Or rather, little sparrows wings maybe?
I had a really rough day yesterday. The enemy has been attacking and taking most of my writing time. (Unfortunately today is going much the same way but I have a different perspective.)
Even to the point that I was stranded at work with no ride home. My van was up on jacks, my oldest had dropped me off at work and had gone on to work himself, youngest was off helping a friend of my husband's, my in-laws were both at the airport dropping off the kids, and my husband was asleep (he's a night worker). So there I sat with the full knowledge that God had nudged me to bring my laptop to work and I figured it would be as always, I'd lug it around and get no time to work on it. All this time to kill and not even a scrap of paper to write on. I called my friend, she was writing so she said she'd call me back.
Bored to tears and nearly in tears I was so discouraged and frustrated, I walked across the street to see how much they wanted to switch tires onto new wheels. Might as well take care of some business while I was there, right? They wanted the same exhorbant fee that the other fellow wanted so I had to decide who I wanted to give the money to.
That's when I saw a HUGE bird of prey flying away from the little parklike patio that is attached to our building. The interesting thing is that a bunch of little birds were flying with it. In my mind I yelled, "Flee little birds, don't you know he-or she-can eat you?" Then I realized they weren't flying WITH the bird, but behind the bird. Just then one of the little birds zipped up and pecked the big bird on the back. And another did the same. And another, and another. They took turns pecking that big bird on the back and running it away from their nests, screeching at it the whole time.
It ran a good distance away. Most of the birds were happy. But not one little bird. That big bird was too close for her-or his-comfort. And that little bird, all by itself pecked and pecked and pecked (that big bird could have had it at any time) until it actually ran that bird off by itself!!!
A couple of thoughts came to me. That bird of prey was the enemy (my time stealer) and those little birds were prayer warriors. Praying for me that God would run the enemy off. In the Bible in James it promises us that if we resist the devil he will flee. And that one little bird is that peristant friend that keeps feeling things are just not quite right and they continue to pray tirelessly for you. (a lot of times this is my BFF).
So God let me know that my faithful brothers and sisters in Christ had my back and He was watching over me.
Hope that encourages someone else.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
ACFW National Conference
My first conference ever was an ACFW conference. 2004 in Denver. We were still ACRW. I am an introvert, shy, though I'm usually nervous to I talk a lot so if you didn't know I was shy, that may be why, lol.
I'd never left home alone. Never flew a commercial plane. Never negotiated airports. (My only flights had been on a friend of my dad's plane, about a ten seater, no airstrip, just farmland and the helo my hubby and I rode on while on our honeymoon.) Never stayed in a hotel room without my husband. And I figured while I was immersed in newness, it would be the perfect time to kick an old habit, beings that I was going to off balance anyhow.
I knew no one except for the people I'd talked to online and the three other girls I'd formed fast friendships with on the Steeple Hill Message Boards. I looked forward to meeting Margaret Daley and Marta Perry, Gail Gaymer Martin and Deb Raney just to name a few. There was one lady on there who I also wanted to meet, but I think when I did meet her, I might have startled her until I told her I was the Gun Lady. :D Brandilyn Collins.
Anyway, I met my friends, Camy, Heather, and Cheryl and followed them like shadows. Camy was loud and outgoing and totally into networking. Cheryl was there to learn-as I should have been but I think I got overwhelmed with all the newness. Heather, well I stalked her most of the time. I wasn't used to being alone so I didn't want to be alone. Now I'm good to get up and go have breakfast by myself, no problem.
I will admit I have never been involved with worships like what we have at our conferences. I felt God more strongly than ever. I marveled that the same people who wrote, agented, and editors worshiped all together. What touched me most was during one worship session seeing one editor who I highly respected, worshipping with her hands up in the air, totally in touch with God. Those are the kinds of people I want publishing my books because they get me!
I never found the prayer room until the last day. Right before the plane was scheduled to leave. I flew with my sil and when you fly standby from Denver to Phoenix on a Sunday, you are going to be waiting. The four of us friends gathered and went in together to pray with Brandilyn. We were our own support group. That was the most amazing prayer session I've ever been too. Freaked me out when she touched me because no one had ever touched me while praying for me. Now I find it best to touch people when I pray for them.
