There’s nothing worse than waiting in line for your editor or agent appoint wondering about the unknown…nothing worse EXCEPT walking into that meeting unprepared when the editor or agent asks to see your one sheet OR your first chapter and you fumble through your papers to find it OR don’t have anything to offer.

That’s why putting together a conference notebook is essential to showing your series about your writing and you are a professional.

Supplies you’ll need for your Conference notebook:

(1) 1 1/2 in binder
(10-20) plastic pages to put your papers in (I’ll totally at a loss to what you call these things!)
(1) pack of dividers
(2-3) Baseball card pages or business card holders. You can get these at Walmart
Business Cards
Thank You cards with stamps
List of cell numbers for those you want to connect with at the conference
Goal sheet
Now we’re ready to put together your notebook. Just so you know, I don’t have the market on a conference notebook, so feel free to share what works for you.

I put everything in the plastic sheet holders. On the first page or in the little pocket on the inside cover I put the phone numbers and my conference goals. For example: Meet with so and so. Pitch to this editor. Ask this agent these questions. Start planning now because I guarantee once conference rolls around you’ll be too excited, overwhelmed or nervous to remember everything.

Leave the first plastic page empty so you can put all your registration stuff. Honestly, I can’t even remember which editor I signed up for. So I’ll be needing to check this section often.

In the next page put your agent/editor list you printed out and highlighted from online. Then refer to it often, especially before you sit down at one of the editor tables for lunch.

Then add your business card holders. These are great for collecting agent/editor and author cards as well as holding your own business cards. Last year I printed out my pitches on labels and stuck them to the back of my business cards. It made a great little cheat sheet!

Business Card tips: Don’t go out and buy the expensive kinds. www.visaprint.com makes a great free card. They have a small line on the back that says Business Cards are FREE at www.vistaprint.com. One thing I’ve learned is that editors and agents don’t want to take your card. They’ll give you theirs. But it’s nice to have a card just to pass out to friends.

What to put on a card? I don’t want everyone knowing my address, so I put my name, my email, blogs and website.

Next add your dividers and use them to separate your WIPs. In the first section fill your page up with several one sheets. Not only do I take a one sheet to each meeting, but I take a pitch sheet which has a lot of info about my WIP that I may forget under pressure. Come back and I’ll tell you what I put on my pitch sheet!

After the One Sheet I put a couple copies of my first chapter and in the next sheet my synopsis. I’ve had editors request to read my first chapter and synopsis which can be a good and bad thing. I remember one year letting an editor take my not so perfect synopsis with her. I intended to rework it and submit later. A month later I received a rejection letter and I didn’t even know I submitted. So caution, if they ask for your synopsis and you give it to them, make sure it’s your best work. Otherwise just tell them you’d like to edit it once more and you’ll send it later.

In the next section do the same for your other WIPS.

You can also keep a couple copies of your resume, or put together an author One Sheet. On one side I have information about me as a person and writing, on the back I had short pitches about each of my WIPs. If you have a series you’ve completed, consider making a One Sheet for them.

Last conference I actually went a step further and made individual editor and agent folders, putting everything I wanted to take with me into that folder. You can always change it out as need arrives, especially if you’re carrying around your conference notebook.

What about you? Do you have any tips and tricks to help you stay organized?

Welcome to the Conference Confidence Series:

ONE SHEETS

So you’ve worked on your pitch, gotten it down to a 30 second sound bite that will knock the socks of an editor. Now what if he/she wants to know more?

That’s when I pull out my One Sheet. I rarely have to do a lot of talking in my 15 minute interviews. I just let the One Sheet speak for itself. Then I shut up. (This is something I have not yet mastered!) Let the editor READ! Resist the Urge to Explain. You’ll have your turn when they start to firs off questions.

So what’s a One Sheet, you ask?

A One Sheet is a brief synopsis of your book which includes pertinent information like:

Title and tag line
Authors name: Big enough to stand out
Brief synopsis/Back Cover Copy and/or 25 word short pitch

Genre
Length, word count
Contact information: Address, Phone, email
Athor bio and photo

Can include one sentence summary of second/third book in series

What your One Sheet looks like is up to you. It should fit your personality and the mood of the book you’re pitching. But regardless of the style a One Sheet should:

Be professional and well written
Easy to read, not overcrowded
Have one to two complimenting graphics or photos

Here are some other articles on One Sheets.

http://linesfromlinda.com/?p=90

You can visit my WIP section of my writing blog to get an idea of what I include on my One Sheet. The only thing that’s missing is the author bio and contact info.

