Are you concerned about having to pay close to a $1,000 for a good
Workshop with Christian editors, agents and other great speakers?
I was. That's exactly why we started the Carolina Christian Writers Workshop.
It's March 18-19 this year and it's only $125. And it gets even better. The February
10th early bird is $99. AND ministers, students, spouses can come at
Blue light special discounts!
Here's the scoop in a nutshell:
Carolina Christian Writers' Workshop
Friday-Saturday, March 18-19, 2011
Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children's Writing and Beginning Writer tracks
Location: North Anderson Baptist Church
2308 N. Main St., Anderson, SC 29621
Time: Friday 1:00 PM - Saturday 4:30 PM Friday Nite Owl
Cost: $125 Early bird by Feb. 10th $99
Faculty: Dr. Dennis Hensley, Editor Rick Steele, Editor Ramona
Richards, Literary Agent Tamela Hancock Murray--and more.
Writing Contest and Prizes
Attached is the detailed brochure---with stuff like registration info, our Contest Guidelines and faculty bios and class descriptions. Just keep scrolling down.
To spark your interest I've pasted in Doc Hensley's great fiction track below.
Does it sound like a university course? That's about what it is. Besides being a prolific author, he teaches writing at Taylor University in Fort Wayne, IN.
Start your New Year off right. Determine to do something concrete about your writing. Dream, but don't stop there. Come. Tell your writer friends. Drag them if you have to. Or promise them dark chocolate.That's how much I think this workshop will change your writing life.
Happy, Blessed New Year,
Elva Cobb Martin,
President, Upstate SC American Christian Writers chapter
Dir., Carolina Christian Writers' Workshop
104 Oak Knoll Terrace
Anderson, SC 29625 PH: 864/226-7024
Web Site: http://www.elvamartin.com New Novel coming: Tender Deception
New Blog http://TeaChatwithElva.blogspot.com
Writers Chapter Site: http://www.upstatescchristianwriters.com
"The Lord is my strength and song...and I will exalt Him." Exodus15:2
Bio - Dr. Dennis Hensley
Dennis is the author of 40 books, six of which are novels. He has also written more than 150 short stories and 3000 newspaper and magazine articles for everything from Readers' Digest to the War Cry. Dr. Hensley is a columnist for Writer's Journal and Advanced Christian Writer. He directs the professional writing major at Taylor University Fort Wayne, where he is an English professor.
Fiction: Part One
In this session Dr. Hensley will explain what the nine basic plots are, how they can be modified to fit each different genre (mystery, romance, adventure, western, etc.), and what the formats are for adapting a plot idea to a standard genre.
Fiction: Part Two
In this session Dr. Hensley will talk about character development. He will explain how names are chosen for fictional characters, how characters are defined by mannerisms and behavior and quirks, how back story is provided for central characters, how secondary characters serve functional roles in novels, and how a series character can be carried from one book to another.
Fiction: Part Three
In this session Dr. Hensley will explain how to master dialogue when writing fiction. He will define the differences between realistic dialogue and patterned dialogue. He will share ten special procedures by which to create, edit, and refine passages of dialogue. He will also explain when and how to use accents, drawls, twangs, and dialects.
Fiction: Part Four
In this session Dr. Hensley will explain how fictional settings are created for short stories, novels, and scripts. He will discuss regionalism, spiritual settings, influences of history and politics and religion on communities, ethnic settlements, cultural clashes in society, and even the most basic elements of how and when to focus on geography, architecture, climate, foods, manner of dress, and local morals.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
NEW MARKET GUIDE
Just wanted to let you know that the 2011 Christian Writers Market Guides have arrived. I'll be busy the next week preparing to mail out all the orders. Wanted you to know so you could get your order in and be among the first to receive your copy. Just go to www.stuartmarket.com.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF JANUARY 2
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 on the paperback advice list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #4 on the paperback advice list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #7 on the paperback advice list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #10 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #14 on the paperback trade fiction list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #25 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #28 on the paperback nonfiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #31 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #4 on the paperback advice list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #7 on the paperback advice list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #10 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #13 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #14 on the paperback trade fiction list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #25 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #28 on the paperback nonfiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #31 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!
Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Thank You for your faithfulness to this blog.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
THICK-SKINNED CRITIQUES
To register, call 866.495.5177
$25 for Guild members
$45 for nonmembers
Call for discounts if you purchase both webinars.
Thick-skinned Critique: Websites
Presented by Matt Brown
January 6, 8 - 9 p.m. (Eastern Time)
As a writer, your website is one of your most valuable tools. Does it capture the interest of your viewers and present your content effectively?
Join Matt Brown, CWG's Web Development and Communication expert, as he critiques five attendees' websites on ease of use, functionality, branding, and aesthetics. To register for the webinar, call 866.495.5177. Then email your URL to Matt@christianwritersguild.com by January 3, 2011. First come, first served. (CWG offices will be closed December 27 - 31, 2010, for the holidays.)
Coming up...
Using Scripture Correctly in Your Writing
Presented by Joyce K. Ellis
January 20, 8 - 9 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild
5525 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel: 866.495.5177
Email: ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com
$25 for Guild members
$45 for nonmembers
Call for discounts if you purchase both webinars.
Thick-skinned Critique: Websites
Presented by Matt Brown
January 6, 8 - 9 p.m. (Eastern Time)
As a writer, your website is one of your most valuable tools. Does it capture the interest of your viewers and present your content effectively?
Join Matt Brown, CWG's Web Development and Communication expert, as he critiques five attendees' websites on ease of use, functionality, branding, and aesthetics. To register for the webinar, call 866.495.5177. Then email your URL to Matt@christianwritersguild.com by January 3, 2011. First come, first served. (CWG offices will be closed December 27 - 31, 2010, for the holidays.)
Coming up...
Using Scripture Correctly in Your Writing
Presented by Joyce K. Ellis
January 20, 8 - 9 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild
5525 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel: 866.495.5177
Email: ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
MORE NEW MAGAZINES THAN CLOSURES
In 2010, 193 new magazines launched while 176 ceased publication, according to MediaFinder.com - the largest online database of U.S. and Canadian publications. Food magazines topped the list of new launches with 28 new titles, such as Northeast Flavor, and ChopChop.
MediaFinder reports that the next largest category for new magazine launches in 2010 was the Regional category, with 15 new titles, including Bel-Air Magazine and 944 Dallas. Other top categories for new magazine launches were Health with 10 new magazines such as Livestrong Quarterly, and Sports with nine new titles, including Athlon Sports.
From 2009 to 2010, magazine closures declined, with only 176 compared to 596 in 2009. The Home magazine category showed the greatest decline in 2010, with 13 titles folding including Mountain Home and Home Miami. The Lifestyle category also declined, with seven magazines ceasing publication, including Salt Lake Living. During the same time period, only 28 print titles converted to an online-only format in 2010, compared with 81 titles in 2009.
