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Archive for the ‘Colorado Christian Writers Conference’ Category

Publishing News You Can Use

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Marketing on May 14, 2012| 1 Comment »

One of the many exciting aspects of directing a writers’ conference is learning of new editors and new opportunities often before that information is widely known.

The May 16-19 CCWC is blessed to be at the right place at the right time for these new opportunities:

New York Publisher – Terry Whalin has left Intermedia Publishing and is very excited about his new position as Acquisitions Editor at Morgan James Publishing. He is acquiring nonfiction and fiction – traditional – and is looking for excellent book proposals and manuscripts. There’s a link to his one sheet at www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado/updates.htm. He is eager to meet with as many writers as possible.

Children’s Books – Standard Publishing. Karen Moore, another faculty member who is teaching our continuing class on “Gift books and Devotional Writing,” is doing some consulting with Standard Publishing for children’s books and is happy to look at those manuscripts at the conference.

New YA imprint – Watershed Books. Nicola Martinez, Editor-in-Chief, Pelican Book Group, emailed me the following: “We’re preparing to launch a new imprint, Watershed Books, which will debut in the fall of 2013. This is a YA line, and we’re actively seeking submissions. Specific guidelines are on our website along with the GLs for White Rose & Harbourlight: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/write-for-us but we’re looking for any subgenre. Word count ranges: 25,000 – 65,000. Protagonists must be teenagers who are three-dimensional characters dealing with age-appropriate conflicts. All stories must hold a Christian message or lesson. Target audience is teens, but books should have a transcendent quality that would appeal to adult readers, as well.”

Another agent added to faculty – Sarah Joy Freese is an associate literary agent with WordServe Literary. She says: “Currently, I am representing Christian romance, Christian historical romance, Christian suspense, and paranormal romance. In non-fiction I am representing Christian apologetics. I am looking for full-length fiction, 65,000-100,000 words in either the general or Christian market. I prefer women’s fiction, romance, suspense/thriller, romantic suspense, historical, Amish, Biblical, Americana, Regencies, and mainstream. Occasionally, I consider literary manuscripts if they can sell in a traditional CBA or ABA market. I will also accept shorter fiction that fits the requirements of Love Inspired, Love Finds You, and Avon Inspire. In non-fiction I will accept authors with a strong platform. Specific genres in which I am interested include current affairs, political, home life, marriage, crafts, parenting, health and diet, how-to, popular culture, psychology, narrative non-fiction, science, self-help, women’s issues, devotionals, and memoir. I especially like receiving manuscripts from Moms (or Dads) who are writing relevant, well-received, and popular parenting blogs.”

It’s not too late to register for one or more days of the conference. Scholarship help and/or time payments are available if needed. Walk-ins are welcome, but if you register online by May 16, I’ll waive the $15 walk-in fee.

If you’re not able to come, keep in mind that CDs will be available through the conference website. And please pray for all who will be gathering on the mountain that Father will work do Ephesians 3:20 things.

 

 

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Writing for Hollywood, young adults and more from Robert Liparulo

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Publishing journey, Uncategorized, Writing Fiction on May 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Donna Brennan’s interview with Robert Liparulo continues. It’s not too late to register for the May 16-19 Colorado conference where Robert is teaching a continuing class on Writing Suspense / Thrillers. The price increases slightly on May 11. Walk-ins are welcome.

Donna Brennan’s Interview with Robert Liparulo

Part 3 – Writing for Hollywood, YAs, and More

Question: Your first two books seemed to have been optioned for film right away, and a novel you’re currently working on has garnered the interest of two movie companies before it’s even released. That has to have something to do with the pacing and how your construct your scenes. Will you be sharing some of your “secrets to success” during the continuing session? Can you give us any hints now?

