Blog Entries for: August, 2009

Subscribe to VondaSkelton.com by Email | More info about RSS feeds »

Writer, Fear Not!

Okay, go ahead. Admit it. You know it's true, so just go ahead and say it: You like to write. You find joy in writing. You may even feel you've been called to write. The question is, why aren't you? Why aren't you writing?

I'll tell you why. You're afraid. I know...because sometimes I'm afraid, too. The truth is you and I and every other writer in the world experiences fear at times in our writing life. But what could possibly cause us to fear putting pen to paper or, as in most of our cases, fingertips to keyboard?

Read full entry »

August 31, 2009 | 10 Comments | View or add comments

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Sharon Fawcett

Have you ever struggled with depression? Does someone you love suffer with it? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you won't want to miss today's interview with author and speaker, Sharon Fawcett. Sharon and I met in the cafeteria line years ago when I was teaching at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Now CLASS Christian Writers Conference) in New Mexico. Although Sharon is multi-published in magazines and anthologies, today we're going to discuss her first book, Hope for Wholeness: The Spiritual Path to Freedom from Depression (NavPress). And as you'll soon see, it's been quite a journey.

Vonda: Welcome to The Christian Writer's Den, Sharon. Thanks for joining us and sharing your message of hope. As a matter of fact, in HOPE FOR WHOLENESS, you combine your own story with solid advice for helping others find freedom from depression. What was your experience with depression like?

Read full entry »

August 24, 2009 | 19 Comments | View or add comments

Coke, Sweet Tea, and Grace: Ingredients of a Novel

I took one last look in the mirror, then touched up my lipstick, primped my hair, and brushed my teeth...again. Everything had to be perfect! After all, I was having dinner with an editor from a major CBA house and a well-known author, also with a major publisher. I whispered a prayer for direction and discernment. I should have prayed for bigger hands.

At the restaurant, we were quickly seated at our tiny table, Major CBA House Editor on my right and Successful Well-Known Author with Another Major House on my left. Within seconds, the cute, perky waitress took our drink orders. I really wanted a good ol' Southern sweet tea, but since I was in PA, I knew better than to ask. (Just for the record, unsweetened tea and packets of sugar do not sweet tea make!) So I ordered Coke. Better to be safe than sorry.  Uh...yeah...right.

Read full entry »

August 17, 2009 | 12 Comments | View or add comments

Auditioning Characters at the Airport

As I write this, it's 3:30pm and I'm sitting in the Washington DC airport. According to my flight itinerary, I should already be home, lying on my sofa, dozing off as I pretend to read the newspaper. But instead of snoozing, I'm stuck at the airport, scouting out my next cast of characters...and they don't even know they're auditioning for the part.

There's the lanky college-age fella across the aisle from me, chatting on one phone while checking his email on another. His molasses voice floats across the stuffy air as he makes alternate plans with his unseen buddy. A black flip-flop the size of a bread loaf hangs from his right foot while he picks at his toenails. Yep, there are possibilities there.

Read full entry »

August 10, 2009 | 7 Comments | View or add comments

A Diva Wannabe

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Homemaking is not one of my spiritual gifts. Put me on a stage in front of two thousand people and I'll have a ball, but please, please, please don't ask me to pick out a rug or decorate a table. (I'm dead serious. Just ask Sandra, the former women's ministry director at my church. She made the mistake of doing that and . . . well . . . it wasn't a pretty sight--and I'm not talking about the table. I won't go into the gory details, but let me just say no one's had the nerve to suggest I be part of the decorating committee since.)

Now, for some women, this defect would drive them crazy and make them feel like total failures. And I admit, I do wish housework and organization and meal planning came easier for me. I'd love to be like my friend, Terri, who maintains a spotless, beautifully decorated home, or my friend, Carrie, who bakes homemade bread made from her own freshly ground wheat.

Read full entry »

August 3, 2009 | 17 Comments | View or add comments

Top of Page