In the business-to-business segment, 34 new titles launched, such as CinDayB2B and Sustainable Engineering; and 47 titles folded, including Printing News and Maddux Business Report. Of the 28 print magazines that converted to an online-only format in 2010, 15 were b-to-b magazines, including American Machinist.
"This year marked the launch of the first iPad magazines, with magazines such as Project, RoadTrip and WaveLines available on that platform, providing publishing companies with another way of delivering content to their readers," said Trish Hagood, president of Oxbridge Communications, publisher of MediaFinder. "In addition, we have seen strength in new print magazine launches, such as Food and Luxury magazines."
MediaFinder reports that the next largest category for new magazine launches in 2010 was the Regional category, with 15 new titles, including Bel-Air Magazine and 944 Dallas. Other top categories for new magazine launches were Health with 10 new magazines such as Livestrong Quarterly, and Sports with nine new titles, including Athlon Sports.
From 2009 to 2010, magazine closures declined, with only 176 compared to 596 in 2009. The Home magazine category showed the greatest decline in 2010, with 13 titles folding including Mountain Home and Home Miami. The Lifestyle category also declined, with seven magazines ceasing publication, including Salt Lake Living. During the same time period, only 28 print titles converted to an online-only format in 2010, compared with 81 titles in 2009.
In the business-to-business segment, 34 new titles launched, such as CinDayB2B and Sustainable Engineering; and 47 titles folded, including Printing News and Maddux Business Report. Of the 28 print magazines that converted to an online-only format in 2010, 15 were b-to-b magazines, including American Machinist.
"This year marked the launch of the first iPad magazines, with magazines such as Project, RoadTrip and WaveLines available on that platform, providing publishing companies with another way of delivering content to their readers," said Trish Hagood, president of Oxbridge Communications, publisher of MediaFinder. "In addition, we have seen strength in new print magazine launches, such as Food and Luxury magazines."
CHRISTIAN WRITERS GUILD ACQUIRES WORD WEAVERS
Jerry B. Jenkins, owner of the Christian Writers Guild headquartered in Colorado Springs, has announced the acquisition of Word Weavers, a Florida-based organization of local writing critique groups with chapters in three states.
“The leadership of Word Weavers has developed a great model for local chapters,” Jenkins says, “and they’ve agreed to stay on to help us create a nationwide network of such groups.”
The Christian Writers Guild trains writers through email courses, contests, conferences, and critiques. “Plugging our members and students in to peer groups has been an ingredient we’ve long dreamed of adding to the mix,” Jenkins says. “The acquisition of Word Weavers gives us a ready-made platform to do just that.”
Larry Leech, president of Word Weavers, says, “Vice-presidents Eva Marie Everson and Cheri Cowell and I are excited about joining the Christian Writers Guild team. Like the Guild, Word Weavers is dedicated to developing writers. Becoming part of CWG significantly expands opportunities and benefits for current and future Word Weavers members. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help the Guild coach and encourage aspiring writers.”
For more information, visit www.christianwritersguild.com or www.wordweaversonline.com
“The leadership of Word Weavers has developed a great model for local chapters,” Jenkins says, “and they’ve agreed to stay on to help us create a nationwide network of such groups.”
The Christian Writers Guild trains writers through email courses, contests, conferences, and critiques. “Plugging our members and students in to peer groups has been an ingredient we’ve long dreamed of adding to the mix,” Jenkins says. “The acquisition of Word Weavers gives us a ready-made platform to do just that.”
Larry Leech, president of Word Weavers, says, “Vice-presidents Eva Marie Everson and Cheri Cowell and I are excited about joining the Christian Writers Guild team. Like the Guild, Word Weavers is dedicated to developing writers. Becoming part of CWG significantly expands opportunities and benefits for current and future Word Weavers members. We’re grateful for the opportunity to help the Guild coach and encourage aspiring writers.”
For more information, visit www.christianwritersguild.com or www.wordweaversonline.com
HOLIDAY SEASON FORECAST UP TO 3.3%
After a solid start to the holiday season, the National Retail Federation announced today that it is revising its forecast to 3.3%, up from 2.3%. The upward revision is due to improvement in a variety of economic indicators including stock market gains, recent income growth and savings built up during the recession - all giving consumers the capacity to spend
According to the National Retail Federation, November retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.8% seasonally adjusted over October and 6.8% unadjusted over last year.
“The start to the holiday season has surpassed all expectations,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “While employment data is still a concern, we are starting to see improvement in other economic indicators that support an increase to our forecast. In order to sustain this momentum for retailers and the U.S. economy, there must be a renewed focus on jobs as we enter the new year.”
* NRF classifies holiday sales as sales in the months of November and December
According to the National Retail Federation, November retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.8% seasonally adjusted over October and 6.8% unadjusted over last year.
“The start to the holiday season has surpassed all expectations,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “While employment data is still a concern, we are starting to see improvement in other economic indicators that support an increase to our forecast. In order to sustain this momentum for retailers and the U.S. economy, there must be a renewed focus on jobs as we enter the new year.”
* NRF classifies holiday sales as sales in the months of November and December
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 26
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 on the paperback advice list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #5 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #5 on the paperback advice list.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover business list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #9 on the paperback advice list.
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #13 on the hardcover business list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #17 on the paperback trade fiction list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #33 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #4 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #5 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #5 on the paperback advice list.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover business list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #9 on the paperback advice list.
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #13 on the hardcover business list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #17 on the paperback trade fiction list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #27 on the paperback nonfiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #33 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WRITER'S ADVANCE BOOTCAMP - JANUARY 21-23
Writers Advance Bootcamp is sponsored by Christian Devotions Ministries. Our goal is to place the Word of God in the hands of those who seek and to assist writers to better serve the Father through their gifts.
Join us in January of 2011 for roll call as we pull the troops together for a time of fellowship, study and artillery training. 2011 looks to be HUGE and you need to be armed, prepared and ready to battle.
The Dates: January 21-23 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Report To: Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain, NC
Simply make your reservation and purchase as many meal tickets as you need from the Ridgecrest Conference Center (see details below).
Friday night we will lead a workshop on Writing as a Ministry.
Then Saturday we'll march into training with workshops on:
Writing Devotions for Impact (Cindy)
10 Ways to Jump-start Your Book Launch (Eddie)
Tips for Getting Great Book Reviews (Eddie)
Amazing Results with Amazon (Eddie)
Tips for Self-Editing: Ten Most Common Writing Blunders (Cindy and Andrea)
How to Brainstorm(we'll use our brainpower as a group).
Sunday morning we will share a devotional and prayer time followed by classes on:
Plotting, Not Plodding (Eddie)
Making a Scene (Eddie)
DevoFest 2011 (Terri)
followed by a Ministry Update.
All of this at NO CHARGE! (Because we want you to Charge Forth!)
If you've been with us for the last two Advance Camps you know that we FILL YOU IN AND UP so you are ready to work, write and minister.
