Interview with Mom 2 Mom Connection...

I recently did an interview with Mom 2 Mom Connection.com.

Tricia Goyer: Mom, Writer, and Encourager
If you’re a writing parent, the time you have to write is more precious than gold. You need to write; God has given you talent and a calling, yet does it ever seem like an impossible dream that your words will be published?
Today, we’re visited by a PROLIFIC, talented young mom, who has written a million books. OK, not a million, but Tricia Goyer is one of the most amazingly busy writers I know. We had a book giveaway here in November, and one of you won a free signed copy of Tricia’s newest non-fiction book for parents, Generation NeXT Parenting.
Tricia is extremely active in the blogosphere, giving away her words to encourage and uplift all of her readers. Her personal blog is called It’s a Real Life, but she also encourages aspiring writers at her Writer Quotes blog which contains favorite quotes and Tricia’s thoughts on them.
She’s a member of the Christian Authors Network (CAN) where she blogs about marketing for writers. She’s a regular contributor to Girls, God, and the Good Life, along with several other authors who specialize in writing for teen girls. You can also read her encouragement for writing parents at Writer … Interrupted.
Since Tricia also writes historical novels, she contributes to Favorite PASTimes, where several writers explore insights on writing, reading, viewing and researching historical fiction. And there’s more! Her website, Unforgettable Stories of WW II is another place Tricia Goyer shares her passion for World War II memories. She has interviewed many veterans to help research her historical novels.

Finish reading the interview and then read through her blog.

It's a fab resource community for connecting moms! She covers a ton of topics: entertainment, parenting, mothering, recipes, tips, ideas...it's a great find!

Guest Blogger...Dena Dyer

Top Ten Things I’ve Learned as a Writer:

10. Not every other Christian writer is nice—but not every editor is mean, either.

9. My children’s desire to “hold you mommy” increases as my deadline nears.

8. My desire for my own mommy increases as my deadline nears.

7. Fellow writers are the coolest people on the planet…at least most of them (see #10).

6. Writers’ conferences are refreshing and exhausting at the same time.

5. Getting a book contract makes you feel like a “real writer”…for the first five minutes.

4. Rejection, and waiting to hear about submissions, does not get any easier.

3. Finding a good agent is harder than finding a good publisher.

2. Finding a good publisher is getting more and more difficult if you don’t have big sales numbers.

1. Even with all the difficult aspects of writing, I still wouldn’t trade my job for anything. I get to play with words all day—in my PJ’s, if I want to!

Dena is the proud wife of Carey and mom of Jordan and Jackson. When she’s not desperately trying to find her keys, she enjoys writing books such as The Groovy Chicks’ Road Trip to Love (Cook, co-compiled with Laurie Copeland) and short pieces for magazines like Family Circle and Parenting. For more information, visit www.denadyer.com.

Moments with God

(photo of me with my sister, Lesley who visited two weeks ago--aren't we adorable?)

Near the end of a deadline(s) an amazing thing happens to my daily Bible reading--it literally doubles in length. When I assign myself the number of chapters I write PER DAY, then it would be easy to write-off spending an hour in God's Word and prayer. Instead, I make sure to schedule this time in . . . yes, even when each precious minute writing counts.

The thing is, God seems to multiply my time. Not only that, it's just AMAZING that my devotional books often provide the VERY quote or idea that I need.

For example, last Thursday I knew one of the chapters I would be writing that day dealt with the topic of peer pressure. And, in my daily devotional time, I just "happened" to read this quote by Beth Moore:

"Approval and servanthood are connected because we become immediate slaves to the person(s) from who we seek approval. You can trust only One to constantly be on the lookout for your best interest. Only one holds the future in His hands and knows your part in that future. Only One cares for you with a perfect and unconditional love. Only One can make 'all things work together for good' (Romans 8:28, KJV). ~Beth Moore, Living Beyond Yourself, p. 15

That one thought centered my thinking and became the theme for my chapter. After all, isn't that what teen girls deal with ... seeking the approval of others and not realizing that when they allow someone to influence their dress, actions, talk etc. they're actually a slave to that person?

This is only one example. Time and time again when I need the perfect quote or Bible verse, I find it during my daily devotional time. Not only that, the more frantic my deadlines are, the MORE I need God.

