This month Authors, Aspiring Authors, Literary Agents, Editors, etc.
share their love of the craft, call, and business of writing!
Carnival of Christian Writers January 2008
Check it out!
A little something to warm you up this month
with some great posts in our
January 2008
Carnival of Christian Writers
It’s Carnival Time at Writer…Interrupted
Do you want a one stop blog post where you can find all the latest and greatest thoughts on writing from agents, editors, published authors and writers? Then hurry over to the carnival and don’t forget to tell all the participants how much you appreciate them!
The Bounty Hunter and the Bride
by Vickie McDonough
Katie Hoffman lost her husband after only four months of marriage. Pregnant and close to losing her farm, she advertises to sell it. When a handsome buyer offers to marry her and let her keep her farm, she hastily agress, wanting to give her child a father. But rushing into another marriage proves to be a mistake when a rugged bounty hunter crashes the wedding to capture her groom. Will Katie slow down enough to hear God’s voice?
Dusty McIntyre lost his wife to a heninous outlaw. After traking the criminal for over a year, catching him doesn’t bring Dusty the satisfaction that he’d hoped for. WHen the arrest leads to Katie’s house burning down, Dusty feels compelled to help her. Will he stay and find the peace and love he is looking for?
Award-winning author and native Oklahoman, Vickie McDonough, believes God is the ultimate designer of romance. She loves writing stories where the characters find their true love and grow in their faith. Vickie’s other books include four Heartsong novels and five fiction anthologies. is a wife of thirty-one years, mother to four sons, and a new grandmother. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling. Learn more about Vickie’s books at www.vickiemcdonough.com
My Review:
If you don’t know by now, I’m not much of a romance reader, but when I find one that actually holds my attention, that’s a treat. The Bounty Hunter and the Bride is one such book. It started off with a bang that hooked this suspense reader, and ended up delivering a satisfying and somewhat surprising ending. I mean, how surprised is one really in a romance?
I enjoyed the spunky, yet loveable characters and the historical setting which takes place years after the Oklahoma land run. Katie’s goal for independence and the way she and Dusty got together was believable and their blossoming romance was sweet.
Revisiting the characters of Mason and Rebekah from Sooner or Later was a treat as well. So even if you’re not a huge romance reader, this book is worth your time! And if you love romance and haven’t picked it up, what are you waiting for?
Vickie Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.
I’ve been married thirty-one years to a great guy who is very supportive of my writing. We have four sons, ages 29 – 16, a lovely daughter-in-law, and the world’s sweetest grand-daughter. I’ve always been an avid reader, especially after I discovered Christian romances, but I never once thought about writing a book. I didn’t care for writing way back in school, but God started sending a story to me. It was running through my head so much that I was getting very little sleep. I decided to write it down in hopes that I could get the story out of my head so I could sleep. Right after I finished that story, another one came. I began to wonder if God was trying to get my attention. Once I decided He was, I jumped in with both feet and began learning everything I could about the craft of writing.
How did you get your first “writing break?”
I joined ACFW and began getting to know other authors online. I got an idea for an anthology and approached a published author I’d met (online) with the idea. She liked it and recruited two other authors, then we got together a proposal, and the editor ended up buying it after over a year’s wait. I’m a firm believer in networking, because this is how I first got published.
What do you write and why this genre?
I write mostly historicals set in the late 1800s. My heroes have always been cowboys. I grew up watching all the cowboy shows of the sixties and loved any show that had a horse in it. I just love the old west and stories set there.
Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?
I have three books coming out this spring: The Bounty Hunter and the Bride and A Wealth Beyond Riches, which are the second and third books in my
My brand is: to inspire and entertain
I want to entertain busy Christians who pick up a book as an escape, but I also want to inspire them in their spiritual walk with the message in my book.
What to know what I thought about the book? Come back tomorrow for my review and the rest of the interview.
Party Games!
My favorite place to write is at a place called Kaffe Bona. If has free WiFi and great sugar free syrups to add to my decaf skim latte as well as awesome soups, salads, wraps and deserts (though I rarely indulge.)
So where’s your favorite pace to hang out?
