TOP OF THE WORLD: A REPORT ON THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS CHRISTIAN WRITERS CONFERENCE 2012

If you attended this year’s event, then you understand when I say you laughed until you cried.   Who will forget Torrey Martin’s Torrey Stories event with his Alaska escapade involving a can of pepper spray and a big bear.  Steven James encouraged us, hilariously so, until our eyes watered, with why life foibles can become writing material.

This year offered a wonderful variety of classes, offerings from magazine writing, poetry, and improving our fiction as well as marketing ideas. Yours truly focused on the marketing classes, and found great helps to focus my time and energy on more positive results.

As always, faculty members were of highest caliber, always gracious and ready with an encouraging word.

If you’ve never attended a writers’ conference, I highly recommend this one. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the vista alone will bring you closer to the Lord. The worship services gave us a little taste of what heaven will be like as voices blended in harmonious thanksgiving to the Author of Creativity.

Ridgecrest Lifeway Center bathes all its events in 24/7 prayer vigils. I attended my first conference here in 2001. Since that time, God has never failed to encourage me in my writing. And this year was no exception. Below is the list of Selah Award winners. And I am humbled to be included in this prestigious list of great writers.

As posted in http://altongansky.typepad.com/writersconferences/br2012-contest-winners.html

The 2012 SELAH Awards are presented to authors for works published in 2011 in twelve categories (or subcategories) and judged by avid readers for the particular genre. The winners are:

Children (Tie)

Michelle Medlock Adams

My Big Book of Prayers

Ideals Children's Books

and . . .

Crystal Bowman & Ava Pennington

Do You Love Me More?

Standard Publishing

Bible Studies

Mary Englund Murphy

Joseph; Beyond the Coat of Many Colors

AMG Publishers

Inspiration & Gift

Jocelyn Green

Faith Deployed ... Again

Moody Publishers

Christian Life (tie)

Linda Evans Shepherd

When You Can't Find God

Revell Books

and . . .

Dr. Betty Hassler

When Christ Sets You Free

Cross Books

Youth Nonfiction

Tanya Kilgore

The Grief Recovery Kit; A Young Persons' Guide Through the Journey of Grief

Aepisaurus Publishing

Youth Fiction

April W. Gardner

Lizzie and the Guernsey Gang

Astraea Press

Adult fiction was categorized into six subcategories. 

First Novel

Linda Wood Rondeau

The Other Side of Darkness

Harbourlight Books

Novella

Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Mistletoe Mayhem/From: Season of Danger

Love Inspired

Historical Novel

Lena Nelson Dooley

Maggie's Journey

Realms

Suspense Fiction

Richard L. Mabry, MD

Lethal Remedy

Abingdon Press

Contemporary Novel (tie)

Christa Allan

The Edge of Grace

Abingdon Press

and . . .

Tracie Peterson

House of Secrets

Bethany House

Romance Novel

Susan May Warren

My Foolish Heart

Tyndale House Publishers

Why Do First Manuscripts So Often Get Rejected? by Nikki Arana

Thanks to Nikki Arana for stopping by today! Be sure to check out her FREE Kindle books over the next few weeks - right now Winds of Sonoma is free! For more details - and information on how to win Kindle, check out her Facebook page - Nikki Arana, Author

Why Do First Manuscripts So Often Get Rejected?

The biggest reason that new writers receive rejections is because they send out their ms (manuscript) before it is ready. Quite often emerging writers think when they finish their first ms, they have a book that is ready for the marketplace. In almost all cases, that isn’t true. If it has been written with the guidance of a critique group of other unpublished authors, it's probably a good first draft. If it was written without any mentoring, it's probably a detailed outline. That's what the first draft of my first book was . . . the agent I sent it to is the one who tipped me off! (grimaces)

After you’ve learned all you can about writing fiction through the resources available to you, the next step toward publication is to become familiar with the elements ofcommercial fiction and be sure that your novel has them. If it doesn’t, the chance of agents and publishers rejecting your submission are very high. Do you have an internal and external story for the protagonists? Does your novel open with the inciting incident?  That is the moment/incident that sets your hero/heroine on their journey. Is your novel cohesive? Meaning does EVERYHING relate in some way to the plot. Even the sub-plots need to tie in in some way to the storyline. Are scenes followed by sequels that move the plot forward? All of these are the solid building blocks of commercial novels that will garner sales advances that will allow you to make a living from your writing.  