Yes, I’ll talk about the correlations between pacing in novels and pacing in motion pictures, as well as other ways in which writers can “steal” secrets from movies to make their stories more vivid and attractive to readers who have been raised on film- and TV-based storytelling. I was a motion picture production major in college, so I tend to think like a screenwriter. All the tips and tricks center on one thing: Can you see your story on the screen? I mean, really. Act it out, speak the dialog. Who would play the characters? If you have to change too much to make it fit on the screen-and you want readers to experience a similar sense of immersion into your story as they do in movies-then maybe you need to rethink a few scenes.

Question: How different is writing for the Young Adult market from writing for the general market? Did you have to change the storyline or the language of your Dreamhouse Kings series?

I decided that the only two things I would change from my adult stories for my YA stories were that the protagonists would be younger and that the story would be something younger readers would appreciate more than, say, a police procedural (Dreamhouse Kings is about time travel). Other than that, my style, the structure, even the level of violence and scariness are similar to my adult stories. I didn’t want to “write down” to younger readers. I think they are far more intelligent-especially about character and story-than adults give them credit for. I believe that’s the key to its success.

Question: Surely all those years you spent as an investigative journalist must contribute to your writing style and your research skills. You must have had to do a lot of technical research for Germ, and Comes a Horseman must have involved research into how the FBI works and maybe even some biblical research. Exactly how much research is involved in your books? When do you know you’ve done enough? And how do you resist the urge to include all the details you learned that may be intriguing but have nothing to do with moving the story along?

Honestly, I over-research, but I’m okay with that. I’m always looking for that little gem, that nugget of information that will tell readers that I have done my homework without inundating them with trivia. That nugget is the thing that you can’t find by reading articles or limiting your research to the internet. Once I have that, I don’t worry about anything else. The details about an occupation or a weapon or location or scientific breakthrough will come through the characters, or the needs of the plot.

I don’t want to impress readers; I want them only to feel as though they’re spending time with real people in real jobs with real technology. But still, I always ask myself, why am I putting this tidbit in here? How does this move the story along or how will it impact the story later? If I don’t have a good answer, I don’t write it. Of course, that’s subjective, as all writing is. So I may think describing a fishing boat docked in Sesimbra, Portugal, puts me there, and someone else will think it’s meaningless. That’s where your instincts as a writer come in.

Question: Your road to success seems to have been very different than most authors today. What words of advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Read everything and finish whatever you start. The reading will fill your head with viewpoints of the world outside of your own. It’ll introduce you to vocations and philosophies that you’d have no other way of knowing. It teaches you the cadence of dialog.

Finishing things is crucial to learning how to be a writer. Too many new writers shift gears halfway through a story. They think, “This doesn’t interest me anymore,” or “I’ve been writing about vampires and now zombies are hot. I have to go write my zombie story instead.” But by finishing, you learn the entire arc of storytelling. You learn how to wrap things up, which also teaches you how to set things up. And then you have something to show editors and agents when the opportunity arises. Editors and agents need to be confident that you know how to finish a project, even if it’s not something they want to buy. Finishing is what it’s all about.

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Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writing Fiction on May 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Developing Characters

Donna Brennan Interviews Robert Liparulo

Part 2

Question: In all your books you manage to create characters we really care about. And your villains are drawn so well we understand their motivation and sometimes even sympathize with them. Is there a secret to making us care?

I always try to make every character human. Sounds like common sense, but I’m not sure every writer understands what that means. It means doing everything possible to put flesh on him, imbue him with understandable, human feelings, examining his qualities and flaws. What are the things that humans do? They love, they have regrets, they have their own understanding of the world around them, right or wrong; they eat, sleep, desire companionship. I always look for tiny details that make up each character: scars, bad eyesight, kinky hair . . . anything that tells the reader, “Look, this person isn’t made of cardboard, he’s not a figment of the writer’s imagination (though, of course, he is)”-it all goes toward making him or her someone the reader can relate to. I spend a lot of time “being” my characters before I start writing. I encourage them to be different from me, to do things I wouldn’t do and think differently from the way I think. Because they become unique, I think readers forget they came from the writer’s mind.