So . . . don't think you have time to read God's Word and pray today? That only means one thing: you better double up on the minutes you'd planned to set aside. Cuz friend, you need them. You need HIM. Just like I do.

10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Writing...By Chris Well

10 Things I Wish I'd Known About Writing


1) All the research in the world is useless if you don't sit down and
write the book.

2) Your efforts at self-promotion do not supplement the effort of your
publisher -- but, in fact, are a desperate attempt to fill the gap for
all the things your publisher could have (should have) done ... or
could have (should have) done differently.

3) No matter how much you wait by the phone, Oprah ain't gonna call. Or
Diane Sawyer. Or Matt Lauer. (Or Jerry Springer.)

4) The greatest story hook in the world is useless if your publisher
refuses to include it in any of the catalog or marketing copy. (Or, for
that matter, on the cover of the book itself.)

5) It doesn't help to gripe about what went wrong with your last book
-- you've got to keep pushing forward.

6) The greatest book in the world won't sell if your friends can't find
it -- and strangers never hear about it.

7) If your last name falls toward the end of the alphabet, you really
should consider a pen-name that falls somewhere around the middle.

8) No matter how much you try to fool yourself, watching TV is (mostly)
not "research."

9) When the manager of the local bookstore admits they have never heard
of you, do not resort to violence. (Showing up in the police blotter is
not "publicity.")

10) Don't make jokes about being arrested. (People think you're serious.)

Chris Well is a novelist and magazine editor.
His next novel, the comedy thriller TRIBULATION HOUSE (Harvest House),
is already acclaimed by Colleen Coble and Alton Gansky, among others.
Find him online at
http://www.StudioWell.com and http://www.myccm.org/ChrisWell

Marketing Blog...Check it Out!

I belong to Christians Author's Network (CAN), 50 or so authors connected together to help each other market books. You can visit our website at www.christianauthorsnetwork.com.

I had the privilege, along with Mary E. DeMuth, to launch a blog for CAN that focuses exclusively on marketing your books. http://canblog.typepad.com/

Anything and everything you'd ever need to know about marketing, you can find at this site. Some topics covered include:
* Promotional mailings
* How to best use what Amazon.com offers
* Book signings
* How writing for magazines helps book sales
* The best way to blog
* Giveaways
* Creating good relationships with local retailers
* How to find your niche
* Marshmallow marketing (patented by Susan Meissner-great posts!)
* TV and radio publicity
* Podcasting
* Newsletter/ezine how-to's
* Developing a speaking platform

This is just a snapshot of the things we cover. With two people posting each day except Sunday, there is a lot of variety and loads of interesting and helpful information.

10 Things I Wish I Had Known About Writing...

10 Things I Wish I had Known by Michelle Sutton


1. That major back pain and numerous trips to the chiropractor or massage therapist may be required after typing for several days in a row.

2. That an ergonomic chair and desk is essential to tame/reduce the burning sensation in your shoulders and back.

3. That you really DO need to read books on writing if you want to write something good enough to actually sell.

4. That every time I had a great idea I'd want to write a book about it, and that my creativity level would shoot through the roof.

5. That "normals" who don't write really don't want to hear about my writing endeavors.

6. That at times your spouse and/or kids may become insanely jealous and accuse you of loving a plastic box with a hard drive and a hard head more than them just because you are "on a roll" with developing your story and on a writing streak.

7. That while you understand that rejection isn't a personal attack, it still hurts to have your "baby" not appreciated by the reader/editor like your friends/family appreciate it.

8. That I'd have to constantly educate people that writing a book and getting published (and having the book on the shelf) does not happen in a 3 to 6 months timeframe.

9. That sometimes listening to people who critique but aren't published themselves can actually hinder your creativity and your chances of getting published, so you need know when to listen and when to toss their feedback aside.

10. That it takes years to perfect the craft and even experienced writers have their weaknesses, so it's okay for my writing to not be perfect in rough draft form as well.

Michelle Sutton
"Writing truth into fiction"
Great Beginnings finalist 2005
writer/book reviewer - check out my latest reviews by going to my blog! http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
www.michellesutton.net

Christian Books on NPR

Sunday morning edition of NPR had some interesting things to say about the rise in sales of Christian books

NPR's Martha Woodruff said, "Sales of books on religion have sold to a wider audience since the Sept. 11 attacks. Now retailers such as Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble are creating much more room for religious titles. Writers are taking notice...

you can listen to the rest of the segment here.