Apply for your orders by contacting Cindy at cindy@christiandevotions.us
Boot camp trains regardless of the weather so strap on your boots and ready for battle ...last year the snow was awesome!
INVITE YOUR WRITING FRIENDS!
Soldiers have buddies to watch their back and writers need buddies too.
Writers Advance Is NOT just for Christian Devotions Writers, so invite your friends. Jumpstart your writing year with a friend.
THE DETAILS
Room rate: $64 per night
Meal rates: Dinner $12,Lunch $10.50,
Breakfast $8.50 (There will be NO lunch on Sunday)
Registration phone number 1-800-588-7222
Register for: Writers Advance Bootcamp
Ridgecrest will ask you how many and which meals you will be taking.
They simply need a head count. You will buy your meal tickets at check-in.
You will be asked to make a $10 Bootcamp Packet fee donation (payable to Christian Devotions) to cover the costs of the packets and printed materials, but if you can't donate the ten dollars, please come anyway. The Advance workshops are free.
YOUR ORDERS:
ADVANCE Soldiers!
Make your reservations through the Ridgecrest number listed above and then
email Cindy at cindy@christiandevotions.us and let her know you're coming!
Bring a story idea, a devotion (one you've written or one you like), and TWO pages of a work-in-progress
Join us in January of 2011 for roll call as we pull the troops together for a time of fellowship, study and artillery training. 2011 looks to be HUGE and you need to be armed, prepared and ready to battle.
The Dates: January 21-23 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Report To: Ridgecrest Conference Center, Black Mountain, NC
Simply make your reservation and purchase as many meal tickets as you need from the Ridgecrest Conference Center (see details below).
Friday night we will lead a workshop on Writing as a Ministry.
Then Saturday we'll march into training with workshops on:
Writing Devotions for Impact (Cindy)
10 Ways to Jump-start Your Book Launch (Eddie)
Tips for Getting Great Book Reviews (Eddie)
Amazing Results with Amazon (Eddie)
Tips for Self-Editing: Ten Most Common Writing Blunders (Cindy and Andrea)
How to Brainstorm(we'll use our brainpower as a group).
Sunday morning we will share a devotional and prayer time followed by classes on:
Plotting, Not Plodding (Eddie)
Making a Scene (Eddie)
DevoFest 2011 (Terri)
followed by a Ministry Update.
All of this at NO CHARGE! (Because we want you to Charge Forth!)
If you've been with us for the last two Advance Camps you know that we FILL YOU IN AND UP so you are ready to work, write and minister.
Apply for your orders by contacting Cindy at cindy@christiandevotions.us
Boot camp trains regardless of the weather so strap on your boots and ready for battle ...last year the snow was awesome!
INVITE YOUR WRITING FRIENDS!
Soldiers have buddies to watch their back and writers need buddies too.
Writers Advance Is NOT just for Christian Devotions Writers, so invite your friends. Jumpstart your writing year with a friend.
THE DETAILS
Room rate: $64 per night
Meal rates: Dinner $12,Lunch $10.50,
Breakfast $8.50 (There will be NO lunch on Sunday)
Registration phone number 1-800-588-7222
Register for: Writers Advance Bootcamp
Ridgecrest will ask you how many and which meals you will be taking.
They simply need a head count. You will buy your meal tickets at check-in.
You will be asked to make a $10 Bootcamp Packet fee donation (payable to Christian Devotions) to cover the costs of the packets and printed materials, but if you can't donate the ten dollars, please come anyway. The Advance workshops are free.
YOUR ORDERS:
ADVANCE Soldiers!
Make your reservations through the Ridgecrest number listed above and then
email Cindy at cindy@christiandevotions.us and let her know you're coming!
Bring a story idea, a devotion (one you've written or one you like), and TWO pages of a work-in-progress
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
As part of a series titled "Miracles and Moments of Grace," I am writing a book of 50 stories told by doctors. The first book in the series, 50 stories told by military chaplains, will be released in March 2011 by Leafwood, a Christian publishing house.
In this book, I will tell 50 stories from our nation's doctors -- whether military or civilian, family physicians, specialists, dentists, emergency room doctors or doctors in other clinical settings. The stories can be inspiring, thoughtful, heart-breaking or even funny. Stories with messages of faith are welcome. The best stories are those that hold meaning for the doctor telling it -- the first story he or she thinks of as a memorable moment in his or her career or medical training.
For example, one doctor told me of the surprisingly joyful reaction of a mother who delivered a Down's Syndrome baby. A dentist tells how his work on a missions trip touched the life of a Mongolian woman. A third doctor shares her grief over a succession of miscarriages, while another tells of how he redoubled his efforts to resuscitate a newborn when he saw the parents through the nursery window praying.
If you have a story to share for the book or know of a doctor who might, please feel free to contact me at kennedy5961@aol.com. If you are a writer, I welcome blog posts, journal entries, articles, stories and book excerpts. But I am more than happy to interview you and write up the story myself -- I know doctors are short on free time!
To learn more, access my website at www.nancybkennedy.com. I'm on facebook, too. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Many thanks,
Nancy B. Kennedy
In this book, I will tell 50 stories from our nation's doctors -- whether military or civilian, family physicians, specialists, dentists, emergency room doctors or doctors in other clinical settings. The stories can be inspiring, thoughtful, heart-breaking or even funny. Stories with messages of faith are welcome. The best stories are those that hold meaning for the doctor telling it -- the first story he or she thinks of as a memorable moment in his or her career or medical training.
For example, one doctor told me of the surprisingly joyful reaction of a mother who delivered a Down's Syndrome baby. A dentist tells how his work on a missions trip touched the life of a Mongolian woman. A third doctor shares her grief over a succession of miscarriages, while another tells of how he redoubled his efforts to resuscitate a newborn when he saw the parents through the nursery window praying.
If you have a story to share for the book or know of a doctor who might, please feel free to contact me at kennedy5961@aol.com. If you are a writer, I welcome blog posts, journal entries, articles, stories and book excerpts. But I am more than happy to interview you and write up the story myself -- I know doctors are short on free time!
To learn more, access my website at www.nancybkennedy.com. I'm on facebook, too. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Many thanks,
Nancy B. Kennedy
ECPA BOOK COVER AWARDS ANNOUNCED
The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced the winners of the 2010 ECPA Book Cover Award . The competition, sponsored by ECPA and Dickinson Press, recognizes the industry’s outstanding and most effective book covers that best connect the book design to their intended consumer.
The three winners were announced today at a PUBu online webinar led by Rick Hamm, the program’s judging manager and RISC Research Director, where he expounded on how each winner was chosen. A download of that webinar will soon be available on the ECPA website.
