This week Lynette Eason is in the volunteer spotlight. She is currently the hostess for the ACFW Suspense genre loop. In the past she had been the New Release Coordinator, collecting the information about which books were being release that month by an ACFW author, as well as giving her time to volunteer at ACFW conferences when she attends. Thank …
Finding the Reader’s Hook
by Cathy Gohlke Some of the best writing advice I’ve ever received came from the editor of a small town newspaper: “Discover what’s going on in world or national news, then find that story on a local level.” The problem was that the hottest story in world news at the time was a widespread accusation that trusted clergy had molested …
The Influencing Dilemma
by Laurie Alice Eakes Let’s start off with an explanation of “influencing”. This is the practice of putting your name and address on a list to receive a copy of the book either directly from the publisher or from the author. The idea is that you will read said book, write reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, CBD, etc., or talk about …
The Perfect Ending
by Sue Brower Executive Editor – Zondervan (a division of Harper Collins) My editing world was turned upside down last week. I thought I knew what was best to deliver the “satisfying ending to a great story.” Hopefully, we want the reader, or movie-goer to sit back, hold on to the last moments and then let go a sigh. “Ohhh, …
Thinking Time
by Rachelle Gardner Books & Such Literary Agency Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Gen. 1:2, NIV) I’ve always loved that tiny pause right there in Genesis 1:2, were it says “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It …
Book Review: Stealing Jake
Title: Stealing Jake Author: Pam Hillman Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Date: June 2011 ASIN: B0057Z87DK Genre: Historical Romance Reviewed by: Lena Nelson Dooley Stealing Jake, Pam Hillman’s debut novel, reveals an evil situation prevalent in the 1800s. By 1874, child labor laws had been passed, but the practice of working children in sweatshops hadn’t been eradicated. Her book reveals the …
Book Review: The Chair
Title: The Chair: A Novel Author: James L. Rubart Publisher: B&H Date: September 2011 ISBN: 978-1433671524 Genre: Suspense Reviewed by: Lisa Lickel When antique shopkeeper and furniture restorer Corin Roscoe receives a handcrafted chair from a mysterious elderly woman, his extreme addiction to sports is nothing compared to the rush of trying to stay alive. Corin, who carries a huge …
Contests: Not About Winning
by Christine Lindsay The season of contests is upon us. There’s is nothing better than being nominated for an award, or even better winning an award to boost your chances of publication or selling your books. But what if year after year your submission doesn’t even make it to the finals? Just yesterday a friend said her submission wasn’t ready …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
This week I want to turn the volunteer spotlight on Carol McClain. She is responsible for running the Online Courses and is doing a great job. She recruits the instructors, sends out reminders to the main loop about the new course coming up for the month. She facilitates the running of the course and oversees the loop where the instruction …
The Outline: Love It or Leave It
By Julie Cantrell When I wrote my first novel, Into the Free, I didn’t write an outline. Instead, the story came to me organically, and I didn’t know what would happen until I typed the words on the page. I enjoyed every minute of the process from start to finish, and the element of surprise kept me returning to the …