Friday, February 27, 2009

DR. JAMES DOBSON STEPS DOWN

Focus on the Family's James C. Dobson, Ph.D., has stepped down as board chairman of the ministry he founded 32 years ago, it was announced today.

His wife, National Day of Prayer Chairman Shirley Dobson, has also left the Focus on the Family Board of Directors. They have been elected to the positions of Founder and Chairman Emeritus and Director Emerita, respectively, for the nonprofit ministry they started in 1977.

The Dobsons' decision represents the next step in a transition plan begun six years ago, when he stepped down as president in order to lessen his administrative burden. Executive leadership was handed to Don Hodel in 2003, and then to Jim Daly in 2005. Dr. Dobson had been board chairman until today.

The board of directors issued this statement: "One of Dr. Dobson's objectives during the last decade has been to help identify the next generation of leadership for the ministry, and to see it established securely before he stepped away from administrative oversight. That purpose has now been fulfilled, and we applaud Dr. Dobson for this concern for the future of the ministry."

Dr. Dobson's other responsibilities at the ministry will not change significantly. He will continue the "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, and handle other duties as in the past. He will also continue to write the newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people per month. He and Mrs. Dobson are anxious to devote themselves to the joys of grandparenting.

"One of the common errors of founder-presidents," Dr. Dobson said, "is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority. I have wanted not to make that mistake with Focus on the Family, which is why I stepped back, first from the presidential duties six years ago, and now, from board chairmanship. Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."

Jim Daly, Focus' president and CEO, said the ministry will "forever be committed to the fulfillment of the mission so definitively served by both Dr. and Mrs. Dobson - helping families thrive."

"The Dobsons have dedicated their lives to Focus on the Family," Daly said. "He is my mentor and friend - and an inspiration and role model to millions of Americans."

Dr. Dobson called Daly a "great leader."

"We at Focus are blessed to have someone with Jim's passion and skills, as well as a wonderfully experienced and intelligent board of directors. That fact gave me the courage to let them run the ministry. With God's help, they will do it superbly."

Assuming the chairmanship of the Focus board is Lt. Gen. Patrick P. Caruana (USAF, Retired), a board member since 1996 and vice chairman since 2006. Gen. Caruana, who served 36 years in the military, was Vice President of Northrop Grumman Space Technology from 2002 to 2005 and also served as Vice President and Program Manager for TRW Space & Electronics from August 1999 until the company was acquired by Northrup Grumman in 2002.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

BOOK EXPO OFFERS BIBLE HISTORY EXPERIENCE

The 2009 Christian Book Expo, a new Christian consumer book fair, will host a museum-quality exhibit called The Bible History Experience. Historical manuscripts, biblical artifacts and other Christian literary antiquities will be on display March 20-22 at the Dallas Convention Center. These biblical treasures are provided by Dr. Rusty Maisel, Crossway Books & Bibles, Tyndale House Publishers, and Zondervan. Attendees will be able to participate in a historical tour of ancient biblical manuscripts, view an exact replica of the Gutenberg Press, view a first printing of the King James Bible plus rare, early editions of Bibles and devotionals, and conclude with an opportunity to make Bible history by personally handwriting a verse in a Bible that will be presented to the Smithsonian Institute.

“The core of Christian publishing is the proclamation of God’s Word as revealed in the Bible,” explains Mark Kuyper, President of the Evangelical Publishers Association. “So we are especially delighted to feature this historic and educational exhibit at the Christian Book Expo.” Kuyper suggests The Bible History Experience will be of special interest to seminarians, students, families, home school and Christian school groups, book collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the rich history of the printed Bible. Viewing of the exhibit is included in the price of admission to Christian Book Expo.

The Bible History Experience includes a unique collection of rare items including an original, first printing of the King James Bible, manuscripts in Hebrew, Greek, Ethiopic and Latin, a complete Jewish Torah, early Christian papyrus (dating from A.D. 250-450) and a working replica of the original Gutenberg press built specifically for the Christian Book Expo by Dr. Rusty Maisel. An author and expert on biblical manuscripts, Maisel will be demonstrating historical printing techniques throughout the Christian Book Expo. “There is a reason the Bible is the world’s most widely published book,” says Dr. Maisel. “My hope is that people attending the Christian Book Expo will increase their appreciation for the Word of God through better understanding its rich history.”