The 2010 ECPA Book Cover Award Winners in each category are:
BEST COVER: SMALL-SIZED PUBLISHER
Domesticated Jesus
Harry L. Kraus Jr. (P&R Publishing), Chris Tobias, Designer
Targeted RISC profile: Pioneers
Cover strengths: atypical imagery, edgy design, copy that challenges, evokes curiosity
BEST COVER: MID-SIZED PUBLISHER
52 Things Kids Need from a Dad
Jay K. Payleitner (Harvest House Publishers), e210 Design, Designer
Targeted RISC profile: Loyalists
Cover strengths: strong appeal in image and copy toward cultivating strong family relationships
BEST COVER: LARGE PUBLISHER
Searching for God Knows What, Revised and Updated
Donald Miller (Thomas Nelson), James Hall, Designer; Belinda Bass, Art Director
Targeted RISC profile: Individualists
Cover strengths: bold images, color and design, entertains, copy emphasizes new
The program is based on RISC consumer research that identifies four primary consumer profile groups and their buying patterns and motivations: Inclusives, Pioneers, Loyalists and Individualists. The target profiles represented by the nine finalists were evenly distributed among the four consumer groups.
ECPA President/CEO Mark Kuyper states, “We are very proud to honor this year’s winners and finalists. Each category had a large number of standout book covers, and the judging was very close. In some cases there was only a decimal point difference that distinguished a winner from a finalist. We congratulate the winners for their outstanding designs, and for intelligently connecting book design to their intended audience.”
The ECPA Book Cover Award program was launched in 2007, developed out of a 2006 study commissioned by Dickinson Press and conducted by Marshall Marketing, utilizing the RISC system to help Christian publishers develop and design more on-target products. Subsequent research was performed in 2008 and new information will be reported in early 2011.
More program information, including the 2010 finalist and winner covers are featured on the ECPA web site at www.ecpa.org/bookcoveraward.
The three winners were announced today at a PUBu online webinar led by Rick Hamm, the program’s judging manager and RISC Research Director, where he expounded on how each winner was chosen. A download of that webinar will soon be available on the ECPA website.
The 2010 ECPA Book Cover Award Winners in each category are:
BEST COVER: SMALL-SIZED PUBLISHER
Domesticated Jesus
Harry L. Kraus Jr. (P&R Publishing), Chris Tobias, Designer
Targeted RISC profile: Pioneers
Cover strengths: atypical imagery, edgy design, copy that challenges, evokes curiosity
BEST COVER: MID-SIZED PUBLISHER
52 Things Kids Need from a Dad
Jay K. Payleitner (Harvest House Publishers), e210 Design, Designer
Targeted RISC profile: Loyalists
Cover strengths: strong appeal in image and copy toward cultivating strong family relationships
BEST COVER: LARGE PUBLISHER
Searching for God Knows What, Revised and Updated
Donald Miller (Thomas Nelson), James Hall, Designer; Belinda Bass, Art Director
Targeted RISC profile: Individualists
Cover strengths: bold images, color and design, entertains, copy emphasizes new
The program is based on RISC consumer research that identifies four primary consumer profile groups and their buying patterns and motivations: Inclusives, Pioneers, Loyalists and Individualists. The target profiles represented by the nine finalists were evenly distributed among the four consumer groups.
ECPA President/CEO Mark Kuyper states, “We are very proud to honor this year’s winners and finalists. Each category had a large number of standout book covers, and the judging was very close. In some cases there was only a decimal point difference that distinguished a winner from a finalist. We congratulate the winners for their outstanding designs, and for intelligently connecting book design to their intended audience.”
The ECPA Book Cover Award program was launched in 2007, developed out of a 2006 study commissioned by Dickinson Press and conducted by Marshall Marketing, utilizing the RISC system to help Christian publishers develop and design more on-target products. Subsequent research was performed in 2008 and new information will be reported in early 2011.
More program information, including the 2010 finalist and winner covers are featured on the ECPA web site at www.ecpa.org/bookcoveraward.
Monday, December 13, 2010
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 12
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #5 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice list.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover business list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #6 on the paperback advice list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #7 on the paperback advice list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #13 on the paperback trade fiction list.
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #13 on the hardcover business list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #17 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #24 on the paperback trade fiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #32 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #34 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #5 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice list.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover business list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #6 on the paperback advice list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #7 on the paperback advice list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #13 on the paperback trade fiction list.
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #13 on the hardcover business list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #17 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #24 on the paperback trade fiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #32 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Reason for God by Timothy Keller (Riverhead) is #34 on the paperback nonfiction list.
PUBLISHERS BOOK SALES DOWN
Publishers’ book sales tracked by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) for the month of October decreased by 0.9 percent on the prior year to $721 million and were up by 3.4 percent for the year to date.
In the children’s book category, Hardcover Children’s/YA sales showed an increase of 13.9 percent over October of last year with sales of $100 million; however, year-to-date sales decreased by 11.1 percent. Children’s/YA Paperback sales are down by 3.3 percent in October with sales totaling $50.9 million; sales fell 6.5 percent for the year to date.
The Adult Hardcover category was down 6.5 percent in October with sales of $242.9 million, and sales for the year-to-date down by 7.7 percent. Adult Paperback sales decreased 11.8 percent for the month ($115 million) revealing no change for the year to date. Adult Mass Market sales decreased 1.1 percent for October with sales totaling $60.2 million; sales were down by 14.3 percent year to date.
E Book Sales Hold Steady At Nearly 9% of Trade Book Sales
E-book sales from participating reporting publishers continue to grow, with a 112.4 percent increase over October 2009 ($40.7 million) compared to $19.2 million in October 2009. January-October 2010 year-to-date E-book sales are up 171.3 percent reaching $345.3 million compared to 127.3 million from January-October 2009.
In the children’s book category, Hardcover Children’s/YA sales showed an increase of 13.9 percent over October of last year with sales of $100 million; however, year-to-date sales decreased by 11.1 percent. Children’s/YA Paperback sales are down by 3.3 percent in October with sales totaling $50.9 million; sales fell 6.5 percent for the year to date.
The Adult Hardcover category was down 6.5 percent in October with sales of $242.9 million, and sales for the year-to-date down by 7.7 percent. Adult Paperback sales decreased 11.8 percent for the month ($115 million) revealing no change for the year to date. Adult Mass Market sales decreased 1.1 percent for October with sales totaling $60.2 million; sales were down by 14.3 percent year to date.
E Book Sales Hold Steady At Nearly 9% of Trade Book Sales
E-book sales from participating reporting publishers continue to grow, with a 112.4 percent increase over October 2009 ($40.7 million) compared to $19.2 million in October 2009. January-October 2010 year-to-date E-book sales are up 171.3 percent reaching $345.3 million compared to 127.3 million from January-October 2009.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
BLOG TOUR DATABASE
We have over 600 bloggers in our KCWC blog tour database, and over 100 book
reviewers. Not only do we look for certain things from our bloggers, but we
also coach them so that the ones who are eager to serve have ideas for
stretching the ways they provide exposure to authors and books. This ends upalso giving the blogger more exposure. Mutually beneficial! How we operateas a communications firm could be utilized by individual authors looking for more traffic, whether you¹re the blogger or the guest author looking toappear on more blogs.
