Query Letters/Reviews/Rainbow/Devo/Recipe

1.  Writing query letters is right up there with the synopsis and book proposal in the dread factor. Jennifer Slattery guest posts at Zoe M. McCarthy's blog and gives some valuable tips on crafting a dynamite query letter.

2.  If you've put your novel or non-fiction baby out into the world, you'll eventually face the inevitable one-star review. Writer Unboxed shares the top two reasons a reader will leave a bad review.

3.  Anyone who has read the story of Noah and the Ark knows what the rainbow means. God put it in the sky after the great flood as a covenant never to destroy the earth again in this manner. To restore the original meaning of the rainbow, the ministry that owns the replica of Noah's Ark has lit it in these colors. Check out this article on Breaking Christian News.

4.  Susan Panzica talks about being a bride and relates it to us as the Bride of Christ. Don't miss this lovely analogy.

5.  Ooo, I want to try these Blueberry Galettes. They look yummy and easy. Check out the recipe at JoCooks.

Writers:  How do you process negative reviews?

Readers:  What did you think of the article on reasons for negative reviews? Do you have a policy when it comes to reviewing books?

Photo Credit:  zenek brzeszcz

Time Thieves/5 Common Mistakes/Nat'l Day of Prayer/Milestones/Comparison

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, talks about an issue common to all of us - time thieves. What actions are robbing you of your time?

2.  Jerry B. Jenkins talks about The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Beginners' Manuscripts. This is a must-read for newbies and a great refresher for the more advanced writer.

3.  Jonathan Cahn Opens National Day of Prayer With Prophetic Warning. Powerful. Only a revival will save this nation.

4.  Jeanette Levellie, at Hope Splashes, talks about milestone birthdays.

5.  Susan Panzica, at Eternity Cafe, talks about, The Comparison Thief." It's short, but packs quite a punch.

Writers:  Did Edie Melson's list ring an "uh-oh" bell? Please share.

Readers:  Have you had any tough milestone birthdays? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Brad Harrison

Speech Tags/TK/Free Speech/Hacking/Congrats

1.  Adam Blumer guest posts at Seriously Write on an alternative to speech tags. Writing dialogue can be tricky, but he gives some excellent tips.

2.  Tracy Hahn-Burkett guest posts at Writer Unboxed on to TK or Not to TK? I had no clue what "TK" was much less whether or not to do it. It's when you come to a place in your manuscript where you need to fill in a detail. Rather than stop writing, you insert TK to indicate the need for research. For example: (TK - name of local newspaper).

3.  WND reports on how San Diego's city employees are forbidden to use the term, "Founding Fathers." Check out the article about the attack on free speech.

4.   It's unfortunate, but social media hacking occurs more frequently than we realize. Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives tips on how to reduce your vulnerability.

5.   Author Susan Panzica has a new website. She's also received interest on three of her manuscripts at a writers conference. I hope you'll pop over to her site and get to know a lovely writer. Congratulations, Susan!

Writers:  Do you press on when you discover the need for additional research or do you stop everything?

Readers:  How do you discover new authors or blogs?

Photo Credit:  John Pilge

Contracts/Blog/Censorship/Devo/Cover Design

1.  Signing a publishing contract is a serious matter. Susan Spann guest posts at Writers in The Storm and talks about, "When Is a Book Out of Print." Knowing this information can mean the difference between getting your rights back or being stuck in a never-ending contract. This applies to both traditional and self-publishing contracts.

2.  Elaine Stock's blog has long been a favorite. She recently announced that Everyone's Story has moved to http://www.elainestock.com/blog/  

3.  I was particularly interested in this WND article on Costco's pulling of Dinesh De-souza's book, America - Imagine The World Without Her. People were outraged and expressed it. I wrote to Costco and gave them my opinion. Only when 17,000 Costco members went on the retail giant's website and put a picture of themselves cutting up their Costco cards did they sit up and take notice.

4.  Susan Panzica at Eternity Cafe, did a post for the New Year that I thought had great value. Forget it! or Remember? I apologize this is so late, but it got lost among my emails. By the way, Susan has a wonderful Christmas Book out called, "Mary Had A Little Lamb."

5.  I came across this article on Facebook. Cover design is crucial to the success of your book. Check it out.

Writers:  If you've had a book traditionally or Indie published, how were you involved with the cover selection?

Readers: What kind of impact does the book cover have on your choice whether or not to buy a title?

Photo Credit:  Michelle Seixes

Strategy/Social Media/Illegals/Devo/Description

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy examines the subject of, "A Smart Strategy: Let Readers Write Portions of Our Stories." Think about all the obvious details we know about a hospital room and then avoid describing them in your story. She goes on to say that "...too much description kills a readers engagement." Fascinating stuff.