I think God was setting me on a path to be more independent. He wanted me to experience true worship, unguarded and genuine. He wanted me to learn the basis of what He'd called me to do.
Another memory is of Kim Sawyer. I'd talked to her on the loop and looked forward to meeting her. Now that I've read her memories of that conference I see that she had some big stuff going on. But she was so shy and reserved. I thought she didn't like me. :) She is one of the sweetest and most precious people you'll ever meet so I wanted her to like me.
Since we were so broke, I couldn't afford the CDs or tapes. I hadn't attended all the classes because as I stated, I got overwhelmed and went to my room to cry and lay down. I'd just lost my mom six months prior and that is just a hurt that hangs with you for the longest time. The classes I did attend, I couldn't read my notes, lol. But I learned a lot. My take away was mostly spiritual, but God was building a foundation for some of the later happenings.
I didn't pitch either. Between you and me and the fencepost, pitching makes me so nervous. I almost prefer a root canal, LOL. Along with the nerves comes not only the incessant talking, but the speediness of the talk. the pitch too, I'm sure. I turn into a blathering idiot and after spitting out the one sentence, I'm always surprised to hear them say, "Tell me more." Yeah, you can roll your eyes and we won't count it as a floating body part here. (That was one of the themes of that conference, Floating Body Parts.)
I guess in essence God was cracking my shell.
So if your shy, come to the conference anyway. The best thing I recommend is to volunteer. I wish I'd given of my time instead of sitting there crying in my room. But if God wants you there, He has a good reason. Be sure to cleanse your spirit and tune in to hear what He wants to say to you.
Have a blessed evening.
I forgot to post the list of stops for the ACFW Blog Tour last time:
6/11/2008 Chip MacGregor http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/11/2008 Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
6/12/2008 Wanda Dyson http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/12/2008 Pamela James http://pammer.blogspot.com/
6/13/2008 Jennifer AlLee http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com
6/13/2008 Ane Mulligan http://anemulligan.blogspot.com
6/16/2008 Robin Miller http://robinswritingworld.blogspot.com/
6/16/2008 Christina Nelson http://christinanelson.blogspot.com
6/17/2008 Annette Irby www.annetteirby.blogspot.com
6/18/2008 Martha Rogers www.marthawrogers.com
6/18/2008 Sharon Hinck http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com
6/19/2008 Susan May Warren http://scribbles.susanmaywarren.com
6/20/2008 Camy Tang http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
6/23/2008 Deb Raney www.deborahraney.com
6/23/2008 Ronie Kendig http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com
6/24/2008 Colleen Coble http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com
6/25/2008 Rachel Hauck http://www.rachelhauck.com/blog.htm
6/26/2008 Brandilyn Collins www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com
6/26/2008 Cathy West http://writersrest.blogspot.com
6/27/2008 Jill Elizabeth Nelson http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
6/28/2008 Eileen Watson http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
6/30/2008 Lynette Sowell www.lynettesowell.com
6/30/2008 Sue Brower http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
7/1/2008 Gina Conroy http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/
7/2/2008 Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
7/2/2008 Rachelle Gardner http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/
7/3/2008 Linda Fulkerson http://scrivenings.com
7/4/2008 Terry Burns http://www.terryburns.net/
7/4/2008 Rebeca Yeager http://acfwconference.blogspot.com
7/7/2008 Susan Downs http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/7/2008 Carla Stewart http://carlastewart.blogspot.com
7/9/2008 Rebecca Germany http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/9/2008 Leanna Ellis http://www.leannaellis.com/news.html
7/9/2008 Rose McCauley www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com
7/10/2008 Sharon Dunn http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/faithchick/
7/11/2008 Pam Meyers http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/
7/11/2008 JoAnne Simmons http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/14/2008 Celia Tomer www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com
7/14/2008 Janice Olson www.janiceolson.com
7/15/2008 Angie Bredenbach http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com
7/16/2008 Christina Berry http://authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
7/17/2008 Roxanne Rustad http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
8/1/2008 Christa Allen www.cballan.wordpress.com
8/3/2008 Deborah Vogts http://www.deborahvogts.com
8/4/2008 Michelle Sutton http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
8/6/2008 Tiff Stockton http://www.ambermiller.com
8/28/2008 Gail Gaymer Martin www.gailmartin.blogspot.com
I'd never left home alone. Never flew a commercial plane. Never negotiated airports. (My only flights had been on a friend of my dad's plane, about a ten seater, no airstrip, just farmland and the helo my hubby and I rode on while on our honeymoon.) Never stayed in a hotel room without my husband. And I figured while I was immersed in newness, it would be the perfect time to kick an old habit, beings that I was going to off balance anyhow.