We look for/ask for:
1. A following-do they show a good number on their follower list?
2. Good interaction-do the readers and the bloggers interact via the
comments?
3. Activity-are there new posts at least 4 times per month? We prefer 12
times per month.
4. Social networking-do they plug the link of the blog posts on facebook,
twitter, linked-in or to their mailing lists?
5. Diversity-do they provide good content on non-blog tour days so we know
their readers visit frequently?
6. Personalization-do they personalize the blog tour in some way to make it
fit their blog and their readers, such as writing a review, or pulling out
an aspect of the book that makes it a good match for the niche of their
readers?
7. Book Reviews-are they willing to post a review at one of the online
bookstores such as amazon on top of their blog activity?
8. Quality Content-do we find their views to represent the same mindset as
our KCWC focus? We¹re looking for well-written posts, well-thought out
opinions, and wholesome conduct on their blogs.
We utilize bloggers several ways:
1. Blog Tours-they post the content we give them (book summary, author bio,
³something extra,² etc.)
2. Reviews-their personally crafted book reviews of books we provide them
3. Guest Blogger Article Content-we provide reprint permission to post our
authors¹ content on their sites
4. News Releases-sometimes when a news release is relevant, we provide it
for our bloggers as a type of article content
5. Contests and Giveaways-with new regulations, these require special legal
wording, but can be done
6. Surveys-we¹ll give them a survey to participate in with their readers,
with prize giveaways-they vote on their favorites
7. Current Content-we provide article content that fits with an ³awareness
day² or water-cooler topic
Shine On!
Kathy with Kathy Carlton Willis Communications
http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/
http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/
reviewers. Not only do we look for certain things from our bloggers, but we
also coach them so that the ones who are eager to serve have ideas for
stretching the ways they provide exposure to authors and books. This ends upalso giving the blogger more exposure. Mutually beneficial! How we operateas a communications firm could be utilized by individual authors looking for more traffic, whether you¹re the blogger or the guest author looking toappear on more blogs.
We look for/ask for:
1. A following-do they show a good number on their follower list?
2. Good interaction-do the readers and the bloggers interact via the
comments?
3. Activity-are there new posts at least 4 times per month? We prefer 12
times per month.
4. Social networking-do they plug the link of the blog posts on facebook,
twitter, linked-in or to their mailing lists?
5. Diversity-do they provide good content on non-blog tour days so we know
their readers visit frequently?
6. Personalization-do they personalize the blog tour in some way to make it
fit their blog and their readers, such as writing a review, or pulling out
an aspect of the book that makes it a good match for the niche of their
readers?
7. Book Reviews-are they willing to post a review at one of the online
bookstores such as amazon on top of their blog activity?
8. Quality Content-do we find their views to represent the same mindset as
our KCWC focus? We¹re looking for well-written posts, well-thought out
opinions, and wholesome conduct on their blogs.
We utilize bloggers several ways:
1. Blog Tours-they post the content we give them (book summary, author bio,
³something extra,² etc.)
2. Reviews-their personally crafted book reviews of books we provide them
3. Guest Blogger Article Content-we provide reprint permission to post our
authors¹ content on their sites
4. News Releases-sometimes when a news release is relevant, we provide it
for our bloggers as a type of article content
5. Contests and Giveaways-with new regulations, these require special legal
wording, but can be done
6. Surveys-we¹ll give them a survey to participate in with their readers,
with prize giveaways-they vote on their favorites
7. Current Content-we provide article content that fits with an ³awareness
day² or water-cooler topic
Shine On!
Kathy with Kathy Carlton Willis Communications
http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/
http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/
DAZZLING DIALOGUE WEBINAR TONIGHT
Registration, call 866.495.5177
$25 for Christian Writers Guild members
$45 for nonmembers
Dazzling Dialogue
Presented by James Scott Bell
TONIGHT: December 9; 8- 9 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Dialogue is the fastest way to elevate or sink a manuscript. Fortunately there are easy techniques that will take your dialogue from dull to dazzling. You'll learn about orchestration, the "side step," a model for instant conflict, and many other nuts and bolts.
James Scott Bell is the bestselling author of Deceived, Try Dying, Try Darkness, Try Fear, The Whole Truth, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise, and several others. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence (Suspense category). He has served as the fiction columnist and written three bestselling craft books for Writer's Digest.
Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild
5525 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel: 866.495.5177
Email: ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com
$25 for Christian Writers Guild members
$45 for nonmembers
Dazzling Dialogue
Presented by James Scott Bell
TONIGHT: December 9; 8- 9 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Dialogue is the fastest way to elevate or sink a manuscript. Fortunately there are easy techniques that will take your dialogue from dull to dazzling. You'll learn about orchestration, the "side step," a model for instant conflict, and many other nuts and bolts.
James Scott Bell is the bestselling author of Deceived, Try Dying, Try Darkness, Try Fear, The Whole Truth, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise, and several others. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence (Suspense category). He has served as the fiction columnist and written three bestselling craft books for Writer's Digest.
Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild
5525 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel: 866.495.5177
Email: ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com
HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS
Hello Highlights Foundation Friends,
Wishing you a happy holiday season. Since you have mentioned one or more
of our programs in recent blogs, I wondered if you might pass along
information about our 2011 Chautauqua Scholarship Program via a blog or
some other social-networking means?
You may know someone who is hesitating to pursue his or her Chautauqua
dream due to finances. The Highlights Foundation offers scholarships and
now is the time to find out more.
A lot of children’s writers dream of the Highlights Foundation Writers
Workshop at Chautauqua. “Next year,” they promise themselves. “Next year
I’m going to Chautauqua!” Then reality sets in. The drive and talent to
support the dream are there, but the finances . . . maybe not.
Please encourage your writing friends to stop dreaming and start planning!
Pass along our scholarship newsletter. Scholarships will be considered in
two groups. Early applications will be accepted through December 15, 2010.
(Final scholarship deadline is February 11, 2011.)
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to others who might find it of
interest, paste it into your blog, or spread the news on social-networking
sites.
thanks so much,
Jo
Jo Lloyd
Program Assistant
Highlights Foundation, 814 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (877) 512-8365 (toll-free) or (570) 251-4557
Fax: (570) 253-0179
jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/
Wishing you a happy holiday season. Since you have mentioned one or more
of our programs in recent blogs, I wondered if you might pass along
information about our 2011 Chautauqua Scholarship Program via a blog or
some other social-networking means?
You may know someone who is hesitating to pursue his or her Chautauqua
dream due to finances. The Highlights Foundation offers scholarships and
now is the time to find out more.
