October 26, 2009

By Vonda Skelton

Posted in: Writing Instruction | Interviews

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Renae Brumbaugh

renaebrumbaughnewheadshotIn 2007 Renae Brumbaugh went to a writer's conference. They said authors should have a blog. She went home and started a blog. They said writers should send out queries. She sent out queries. They said writers should be in a critique group. She joined a critique group. Two years later she has two traditionally-published books with three more contracted, a syndicated column, and has had over 200 articles published. Lucky girl.

Yea. Right.

What a joy to introduce my friend, Renae Brumbaugh. Renae is an author, syndicated columnist, and freelance writer, with more than two hundred articles in print, and she has two--yes, TWO--books releasing between September and January! (And believe me, it has NOTHING to do with luck!) She lives in Texas, where she juggles being a mom to Charis and Foster, and teaching seventh grade Language Arts at the local junior high. Check out her latest article in November's In Touch Magazine, or learn more about her at www.RenaeBrumbaugh.com. You can join her for Morning Coffee at www.MorningCoffeewithRenae.com, and read her weekly humor column at www.FunnyCoffeeGirl.com.

Now readers, don't forget to leave a comment here at the website and you'll be in the drawing for a free copy of Renae's awesome new book!

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Renae. I am so excited about all your successes and would like to first clarify that luck wasn't what brought you success, as we'll soon discover. First, let's talk about your new book, the just-released, Morning Coffee with James. Tell us the real story of how it got published.

Renae: In 2007, I attended a writers' conference. There I was told that every writer should have a blog. I didn't even know what a blog was! So I went home and typed, "What is a blog?" into my search engine. Blogger.com came up, and before I knew it, I had my very own blog. I named it Morning Coffee.

I had no idea what to write on my blog. I mean, my life just isn't that interesting! I couldn't see writing about my piles of laundry or my less-than-thrilling weekly menu. After giving it a little thought, I decided to write devotionals.

morningcoffeewithjamesbookcover But that was too hard. There are simply too many great passages to choose from! Every day I spent more time deciding which passage to write about than I spent actually writing. Finally I said, "Enough. I'm going to make this easy."

I opened my Bible to my favorite book: James. I started with chapter one, verse one, and began blogging my way through the book. Before long, I started getting encouraging comments and e-mails. "This is great! You should turn this into a book!"

Yeah, right, I thought. But little did I know, God had plans for my little blog.

I wrote up a query and sent it to every publisher that accepted devotional books. Every single one. Within a few weeks, I had interest from three publishers. I sent them each a full proposal. It was rejected by two of them. It was accepted by one: Chalice Press. And it only takes one!

Vonda: What a great story! You go to a writer's conference and do what they tell you to do...and you get published! You've had a lot to happen in just a couple of years. It really is possible, isn't it? I'm glad to know it doesn't take everyone seven years! But back to Morning Coffee. Tell us why you chose to write about the book of James.

Renae: I'm fascinated with James' relationship with Jesus. As His younger brother, He was too close to Jesus to see Him as special. After all, this was the guy he shared a room with, the guy he had played brotherly pranks on! It wasn't until after Jesus' death and resurrection that James accepted Jesus as God's Son. He spent the remainder of his life building the church.

Vonda: I noticed that Morning Coffee with James isn't really a Bible Study and it's not your typical devotional book, either. Tell us what makes it so unique.

Renae: Well, each devotional study is set around a coffee theme. There's the First Cup - a verse and a short commentary. Then there's the Cream and Sugar - a thoughtful question and a prayer. Next comes the Second Cup - study through cross-reference. Finally, there's the Last Drop - a related quote from literature or scripture. Fun coffee facts and recipes are scattered throughout the book.

But I guess what makes this study unique is that it is a verse-by-verse study; most devotionals are topical in nature, but Morning Coffee with James is expository. If you want to see what the book is all about, you can check the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon.com. Just type in Morning Coffee with James by Renae Brumbaugh.

Vonda: Since completing Morning Coffee with James, you've completed several other Morning Coffee projects, as well. I'd love to hear about those, too.