I knew no one except for the people I'd talked to online and the three other girls I'd formed fast friendships with on the Steeple Hill Message Boards. I looked forward to meeting Margaret Daley and Marta Perry, Gail Gaymer Martin and Deb Raney just to name a few. There was one lady on there who I also wanted to meet, but I think when I did meet her, I might have startled her until I told her I was the Gun Lady. :D Brandilyn Collins.
Anyway, I met my friends, Camy, Heather, and Cheryl and followed them like shadows. Camy was loud and outgoing and totally into networking. Cheryl was there to learn-as I should have been but I think I got overwhelmed with all the newness. Heather, well I stalked her most of the time. I wasn't used to being alone so I didn't want to be alone. Now I'm good to get up and go have breakfast by myself, no problem.
I will admit I have never been involved with worships like what we have at our conferences. I felt God more strongly than ever. I marveled that the same people who wrote, agented, and editors worshiped all together. What touched me most was during one worship session seeing one editor who I highly respected, worshipping with her hands up in the air, totally in touch with God. Those are the kinds of people I want publishing my books because they get me!
I never found the prayer room until the last day. Right before the plane was scheduled to leave. I flew with my sil and when you fly standby from Denver to Phoenix on a Sunday, you are going to be waiting. The four of us friends gathered and went in together to pray with Brandilyn. We were our own support group. That was the most amazing prayer session I've ever been too. Freaked me out when she touched me because no one had ever touched me while praying for me. Now I find it best to touch people when I pray for them.
I think God was setting me on a path to be more independent. He wanted me to experience true worship, unguarded and genuine. He wanted me to learn the basis of what He'd called me to do.
Another memory is of Kim Sawyer. I'd talked to her on the loop and looked forward to meeting her. Now that I've read her memories of that conference I see that she had some big stuff going on. But she was so shy and reserved. I thought she didn't like me. :) She is one of the sweetest and most precious people you'll ever meet so I wanted her to like me.
Since we were so broke, I couldn't afford the CDs or tapes. I hadn't attended all the classes because as I stated, I got overwhelmed and went to my room to cry and lay down. I'd just lost my mom six months prior and that is just a hurt that hangs with you for the longest time. The classes I did attend, I couldn't read my notes, lol. But I learned a lot. My take away was mostly spiritual, but God was building a foundation for some of the later happenings.
I didn't pitch either. Between you and me and the fencepost, pitching makes me so nervous. I almost prefer a root canal, LOL. Along with the nerves comes not only the incessant talking, but the speediness of the talk. the pitch too, I'm sure. I turn into a blathering idiot and after spitting out the one sentence, I'm always surprised to hear them say, "Tell me more." Yeah, you can roll your eyes and we won't count it as a floating body part here. (That was one of the themes of that conference, Floating Body Parts.)
I guess in essence God was cracking my shell.
So if your shy, come to the conference anyway. The best thing I recommend is to volunteer. I wish I'd given of my time instead of sitting there crying in my room. But if God wants you there, He has a good reason. Be sure to cleanse your spirit and tune in to hear what He wants to say to you.
Have a blessed evening.
