Dear Teen Writer,   I get it. I do. I was there, right where you are. I survived middle school (“junior high,” we called it) by connecting more with books, words, and stories than with the real people around me. I locked my poetry in a journal. Stories hung in the air like ripe fruit on a tree, waiting for me to stretch enough to pluck them. But I never told anyone. Who would understand? The hidden way—that was easy. Engagement is hard. What if you share your words and people hate them? Or—worse—laugh at you? It’s simpler to talk about other things or to remain, as I did, in your own silent world. What if you could go somewhere that offered a community of word-artists led by a mentor willing to pour himself out on your behalf? Someone who’s been there, done that, and is still learning? What if you could ponder and plot, crush and create amidst a group of others working the same way for the same purpose? What if you could have guidance for the weaknesses and encouragement for the strengths? What if you could exist for a few days as a small army amidst a larger one? What if you caught a glimpse of the great plans God has for you and your words? I challenge you to reach out. There’s a place where others gather who value language and story the way you do. There are mentors who have walked your road, faced your challenges, and conquered your obstacles. You already know their language because it resounds through your life. And when you spend time with them, you’ll realize you’ve come home. I know a place like that. And it’s not too late. The Florida Christian Writer’s Conference March 1- 4 offers a Teen Track taught by author, father, and teacher par excellence Bryan Davis. Come. Spend time with his tribe. They’ll welcome you, challenge you, and surround you with grace. Teens 13-19 get a bargain rate for the Thursday-Sunday noon conference of $450 (more than $300 off the cost for adults). Scholarships may still be available. Check it all out at www.flwriters.org. Write me with questions and I’ll do my best to help. If this conference doesn’t work for you, I have others to suggest. But come. Don’t hide. Come. With hope,...

Dear Writer WannaBe, I know you’re out there. And today, I’m thinking of you. You’ve slogged it out alone for so long. You sit at your computer and dream of creating a masterpiece (okay, several). And you know God wants to use your words. Maybe you’ve written a novel or a chunk of a nonfiction book. Perhaps poetry bubbles from your pen like foam off an overfilled glass of Coke. Are you working on a screenplay? Or do you prefer to tackle shorter pieces like devotionals, greeting cards, or Bible studies instead? But, yes, my friend, you have a problem. You don’t know how to get your work out there, do you? These days, you hear so much about self-publishing. What’s up with that? And then there’s the whole “agent” thing. Who needs one, and why?  I understand. You’d love to meet some editors in person, to find out firsthand what they need and want. You know you should keep improving your craft, but when will you find the time, and where will you find a teacher? Could you take the chance to have a professional evaluate your writing and give you some tips to make it shine?  Of course it sounds scary—but imagine the possibilities. After all, Mom’s opinion can only take you so far.  You’re right. Those are some deep needs and extreme expectations. But did you know, my WannaBe friend, that you can find hope, help, and encouragement at a writers’ conference? Please take time to consider attending the 25th annual Florida Christian Writers Conference (FCWC), March 1-4, 2012. Allow me to share some reasons this conference could meet your needs (and a few of your wants as well): Superb Speakers: Best-selling author and collaborator Cec Murphey (Gifted Hands, 90 Minutes in Heaven) will keynote this year’s conference.  Terrific Teachers: The FCWC offers continuing seminars (including fiction and nonfiction mentoring clinics) as well as individual workshops, all taught by industry professionals. These people know their stuff and share it, too.  Amazing Appointments: Dedicated time with your favorite author, editor, or agent to discuss you, your work, or the sad state of the economy (Okay, I was kidding about the last part—but it’s your fifteen minutes). Fantastic Friendships: You’ll love spending time with other WannaBes. You speak the same language, so make sure you stop talking long enough to improve your writing. Stellar Setting: Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg provides a tranquil, beautiful setting. And the meals rival Rachael Ray’s (or your mom’s). Don’t have the money? Let’s talk about that. If you or your child wanted to play the piano, wouldn’t you do your best to find the funds for lessons? And then there’s your pet. When Scruffy needs something, you make sure she has it. Right? You invest...