Renae: Sure! After I completed James, I wanted to keep going! The Word of God really is addictive. The more time you spend in it, the more time you want to spend. Next, I blogged through 1 - 3 John, then Ruth, Ephesians, Esther, Philippians . . . and then, with some help from some fellow bloggers, I tackled the life of Christ! That one is called Morning Coffee with Jesus. I'm currently having coffee with Jonah.

campclubgirlsbookcover Vonda: That's a lot of coffee, my friend! But I happen to know you've also written some children's books. It was a joy to announce your Barbour contract in our kudos on March 11, 2008 blog entry, Have You Failed...to Write? :-)

Renae: Yes! I wrote four books for Barbour's upcoming Camp Club Girls' series. It's a fun, exciting series for girls, ages 8 - 12. The first book, Mystery at Discovery Lake, will be released on January 1, 2010.

Vonda: I can't wait to read them. I know how much I love kids' mysteries! Well, our time is almost up. But before we go, what advice would you want to give to aspiring authors?

Renae: Be humble. Take advice from the pros. They really do know what they're talking about. Attend writers' conferences, read books about writing and publishing, join a writer's group. Follow the advice you're given.

And write a lot! The more you write, the better writer you will become. If it is in your heart to write, then write! God will bless your efforts. You never know who will benefit from the words God lays on your heart. It may be published, or it may stay in a box in your garage for decades, only to give a blessing to your grandchildren. Either way, wow! What a legacy.

Vonda: Yes, what a legacy. For years, during all those rejections, I kept remembering that even if I never had anything published, my manuscript could be around for my grandchildren to read long after I was gone.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Renae. Your words have encouraged us today.

And readers, be sure to leave a message for Renae and you'll be automatically entered in the drawing for a free copy of Morning Coffee with James. Somebody has to win--It might as well be YOU!

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Do You Know a Teen Who's Interested in Film, Acting, Screenwriting, Radio, or TV?

gideon2009 I'm honored, along with author Sarah Ann Sumpolec, to be a co-director of The Gideon Intern Program, a unique and fabulous part of the Gideon Media Arts Conference & Film Festival to be held at Ridgecrest, NC June 3-8, 2010. It is designed exclusively for Christian teens between the ages of 16 and 18 who are ready to take their love of the media arts to the next level. Media Arts, you ask? Well, we're talking about things like writing, screenwriting, acting, directing, radio, TV, church drama, and producing.

Selected teens have the opportunity to meet with and learn from film producers and directors, professional actors, screenwriters, TV and radio personalities, and more! If you know a teen who would benefit from this amazing opportunity, please have them check out the site where they'll discover more about the program and how they can apply to be a GI (Gideon Intern)--It's boot camp without the sweat!

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Don't forget to leave a comment here at the website and you could win Renae's book! (I'm sorry, but Facebook and Twitter comments aren't entered because I draw numbers based on the comment number.)

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And now, as we continue the journey of our calling, let's remember the words God spoke as He called Jeremiah:

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

No, we're not prophets, but we are called nonetheless. God has a plan for each of us. And if you're reading this blog, there's a good chance that plan includes writing. 

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

Vonda

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31 Comments

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#1 Bitsy Rawlings — http://www.mizbitz.blogspot.com

Hey, Vonda and Renae!!!

I am so proud of my college roommate!!! (That would be Renae...) :) I think it is totally a God-thing as to how He is using her writing to reach so many!

And, Vonda, I still think it's funny how God used Renae's Facebook friends list to introduce you to me. (Renae, I thought she was Vonda Henry.)

Kudos, Renae! (And girls, don't bother to enter my name in the drawing. The other might think it's rigged if I won. LOL)

Love to you both!

Bitz

#2 Vonda Skelton

Thanks, Bitsy! And Renae, when I met Bitsy and told her about my Bitsy books, it was really funny!

And yes you ARE in the drawing, my friend. I draw from a bowl of numbers and whoever has that number wins--even if she IS the author's college roommate! 

Thank you for your encouraging words, my friend!

Vonda

#3 Lynn Lungren

This was so perfect for me! Thank you! I, too, went to a writers' conference and was told #1) start a blog. And I, too, had no idea what to blog about! I wrote to Vonda and said, What do I do first? New book proposal? Magazine article submissions? Surveys? Blog? (please say no)... To which Vonda, bless her, immediately said, Start a blog - Phil. 4:13 - No excuses. :) I will now, of course, forever associate a blog with Phil. 4:13. :)

But seriously, this interview as perfect for me - exactly what I needed to read this very day (this very day that I am working on starting my own blog!)

Renae - I visited your blogs and love them. Thank you. Not just for the spiritual insight and wisdom, but for the smiles and joy. (By the way, I especially appreciate the verse-by-verse approach.)