In addition to Dr. Maisel’s collection, The Bible History Experience will include contributions from Crossway Books and Bibles, Zondervan, and Tyndale House Publishers, which are all exhibitors at the Christian Book Expo.

Crossway will provide sample pages from great English Bibles from the last 500 years, along with an “inside look” at the translation work for the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible and the ESV Study Bible.
Tyndale will provide Dr. Kenneth Taylor’s handwritten pages from Living Letters, a variety of Bible milestones in publishing history, and several first edition Bibles--including a first edition Living Letters and a first edition Living Bible.
Zondervan is also providing some of its earliest editions of the NIV, as well as almost a dozen rare Bibles and commentaries on loan from the International Bible Society, a 1669 German New Testament and some of the earliest editions of devotions and illustrated Bibles from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Zondervan also plans to conclude its cross-country “Bible Across America” tour at Christian Book Expo. The tour is gathering handwritten verses from people of all ages and walks of life across the nation to create the first handwritten NIV Bible. The “Bible Across America” project is housed in an RV which will be positioned on the show floor of the Christian Book Expo.

The 2009 Christian Book Expo, a company of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), is the first Christian book fair of its type, bringing together publishers, authors and consumers for a three-day book event. The inaugural Christian Book Expo will be held in Dallas, Texas, on March 19-22, 2009, at the Dallas Convention Center. Activities during the book fair include workshops, seminars, panel discussions, KidZone, mini-events and evening programming—all led by authors. More than 200 authors and 65 exhibitors will be hosting the event. Children (17 and under) are free. Day passes for adults are $29 (not including discounts offered by local churches and media).

For more information on the 2009 Christian Book Expo, including press registration, contact Pamela McClure at 615-595-8321. More information online: www.ChristianBookExpo.com.

CONTACT: Pamela McClure, 615-595-8321
Pamela@mmpublicrelations.com

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

CONFERENCE SPEAKER NEEDED

A group in Northeast Maryland is looking for a local speaker for an upcoming writers' conference. If you live in that area and are an experienced writer's conference speaker, please let me know and I'll pass your name along to then. E-mail me at: stuartcwmg@aol.com.

NEW AUDIO BOOK PUBLISHER

Sara Lowe has launched a new company, Faith Audio Center, a publisher/producer of original audio books, with online retail sales only. The company's first title, "The Unbelievable (but True!) Story of Moses," has just been released, and is available for sale at www.faithaudiocenter.com. Titles will be Christian or values-based, for children or adults.

Bob Souer performs Moses, God and Pharaoh. Souer is a professional narrator whose credits include PBS television, USAirways, documentaries, audio books and radio and tv commercials. Lowe, who wrote the Biblically-based story, provides story narration. "Moses" is for children ages 4-8 and costs $14.95 for the CD. People also may buy a digital download.

Additional children's stories will be published, including more under "The Unbelievable but True" brand of Bible stories, as well as titles for adults.

The company produces a free podcast for children, "Sweet Talk for Kids," available on its web site and iTunes, as well as a blog for adults.

Free Classroom Guides accompanying the purchase of "Moses" are available on www.faithaudiocenter.com, of particular interest to home-schoolers.

"The audio book industry enjoys double-digit growth, 12% in 2007 and now tops $1 billion in sales, according to Audio Publishers Association," said Lowe. "Audio books are a wonderful way to make room for 'reading' in today's busy lives. People can listen as they work or work out. Or they can simply relax, close their eyes, and be transported by a book brought to life by professional narrators."

Lowe also owns Lowe Communications, a marketing firm in Charlotte, and online at www.lowe-communications.com. Services include web content, including blogs, newsletters, press kits and publicity campaigns, and other compelling promotions. Clients include travel, education, Christian organizations and more.

Lowe is an award-winning writer and marketing/public relations professional with 20+ years corporate and entrepreneurial experience. She recently served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women Business Owners, Charlotte Chapter.

Lowe was part of the executive team for Family Channel television network (now ABC Family). She handled national publicity including crucial events such as the TV Critics Press Tour in Los Angeles, satellite tours and press junkets. Her actions resulted in numerous, positive articles by The Associated Press, TV Guide, The Washington Post, The LA Times, and many others.

