Do You Have a Book in You? Perhaps It's Time to Give Birth.

I wanted to write a book, but I didn't have a clue how to write a book until I found you -- Montrose Christian Writer's Conference. There I learned much of what one needs to know about the writing life and publishing business.  

Four published books later, I am eager to return to the 35th Annual Montrose Christian Writer's Conference (beginning July 15 dinner and ending July 19 at 10 a.m.) and teach others from my 20+ years of continued learning and experience as an author.

I join three editors and five best-selling authors as well as numerous workshop leaders in a fabulous week of fun and learning.

From drama, poetry, novels, non-fiction, and all in between you'll learn from the classes you choose to attend as well as from the new author friends who surround you. 

 I am teaching three workshops. 

Shining God's Light on Your Writing Career

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Poor Writing

My Book is Finished. Now What?

 Reflecting on the many writer's conferences I've attended at Montrose and elsewhere, I am thankful for those who came along and helped me see the fruit of years of writing. Most of all, I am thankful for the friendships which began there and remain until this day. It's all precious and special in my heart. 

There are a few rooms left! See you there!  

More info at:   https://www.montrosebible.org/OurEvents/tabid/113/page_550/1/eventid_550/1413/Default.aspx

Do You Want To Write A Book? Start with a Writers' Conference

Have you ever thought of writing a book, but you don't know where to start?

 Has God given you a message to write or to speak? 

Is your manuscript finished and you are looking for a publisher?

 Would you like to improve your communication skills?

Would you like to meet writers who become your life-long prayer warriors and friends? 

Would you like to spend a week with me? (Don't answer that.)

Would you enjoy a week of laughter and good ole Pennsylvania cooking?

Have you dreamed of dwelling at the historic farm of R. A. Torrey?

I've got a place for you!

 Montrose Christian Writers Conference in Montrose, PA

July 14-19, 2019

See the website WWW.MONTROSEBIBLE.ORG 

for more information and registration

Montrose Writers Conference 

is where my writing career began.

In the early 2,000's God called me to write a book, but I didn't know how. At Montrose Christian Writers Conference I learned the writing/publishing business and with God's blessing my first book was published.

Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms

A year later came

Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives  

Four years later 

We All Married Idiots: 

Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can 

was birthed in English, Spanish, and Bosnian.

A cancer diagnosis nudged me to write my new release

 Praise the Lord and Pass the Chemo: A Hopeful Response to a Hard Reality. 

The specialness of Montrose Christian Writers Conference came to light as my Montrose friends (or odd ducks, as we call each other) walked with me and prayed me through my hard diagnosis. I am forever grateful for the prayers and love received from the folks who became friends at Montrose Bible Conference. With joy I am living a full life in good health. Thank you, odd ducks. You are the best!

This summer I am excited to return to Montrose Christian Writers Conference as a workshop leader teaching:

"A Writer Speaks to Touch Hearts"

 Speaking/Writing do's and don'ts that help us become writers/speakers who connect with our audiences, lead listeners into the heart of God, and motivate people toward action for the glory of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit.  

"Our Most Essential Writing/Speaking Tool—A Pure Heart" 

 We can write great books and be articulate Bible scholars, but unless our audiences see Jesus in us, unless they see love in our lives, our words are resounding gongs. Let us examine our hearts for sin lurking within and keeping us from  becoming the writers/speakers God gifted us to be.

"Be My Guest"

 Being the guest on radio, television, or newspaper interviews takes more than just showing up. We must prepare.

A myriad of authors, editors, speakers, publishers, and agents will bless and challenge us to write for the generation to come so

"That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord." (Psalm 102:18).   

For more information please see WWW.MONTROSEBIBLE.ORG.

What started in a small town in Pennsylvania swelled to a world-wide ministry speaking in Russia, Bosnia, and across the USA. Who knew? Well, God did when He directed me to a sweet spot called Montrose Christian Writers Conference.  Is God directing you to write? If so, I hope to see you at Montrose!

Splashes of Serenity!