Making the Popular List

Okay, after spending a FUN 10 days with my sister, I'm back at work. And ... when I checked my email this morning, I got exciting news.

This week I'm excited to announce my novel, Arms of Deliverance, (released in October) is #5 on Technorati due to the efforts of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. What is Technorati? What is the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance?

First of all, here is the link with my novel at #5 of the most popular books being talked about in the world of BLOGS.

Of course, I'm writing this on 1/22 ... and if you're reading this at a later date it might not be there any longer. One can only wish!

The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance understands the power of spreading the word about Christian novels through blogging. Each week they choose a book to highlight, they compile information about the book, and then members post this information on their individual blogs. Here is the write up they did on Arms of Deliverance.

In addition to that, my publisher also sent copies of Arms of Deliverance to CFBA members for review or to give-away on their blogs.

These "visits" of my book to the various blogs are considered a blog tour. One of the most important aspects blog tours is the link to my book. This is what Technorati reads to determine which book is being talked about the most, at one time, in the blogging world.

For more information, check out the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance website. (Or just look in my sidebar!)

They also have a Christian Fiction Blog MySpace . . . and, of course, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Blog

If you're interested in spreading information about your book . . . or helping others do the same, consider joining CFBA. Also, be sure to check out ALL the features on Technorati. Even if you don't blog yourself, you can search for blogs you're interested in and even keep track of the favorites you love to read . . . including this one!

10 Things I Wish I Had Known by DiAnn Mills

10 Things I Wish I Had Known...

1. Research doesn't mean a jaunt to the library or sailing through cyberspace. It means a trip into your characters' lives.

2. Some critics are like boo birds that sit on their lofty power lines and crap (mess) on those beneath them.

3. When I grow up, I will know the difference between lie and lay and sit and set. Until then, my characters will rest and stand.

4. All my characters are blind because I don't really know them until they crawl into the shower and start speaking to me.

5. True success is a hundred pages without an adverb.

6. Emotional pain knocks at the writer's heart and bleeds onto the written page.

7. Do you know how a writer and a flock of geese are alike? They both have a higher calling.

8. A good writer knows all the weirdoes in his family are a compilation of himself.

9. A good writer knows that cutting the flab adds muscle and reduces the fat in his manuscript.

10. A writer's tools are his words -- add to them daily, memorize their meanings, and learn to spell them like a first place kid in a spelling bee.

http://www.diannmills.com/
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has twenty novels, fifteen novellas, a non fiction book, several articles, and short stories. She has sold more than a million books.
DiAnn believes her readers should “Expect an Adventure.” Her desire is to show characters solving real problems from a Christian perspective through a compelling story.
DiAnn is a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Inspirational Writers Alive, Chi Libris, Christian Authors Network, and Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops. She is also a mentor for Jerry Jenkins’s Christian Writers Guild.

NEBRASKA LEGACY - Barbour Publishing - February 2006
LEATHER AND LACE - Barbour Publishing - February 2006
WHEN THE SHADOW FALLS from MACKINAC ISLAND - Barbour Publishing - May 2006
LANTERNS AND LACE - Barbour Publishing - September 2006

Where in the eWorld is Tricia Goyer...

Well, I've got two books turned into my editors and just one left to go!

Let's see where I've been while I've been busy writing...

Coffee Time Romance: http://www.coffeetimeromance.com:80/BookReviews/Armsofdeliverance.html

Arms of Deliverance is intense, on the edge of your seat entertaining drama. The stories of the three women unfold into a magnificent full-scale event showing each of their strength, fortitude and love they have for others. I will never forget the dedication that Mary, Lee and Katherine displayed in this book, or the great men who fought the war to bring them to safety while enduring the hardships they had to endure. Tricia Goyer pens a poignant read with excellent writing, and moments that send chilling sensations to the heart hoping the outcome will be one of well being. The well-rounded secondary characters make a great addition to this story. Ms. Goyer puts the reader inside the action, allows one to fall in love with the characters and brings life to the pages...

Bankrupt By Christy Lockstein

I'm currently reading Generation NeXt Parenting by Tricia Goyer, and it has to be one of the most interesting and insightful parenting books I've ever read. She addresses issues most books don't touch upon and does so in a way that ...