Really study the elements I’ve listed above. If some of the terms are unfamiliar to you, try looking online for further explanation. The most difficult one to fully understand is the internal and external story. When I teach story structure I explain it this way: It is like the book of Hosea in the Bible. Hosea is the story of a man who married a prostitute. That is the external story. But it is really about God’s love for Israel. That is the internal story.  In the Wizard of Oz the external story is about a girl who is caught up in a tornado and goes to a mythical land called Oz. But it is really about Dorothy’s self-discovery that there is no place like home. Perfecting the technique of writing a universal truth through an external story is well worth the work it takes to learn how to do it. It will set your book apart from the many others that agents and editors have to choose from.

You may want to hire a professional editor to help you reach the next level in your writing. I'm writing my sixth book and still use a professional editor to guide me. I consider the money I spend on editing as my college tuition. Yes, there are always those stories of a newbie sending out an ms and selling it. But out of the hundreds, even thousands of writers who submit mss, that happens very rarely. It is getting harder and harder to break into print with a royalty paying publisher. If difficult finances prevent you from using an editor, then try and find a pubbed author to guide you. They can be just as valuable, but often can't give the time needed. There are also conferences, workshops, and classes. It will just take a little longer going that route. Which of the commercial elements do you need to study? Where do you think you can find resources to help you?

Pray with all your heart and work with all your might. You will achieve your goals.

Nikki Arana is an award-winning author of women's fiction, essays, poetry, and magazine articles whose work has been published in the United States and Canada. She has won several national awards, including the American Christian Fiction Book of the Year (Carol Award) for Women's Fiction for two consecutive years, the Beacon Award, the Excellence in Media Silver Angel Award, the Write Touch Readers Award, and others. Her book, The Winds of Sonoma was named One of the Top 20 Books of the Year by Christianbook.com. All of her books deal with social, political, and spiritual issues that confront society today. . Her 6^th book, The Next Target, was recently sold in a two book deal with a major publisher.

French Fries or Yam Fries? by Marcia Lee Laycock

French Fries or Yam Fries? 

by Marcia Lee Laycock

I began writing when I was very young. It was as natural as walking, as enjoyable as eating my favourite food when I was hungry. My parents encouraged me; so did my teachers. My first publication was in a high school anthology. I'll never forget the feeling of seeing my name under that title, in print for the first time. But it was many years before I was to feel that tingling again. In fact I was in my thirties when I sent a short story to a magazine and a cheque came back. I was thrilled. My husband said, "Hey, do you think you could do that again?"

So I started looking for markets. I joined a writers' organization and entered their contests. My writing won prizes. The readers of my column asked me to do a book. So I did. Then another, and another. I got a day job that allowed me time on a computer so I wrote a book. That won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award and was published. Now the sequel, A Tumbled Stone, has just been released.

Then a friend gave me her fantasy manuscript to critique. I loved it, enjoyed it, got lost in it. And I realized something. Somewhere along the way I'd lost a little of that "natural as walking" thing and a little of the joy of writing that I'd had in the beginning. What I'd been writing wasn't so much fun anymore - it was primarily market- focused. Reading my friend's fantasy reminded me that at one time that's what I wanted to write. But everyone said no-one would buy fantasy. So I stopped. It's not that I didn't enjoy writing the two contemporary novels that are now in print. Once I got going I did lose myself in the stories and the characters, and my readers tell me they do the same. But it wasn't quite satisfying. Kind of like eating regular French fries when what your taste buds are screaming for is Yam fries.

So I did a crazy thing the other day. I dug out the fantasy novel I wrote several years ago and sent the first 3,000 words to an agent. I'll be meeting with him in June at a writer's conference. I'm scared to death, but excited - more excited than I've been about my work for a long time.

What does all this mean? Well, you can keep on eating regular French fries and be quite content. But those Yam fries ... they're going to give you what you really long for. And there's just no substitute.
Write what you love to write, the kind of work that gets your heart racing and your blood pumping. Maybe no-one will buy it, but you'll be satisfied just in writing it. Maybe it's what you were meant to do.