I forgot to post the list of stops for the ACFW Blog Tour last time:
6/11/2008 Chip MacGregor http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/11/2008 Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com
6/12/2008 Wanda Dyson http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
6/12/2008 Pamela James http://pammer.blogspot.com/
6/13/2008 Jennifer AlLee http://jenniferallee.blogspot.com
6/13/2008 Ane Mulligan http://anemulligan.blogspot.com
6/16/2008 Robin Miller http://robinswritingworld.blogspot.com/
6/16/2008 Christina Nelson http://christinanelson.blogspot.com
6/17/2008 Annette Irby www.annetteirby.blogspot.com
6/18/2008 Martha Rogers www.marthawrogers.com
6/18/2008 Sharon Hinck http://sharonswriting.blogspot.com
6/19/2008 Susan May Warren http://scribbles.susanmaywarren.com
6/20/2008 Camy Tang http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
6/23/2008 Deb Raney www.deborahraney.com
6/23/2008 Ronie Kendig http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com
6/24/2008 Colleen Coble http://girlswriteout.blogspot.com
6/25/2008 Rachel Hauck http://www.rachelhauck.com/blog.htm
6/26/2008 Brandilyn Collins www.forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com
6/26/2008 Cathy West http://writersrest.blogspot.com
6/27/2008 Jill Elizabeth Nelson http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/artisticblogger.shtml
6/28/2008 Eileen Watson http://eileenastels.blogspot.com/
6/30/2008 Lynette Sowell www.lynettesowell.com
6/30/2008 Sue Brower http://acfwconference.blogspot.com/
7/1/2008 Gina Conroy http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/
7/2/2008 Lena Nelson Dooley http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
7/2/2008 Rachelle Gardner http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/
7/3/2008 Linda Fulkerson http://scrivenings.com
7/4/2008 Terry Burns http://www.terryburns.net/
7/4/2008 Rebeca Yeager http://acfwconference.blogspot.com
7/7/2008 Susan Downs http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/7/2008 Carla Stewart http://carlastewart.blogspot.com
7/9/2008 Rebecca Germany http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/9/2008 Leanna Ellis http://www.leannaellis.com/news.html
7/9/2008 Rose McCauley www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com
7/10/2008 Sharon Dunn http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/faithchick/
7/11/2008 Pam Meyers http://pammeyerswrites.blogspot.com/
7/11/2008 JoAnne Simmons http://editcafe.blogspot.com/
7/14/2008 Celia Tomer www.ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com
7/14/2008 Janice Olson www.janiceolson.com
7/15/2008 Angie Bredenbach http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com
7/16/2008 Christina Berry http://authorchristinaberry.blogspot.com
7/17/2008 Roxanne Rustad http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
7/18/2008 Margaret Daley http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com
8/1/2008 Christa Allen www.cballan.wordpress.com
8/3/2008 Deborah Vogts http://www.deborahvogts.com
8/4/2008 Michelle Sutton http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
8/6/2008 Tiff Stockton http://www.ambermiller.com
8/28/2008 Gail Gaymer Martin www.gailmartin.blogspot.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A Bride So Fair
by Carol Cox
A young woman searching for independence and adventure.
A handsome Columbian guard striving to protect and defend.
A little boy caught in a web of intrigue and deceit.
Emily Ralston is thrilled when she lands a job in the Children's Building at the Chicago World's Fair. And the White City seems to be living up to its promise of excitement when she meets a handsome Columbian guardsman. Surely Emily is not the only one to sense the spark of electricity between them?
When Stephen Bridger finds a lost child, he delivers the boy to the Children's Building to be cared for until his mother is located. But when a dead body believed to be little Adam's mother is found, a mystery begins to unfold. While unraveling the truth, Emily and Stephen are drawn deeper into danger and closer to each other.
Can Emily and Stephen solve the mystery before time runs out? Will Stephen find the grounds to win the heart of one so fair?
Pammer here: Where to start? The setting? Wonderful, awesome. Carol manages to take right to Chicago, right in the midst of the intrigue so well that you are jolted when you have to come back to reality. The characters? Entertaining, endearing and so well rounded. I have to admit I talk to them, lol! The plot? Seemless.
This is the third book of Carol's that is set in this particular setting and I love each one better and think she can't possibly write a better story than the one I just finished. She proves me wrong time and again. Bravo Carol.
BTW, I don't want to keep all the fun to myself. I have a copy I will send to someone. I'll draw names from the people to comment on this post and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'll draw the name on Monday and announce the winner.
I'm anxiously awaiting Carol's next book.
A young woman searching for independence and adventure.
A handsome Columbian guard striving to protect and defend.