A lot of children’s writers dream of the Highlights Foundation Writers
Workshop at Chautauqua. “Next year,” they promise themselves. “Next year
I’m going to Chautauqua!” Then reality sets in. The drive and talent to
support the dream are there, but the finances . . . maybe not.
Please encourage your writing friends to stop dreaming and start planning!
Pass along our scholarship newsletter. Scholarships will be considered in
two groups. Early applications will be accepted through December 15, 2010.
(Final scholarship deadline is February 11, 2011.)
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to others who might find it of
interest, paste it into your blog, or spread the news on social-networking
sites.
thanks so much,
Jo
Jo Lloyd
Program Assistant
Highlights Foundation, 814 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (877) 512-8365 (toll-free) or (570) 251-4557
Fax: (570) 253-0179
jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org
http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
SKY ANGEL'S VIDEO OFFERS MORE CHRISTIAN CONTENT
Sky Angel's Video On Demand library gives their TV subscribers even more Christian content with the addition of Nooma and Deeper Connections from Zondervan. Sky Angel subscribers will find the content by choosing Video On Demand, selecting the Grow category then choosing either NOOMA or Deeper Connections. To learn more about Sky Angel's nationwide TV service, visit www.skyangel.com or call 1-800-SKY-ANGEL (1-800-759-2643).
NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from the perspective of Jesus with an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. Deeper Connections include 6 studies taught by biblical experts who explain the historical and religious setting of the first century in order to correctly apply it to today.
"I am excited about Zondervan's content now available On Demand; it's perfect for Sky Angel viewers! With NOOMA and Deeper Connections, our subscribers have access to very engaging and powerful Christian content," says Darren Moorman - Senior Vice President - On-Demand Programming.
"We are thrilled that these resources from Zondervan will be watched by thousands of viewers who have never seen them before. Our goal is to introduce more and more people to outstanding films like NOOMA and Deeper Connections," said John Raymond, VP and Publisher for Curriculum, Zondervan.
Sky Angel offers subscribers two services: a traditional TV service with over 80 television and radio channels of faith-based, family-friendly programming plus Video On Demand that is available anywhere in the U.S. and a WebTV service with more than 35 faith-based television and radio channels, Video On Demand and other features viewed via personal computers worldwide.
NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from the perspective of Jesus with an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. Deeper Connections include 6 studies taught by biblical experts who explain the historical and religious setting of the first century in order to correctly apply it to today.
"I am excited about Zondervan's content now available On Demand; it's perfect for Sky Angel viewers! With NOOMA and Deeper Connections, our subscribers have access to very engaging and powerful Christian content," says Darren Moorman - Senior Vice President - On-Demand Programming.
"We are thrilled that these resources from Zondervan will be watched by thousands of viewers who have never seen them before. Our goal is to introduce more and more people to outstanding films like NOOMA and Deeper Connections," said John Raymond, VP and Publisher for Curriculum, Zondervan.
Sky Angel offers subscribers two services: a traditional TV service with over 80 television and radio channels of faith-based, family-friendly programming plus Video On Demand that is available anywhere in the U.S. and a WebTV service with more than 35 faith-based television and radio channels, Video On Demand and other features viewed via personal computers worldwide.
CONTROVERSY OVER C.S. LEWIS BIBLE
Evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Mormons have long claimed C.S. Lewis as their own. So when HarperOne released The C. S. Lewis Bible (November 2010) -- pairing Lewis's celebrated spiritual writings with corresponding scripture passages -- it came as no surprise that it was largely embraced by the Christian community (and beyond). The NRSV is the most accurate, trusted, and readable translation available in English--the reason it was chosen by HarperOne.
But a faction of Evangelicals has recently come forward to express indignation with this adaptation. Some have taken to the airwaves, and others have started a petition to cease publication of The C. S. Lewis Bible. There are claims that the NRSV is too feminist and too liberal for Lewis--widely considered a fundamentalist hero--and a call to prevent one of their most important modern theologians from being co-opted by other Christian groups.
According to HarperOne SVP and Publisher Mark Tauber, this critical reaction comes as a surprise. Speaking to the brewing controversy, he said "I'm shocked that anyone could take offense to this Bible--a substantive, inspiring, and beautiful package." Tauber continued, "We assembled an incredible group of leading C. S. Lewis scholars, and I think the end result is a fitting tribute to one of the most revered Christian thinkers of our time."
But a faction of Evangelicals has recently come forward to express indignation with this adaptation. Some have taken to the airwaves, and others have started a petition to cease publication of The C. S. Lewis Bible. There are claims that the NRSV is too feminist and too liberal for Lewis--widely considered a fundamentalist hero--and a call to prevent one of their most important modern theologians from being co-opted by other Christian groups.
According to HarperOne SVP and Publisher Mark Tauber, this critical reaction comes as a surprise. Speaking to the brewing controversy, he said "I'm shocked that anyone could take offense to this Bible--a substantive, inspiring, and beautiful package." Tauber continued, "We assembled an incredible group of leading C. S. Lewis scholars, and I think the end result is a fitting tribute to one of the most revered Christian thinkers of our time."
Monday, December 6, 2010
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 5
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield/Moody) is #2 on the paperback advice list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #6 on the paperback advice list.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover business list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #11 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #12 on the paperback trade fiction list.
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #13 on the hardcover business list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #24 on the paperback trade fiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #30 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Crazy Love by Francis Chan with Danae Yankoski (David C. Cook) is #5 on the paperback advice list.
The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Lawrence Kimbrough (B&H Publishing) is #6 on the paperback advice list.
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey (Thomas Nelson) is #6 on the hardcover business list.
Radical by David Platt (Multnomah) is #7 on the paperback advice list.
Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent (Thomas Nelson) is #11 on the paperback nonfiction list.
The Shack by William P. Young (Windblown Media) is #12 on the paperback trade fiction list.
The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy (Tyndale House) is #13 on the hardcover business list.
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore (Thomas Nelson) is #20 on the paperback nonfiction list.
Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury (Zondervan) is #24 on the paperback trade fiction list.
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey (Revell/Baker) is #30 on the paperback nonfiction list.
WORD GUILD LAUNCHES WRITING CONTEST
The Word Guild launches Canadian Christian Writers Contest
Win Free Registration to Canada's Largest Christian Writers' Conference
Never before published Canadian writers who are Christian - including teenagers and young adults - can win prizes in the God Uses Ink Novice Writing Contest. First-prize winners will receive free registration to attend Write! Canada, a value of more than $400. Entries must be received by January 15, 2011.
The topic for the 2011 contest is "Changing the World with Words," the theme for the next Write! Canada conference, to be held in Guelph, Ontario, from June 16 to 18, 2011.
Contest submissions may be in any writing format, including short stories, poems, scripts, and nonfiction articles. Independent judges who are experienced writers and editors will evaluate the entries and provide helpful feedback.
This contest is designed to encourage and recognize new and aspiring writers. For the purposes of this competition, "unpublished" means you have never been paid for something you have written.