Question: Are any of your characters based on people you know? Are any of them based on you?

Most of my characters are an amalgam of people I know and have read about or seen in interviews and me. Hutch from Deadfall and Deadlock is the character who comes closest to a person I know. He was modeled on my best friend, who’s a game warden in Wyoming. He’s the kind of guy who can be dropped into any wilderness in the world and not only come out alive, but probably drive out in a vehicle made of twigs. I wanted to know what he would do in a situation that seems hopeless. How would he cope? Where would he find the strength to survive?

All of my characters have traces of me, of course. Some of the heroes are acting in ways I hope I’d act in tough situations. But the character closest to who I am-or whom I used to be-is David from the Dreamhouse Kings. I was very much like him at his age, twelve. I was the mediator between my older brother and my parents, as he is; I was fairly adventurous, always getting into trouble by giving into my curiosity. I didn’t realize I was writing about myself until my mother read the first two books in that series and said, “That’s so you!” and she went on to name all the ways David was me.

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Next – Tips on writing screenplays, research, and words of advice.

There’s still time to register for the May 15-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference and to sign up for Robert’s continuing session. Click here. Robert is also teaching a continuing session at the August 1-4 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

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Writing Suspense Readers Can’t Put Down

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Writing Fiction on May 3, 2012| Leave a Comment »

How to Write Suspense Books That Readers Can’t Put Down
(And That Hollywood Producers
Want to Turn into Feature Motion Pictures)

Donna Brennan Interviews Robert Liparulo

 Part I

It might sound like a dream come true, but nine of Robert Liparulo’s thriller / suspense novels have been optioned for film and three are currently in various stages of production. And since so many young adults were reading his suspense thrillers, he wrote a whole series for them: Dreamhouse Kings. Of course, lots of his adult fans have read that series as well. Fortunately for us, Robert is teaching a continuing session, Writing Suspense and Thrillers, at both the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (May 16 – 19) and at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference (August 1 – 4). That’s six hours we can spend absorbing knowledge and wisdom from this critically acclaimed and very successful author.

I contacted Robert to ask him about the session he’ll be teaching. Here are his answers.

Question: Can someone really be taught how to write a successful thriller suspense story? Or is it a talent that some writers just seem to “have?”

It helps to have an attraction to thrillers in the first place. I’ve been reading thrillers since I was a kid, so I have a pretty comprehensive understanding of the genre’s tenets from a reader’s perspective. After a while, what works and what doesn’t becomes intuitive, which lets the writer focus on character development and his or her writing, instead of the structure and devices of the genre.

I’ve read the works of some writers who aren’t naturally attracted to suspense, but wanted to try their hand at it; what tends to come through in their stories are clichés or twists that they think are clever, but they’ve been done to death. That’s not to say it can’t be done, but it takes a lot more work than these authors believed.

Question: Your earlier books didn’t delve too much into the faith arena, yet there was a Christian worldview present the whole time. But now your latest book, The 13th Tribe, has a strong biblical basis-the tribe consisting of some of the Israelites, from Moses’s time, who had worshiped the golden calf. It seems like two opposite ends of the spectrum, and yet they both work. What are your reasons for the big shift? And where in the spectrum (if anyplace) do you advocate your students let their stories fall?

I’ve always tried to follow God’s leading in how I tell my stories. When I started Comes a Horseman, I prayed and fasted about how much overt Christianity to put into it. One morning, I was looking at Pikes Peak and I heard God speaking to me. He said, “Do you see me in that mountain.” I said, “Of course, I see you in everything.” He said, “Do you see my name carved into it?” “No.” “That’s how I want you to write your story.” So, I believe God is in my earlier books in ways that I could not have possibly written Him into them. And readers have responded, telling me that scenes comforted them and got them thinking about God-and none of it was intentionally written into those scenes. In fact, if the Holy Spirit weren’t pointing it out to them, readers wouldn’t have seen it at all.

