Pat's Conference Experience

Hi Everyone.  I had a great experience at the Orange Country Writers Conference. Had an appointment with Mick Silva, an editor at WaterBrook/Random House. Told him all about how my pastor Dr. T. Scott Daniels at Pasadena First Nazarene loved the Shack and had actually taught a S.S. class using the books for several week. Then I pitched Juice Boost to Mike. He liked the smoothie idea. Asked me to send my proposal to him, which I did this past Monday. Got an email from him today asking for more information. So I told him how the book used to be titled Extreme Makeover: Fruit of the Spirit Edition. And how I asked a 22-year old Mount Hermon attandee to suggest a younger-sounding title. And how she suggested a smoothie metaphor. And how everyone that heard the idea liked it. So I got another email back from him saying he'd look at the proposal right away. I laughingly told my husband if I get a rejection, it will be from a top-of-the-line Christian publisher! I'll keep you posted. Pat

Inkling News

Inklings attending the Orange County Christian Writers Conference . . .
Marilyn
Sandee
Pat
Muriel
Yvonne
Debby

We didn't get to be together a lot but we managed to bump shoulders throughout the day. Yours truly was completely spoiled by Sandee. She got to spend the night and enjoy downtown Redlands. We were good and stayed away from the wine tasting tour. A wedding dress was found . . . um . . . more on that later. JK. JK.

We found out that Muriel has absolutely NO stage fright. She had no problem accepting her award and speaking about her third place entry. She will, no doubt, be happy to speak about it again this Friday. Congrats M.

Debby (that's me) was one of the finalists in the Westbow writers contest. It was hinted that she was in the top 5 (for sure the top 10) out of 40 entrants. Jeff Gerke (Marcher Lord) asked for her first three chapters of "Paragon" but didn't have it to give him (bad writer). She better get on that right away--sending synopsis today.

More news and conference reviews will be posted soon from the "Others" and if we can get Sandee's pictures out of her computer we shall post those as well.

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FROM MARILYN: Glad I attended, especially since Sandee agreed to drive. Sandee's husband, Ray, fixed us an absolutely yummy breakfast before we hit the road around 6:00 a.m. The trip to Orange County with Sandee and Debby A. was a treat. Lots of "girl talk." That's always fun. My best take-awAy was meeting with the publisher from Rainbow. He offered encouragement about possibly reprinting some of my books. We'll see............
Marilyn

Going To The OC

Let me see now. Who's going to the Orange County Christian Writers Conference? Well, it's Marilyn, Sandee, Pat and Debby . . . anyone else joining in the fun?

Remember Westbow Press is having a nice little writers contest. Still time to submit those manuscripts. April 1st is the deadline.

There are scholarships still available and what could be more fun than carpooling with Marilyn, Sandee and ME! Okay, nuff said.

Featured Blog: Poetry, Art & Fiction

Email From Antelope Valley Christian Writers Conference

We are pleased to announce that the fifth annual Antelope Valley Christian Writers’ Conference has been scheduled for May 14-15, 2010. The word is getting out, and our springtime gathering is quickly becoming the destination of choice for aspiring writers in Southern California. Whether you’re an absolute beginner – a seasoned professional – or somewhere in-between, this may be for you.

What is it that inspires you to write? Is it history, or romance, or theology, or mystery? Do you enjoy writing sci-fi, or fantasy? Don’t be misled by the name of our conference: We are believers who write, but most of us don’t write about religious themes. If you’d like to learn how the publishing business works, you are welcome to attend.

Our instructors are among the finest and most experienced in the business. You can attend workshops in a wide array of creative categories. Meet fellow writers who share your calling – your zeal – and perhaps your frustrations as well. Together, we can help you take your storytelling to the next level, the best it can be.

Pitch your ideas to our literary agents, or to editors from major publishing houses. Enter a contest with cash prizes. Receive a personalized professional critique on your latest writing project. Bring your laptop computer and take advantage of our wireless Internet connection.

Still not convinced? A special reduced price is offered for teens, age 12-18. Volume discounts are available for any church or school sending ten or more. A handful of partial scholarships will be available. If you have a special need, let us know.

We hope you will seize this opportunity to gain fresh inspiration for your writing, and perhaps a little encouragement for yourself as well.

Formatting on Kindle

Here's a link to Aaron Shepard's article on how to work with Kindle using Word.

PazNaz Christmas Boutique

I guess it's that time of year already. Here's the latest from the PazNaz team . . .

The 2009 Pasadena Nazarene Ladies Night Out Gift Boutique is approaching quickly and we want to make sure to save a place for you if you would like to purchase a table again this year. The event will be held on December 3 & 4 and the cost of a table starts at $60. If you are interested in reserving a table, please download the attached form, print it out and return to Pat Todd at the church office. You can also contact her directly at ptodd@paznaz.org or 626-351-2416. Please let us know if you have any questions and we hope you will be a part of our event again this year.

In Christ,

Meredith

A Little Love For The Villian?

Here's a link from Teresa Slack's blog (submitted by Sandee), "Joy in the Journey." A little advice for our fiction writers. What's Holding You Back?