Prizes are available in three age categories: teenagers (ages 14 to 19); young adults (ages 20 to 39); and adults (age 40 and over).
First prize: Registration for Write! Canada Christian Writers' Conference, June 16 to 18, 2011, in Guelph, Ontario (value more than $400).
Second prize: A $100 gift certificate for The Word Guild, which may be used for conference registration, membership, etc.
Third prize: A $50 gift certificate for The Word Guild, which may be used for conference registration, membership, etc.
See all guidelines and online registration form on our website at canadianchristianwritingawards.com
Win Free Registration to Canada's Largest Christian Writers' Conference
Never before published Canadian writers who are Christian - including teenagers and young adults - can win prizes in the God Uses Ink Novice Writing Contest. First-prize winners will receive free registration to attend Write! Canada, a value of more than $400. Entries must be received by January 15, 2011.
The topic for the 2011 contest is "Changing the World with Words," the theme for the next Write! Canada conference, to be held in Guelph, Ontario, from June 16 to 18, 2011.
Contest submissions may be in any writing format, including short stories, poems, scripts, and nonfiction articles. Independent judges who are experienced writers and editors will evaluate the entries and provide helpful feedback.
This contest is designed to encourage and recognize new and aspiring writers. For the purposes of this competition, "unpublished" means you have never been paid for something you have written.
Prizes are available in three age categories: teenagers (ages 14 to 19); young adults (ages 20 to 39); and adults (age 40 and over).
First prize: Registration for Write! Canada Christian Writers' Conference, June 16 to 18, 2011, in Guelph, Ontario (value more than $400).
Second prize: A $100 gift certificate for The Word Guild, which may be used for conference registration, membership, etc.
Third prize: A $50 gift certificate for The Word Guild, which may be used for conference registration, membership, etc.
See all guidelines and online registration form on our website at canadianchristianwritingawards.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
WEBINAR FOR FICTION WRITERS
Dazzling Dialogue Presented by James Scott Bell
December 9 | 8 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Dialogue is the fastest way to elevate or sink a manuscript. Fortunately there are easy techniques that will take your dialogue from dull to dazzling. You'll learn about orchestration, the "side step," a model for instant conflict, and many other nuts and bolts.
James Scott Bell is the bestselling author of Deceived, Try Dying, Try Darkness, Try Fear, The Whole Truth, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise, and several others. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence (Suspense category). He has served as the fiction columnist and written three bestselling craft books for Writer's Digest.
Registration
To register, call 866.495.5177
$25 for Guild members
$45 for nonmembers
Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild
5525 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel: 866.495.5177
Email: ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com
December 9 | 8 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Dialogue is the fastest way to elevate or sink a manuscript. Fortunately there are easy techniques that will take your dialogue from dull to dazzling. You'll learn about orchestration, the "side step," a model for instant conflict, and many other nuts and bolts.
James Scott Bell is the bestselling author of Deceived, Try Dying, Try Darkness, Try Fear, The Whole Truth, No Legal Grounds, Presumed Guilty, Glimpses of Paradise, Breach of Promise, and several others. He is a winner of the Christy Award for Excellence (Suspense category). He has served as the fiction columnist and written three bestselling craft books for Writer's Digest.
Registration
To register, call 866.495.5177
$25 for Guild members
$45 for nonmembers
Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild
5525 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Tel: 866.495.5177
Email: ContactUs@ChristianWritersGuild.com
BOOKS AND SUCH AGENT RETIRES
Etta Wilson, Longtime Children’s Book Advocate and Literary Agent, Retires
Books & Such Literary Agency announced Etta Wilson’s retirement early today, December 3, 2010. Wilson has worked in publishing for nearly thirty years. Her career began accidentally—and, according to Wilson, providentially—in 1982 when a friend asked her to proofread a major Bible project at Thomas Nelson, where she ended up working as editor of trade books for four years, followed by two years at Abingdon Press, where she became children's book editor and developed a strong list for the general trade.
When Abingdon changed directions, Wilson started March Media as a book packaging company, and developed a variety of book product for many publishers. In the course of that work, several authors asked her to represent them as agent, and from 1992 on she worked primarily as a literary agent.
In 2007, Wilson joined Books & Such Literary Agency as the only agent in Christian publishing who specialized in children’s books. Janet Grant, founder and president of Books & Such, said, “When I first met Etta, I was charmed by her Southern warmth, but I soon found that she was of the Steel Magnolias crowd when it came to negotiating for her clients. I'm fortunate to have experienced the charming side of Etta and will miss her wit and wry humor.”
Children’s books have always been a passion for Wilson. “When I placed Elisa Bartone's Peppe the Lamplighter with Lothrop in 1991, I knew it was a heart-warming story,” Wilson said, “But I had no idea that the editor would have Ted Lewin do the illustrations and that the book would be named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1994.”
Books & Such Literary Agency announced Etta Wilson’s retirement early today, December 3, 2010. Wilson has worked in publishing for nearly thirty years. Her career began accidentally—and, according to Wilson, providentially—in 1982 when a friend asked her to proofread a major Bible project at Thomas Nelson, where she ended up working as editor of trade books for four years, followed by two years at Abingdon Press, where she became children's book editor and developed a strong list for the general trade.
When Abingdon changed directions, Wilson started March Media as a book packaging company, and developed a variety of book product for many publishers. In the course of that work, several authors asked her to represent them as agent, and from 1992 on she worked primarily as a literary agent.
In 2007, Wilson joined Books & Such Literary Agency as the only agent in Christian publishing who specialized in children’s books. Janet Grant, founder and president of Books & Such, said, “When I first met Etta, I was charmed by her Southern warmth, but I soon found that she was of the Steel Magnolias crowd when it came to negotiating for her clients. I'm fortunate to have experienced the charming side of Etta and will miss her wit and wry humor.”
Children’s books have always been a passion for Wilson. “When I placed Elisa Bartone's Peppe the Lamplighter with Lothrop in 1991, I knew it was a heart-warming story,” Wilson said, “But I had no idea that the editor would have Ted Lewin do the illustrations and that the book would be named a Caldecott Honor Book in 1994.”
TIME TO ORDER 2011 MARKET GUIDE
This week I'm running mailing labels for those who have signed up to get the Christian Writers Market Guide automatically every year--plus those that have already ordered the 2011 edition. Just wanted to remind you that if you want to be among the first to get the guide as soon as it is available, it's time to place your order. Just go to my Website at: www.stuartmarket.com. Books will be arriving later this month.
WRITERS ADVANCE BOOTCAMP
Join us in January of 2011 as we pull the troops together
for a time of fellowship, study and artillery training.
2011 looks to be HUGE and we need you armed, prepared and ready to battle.
Look at your calendar for January 20-22 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Where: Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina.
Simply make your reservation and purchase as many meal tickets as you need from the Ridgecrest Conference Center.
Friday night we will lead a workshop on Writing as a Ministry.