Don't Wait to Write Your Book

When I am 80 years old, I don't want to look back and wish I had written a book. That thought inspired me to write on many days when other pleasures seemed more fun. But, time is short, and days fly by, and that 80th birthday looms closer each second.

The time to write your book is now. But how? Where do I begin? How do I find an agent? A publisher? All those questions and more are answered at writers' conferences.

In 2001 I trembled into my first Montrose Christian Writer's Conference. Fears soon vanished as strangers became friends and seasoned writers became mentors.

Attending Montrose Christian Writer's Conference was the best professional decision I made as a writer.You can attend too. Please check out this year's brochure by googling Montrose Christian Writer's Conference.

Come be inspired and learn  as Montrose celebrates it's 25th Annual Montrose Christian Writers Conference, July 20-25, 2014.

What a thrill to sit under the teaching of some of the best  with authors like Cecil Murphey, writer of more than 135 books including 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Ben Carson). His books have sold millions and brought hope and encouragement to people around the world.

I've gone from trembling to teaching at Montrose. Honored and blessed and asking for prayer as I deliver the Monday Morning Challenge and teach three workshops on writing and speaking.

Please pray for me as I share God's Word during the Monday Morning Challenge titled, "Your Most Essential Writing Tool — a Pure Heart."  My three workshops are: "Touching Hearts with Words I and II," and "A Writer Speaks to Touch Hearts."

I'm praying  that God will nudge you to write your book. No one else can write it but you. On your 80th birthday, may you hold your book high with thanks to God that you wrote the book God put in your heart for future generations to read and praise the Lord.!

Spreading Splashes of Serenity to writers and readers!

Elaine and G Chat About Writing, Parenting, and Ministering in Bosnia

Enjoyed a wonderful chat with Giovani Gelati on Gelatiscoop. We discussed my writing, writer's conferences, parenting, my books, and my trips to Bosnia. Listen up!

Elaine W. Miller returns to The G-ZONE! 05/14 by GelatisScoop | Blog Talk Radio

Thanks for another great interview G! May our words splash serenity on listeners.

Write What You are Passionate About--My Writing Journey, Part 3

Part 3 of my writing journey continues with this wanna-be-obedient-to-God writer enthralled by the speakers at Montrose Christian Writer's Conference.

Two dozen devotions in hand with no idea how or if they will become a book, I listened intently to each presenter.

"Write what you are passionate about." the author/teacher at Montrose said.

Ha! I'm passionate about a lot of things. Let's see. I'm passionate about my bath, I chuckled out loud at my own silliness. More seriously, I realized, I'm passionate about being a mom! And so I wrote, Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms

Oh, if only it was that easy. The book came four years later, but that first writing seminar is where the direction came for my first book.

My advice to you: Write what you are passionate about. It worked for me and, I hope, it will keep you from hitting your own head hoping words and illustrations and titles fall into your brain. If you are passionate about a subject, that's what God has for you to write.

Most writers don't leave their first writer's conference with a book contract in hand. Publishers want to see your writing in print other places before they'll risk printing the book of an unknown writer. You need to start building a resume.

At Montrose Christian Writer's Conference, and most other writing conferences, attendees are granted 15 minute appointments with authors, editors, agents, and publishers of their choosing. These people will read your work and give you their professional opinion. A word of encouragement: Not all publishers will like what you write. So, if one publisher isn't positive about your writing, don't give up because of one opinion.

That first conference, I was too intimidated to meet with a publisher, but I did want someone to read my devotions and tell me honestly whether I could write or not. In the gazebo, I met with Gloria Clover who published a compilation of devotionals in her books, Penned From the Heart.

So nervous, I handed my work to Gloria. Quietly, she read a few, looked up and said, "How many of these can I have? I want to put them in my book." My heart stopped--at least it felt like it.

I was now a published writer. For the next two years my devotionals appeared in Penned From the Heart. My resume building had begun.

What did I learn that can help you?

~~Write what you are passionate about.

~~Begin building a resume by being published in a smaller market.

~~Learn how to write a book proposal and a query letter.

~~Attend a writer's conference where you will learn the business and meet people who will help you on your writing way.