A little boy caught in a web of intrigue and deceit.
Emily Ralston is thrilled when she lands a job in the Children's Building at the Chicago World's Fair. And the White City seems to be living up to its promise of excitement when she meets a handsome Columbian guardsman. Surely Emily is not the only one to sense the spark of electricity between them?
When Stephen Bridger finds a lost child, he delivers the boy to the Children's Building to be cared for until his mother is located. But when a dead body believed to be little Adam's mother is found, a mystery begins to unfold. While unraveling the truth, Emily and Stephen are drawn deeper into danger and closer to each other.
Can Emily and Stephen solve the mystery before time runs out? Will Stephen find the grounds to win the heart of one so fair?
Pammer here: Where to start? The setting? Wonderful, awesome. Carol manages to take right to Chicago, right in the midst of the intrigue so well that you are jolted when you have to come back to reality. The characters? Entertaining, endearing and so well rounded. I have to admit I talk to them, lol! The plot? Seemless.
This is the third book of Carol's that is set in this particular setting and I love each one better and think she can't possibly write a better story than the one I just finished. She proves me wrong time and again. Bravo Carol.
BTW, I don't want to keep all the fun to myself. I have a copy I will send to someone. I'll draw names from the people to comment on this post and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'll draw the name on Monday and announce the winner.
I'm anxiously awaiting Carol's next book.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
ACFW National Conference 2008
I am so excited! I'm already planning my trouseau. I guess I can call it that. With the charge for checked baggage, you can bet, all mine will be carry on this year. I'll even stuff my formal gown in there and hang stuff when I get there. I usually carry a garment bag with the clothes already on hangers.
There are a few things I wish I'd known when I first attended the ACRW National Conference 2004. No, that is not a typo. It was known as American Christian Romance Writers. That was the last year it was called that though.
I'd like to share a few things with you to save you some of my agony.
1. You don't have to go to everything. If you need to take a break, take one. Go to your room, lay down or something to relax you. Don't worry about missing the classes. Buy the CDs.
2. Take notes. You will NOT remember. :) Or better yet, buy the CDs.
3. Make it one of your first missions to find the prayer room and remember where it is. You will probably want to visit there at least once. I find myself in there quite often. It's so peaceful.
4. Don't stress on your appointments too much (I also don't recommend wearing a bright white shirt AND drinking coffee right before your appointment. Pick one or the other, but not both. I think that speaks for itself.) The agents and editors are people, just like you. They also have a job to do. (I'd also like to insert that I am totally against stalking these wonderful professionals. I have to admit, the idea of pitching to someone just standing near me is so foreign. Now if they ask me about my book, I like to have a short and concise one sentence ready. But I mean really, everyone deserves to use the restroom in peace.)
5. Also like to say to have your one sentence pitch ready. I wrote mine down to avoid the "deer in the headlights" look when someone suddenly asks what my current work is about. No way to speedily condense three hundred plus pages into elevator talk. Some people have one sheets. Don't worry, there will be lots about it on the loop. You can also look in the loop archives to see discussions on it.
6. Buy the CDs. I can't emphasize this enough. Trust me, you will need the CDs. I know you only have three days to soak up all the information that is being offered. But the human brain can only soak up so much info at one time. You will go home, find that you cannot read your notes. In the excitement and din of the atmosphere, you will not absorb as much as usual and it's really hard to apply what you've learned when you can't remember exactly how it was done. Plus there's also the quandry of which class to take when there are two or more that you dearly want to go to at the same time. Well, my friend, you are definately going to have that problem this year. Every time slot is filled with the best, most awesome workshops possible. You can only be one place at one time, so you will have to choose. But what a beautiful problem to have.
Plus, when sitting in the quiet of your home, you can pick up juicy tidbits you may have missed when you knocked your water over, or your husband called, or any of the ways our attention can be diverted. Not to mention you can listen to it at any time, any where. In the kitchen fixing dinner, in the car driving to grandma's, in the living room, in the loo. . .you get the idea.
So be prepared to buy the CD. You'll thank yourself.
I plan to post every week about the conference and give tips. I'll address things like what to pack for carry on only (I did it on a Science Club Trip earier this year), what to wear, and probably try to help with the one sentence pitch. I usually agonize over those for a few weeks before I'm happy with it. I'll post some memories as well.