Here’s a fun quiz to get you in the party mood!
Caramel Frappuccino |
 Creative and expressive, you tend to match your Frappuccino flavor to your mood. And a flavored syrup is always a must! |
What Flavor Frappuccino Are You?
Why not try these other fun internet party games and don’t forget to leave a link to let me know the results!
Your Attitude is Better than 45% of the Population |
 You have a positive attitude… somtimes. You prefer to see the world through clear glasses, not rose colored ones. |
You Are 75% Addicted to the Internet |
 In your opinion, life without the internet is hardly worth living. Could be, but you probably need a bit more fresh air and sunshine to think clearly. |
Are You Addicted to the Internet?
You Are 40% Extrovert, 60% Introvert |
 You’re a bit outgoing, a bit reserved Like most people, you enjoy being social But you also value the time you have alone You have struck a good balance! |
Are You An Extrovert or An Introvert?
Author Mom Jenn Doucette
Mama always said, “Your time will come.”
Well . . . . it’s here!
Do you find yourself constantly on the run to catch up or to stay ahead of what your kids need, want, and get? Author, speaker, and mother Jenn Doucette can relate! As she reveals the joys, frustrations, and comedies of motherhood, you’ll discover vital keys to keeping your sanity, including…
* setting boundaries and achieving freedom
* choosing contentment
* carving out time to spend with friends
* getting a grip on emotions
* finding time─even 5 minutes!─to be alone
Whether you’re in the midst of chaos or experiencing precious quiet time, you’ll love this fresh look at the delights and quandaries you face every day as a mom. Experience anew the grace and love God gives to bless you and your family.
Jenn Doucette is a freelance writer and humorist who seeks to find the funnies in the yuckies of life. She has authored The Velveteen Mommy – Laughter and Tears from the Toy Box Years (NavPress 2005), Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This (Harvest House 2007), and co-authored Up! Devotions for Faith that Connects (Revell 2007). She has been published in P31 Magazine, and is a contributing author in the New Women’s Study Bible (Zondervan 2006). Jenn will be speaking at the Hearts at Home conferences in March and October 2007.
Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.
I grew up with two younger sisters, a dog, two cats, and an unquenchable thirst to READ! I’m married to an incredibly patient and sweet guy named Ben.
Thankfully this reading obsession is genetic and has passed along to our three children (ages 7, 10, and 11). We’ve spent many a night snuggling with Junie B. Jones, Chronicles of Narnia, and Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I’ve always been a word person. Always. Words reach me like nothing else can. They inspire, encourage, anger, frustrate, impassion, fill, move, and stretch me. Writing is my way to do so for others.
How did you get your first “writing break?”
My writing career began with a speaking gig. Several years ago I began speaking to local MOPS groups and other women’s groups, sharing my humorous and encouraging mom stories.
A couple years later, the internet finally arrived at the Doucette home; within a couple days I reconnected with an old friend from University days. Turns out he was a literary agent. I sent him my speaking transcripts, studied up on how to write proposals, plunked down the whole package on his lap, and a few months later he sold my idea to NavPress. That was my first book, The Velveteen Mommy (2005).
I must add a caveat that not everyone is so blessed with such an amazing publishing story. Suffice it to say, that since then I’ve learned the lessons of literary rejection and long publication waits.
What do you write and why this genre?
Writing is both challenging and exciting. It’s a thrill to be able to articulate through the written word, ideas and concepts that can impact others. As a Christian, I perceive those changes to be eternal. And gosh! Who wouldn’t want to play with words all day long? (said tongue in cheek; my sisters think I’m nuts)
I started with nonfiction – reaching out to other moms in need of a bit of hope, encouragement, and laughter. But since my first reading love is fiction, I’m jumping into that venue and giving it my best shot.
Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?
I’ve got two books coming out in 2007:
An encouraging, fun book for moms titled, Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This, which releases this month (February) by Harvest House.
I’ve also co-authored a devotional book for teens called, Up! Devotions for Faith that Connects, which is due to hit the shelves June 1st by Revell.
What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?