I left Montrose resolved to return the following year with a book proposal and a manuscript of bathtime devotions for mothers. Stay tuned for more tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I suggest a hot bath so you can soak all this in. It worked for me!

Elaine

Called to Write, But How Do I Become Published?

Good morning friends. This blog post is a continuation from yesterday's post as I continue to share how I became a published author. Enjoy!

God called me to write a book. So, I wrote. Not certain what I was to write--I just wrote. As my writing progressed, it seemed that short stories and devotional writing were what flowed best from my heart to my pen.

If you want to be a writer, you need to write--a lot. It is a craft that improves with practice. A newpaper columnist advised me to write every day. I told him I didn't have time to write every day. He said, "Do you have an hour? Then write for an hour." I took up his challenge.

People prayed for me as I shared with them that God called me to write a book. If you are a Christian writer, please surround yourself with people who will pray for you. Writing is a hard, lonely business. You may lose friends who don't understand that you need to sit at your desk and write instead of join them for coffee. That was sometimes painful. I am thankful for friends who understood and prayed.

So, there I was with a stack of writing and no idea what to do next. I wasn't concerned about publishing it. I felt God would open that door when the time was right. He did just that.

In those days, Dan and I were leading marriage retreats at Montrose Bible Conference in Montrose, PA. Arriving for the conference, I spotted the brochure advertising the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference. Who ever heard of a conference for writers? Well, God did and He led me to this lovely place overflowing with creative minds, publishers, agents, and invaluable teaching.

Having no idea what was ahead, not knowing what to bring, the following summer I returned to Montrose armed with a stack of my devotional writings.

What a beautiful place and a worthwhile conference. I attended what I called the Getting Published 101 daily class where I learned the ins and outs of publishing and how to write a book proposal to send to publishers.

This year Montrose Christian Writers Conference will be July 22-27, 2012. More information can be found at http://www.montrosebible.org/writers.

The number one writing tip I give a writer is to go to a writer's conference. You'll meet people who become treasures of advice and love and encouragement as your journey continues.

In my opinion, if you are serious about your writing career, you need to write, you may need to give up some pleasures so you have time to write, it is good to have people support you in prayer, and going to a writer's conference is essential.

Tomorrow, I'll share more about what happened at Montrose.

Hoping these writing and publishing tips lead you to splash into the writing pool. Enjoy the swim! It's worth it.

Splashes of Serenity,

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

A Writer Speaks

The Importance of Both Writing and Speaking is discussed in Shona Neff's (www.StepUPWritingandSpeaking.com) interview with Elaine W. Miller. Thanks for the interview, Shona and StepUP Writing and Speaking

Shona Neff recently had the pleasure of interviewing Elaine W. Miller. She provides some wonderful and helpful information for aspiring writers and speakers. She has generously provided a CD recording of a workshop she led on the topic of writers becoming speakers. If you'd like to have your name entered in this free drawing, leave a comment on this post before Sunday, September 19, 2010, by 10:00pm EST. The recipient will be announced the following Monday morning, September 20.

Shona: When Shonda and I give presentations and coach clients, we emphasize how important it is for Christian communicators to both write and speak. People who feel more comfortable speaking try to avoid writing. And, sometimes gifted writers would rather share their message only through the pages of a book or magazine rather than stand on the stage with all eyes on them.

Tell us your story, and why you started teaching workshops on writers becoming speakers.

Elaine: Years ago I pondered the question, “Are you a writer who speaks or a speaker who writes?” I believe we need to be both because as writers, we will be asked to speak. Writers have tales to tell or we wouldn’t write. No one else knows our stories, and we need to share them on the written page as well as on a stage.

Being a writer or a speaker was not on my life’s “to do” list. But God had other plans. Over 25 years ago, to my surprise and horror, I received my first speaking invitation. I had never spoken in public and rarely voiced my opinion in private. But there I was behind a podium with 660 eyes looking at me. My mother-in-law encouraged me with, “Remember, everyone out there loves you.” I cheered myself on by realizing, most of the women listening to me are very glad I am the speaker and they are not. I spoke and, to my surprise, I didn’t die nor did anyone else. In fact, it went well, and doors opened to other invitations to speak.