Don't forget to check out the website at http://www.acfw.com and visit our conference blog at http://acfwconference.blogspot.com
Happy writing!
There are a few things I wish I'd known when I first attended the ACRW National Conference 2004. No, that is not a typo. It was known as American Christian Romance Writers. That was the last year it was called that though.
I'd like to share a few things with you to save you some of my agony.
1. You don't have to go to everything. If you need to take a break, take one. Go to your room, lay down or something to relax you. Don't worry about missing the classes. Buy the CDs.
2. Take notes. You will NOT remember. :) Or better yet, buy the CDs.
3. Make it one of your first missions to find the prayer room and remember where it is. You will probably want to visit there at least once. I find myself in there quite often. It's so peaceful.
4. Don't stress on your appointments too much (I also don't recommend wearing a bright white shirt AND drinking coffee right before your appointment. Pick one or the other, but not both. I think that speaks for itself.) The agents and editors are people, just like you. They also have a job to do. (I'd also like to insert that I am totally against stalking these wonderful professionals. I have to admit, the idea of pitching to someone just standing near me is so foreign. Now if they ask me about my book, I like to have a short and concise one sentence ready. But I mean really, everyone deserves to use the restroom in peace.)
5. Also like to say to have your one sentence pitch ready. I wrote mine down to avoid the "deer in the headlights" look when someone suddenly asks what my current work is about. No way to speedily condense three hundred plus pages into elevator talk. Some people have one sheets. Don't worry, there will be lots about it on the loop. You can also look in the loop archives to see discussions on it.
6. Buy the CDs. I can't emphasize this enough. Trust me, you will need the CDs. I know you only have three days to soak up all the information that is being offered. But the human brain can only soak up so much info at one time. You will go home, find that you cannot read your notes. In the excitement and din of the atmosphere, you will not absorb as much as usual and it's really hard to apply what you've learned when you can't remember exactly how it was done. Plus there's also the quandry of which class to take when there are two or more that you dearly want to go to at the same time. Well, my friend, you are definately going to have that problem this year. Every time slot is filled with the best, most awesome workshops possible. You can only be one place at one time, so you will have to choose. But what a beautiful problem to have.
Plus, when sitting in the quiet of your home, you can pick up juicy tidbits you may have missed when you knocked your water over, or your husband called, or any of the ways our attention can be diverted. Not to mention you can listen to it at any time, any where. In the kitchen fixing dinner, in the car driving to grandma's, in the living room, in the loo. . .you get the idea.
So be prepared to buy the CD. You'll thank yourself.
I plan to post every week about the conference and give tips. I'll address things like what to pack for carry on only (I did it on a Science Club Trip earier this year), what to wear, and probably try to help with the one sentence pitch. I usually agonize over those for a few weeks before I'm happy with it. I'll post some memories as well.
Don't forget to check out the website at http://www.acfw.com and visit our conference blog at http://acfwconference.blogspot.com
Happy writing!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Love Inspired Authors
I just heard that the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Authors have redone their webpage.
Go check it out:
http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com
Have a lovely evening!
Go check it out:
http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com
Have a lovely evening!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
ACFW National Conference
Can I take a stroll down memory lane?
I joined ACFW (then known as ACRW) in 2004. Found out about it from Brenda Coulter and the other gals (Margaret Daley, Marta Perry, Cheryl Wyatt, Camy Tang, Heather Tipton, Danica Favorite-McDonald to name a few) on the Steeple Hill Message Boards. That's a fun place to go for readers and writers alike.
I heard about the conference and even though I didn't know HOW I'd be able to afford it, I knew I had to go. Mom and I scraped and saved and dreamed of me going. My Mom passed away in March of that year, but I continued to save thought it was harder then since my mom had been pitching in money to help.
I finally got enough money saved to go to the conference and my sil gave me a birthday gift of a buddy flight (she works at an airline). I'd never gone anywhere without my hubby and children. Never flown commercial. And I thought it was a good time to stop smoking. LOL.