You can take the One Sheet one step further and make it an author bio sheet on one side and a very breif summary of your completed WIPs on the other side. You can even make one up for your series. It’s all up to you!

Need some other examples of a One Sheet? Visit these sites:
http://www.pammeyerswrites.com/writings.html

Conference Confidence Series

So you’ve finished your novel and your ready to set your baby loose. But if you were asked to describe your novel in a few sentences, would you be able to do it?

Some people call it an elevator pitch. The little sound bite that will catch an editor’s attention, if you were in…well an elevator. Though you many never use it in the elevator, it’s good to start off with a one sentence summary.

If you use Randy Ingermanson’s Snowflake method, you’re already ahead of the game.

So what is a pitch?

Here are some great quotes and thoughts about pitches:

“A pitch is a HOOK. It should have one goal and one only: to make the editor want to know more about your story. Just as a chapter hook makes the reader turn the page, your pitch hook makes the editor ask a follow-up question. (Sometimes editors will ask a follow-up question simply to be polite. The trick is making them ask a question because they really are curious about the answer.)” Brandilyn Collins. Read the rest of the post here.

A pitch is a “one minute back of the book type blurb memorized to to an editor. We call this an elevator(pitch). Because, like me, you may literally be pitching it in an elevator. Though it could be anywhere, more than likely, over a meal. I practiced mine last year for weeks before the conference. My friends and I would cold-call each other and say, “Tell me about your book.” This practice was nerve wracking but paid off big time at the conference.” Gina Holmes. Read the rest of the post here.

“Don’t tell me your entire story. Just stick to the P’s: Pitch, Package, Platform. PITCH: Give me the essence in as few words as possible. (caveat: “Aliens meets Blue Like Jazz” is not helpful. “Philip K. Dick meets Don Miller” is better, but explain that genre with a more specific comparison like, “Kathy Tyers meets Siri Mitchell.” Mick Silva, acquisitions editor for Waterbrook. Read the rest of the post here.

Okay, you get the idea of how to pitch, now why should you do it.

“One of the most important reasons to go to a conference is to pitch to an editor and/or agent. Many CBA publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. This is a good way to get yourself before an editor you have targeted. With ACFW conference in two weeks there will be a lot of reasons to practice your. ” Margaret Daley, Steeple Hill author. To read the rest of the article go here.

Ready to pitch or need some help refining your pitch?

Go ahead. It’ll be great practice!

Hey, if you can’t sell ‘em, sing about it! I had fun writing this…Click for the musical inspiration…and beat to sing along to! And if you happen to like my rendition or can relate, please tweet or link or something, I’m on a Facebook twitter fast!!!

I stare warily at the screen this WIP has got to go.
Just hope that the editor doesn’t think my manuscript blows.

Is he ready? Is he ready for this?
Is he waiting on the edge of his seat?
Into his inbox my masterpiece flows,  his finger ready to hit delete, Yeah!

Another WIP bites the dust
Another WIP bites the dust
And another WIP gone
And another WIP gone
Another WIP bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another WIP bites the dust

How do you think I’m gonna get along with this rejection?
It took me nearly a year to write and now it’s dead and gone.

Are you happy? Are you satisfied?
How long can I stand the heat?
Inside my head the voices fly to the sound of the beat (Look out)

Another WIP bites the dust
Another WIP bites the dust
And another WIP gone
And another WIP gone
Another WIP bites the dust
Hey, they’re gonna get you too
Another WIP bites the dust!

