My Christian Writers Conferences

Ask the Author: More Conflicting Advice

My first Ask the Author post generated another question:

"I'm going to propose an article to a magazine. I've been to 3 writers' groups on my ideas and a query letter.  And, you guessed it, they're all different.  One group has suggested I have a series of articles I could write, another suggests I present one article. since the magazine doesn't know me.  One of the groups told me I have about 5 articles I could write, while another see 15.  Talk about confusion! I'm not sure what to think."

Al's Axiom #32: "The only inexhaustible resource is human opinion."

Back in my days as a Baptist preacher we had a saying: "If you have three Baptist in a room, you have four opinions." The same can be said about writers.

It sounds like your article may be too broad. I haven't seen the query so I can't say for sure, but if folk think there are a dozen other articles in it, then you might be presenting too wide a subject. Can you narrow it down? If you can, then you should. If you can't, then your piece probably has the focus it needs. Think laser beam not spotlight.

Should you suggest a series of articles. Doubtful. Does the magazine publish articles in series? Have you seen a series in the magazine? Know thy target. Magazine editors usually need the article to be complete. There are exceptions of course. An e-zine which publishes weekly might work that way, but most print mags won't.

If you're just breaking in to writing for magazines, then focus on selling one idea.

That being said, all the magazine writers I know try to wring several pieces out of their research, reworking the material, emphasizing a different aspect, etc. and placing in other magazines.

One thing you can do, is mention to the editor that there are other facets to the big picture that might make good material for their publication. Include a short list with a line or two of description. Don't go overboard. Remember, query letters are supposed to be short, all meat, no fat. Offer to provide more information if the editor requests.

Bottom line, unless you know that the magazine you have in mind is looking for a series of articles on a subject, then just propose the one idea. If you can't place that idea, cue up the second concept and send it out. It is not unusual for a freelancer to have many queries circulating.

Got a question? Send it to alton@altongansky.com

 

Alton Gansky is a full time writer, director of BRMCWC, founder of Gansky.Communications and host of Writer's Talk. He is the award winning author of over 40 books. Prior to turning to full time writing, he was the senior pastor to three Southern Baptist churches. In addition to his writing, he speaks to writers groups and church organizations. www.altongansky.com

His newest book WOUNDS (Broadman Holman) released in May of 2013. (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

 

Ask the Author: Conflicting Advice

 by Alton Gansky

One of our goals is to provide year-round training for our Blue Ridge family of writers. One of the best ways to do this is to answer questions. 

"I've attended a few conferences and read some how-to books and I've noticed that at times they seemed to contradict each other. I find this very confusing."

Welcome to the world of writing. There is a lot of information and opinion about how things should be done and it is common to see contradictions. Here's why that is:

1. The publishing industry is infested with humans and humans are critters with strong opinions. These opinions are based on experience and experience varies from person to person.

2. There has always been variation in the writing business. Dictionaries often contradict each other. Webster's likes compound words more that American Heritage does. I have grammar books that take opposite poles on matters like the use of the semicolon.

3. The writer thinks the publishing terrain is flat and uniform. It's not. Every form of writing has its dos and don't. A fiction proposal has some similarities to a nonfiction one, but there are differences. I've seen tons of fiction proposals set up like a nonfiction pitch complete with table of contents (most novels don't use such things), chapter summaries, etc. The way a writer approaches a magazine is different from the way she approaches a publisher of women's fiction.

Some helps:

1. Learn to live with variation. Every magazine, every book publisher works in their own way.

2. Make sure you're not comparing Fords to Chevys (fiction to nonfiction). Know that the work and the acquisition process is different. Jettison the idea that everyone does everything the same way.

3. If you're submitting to an agent, then check out their website to see if they have guidelines.

4. If you're submitting to a publisher (magazine or book), then they have guidelines to follow.

5. Be careful about the advice you receive. Does the person guiding you work in the industry? Had success as a writer? If so, then listen up; if not, then take the advice with a grain of salt.

