_my_facebook_page_obsolete.html

Your great story

2011-09-18T12:50:00.000-07:00

"When we trust our lives to the hand and pen of an unseen but ever-present God, He will write our lives into His story and every last one of them will turn out to be a great read." --
Beth Moore

* Moore, Beth, Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman, (Nashville: Lifeway Press, 2008), p 14

www.Fliterary.com

Character choices by Lynne Gentry

2011-09-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

Fun video on characters by Lynne Gentry!

Etta Mae Story on Characterization from Lynne Gentry on Vimeo.

Please visit Lynne at www.lynnegentry.com

Writer motivation -- www.willwriteforchocolate.com

2011-09-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

www.willwriteforchocolate.com

2011-09-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Do Not Go Gentle Onto That Good Page
by James Scott Bell

Do not go gentle into that good night . . .Rage, rage against the dying of the light. – Dylan Thomas

Brett Favre, one of the best quarterbacks ever to play the game of football, was supposed to be over-the-hill at 40. But he recently finished what is probably his finest season and almost got the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl. In the NFC championship game against the New Orleans Saints, he took a beating. He was on the turf constantly, sometimes under 380 pounds of beef. In the second half he got his left ankle twisted, limped off, got re-taped, and came back into the game. But for a number of turnovers by his teammates and one ill-timed interception, the Vikes would have won. It was an inspiring performance, adding to his legend.

Robert B. Parker, creator of Spenser and one of the most prolific authors of our time, died last month at the age of 77. He was supposed to be over-the-hill, too. Some critics thought he was, but most readers did not.

To read the rest, please link to Do Not Go Gentle Onto that Good Page...

http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com/2010/02/do-not-go-gentle-onto-that-good-page.html

What Are Average Book Sales?

2011-09-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

What Are Average Book Sales?

by Steve Laube

We recently received the following question:

“What does the average book sell today? An industry veteran at a writers conference recently said 5,000. What??? I know it all depends….but … nowhere near 5K, right?”

My simple answer?

It’s complicated.
It depends.

HAH!

Average is a difficult thing to define. And each house defines success differently. To read the rest... What Are Average Book Sales?

A Writer's Life: Surviving the Fire Swamp by Beth Vogt

2011-09-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

A Writer’s Life: Surviving the Fire Swamp
By bethkvogt

After hanging out at the Cliffs of Insanity, I’m doing a bit of rumor control today before negativity infiltrates the Water Cooler crowd. The report is this: “We’ll never survive.”

Survive what, you ask? The journey–wherever it takes us–along the writing road.Many writers survive–even thrive. Sure, at times the Brute Squad hammers our egos, but consider a pounding an occupational hazard. http://wordservewatercooler.com/2011/09/07/tips-for-success-as-a-writer/

Never survive? To quote Westley, our hero from The Princess Bride, when he faced the Fire Swamp: “Nonsense.”

Many writers survive–even thrive. Sure, at times the Brute Squad hammers our egos, but consider a pounding an occupational hazard.

To read the rest, please link to....A Writer's Life: Surviving the Fire Swamp

http://wordservewatercooler.com/2011/09/07/tips-for-success-as-a-writer/

From the Heart: How Do They Do It? by Linda S. Glaz

2011-09-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

From the Heart: How Do They Do It? by Linda S. Glaz: I’m not sure how they do it. Authors who write what they don’t love. I can’t imagine sitting down at the keyboard or pad, trying to get the...

To read the rest.... How Do They Do It?

Tag Lines by Ane Mulligan

2011-09-04T12:21:00.000-07:00

Does your tag line hook?
Guest post by Ane Mulligan

In preparation for the upcoming ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers') conference, I labored over the tag line for my latest manuscript. It was not cooperating. Instead, it was stubborn and elusive, which frustrated the fire out of me.

Normally, I can pin down a tag line in five minutes. Especially for someone else.

I did what any self-respecting writer would do. I whined to my critique partners. We began a brainstorm session that finally resulted in my tag line. And it's a good one. It reflects the tone of the story.

So what goes into a tag line?

First and foremost, it should hook the agent or editor. It needs be a king-salmon-sized hook, strong enough so the agent/editor can't slip the away. After all, they're a wiggly breed.

A tag line should be short, the shorter, the better. Try to keep it under twenty words. Okay, no one will shoot you if it's twenty-one. But aim for short. One of my favorites is one I helped do for a brainstorm buddy. Will her escape be her prison? Six words that open a world of possibility.

