September 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Planting Hope by Brenda S. Anderson — Jess Beaumont is trying to get her separated parents together again by restoring the family cabin gardens that helped them fall in love. Luke Harrison inherited his Gran’s candy store, but would …
ACFW Conference Prayer – For All Attending to Rest in God’s Timing (Day 21)
2017 ACFW CONFERENCE – 40 DAYS OF PRAYER DAY 21 – 8/31/17 – FOR ALL ATTENDING TO REST IN GOD’S TIMING FOR THEIR LIVES Psalm 37: 4-5 – “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and He will act.” Dear Heavenly Father, Your …
The Rewards of Research
by Diana Wallis Taylor Anytime I prepare to write a new book, the matter of research comes up. What do I need to know to accurately present my main characters? Jewish background and customs are more familiar since I have written about several Jewish women in the New Testament, among them Martha, Ruth, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Carol Award Finalists (Day 22)
2017 ACFW CONFERENCE – 40 DAYS OF PRAYER DAY 22 – 8/30/17 FINALISTS IN THE CAROL AWARDS But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. – Psalm 31:14-15 Holy God, we thank You for …
The Ministry of Christian Fiction
By Renee Blare Have you ever wondered about your ministry as a Christian author? Is it make-believe stories? Does it lie with ideas in your head? Or with success? Is it a ministry or a career, both? I’ve thought about these questions a lot. For many reasons. How do we walk the fine line between author and Christian…without offending someone? …
ACFW Conference Prayer – The Volunteers (Day 23)
2017 ACFW CONFERENCE – 40 DAYS OF PRAYER DAY 23 – 8/29/17 – THE VOLUNTEER WORKERS …but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Romans 6:13 Heavenly Father, please bless the dozens of volunteer workers who graciously donate their time to prepare for the ACFW Conference, and those …
Three Tips for Making Up with Your Characters
By Melissa Tagg Several weeks ago during an author Q&A, I was asked to name a sport to which I’d compare my writing journey. I didn’t even have to think about it: hockey. It’s possible I gave this answer solely because only days earlier I’d been part of an extended—and hilarious!—conversation about The Mighty Ducks movies. Nineties kids say “hey!” …
ACFW Conference Prayer – For All Attending to Have a Servant’s Heart (Day 24)
2017 ACFW CONFERENCE – 40 DAYS OF PRAYER DAY 24 – 8/28/17 – FOR ALL ATTENDING TO HAVE A SERVANT’S HEART TOWARD THOSE AROUND THEM Father God, thank You for the Holy Spirit working in and through us without limit. We ask that each conference participant have a servant’s heart toward those around them. Help us to see the needs …
Why “Brand” Matters…Or Does it Really?
By Cynthia Herron As a writer, you’ve probably given some thought to your “brand.” (And if you haven’t, now’s the time!) “Brand” to an author is what water is to wildflowers. It quenches, sustains, and breathes life into an otherwise drab existence. For instance, in today’s world where we’re surrounded with a buffet of opportunity, I’m always intrigued by people’s …
Be Still
By Gabrielle Meyer Recently, I learned that one of the publishers I write for is closing their historical line. It was a blow I didn’t see coming as I watched my well-laid plans crash at my feet. After working for five years to get where I was, it felt like I was back at square one. I’d faced rejection letters …