I had a blast. I was overwhelmed from time to time, but the rest of my buds were there and I got to put names with faces. I sat in the classes and information flew at me so fast I took notes that I can't read, but the experience stayed with me. In 2004 I think we had around three hundred members total. The conference had a whopping 150 attendees. :)
Now ACFW sports 1700 members and our last conference had 500 attendees. It was the best conference ever, but I think this years is going to top it! We have a line so awesome it's sure to make your mouth water. You will have the worst time making up your mind what classes you want to attend, you may as well put aside the money to purchase the CDs for all the classes, you won't want to miss any of them.
I love this organization and all that it's given me. I have such huge dreams for us.
I hope you plan to join us for our 2008 National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 18 through 21. We'll be staying at the lovely Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington and our booksigning will be hosted by Barnes in Noble in the Mall of America! Woohoo. Great place. It would literally take days to see all that.
I'm already excited!
Have a blessed evening.
Pammer
I joined ACFW (then known as ACRW) in 2004. Found out about it from Brenda Coulter and the other gals (Margaret Daley, Marta Perry, Cheryl Wyatt, Camy Tang, Heather Tipton, Danica Favorite-McDonald to name a few) on the Steeple Hill Message Boards. That's a fun place to go for readers and writers alike.
I heard about the conference and even though I didn't know HOW I'd be able to afford it, I knew I had to go. Mom and I scraped and saved and dreamed of me going. My Mom passed away in March of that year, but I continued to save thought it was harder then since my mom had been pitching in money to help.
I finally got enough money saved to go to the conference and my sil gave me a birthday gift of a buddy flight (she works at an airline). I'd never gone anywhere without my hubby and children. Never flown commercial. And I thought it was a good time to stop smoking. LOL.
I had a blast. I was overwhelmed from time to time, but the rest of my buds were there and I got to put names with faces. I sat in the classes and information flew at me so fast I took notes that I can't read, but the experience stayed with me. In 2004 I think we had around three hundred members total. The conference had a whopping 150 attendees. :)
Now ACFW sports 1700 members and our last conference had 500 attendees. It was the best conference ever, but I think this years is going to top it! We have a line so awesome it's sure to make your mouth water. You will have the worst time making up your mind what classes you want to attend, you may as well put aside the money to purchase the CDs for all the classes, you won't want to miss any of them.
I love this organization and all that it's given me. I have such huge dreams for us.
I hope you plan to join us for our 2008 National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 18 through 21. We'll be staying at the lovely Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington and our booksigning will be hosted by Barnes in Noble in the Mall of America! Woohoo. Great place. It would literally take days to see all that.
I'm already excited!
Have a blessed evening.
Pammer
New Releases for June
This is from Jill Eileen Smith
We've got 13 new Christian novels this month - a wide variety of choices and I can see my to-be-read pile is going to grow bigger still! Also, don't forget to check out my new Spotlight on author and ACFW President Robin Caroll!.
1. Allison's Journey, Book 4 in the Brides of Webster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Allison Troyer feels as faceless as her tattered doll, but a trip to visit her aunt in Missouri could change Allison's life forever.
2. Final Justice, Book Six in the Reunion Revelations Continuity series by Marta Perry from Love Inspired Suspense. To protect an innocent child, teacher Jennifer Pappas must risk everything--her job, her love, and even her life.
3. Florida Weddings by Lynn Coleman, Kristy Dykes, and Kathleen E. Kovach from Barbour Publishing, Inc. The past casts a shadow upon the lives of three Florida women.
4. Jewel Of The Adriatic by K.M. Daughters (Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare) from The Wild Rose Press. A village where millions believe the Mother of God appears becomes a haven where two souls find faith and love.
5. Killer Cargo by Dana Mentink from Love Inspired Suspense. Maria de Silva and Cy Sheridan face danger and death when they stumble upon a lethal package.
6. New Beginnings, Book 4 in the Rachel Yoder Always Trouble Somewhere series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Spring has sprung and ten year old Rachel Yoder is filled with the hope of good things to come, but things go sour when she learns that her best friend is moving.
7. Out of Control, Book 3 in the Rachel Yoder Always Trouble Somewhere series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Despite Rachel Yoder's need to take control of her troubling situations, she needs to learn that there are some things she just can't control.