In 2005 my first book, Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms was published. When you become an author, some people consider you an authority. I remember my first radio interview. I was introduced as “an authority on parenting.” I gasped and replied, “I am not an authority on anything, but I know Someone Who is, and He’s written a Book. The Bible is the only authority.” The point is, whether you like it or not, becoming an author opens wide the speaking doors. You are considered an authority, or at least someone who has an opinion. Now you have a voice on radio, television, the newspapers, and at speaking events.

Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” When I wanted to write a book, I attended Montrose Christian Writer's Conference so I could learn the publishing business and how to write with excellence. After my book was published and requests for speaking increased, I decided to attend Carol Kent’s Speak Up With Confidence speaker’s training. It was life changing. Carol’s teaching took my speaking to another level. She taught me to speak with all my heart because it is the Lord Christ I am serving.

I started teaching workshops on writers becoming speakers, because I have a passion to lead people to Christ and to lead Christians into a deeper relationship with Him. Writers have opportunities to impact the world for Christ through their books and from behind a microphone. I teach to encourage writers to tell their stories. We have a platform that can change a person’s life. We need to run to those speaking opportunities and not run away from them.

If we don’t speak, what will people listen to? If we stop writing, what will our children read? Browsing at the magazines gracing the grocery store check out counter is incentive for me to not just write, but to speak whenever given the opportunity.

Shona: What are the benefits to someone who both writes and speaks when it comes to their audiences?

Elaine: What a relief to get away from the glare of my computer and look into the eyes of real people—the ones whom God brought to hear the Good News. Speaking encourages me to keep writing when I meet people face to face, pray with them, and hear them say, “God used your book [or your talk] to change me.”

Of course, there is also the benefit of selling books. When people meet you, they see your heart, and they want to buy your books. I don’t think any writer goes through the hours of labor to birth a book so no one will read it. We want our books to be read—to matter—to make a difference in lives. Speaking gets our books into the hands of people who otherwise might not read them.

Shona: What are the benefits when it comes to working with publishing houses and print media?

Elaine: Every time I pitch a book to a publisher, I am asked “Do you speak on the subject of your book? How many times a year do you speak? How large is your audience?” Plus, those are standard questions we answer in our book proposals. The bottom line is: speakers sell books, and publishers are looking for authors who sell books. If you speak, you increase the possibility of seeing your book in a reader’s hands.

Shona: Do you have any advice for a writer who is struggling with the thought of having to develop their speaking skills?

Elaine: Oh, yes! I struggled with speaking. I read that 80 percent of the population fears speaking, so you are not alone.

Go to the Lord. Daily surrender your life to God and commit to being obedient to speak and to write for Him.

Surround yourself with a prayer team who will faithfully pray for you and your ministry.

Please know that not everyone is an energetic and entertaining communicator, but that doesn’t mean God won’t use you. I attended a retreat where the speaker was not dynamic, but she was sincere. She spoke from her heart, and her heart was filled with Jesus. All weekend I heard testimony of how God used her words to minister to the needs of the audience.

It is good to remember that we are not divas—we are servants. A servant leads people to Christ with her Christ-filled heart. Speak from your heart and allow God to do the rest.

Last, please attend a speaker’s conference where you will receive the training and the confidence to speak with excellence. There are many to choose from and they are worth the cost.

Shona: Are there any closing thoughts you’d like to share?

Elaine: We can write great books, prepare amazing talks, be articulate Bible scholars; but unless our audiences see love in our lives, unless they see Jesus in us, we are only resounding gongs. No one wants to be a resounding gong. The key to effective speaking and writing is Jesus living in us and filling our minds and our hearts until God’s love overflows from our tongues, our pens, and our lives into the hearts of people.

Prayer is another key. Pray, pray, pray, and pray some more. God knows the hearts of your audience. He knows what happened to them this week. He knows their doubts and their fears. Ask Him to reveal that to you and guide you to speak what the audience needs to hear.

Concentrate on ministering—not on performing—and speaking will become a joy to you. I know it has to me.