Way back in June, I posted my review of Ava Pennington’s devotional book. At the time, she and I decided to delay her interview until fall. I didn’t intend to wait as long as December, but I want to share her wise insights. And for all you shoppers, her book makes a wonderful Christmas gift! Ava Pennington is the author of One Year Alone with God: 366 Devotions on the Names of God (Revell). She has also co-authored a children’s picture book series, Faith Basics for Kids(Standard Publishing). The first two books in the series, Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?, were released in January, 2011. In addition to her books, Ava has published stories in twenty anthologies, including fifteen books in the inspirational Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and four books in the Cup of Comfort series. She has written for periodicals such as Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse magazine, The Lookout, Evangel, Light & Life, and Haven Ministries’ Anchor devotional. Before beginning her career as an author, Ava enjoyed a successful career as a Human Resources Director in financial services in New York City. She earned an Adult Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL, and an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University in NY. Ava is also a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with the truth of God’s word in relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com. You have contributed to a number of compilation books. How and why did you decide to write a book of devotions?            In addition to contributing to compilations, I also write devotions and magazine articles for the Christian market. One of those projects was a including a thirty-day devotional on the names of God. I enjoyed writing it so much that I didn’t want to stop after thirty! One Year Alone with God has a unique flavor in its focus on the names of God. Can you tell us how this came about?           I’ve been drawn to the names of God ever since I completedKay Arthur’s Bible study on this topic almost twenty years ago.  But I wanted this project to be more than an intellectual survey of God’s names and attributes.I wanted it to be a devotional that intimately touches us and challenges us to apply the revelations of God’s nature and ways to daily life. And I’m honored and humbled to say Kay Arthur has endorsed it. You have a background in the corporate world. How did you transition into a career as an author? We relocated from New York to Florida twelve years ago. At that...

  Where can I find help to polish my novel?   I’ve heard of book proposals, but the thought of writing one overwhelms me. Where can I get help?  I’d love to submit articles to a magazine, but I don’t know a thing about the process. How can I learn?             I think I’m ready for an agent. Where do I find one?            The idea of marketing my book scares me to death. Can I get lessons?             I’ve always wanted to write, but life got in the way. How can I get started? As a writer, editor, and mentor of writers, I’ve heard various forms of all these questions—all with the same answer. I find myself giving it in different ways to almost every writer or writer wannabe I know: Go to a writer’s conference. The best place to get started is a writer’s conference. You’ll get expert advice and instruction at a writer’s conference. Today, I want to highlight an event I’ve grown to love, the wonderful FloridaChristian Writers Conference. March 1-4, 2012 marks its 25th anniversary. I’m giving you plenty of notice on this one because you’ll want to pray about attending.  As you do, you may want to read my first blog about the conferencewhen I attended back in 2010. Or you may want to note the following facts provided by conference director Billie Wilson: The Florida Christian Writers Conference offers: ·                     Appointments with Agents and Editors ·                     Manuscript Submission to Agents & Editors  ·                     7 Continuing Classes (6 hours of instruction in a genre) ·                     Mentoring Tracks limited to 10 participants in each track – take place during Continuing Class time §  Fiction Project  – Eva Marie Everson, Ken Kuhlken   §  Nonfiction Project – Janis Whipple §  Writing for Children – Christine Tangvald, Carol Wedeven ·                     72 Elective Workshops ·                     12 “After Hours” Workshops Scholarships: To apply for all scholarships please email  billiewilson@cfl.rr.com a brief bio, financial situation and a snippet of your current writing project. We are grateful that Cecil Murphey has made scholarships available from the Cecil Murphey Scholarship Fund. Cash Awards: Manuscripts submitted are considered for an award in the following categories:  Poetry, Drama/Screenwriting, Children’s Book or Short Story, Curriculum , Short Story for Teens or Adults , Article, Devotional, Novel, Non-Fiction Book, Best Work for a First Time Conferee plus Writer of the Year Award of $200 from WinePress Publishing Group. The conference provides some additional benefits in the form of its beautiful central Florida setting at the Lake Yale Conference Center; delicious meals (including a full salad bar at lunch and dinner); and the opportunity to build relationships with writers, authors, agents, editors, and...