When I was preparing to write a book about vigilantes, I heard God telling me it was time to be more overt about the spirituality. Following His calling, the story exploded into an examination of faith and justice and grace, and the idea of the Tribe fell into place. But despite the faith elements becoming more prevalent, I’m still a thriller writer, so making The 13th Tribe a Christian thriller felt very natural.

I don’t think Christian authors should necessarily try to fit into a particular market, whether that’s Christian or mainstream. They need to follow their hearts. If that means having strong spiritual content or addressing faith more subtly, then that’s what they should do.

Question: Your books seem to have strong themes: family, loyalty, doing the right thing, self-sacrifice, etc. While it may be obvious to include some type of theme in a Christian novel, how important are these themes to writing a thriller?

Themes in thrillers are less important than character and plot. In fact, a general rule is to not write with a theme in mind, because then every scene, every snatch of dialog, tends to fall back on that theme and it becomes heavy-handed and detracts from the natural flow of the story. However, I think themes are more important in Christian stories, simply because there are so many things about being a Christian that without some sort of theme in mind the story can get muddled. For The 13th Tribe, I had a general idea of the themes that would come through by the end; then as I started writing, I tried to forget those themes. I think they came through naturally because they were on my mind when I thought through the story, but not as I wrote it.

________________

 What a fabulous interview! Thank you, Donna and Robert. Watch for two more installments with more great questions and advice.

There’s still time to register for the May 15-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference and to sign up for Robert’s continuing session. Click here.

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POV “Head-Hopping” Help

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Writing Fiction on May 1, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Donna Brennan’s Interview
with CCWC Faculty Member Tim Shoemaker
Part 2

Question: What’s “head-hopping” and why shouldn’t we do it? And what is a “super-ocular POV finder?”

“Head-hopping” is one of those pesky Point-of-View problems that happen so easily to beginning and intermediate fiction writers. When an editor sees these problems in your manuscript, they see it as a mark of an amateur. The good news is that these Point-of-View issues can be easily fixed-once a person truly understands it.

“Head-hopping” happens when writers jump from one point of view to another. First they’re in one person’s head, allowing the reader to know anything they’re thinking. Then, in the same scene they slip into somebody else’s head-allowing the reader access to their inner thoughts as well.

“Head-hopping” can be really confusing to the reader. It makes them stop and wonder whose head they’re in now. We never want our readers to stop or to be confused. If they put down the story, they may never pick it up again.

Ah, yes. The “super-ocular POV finder” is a little tool each of the attendees will get. It isn’t for sale anywhere. At any price. Okay, it’s a little gimmicky, but this gadget will help people avoid “head-hopping” and other POV problems. Some might say it was worth the price of the conference alone. I would say that would be an extreme exaggeration, but the truth is-it will definitely make a difference with your fiction writing.

We’ll spend a good amount of time on Point-of-View so those attending totally understand it. Totally. And with the help of the handy little “super-ocular POV finder” tool, their writing will muscle-up like an athlete pumping iron and popping steroids-but with no bad side effects.

Question: Do you have any special words of encouragement or advice for folks who have never attended a writer’s conference before?

Plenty. First, if you feel nervous or intimidated, understand that is totally natural. But don’t let that stop you from attending. I learned more about writing at writing conferences than I ever did any other way. Conferences help you learn more-faster.

Second. You’ll meet people. Other writers you can network with-read each other’s work, etc. That’s a good thing-and will help you strengthen your writing.

Third. Sign up for a critique. I think it costs $30 or $35 for a critique. That means an experienced author or editor will review the sample writing you send in and sit down with you for a half hour at the conference to help you. They’ll show you what you’re doing right-and areas you may need to strengthen your writing. This is gold.

Fourth. You’ll meet editors and experienced authors. You’ll have a chance to sit down with them over a meal, or to schedule 15-minute appointments to talk with them. This is building for your future. Every book, every short story, and every article I’ve ever published I can trace back to a meeting at a writing conference. Amazing, right? That’s the potential power of going to a writer’s conference.

