The Funny Things (and God-Appointments)That Happen at a Writer's Conference

God brings friends together in hilarious ways.

"You, with the beautiful hair, do you know the answer?"

Surely, she doesn't mean me. Attending the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference, I had slipped into Patricia Durgin's marketing class a little late.

"You, you, the one with the beautiful hair, do you know the answer?" she pointed right at me.

"You mean me?"

"Yes, you. You, with the beautiful hair."

Blushing and feeling quite lovely, I answered her question.

Later, I saw Patricia Durgin in the hallway. Fluffing my beautiful hair, I went straight to her to thank her for her compliment. Before opening my mouth, my eyes spotted the badge proclaiming loudly from her jacket, "VISUALLY IMPAIRED."

Laughter arose from my gut and within minutes the lady with the beautiful hair and the seeing-impaired teacher bonded.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Patricia Durgin, my friend with the beautiful eyes. She is beginning a new season of coaching women to discover what God created you to be and do. Titled "His Purple Thread--Detecting God's Pattern in Your Life," Patricia's ministry coaches each of us to discover the purple thread God weaves through our individual lives so we can know and fulfill God's plan.

This afternoon, 12/8/2011, at 1:00 won't you join us in a teleconference call and discover if His Purple Thread is just what you've been seeking as you desire to know what God created you to do and how to do it with excellence.

For more information:

Patricia Durgin's website is http://tiptracy.com/

An overview of His Purple Thread can be seen at http://tiptracy.com/hispurplethread/

Connect to the teleconference at http://tiptracy.com/liveteleconferenceinstgructions/

I'll be on the call and hope to talk to you!

His Purple Thread may be just what you need to bring splashes of serenity to your life!

Blessings,

Elaine

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Eighty percent of people suffer from stage fright. Why? Well, perhaps because "We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths..." James 3:2 (The Message). I laugh when I read that verse. God knows us so well.

I was one of those 80 percent. Going to a PTA meeting where I might be asked my opinion brought on anxiety attacks. I physically could not open my mouth. Those who know me now, find that hard to believe!

When my husband entered the ministry, all of that changed. Our first church asked me to speak at their Mother/Daughter banquet. I had never spoken in public--ever. 330 women were in the audience. That is 660 eyes looking at me and 660 ears listening to me. Panic!

My sweet mother-in-law settled me down with the words, "Remember, every person out there loves you." I calmed my nerves with her words and my thoughts that every person out there is thanking God they aren't the person holding this microphone.

My mother-in-law was correct. They laughed at my jokes and wiped their tears right on cue. The night was life-changing for me. I've been speaking ever since and loving it!

This week at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference I have the joy of teaching, "A Writer Speaks." My seminar handouts and a CD of "A Writer Speaks" is available to purchase. If interested, please e-mail me at SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com. Cost is $5 plus $2.50 S&H.

If you are asked to speak (and most of us will be), remember that every person out there loves you. And if they don't; well, God loves you, and He already knows we get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. LOL! He can help us get over those jitters as we trust Him to get it right in people's hearts.

Thanks for your prayers for me this week. I'll be meeting with publishers and editors and hoping for a bite on my next book.

You are a splash of serenity and a huge encouragement in my life,

Elaine

Getting a Book Published 101

Every writer dreams of a book signing at Barnes & Nobel with strangers standing in line for an autographed copy. Please don't wake me up! Today you sit at a computer with an idea in hopes that one day you'll sit in a book store signing your book? How do you get from here to there? I've blogged about this before, so check my previous posts. Today I give some more thoughts because last week I was asked twice, "How do I get my book published?"

1. Go to a Writer's Conference. They are all over the USA, so google and find the one that best meets your needs.

2. Learn how to write a query letter and a book proposal. The best place to learn this is guess where? Right! A Writer's Conference. You can also learn this online. www.MichaelHyatt.com is a great resource for learning the publishing business.

3. Get an agent. How? Go to a writer's conference or mail your query and your proposal to an agent. But, at a writer's conference the agent meets you face to face, realizes you aren't a serial killer, and your opportunities for a contract increase. Plus, attending a writer's conference demonstrates your commitment to invest in your career. Red flag any agent who wants you to pay them. A legitimate agent receives a percentage of your advance and your royalties. They receive nothing until they sell your book to a publisher. If an agent asks for money upfront, please flee.

4. Get published in a magazine or in a book compilation. Book publishers want to see some sort of resume. Start with articles. How do you do that? Well, you'll never guess. I sold my first article to "Salvation Army War Cry" and had 8 small devotionals published in Penned From the Heart
when I met the editors at Montrose Christian Writer's Conference. Am I making a point?

5. Obtain a copy of "Writer's Market." This is a thick book published each year with lists of magazines, book publishers, and other markets where you can sell your writing. All libraries should have it, so take a look.