For the first book in my current series I'm writing, the tag line is: With a friend like Claire, you need a gurney, a mop, and a guardian angel. Fifteen words that tell a story.

The tag line doesn't have to reveal the plot. It's a hook. It needs to make the agent/editor want to know more. Don't give into detail. State the backbone of the story. If possible, add a one-word description of the character's job: a crazed physicist, a driven attorney, a dyslexic librarian, a superhero wannbe, an anorexic chef. Okay maybe not that last one.

Don't worry about names. This is the one-liner you give when someone says, "What's your book about?"

One of mine is: "Her dream job has a Catch 22 and time is running out." Twelve words. The story is about a lobbyist who has to lobby for an issue that will stop her from reaching her story goal. Can you say conflict?

Here's a few from published novels:

Is there really a fountain of youth in Paradise? Blame it on the Mistletoe, Joyce Magnin

Past promises will be tested as new ones are given..., A Texan's Promise, Shelly Gray

How can she love a man she's never seen face-to-face? Playing by Heart, Deborah Raney

There's a fine line between ambitious and crazy. Swinging on a Star, Janice Thompson

Behind every broken heart lies a broken promise. Dry as Rain, Gina Holmes

Savannah expected to receive a new heart...but she didn't expect to lose her faith. The Heart of Memory, Alison Strobel

Oh, the one I struggled with? Well, I laid out the main conflict points and it sprang from there. Only mine took twelve people and twenty-four hours. But I'm happy with it. You sure you want to see it? Okay ...

An invasion of tourists, a scalawag mayor, and her son's mail order bride propel Claire onto a merry-go-round of trouble.

Thank goodness hyphenated words count as one.

Ane Mulligan writes Southern-fried fiction served with a tall, sweet iced tea. While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, she's worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), business manager, drama director and writer. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast). She's a humor columnist for ACFW's e-zine Afictionado and a syndicated blogger on Patch.com. V.P. and Senior Editor of the award-winning website, Novel Rocket, she's published dozens of plays and numerous articles and won several awards in contests for unpublished novels, including a three-time Genesis finalist. A past Board member of ACFW, she's mom, a grandmom, and resides in Suwanee, GA, with her artist husband and one very large dog.

http://www.novelrocket.com
www.anemulligan.com
http://anemulligan.blogspot.com

Fun Fridays

2011-09-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Steve Laube has blessed me by featuring a fun video I made for my writer friends.

Fun Fridays

L isa Buffaloe, one of Tamela’s clients, had some fun recreating what NOT to do during your “Writer’s Conference Appointment.” Below are all six short videos in one two minute montage with a surprise ending.

The scary thing is that I’ve actually seen the real thing of almost every one of these parodies!

To view the video, please link to....Fun Fridays

www.lisabuffaloe.com

The Fastest Way To Get a Book Contract -- Guaranteed -- By Michael Hyatt

2011-09-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

NOW AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD!

Trust me: neither publishers nor agents want to see your book manuscript. Instead, they want to see a carefully-crafted book proposal that follows a specific format. In these two eBooks (available separately or together), I share what I have discovered in more than 25 years in the publishing industry. I show you what it takes to secure a book publishing contract, whether you are writing a non-fiction book or a novel.

Please link to....

http://michaelhyatt.com/products/ebook-writing-a-winning-book-proposal

He Said. She Said. By Tamela Hancock Murray

2011-09-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

He Said. She Said.

by Tamela Hancock Murray

A blog reader recently left an excellent comment on an earlier post:

Tamela, fiction workshop presenters taught me that the best word for “said” is “said”–that others only tend to slow down the reader’s eye. I’d appreciate a discussion on this.

While I don’t know the workshop presenters in question, what I can guess they meant is to avoid substituting creative verbs for “said” as a tag. For example:

To read the rest, please link to.... He Said. She Said

Novel Rocket: Ever Built A Platform?

2011-09-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

Ever Built A Platform?

As a writer, you need to build a platform to support your career over the long run. That’s why it’s important to build it right.

Don’t jump!

Many eager writers hear about the need to build a platform and, being intrepid folk, leap right into social media with little thought. But that’s the wrong approach, according to T. Suzanne Eller, a Christian Writers Guild mentor, who wrote about conquering social media recently in the Guild’s member newsletter, WordSmith.

Build it and they will come. Right?

Maybe that worked for Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams, but it doesn’t work for social media. Before you start a Facebook fan or group page, start tweeting, or blogging, you need a blueprint. To create an effective social media platform that will draw your niche audience to your message, you need to answer:

To read the rest....