Fifth. You’ll hear speakers that will instruct and encourage you. You’ll learn they’re probably a lot like you-and you’ll begin to see how you can impact your world with your writing.

So do it. Attend. Grab the classes. Submit a critique. Meet people. Get inspired. And when you see me in the hall-be sure to say hi!

__________________

Thanks again, Donna and Tim. Great questions and advice. Click here for more information on CCWC’s continuing sessions. It’s not too late to register!

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Help for fiction writers

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Writing Fiction on April 28, 2012| Leave a Comment »

(more…)

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Do you dream of writing for Hollywood?

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference on April 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Do you dream of one day writing a movie script? If you do, you’re not alone or unusual. Many writers have tucked that dream away deep in their heart. The challenge is to make it happen.

Check out the ASSIST NEWS article by CCWC keynoter, Dan Wooding.  “Opening the Doors to Hollywood,” announces the 8th Annual Kairos Prizes for spiritually uplifting screenplays by first-time and beginning screenwriters sponsored by the Christian Film & Television Commission (CFTVC) and supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and chairman of CFTVC, also will be keynoting at CCWC and teaching a continuing session on Breakthrough Scriptwriting.  With entries for the Kairos prizes accepted until September 24, Dr. Baehr’s continuing session at the May 16-19 Colorado Christian Writers Conference is a great way for aspiring screenwriters to prepare.

Eric Cameron, who attended his continuing session two years ago, says: “Dr. Baehr knows the ins and outs of both Hollywood and visual storytelling. This is a rare and valuable combination, allowing him to impart wisdom on the craft of screenwriting as well as the equally important craft of infiltrating an industry often hostile to the Church and Christian morals. To me he is an embodiment of Matthew 10:16 ‘be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.’

“Students will take away an incredibly solid foundation for writing screenplays, and an insider’s insight into how ‘he Industry’ works. Film and television are the most influential mediums for influencing our culture, and Dr. Baehr is on mission to equip Christians with the skills and wisdom to take Hollywood for Christ.”

If this is your dream, now is the time to pursue it. Or perhaps you know another writer with this dream. Please pass this on to them.

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Getting Published

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Publishing journey, Uncategorized on April 24, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Hungry to publish your writing?
Go about it in the right way and you won’t get stuck!

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I couldn’t resist sharing these two pictures. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

But Donna Brennan’s words below on how to prepare for appointments at a writers conference are worth a great deal and will help you not get stuck in an awkward situation because you’re unprepared.

Father, thank You for the editors and agents who are taking time from busy schedules to meet with conferees. May the appointments be fruitful for them and for our conferees.

How to Prepare for That Editor or Agent Appointment

by Donna Brennan

When you go to a conference you often have the opportunity to meet with an agent or editor and pitch your work. Depending on the conference, you may get one appointment or may get several. And the duration of the appointment varies too, typically ranging from five to fifteen minutes.

(Note: The Colorado Christian Writers Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference both give you four 15-minute long appointment opportunities if you attend for all three days!)

But how do you select which agent or editor would be the best one(s) for you to meet with? And how do you prepare for that meeting? And what if you don’t get an appointment with your first choice? Here’s some advice addressing those questions.

How to Select Which Agent or Editor to Meet With

The longer the list of available agents and editors, the more daunting the task may appear. But look at it as an opportunity to find the best fit for you and your work.

First, read the bios listed on the conference website, paying special attention to what their current needs are. Don’t pitch a fantasy to someone who is only interested in contemporary romance. Then, go to their websites (usually listed in the bio) for more information about them and their agency or publishing house, including titles of books they represent or publish. Read reviews and summaries of those books online. If you can, read the first few pages online, too.

Do they have a blog? Read that, too. That often helps you to get a feel for what kind of person they are.

Next, pray. Always pray. In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to pray while reading their bios or visiting their websites or blogs.