From Dust and AshesBy Jocelyn Andersen(Jocelyn Andersen)

The story is compelling, set against a fascinating background with covincing characters who turn out to be quite unpredictable. This story not only has heart but surprises as well. Tricia Goyer spins a good yarn...

The Hungry Hearts Book Review - http://thehungryheartsbookreview

A Christian Writer's World

I love a person who writes interesting historical novels with such authenticity. You'd almost think she actually lived during the time period...

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2006/12/tricia-goyer-very-interesting-author.html

Surviving Motherhood

Generation Next Parenting is filled with quotes from other GenX parents and I often found myself nodding, thinking, “Yes. That’s how I feel,” or wanting to search out an individual to say, “Me, too! How did you resolve that issue?” Tricia’s words are filled with grace, assuring us we can parent “right,” even if it isn’t the same way our parents did it. I love that she points her readers to God’s Word and encourages prayer in everything...

http://surviving-motherhood.blogspot.com/2007/01/generation-next-parenting.html

Soul Reflections

The fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II...

http://www.debrand387.blogspot.com/

A firm foundation

Yesterday my sister, kids, and family friends had fun on the ice. They played and slid and goofed off on a frozen lake.

As they played, they heard the ice creak and crack. And even though the ice was 6-inches, they could hear the water sloshing underneath.

I made me think of our ONLY firm foundation. Do you know what (or WHO) that is?

See the last photo for the answer.

CFBA Blog Tour--ME!

Well, Arms of Deliverance is on the blog tour for this week...

check it out: http://christianfictionblogalliance.blogspot.com

Trivia Answers...

So how did you do? Let's find out...

1. The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends....boxing.

2. The North American landmark constantly moving backward...Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)

3. The only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons....asparagus and rhubarb.

4. The only sport in which the ball is always in possession of the team on defense, and the offensive team can score without touching the ball....baseball.

5. The fruit with its seeds on the outside...strawberry.

6. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.

7. Three English words beginning with dw...dwarf, dwell, and dwindle.

8. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar: period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation marks, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses.

9. The original lakes referred to in Lakers...in Minnesota. The team was originally known as the Minneapolis Lakers, and kept the name when they moved west.

10. The seven ways a baseball player can legally reach first base without getting a hit...taking a base on balls (a walk), batter hit by a pitch, passed ball, catcher interference, catcher drops third strike, fielder's choice, and being designated as a pinch-runner.

11. The only vegetable or fruit never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh...lettuce.

12. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with "S"... Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

Monday Trivia...

Calling all brainiacs...So, you think you know everything, eh? Well let's see...

I'll give you the questions today, and the answers, tomorrow... don't you hate waiting? :)

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. Name the only sport in which the ball is always in possession of the team on defense, and the offensive team can score without touching the ball?

5. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

6. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

7. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters "dw" and they are all common words. Name two of them.

8. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?

9. Where are the lakes that are referred to in the Los Angeles Lakers?

10. There are 7 ways a baseball player can legally reach first base without getting a hit. Taking a base on balls (a walk) is one way. Name the other 6.

11. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

1 2. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter "S."

Good Luck!!

First work, then play ...

(Leslie with cousin Tyler)

First work and then play.

I'm very happy to say that my novel A Shadow of Treason is finished and was emailed to my editor last week. My editor loved it. (Did I share that already?!) That novel will be out this fall.

Also, my book Generation NeXt Marriage is finished! I just have to do a little editing and then it's off to the editor Monday. God has been good!

Now, it's time to play. And I've already started. My sister, Lesley, and nephew Ty have come for vacation. They've arrived just in time to catch our heat wave. I think it was up to 3 degrees today!

We drove up to Glacier National Park. We could only drive in 9 miles, but that was okay. We got out, snapped a few photos and drove to Dairy Queen. Tonight we played an exciting game of Monoply. I came in third after the property hogs John and my sister! Some people.

(Tyler showing off his airplanes.)

(Lesley with her fuzzy winter hat.)


(Uncle John playing with Ty.)

10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Catherine West

Ten things I Wish I'd Known...