There are plenty of ways you can hurt a girl and bring her to the ground
You can beat her, you can cheat her
You can treat her bad and leave her when she’s down
But I’m writing, yes I’m writing it’s true.
I’ve got my butt in the chair.
Inside the voices fly, but what do I care? Oh yeeeah
Another WIP bites the dust
Another WIP bites the dust
And another WIP gone
And another WIP gone
Another WIP bites the dust
Hey, what’s a writer to do?
Another WIP bites the dust

So what?
Just write…

 So I’ve been hearing a lot about examiner.com and how you can get paid to blog. I figured why not give it a try. I had dozens and dozens of blogs I could recycle and the extra money was a plus. I’m a SAHM examiner, blogging about motherhood thoughts and tips I did here several years ago, so if you’re new here or fairly new in the last couple of years, or would just like to help click my way to a few lattes this month, please click on the link here and check out all my articles. And be sure to subscribe so you won’t miss any of my life changing articles!

Want to write for the Examiner and get paid?

I realized I haven’t updated the progress of my WIPs lately. Digging Up Death, which I fondly refer to as DUDly, is undergoing rewrites after I dug it up after I buried it. It made the rounds, and though I hadn’t heard a yeah or nay, from two editors, my wise agent and I decided we should start the reconstruction. So my married protag is now divorced with kids and I like the new twist. I’m thanking God I really didn’t have to change the beginning that much. I just needed to layer in the romance. The ending which I have yet to come to is a different story and at this point, I’m not sure how it will end.

Buried Deception, the one I wrote for Love Inspired Suspense, can use your prayers right now. It’s been with Steeple Hill for about a month now and it’d be really nice if I actually sold this one. Maybe if I did, I could get back to using this blog as I originally intended instead of a advertising forum just to make money.

But if there’s anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s God has seasons of life for us. Speaking of seasons…I’m now writing for examiner.com and Salttribe.com. Both have new content I probably won’t post here until I get my new design which I’m clueless about when I’ll get around to figuring that one out.

Anyway, strangely enough, I’m content. I still have way too much to do, but there’s a peace and I’m not particularly anxious about any area of my life right now. And that’s a good thing.

I’ve been super busy planning the WIN-ACFW local conference. It ended yesterday and today I’m beat!!

Last year we had one speaker, one room, and about 40 people. This year, I wanted to go bigger. Two speakers. Rene Gutteridge and Brandt Dodson…awesome, awesome, awesome. Plus we had an agent, Jeff Dunn, a publicist, Jeane Wynn, pastor/writer Ed Gungor and about 50 people. The official numbers aren’t back yet, but I do know that 8 people showed up at the door! Woo Hoo! How exciting that was…but we also panicked and ordered more food, which we actually didn’t end up needing because the wonderful WIN members kept us well supplied with snacks.

All the feedback about the conference was good. Everyone had a great time and offered some really great suggestions for next year. Even my own WIN members raved and wondered how I pulled it off. Not sure how I did. I just attacked the details one at a time and even added some things the very last week. I have to admit, planning this year was tough. I got some much needed help, but not as much as I wanted or needed, and yet, I’m thinking bigger next year. Next year? A part of me wants to jump right in with the planning (which I did this morning) and a part of me wants to run far, far away.

I can’t ignore the flashing red sign. The one with the four letter word everyone cringes at…WORK! Conference planning is a lot of work. Someone pointed out to me that I started planning this conference a year ago! That means I need to start planning now for next year!

So here I sit contemplating next year and my mind just wants to go for it. Bigger is better, right? But why do I want to go there? Partly because of the questionnaires and my desire to please everyone. Partly because there’s something inside me driving me to do more, go bigger, in lots of areas of my life. Maybe that’s what keeps me pressing on with my writing.

I’m realistic about next year’s conference and know it’s not going to meet everyone’s needs no matter what I plan. And I’m not going to go bigger without more help, that’s for sure. So I’m praying for some members to really step up. In the meantime, I’m getting more organized. Making a conference checklist and trying to amend some things that I overlooked this year.

I have speakers in mind. Several. But it all depends on budget and availability and help! I’m very good at delegating. Just need more people to delegate to! So we’ll see. I’m sure it will happen. I just don’t want to kill myself trying to make it so!

How do you get people to step up and join you in a process like this? It definitely takes a village to build a good conference!

I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter how fast I run this publishing race, I’m not going to reach the finish line until God wants me to. So as I finish up edits on my current WIP, I’m looking toward the future and plan on stopping to smell the roses! That means slowing my writing down which would be like a snail instead of a tortoise!