Marcia’s inspirational writing has won awards in both Canada and the U.S.  Her devotionals are distributed to thousands and her novel, One Smooth Stone, won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award in 2006. Marcia is also a sought-after speaker for women’s events. Visit her at www.vinemarc.com

Janice Hanna Thompson Talks Wedding Belles

Thanks to Janice Hanna Thompson for stopping by again! I started her newest book recently and am thinking it's another winner! If you don't have your free Kindle copy of Fools Rush In, a contemporary romantic comedy by Janice, be sure to get it!

Interview with Janice Hanna Thompson

Who (or what) influenced you to become a writer?

From the time I was a little girl, I always had a creative bent. I loved to sing and dance. I got involved with drama in high school and ended up writing a little play, which we performed. In the late 70s my father moved our family to Los Angeles so that he could get into the movie business, (as a producer). He encouraged me to co-author a screenplay, which I did. In fact, I joined the screenwriter’s guild at age 18. Quite an honor! After I got married and had my children, they showed an interest in theater, too, so I ended up directing and writing musicals for Curtain Call Café (a Christian theater group). From there, my interests spread to books, and I started publishing fiction for the Christian market. I’ve now published over 80 books, everything from inspirational romance to non-fiction devotionals. I would have to say that my father was a huge influence. He passed away in ’06, but did a lot of writing in his lifetime (both screenplays and lyrics to country songs).

Janice, can you tell us about your latest book project?

Yes, I’m so tickled to share the news about my comedic historical, WEDDING BELLES, which is releasing on May 1st. Most of my readers know that I love to write light-hearted tales, and this one is no different!

What is the story behind this book?

I received a call from editor Susan Downs, who shared an idea she had for a series of books titled “Belles and Whistles.” The books in this series, she explained, must be historical, set in the west, with funny, quirky female characters. Because I write romantic comedy, she thought I would be perfect. I quickly put together a proposal for six books and two were picked up right away: WEDDING BELLES and SLEIGH BELLES. I was commissioned to write WEDDING BELLES first and had a blast doing so! The basic premise for the book was developed before I started writing, but something significant happened along the way to change my plans drastically. I needed a sneaky reason for Lottie Sanders (my heroine) to bring a group of women to Estes Park Colorado as potential brides for the town’s men. About a week after I got the contract for this book I went to a local restaurant that happened to be hosting a melodrama during the dinner hour. As I watched the drama take place, I realized this was my answer! Lottie would write and direct a melodrama to raise funds for Parker Lodge (owned by

the young man she secretly loves). Out of that came the rest of this fun, melodramatic tale!

Why did you choose to write this book under the name Janice Hanna, instead of Janice Thompson?

Ooo, great question! I write most of my contemporary novels (like the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series) under Thompson and historicals (like the LOVE FINDS YOU books) under Hanna. My maiden name is Hanna, and I love to write under that name to honor my father, who passed away in ’06. I think he would have been very proud of this particular book.

Is there any connection between the WEDDINGS BY BELLA series and this one?

Nope. None whatsoever. Just an interesting coincidence with the titles/names.

What’s the deal with the wedding stories? Why do you write so many books with wedding themes?

My four daughters (all in their late 20s/early 30s) got married within four years of each other. Talk about wedding chaos! At writer’s conferences I’ve been told to “write what you know” and I certainly know weddings. I worked for a short while as a wedding coordinator and have catered many a wedding and/or bridal shower. It just makes sense to keep my writing wedding-themed, as much as possible!

What outside interests do you have?

People might be surprised to hear this, but I bake cakes. Wedding cakes. Shower cakes. Birthday cakes. You name it, I bake it. In fact, I was once asked by a local restaurant to bake cakes for them.

Cute cover! What’s the story behind it?

My heroine, Lottie, is a tomboy. She’s not much for dresses. In fact, she wears pants most of the time. The men in Estes Park make it their mission to get Lottie “gussied up and lookin’ like a lady” as the story progresses. Of course, she’s still pretty attached to her cowgirl boots, so giving those up isn’t an option. I love the cover, because it merges the boots with the wedding dress.

How much research went into this story?

I drove to Estes Park while working on this book. Even though I had been many times before, I needed to see the area again so that I could envision it through Lottie’s eyes. The wonderful people at the Estes Park Museum spent a great deal of time with me, talking about the history of the area and pointing me to just the right research books to write. So, I would like to think I’ve got most of the historical elements right. I added the Stanley Hotel, of course, and the Stanley Steamer. But the setting for my story is Parker Lodge (which is completely fictional). Because I’m passionate about photography, I took dozens of pictures of the area. I particularly enjoy my trek up into Rocky Mountain National Park, where I did my best to absorb all I could about the scenery.

