We hear that word a lot these day–Platform. I confess, I used to cringe away from it. The whole concept seemed so overwhelming. Where did one begin? In February, my first nonfiction book, Winning Him Without Words, released. In July 2012 my first novel, The Soul Saver, will release and is a fiction counter part to Winning Him. All of …
Making Research Fun: Sandra Robbins
Historical figures, timelines, vocabulary, police procedures, crime scene investigation, fashion–the list could go on forever. No matter what genre, every writer knows to craft a book that will hold the attention of readers he or she has to get the basic facts right. How a writer puts a personal spin on those facts is what makes good fiction. A friend …
15 Reasons to Attend ACFW: Pam Hillman
How many reasons do you need to attend ACFW? Let the Seekers count the ways…. “Worshipping, fellowshipping, learning and networking with other Christian writers.” ~ Missy Tippens “I credit ACFW and their conference and contests and the connections I made for the fact that I’m published today. I absolutely owe ACFW and their conference for finding my first contract.” ~ …
Finding Fiction’s Media Connection by Cynthia Ruchti
I couldn’t see him. His studio was hundreds of miles from where I sat with my notes, bookmarked novel, and cup of tea. But even from that distance, I could hear the hesitation in his voice during our preinterview discussion. He must have wondered what he could talk about when the author’s product was a story, rather than Ten Ways …
The ACFW Conference: Mountains and Valleys: Janice Thompson
Good morning everyone! I hope you’re having a happy Thursday. I’m a wee bit late getting this post up because I’ve been sick this week. Things are on the upswing, however! I wanted to share from my heart about some of my ACFW conference experiences. I know that many of you are planning to “Meet Me in St. Louis” (Woo-hoo! …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
Donna Schlachter is the volunteer we are spotlighting this week. She has served the past four years as treasurer for HIS Writers. During this time she has taken on many duties outside of a traditional treasurer role in both her home chapter and the state organization. She was instrumental in seeing that all four of the ACFW Colorado retreats ran …
Advice for a Nervous Conference-Goer by Deborah Raney
A writer friend, who will be a first-time attendee for September’s ACFW conference, recently asked me for some advice after she started feeling jittery about the conference. I told her that the newbie orientation will be a great way to get her feet wet. That session is not only very helpful, but will no doubt produce some “automatic” friends to …
The Right & Left Way to Plan for Conference: Sarah Sundin
Are you a left-brained, list-making, analyzing, outline-oriented writer? Are you a right-brained, creative, spontaneous, seat-of-the-pants writer? Some combination? If you’re attending a writers’ conference, engage both halves of your brain and plan the right way–and the left way. The American Christian Fiction Writers Conference is scheduled for September 22-25, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri, and registration is now open. ACFW …
ACFW Conference Blog: What to Expect When You’re Expectant
What to Expect When You’re Expectant by Cynthia Ruchti That swelling in your feet? Expected. The waves of nausea? Expected. The wave of resentment that the person next to you has no nausea at all? Expected. The weight gain, imbalance, trouble sleeping, urge to pull out snapshots of your “baby” in embryo stage? Expected. What can a writer expect when …
Taking the High Road: DiAnn Mills
We writers would like to take the easiest and surest path to publication, but those distinctions contradict themselves. The surest path is often not the easiest to a bestseller. Good habits and a conscientious effort to work hard at our craft means commitment and dedication. Whew! But you can do it. Each time we position our fingers on the keyboard, …