Novel Rocket: Ever Built A Platform?:

Novel Matters: Quieting Opposing Voices

2011-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Novel Matters: Quieting Opposing Voices:

Great vlog by Patti Hill discussing Anne Lamott's book, Bird by Bird and Quieting Opposing Voices.

To listen... http://www.novelmatters.com/2011/08/quieting-opposing-voices.html

Team Hope

2011-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

“God doesn’t miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you’ve shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don’t drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.” (Hebrews 6:10-12 MSG)

Idaho Public Television recently ran a program on Adventure Racing. They followed a four person team through sixty-three miles of biking, twenty-two miles on foot, nineteen miles of kayaking across a lake (complete with a storm and lightning), and a frigid swim across Button Hook Bay.

Not only do the competitors have to complete this grueling course, but also find a series of mandatory checkpoints and optional controls. Whew!

Team members encourage one another, talking, keeping tabs on each person’s progress – both mentally and physically. The race can’t be completed alone, and each member is needed.

Life’s challenges often stack up like an Adventure Race, and the trials seem daunting.

To read the rest, please link to Writer Interrupted, Team Hope

Scribbles: If You're Going to a Writer's Conference

2011-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Scribbles: If You're Going to a Writer's Conference:

Conference time is here. Are you planning to go?

Many of my writing friends are getting their manuscripts,

and nerves ready to put their precious babies out on

display.

I've been to three ACFW (American Christian Fiction

Writers) conferences, and one North Texas Christian

Writers conference. I was blessed to be surrounded by

friends I knew that helped and encouraged me through

it all. Conferences can be both inspiring and dream

crushing, all at the same time. But if you go prepared,

not just mentally, but spiritually, down in your heart,

you will survive and the experience is so worth it.

To read the rest... If You're Going to a Writer's Conference

From the Heart: Painting with Words by Andy Scheer

2011-08-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

From the Heart: Painting with Words by Andy Scheer:
Painting with Words by Andy Scheer

Last week I made a plea for writers to put their name on their papers.

I wrote, “A title like ‘Full Proposal for Hartline Literary’ may help you identify that document, but in the computer of a Hartline agent, it sticks out like one more penguin on the iceberg.”

Afterward, several readers commented on that phrase, “one more penguin on the iceberg”—how it caught their attention and communicated the essence of the situation.

That's the power of a word picture. And it’s one of the elements I look for when I evaluate a piece of writing. Does the writer have the knack to pick a phrase, to craft a fresh bit of verbal shorthand to sum up a situation and communicate it memorably?

To Read the rest....Painting with Words by Andy Scheer

The Ultimate Writer's Tool

2011-08-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate Writer’s Tool
Lisa Buffaloe

Today I’m writing on writing, so my desk and bookshelves are scattered with tools of my trade.

Books, conferences, mentoring clinics, critique groups, and a bevy of online authors/agents/editors/publishers/marketers blogs are available in abundance.

I could stay so busy reading about writing, and learning about writing, that I would never accomplish any writing. To be honest, I have many of those days.

To read the rest, please visit... The Ultimate Writer's Tool

http://soyouwanttowrite.org/2011/08/the-ultimate-writers-tool/

How NOT To Prepare a One Sheet for Conference

2011-08-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Video Montage

2011-08-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Six

2011-08-26T13:56:00.002-07:00

Fliterary Epic Fail Edition -- Six

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Five

2011-08-26T13:56:00.001-07:00

Fliterary Epic Fail Edition -- Five

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Four

2011-08-26T13:56:00.000-07:00

Fliterary Epic Fail Edition -- Four

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Three

2011-08-26T13:55:00.002-07:00

Fliterary Epic Fail Edition -- Three
How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- Two

2011-08-26T13:55:00.001-07:00

The Fliterary Epic Fail Edition -- Two

How NOT To Pitch at a Writer's Conference

How NOT to Pitch at a Writer's Conference -- One

2011-08-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

The Fliterary Epic Fail Edition -- One

How NOT To Pitch at a Writer's Conference

A Matter of Perspective

2011-08-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

A Matter of Perspective

by Tamela Hancock Murray

During a recent visit to my local bank, I produced a document bearing the Virginia State seal. The banker commented on how terrible the seal is for men.

To read the rest, A Matter of Perspective

Finding Your Voice by Lisa Buffaloe

2011-08-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

My friends don’t talk, think, dress, act, or look alike. Not one is a clone of the other. And I love that!