GLORIETA WRITERS' CONFERENCE

With all the wonderful things that are happening we have to expect a little bump in the road now and then. And sure enough the bump showed up this week when we learned that the Glorieta Conference Center has had to make some significant cutbacks. We were told on Tuesday that Glorieta will be closing from October through May each year. WOW!
Now you may be wondering, what about the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference which has been a significant part of the CLASS ministry these last seven years. Immediately, I called our faculty to prayer and we feel confident God wants the writer's conference to continue. We will have to find a new site and we may have to change this year's date but we will persevere. I would ask that you keep this in your prayers as our team searches out alternate locations.

CLASS

Thursday, February 19, 2009

RETAILERS CHOICE AWARDS OPEN

For Immediate Release Contact: Christine D. Johnson
Managing Editor
Christian Retailing
retailerschoiceawards@strang.com
(407) 333-0600, ext. 2682

Ninth annual Retailers Choice Awards nominations open

Several new categories have been announced for the ninth annual Retailers Choice Awards, which lets Christian retailers give their seal of approval to the best new Christian products of the year.

Product nominations are being accepted from suppliers around the country. The deadline for nominations is Friday, March 6.

Products can be entered in 35 categories this year with new prizes to be awarded for the Best Church Supply and Christian Education products. In addition, there will be new awards for the Best Backlist Product, the Best Marketing/Promotion Campaign and the Top New Supplier.

The 2009 entry fee for publishers, music labels, gift companies and other suppliers remains just $50 per item plus a sample of the nominated product.

Since it was introduced in 2001, the Retailers Choice Awards program has been increasingly acknowledged in the industry as an important way of recognizing some of the most significant new life-changing materials. Last year, suppliers submitted 245 entries in 31 categories.

The winners of the 2009 Retailers Choice Awards will be announced at the International Christian Retail Show in Denver in July.

For full details, including a downloadable nomination form and a complete list of last year’s winners, visit www.RetailersChoiceAwards.com or e-mail Managing Editor Christine Johnson at retailerschoiceawards@strang.com.

Founded in 1955 as Christian Bookseller by the now late Robert Walker, Christian Retailing gained its new name in 1986 when Strang Communications took over publication. Christian Retailing also produces The Church Bookstore and Inspirational Gift Trends magazines as well as the twice-weekly newsletter Christian Etailing. For more information, visit www.christianretailing.com.
##

Suppliers, nominate your best products at:
www.retailerschoiceawards.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

MOUNT HERMON CAREER TRACK

Just a reminder that today is the official deadline to sign up for the Career Track at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference. However, we will continue to accept applications for a few more days--as long as we have room.

For those not familiar with the track, it is the only such class available at any writers' conference with the imput and interaction at the level of the career writer. The basic criteria for attendance is that you have sold at least 2 books in the last 5 years--at least one of which has gone through the entire publishing process. If you don't qualify but feel this is the best place for you, then apply and we will judge each applicant on his/her merits.

This is clasified as a Major Morning Session, but actually runs both morning and afternoon--almost as a separate conference. For a complete schedule and an application form, go to the Mount Hermon Website: www.mounthermon.org/writers.

Even if you don't qualify for the Career Track, you won't find a better conference than this one for quality of classes and the number of editors and agents in attendance. You also get two free evaluations of manuscripts--either by a specific editor or professional freelancer--your choice.

I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Monday, February 16, 2009

THOMAS NELSON DOMINATES BESTSELLER LIST

Thomas Nelson Dominates Publishers Weekly's 2008 Hardcover Religion Bestseller List

Publishers Weekly announced in their January 19 issue that Thomas Nelson secured roughly a quarter of the available hardcover religion bestseller spots. The company had seven titles appear for a total of 29 times on hardcover religion bestsellers monthly list, the most for any publisher. The 2008 Publishers Weekly Hardcover Religion Bestsellers from Thomas Nelson are Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, What in the World is Going On? by David Jeremiah, Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs, Sinner by Ted Dekker, 3:16 by Max Lucado, Intelligence for Your Life by John Tesh, and Walking with God by John Eldredge.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

MAGAZINE/BOOK DISTRIBUTOR SUSPENDING BUSINESS

Magazine and Book Distributor Suspending Normal Business Activities
Anderson News announced last month it would charge 7c per copy to the publisher for the distribution of magazines and books. Publishers balked and refused to ship the content to Anderson News. Now Anderson News has suspended “Normal Business Activities.” The distributor services 40,000 outlets including 2300 Wal-mart stores.