6. Read, read, read. Read books in your genre. Read books on writing. Two books I try to read every year are: "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser, and "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott and "Run With the Horses" by Eugene H. Peterson are great encouragers to writers--and we all need encouraging. This is not an easy business.

7. Write, write, write. Write everyday and, thereby, hone your craft. You don't have time? Do you have an hour? Write an hour a day. Or, write a page a day. The average book has 120 pages. Your first draft is finished in 120 days if you write only one page a day.

8. Develop a platform. Publishers want writers who can sell their product. Start speaking on the subject of your book. Blog. Create a website. Become an expert in social networking. Just today I listened to a radio interview, made a comment on facebook about the interview, and the person being interviewed wrote back asking to interview me. Networking sells books. Publishers like authors who can sell books.

9. Educate yourself. The internet is filled with tips for writers. I try to read something every day that will make me a better writer.

10. Join a Writer's Group. The creative energy in a room full of writers is contagious. They will see things in your writing that you missed. I blogged about this previously.

"Marketing Your Ministry" and "A Writer Speaks" are two classes I teach at writer's conferences. For $5 each plus $2.50 shipping, I'll send you a CD and email you the notes that went with the class. That could be your first step in educating yourself. Comment below or send an email to SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com if you would like to purchase a CD.

Remember, writing is not about ego. Writing is a calling. If God wants your book in print, it will happen. Our job is to do it as unto the Lord and put forth our best writing and the greatest product so lives will be transformed.

Enjoy your journey! It's hard work. Some days are discouraging. But, the first e-mail that arrives saying your book changed a life makes it all worth it. I hope to see you at Barnes & Noble--I'll be first in line!

Any questions? Please ask. I'd love to help you.

I'm also interested in any books you've read that have helped you become a better writer. Let me know please.

That's my Splash of Serenity for writers today.

Elaine

Are you a writer? Then You Need a Group!

Diane Estrella and I at the Upstate New York Christian Writers' Gathering. Diane was the first member of our writer's group. See her website at www.DianeEstrella.com. She is an amazing writer and friend.

Words are powerful. As writers of books or blogs or facebook comments or tweets, what we say influences the world. Our thoughts matter and we need to write our best to make our points clear.

Writers are warned not to publish without allowing other eyes to read what they wrote. Eyes you trust; eyes that will be honest and not flatter. Beware of family members who may be a bit biased about your story.

I am blessed by my writer's group. We call ourselves a group because we admit to needing therapy--counselling, encouragement, and a safe place to voice our frustrations and our joys. We don't like the word, "critique" because we want to encourage each other without being critical.

After last year's Upstate New York Christian Writers' Gathering held at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, I put the word out that I would like to meet with other writers. Our group has grown from four to eight and is one of the highlights of my month. Two travel 1 1/2 hours to attend.

A lot of talent and energy fill my family room during our meeting. The stories written are heart-wrenching tales the world needs to read. For 2 1/2 hours we laugh, cry, pray, suggest, correct, edit, praise, and marvel at each other's work.

If you are a writer, it is essential you find or start a group. Here's how to keep it simple:

1. Invite writers! They are out there and they have friends who write.

2. Adopt an easy format:

Our evening begins with 30 minutes of coffee and conversation. Announcements are made regarding rejections, submissions, anything learned since last month regarding the publishing industry, any good or bad news regarding your writing, etc.

Afterwards, each person is given 15 minutes to use as they choose. (I'm the official time keeper, otherwise known as, "Sarge.")

During the 15 minutes, someone else may read aloud what you are writing and then edits, comments, suggestions, corrections, and praises are discussed. It is helpful if every person has a copy of your work in hand while it is being read.

Or, you can use your 1/4 of an hour to ask questions. One used her time to ask how to set up a blog. We all helped her and now her blog is up and running.

If you want to pass on your 15 minutes, you can give it to the person of your choosing.

3. Watch the publications begin! I was in a writer's group in Horseheads, NY. After three years every person attending was a published author. In my Rome group,in one year we have seen some published because of contacts made and suggestions given at our Writer's group.

I thank God for the gift of writing. I thank Him for the stories He gave to us all. No one can write your story, but you. Won't you consider writing? Won't you use your pen to reach the world for Christ?

I'll be teaching "A Writer Speaks!" at two writer's conferences this summer. The Upstate New York Christian Writers' Gathering at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, Rome, NY, July 7-8. Contact Debbie Tuthill for details and registration: dtuthill@hotmail.com or telephone at 607-829-8531. And on August 10-13 at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference. See www.writehisanswer.com for more info. Hope to see you there!

Writing is a Splash of Serenity to the writer's and the reader's soul!

Elaine