2.  Do you know your Social Media I.Q.? Jennifer Brown Banks summarizes the advantages/drawbacks of several social media platforms.

3.  Rick Marschall, of Mondayministry.com blog, writes we'll soon be the Illegals.

4.  Susan Panzica, at Eternity Cafe, shares her reflections on Homeward Bound.

5.  Jerry Jenkins talks about why readers skip over crucial parts of our stories.

 

Writers:  How do you increase readers' interest in your story?

Readers:  Are there parts of a story that you skim over? What are they?

Photo Credit:  xx lawrence

Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Mary Had a Little Lamb by Susan Panzica

There are many Christmas books available for readers, but this one is so special. Susan Panzica has written a beautifully illustrated re-telling of the Christmas story for children. She also includes some facts at the end that will appeal to adult readers.

If you're looking for a book to read your kids during the Christmas season, grab this one. Susan's daughter and son enjoyed her poem as children. Now, your little ones can as well.

Here's the blurb:

"Destined to be a new Christmas classic, MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB tells more than the familiar Christmas story. With beautiful illustrations, contagious rhyme, and a powerful surprise ending, it tells us all what Christmas is really about, imparting essential life lessons, most importantly, that God is real and speaks to us today. A parent guide provides myth-busters and key talking points to bring truth and deeper meaning to the well-known story."

Susan will give away one print copy of her book to a commenter via a drawing. To be eligible you must be a resident of the U.S. This giveaway is void where prohibited.

Disclaimer: The blogger has not received any payment for this book spotlight and giveaway. My short review at the top is my honest opinion. 

Congratulations, Susan, on your book!

Conflict/Role Models/Late Bloomers/Religion/Content Editing

1.  Piper Bayard guest posts at Writers in the Storm. She explores the layers of conflict in your story. We all know that without tension, a story falls flat. If you want some ideas on how to incorporate this element into your manuscript, this is an excellent place to start.

2.  Sara Goff guest posts at Everyone's Story. I love this quote: "You might be surprised to discover that while pursuing your own goals, you are also being a role model to others. Hang in there!" You never know how your example of perseverance is encouraging others whether you're a writer or involved in some other endeavor.

3.  Are you a late bloomer? I am. Susan Panzica, at Eternity Cafe, shares her inspirational story.

4.  While Christianity and the Bible have been kicked out of public schools, guess what religion is being promoted instead? WND reports on the indoctrination of our children.

5.  Editing - a word that makes my nose wrinkle and a shiver go down my spine. A lot of writers say it's their favorite part of writing. Jean Fischer takes the mystique out of one form of editing: the Content Edit. Half the battle is knowing what to look for and how to make the necessary corrections. Thanks, Jean!

Writers and Readers: Who was your most influential role model? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Sigurd Decroos

Marketing/Frustration/Devo/Videos/Dessert Recipe

1.  I came across this article on 44 Proven Ways to Market and Sell Your Self-Published Book. Even if you're not self-published, there are some excellent ideas here.

2.  Laurel Garver, at Laurel's Leaves, gives tips on Writerly Frustration and how to deal with it.

3.  Susan Panzica's recent experience with an overgrown garden prompted much introspection. Check out this thoughtful post. She gives us a lot to consider.

4.  WND reports on the suppression of the Planned Parenthood videos by two judges and how to get around it. Every time I think of what they're doing to these infants, some of them born alive, I'm horrified. I can only imagine how God views these horrendous practices.

5.  All my family and friends know how much I love chocolate. Pair it with peanut butter, and my heart skips a beat or two. Here's a recipe from Kraftrecipes.com that I'd like to try. If you try it first, will you let me know how it turns out?

Writers:  How do you deal with Writerly Frustrations? Have you used them to communicate that feeling and the tension it causes in your writing? Please share.

Readers:  Do you pin recipes on Pinterest or save them for future reference? Have you actually tried any of them?

Photo Credit: Ket Quang

Pitch/Rescue/Blog/Devos

1. With conference season upon us, crafting a dynamite elevator pitch may make the difference between a request for a full or partial proposal and being sent home empty handed. Writers In The Storm give excellent instructions on how to produce a great one or two sentence pitch.

2.  Fox News star, Greta Van Susteran, goes all out to rescue Christians - She notes that her parents' generation said they didn't know what was happening to the Jews. Our generation cannot use that excuse. We see the evidence every day on the news and through the Internet. Check out this insightful article.

3.  Do you want people to find your blog? Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives valuable information on how to find labels and tags that will make the search engines sit up and take notice.