1. Just because your best friend tells you your writing is wonderful,doesn't mean it is.

2. Finishing a manuscript does not mean it's ready to be sent out toZondervan the next day.

3. Rejection hurts.

4. Writing is hard work.

5. Writing is not a hobby, or an occupation, it's an obsession.

6. Editors and agents are actually real people.

7. They do not have my picture tacked to their wall framed in a redbull's eye.

8. They do not have my picture tacked to their wall framed in gold,titled "The Next Karen Kingsbury."

9. Critique partners are valuable, but to thine own self be true.

10. I am not neurotic. I am a writer.

Catherine West is a full-time mom, and writes Women's Fictionfor the Christian Market. Having completed two manuscripts, andworking on a third, she is actively pursuing publication.Educated in Bermuda, England and Canada, Catherine holds a BA degreein English, from the University of Toronto. She and her family liveon the beautiful island of Bermuda. Catherine is happily married andenjoys an active life in the community, as well as her church, whereshe is presently involved in leading Women’s Ministry.

As an author of Christian fiction, she hopes not onlyto entertain her readers, but also to share the good news of thegospel of Jesus Christ through her books.Catherine's Website: http://www.catherinewest.ca

CFBA Blog Tour--A Pagan's Nightmare by Ray Blackston

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ray Blackston of Greenville, South Carolina, worked as a buyer and a broker for eleven years before cashing in his modest 401k and leaving his corporate cubicle in 2000 to write full time. He is a graduate of the University of south Carolina, with a degree in Finance and Economics.
He serves on the drama team at his church, participates in a weekly men's accountability group, serves on the missions committee of his church, has traveled to rural Ecuador on a summer missions program, and coaches his seven-year-old nephew, Action Jackson, in T-Ball.
When he is not crafting a new novel, is exploring south Carolina beaches with friends and family. He competes in golf tournaments, leads a writers' critique group, and relives his youth through a large collection of eighties music!
His first novel Flabbergasted was one of three finalists for the Christy Award for best first novel, and was chosen as Inspirational Novel of the Year by the Dallas Morning News

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Pagan's Nightmare
Christians can buy gas for twelve cents a gallon, while everyone else (the pagans, that is) have to pay $6.66. The radio stations alter all song lyrics to conform to "Christian" standard--the Beatles belt out "I Wanna Hold Your Tithe"; ABBA's "Dancing Queen" becomes "Dancing's Wrong". Even French fries, newly labeled "McScriptures", are tools for evangelism.
Larry's novel is a big hit with his agent, Ned. But Ned's wife..a committed Southern Babtist...is less than amused. And Larry has yet to show the manuscript to his new girlfriend, even though he's made her the unsuspecting heroine. It will take deft handling from both men to keep their lives and their relationships intact when the world witnesses A Pagan's Nightmare.

Ray's website link is : http://www.rayblackston.com/

The book link is : http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446579599

Meet Jake...

Yeah!

A Shadow of Treason was mailed to my editor today. Can you see my smile?!

Also . . . holidays, multiple book deadlines, and a sore tailbone didn't seem to be challenging enough, so on Tuesday we got a puppy!

(He is 7 weeks old and is 1/2 Scottie and 1/2 Pomeranian.)

Jake makes a great paperweight. He is my writing muse. He's a wonderful distraction, too!

Isn't he sweet?!

Bloggie Awards

GET OUT AND VOTE!!

Did you all know that there's an annual blog contest, and the blog of the year will win the coveted "Bloggie" award.

I just heard about it over the weekend from a friend. I think the voting ends tomorrow. You can submit nominations for a variety of categories. So, if you enjoy reading blogs, go nominate your your favs :http://2007.bloggies.com/

There are some super fab blogs out there, let's get them seen!

CFBA Blog Tour - Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith

Meet Marilynn Griffith, writer and mother of 7!!!

Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and If the Shoe Fits (Steeple Hill Cafe', 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith@gmail.com.

Tangerine is the third book in the Shades of Style Novels.

Fans of Pink and Jade will eat up Tangerine, the third book in the cutting-edge Shades of Style series. Jean Guerra, a designer at Garments of Praise design firm, doesn't like surprises. These days though, the unexpected meets her everywhere. Since Jean's return to the church a year ago, her God-encounters occur with increasing frequency, along with thoughts of her husband-the one she vowed to divorce and gave up on long ago. The one nobody at work knows about, not even her best friend, Lily, or her boss, Chenille. But when the designer assigned to work with Jean on a line of men's suits shows up, her heart flips. It's her husband, Nigel Salvador. Jean is finally rendered speechless. Can her bruised heart become whole enough to love again? Or will she remain in the trenches of loneliness forever?