Most reports speak only about the effect on magazines, particularly weeklies, and not so much on the book distribution aspect. However, one VP said that this is 50% of the distribution market gone.

There are other distributors ready to take up the abandoned market but it will take some time for contractual issues to work itself out.

DAPHNE DU MAURIER MYSTERY/SUSPENSE AWARDS

Ask and you shall receive. Well, readers have asked and publishers
are answering as the INSPIRATIONAL MARKET continues to soar. The
DAPHNE DU MAURIER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MYSTERY/SUSPENSE has been
on the receiving end of awe-inspiring manuscripts and books for both
the Unpublished and Published side of the contest in the past. We
have faith this trend will continue in 2009. Have you noticed the
Inspirational Romantic Suspense books lining the shelves?
Inspirational Romantic Suspense and Mystery is alive and well.

Published Authors: Does your book have a 2008 copyright?

Unpublished Authors: Do you realize we have a great agent and editor
lineup of the 2009 Unpublished Inspirational? We hope this inspires
you to enter today!

Of course the contest is open to other mystery and romantic suspense
subgenres as well. Check out www.rwamysterysuspense.org for
information and to enter. Deadline March 16, 2009.

Questions to: bellson@comcast.net

Thanks all! Hope some of you unpubbed suspense authors will enter.

CHRISTIAN BOOK EXPO MARCH 20-22

March 20-22, the Christian Book Expo will convene in Dallas, Texas. This is your chance to meet the authors who have enriched your spiritual life and shaped your faith! Hear the life-changing message of your favorite Christian authors in person, through workshops, Q & A sessions, author discussions, book signings, and family-friendly events. With over 200 authors, 150 seminars and workshops, Kidzone activities, a Bible History Exhibit (with a working replica of the Gutenberg press), Christianity Today sponsored panel discussions, the Christian Book Award dinner, inspirational evening programs, and tens of thousands of books to peruse and purchase, there will be something for everybody who wants to renew their mind and grow spiritually. All of this for only $29 a day or $59 for all three days! And kids 17 and under attend free! Enter code cbe5off in the Discount Coupon section of registration to save $5 off admission!

Authors include Stephen Arterburn, Henry Blackaby, Wanda Brunstetter, Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn, Jim & Elizabeth George, Ruth Graham, Alex & Brett Harris, Kevin Leman, Beverly Lewis, Max Lucado, Scot McKnight, Calvin Miller, Donald Miller, Stormie Omartian, J.I. Packer, Andy Stanley, Lee Strobel, and Sheila Walsh, with more authors registering every day!

Find complete program information, author list and registration at www.ChristianBookExpo.com.

*Daily admission is $29 per day or $59 for a 3-day pass to the entire show. Enter code cbe5off when you register to save $5!

Saturday, February 14, 2009

EDITORIAL CHANGES

If you don't have your 2009 market guide yet, you'll need to make these editorial changes in your old edition:

Pacific Press Publishing Assn.: Submit to Tim Lale, acquisitions editor; 208-465-2500. Page 199.

St. Anthony Messenger Press: Cynthia Cavner is new acquisitions editor. Page 211.

Xulon Press: Drop Karen Kochenburger and her e-mail. Page 241.

Answers Magazine: Mike Matthews, executive editor; fax 859-727-2222; nationaleditor@answersmagazine.com. Page 340.

Christian Business Daily.com: Drop editor Lyle Baker and add Jeremy Harrison, online director. They do not pay. Page 351.

Gold Country Families E-Magazine: Patrick Witz, editor/publisher; P.O. Box 580, Meadow Vista CA 95722; 530-878-4410; editor@goldcountryfamilies.com. Page 374.

Message Magazine: New editor is Washington Johnson II (wjohnson@rhpa.org). Page 391.