#4 Vonda Skelton

Oh Lynn, thank you for your sweet words. It really is true that a blog offers everyone the opportunity to practice the art of writing, regardless of the topic you choose. That doesn't guarantee a huge readership for any of us, but it does guarantee that we'll learn and grow in the process.

And I didn't even know Renae was going to say these things in her interview until I opened her answers this weekend! Isn't God good to send confirmation so quickly? ;-) 

Keep up the good work!

Vonda

#5 Johnna Stein

Great to read about the blog and the book. I am writing devotionals for my teenage son and am also going through one book of the Bible. Never really thought of publishing potential for it, but you never know. Thanks for sharing. The ideas are sparkling like fireworks...

#6 Bren Fousek Bowman

I can't wait to read Renae's books! I'll be sure to recommend your children's books to our children's dept. here at the library. (We already have Vonda's!)
My son's name is James (one of my favorites since childhood0 and I too, love the Book of James. Poor man, can you imagine having to live up to an older brother like Jesus! Hard enough for the rest of us! However,He was an excellant example for us on how to try.
Take care, and even if I don't win..I'll read it and pass it on to my son.
Thank you both and God Bless!
Bren

#7 Nancy Humphreys

And now I want a copy of Morning Coffee with James. My interest is not so much in writing, but in discovering the WORD.
Thanks, Vonda and Renae

#8 Dana Armstrong

What an inspiration AND encouragement Renae Brumbaugh is to us wanna-be's! There is hope....Thanks for sharing this interview and information about Renae! Someday....hopefully....maybe....you'll be interviewing me on your website!! One can dream, can't they! :)
Dana

#9 Lynn Nester

This interview encouraged me so much to follow a dream I've had about writing. Like Renae, I know nothing about blogging and now will begin learning and attempting to put my thoughts down to share.

#10 Abi

Good morning Vonda. I'd love to win this book I'm going to try posting my comment without the website URL as you suggested and see if it goes through.
Thanks.
Abi

#11 Cheryl Barker — http://cherylbarker.blogspot.com/

Vonda, thanks for doing this interview with Renae! I first became acquainted with her through blog-land, and then we got to meet face-to-face at a conference last year. What a blessing -- and her friendship continues to bless me. She even lets me use some of her pieces in my Life Notes newsletter -- in fact, I'm including one in the next issue (coming out next week).

Renae, I loved hearing more of the publication details about your books. All the best -- love you!

#12 Beth Fortune

This was so encouraging. The more I hear and read how God moves in the lives of other writers, the more I get excited about the plans He has for me! We all have wonderful treasures which He has placed in our hearts.

Thanks for sharing Renae and Vonda.
Blessings,
Beth Fortune

#13 Melony — http://www.melonybrown.com

Vonda~
It's always great to read about another author's road to publication. God IS working in our writing. I have to remind myself often that His timing is perfect.

Thanks for all of your author interviews. They are always inspiring!

Melony

#14 Cindy Jones

You know God has a way of gently tapping us on the shoulder trying to get our attention, and then He sticks his foot out for us to trip on and look face up. This was one of those moments when I felt God speaking to me again through your site Vonda and Renae-Whose site I will now begin to follow. I think I sometimes set my goals for writing by self-centered desires. Thank you for bringing my attention back, again, it's not all about me or what I want. It's all about God, what He wants, and what He wants to do with us. Whether the words He gives us are for printing or for our legacy, the reason must always be for Him. What a great encouragement for today. Thank you for a gentle nudge. Out of the dark, into the light, Cindy Jones

#15 Marie C Senter

Renae and Vonda both of you have responded to HIS nudging....and HE has rewarded your efforts. Thanks for the encouragement....Blog? Is that one of those 4 letter words? So far, I have convinced myself I am tooo busy writing, harvesting ideas from my (scattered) activities to make time for a blog....after your interview I feel I need to make time--right? prayers and a hug to both Marie

#16 Vonda Skelton

Wow! I just came home from teaching my Writing is Fun! Workshop to 3rd-5th graders and found all these great comments! Thank you, sweet friends, for all your encouraging words for Renae and me. I can't tell you what they mean. Yes, I was blown away by Renae's story and just knew y'all would be too!