I’m working on my first novel right now. Since I truly prefer fiction, I’m trying my hand at a whole new genre (which makes my agent a tad nervous). Since my writing voice is quirky and fun, my novel is a chick-lit of sorts, AKA: romantic comedy. I’ll keep you posted on that score.
And now for the tough questions…
How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?
I’ve had to practice saying “no.” I have my ministry at church (teaching 2-4th grade Sunday School), and I decline pretty much everything else. Being a recovered “yes” girl, this is no easy task. I’d love to coordinate, organize, and administrate everything in reach. But I learned the hard way that’s the fastest way to achieve burnout.
I’ve also been successful at getting my kids on board with household chores, which leaves a lot more room in my day to spend quality time with the family.
Do you think it’s possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?
It’s certainly a challenge. For many years, keeping in shape took a back seat in my life. Four months ago I put down my foot (and the extra calories in my diet) and stepped on my treadmill. I find that if I expend the extra time and effort to walk every day, I’m more energized for the rest of my responsibilities.
When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?
I write when they’re at school. I write when they’re in bed at night. I try to meet them as they walk in the door after school and I purposely set my work stuff on the back burner while we do chores, make dinner, clean up, do homework, attend their sporting events, and work through our bedtime routines. Unless I have a deadline. If I’m cramped for time, my husband steps in the gap and fills in like a champ. Of course I’ve got occasional pangs of mom guilt – I wouldn’t be a mom if I didn’t!
How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?
Not well. But coffee helps. Summers are the worst for me. I function extremely high on a schedule. I kind of self-destruct when I get interrup—
Just kidding. There are days when it’s okay for me to be interrupted, and other days when it’s not. I try to limit those days and communicate my need for solitude.
How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?
I’m spoiled, actually. Last year my husband built an office for me in the back third of our garage, complete with carpet, a heater, a window, and a well-stocked supply of M&Ms. So when I really need to jump back into business, I announce that I’m “Going to work, so you need to go to Daddy for all your questions.” I also hang a “WE’RE CLOSED” sign outside my office door. These gimmicks work most of the time. Couple other things that work for me:
- shut down all access to internet and e-mail
- turn off the phone in my office
- light a couple candles
- just start writing whatever comes to mind, editing is for later
What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?
That God gave me love of words; that He alone could orchestrate my publishing story. I know I’m doing what He wants me to do – that alone gets me through the “what was I thinking?” moments.
How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?
I turn off the phone and read Scripture. He speaks most clearly to me when I’m in His Word.
If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?
Ask my family for forgiveness, plan a family night, spend some time snuggling with everyone, and create a “Plan Of Attack” list. Seeing all those tasks written in black and white eases my stress and brings me back to Earth. Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?
Not yet, but I wouldn’t put it past Him. He had me set aside any kind of a career for several years when my children were babies, so I’m truly enjoying the gift of writing He’s given me after so many years of simmering on His back burner.
Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?
Nope. Not a chance. He gave me a passion for reading when I was five years old, and I love Him for it.
What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?
Commit it to prayer. Learn the craft. Learn the process. Write excellently. Keep committing it to prayer. If God wants you to be published and if you’ve learned the tools to do so, He’ll make it happen. But if He wants you just to write for Him, go for it and glorify Him with your words!
Thanks Jenn for joining us here! God bless you as you continue to write and raise your family!
The Three Chapter Rule
In a recent critique I was told my opening needed to move quicker. I thought I had done that after scrapping the first opening. But I heeded their wise advice and went back and hacked and pushed things up, and I’m very happy to say the pacing starts off on roll and keeps going.
I’m grateful for objective critiquers, but wonder why many of the books I have on my shelf crawl to a start and have me yawning by the third chapter. I want to scream, “how did you ever get in print?”
In the past I would force myself to finish these books. It’s probably the choleric in me wanting to accomplish what I set out to do. But with my TBR (To Be Read) pile morphing out of control, I have to be picky about my reading time.
So I’ve decided to institute the Three Chapter Rule. If I’m not hooked by the end of the third chapter, then I’ll put it in the give-a-away pile. I figure editors do it all the time. If you don’t have them by the end of chapter three, they send you that nice little rejection letter! I’ve got at least two dozen books waiting to be picked up, so I can afford to reject a couple of them.