I love their unique qualities…from the quirky friend who rattles off one-liners with the speed of a machine gun, to my friend who reads and studies her Bible so much the pages are falling out. Or the girlfriend who gives the best hugs, and the friend who has the gift of organization, and the one who has the gift of hospitality and cooking (neither of which, I might add, are my strong points). I wouldn’t want any of my friends to change. I cherish them for who they are.

Editors, agents, and publishers are looking for authors with unique qualities and a voice all their own. So how on earth do you find your voice?

To read the rest, please link to… Finding Your Voice

http://soyouwanttowrite.org/2011/08/finding-your-voice/

Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer: Setting and Background in Fiction (Part 6 of 8)

2011-08-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer: Setting and Background in Fiction (Part 6 of 8): If we choose the right background, the setting itself can become an element of suspense. What if she is to meet someone at the Vietnam Memor... To read the rest... http://cecmurpheyswritertowriter.blogspot.com/2011/08/setting-and-background-in-fiction-part_23.html

Finish the Book by Kathleen Y'Barbo

2011-08-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Finish the Book

by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Some people have no trouble writing books. Words flow and contracts arrive almost as frequently as 747s land at LAX. Life is good and so are the royalty checks. Is this your idea of the writing life? Guess what? That’s fiction. Writing is work. Sometimes hard work. Not for the faint of heart or those prone to dropping projects before they’re done.

To read the rest... A Procrastinator’s Guide to Getting to THE END and Hitting Send
http://writerinterrupted.com/2011/08/16/finish-the-book/

I was annoyed, but now I’m hacked!

2011-08-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

WRITTEN BY: EDDIE SNIPES - AUG• 16•11

My dad just received a phone call from the church secretary. “Mr. Snipes, did you know you are sending us emails for Viagra?”

Imagine that. Deacon George sending Viagra ads to all his friends and church associates. I thought it was funny, but he was hacked. In every sense of the word.

We’ve all seen the ads. Our friends post links to our Facebook wall about how they lost three times their body weight on this new amazing diet. We get emails from someone with a link to buy various drugs from an overseas pharmacy without a prescription. Hot stocks, secret bargains, or the infamous video where you are informed, “I can’t believe what I saw you doing at that party – click here”

To read the rest...I was annoyed, but now I’m hacked!

Erica Vetsch On The Write Path: One Sheet

2011-08-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

One Sheet

So, all the buzz this last month before the ACFW Conference is centered around mental and phyiscal preparation. One of the big facets of preparation is the One-Sheet/Pitch Sheet/Sell Sheet. This piece of paper goes by a lot of names, and it causes a lot of consternation and fear in unpublished authors, but basically it's a sheet of paper that tells what you've written and why you think it is cool. It is to be used during your agent or editor appointments or if you happen to have a moment with an agent, editor, mentor, or otherwise interested party to help you organize your thoughts and give you something to refer to and/or hang on to so your hands won't shake.

Often I hear the question "What goes on a One-Sheet?"

So I thought I would show you the One-Sheet....

To read the rest, please link to...Erica Vetsch On The Write Path: One Sheet:

Freebie Writing Books through Amazon

2011-08-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Rules of Writing: http://www.amazon.com/Roberts-Rules-of-Writing-ebook/dp/B00506WXAE/ref=zg_bstf_digital-text_16

Portable MFA: http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Creative-Writing-Workshop-ebook/dp/B0033ZAVVM/ref=pd_sim_kinc_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Grammatically Correct: http://www.amazon.com/Grammatically-Correct-ebook/dp/B003YJEYDI/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

En-TITLE-ment: Finding the Perfect Title (Part One)

2011-08-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

En-TITLE-ment: Finding the Perfect Title (Part One)
by Karen Ball

One of the most difficult—and important—things we did when I worked in the publishing house was come up with titles for our authors’ novels.

To read the rest....En-TITLE-ment: Finding the Perfect Title (Part One)

Writing Tip from Help Me Tell My Story

2011-08-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Rejections

Focus on giving publishers what they want. Celebrate each rejection as a learning opportunity. Look for clues to better style and topic selection. If you’re not getting worse, you’re getting better. Improvement matters most.

To see other great tips and information for writers, please visit... Help Me Tell My Story

Back to School? | The Steve Laube Agency

2011-08-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

Back to School?

by Steve Laube

Depending on where you live and your school district policies you may already be in a back-to-school mode or preparing for it.