Thank you, Shona. It’s been fun sharing these thoughts with you. If anyone would like to contact me, I would love hearing from you.

~~~

Elaine W. Miller is an author and speaker who loves sharing the hope of Christ with her audience. A member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, she is author of two books: Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms and Bathtime Reflections for Drained Wives. She has been a featured guest on radio and TV and on faculty of the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference and the Upstate New York Christian Writers' Gathering. Elaine live in Rome, NY with her husband, Dan. They are blessed with three adult children and seven lively grandchildren. To learn more about Elaine, please see her website, www.SplashesofSerenity.com or her blog at http://www.ElaineWMiller.blogspot.com. She would love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter @ Elaine W. Miller.

My You Tube Debut

Tummy hungry, brain overloaded, body weary, I strolled into Dreyer Lodge at the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference with hopes of filling my tummy, de-stressing my brain, and relaxing my body. Up jumps Jim Willis, fellow faculty member, blogger and marketer extraordinaire, asking for an interview. Too tired to be serious, I'm a bit giddy in my You Tube debut. I admit to not sleeping well the night after this was taken with thoughts of "My career is over!" running through my head. I share it with you so you can have a giggle too, and hoping there really is no such thing as bad publicity.



Thanks for the interview, Jim Willis. You are a great marketer. Thank you for marketing moi!

Splashes of Serenity on this summer day,
Elaine

Why Attend a Writer's Conference

If Christians stop writing, what choices will people have at the bookstore and the super market check-out aisle? Trips to the grocery store are enough to spur me on to write and to encourage Christians to publish their stories.

"Get thee to a writer's conference" is my first suggestion to anyone who asks how to get their book published. At Montrose Christian Writer's Conference I sold my first article and learned to write a proposal that became my first book. At Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference I met my sweet agent, Diana Flegal. My writing world expanded as fellow scribes became precious friends at writer's conferences. Not to mention, you'll laugh yourself silly. Fill a room with writers and let the wit roll. It's worth it just for that dose of medicine.

Last summer during Family Bible Conference at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, I was approached by two people who share my passion for writing. Debbie Tuthill, a student enrolled in the Christian Writer's Guild, and Dave Fessenden, managing editor for CLC Publications, both came to me within hours of each other with the same thought: Delta Lake would be a great place to have a Writer's Conference. That afternoon Debbie, Dave, and I met under a maple tree. It was apparent this was God's plan for Upstate New York and Delta Lake Bible Conference Center.

The fruit of that meeting grew into the first Upstate New York Christian Writers' Gathering being held at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center in Rome, New York, on July 8-9, 2010. Please consider joining us for two high-energy afternoons. Six seminars covering fiction, non-fiction, writing for adults and for children, and dramatic scripts are offered for a total cost of $25. That's a deal! Faculty include Jon Graf, founding editor of Pray! magazine and the author of six books; Dave Fessenden, managing editor for CLC Publications and the author of four books; Hope Marston, author of numerous children's books; Jim Bogoniewski, writer of over 120 plays; and yours truly, Elaine W. Miller, author of two books. Bring your family and enjoy the added atmosphere of Family Bible Conference with programs for all ages. For more information, please contact me or www.DeltaLake.org under the tab, "Family Camp."

My passion to encourage writers won't end at Delta Lake this summer. I am thrilled to join many authors, editors, and publishers on the faculty at Montrose Christian Writer's Conference in Montrose, PA, July 25-30, 2010. Montrose holds a special place in my heart as this is where my dream and God's call to be a writer was realized. I'll be leading two workshops: "Marketing Your Ministry" and "A Writer Speaks." For more information please see WWW.MONTROSEBIBLE.ORG.

You are the only one who can write your story. Please don't let what God has done in your life remain in your computer or your brain, never to be read by a world hungry for God. Write it and write it well. Learn how at a Christian Writer's Conference. Hope to see you there. Introduce yourself to me. I'd love to share some wit and some splashes of serenity with you.

Blessings on your writing,

Elaine W. Miller
Author/Speaker
www.SplashesofSerenity.com
SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com