There will always be a difference of opinion, but not to worry. Present great material. Keep it organized and to the point. Editors will look at almost anything as long as it is neatly presented, communicates well, and contains a great idea. (Still, you must do your guideline research.)

Got a question? Send it to alton@altongansky.com.

Alton Gansky is a full time writer, director of BRMCWC, founder of Gansky.Communications and host of Writer's Talk. He is the award winning author of over 40 books. Prior to turning to full time writing, he was the senior pastor to three Southern Baptist churches. In addition to his writing, he speaks to writers groups and church organizations. www.altongansky.com

His newest book WOUNDS (Broadman Holman) released in May of 2013. (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

 

Writer's Talk #44: Creston Mapes

In this week's Writer's Talk (#44), I chat with journalist, copywriter and multi-published thriller writer Creston Mapes of Atlanta, Georgia.

BIO: Creston has fond memories of his boyhood in Bath, Ohio, where he 
became enchanted with his future wife, way back in the fourth grade. 

His father, Bernie, owned and operated The Weathervane Furniture Shop in town.
 The whole family lived right upstairs in the century-old house known as "The Shop."

Creston studied journalism at Bowling Green State University, 
 then began his writing career. During the past 30 years, he has worked as 
a reporter, corporate copywriter, creative director, freelance writer, and author.

Today, Creston writes the kind of novels he loves to read--tension-filled thrillers.

To view in a larger format, hover your cursor over the video and click on the "broken" square icon at the bottom right. To view on YouTube click here.

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You Can’t Out Give God

By Deb DeArmond

The sessions I attended at the conference were all outstanding and each one challenged me. It was a simple prayer, however, spoken by Torry Martin, that touched my heart, just before he began to speak. 

“ . . .and please Lord, keep me from saying anything that would bring dishonor to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”

Having enjoyed his keynote earlier in the week, I understood the unusual ending to his prayer. ADHD often took him off topic, he’d told us. Sometimes to places he didn’t want to go.

It had been a long day, full of classes and publishing pro appointments. I was tired and it was the last course I had planned for the day. “Shameless Self-Promotion” was the name of his session. I had prayed for insight on the topic. I’m a new author with a book release this fall. So, the title alone was enough to push me on to find the conference room. Writing the book had been joyful; I was less excited about the need to self-promote. After all, Mama told me, “Let other people say nice things about you.”

Torry was still full of energy. I wasn’t surprised—and he did not disappoint. He discussed great resources, top tips, and unique ideas to promote our writing, many I hadn’t considered. He promised a lengthy guide would be emailed to each of us following the conference. Maybe I can do this. He was enthusiastic about the possibilities for promotion and so engaging, the time flew by.

Just as we began wrapping up, Torry shared a practice he is committed to each day. He explained it quickly, almost an afterthought to his presentation. “I tithe 10% of my time each day to promoting the work of others.” And then he turned his attention to something else. At least I think he did. I was still stuck on his statement and considered the impact of such a process. 

As a tither, I’m committed to offering God the first fruits of my labor, casting my bread on the water. I’ve seen the return multiply. As a writer it never occurred to me to tithe my time. I have dedicated my writing to the Lord. It’s His anyway, because alone I have nothing to offer. But this practice, promoting the gifts of others each day, was a revelation. I recognized immediately the power of this truth. It felt like a gift for someone dreading the necessary horn-tooting ahead.

I began seeking others at Ridgecrest who were looking to build their platform. I invited several to submit their writing for mypurposenow.org, a website I co-founded for Christian women 50+. Once home, I wrote notes to writers I knew were struggling and needed encouragement. I suggested a talented friend submit devotions for publication and provided the URLs to get her started. Adding quick comments to posts and hitting “LIKE” on Facebook was fun again, because it was for someone else’s work. It was energizing.

An amazing thing occurred. God blessed. It’s His nature, so I shouldn’t have been surprised. The first full week after I began investing in other’s work, tithing my time, blog traffic nearly doubled, and continues to grow. I was invited to do two radio show interviews. Editors who’d asked for my proposals and sample chapters, green-lighted them on to their editorial review process and one to pub board. Just like that. 