4.  Susan Panzica, at Eternity Cafe, wrote an insightful post on How Can I Know God's Will? I think you'll find it helpful.

5.  Marja Meijers, at Fresh Insights On Ancient Truths, talks about restored relationships.

Writers:  Do you have a one or two sentence pitch for your manuscript? Please share any tips you have on producing one.

Readers:  If you blog, what kinds of tags and labels do you use?

Photo Credit:  ilco

Tool Chest/Christianity/Devotional

1.  Dena Netherton, at My Father's World, My Father's Words, gives 7 Ways to Build Your Tool Chest. This is great advice for both writers and non-writers.

2.  Pamela Christian always writes unique blog posts on what Christianity is all about. She tackles the subject, "Distinctions Unique to Christianity," in her latest post.

3.  Susan Panzica posted this devotional for Presidents' Day. (Okay, I'm a little late to the party here, but I thought she made some excellent observations.)

Writers:  We've often talked about ways to prime the creative pump. What non-writing activity gets your ideas flowing?

Readers:  Do books (other than the Bible) inspire/influence your daily life? Please share.

Philippians 4:19

Photo Credit:  vierdrie

Are You Somebody?

Freedom. It's something most of us in the U.S. take for granted. Yet all over the world people are enslaved in the Human Trafficking trade. Yes, I capitalized it because it's a huge problem.

My friend, Susan Panzica, is the founder of The Justice Network, based in New Jersey. Her goal is to raise awareness and do whatever she can to help those in the clutches of modern-day slave traders.

Susan blogs at Eternity Cafe and Circles of Faith. She wrote a special post in January for Human Trafficking Month. I hope you'll pop over there and read it.

My books speak about freedom and what it would be like without it. If we ignore the plight of others, we might find ourselves faced with that reality. You may not think you can do much to alleviate the suffering, but you are somebody - somebody who cares.

Writers: How can you use your writing gift to raise awareness about the needs of others?

Readers:  Have you heard much about Human Trafficking?

Photo Credit:  Anitab0000

Conference Pictures and Report

Left to Right:  Jeanette Levellie, Susan Panzica, and yours truly. This picture was taken in the cafeteria during our lunch break on Saturday. The Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference has trained, encouraged, and given opportunities to writers for over 25 years.

Susan Panzica is a non-fiction writer/speaker. She's been published in a Chicken Soup Anthology, is co-founder of The Justice Network, and blogs at Eternity Cafe. She's also written a book, and I can't wait until some smart editor snatches it up and gets it published.

Jeanette Levellie is my favorite funny lady. She presented two workshops at the conference - one on time management and the other on humor. Check out her book: Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top. 

Here's Jeanette again during her humor workshop. She's a sought after speaker, vocalist, and writer. She blogs at Wings of Mirth and Worth.

Lisa Crayton, Freelance Writer/Author/Teacher, and I met at the Philly Conference years ago and have stayed in touch. She taught a Continuing Session (5 1-Hour Classes) this year on You CAN Write Magazine Articles. This talented friend loves pouring into aspiring and published writers alike.

My own conference experience involved re-connecting with friends, meeting new ones, and getting some excellent advice on marketing and promotion. This year's theme centered around Write His Answer. The keynote speakers challenged and gave conferees ideas on how to communicate the love of Jesus Christ in today's culture. I came home rejuvenated, encouraged, and ready to press forward.

Writers: Have you ever attended a writers conference? If you have, please share your most memorable moment.

Readers: What book is on your nightstand this week?

Pictures: Susan J. Reinhardt @Copyright 2014

Conference Pictures

My dear friend, Jeanette Levellie, and I finally met in person. Here she is at our regular "catch you after a workshop" spot at the base of the Learning Center stairs. Isn't this picture stunning? She's a beautiful lady--inside and out. :)

The figures you see in the background are part of a nativity scene.

It must have been near the end of the day. I look tired (but definitely happy).

From Left to Right: Barbara Higby, Jeanette Levellie, and Susan Panzica

Barbara is a new friend. We hit it off right away.

She and Susan came to the conference together.

Susan and I met here two years ago.

From Left to Right: Susan J. Reinhardt, Jeanette Levellie, and Elaine W. Miller.

Elaine is an author and speaker. She taught a workshop at the conference. We met on the

Internet through our friend, Diane Estrella.  Hi, Diane! Sorry you couldn't join us.

Here's Jen going over her notes for the next editor meeting. Isn't the setting gorgeous?

To the left of the picture is a small lake with ducks and geese. We

enjoyed getting some refreshment for the soul.

If you ever get an opportunity to attend the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, jump at it. We had a fabulous time!

What is your favorite part of a writers' conference? The workshops, the editor/agent/author meetings, or networking with other writers?