Currently I’m at chapter three in a book and I find myself wavering on this new rule. The story is off to a really slow start, and I’m not really interested in the plot, though I see a bit of myself in the character. Which has caused me to reconsider my three chapter rule. Hey, even in fiction rules are allowed to be broken!
So I’ve decided to read a couple more chapters. I think the story may speak to me, maybe not on an entertainment level, but on a deeper, heart changing level. If I’m not dying to read the rest by the end of chapter six, I’ll have to move on, keeping in mind that when I sit down to write I better make the reader shout for more by the end of chapter three!
Carnival of Christian Writer Submissions
The Carnival is just around the corner and we need YOUR WRITING Submissions. Go here for the guidelines and submission forms. The submission deadline is Saturday the 27th.
Button Help Needed
In anticipation for the new Carnival of Christian Writers, I’ve been wanting to make a button, but my button know how is soooo limited, well actually it’s nonexistent!
So if any of our readers (or relatives or friends of readers) know how to create one and would like to help, drop me an email! I know exactly what I want, but don’t know how to do it!
If You Give A Writer A Laptop
Reposted in honor of the FIRST Carnival of Christian Writers Don’t forget to check out the rest of the carnival! You’re in for a wild ride!
by Gina Conroy
based on “If you Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura NumeroffIf you give a writer a laptop she’ll want a cup of coffee before she writes. She’ll go to the kitchen to make herself a pot and realize she drank it all yesterday.
She’ll reach for her purse and realize she can’t find her keys. She’ll dump the contents of her purse onto the table and find her lipstick. That will remind her that she doesn’t have any make-up on, and she’s still in her pajamas. So she’ll splash a little color on her face and pull on her favorite jeans.
Bending over to tie her sneakers, she’ll split her pants and realize she’s gained more than a couple of pounds. She’ll throw on her sweats and decide to jog to the coffee shop since it’s just a couple of blocks away.
As she’s jogging down the street she’ll see a paper sack and clothes scattered in the road. She’ll stop. Her writer’s imagination kicks into high gear (unlike her slow jog), and she imagines a kidnapping gone awry, a teen runaway falling off the back of a truck she just hitched a ride from, or an angry housewife kicking her cheating husband out.
As she stoops down for a closer inspection, she’ll notice a wallet. Seeing the empty wallet will remind her she was on her way to get some coffee. And chances are if she reaches into her pockets for her money, she’ll realize she spent it all on the laptop.
My First Rejection!
Well, it’s a half-truth, (my kids and I have been studying when Abram told a half-truth to the pharaoh of Egypt saying Sarai was his sister which was true, but she also was his wife.) We had a great little discussion on whether a half-truth is REALLY a lie, and if we speak against the truth are we speaking against Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life?
But that’s not the reason for this post. Though I’ve received many, many rejections in my writing life, this month I had to GIVE my first rejection. I never thought I’d have to sit down and write on of those emails that start like this…
Thank you for your submission, unfortunately it doesn’t meet the criteria for our writer’s guidelines…
Have you figured out what I’m talking about yet? It’s a rejection letter for the Carnival of Christian Writers. While many people sent in wonderful and thoughtful posts, they were not about writing, the craft of writing or the struggle with writing, etc.
So you still have a chance to submit. Only five more days until our very first Carnival of Christian Writers!
And don’t worry, if you stick to the guidelines, chances are you WON’T get a rejection letter…from me!
Announcing a New Carnival
I’m excited to announce a new feature here at Writer…Interrupted. It’s the Carnival of Christian Writers. We will be hosting the carnival here once a month on the last Monday of the month. Please read the guidelines below and submit your entries!!
Guidelines:
Your post must be related to writing.
Please check out the writing guidelines on the sidebar.
The deadline is the LAST Saturday of each month.
Please write a one to two sentence blurb about your post including your name with the link to your blog and a link to your actual post you’re submitting to the carnival. Email it to me at Portraitwriter@gmail.com
Please put a link to this blog in your post somewhere. We do not have a button at this time, but hope to in the future.
One more thing, spread the word!
Any questions? Email me.