You can’t out give God. It’s a lesson I learned long ago. When I am obedient, and focus on the needs of others, my own needs are met—and my heart is happy. 

Though I learned much at BRMCWC, this may have been the most impactful lesson for me. 

God was faithful, Torry. He answered your prayer. 

And mine.

 

Deb DeArmond is wife to her high school sweetheart, Ron, who showed her the path to become a Christ follower 38 years ago. Mom to three incredible sons. Gigi to two perfect grandboys. But Jesus is her favorite, and the guys have learned to live with it. She is a transplanted Californian who has been a proud Texan for almost 8 years and she Ioves the Lone Star state!

She is optimistically mid-life and excited about the next stage of life and what God has for her now. She longs to see experienced women find their passion and place in the body of Christ, show up and finish strong. One of Deb’s favorite quotes comes from author Agatha Christie, who said, “I have enjoyed greatly the second blooming… suddenly you find – at the age of 50, say – that a whole new life has opened before you.”

Deb is an entrepreneur, having owned her own leadership training and coaching practice for 15 years. Deb is an experienced speaker and author as a featured writer for two online magazines in addition to MPN. Her latest book project is the story of two women who love the same man: mothers and the women who marry their sons. Read more about this project or book Deb for your next event by contacting her at http://www.debdearmond.com

What's Holding You Back?

A few weeks ago I was at a low point, paralyzed by life's events. Jessica Kirkland, my agent, wrote a post on Facebook to encourage her clients. These were the last two lines she shared. God used these words to pull me out of my frozen state and reconnect me with the gift I was born to share.

Her words reminded me that I wasn't even truly judging success or failure. My only measure can be obedience. 

What about you?

What's holding you back?

Edie Melson is the author of four books, a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also the social media columnist for Southern Writers Magazine and social media mentor for My Book Therapy. Connect with her through Twitter,  Facebook, and her popular blog for writers, www.thewriteconversation.com.

You are Not Who You Were

 

by Alton Gansky

Maxwell Perkins is perhaps the best known editor in the last 100 years. He discovered a couple of authors you may have heard of: F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Those twoauthors are great because their work was shepherded by Perkins. He led them, pushed them, encouraged them until they reached their potential.

Perkins was not a writer (although he spent a fair amount of time as a reporter, something he never equated with literary work) but he could recognize superior writing when no one else could see it. He had to fight and scheme in Scribners to accept young F. Scott. He was so protective of This Side of Paradise he let very few people at the publishers read the work--including copy editors. The first edition of the book hit the shelves with over 100 misspellings.

Odd that a man who was a poor speller signed an author who was worse and yet together they created literary magic. Perkins skill rested in areas other than grammar and spelling. He was a man who could see beyond what is to what could be. He did it time and time again. He took a degree in economics, not your usual path to editorial stardom.

This is one of the interesting qualities about creatives, they often don't recognize their own special brand of genius. A writer wouldn't want Perkins to do the copy edit on their book, but they would jump at the chance to get  his gentle guidance to make the work better.

When Perkins moved from reporting for the New York Times to Scribner's Sons he didn't move straight to an editorial disk. Instead, he worked in the advertising department for several years. Yet those years weren't wasted. He gained insight into what a publishing house does and how it does it.

The story of Perkins is as fascinating and long, filled with inspiring anecdotes. One take away lesson is this: One need not be perfect in all things to excel in one thing. Some of the best writers couldn't spell. This included Fitzgerald, Hemingway, and Teddy Roosevelt. Still they succeeded.

We are too often prone to focus on our weaknesses. We keep our shortcomings ever before us instead of discovering those skills at which we excel.

Like most young students in junior high and high school, I had classes I hated and those I enjoyed. I despised typing, barely tolerated English class, and did my best to avoid any subject that had the word "literary" in its title. I also shunned classes on public speaking. Today, I spend hours at a keyboard, spend time studying grammar, use my off hours to read everything from sci-fi to history to popular science books, and have delivered thousands of sermons, speeches, devotions, classes and other public speaking.