Why slow down? If my writing career is in God’s hand, and I ultimately have no control over when I publish, why should I “kill” myself in the process. I’ve already “written” away so much time with my children, time I’ll never get back. If God’s timing is perfect, then even if I polish it in 3 months, which ain’t happening, it probably won’t be God’s timing. Right?

Or maybe my thinking is all wrong! Maybe it’s not so much the timing as in “when my kids get this age, then God will give me the green light.” Maybe it’s the timing of “the book” he wants me to write, which in that case, my whole theory of slow and steady wins the race is off, and I need to put on my running shoes!!!!

What’s your take on this? Where are you in your writing career, or in getting your “dream?” Tortoise or hare?

I know just a couple of days ago I was ready to throw in the writing towel, (forgive the cliche!) but I might have a new story passion. No, my current WIP is not yet edited, but I needed a break and this story kept bouncing around in my head. The characters kept talking to me…so I might need to tell their story yet.

Problem is, it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever written and it scares me. I’m not sure what it is, Women’s fiction, contemporary, but I never wanted to be labeled a mystery/suspense writer, though I love it and I know you have to zero in on a genre to keep readers, but I don’t have a contract yet, so I’m gonna play the field while I can. It might stink, but here’s the rough opening. What do yout think? Would you want to read more? Or should I stick to mystery/suspense writing?

Prologue

I remember the first time I found it…I found him. I didn’t know at that moment what it was, but the feeling grabbed hold of my heart and clung to it like sand to my wet body. It was more than a feeling really, but a knowing like after searching for hours in the sand and finally uncovering that one perfect seashell and realizing that the broken and damaged ones which might have once satisfied, now just wouldn’t do.

If I had known then what I know now I wouldn’t have waited so long to return.

Chapter One

Fire Island, NY 1975

“Take that back, Michael Chandler or I’ll sick this crab on you.” I held the tiny sand crab out as if it was a giant lobster. Not much of a threat since sand crabs didn’t have pinchers, but it was all that I had to defend myself. Heat scalded my seven-year-old head that early July, the ocean breeze whipping through my mousy-brown, sun-streaked hair.

Michael Chandler sat on his haunches, digging in the sand across from me. “Why should I take it back? It’s the truth, ain’t it?”

“It might be the truth, but it’s not nice.” Gabe, Michael’s identical twin in appearance only, pushed overgrown bangs out of his eyes with his sandy hand. “Jesus loves you just the way you are Hadley, freckles and all.”

Jesus. I’d heard the name before, shouted by my Jewish father, but never in the same sentence as the word love.

Michael looked up from his digging. “Why’d your parents give you a boy’s name?  Haadleee. Saadlee. Makes me maadlee.”

“Is not a boy’s name. Ernest Hemingway’s first wife was named Hadley.” Mother said so. And she knew all about writers ’cause she’s one herself. That’s why we always spent our summers on Fire Island. So mother could write, and we could get away from the distractions of the world.

Michael snickered. “First wife? Figures. No girl with the name of Hadley could ever get a man to love her forever.”

I remember the feeling. How Michael’s words choked the air from my lungs, worse then when I tumbled through the surf, fighting the waves, grasping to find my way to the surface. I fought back tears. I wouldn’t let Michael Chandler see me cry. Not ever.

Gabe put his sandy hand around my shoulder. “I like the name Hadley. It’s pretty and different. Reminds me how God made all of us unique and loves us no matter what other people say.”

And in that moment I remember feeling as if God was hugging me, that he had reached his big God arms down inside a skinny boys’ body and gave me a tight, fatherly squeeze.

Sitting on the shore of Fire Island, I basked in the feeling that I was at a loss of words to name.

 

No news is good news, right? Well, that’s how I’m looking at it right now. Actually, I have had news on my WIP my agent’s been shopping around. I’ve been hearing good feedback about the writing, it even made it as far as committee at one publishing house and got a very nice rejection at another that went something like this…Gina is a good writer, and you’ve probably already sold this, but we just aqcuired a similar story from so and so. Hey, I don’t mind being compared to so and so.

But it seems since my story is not your typical romantic mystery it’s just not fitting with most publishing houses. Still, I haven’t given up hope. It’s still hanging in there at five or so and if it’s to be with this book, then it will happen. In fact, that’s what my agent keeps telling me, “Gina, it will happen. Your a fine writer.” How can I be upset over that! So though this current WIP may not make it to print (I’m hoping and praying it will because it’s a darn good story, if I do say so myself) maybe the next one will.