So Many Carnivals
So little Dramamine!!!!!!!!!
The Beauty of Philippians
Here’s my thoughts on Philippians.
Go HERE for more fun and don’t forget to check out MY contribution.
Check out My post and then check out the REST of the Carnival.
What I love About Blogging Tribute
Remember that old commercial. Calgon…take me away. Well, that’s what I love about blogging. It takes me away to anywhere I want to go and connects me with people I never would have dreamed of meeting. And as a SAHomeschoolingM, connecting with people is very important.
I no longer feel alone, lost in a world of kiddie chaos. With a click of the button I can find fellowship and sanity in the midst of my busy day.
What I love about blogging is that if I need a vacation to Hawaii, I just click on someone who’s there and usually I find out her life isn’t much of a vacation. It’s just like yours and mine.
What I love about blogging is that it’s fast. Unlike snail mail which takes WAY too long, internet blogging connects you immediately. Plus, you can do it for free where the cost of a stamp seems to be going up every other week. (I can remember when a stamp was .13)
There are sooo many things I love about blogging, but there are dangers as well. Like spending way too much time on line and not enough time doing what I love, like playing with my kids, reading and spending time in God’s word.
So much to love about blogging, so little time to…sleep!!!!!
Here’s more of the carnival.
Blog Tour: Tidbits with Tricia Goyer Day 1
I’m excited to participate in my very first blog tour. If you don’t know what a blog tour is, it’s a book tour via the internet. I’ll be posting several times this week about Tricia and her current project. So please come back for the exciting things I have lined up including an exclusive interview on how this homeschooling, writing mom manages to do it all. And without any further adieu, let the tour begin.
Confessions of a homeschool,
overachieving, Gen X mom…
By Tricia Goyer
I write parenting books.
I write children’s books.
I am a novelist.
I am a journalist.
I am a mentor.
I am a wife.
I am a mom.
I am a homeschooling mom.
I am scattered and confused.
Okay, I’m not confused, but others are when they try to put me in a box.
But I am scattered.
Here is what my publisher says about me:
Tricia Goyer is an award-winning writer who skillfully utilizes her relational thinking and conversational writing style to convey and connect truth with her readers. A former teen mom who went on to complete high school and attend college, she has become the celebrated author with a national presence that readers know and love today.
In 2003, Goyer was named writer of the year at the Mt. Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. Just two years later, her book, Life Interrupted, was named a finalist for the ECPA Gold Medallion Award, and her novel Night Song won ACFW’s Book of the Year in the long historical romance category.
The author of several fiction books and nonfiction books, hundreds of Bible study notes, a children’s book, and more than 250 published articles that have appeared in national magazines, Goyer has played an active role in Bible study groups, parenting programs, and young mom support groups for eleven years.
Here is what I say about me:
I live in Montana with my husband and three kids. We are also blessed to have my grandmother living with us too. She’s a special joy!
I mentor teenage moms and I homeschool my kids. Oh, yeah. I write lots of books, too.
Tricia’s latest book, Arms of Deliverance, is the fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II. Two friends, Mary and Lee, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war’s outbreak and soon they become competitors. Mary’s coverage of a bombing raid over Germany leads to a plane wreck and an adventurous escape attempt from across enemy lines. And when Lee hears of Mary’s plight, she bravely heads to war-torn Europe in an effort to help rescue her friend. Will there be enough time for diplomacy or will war get the best of everyone?
Chapter One
Katrine squared her shoulders and instinctively pressed a hand to her stomach as she stepped through the open doors of the café, past the yellow sign that read NO JEWS ALLOWED. She paused as the strong aroma of coffee and cigarette smoke hit her face. Men and women clustered around tables. Beautiful people in the height of their glory.
Looking around at the room’s flocked wallpaper, ornate light fixtures, and marble flooring, she found it hard to believe that not too far away a war stormed. Not only battles for land and power, but a war against a people—her people . . . or what used to be her people.
To read the rest of the chapter go here.
And don’t forget to stop by tomorrow for more with Tricia Goyer or visit the following links:
create & buy custom products at Zazzle
My StumbleUpon Page
