by Mary Ellis #1: Schedule your time carefully. Make a weekly calendar so you don’t miss a doctor’s appointment, dance recital, or the neighborhood cookout. Keep certain times “off limits”. Don’t sign up for meetings, exercise classes, or volunteer work if it interferes with the family dinner hour, Sunday morning church services, or other events you hold sacred. Make sure …
TURNING PRO, Part 2
by Cynthia Ruchti Yesterday, we took a look at what it means to “turn pro” as a writer. These questions arose: How can we turn pro even before we’re published, before we’re a recognized entity in the writing world, before our books start showing up on the bestseller lists or the awards announcements? And how do we remain professional after …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
Regina Jennings is the Oklahoma Area Coordinator. She volunteers her time to welcome new members, assemble and keep track of monthly reports for our state, and supports both the OKC and Tulsa chapters with whatever they need. She does a great job keeping things running smoothly for Oklahoma! I appreciate what Regina does for the members in Oklahoma but also …
TURNING PRO Part 1
by Cynthia Ruchti The television talk show guest expert blessed the production crew interns with fashion makeovers. Her key piece of advice? “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” The advice came zinging through the television screen just as I put my fingers to the keyboard to write this blog post about “Turning Pro” as a …
Ten Tips for Effective Research Trips Part 2
by Vickie McDonough Yesterday day we touched on the first five tips for Effective Research Trips, and today, I’d like to continue our conversation with the final five hints. If you missed those, check yesterday’s blog post. 6. Talk to the locals. They love to chat about their town and its history. Ask them questions and ask if they can …
Ten Tips for Effective Research Trips Part 1
by Vickie McDonough I’ve just returned from my first cruise to the Caribbean. I never dreamed a sunset could be so beautiful or the color of the water so vivid. There was such an amazing difference in the houses of the poor, made from tin or only partially built with people still living in them to the lavish mansions of …
November New Releases
There’s good reading for November with these selections from ACFW authors. More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander — Historical Romance from Bethany House; To create something that will last is Claire Laurent’s most fervent desire as an artist. It’s also her greatest weakness. All that …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
Doing these spotlights every week is a highlight for me. We have such wonderful volunteers. And another great volunteer ACFW is privileged to have is Valerie Goree. She was instrumental in the kickoff of the Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW chapter) in 2005 where she has served as vice-president. Valerie’s been called on to teach group lessons, critique others’ …
YOU. THE WRITER
By Tina Radcliffe Today I’m presenting a helpful guide to assist you with assimilating with the rest of the world. I understand that occasionally writers go out into the world and mingle with non writers. (But I don’t recommend it.) I suggest you print this helpful guide to understanding writers and share it with your non-writer friends, relatives and acquaintances. …
An Author Needs a Teachable Spirit
By Lena Nelson Dooley A teachable spirit is a major key to success in all areas of your life – family, work, any kind of relationship. You obtain wisdom when you become teachable. Giftedness is a dime a dozen, teachableness (Writers like to create their own words sometimes.) is a great treasure. All through the book of Proverbs, we are …