What are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you weren’t able to use in the story?

I learned a lot about the health benefits of living in Colorado! Did you know that Freelan Stanley (the man who designed/built the Stanley Hotel) came to Colorado at his doctor’s recommendation because he had tuberculosis? His health improved dramatically while in Estes Park.

What inspired and surprised you while you were writing the book?

I was directly inspired by the team of actors and actresses (here in Texas) who performed the melodrama. That little “spark” of inspiration completely changed the layout of my story and allowed me to tap into one of my strengths: directing. Many people don’t know that I spend part of my time working as a director at a local Christian theater and I love anything and everything about putting on shows.

What do you hope the reader takes away from the story?

Two things: I hope they see Lottie as the precious girl she is. I also hope they learn that perceptions are just that. . .perceptions. They’re not fact. Sometimes we look at situations and think we’ve got them figured out. When we give them a second look (and a third) we realize we were dead wrong.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I’m currently writing a novel titled LET THEM EAT CAKE, which is part of the new WEDDINGS BY DESIGN series from Revell Publishing. Many of my readers know me as the “Bella” author (from theWEDDINGS BY BELLA series). In this new series, readers can catch up with Bella, DJ and the whole gang!

What do you do when you have to get away from the story for a while?

I spend time with my grandbabies. I have six darling grandbabies with number seven on the way.

God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

I feel so incredibly blessed at this particular season in my life. I’ve been through several hard things over the past several years, but through it all, God has been right there, walking me through one book project, then another. He has used the writing to bring healing in so many areas, and I’m so grateful for that! I’ve made Ephesians 3:20 – 21 my life verse: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. God IS able to do so much more than I could ask or think, and He keeps proving that to me. In spite of any weakness on my part (and there’s plenty, trust me), He entrusts me with this gift (writing). I will use it to His glory as long as He allows.

Please give us the first page of the book.

A Reckoning in the Rockies

Estes Park, prepare to be razzle-dazzled! Parker Lodge, located on the beautiful Fall River, continues to offer the best entertainment in town. This month’s event is certainly no exception. Join us this coming Friday evening, April 27, for a rousing performance by local musician Jeb Otis, who will play several well-known ballads and folk tunes on his saw. Otis, who hails from the Estes Valley region, will be appear- ing at the lodge for one night only, performing before a packed house. C’mon out and share in an evening of fine food, rousing entertain- ment, and heartfelt fellowship. Front-row seating for the first ten guests to arrive. —Your friends at Parker Lodge

Estes Park, Colorado, 1912

“Jeb Otis says he’s going to jump off Longs Peak and end it all.” “What?” Lottie Sanders looked up from the rippling waters of Fall River into her boss’s worried eyes. “He’s going to end it all? Why-ever would he do that?”


“Oh, you know how he is.” Gilbert Parker plopped down next to her and sighed. “Melodramatic. Always wanting attention. Just like the other men in this town. He’s frustrated because the Widow Baker won’t give him the time of day, so I guess this is how he plans to remedy the problem.”

“He’s going to remedy the problem by taking his life?” Lottie swallowed hard. “Won’t that defeat the purpose?”

“Who knows?” Gilbert offered a little shrug, and a hint of a smile turned up the edges of his lips. “But if it’s any consolation, I reminded him that he’s got a concert coming up this Friday evening, so maybe he’ll wait till after then to do himself in.”

“One can hope.” Lottie thought about the many times Jeb and the other fellas who frequented the lodge had posed such ludicrous threats. How weary she’d grown of their antics. “What’s it going to take to convince Jeb that he and Althea Baker are as different as night from day, anyway?” she asked. “They would make a terrible match. I’m surprised he can’t see that for himself.”

“True.” Gilbert released a sigh. “But I guess it’s true what they say—love is blind.”

“Mm-hmm.” It’s blind, all right.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website: www.janicehannathompson.com
Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson
Twitter: booksbyjanice
My online courses: www.freelancewritingcourses.com

Where can readers buy this book?

They can email me for an autographed copy: booksbyjanice@aol.com. They can also purchase online atAmazon, Barnes and Noble or Christianbook.com.