The book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800730429
Marilynn's website link: http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

Calling All Mommies...It's A Giveaway!

Hello all...sorry to exclude anyone who isn't a mother, but I've got a contest going on my Gen X blog, www.genxparents.blogspot.com.


Scoot on over to the blog, check out Karen Hossink's "Confessions of an Irritable Mother" and leave a comment. I'll be randomly choosing a winner from those who leave a comment.



Good Luck!

10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Kay Strom

Things I wish I’d Known… About Traveling


1.. No one in Sudan cares if you wear the same thing you wore in Egypt and India and Singapore.

2.. Contrary to popular American belief, most people in the world DON’T speak English.

3.. Never ask what you’re eating before you swallow.

4.. Water unfit for drinking is also unfit for brushing teeth.

5.. Always take tissues with you to the bathroom.

6.. It you’re thirsty enough, water buffalo milk is delicious.

7.. Always learn a few words of greeting—and of gratitude—in the local language.

8.. A digital camera is worthless without an operating battery.

9.. Write in your journal every day. By the next day, the vivid pictures begin to fade.

10.. Load up on local handicrafts. They’re worth a fortune on eBay!

Kay Marshall Strom is the author of 31 books, several of which have required that she travel the world collecting stories. She also speaks at retreats, conferences and special events around the country.

Website:
www.kaystrom.com
Kay Marshall Strom
1025 Camino del Retiro
Santa Barbara, California 93110

Encouragement for the New Year!

While researching for my new book on Marriage, I came across these "fun facts", in Sharon Jaynes' book, Dreams of a Woman.

If you've ever had one of those days (months, years) when you feel like quitting, then read on!

After Fred Astaire's first screen test in 1933, the director noted, "Can't act! Slightly bald. Can dance a little."

Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, was encouraged to find work as a servant or seamstress.

Beethoven's violin teacher once told him he was a "hopeless composer."

Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas.

Thomas Edison's teacher said he was too stupid to learn anything.

Albert Einstein didn't speak until he was four years old and didn't read until he was seven. His teachers described him as mentally slow.

Isaac Newton did poorly in grade school.

Babe Ruth, when he retired from baseball, set the home run record (714), but he also held hte record for the most strikeouts (1,330).

Winston Churchill failed sixth grade.

And...One basketball player missed 9,000 shots in his career. he lost more than 300 games. Twenty-six times he was trusted to take the game's winning shot and missed. His name is Michael Jordan. He said, "I've failed over and over again in my life. And that's why I succed.

10 Things I Wish I Had Known by Kevin Lucia

10 Things I Wish I Had Known


1.. That manuscripts sent in by nineteen year-old high school graduates WITHOUT self-addressed stamped envelopes usually are not returned.

2.. That when you've typed the bulk of the manuscript in #1 on a word processor, not keeping a copy before sending it in without a SASE is not a good thing.

2.. A 180,000 word manuscript is a little hard to market as a non-published writer.

3.. How important it is to establish yourself in the writing field as a WRITER first, then aim for novelist.

4.. That literary agents who send you a contract that looks like it was made in MS Word. 3.1 with really bad clip art is PROBABLY not legit.

5.. Having a website and a blog doesn't guarantee you'll become the next Stephen King overnight.

6.. How important it is to keep copies of EVERYTHING you've written if it gets published - even if it's for free, $10, for your college literary journal, or for a small-town newspaper. I lost several years worth of publication credits this way.

7.. That adverbs aren't always the best way to go.

8.. Good dialog is learned by observing the way people speak, and talking lots with people - not watching movies: "Great Scott!". "Caesar's Ghost!" and "I'm a doctor - not a grammar mechanic, Jim!"

9.. To always back up everything, relentlessly and obsessively. Again - too many re-writes because of not doing this!

10.. That you need to simply push on and finish a rough draft, saving your editing for the second draft. Otherwise, you'll spend two years continually re-writing the first half of your manuscript without finishing it!

Kevin Lucia
Kevin Lucia writes for The Baptist Voice, The Country Courier, Infuze, and Title Trakk, and edits the official newsletter for the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. He lives with his wife Abby and daughter Madison in Castle Creek, New York.
http://www.kevinlucia.net/
www.kevinlucia.net/bookreviews