Mutuality: Mean Greulich, editor; mgreulich@cbeinternational.org. Page 395.

Victory in Grace: Cameron Edwards, editor; Cameron@victoryingrace.org. Page 422.

Xavier Review: Nichole Pepinster Greene, editor. Drop the e-mail. Page 426.

Mustard Seed Ministries Devotional: Wayne Steffen, editor; Wayne@mustardseedministries.org. Page 446.

The Word in Season: rochelle@rightnowcoach.com. Now guidelines only available on Website. Page 447.

Mission Frontiers: Rick Wood, managing editor. Page 449.

JAM: Jesus and Me: Timothy Lee, editor; tlee@urbanministries.com. Page 476.

CrossCurrents: Delete the two e-mail addresses listed and replace with editors@crosscurrents.org. Drop poetry editor. Page 457.

Friday, February 13, 2009

MARCH WRITERS' CONFERENCES

March 14: Heart Talk/Writing Focus; Portland, Oregon. Contact: Beverly Hislop, Women’s Center for Ministry, 5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland OR 97215; 503-517-1931; fax 503-517-1889; wcm@westernseminary.edu; www.westernseminary.edu/women. Speaker: Robin Jones Gunn. Editors/publicists in attendance. Offers partial scholarships based on need.

March 21: American Christian Writers Conference; Greensboro, North Carolina. Contact: Reg Forder; PO Box 110390; Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

March 27-28: American Christian Writers Conference; Fort Wayne,Indiana. Contact: Reg Forder, PO Box 110390; Nashville TN 37222; 1-800-21-WRITE; ACWriters@aol.com; www.ACWriters.com.

March 27-28: Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference; Bettendorf,Iowa. Contact: Twila Belk, 4350 Tanglewood Rd., Bettendorf IA 52722; 563-332-1622;
Twila@gottatellsomebody.com; www.qccwc.com. No editors/agents in attendance. Offers a limited number of scholarships.

March 28: Write On! Workshop; Dayton, Ohio. Contact: Valerie Coleman, PMB 175 – 5523 Salem Ave., Dayton OH 45426; 937-307-0760; fax 515-474-3643; info@penofthewriter.com;www.penofthewriter.com/WriteOn. Editors in attendance. Full & partial scholarships.

March 29-Apr 5: Christian Cruisers Club 1st Annual Writing Cruise (out of Miami).Contact: Emily Hightower, P.O. Box 2014, Elkton KY 42220; 270-265-7003; fax (270)265-7004; Cruisersclub@bellsouth.net; www.christianwritingcruise.com. Speakers: Tama Westman & Terry Burns. Editors/agents in attendance. Offers partial scholarships.

GOOGLE BOOK SEARCH LAWSUIT

Just a heads-up concerning the Google Book Search lawsuit. This is especially important for those of you who have out-of-print titles.(Your publisher is responsible for dealing with Google regarding your books in print.)

In brief, Google has scanned in thousands of copyrighted books, and they've been allowing free access to much of the copyrighted material online without publisher
or author consent. Google claims no responsibility for this, claiming they haven't violated any law but have decided to settle with those who have sued. *Copyright holders* whose material has been scanned are eligible for a $60 payment per book from Google. If your book is still in print through a royalty-paying house, the publisher is overseeing the rights to the book, and it is their responsibility to make the claim for the book. If your book is out-of-print or self-published, however, you need to check to see if the material has been uploaded onto the Google
Book Search site. If it is on the site, you need to fill out a claim form requesting payment.

To find out more, visit these links:
To check if your book has been scanned--you could check for current
titles and then request that your publisher have Google remove it from
the database:
_http://www.google.com/googlebooks/library.html
_ To read about the settlement:
http://books.google.com/googlebooks/agreement/
To find the claim form:
http://books.google.com/booksrightsholders/

Google plans to continue to scan and upload material unless the rights holder fills out a claim form telling them *not* to scan a title. They will scan your material unless you tell them not to! Each of you with out-of-print or self-published books should fill out a claims form requesting Google not scan your books into their database. (You will need to remember to do this EVERY TIME book rights revert to you.