Pick your top choices, but also have some back-up choices. Appointment slots usually fill up quickly, with folks who register for the conference early getting first dibs on who they meet with. So register as soon as you’re sure you’ll be attending.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

If pitching an article or short story, you should bring that with you. If you’re pitching a longer length article that isn’t written yet, bring a summary and outline of the article along with any other articles you have already written (to provide a sample of how you write).

For pitching a fiction book you typically want to have a one-sheet (described below) and the first chapter (in case the person you’re meeting with wants to look that over while you talk). It’s a good idea to bring along a one-page synopsis and a bullet list of critical points in your story. For pitching a nonfiction book you should bring a one-sheet, a synopsis, and an outline. A chapter by chapter summary is a good thing to have with you, as well as a bullet-list of important topics covered in your book. Your book does not have to be finished, but it does have to have a solid outline and be well thought out.

A one-sheet can be thought of as an at-a-glance overview of your story and you. Different people like to put different things into their one-sheets. (Be sure to check the agent or editor’s website to see if they have certain expectations as to what belongs in a one-sheet.) Basically it contains both an elevator pitch and a one-paragraph summary, along with your story’s genre, target audience, and word count. It also contains your bio, told in the third person. There are lots of examples of one-sheets online you can look at before creating your own including Marlene Bagnull’s sample one sheet (click here).

An elevator pitch is one or two sentences that sum up your story. It needs to be short enough that you can share it quickly if you happen to find yourself riding on an elevator with an agent or editor who represents your type of writing.

Sometimes it’s hard to condense your book into a one-page synopsis, let alone a one-paragraph summary or two-sentence elevator pitch. Here’s one way to get that done.

First, write the synopsis in however many words you need to tell what you feel is important about your book. And then you start cutting out all the non-crucial elements and all those extra words we writers like to sneak into our prose. Keep cutting until you get it down to one single-spaced page.

Once you have your synopsis done, start cutting some more until you can get down to a single paragraph. Then cut some more until you get it down to two sentences.

To put together a bullet list, go back to your synopsis and pull out any items crucial to what happens in your story or any main items you want to mention about your nonfiction book. Put them in the order you want to talk about them.

This list is for you while you’re talking so you don’t forget important points. Therefore, keep the descriptions of each item brief so you can glance down at your paper and remember the topic, but let it make enough sense so the agent or editor can understand if they ask to look at the paper.

If you’re having multiple appointments, bring several copies of the one-sheet, outline, and first chapter. Agents and editors don’t usually ask for hard copies of things at conferences (because they’re seeing lots of folks and that’s a lot of stuff to carry back home). But sometimes they do. And if you give away your only copy at your first appointment, you’ll have nothing to show at your other appointments.

When it’s time for your appointment, review your synopsis and bullet list before you walk in. Relax and know that the agent you’re meeting with wants to find clients to represent and the editors want to find work to publish.

What to Do if You Don’t Get an Appointment with Your First Choice(s)

If you don’t get the appointment you wanted, don’t despair. Sometimes God gives us what we need instead of what we ask for. You may learn something at the conference to let you know your manuscript is not ready yet. Or you may wind up in a chance meeting with this person at the conference that works out better than an appointment would have. Or you might have a surprise elevator ride with an agent or editor who wasn’t even on your radar.

So first pray, then prepare. Have your elevator pitch memorized and have your one-page with you all during the conference. If you’re already carrying a bag or notebook, stick your synopsis and first chapter in there-just in case. If you run into an agent or editor you were interested in but didn’t get an appointment with, ask if you can give them your elevator pitch (but please, don’t be pushy). If they say yes and they like it, ask if you can show them your one-page or send them a query letter. If you send a query, be sure to mention that you met them at the conference.

After the conference, if you didn’t get an opportunity to talk with a particular agent or editor, you can still send them a query letter. Say in your letter that you were at the conference but didn’t get a chance to meet with them. But . . . if you learned at the conference that your manuscript wasn’t quite ready, be sure to make those changes before sending out that query letter.

