Day 16 Finalists in the Genesis Contest Psalm 135:5-6–For I know that the Lord is great and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps. Dear Lord, please be with all the finalists of the Genesis Contest. Give them peace and calm as …
Your Backstage Pass
by Kim Vandel There’s a reason I’m a writer. I’m more comfortable with books than with people. Attending the conference in St. Louis last year was a big step outside of my comfort zone, but I knew the benefits would outweigh the bouts of social anxiety. It would be a great opportunity to learn, get connected, and be inspired. The …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 17
Day 17 Clarity of speech for those pitching projects Philippians 4: 13–I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Father God, we thank You for our salvation in Jesus Christ and Your Holy Spirit that guides us. Please give all the writers at the conference wisdom and the right words to communicate the message You have given them …
Why Do First Manuscripts So Often Get Rejected?
by Nikki Arana The biggest reason that new writers receive rejections is because they send out their manuscripts before they’re ready. Quite often emerging writers think when they finish their first ms that they have a book that is ready for the marketplace. In almost all cases, that isn’t true. If it has been written with the guidance of a …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 18
Day 18 For conferees to grasp what is taught and grow from it Verse: James 1:5–But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Heavenly Father, we seek your guidance and wisdom as we embark on our journey to learn more about …
Elevating Your Elevator Pitch
by Janice Hanna Thompson You’re wrapping up the best book you’ve ever written. It’s all you can think about. You can’t wait to go to that next conference to meet with an editor or agent. However, you realize that your face time will be brief. How will you pitch your novel in a way that will garner the attention it …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 19
Day 19 For those attending as they get into final preparations Psalm 66:19-20–But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me. Dear Lord, writers from all over the country and even places outside the United States are making final …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 20
Day 20 Topic: Conference veterans Verse: Psalm 18:2–The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge . . . Lord Jesus, many of Your bond servants are preparing again to assemble with others who seek to serve You with their pen. There these conference veterans will be called upon …
Marketing 101: Allowing for God’s Plan
by Kathy Harris As the old saying goes, ‘fifty percent of advertising works and fifty percent doesn’t. The problem is in determining which is which.’ The same goes for marketing. In putting together a marketing plan, there’s only one thing to remember: You can control everything except the things you can’t control, which is pretty much everything. The good news …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 21
Day 21 For all attending to rest in God’s timing for their lives Psalms 37: 4-5 . . . Delight yourself in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Dear Lord, Please be with each and every person at the …