If you have out-of-print material that you feel should be on Google Book Search, please contact your agent. There are a few rare cases where the author might benefit.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

TIME TO CATCH UP

I'm sorry not to be doing a lot of posting lately. I've been super busy getting out the questionnaires to publishers and others for the 2010 market guide. A huge job--as each one has to be personalized to the recipient. For that reason I haven't had time for posting a lot here. I hope to catch up on that in the next few days. Will also keep you informed of the market news as it comes in.

that reminds me, I need your help too. If you get one of the questionnaires, please respond as soon as possible. Also if you are involved in a group, conference, have an editorial service, or know of an agent, book, periodical not listed, please let me know. I just need a mailing address, and/or e-mail or Website. If you know of changes to the current guide, let me know that too.I can use all the help I can get.

Blessings--Sally

CT LAUNCHES SMALL-GROUP LEADERS WEBSITE

According to a 2006 national study*, 30% of active Christians** attend a small group or home group, and 61% attend a weekly Bible study. With the growth of small groups in local churches, Christianity Today International has launched SmallGroups.com, a site dedicated to giving small-group leaders everything they need to have an effective and healthy small group.

Sam O'Neal, Managing Editor, believes, "SmallGroups.com is a revolutionary way for churches to train small-group leaders and help them be effective in their ministries. Instead of spending lots of money on study guides and sending leaders to conferences for training, churches can now equip group leaders using one easy-to-use website."

Some popular features of the new site include:

Thousands of articles, ideas, and icebreakers that equip small-group leaders for their meetings

Over 50 downloadable Training Tools leaders can share and discuss or use for personal development

Over 200 downloadable Bible Studies that revolutionize a church's use of curriculum by allowing access to copy and customize for one low price

An expert panel of small-group leaders and authors that answer difficult questions pertaining to small-group ministry

A free social network that allows groups to post and respond to prayer requests, discuss Bible studies, connect with their church, and more.

People around the world are voicing praise for the new SmallGroups.com. Seventeen premier leaders in small-groups church ministry serve on the editorial advisory board of SmallGroups.com. One of them, Reid Smith, regional director of the Purpose-Driven Small-Groups Network, writes, "It was a no-brainer for me to subscribe to SmallGroups.com. Collaboration is key to community-building and SmallGroups.com delivers ideas and material that I've used to encourage small group leadership around the country."

Try SmallGroups.com for 30 days free: http://smallgroups.com/offer/30daysfree

Sign up for the SmallGroups.com weekly e-newsletter: http://christianitytoday.com/lyris/subscribe/smallgroups .html

*National Study of Christian Attitudes and Behavior conducted by Christianity Today International and Zondervan, 2006

**Based on their answers to key study questions, respondents were grouped into one of five well- defined segments of Christians in the United States, with active Christians being extremely strong in their beliefs and very active in the local church.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

SPRING MENTORING RETREAT

Are you at a stage in your life in which you're longing for personal feedback on your writing? Then check out HACWN's Spring Mentoring Retreat April 16-18, 2009.

This event is designed for the people who long for a personal touch and coaching from a professional writer/editor that goes beyond what you usually find at a writers' conference. We'll all get away at a retreat center near Kansas City (Excelsior Springs). You'll show your materials to your mentor, the mentor will give you feedback, you'll go work on your project, and bring it back again to show to your mentor. You'll have access to your mentor from Thurs. to Saturday. Each mentor will have 6 to 8 people to coach.

We're excited about our team of mentors. These are people who are passionate about helping writers on a more personal level, such as Nick Harrison from Harvest House, Katura Patton from Tyndale, Eric Reed from Christianity Today and others, Jeanette Windle with Kregel, and Zena Dell who has seen her screenwriting produced.

If you have a writing project that just isn't getting done, this is a great chance to just get away and get that project well underway. It's also a great place to get in-depth career consultation. All for a fraction of the cost to hire a consulting editor for 48 hours! This is an investment that just might bring high returns.

If this fits where you are in your writing right now, I hope you'll take a good look at the flyer and pray about the possibility of coming. If you have questions, feel free to contact Mark at MLittleton@earthlink.net or 816-459-8016. If you do feel drawn to this even, you might register quickly--it's a first-come thing and we already have several registrations. Also, feel free to pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested.