But bottom line for me is I can’t sell out this current story. I can’t make it into what it’s not, and I’m hoping and praying some editor, some house out there will see it for what it is and take a chance on it and me!  If not, there’s always the next one, which by the way is 3000 words from being finished!

Here’s the scoop from those who had the most to gain and most to lose…

http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/03/christian-book-expo-my-analysis.html

 http://chipmacgregor.typepad.com/main/2009/03/notes-from-big-d-thats-d-as-in-disaster.html

Got a post to include? Leave it in the comment section!

Visit me here!

I’ve been reading the blog at My Book Therapy for a while now. It always has practical teachings you can apply to your work of fiction. Just reading the blog and participating in the NING group is a great way to improve your craft, but if you need some indepth critique, I suggest My Book Therapy services.

Meet the Therapists: Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and Sarah Sumpolec

I am really excited about the book From the Inside…Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You by Susan May Warren. I’ve had the privilege to sit in her writing workshops and get to know her a little better via email and conferences and I can tell you she’s an awesome teaching with a heart to help writers. Even if I didn’t know what the book was about, I’d buy it! I have learned so much from whatever she’s teaching. Here’s a little blurb about her book:
“Have you always wanted to write a novel, but didn’t know where to start? This book is for you. With proven techniques, easy to understand explanations and practical steps, From The Inside…Out will teach you how a story is structured then take you through the process of creating and marketing your novel. Topics include: Character-driven plotting, How to HOOK your reader, The elements and flow of SCENES, How to build STORYWORLD, Secrets to Sizzling Dialogue, Proven Self-Editing techniques, Synopsis and Query letter writing, How to manage your writing career …and everything in between!”

Convinced? Go buy it here: http://stores.lulu.com/mybooktherapy
I’m not too familiar with the Book Thearpy’s Blog a Book, but it seems like fun! Here’s what the gals have to say!

“Here at My Book Therapy, we love to write, and we love to teach writers how to find their voice. So, in 2009 we’ll be writing a book together!   Starting in January, we’ll create characters, a plot, develop conflict, the black moment, the epiphany and finally…the happy ending.  Then, week by week, you’ll be a part of the creation process, voting on the next step of our hero’s journey, watching the book take life, and learning the nuances of crafting a story. You’ll Blog-A-Book with the My Book Therapy authors and get tools to help you how to write your own novel.

And, at the end of the year, we’ll have a book we’ve all created, something that we’ll publish!  And, best of all, the proceeds will go to support IJM, an organization that fights human trafficking around the world.  I’m really excited about our new project, and can’t wait to see what the collective mind put together.  So, Come and Blog-A-Book.  Learn.  Fellowship.  Bless.”

For more stops on the tour go here.

And there’s MORE: A contest!
Enter the contests for the LOVE TO WRITE blog tour! http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/71-the-love-to-write-blog-tour-for-my-book-therapy

You have two chances to win!

Want to win a copy of From the Inside…Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You (http://www.lulu.com/content/5272647) for your very own? Leave a comment here and tell us what kind of novel you have in YOU.

Do you already have your novel down on the page? Does it need a little THERAPY? Enter to win 10% off a Book Therapy Session (http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/?page_id=188 ) (that’s a savings of $30+) by leaving a comment here telling us a brief synopsis of your story!

Yep, know that. Understand it. I’m even appreciative of it. BUT good news is always better in the big scheme of things and since I’m leaning on the ONE who holds my future and writing career in my hands, I’m not really anxious. Working on a new WIP helps to take the edge off waiting. But wouldn’t it be great if I got “the call” soon!

Not only would it be awesome, but we could really use the income, especially if I want to go to ACFW Denver this year. (Keep praying for us to sell our old home!) So in the meantime, I’ll keep waiting, and writing and looking for new ways I can earn a buck or two. Have any brilliant but no so painful ideas?

And how do I know? Because several of my unpublished friends have received contracts in the last TWO to THREE months! Let me count, Ronie, Myra, Christa, and I know I’m forgetting one or two others, but that gives me hope.