It got me to thinking about the need for all writers to always have a “back to school” mentality.

Here are five things we can learn from always going “back to school.”

To read the rest... Back to School? | The Steve Laube Agency

Fire at Will, but aim for his funny bone!

2011-08-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Fire at Will, but aim for his funny bone!
WRITTEN BY: EDDIE SNIPES
Using Humor in Writing

Everyone likes a little humor in writing. A chuckle can break the tension and give the reader a mind break. It’s one of those emotions that snap us out of a dull state of mind, energizes us, and opens the door to a positive reading experience – including ones that introduce other emotions.

Humor in writing is like playing peek-a-boo with your conscious mind. There is an element of surprise in every bit of humor. We laugh when our mind is following a normal train of thought,

To read the rest... Fire at Will, but aim for his funny bone!

Kathryn Stockett's 'The Help" Turned Down 60 Times Before Becoming a Best Seller

2011-08-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Kathryn Stockett's 'The Help' Turned Down 60 Times Before Becoming a Best Seller

by MORE Magazine, on Tue Aug 9, 2011 6:02am PDT

Photographed by Ben Hoffmann

If you ask my husband my best trait, he’ll smile and say, “She never gives up.” But if you ask him my worst trait, he’ll get a funny tic in his cheek, narrow his eyes and hiss, “She. Never. Gives. Up.”

It took me a year and a half to write my earliest version of The Help . I’d told most of my friends and family what I was working on. Why not? We are compelled to talk about our passions. When I’d polished my story, I announced it was done and mailed it to a literary agent.

Six weeks later, I received a rejection letter from the agent, stating, “Story did not sustain my interest.” I was thrilled! I called my friends and told them I’d gotten my first rejection! Right away, I went back to editing. I was sure I could make the story tenser, more riveting, better.

To read the rest...http://shine.yahoo.com/event/poweryourfuture/kathryn-stocketts-the-help-turned-down-60-times-before-becoming-a-best-seller-2523496/

Natalia Gortova: OVER THE EDGE Brandilyn Collins

2011-08-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

OVER THE EDGE Brandilyn Collins

Brandilyn Collins’ novels are touted as ‘seatbelt suspense’, and Over The Edge is no exception, but with a unique twist. Jannie McNeil is..."

To read the rest, Natalia Gortova: Review, OVER THE EDGE Brandilyn Collins: "

Responding to Criticism | The Steve Laube Agency

2011-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Responding to Criticism

by Tamela Hancock Murray

When someone tells me she’s not sure she wants me to read her manuscript, I know she’s not ready for publication. Such sentiment shows a lack of confidence and a fear of both rejection and criticism. Even though readers usually treat writers with respect, a critical word can puncture the heart.

To read the rest.... Responding to Criticism | The Steve Laube Agency

James Scott Bell on Snatching Time

2011-08-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

Fun video by James Scott Bell

Show or Tell: How Do You Know? | The Steve Laube Agency

2011-08-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Show or Tell:

How Do You Know?

by Karen Ball

As we discussed last week, it’s okay to tell at times, but in fiction you want to show the important, emotion-laden scenes. That way the reader gets the vicarious experience along with the character. So how do you know when you’re telling rather than showing? Here are a few tips: Show or Tell: How Do You Know? | The Steve Laube Agency

Questions regarding Agents

2011-08-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Literary agent, Wendy Lawton has some excellent information regarding agents. Please visit her at...http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/

Exquisite Sentences

2011-08-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

"Now I found it in writing sentences. You can write that sentence in a way that you would have written it last year. Or you can write it in the way of the exquisite nuance that is sriting in your mind now. But that takes a lot of ... waiting for the right word to come." — Joseph Campbell

Show, Don’t Tell | The Steve Laube Agency

2011-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Show, Don’t Tell

by Karen Ball

I’m From Missouri—SHOW me!

Okay, truth be told, I’m from Oregon. But in the 30 years I’ve been editing fiction, I’ve discovered a number of issues almost all writers face, regardless of how much they’ve written or been published. If I had to pick the top issue I see over and over, it would be Show, Don’t Tell.

To read the rest... Show, Don’t Tell | The Steve Laube Agency

Beyond the Churchyard: Christiany Fiction

2011-08-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Beyond the Churchyard: Christiany Fiction: (Chance for a free Starbucks card below. ) Should Christian fiction always have a 'conversion scene? I have been mulling over this thought..."

