by Maureen Lang Being a writer demands the impossible. On one hand, we must possess the emotional tenderness and sensitivity to see and feel all points of view. It’s only by experiencing deep emotion that we can create characters who think and feel authentically-characters who often represent two sides of a single issue. At the same time, the professional side …
The Poetry of Plots
by Christine Sunderland As Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, they celebrate their own resurrections. They celebrate the ending of their story as human beings. And it is a satisfying ending for each of us. Just so, as I plot my novels, I want my stories to reflect these deeply human realities that are true of all of us, believers …
Don’t Carry the Burden Alone
By Tamara D. Fickas Writing a book has been my dream for years. I’ve prayed for opportunities and submitted my work to the Lord. When an opportunity finally happened, I managed to forget one of the most important aspects of writing. After years of taking writing classes and plugging away, I am participating in my first book project. The book …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 1
Day 1 That God’s will be accomplished at the conference Psalm 115:1–Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory. Dear Lord, as we gather in Dallas, we are filled with thoughts of what the time will hold. Workshops, fellowship, worship, meetings with mentors, editors, agents, and old friends. Our purposes are many. Some want …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 2
Day 2 Good weather for travel Luke 8:24b–And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. Dear Father, your world and its beauty are amazing gifts, and earth’s varied nature displays your creativity and vast power. As many of your servants travel to conference, we ask that you harness the …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 3
Day 3 Nancy Kress and the Early Bird Session Proverbs 2:2–Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding. Father, we thank you for blessing of Nancy as she comes to ACFW to sow the talents you’ve given her into others. I pray for her time to be multiplied as she prepares for the conference, safety as she …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 4
Day 4 Wisdom in decision making for the Operating & Advisory Board as they meet before the conference Romans 15:5–Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, we pray for the Operating Board: Margaret Daley, Richard Mabry, Fay …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 5
Day 5 Travel safeties Psalm 121:3b-4–He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Most precious Savior, we thank You for Your covering and Your mercy. During this time of travel and excitement, we lift up those who are en route to and from the conference and ask for safety and peace. …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 6
Day 6 For worship pleasing to God 2 Corinthians 5:9-Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. Our most kind and gracious Heavenly Father, we praise You today because You are God above all. Please Lord, let us be able to still all of the hustle around us and inside of …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 7
Day 7 Health for all attending the conference Psalm 139:14a–I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Dear Lord, we thank you for the complexities of our bodies. We also thank you for the security we have because you constantly watch over us. We ask for health for all the people connected with our writer’s …