Saturday we'll hold workshops on: Writing Devotions for Impact,
10 Ways to Jump-start Your Book Launch,
Top Tips for Getting Great Book Reviews, and
Amazing Results with Amazon.
Sunday morning we will lead classes on: Plotting, Not Plodding and Making a Scene
All of this at NO CHARGE! (Because we want you to Charge Forth!)
If you've been with us for the last two Advance Camps you know that we FILL YOU IN AND UP so you are ready to work, write and minister.
If you are interested in joining us email Cindy at
cindy@christiandevotions.us
We are there REGARDLESS of the weather and last year...the snow was awesome!
for a time of fellowship, study and artillery training.
2011 looks to be HUGE and we need you armed, prepared and ready to battle.
Look at your calendar for January 20-22 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Where: Ridgecrest Conference Center in North Carolina.
Simply make your reservation and purchase as many meal tickets as you need from the Ridgecrest Conference Center.
Friday night we will lead a workshop on Writing as a Ministry.
Saturday we'll hold workshops on: Writing Devotions for Impact,
10 Ways to Jump-start Your Book Launch,
Top Tips for Getting Great Book Reviews, and
Amazing Results with Amazon.
Sunday morning we will lead classes on: Plotting, Not Plodding and Making a Scene
All of this at NO CHARGE! (Because we want you to Charge Forth!)
If you've been with us for the last two Advance Camps you know that we FILL YOU IN AND UP so you are ready to work, write and minister.
If you are interested in joining us email Cindy at
cindy@christiandevotions.us
We are there REGARDLESS of the weather and last year...the snow was awesome!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
NEW E-BOOK PUBLISHER--NOVO INK
What's all the "buzz" in faith-based e-Publishing? A brand new company, NOVO Ink (whose name literally means "new ink,") is poised to take e-Publishing of faith-based books and magazines to a level not seen before.
"NOVO Ink is positioning itself to be the source for interactive Christian e-Book and e-Zines," says president and CEO Devlin Donaldson. "Each week we are adding hundreds of e-Book titles from some of the most well-known Christian publishers and authors in the business.
"We are offering new release titles, and at the same time, are digitizing and presenting back list catalog titles from faith-based publishers. NOVO Ink is also providing content from Christian authors not available anywhere else. In essence, NOVO Ink will be "the site" where readers will be able to find a unique library of faith-based books you can't find anywhere else."
NOVO Ink is also redefining how e-Books are being produced. "We are partners with Zinio, the largest distributor of digital magazines in the world. With their e-Reader, we are able to provide the Christian consumer several advantages over existing readers like Kindle and Nook," says Marketing Director Bryan Cole. "Readers now have the ability to enjoy features that have been unavailable in a digital format until now." (www.youtube/novoink)
Through the Zinio reader, NOVO Ink features a high definition color display with numerous fully interactive features. Among these features are the ability to adjust text size, clipping, social media connectivity, multiple navigational choices and page turning technology.
The greatest capability NOVO Ink provides (through their exclusive relationship to utilize Zinio technology) is the ability to support enhanced content (audio, video and animation) embedded directly into the body of a book (or magazine). By including this type of content, publishers are able to begin creating a new and interactive reading experience for consumers that is highly engaging.
"You literally need to see it to believe it," Mr. Donaldson concludes. "We invite everyone to take a virtual tour by going to www.novoink.com and to begin to 'Rethink Your Ink'."
"NOVO Ink is positioning itself to be the source for interactive Christian e-Book and e-Zines," says president and CEO Devlin Donaldson. "Each week we are adding hundreds of e-Book titles from some of the most well-known Christian publishers and authors in the business.
"We are offering new release titles, and at the same time, are digitizing and presenting back list catalog titles from faith-based publishers. NOVO Ink is also providing content from Christian authors not available anywhere else. In essence, NOVO Ink will be "the site" where readers will be able to find a unique library of faith-based books you can't find anywhere else."
NOVO Ink is also redefining how e-Books are being produced. "We are partners with Zinio, the largest distributor of digital magazines in the world. With their e-Reader, we are able to provide the Christian consumer several advantages over existing readers like Kindle and Nook," says Marketing Director Bryan Cole. "Readers now have the ability to enjoy features that have been unavailable in a digital format until now." (www.youtube/novoink)
Through the Zinio reader, NOVO Ink features a high definition color display with numerous fully interactive features. Among these features are the ability to adjust text size, clipping, social media connectivity, multiple navigational choices and page turning technology.
The greatest capability NOVO Ink provides (through their exclusive relationship to utilize Zinio technology) is the ability to support enhanced content (audio, video and animation) embedded directly into the body of a book (or magazine). By including this type of content, publishers are able to begin creating a new and interactive reading experience for consumers that is highly engaging.
"You literally need to see it to believe it," Mr. Donaldson concludes. "We invite everyone to take a virtual tour by going to www.novoink.com and to begin to 'Rethink Your Ink'."
ANOTHER WRITING OPPORTUNITY
I am co-writing a book with CBN News anchor, Wendy Griffith, titled "Praying the News" for Regal Publishers. The book will encourage Christians to become motivated to pray when watching the news -- instead of being frustrated, angry, or fearful.
Our goal is to inspire passion and excitement in people to believe that their prayers can change the world by laying a biblical foundation and showing practical examples.
Do you have any personal examples of where you partnered with God to see "the news" change? Or perhaps you were motivated to gather believers to pray by watching or reading the news? Does something come to mind that you could share for this book? It could be a full story, or just a paragraph or two. It could be a story of how God told you to go somewhere and pray for a certain thing and then you saw the headlines change as a result
Also you may have an incident in your life where you saw in a tangible way why it is important for believers to understand their authority when it comes to prayer and the impact Christians can have on current events.
The book will be released in September, 2011, just in time for the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
Please send any submissions to my personal e-mail account: craig@vonbuseck.com. We are writing under a tight deadline, so please send any stories as soon as you are able (in the next two weeks if possible).
Feel free to e-mail with any questions.
Blessings, Craig Von Buseck
Our goal is to inspire passion and excitement in people to believe that their prayers can change the world by laying a biblical foundation and showing practical examples.
Do you have any personal examples of where you partnered with God to see "the news" change? Or perhaps you were motivated to gather believers to pray by watching or reading the news? Does something come to mind that you could share for this book? It could be a full story, or just a paragraph or two. It could be a story of how God told you to go somewhere and pray for a certain thing and then you saw the headlines change as a result
Also you may have an incident in your life where you saw in a tangible way why it is important for believers to understand their authority when it comes to prayer and the impact Christians can have on current events.
The book will be released in September, 2011, just in time for the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
Please send any submissions to my personal e-mail account: craig@vonbuseck.com. We are writing under a tight deadline, so please send any stories as soon as you are able (in the next two weeks if possible).
Feel free to e-mail with any questions.
Blessings, Craig Von Buseck
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