“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others” (Habakkuk 2:2). My dear friend, Marlene Bagnull, takes this verse as the theme of her writing life. Along the way, she’s published several books and hundreds of articles and devotions. She’s served her family, which includes a husband, three grown children, and three active grandchildren. And through the years, she’s grown her roots deep in God. This devotion to her Father, I’m convinced, is what sets Marlene’s two conferences—one in the heart of the rugged Rocky Mountains, the other cradled in the countryside near Philadelphia—apart. Yes, you can find authors, editors, and agents (more than 70 on each faculty) at both events. Yes, you’ll receive top-notch instruction in almost any area of writing. And yes, you’ll connect with writers of many genres, various experiences, and great expertise. But God’s Spirit pervades these events in a way I can only trace back to Marlene’s unique walk with God. Who else but a surrendered servant would break into prayer as she makes conference announcements? Who else would choose faculty not on the basis of renown but of ministry capacity? And who else would focus each conference on an issue she believes writers need to address? You see, Marlene’s conferences go beyond helping writers achieve publication. She uses these events to equip writers to use their words to change the world. Keynote speakers address issues that matter and suggest ways writers’ messages can connect.  I’ve served on several conference faculties, but I’ve never had my call to write renewed and reaffirmed in the ways I have at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference (GPCWC) and, in a few more weeks, as I will during my first visit to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC). I’ve wept. I’ve prayed. I’ve been reminded to listen to His voice about what and how I write. Last year at the GPCWC, I taught Writer WannaBe, a continuing workshop for new writers. This year, I have the privilege of teaching Book Doctor, a nonfiction book proposal clinic, at the CCWC along with a workshop that’s become my personal favorite, Master the Memoir. I’ll also represent SUSIE Magazine, the only print Christian magazine targeted exclusively toward girls ages 11-19.  Do you have an interest in writing? Do you believe God wants to use your words to make an impact? Check out either or both of these conferences. Scholarships are available and registration deadlines loom. Does God have an appointment for you at the CCWC or GPWC this year? Don’t miss His invitation to write His answer. Do you have a conference (one of Marlene’s or...

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...

What’s a literary fiction/romance/chick lit/YA girl like me doing in an action-adventure place like this? That’s what I wondered when I first opened Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette Windle. Its Aghanistan setting seemed as much out of my comfort zone as its characters’ lives of intrigue and adventure.  In this sequel to Windle’s Christy-nominated Veiled Freedom, Amy, a relief worker, returns to join forces with Steve, a former Special Forces officer, and Jamil, her former assistant and recent convert to Christianity. No, this didn’t seem like my kind of book at all. But I kept reading. Why? First, because the characters and I share a passion for people and for the cause of Christ. Second, because this story comes direct from both headlines and the prayer letters of friends who also work in NGOs (non-governmental organizations) in that part of the world. And third, because the author’s careful descriptions, realistic dialogue, and powerful plotline compelled me. Windle pulled me into her story and never let me go. Deception, suspense, imprisonment, and persecution amid inward and outward battles for faith and freedom—this book has it all. Read Veiled Freedom first, then hurry on into Freedom’s Stand. You’ll be glad you did.  Even if it’s not your kind of book.  (FTC disclaimer: I received an electronic Advanced Reading Copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to post a review or a positive...

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...

SO. NOT. HAPPENING. In a previous post, I mentioned my plans to blog from the National Bible Bee in Nashville,Tennessee. Not only were my days of volunteering, judging, and collecting stories long and exhausting, but I had little to no Internet during that time. In fact, my busy month of travel and speaking has led me to dub it “No-Write November” and renew my commitment to more words, work, and blog posts as I finish out the year. In any case, I want to share a few of my reactions to the Bible Bee. I had the privilege of speaking with numerous proud parents and excited students during the event, which took place over the course of several days (November 16-19). I also heard from teachers who included Kirk Cameron and Voddie Baucham (both impressed me as articulate, godly men) and worshiped under the leadership of Keith and Kristen Getty and other gifted musicians. What impressed me most about the Bible Bee, however, wasn’t the people, place (the beautiful Renaissance Hotel and Nashville Convention Center), preparation (months of planning and coordination precede an event of this caliber), or prizes (a total of $260,000 given to winners in three divisions from ages 7 through 18). What left me in awe was the presence and power of God’s Word. It flowed across banners and huge displays throughout the expansive area devoted to the Bee. It was quoted by a series of contestants from all three divisions (up to twenty-five passages in ten minutes for the preliminary round alone). And as I spoke with those who had invested thousands of hours of time and energy, I witnessed what the Shelby Kennedy Foundation, originators of the Bee, emphasizes: every child who participates is a winner. As God’s unique creation, of course every child is a winner. But that phrase is more than Christian doublespeak. Scripture itself says God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). It is “living, active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). It has the power to keep us from sin (Psalm 119:11). And because all these things are true, any child who studied or memorized even one verse has a tremendous resource in heart and hand. At the contest’s close, I had the privilege of speaking with four young ladies, all top winners of the Senior Division. In separate interviews, each told me the contest’s true value came not in the prizes but in the experience of coming to know and love God’s Word. Most of the 300 contestants who participated in the national competition went home without a huge scholarship, accolades, or prize money. But they all gained much more than any of those things could ever provide. Whether...