July 14, 2009

By Vonda Skelton

Posted in: Writing Instruction | Kudos | Writer's Conferences

Chip MacGregor's Answers to Basic, Basic, Basic Questions

I've been in Denver this week for the International Christian Retailers Show and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association conference. It's been a joy to brainstorm with my agent and plan future projects, share successes and disappointments with long-time writer friends, and make new friends to travel alongside on this journey called writing.  It's been especially nice to meet some of you for the very first time! God is so good to give us the camaraderie of friends to stand by us through the ups and downs of this business (Or as my friend, Robin Bryce says, this Binistry! [Business + Ministry]).

Since my time is short this week, I appreciate agent Chip MacGregor's willingness to share two of his recent blog posts. Do you have questions about terms within the publishing industry? Are you confused about the differences between royalties, advances, and earning out? Do you have questions about book proposals? If so, just click on over to Chip's blog, where you'll find the answers to those questions and many more. Thanks, Chip!
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Kudos for Our Readers!

It's that time again. Time to send our congratulations to the following readers of The Christian Writer's Den. You've done what it takes and you have the credits to prove it! Join me as we celebrate with our writing friends!

➢    Ann Wayne's article, "A Dream Come True," was featured in the NC magazine, All About Women of the High Country.

➢    Johnna Stein has TWO successes to report. Her poem, "Good Times in Bad Times," is included in the new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough People, Tough Times, released in mid June. And her article, "My Heart in Africa," was published in the July issue of Guide, along with some awesome illustrations.

➢    Linda Greer's article, "Living Single with FMS: Advice from a ten-year veteran," will be included in the next edition of the National Fibromyalgia Association eNews Alert.

➢    Norma Vera's article was posted June 22 at The Christian Pulse, under Family Focus. 

➢    Cynthia Simmons has had two recent media appearances promoting her book, Struggles and Triumphs. The radio program, Christianity in a Changing Culture, is heard on Minnesota's WCTS and Club 36 is seen on WBPI TV 49 in Augusta, GA.

➢    Cheryl Childers received a contract for an article to be published in DESIGNS Machine Embroidery Magazine Nov/Dec issue.

➢    Cherise Bopape's article, "Single Moms' Ministry: What Help Really Looks Like," appeared in the June 14 issue of The Lookout, a Sunday School take-home paper distributed by Standard Publishing.

And here are some more winners at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, held in May at Ridgecrest, NC: 

➢    Susan Dollyhigh won three awards in the writing contest. "The Miracle Suit" won 3rd place in Short Stories, "A Season of Peace" won 2nd place in Devotionals and "A Season of Love" won 3rd place in Articles.

➢    Burma Fickenworth won an honorable mention in the Stories and Books for Children category.

➢    Melissa Sturm won first place in the Stories and Books for Children category.

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Be sure to return next week for lots of writing opportunities, collected just for The Christian Writer's Den. And who knows--maybe you'll be in next month's list of writers we're congratulating!

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Writers Conferences 4 YOU!

And if you're serious about writing, you'll want to check out these writers' conferences coming up in the next few weeks and months:

➢    AnAuthor World Write at the Start Conference, Greenville, SC, August 15. I'll be there!

➢    The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, Langhorne, PA, August 6-8. I'll see you there!

➢    The North Texas Christian Writer's Conference, Keller, TX, September 11-12. I'll be there!

➢    The CLASS Christian Writers Conference, Abiquiu, NM, November 4-8. I'm so sad, but I can't be there because of family birthdays. ;-(

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Thank you for joining me for another installment of The Christian Writer's Den. I'm honored you took the time to join me. Remember, writing can be a difficult journey. We all need each other.

And now, as we close another session together, I hope you'll join me in meditating on the words of David. What an awesome, frightening, comforting thought:

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thought from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.    Psalm 139:1-4

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

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3 Comments

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#1 renae brumbaugh — http://www.renaebrumbaugh.com

Hi Vonda! Thanks for being so faithful to post great info for your readers. Can't wait to see you in September! :-)

#2 Marie Senter

Bless your hours and putting them to God's use. It was my honor to 'present' two of my Bible stories from the Stories Booth during the opening of the latest extension of the San Antonio River Walk. Very well recieved particularily when I had Jesus holding Mary's lame lamb until she jumped off his lap and do the Hokey Pokey to regain her balance! etc.etc. God is so good---this was my 6th year as Camp Nurse for Keep The Faith Baptist Youth Camps. 350 HS week one 230 MS 'kids' week two---in this Texas heat it took DDI (direct Divine intervention) and a pesky nurse pushing water and Gatorade to duck heat collapses. God is sooooo Good. prayers and a hug. Marie Senter

#3 Vonda Skelton

Thanks, Renae and Marie. And thanks for the added details, Marie. It was a joy to celebrate your story last month on the kudos list! Hope to see you again in Setpember! Blessings to you both!

Vonda

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