by Mary Ellis #1: Schedule your time carefully. Make a weekly calendar so you don’t miss a doctor’s appointment, dance recital, or the neighborhood cookout. Keep certain times “off limits”. Don’t sign up for meetings, exercise classes, or volunteer work if it interferes with the family dinner hour, Sunday morning church services, or other events you hold sacred. Make sure …
TURNING PRO, Part 2
by Cynthia Ruchti Yesterday, we took a look at what it means to “turn pro” as a writer. These questions arose: How can we turn pro even before we’re published, before we’re a recognized entity in the writing world, before our books start showing up on the bestseller lists or the awards announcements? And how do we remain professional after …
TURNING PRO Part 1
by Cynthia Ruchti The television talk show guest expert blessed the production crew interns with fashion makeovers. Her key piece of advice? “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” The advice came zinging through the television screen just as I put my fingers to the keyboard to write this blog post about “Turning Pro” as a …
Ten Tips for Effective Research Trips Part 2
by Vickie McDonough Yesterday day we touched on the first five tips for Effective Research Trips, and today, I’d like to continue our conversation with the final five hints. If you missed those, check yesterday’s blog post. 6. Talk to the locals. They love to chat about their town and its history. Ask them questions and ask if they can …
Ten Tips for Effective Research Trips Part 1
by Vickie McDonough I’ve just returned from my first cruise to the Caribbean. I never dreamed a sunset could be so beautiful or the color of the water so vivid. There was such an amazing difference in the houses of the poor, made from tin or only partially built with people still living in them to the lavish mansions of …
November New Releases
There’s good reading for November with these selections from ACFW authors. More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander — Historical Romance from Bethany House; To create something that will last is Claire Laurent’s most fervent desire as an artist. It’s also her greatest weakness. All that …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
Doing these spotlights every week is a highlight for me. We have such wonderful volunteers. And another great volunteer ACFW is privileged to have is Valerie Goree. She was instrumental in the kickoff of the Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW chapter) in 2005 where she has served as vice-president. Valerie’s been called on to teach group lessons, critique others’ …
What I Learned on My Writing Journey
My writing journey began when I realized how much I like to make up stories and live in a fantasy world where I could create the perfect family, especially after my parents’ divorce. I made up stories for my paper dolls and my dolls using them as the characters. I wrote short stories as a teenager and my first novel …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
This next volunteer highlighted is Sharon Srock who is relatively new to ACFW (less than 2 years) but was willing to jump in as Chapter Treasurer for the OCFW chapter when they needed someone to fill that role. Sharon uses her skills learned in running her own business to keep the chapter reports and financials looking great! Sharon is always …
ACFW Volunteer Spotlight
I am pleased to showcase Kathy Cretsinger for the volunteer spotlight for ACFW this week. She volunteers in several places within ACFW. She helps with the ACFW book club, leading discussions of various books. She is also the Area Coordinator of Kentucky and active in her zone as well as she takes the time to volunteer at the annual conference. …