Jeanette Gardner Littleton
co-director,
Heart of America Christian Writers Network
www.HACWN.org

Friday, February 6, 2009

ANNUAL PREACHING BOOK AWARDS

PreachingToday.com is pleased to announce the winners of its annual preaching book awards. Each year PreachingToday.com names two preaching books of the year: one focused on the preacher's skills and the other on the preacher's soul. The award winner is chosen by votes from two preaching experts and the editor of PreachingToday.com.

The winner in the skills category is Preaching to a Post-Everything World, published by Baker Books, and authored by Zack Eswine, pastor of Riverside Church in St. Louis. Our article announcing the award can be found here.

The winner in the soul category is Doctrine That Dances, published by B&H publishing group, and authored by Beeson Divinity School professor Robert Smith Jr. Our article announcing the award can be found here.

PreachingToday.com is a resource of Christianity Today International and has been in existence since 1999. The site is dedicated to inspiring preachers and elevating the level of preaching in the English- speaking world. PreachingToday.com is a subscription site that posts over 360 fresh sermon illustrations every year in its searchable database, as well as articles about preaching, sermons and sermon series, and audio sermons. The editor is Brian Larson, and the managing editor is Brian Lowery.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

VEGGIE TALES MAKE TV PREMIER

Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and their VeggieTales® friends make their Gospel Music Channel (GMC) television network debut when GMC ( http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com) presents the world television premiere of the new VeggieTales® DVD, Abe and the Amazing Promise on Sat. Feb 7 at 9:00 a.m. ET (Also 10a, 11a, 2p, 3p, 4p.)

Abe and the Amazing Promise is a Veggie-spun Bible classic that tells the story of Abraham and Sarah and their wait for a promised child. Featuring a lesson in patience, Abe and the Amazing Promise showcases popular nationally-syndicated radio host Delilah as the voice of Sarah. Abe and the Amazing Promise also includes the debut of a brand new Silly Song entitled "Sneeze If You Need To!" and a snappy new song about patience, "Willing To Wait."

GMC, the nation's fastest-growing television network, will bring VeggieTales® back in April for the world television premiere of VeggieTales® An Easter Carol DVD, in time for Easter 2009.

The programming is part of a new agreement between GMC and Big Idea, Inc., a leading faith-based studio and producer of children's and family entertainment products, programming, characters and brands, including the popular animated series VeggieTales®.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

NEW BLOG FOR FAMILY SECRETS

Finally! A place to air your family secret anonymously and be set free!
www.blog.myfamilysecrets.org.

Award-winning Author Mary DeMuth is passionate about helping people experience genuine freedom from their family secrets. So she’s launched a new website to help people post their secrets anonymously.

Mary says, “So many of us live with secrets that haunt us, keep us awake at night, or noodle their way into our lives. Some secrets are funny (think: embarrassing moments). Some are tragic. But many hold us captive. In my latest novel Daisy Chain, many characters harbor secrets, but only a few are brave enough to bring them to the light of day and find freedom. All secrets will be kept anonymous, and will be posted with discretion It’s my hope that this site will become a community for many, and that thousands of folks will experience freedom when they’ve shared their family secret.”

About Mary DeMuth

Mary DeMuth loves to write about turning trials to triumph. Her debut novel, Watching the Tree Limbs, was a Christy Award finalist. Both it and its sequel Wishing on Dandelions were finalists for the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year. Mary’s nonfiction books include Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God, Building the Christian Family You Never Had and Authentic Parenting in a Postmodern Culture. Mary recently moved back to Texas after spending two and a half years working in southern France with her husband Patrick and their three children. Visit her at http://www.marydemuth.com

About Daisy Chain

Daisy Chain
By Mary E. DeMuth
Zondervan
9780310278368
369 Pages
$14.99
Softcover
PUB DATE: March 2009

Sunday, February 1, 2009

KIDDIE TAX IS EXPANDED

* In case you missed it, starting in 2008, the kiddie tax is expanded to apply to a child who is age 18 or a full-time student age 19-23, if the child’s earned income for the year doesn’t exceed one-half of his or her support. Thus, for 2008, employing a child 18 or a full-time student age 19-23 could help to avoid the kiddie tax on his or her unearned income. Check with an accountant to find out how this might affect your family.