Write His Answer

When I started writing for publication about 40 years ago, so much of what we today take for granted was not available.

• Computers were HUGE machines only large businesses could afford and data to be processed had to first be keypunched on cards. I suspect that one of the reasons my husband has arthritis in his hands today is because of all the cards he fed into these monster-size computers that required a room of their own in a temperature controlled climate. (Yes, it’s hot here, too. My grandkids are playing under the hose and I’m hoping they get bored quickly because it’s over 100 even in the shade on my back porch.)

• The Internet and all the incredible resources it provides for writers was non-existent. Just some of the helpful info I’ve found online recently:

A great article on point-of-view, one of the biggest  problems for fiction writers, by Karen Ball who is now an agent with the Steve Laube Agency. http://www.stevelaube.com/out-of-their-minds-the-basics-of-point-of-view/

A helpful article for crafting your elevator pitch written by literary agent, Rachelle Gardner. In her July 18 and 19 posts Rachelle provided more tips on how to pitch your idea. http://www.rachellegardner.com/2011/07/crafting-your-elevator-pitch/

An article by ASSIST News Service on Dave Fessenden’s new book, Crafting the Christian Nonfiction Book – From Concept to Contract. I had the joy and privilege of providing an endorsement for the front cover. http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2011/s11070103.htm

In a “Crucial Element to Book Proposal Success” Terry Whalin provides valuable help on identifying your competition. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction you need to include this information in your book proposal. See http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/2011/07/crucial-element-to-book-proposal.html
And that’s just a brief sample of what came directly to my nbox and can come to yours as well if you subscribe to these helpful resources.

• There were only a few Christian writers conferences to help you grow your writing and marketing skills and connect with authors, editors, and agents who can help you get your work in print. Forty years ago the only Christian conference on the east coast was the St. David’s Christian Writers Conference where I served on the board for over ten years. Their June conference now meets at Geneva College in eastern PA. The Montrose Christian Writers Conference in northern PA (also non-existent 40 years ago) begins next week. I’ve served on their faculty many times. It’s one of my favorite conferences. And then, of course, in just 2-1/2 weeks the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference that I founded 28 years ago will take place on the campus of Philadelphia Biblical University in Langhorne, PA (north of Philadelphia and easily accessible by public transportation).

Literary agent, Diana Flegal, who will again serve on the faculty, says: “I look forward to this conference every year 🙂 I come away refreshed, and always having learned something vital to my everyday life, both personal and professional. I hope you can make an effort to come this year or begin to plan on coming next.”

Please prayerfully consider coming. The conference has launched so many writers. Maybe you too? You can register securely online, and there’s still time to request appointments with our faculty of over 60 authors, editors, and agents including Dave Fessenden and Terry Whalin.

Serving Christ – Marlene