To read the rest and comment, please link to...http://hilarey.blogspot.com/2011/08/christiany-fiction.html

Your Voice

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

"Writers live with many fears--of success, of failure, of a ten year project garnering a one year paycheck. Their greatest fear, however, is of their own intimate voice, and they find many ways to subvert hearing it."
--The Artful Edit by Susan Bell

Thomas Merton on writing

2011-08-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

"If you write for God you will reach many men and bring them joy. If you write for men--you may make some money and you may give someone a little joy and you may make a noise in the world, for a little while." — Thomas Merton

Scribbles: Day 344: Writing Blog Spotlight

2011-08-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! Fliterary is blessed to be featured today on Scribbles!

Scribbles: Day 344: Writing Blog Spotlight: "Today I'd like to spotlight a friend's site called Fliterary . Is that even a real word? I don't know, but we writers are famous for maki..."

To read the rest.... http://jackie-castle.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-344-writing-blog-spotlight.html

Three Questions About Publicity

2011-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

Three Questions About Publicity

by Steve Laube

Publicity is the art of telling the world about you and your book. We recently received a few questions about publicity via the green button you see in the right hand column of our blog (yes, it really works).

1.) When should a writer hire a publicist? I think an author should wait to see what their publisher will provide in this area. If you do hire a publicist make sure they coordinate with your publisher so as to not duplicate efforts. (Don’t aggravate your local TV station with multiple PR contacts.)

To read the rest....Three Questions About Publicity

Website in a Week

2011-08-01T07:57:00.000-07:00

Do you need a website fast?

Do you need an affordable website solution?
Is it important to you that you’re
able to edit your own website?

Hey there, I’m Alyssa Avant and in 2005 I came online to start my first online business. Actually, at the time I was coming online to try and promote my speaking ministry to tween and teen girls and their moms. What I wanted to do was to share a message about etiquette, style, beauty, and fashion from a Biblical perspective with tween and teen girls and their moms. I was trying to find a larger audience to do that with and I could do that online.

Bringing your business or ministry online makes it global and you can connect with so many other people instantly. But I needed a website in order to do that. I knew that I needed a website and I knew that I wanted it to reflect me, my personal values, beliefs, and morals. I knew that website needed to reflect my personality, gifts, and my talents and I wanted to share all of those things with the world. I needed to connect with my audience via a website n order share that message with more people.

To read the rest... http://alyssaavant.com/website-in-a-week/

Pentalk Community: 12 Suggestions for Sticking with Writing by Penny ...

2011-07-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Pentalk Community: 12 Suggestions for Sticking with Writing by Penny ...: "Many thanks to Penny for her timely advice! Something all of us need to hear from time to time ;). 12 Suggestions for Sticking with Writing..."

12 Suggestions for Sticking with Writing by Penny Zeller

Christian Fiction News: Free Christian Fiction (June 27)

2011-07-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Christian Fiction News: Free Christian Fiction (June 27): "Below, find free eBooks for your digital reader! (Offers provided by the respective publishers and retailers.) Free Fiction..."

To read the rest awesome free deals...http://christianfictionnews.blogspot.com/2011/07/free-christian-fiction-june-27.html

From the Heart: Getting Published by Terry Burns

2011-07-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

From the Heart: Getting Published by Terry Burns: "There's a concept we need to get a handle on, 'Publishing isn't a selection process . . . it is a survival process.' Really?- Yes, I b..."

To read the rest...http://hartlineliteraryagency.blogspot.com/2011/07/getting-published-by-terry-burns.html

Bon Voyage — or A New Adventure? | The Steve Laube Agency

2011-07-28T07:54:00.000-07:00

Bon Voyage —

or A New Adventure?

by Tamela Hancock Murray

On Monday July 25th Barbour Publishing informed the industry that they will be discontinuing their Heartsong Presents imprint. After 18 years and 1,000 titles, it will end its run in December 2011. Publishing has always been fluid. Steve Laube says that it is important to stay flexible because “A publisher can dramatically change directions after a meeting on Tuesday.”

To read the rest, Bon Voyage — or A New Adventure? | The Steve Laube Agency

Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer: Writer’s Block (Part 15 of 16)

2011-07-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Cec Murphey's Writer to Writer: Writer’s Block (Part 15 of 16): "So What Do We Do about Writer's Resistance? The first thing is to face it. 'I'm blocked.' I read various writers who tell us to leave our..."

http://cecmurpheyswritertowriter.blogspot.com/2011/07/writers-block-part-15-of-16.html