I was ashamed to admit it. I kept quiet about it. I wanted it to change. And finally—it did! March 4-7, 2010 marked a personal milestone. As I noted earlier, I’ve taken a backwards (or at least sideways) approach to many aspects of my writing life. I became a published writer during my childhood but had a long hiatus until 2000 when I began writing, then editing for a homeschool magazine. In 2005, through an unusual avenue of grace, I transitioned into the world of CBA nonfiction books. My surprising little secret? In spite of a longtime interest and present career as a professional writer/editor, I’d never attended a writers’ conference. I’d attended and then hosted an Intensive Writing Seminar with my friend and mentor Cec Murphey, but I’d never participated in a larger writers’ event. Why not? I’d made more than one attempt to attend a conference, but something always stood in the way. Not long after our family moved to Florida, I was thrilled to discover a top-notch conference held at a site twenty minutes from our home. I’d planned to attend last year until a tight book deadline kept me home. This year, no matter what, I was on my way: a real writers’ conference—at last! I’ve compiled my mini-report into a list of My Top Five Blessings from the Florida Christian Writers Conference(FCWC). Cited in reverse order, these are: #5. Refreshment: I can’t describe the joy of coming apart from everyday surroundings to focus on the craft and business of writing. The FCWC takes place in the beautiful setting of Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. A friend’s generous gift enabled me to spend the nights (I’d planned to commute), an incredible blessing. Writers speak about writing—the language of my heart. And when you hear your heart language, you can’t help but find refreshment. #4. Insights: Several amazing keynoters graced the FCWC. Cec Murphey, Jesse Florea, Jerry Jenkins, and Eva Marie Everson inspired and challenged us in unique ways. All know a great deal about the art of writing—but they also know how to hold an audience’s attention. Each one provided personal insights that spoke to the specific needs of those who write—or aspire to write—for publication. They also showed us their passion for God and for communicating truth that brings him glory. #3. Instruction: Throughout the conference, writers had the opportunity to participate in continuing classes about topics of special interest. These ranged from fiction or nonfiction mentoring to classes on screenwriting and branding. My friend Edwina and I had the privilege of learning about fiction under the tutelage of two of my longtime favorite authors, Angela Hunt and Nancy Rue, aka “Nangie.” I love...

The other day, God reminded me of a familiar lesson on prayer: carpe momento, or seize the moment. I’ve written before about my friend Anne Nigels and her immediate prayers when she became aware of a need. She prayed this way over the phone, in the grocery aisle, in line at the bank, in the hallway after a church service, and on countless other occasions. Anne was hospitalized several times over the years I knew her. As pastor and wife, my husband and I prayed during every hospital visit we made. Anne was the first patient who turned that around and prayed for us. Last week, I had the blessing of attending the Florida Christian Writers Conference at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. Almost as the conference began, I became aware of someone whose heart was tuned to the things of God. Barbara Eddings, a close friend of conference director Billie Wilson, has served as conference chaplain for many years. Each general session included a season of prayer in which Barbara poured out her heart before God and the rest of us got to listen in. Public prayer can prove a challenge. The enemy raises his head and makes it easy to concentrate on the audience of people rather than the audience of One. Barbara’s focus was right. Her prayers made that clear. God gave me glimpses of this woman of God throughout the conference. She was often seated at the hospitality table—but just as often, she was up to run an errand, answer a request, or meet a need. Her official title was “chaplain,” but I think it could have just as easily been “servant.” She seized the moment and moved to meet needs as her Father directed. God gave me the opportunity to seize a moment with Barbara, too. One evening, I had stayed in the main building later than I intended. Bone-weary, I was heading toward the door when I almost ran into her. Barbara looked more tired than I felt. God had already spoken to me about praying with her, and I knew that—in spite of our exhaustion—it was time to seize the moment. What followed became a time of blessing for us both. Barbara later told me to describe it as a time when “the Holy Ghost came down.” He was there. He was present. And He ministered to us both. In a conversation after our prayer, something else happened. A twist in our discussion led us to realize that we have a beloved mutual friend. Our friend now lives in Alabama, but we both met her in California. Only God could have added this special touch to our divine encounter. And it touched...