8. Picture This by Nancy J. Farrier from Barbour Heartsong Presents. When Jason and Maddy are sent on a photography assignment in the Arizona desert, Jason's Christian ideals collide with Maddy's questionable past to threaten any future they might have together.
9. Prodigal in the City by Louis N Jones from Conquest Publishers. He abandoned his Christian faith. Now, his life and his God-given destiny hang in the balance.
10. Suspicious Minds Squeaky Clean Mysteries #2 by Christy Barritt from Kregel. A dead Elvis impersonator and a rival turned wooer are just a couple of Gabby St. Claire's problems in this thrilling sequel to Hazardous Duty.
11. The Hunted by Mike Dellosso from Realms (Strang Book Group). A town's deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith.
12. Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas from Moody Publishers. A grieving mom discovers the child she lost was switched at birth, but can she risk loving an angry stranger?
13. Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser from Bethany House. It is said that without George Washington there would be no United States, but without Martha, there would be no George...
Happy reading ~
--
~ Jill ~
Jill Eileen Smith
ACFW New Releases Coordinator
The Wives of King David Series
Michal-March 2009
Abigail
Bathsheba
Coming from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
www.jilleileensmith.com
http://favoritepastimes.blogspot.com
We've got 13 new Christian novels this month - a wide variety of choices and I can see my to-be-read pile is going to grow bigger still! Also, don't forget to check out my new Spotlight on author and ACFW President Robin Caroll!.
1. Allison's Journey, Book 4 in the Brides of Webster County series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Allison Troyer feels as faceless as her tattered doll, but a trip to visit her aunt in Missouri could change Allison's life forever.
2. Final Justice, Book Six in the Reunion Revelations Continuity series by Marta Perry from Love Inspired Suspense. To protect an innocent child, teacher Jennifer Pappas must risk everything--her job, her love, and even her life.
3. Florida Weddings by Lynn Coleman, Kristy Dykes, and Kathleen E. Kovach from Barbour Publishing, Inc. The past casts a shadow upon the lives of three Florida women.
4. Jewel Of The Adriatic by K.M. Daughters (Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare) from The Wild Rose Press. A village where millions believe the Mother of God appears becomes a haven where two souls find faith and love.
5. Killer Cargo by Dana Mentink from Love Inspired Suspense. Maria de Silva and Cy Sheridan face danger and death when they stumble upon a lethal package.
6. New Beginnings, Book 4 in the Rachel Yoder Always Trouble Somewhere series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Spring has sprung and ten year old Rachel Yoder is filled with the hope of good things to come, but things go sour when she learns that her best friend is moving.
7. Out of Control, Book 3 in the Rachel Yoder Always Trouble Somewhere series by Wanda E. Brunstetter from Barbour Publishing. Despite Rachel Yoder's need to take control of her troubling situations, she needs to learn that there are some things she just can't control.
8. Picture This by Nancy J. Farrier from Barbour Heartsong Presents. When Jason and Maddy are sent on a photography assignment in the Arizona desert, Jason's Christian ideals collide with Maddy's questionable past to threaten any future they might have together.
9. Prodigal in the City by Louis N Jones from Conquest Publishers. He abandoned his Christian faith. Now, his life and his God-given destiny hang in the balance.
10. Suspicious Minds Squeaky Clean Mysteries #2 by Christy Barritt from Kregel. A dead Elvis impersonator and a rival turned wooer are just a couple of Gabby St. Claire's problems in this thrilling sequel to Hazardous Duty.
11. The Hunted by Mike Dellosso from Realms (Strang Book Group). A town's deadly secret will drive one man to the edge of his faith.
12. Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas from Moody Publishers. A grieving mom discovers the child she lost was switched at birth, but can she risk loving an angry stranger?
13. Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser from Bethany House. It is said that without George Washington there would be no United States, but without Martha, there would be no George...
Happy reading ~
--
~ Jill ~
Jill Eileen Smith
ACFW New Releases Coordinator
The Wives of King David Series
Michal-March 2009
Abigail
Bathsheba
Coming from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group
www.jilleileensmith.com
http://favoritepastimes.blogspot.com
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