And did I mention pray? Always pray. If God put the desire to write in your heart, He will provide a way for your writing to be read by His intended audience.

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Seven more reasons not to miss the Colorado Christian Writers Conference May 16-19

Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference on April 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

1. New YA imprint – Watershed Books – Nicola Martinez, Editor-in-Chief, Pelican Book Group emailed the following: “We’re preparing to launch a new imprint, Watershed Books, which will debut in the fall of 2013. This is a YA line, and we’re actively seeking submissions. Specific guidelines are on our website along with the GLs for White Rose & Harbourlight: http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/write-for-us but we’re looking for any subgenre. Word count ranges: 25,000 – 65,000. Protagonists must be teenagers who are three-dimensional characters dealing with age-appropriate conflicts. All stories must hold a Christian message or lesson. Target audience is teens, but books should have a transcendent quality that would appeal to adult readers, as well.

2. Another agent! Sarah Joy Freese is an associate literary agent with WordServe Literary. She loves reading through queries and attending writing conferences to meet new excellent writers. Sarah especially enjoys working with authors to make their manuscripts even stronger. Sarah received her bachelor’s degree in English and communications from Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She also has an MA (emphasis in creative writing) and an MLIS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Sarah is newly married and is enjoying life with her husband and two birds, Brewster and Simon. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys crocheting, watching NCIS and Grey’s Anatomy, and playing Euchre.

Currently, I am representing Christian romance, Christian historical romance, Christian suspense, and paranormal romance. In non-fiction I am representing Christian apologetics. I am looking for full-length fiction, 65,000-100,000 words in either the general or Christian market. I prefer women’s fiction, romance, suspense/thriller, romantic suspense, historical, Amish, Biblical, Americana, Regencies, and mainstream. Occasionally, I consider literary manuscripts if they can sell in a traditional CBA or ABA market. I will also accept shorter fiction that fits the requirements of Love Inspired, Love Finds You, and Avon Inspire. In non-fiction I will accept authors with a strong platform. Specific genres in which I am interested include current affairs, political, home life, marriage, crafts, parenting, health and diet, how-to, popular culture, psychology, narrative non-fiction, science, self-help, women’s issues, devotionals, and memoir. I especially like receiving manuscripts from Moms (or Dads) who are writing relevant, well-received, and popular parenting blogs.

3. Another periodical editor with a long list of editorial needs – Jeff McDonald, Managing Editor, Salvation Army National Publications – www.salvationarmypublications.org

*We are looking for fresh presentation of the truth of the gospel.

*Need professional, well thought out and well researched articles and features on the difference faith makes and on faith in action.

*Articles that include a connection with the Salvation Army are well received. Including photos where applicable adds value.

*We also consider articles that present a biblical perspectives on current events.

*Avoid submitting articles that list how to accomplish something (10 ways to Keep Satan at Bay, 5 Ways to Pray, etc.)

*Interviews in Question and Answer format. Query first.

*Avoid cliched pieces and reliance on standard jargon related to Christian religion.

*Articles related to seasonal holidays, civic, religious holidays.

*We accept a very limited number of poems.

*We are open to considering fiction, but have not published any in over a decade. Submissions would need to be superb and conform to our format (length).

4. One more earlybird workshop. Marti Pieper will teach “Master the Memoir ” Wednesday, 1:00 – 2:00. Do you have a life story the world needs to hear? Do you want to leave a legacy in print for family and friends? In this workshop, Marti discusses the do’s and don’ts of this popular genre, including the importance of a narrative thread, how thinking small makes a big difference, and the mystery of marketability.