What also give me hope is my agent who’s working for me and said this about my manuscript currently in front of editors. “You’re right — all in God’s timing. You’re a FINE writer. It’ll happen…It’s good — in a normal economy, it would have sold already.”

Someone in the industry believes I’m a fine writer, and I’m hopeful he’s not the only one!

I’m sure an extra prayer or two on your part couldn’t hurt!

The moving boxes are almost packed and put away. We’re just about settled into our new home and are making good use of it. In fact, over the holidays we had a total of four big “gatherings” in three days with miscellaneous friends popping in and out! It’s been a blast and exhausting, and I have yet to take down my Christmas decorations! But it will get done in time. Just like everything else.Eventually the dishes get done. Eventually the kids get fed. Eventually we start homeschooling. I can go on and on. But eventually I will finish my new WIP. I will get published, and I will lose that unwanted holiday weight gain.

How do I know this for sure? I don’t. But I have to keep believing, keep trying, keep striving. Because if I don’t, I’ll know for sure I won’t!

It’s amazing the difference a year can make in a writing career. Last year at this time I was counting down the days to conference, fretting over one sheets and pitches and which agents I’d be talking to.

This year I haven’t had much time to think about the conference, though I’ve helped plan the workshops, assisted in organizing the authors that will be at the massive book signing at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, and planned a late night chat with Cara Putman on Writing Buddies.

We’ve been too busy with packing and fixing up our home to sell  for me to fret over my own stuff. Luckily I have an agent who has already sent my proposal to eight editors, so for the most part, I’m just going to be talking up my manuscript and enjoying the fellowship and educational opportunities!

What a difference a year makes! Last year I was stressed and slightly worried, this year I know God has everything in the palm of his hand, from my writing career to my house sale and every mundane thing in between.

What a difference the peace of God makes!

If you’re going to ACFW Minneapolis this week, please leave a comment and don’t hesitate to stop me and say hello!

Like most new authors, I wrote my first book with enthusiasm, polished it, sent it out (to Steeple Hill) and got a rejection. I didn’t know why they didn’t want my fabulous book, of course they only take like 1% of the submissions they get. So I decided what I needed was an agent. I sent in a few queries and they were rejected. Then I found out there was a publisher in my town who bought Christian fiction (I’d written three books by the time I figured this out) so I contacted her and we met. She told me I should join ACFW. So I did. I went to my first conference ever. I was dying to meet Francine Rivers (my hero) and I figured if I met some editors and agents interested in my work that would be fabulous, but I didn’t expect it.

Well, one night I had a great chat with an editor and he said to send him my work. I also met with an agent (Tamela) and she said she thought my work might be more suited to the ABA than CBA. I didn’t know she represented both so I thought she wasn’t interested even though she seemed to be. Long story short, she was interested but it wasn’t until I wrote her and mentioned that I was working with an editor to improve my work. She signed me on and I continued to work with this editor who was really impressed (he said) with how much I’d improved in such a short time with just a little mentoring by him. He really encouraged me a lot. Anyway, the book he loved, ironically, is the one I retitled “It’s Not About Me.” Is that a hoot or what. I’ve since lost touch with this editor (who shall remain unnamed) but if he sees this I hope he gets my book so he can see that it made it out there and is now being read by people. Yay!

Also, the same year that I went to the conference with Francine Rivers as the keynote speaker, I hooked up with my publisher, who happened to be my roommate at the time. She was impressed with my stories and jokingly said, “If I ever start a publishing house, I’m buying one of your books.” Who’d a thought it would really happen? I sure didn’t. So while everything was very positive from the get-go and I garnered positive interest, it still took me about 2 1/2 years to actually sell a book. This biz is slower than molasses, but worth it when you finally get where you want to be. I wanted people to read my books and as long as they keep selling I can keep getting published. I have 8 more novels out there so help a starving artist and buy her first book so she can keep producing edgy fiction, K?

 

I’m so excited to introduce you to Michelle Sutton aka Edgy Fiction Writer, who I met several years ago at an ACFW conference. Michelle is an awesome person and writer and I’m so excited to be part of her blog tour for her first release. I feel like I’ve traveled part of the road with her towards this publication. She’s editor of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Magazine, manages her own blog and online communities, is a great marketer and mom who works a nine to five, is ACFWs Volunteer Officer, and throws one great Chocolate party. Whew! Welcome Michelle!

Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.

I’ve been married for 18 years this month. I have two sons, and both are teens in high school. I felt the call to write in August 2003. So this month is my fifth anniversary for me as a writer as well.

How did you get your first “writing break?”

Hmm…not sure what you mean by writing break? If you mean sold my first story? That was back during the summer of 2007, I think. Before that I finaled in some contests.

What do you write and why this genre?

I write women’s fiction and romance. The series I sold happens to be YA because the story came out that way. But it’s not my primary genre.

Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?

Other than the book I’ve written and sequels? I have one that I’m signing a contract on next month, but can’t announce that yet. I’m hoping for another contract for a three book series and it’s looking positive, but no guarantees until the offer is made. That’s up to the Lord whether or not I do an additional project.

What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?

I hope to introduce people to characters who make them think differently about things. I want my readers to see how good God is despite their circumstances and how he can redeem any situation.

And now for the tough questions…

How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?

It’s weird, but I tend to be most productive when I’m busy. I was like that in college, too. I got my best grades when I had a full course load and a full-time job.

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?

LOL! I guess right now my back side is taking a back seat. Oy. Gone are the days when I could exercise every day. I need sleep more than a jog down the street.

When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like you’re neglecting your children when you write?

Nope. My boys are maintenance free. Easy as pie. They are teen boys. They do their chores, get all As in school, and are all-around decent kids. We enjoy each other’s company and do things together but for the most part they can take care of themselves. I’ve been living blissfully for the past three years with virtually no hassles. No, I’m not lying.

Man, you’re a lucky dog, or just an awesome mom!

How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?

I just go with the flow. Honestly, I can’t focus on all that is undone or I’d go nuts. So one day at a time. That’s how I manage. I do the best I can every day and hope I can keep up reasonably well.

How do you get back into the flow of writing after you’ve been interrupted?

I try to write when no one is around. If I am interrupted I stop and do what needs to be done, then go back to it as soon as I can.

What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?

Haven’t had any stormy days in a long time. The first few years my hubby and kids wondered about why I spent so much time on the computer writing stories and I felt like I needed to sell something to justify my time spent writing. But they all agreed that it was going to happen in God’s timing and I was called to write. They’ve been very supportive.

Sounds a lot like me!

How do you position yourself to HEAR God’s voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?

Through music and quiet time. Sometimes I hear him while reading a novel. Or even better, I hear and feel Him when I’m writing my own stories.

If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?

I take a break when I need to. That’s all I can do.

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 really. I don’t spend a lot of time writing. The last full novel I completed (not this series) was finished in three and a half months and it was over 100,000 words.

Did you ever feel like you’ve “missed” God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?

Nope.

What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?

Keep working on your writing and don’t get discouraged when things take longer than you’d like. God is preparing you in advance for what will come, and whatever His will may be for your life.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Nope. Just that Gina is a fabulous writer and friend.

Oww, thanks. So are you! And your chocolate parties rock! Can’t wait to read your book!

I have an agent!

If you’ve been following my quest for an agent, then you know all about. If not you can read all about it! But the abbreviated version is that I’ve been prayerfully considering which agents I’d submit my proposal to.

I narrowed it down to two, got to know these agents over a course of two to three years, and when I had a finished WIP, I pitched them at an ACFW conference. They both requested it, and I spent the next year agonizing over how I would choose between the two. Being the coward that I can be at times, I prayed that only one would want to represent me while fully aware that either both or neither would want to touch this newbie!

Well, God answered my prayers and guided my path. And now I have an agent before ACFW, which was my goal.

Who is my agent? Chip MacGregor.

It’s so clear to me now how the hand of God was nudging me toward him from the time I met him and heard God speak to my heart saying, “Maybe the agent you want is not the one you need” to the time I showed up early to meet with another agent and Chip had just had a cancellation. That’s when I pitched my WIP and the ball started rolling.

I had certain criteria I was looking for in an agent and Chip fit the bill. I’m excited to work with him for a number of reasons, but mostly because God not only knew what I needed in an agent, but ultimately he gave me get exactly what I wanted as well!