Thank you, Renae, for reminding us that God has a plan, but we have to do our part, and for the reminder that our legacy of words isn't based on publication, but it's based on writing down the words we're supposed to write, whether they're ever published or not. 

And thank you, readers, for your kindness to me. What a joy to share this journey with you!

Vonda

#17 Nan Jones

Vonda,
What a blessing you are to the Kingdom! It would be so easy for you to keep all of your wisdom to yourself, to hide your life experiences and concentrate on your own ministry. But, no...week after week you guide and direct, inspire and motivate other women who desire to be all they can be for the Lord. For the first time in my 54 years I have the opportunity to pursue my writing dreams, as well as pursue the desire and calling to encourage women who are broken. Standing at the edge of dreams can be frightening, but you allow God to light our path one step at a time through the ministry of your website. Thank you so very much. And thank you too, Renae for sharing your experiences. I traveled over to your site and cracked up when I read your story about the snake - TOO FUNNY!!

Bless you both!
Nan Jones

#18 megan vance — http://inchristalone-byhismercy.blogspot.com

Hi Vonda,
That was a very interesting interview and I love the topic of Renee's books. I would just love to be able to do something like that. The Word of God is limitless!
Megan

#19 Camille

Thanks you both to Mrs. Vonda for posting this interview and to Mrs. Renae, whose words were so encouraging to me. It's so amazing to hear from writers who not only love what they do, but love who they serve and are willing to spur one another on in their desire to use their talents for God.

God Bless!

#20 Jean Hall — http://jeanmatthewhall.com

The book sounds delicious, Renae. You are one very hard working lady. Congratulations on your well-deserved success.

Jean

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

Wow! Thanks so much, everyone, for your encouraging comments! And thank you, Vonda, for agreeing to have me on your blog.

God is good, and He is very surprising, sometimes. It's in the mundane, every-day stuff that He often chooses to work - or at least that's been my experience.

Blessings to you all!

Renae

#22 Donna Earnhardt — http://wordwranglernc.wordpress.com/

Great interview! I'm going to have to pick up those new Camp Club girls books for my 12 year old. She loves a good mystery and is always looking for a series she can sink her teeth into.

Congrats on the books and the great interview. May you have many more!! :)

peace,
Donna

#23 Andrea Merrell

Thanks, ladies, for another note of encouragement along this writing journey. The book sounds like a great read and an awesome gift for friends.

#24 Raquel Haggard — http://www.auntpurplescooking.com

How encouraging! I too have a book of devotions (including recipes) I would like to publish.

#25 Susan — http://www.eternitycafe.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for posting this interview with Renee. It spoke volumes to me about my own writing journey which is just beginning. And, much like Renee, through a writers conference, I was encouraged to start a blog. Mine is also devotional in nature because that's all I have to write. I haven't had anything published, but Renee's story has inspired me to be more purposeful in pursuing publication. I would love to win her book.

#26 Vonda Skelton

Thank you all, dear friends, for your kind words. You have no idea how you encourage Renae and me today. What a blessing to have sisters and brothers (Yes--they're out there; they just don't post comments!) alongside us as we walk this journey. You're awesome!

Vonda

#27 Gloria Ashby

Thanks so much, Renae and Vonda, for those inspiring words. As a new author still learning the craft, your encouragement is just what I needed to keep writing -- even if just for my family's eyes.

#28 Robin Williams

Hello Vonda! Once again you've mentored me without knowing it. I was so intrigued and inspired by your's and Renae's chat, that I have set up a blog for the wife class! I have no idea what I am doing, but just wanted to thank you two for pointing me in the right direction!

Love to you!
Robin

#29 Jim Winters

I want to win Renae Brumbaughs book, this why I want to win it.
1. I have no money to buy it
2. my name is James
3. I do not drink coffee, but coffee is my favor ice cream...
5. I have lot of free time to read it
6. Dec. 7, is my 61 birthday
7. you do not know me, so no one say you, give the book to a friend
8. James 2:1
9. Romans 12:12
10. Psalm 17: 1-15
James Winters

#30 Warren Farrell — http://www.warrenfarrell.biz

Great review! It's nice to see that there are such great stories in these books!

#31 Tammi Downum

Awesome interview! I can't say I am surprised though, Renae is an Godly woman and I am proud to say we are friends (in real life). Although we lost touch through the years, we have recently reconnected and I love reading her column and have been blessed many times. Thanks Vonda for posting the interview as it will inspire many others.

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