5. Another book editor added after our brochure went to print – Kim Bangs, Author Relations and Contracts Manager, Acquisitions, Regal Books. Greatest Editorial Needs: Regal Books is looking for materials that engage culture – outside and inside the church – in meaningful, relevant dialogue. We currently do NOT publish fiction or children’s books. However, we are looking for books that strongly apply the Bible to life, encourage a deeper Christian life and move toward justice for all life. Kim will teach workshop 2A, “Author/Editor Relationship,” in place of Robyn Burwell who is unable to come. Kim’s description of this important workshop: Why this relationship is as critical to the writing process as a good manuscript. Trust, respect and open communication are three of the key elements to be discussed.

6. And one more magazine editor who also did not make the brochure.Amber Weigand-Buckley, Managing Editor, ONCOURSE magazine, also will be representing four other periodicals: Enrichment – A Journal for Pentecostal Ministry, God’s Word for Today, Live,and Take Five Plus Youth Devotional Guide. Check out her bio and editorial needs on the Periodical Editors page. Amber will be teaching “Writing for Teens: Helping a Generation Connect with Jesus and Filter the World” in place of Workshop 2G, “Writing Fiction Children Want to Read” that Tony Bonds, who is unable to come, was going to teach.

7. One-on-one appointments. CCWC offers Thursday through Saturday conferees the opportunity to meet one-on-one for 15-minutes with FOUR agents, editors, or authors with the opportunity to sign up for additional appointments Thursday after lunch.

It’s not too late to register or, if necessary, to request a partial scholarship and/or time payments.

Father, thank You in advance for all You will do through this year’s CCWC. I know lives will be changed for eternity through the words our conferees will write and publish

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Making the impossible – possible!

Posted in Called to write, Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Overcoming self-doubts, Publishing journey, Writing Nonfiction Books on April 17, 2012| Leave a Comment »

I knew God had called me to write a book. What I didn’t know was if I could do it. As my friend, Gayle Roper, once said, “There’s a big difference between a book and a magazine article – like 250 pages difference.”

To be honest, there were days the last thing I wanted to do was work on the book. The evil one’s lies grew louder and more insistent. “What makes you think anyone would want to read what you’ve written?” My self-doubts intensified. I wanted to run from what I still knew God was calling me to do.

“He who believes need never run away again,” I read in Isaiah 28:16 (TLB).

Exactly 365 days after I had committed to finish the book in a year, I completed the manuscript. And then the waiting began. Some of you know that the manuscript was rejected by 42 publishers over a five year period. Finally, the 43rd editor to see the manuscript accepted it for publication.

Looking back I’m amazed that I didn’t give up. I certainly wanted to give up. But God wouldn’t let me, and I’m so glad I didn’t. Had I given up, eight other books would never have been published. I wouldn’t have known the joy of serving on the faculty of over 70 Christian writers’ conferences and giving my one and two day writing seminars over 50 times around the nation. The Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference would not have been birthed 30 years ago, and the awesome privilege of directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference for 17 years would never have happened.

What about you? Is God calling you to write an article or story, a book or even a screenplay? Does it seem impossible? Do you feel you lack the writing skills to make it happen? Are you stuck and the words aren’t flowing? Do you have a completed manuscript that you’ve not been able to sell? Are you discouraged and ready to run from God’s call?

I know the Colorado or Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference can be a turning point for you and your writing ministry. It’s not too late to register for the May 15-18 Colorado conference and to schedule one-on-one appointments with FOUR editors, agents, or authors if you attend Thursday through Saturday. Secure online registration for the July 31 – August 3 Greater Philly conference will open April 15.

Trust Father to make a way –

  •  Logistically – Friends babysat my three children so I could attend the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference for a number of years.
  • Financially – We often “have not because we ask not.” I want to encourage you to approach your church family and your friends if you need help. They may welcome the opportunity to invest in your writing ministry. My pastor paid for my first writers conference and provided the accountability I needed afterwards to not waste what he invested in me. The conferences do not have any full scholarships to offer this year, but partial scholarships up to 50% of the cost of registration are possible. The scholarship application is not yet posted for the Philly conference. For Colorado’s application click here. Time payments can be arranged if necessary.

 Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief. Help me to have faith in You knowing that You can make all things possible.

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