by Amber Schamel Every author needs a detective. It’s elementary, my dear Watson. Not sure you believe me? Very well, I will explain. Wednesday afternoon, a quarter past one. I was at lunch with my brother. We were casually talking while dishing out homemade spaghetti. My brother was sharing about his work and the various construction projects he was selling, …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 28, Spotlight Sessions
Day 28 Prayer – Spotlight Sessions Thank you, Lord, for the Spotlight Sessions. Thank you for the publishing houses and agents who so generously offered to share information and help conferees make connections in this world of Christian publishing. May each writer find the information clear and helpful. We also pray that those present will ask insightful questions and receive …
Christmas In July
By Mary Manners When the subject of Christmas gifts comes up, most people think of packages wrapped in colorful paper and shimmery bows, sitting under the Christmas tree, just waiting to be opened. When I think of Christmas gifts, I think of my dad, who passed away fourteen years ago this holiday season. He was a man of many gifts, …
40 Days of Prayer, Day 29 – Paid Critiquers
Day 29 Prayer – Paid Critiquers As They Work On Submissions 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Dear Heavenly Father: Thank You for those who have stepped …
Belief for All Things
By Tanara McCauley “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a verse I know well, and one I’m prone to lean on in trying times or when faced with difficult choices. I’ve only recently realized, however, that it’s a verse I never fully believed. I can do hard things through Christ. I can do good things …
40 Days of Prayer, Day 30: Agents
Day 30 Prayer – Agents At The Conference Psalm 143:8 (NIV) Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, For to you I entrust my life. Lord, we pray for the agents whose trust we place our work with and ask that You …
Sharing Your Heart
By Patti Shene They say you should write what you know. These past few months, my life has been draped in sadness and loss. (Please don’t stop reading! I’m not going to take you into a world of gloom and grief!). My mom passed away in February of this year and my husband in June. I was blessed to speak …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 31: Editors
ACFW Conference Day 31 Prayer – Editors At The Conference “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalm 141:2 (NIV) Lord, we pray for each of the editors who willingly give of their time to attend the conference. We ask for safety as they travel. Keep …
A Writer’s Best Energy
By Melissa Tagg Marketing. I think a lot of writers hear the word and do a little scary-movie shudder. Or maybe a full-on horror-flick scream. Me, not so much because a) I’m more of a nervous laugher than screamer and b) I happen to work in marketing at a good-sized nonprofit. And I’ve realized something in the past few years. …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 32: Brandilyn Collins
ACFW Conference Day 32 Prayer – Brandilyn Collins As She Emcees Dear God, Thank You for Your servant Brandilyn Collins. Please speak through her as she emcees the conference in Nashville. Allow her story of what you’ve done in her life to draw everyone who hears it closer to you. May Brandilyn’s true stories that she shares about other Christian …