I am not what I was. You are not who you were. Like Max Perkins, you may have the weakest résumé for the job you want to do, but your innate talent makes you the best person for the job.

 

Alton Gansky is a full time writer, director of BRMCWC, founder of Gansky.Communications and host of Writer's Talk. He is the award winning author of over 40 books. Prior to turning to full time writing, he was the senior pastor to three Southern Baptist churches. In addition to his writing, he speaks to writers groups and church organizations. www.altongansky.com

His newest book WOUNDS (Broadman Holman) released in May of 2013. (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)

 

 

Critiques—The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

by Edie Melson

Critique—just mention of the word can make me break out in hives. Don’t get me wrong, I really like to get feedback on my writing, as long as it’s positive. But there’s the rub, a steady diet of positive critiques alone doesn’t help me grow as a writer. Now, I’m not one of those who believe positive feedback is worthless. I like to know what I’m doing well, so I can do more of it. But, I also want to know where I need improvement.

You might say I’m a glutton for punishment. I regularly enter pieces in contests. I’m a member of a monthly critique group and a member of an intensive, weekly critique group. And that doesn’t count all the rejection letters I have in my files from articles and manuscripts that haven’t made the grade. I’ve definitely had my fair share of painful critiques. But this post isn’t an invitation to a pity party. I just want to share some of my coping techniques when it seems like no one can say anything good about what I’ve written.

• Take it in, then let it sit – I have to have time to process negative comments. (I don’t seem to need the same time to process the positive ones—go figure). I usually go back and reread the negative comments 48 hours later and that gives me the perspective to know what I need to do to improve.
• Realize you’re in control – ultimately it’s your story and you can decide what works and what doesn’t. Just because a critique partner says it doesn’t work, doesn’t mean she’s right. You get to make the call.
• Seek out a second opinion – sometimes I don’t know if a comment is truly valid or not. When that happens, I ask several people I respect for their opinion. If one person stumbles over a sentence, it’s not a big deal. But if half the people you show it to stumble, you probably need to do something.
• Be polite – generally, someone who takes the time to critique your work wants you to succeed. It helps make the negative comments easier to take if you remind yourself of that. Occasionally you’ll run across someone who rips your manuscript to shreds just to prove how smart they are. It happens to all of us and we just have to consider the source of the critique and move on.

So don’t be afraid to show others your work. Ultimately, no matter how painful, it will improve your writing. I’ve  published four books and thousands of articles. And I can assure you that all those painful critiques are a large part of my success.


Now it’s your turn. What tips do you have for processing a negative critique?

Edie Melson is the author of four books, a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She’s also the social media columnist for Southern Writers Magazine and social media mentor for My Book Therapy. Connect with her through Twitter,  Facebook, and her popular blog for writers, www.thewriteconversation.com. 

Writer's Talk #43: Novelist C.J. Darlington

Meet C.J. Darlington, author and seller of rare books. C.J.'s third novel hit the market a few weeks ago. Ties That Bind is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

C.J. agreed to meet with me in Writer's Talk to discuss her new book and her love for old books. 

Bio: C. J. is the award-winning author of Thicker than Blood, Bound by Guilt, and Ties that Bind. She has been in the antiquarian book selling business for over fifteen years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. 

In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment website TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction ever since. She is a regular contributor to Family Fiction Digital Magazine and NovelCrossing.com. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs, a cat, and a paint horse named Sky. 

Enjoy.

 

To view in a larger format, hover your cursor over the video and click on the "broken" square icon at the bottom right. To view on YouTube click here.

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Did you know that you can subscribe to Al's YouTube channel and receive notices about every video he posts including teaching screencasts? Subscribe today so you don't miss a single video.

Writer's Talk Radio #8: Post Conference Talk

Writer's Talk Radio returns with a chat about things to do after the conference.

Edie and I discuss:

1. Pointers about sending in material to the agents and editors who asked for it.

2. Setting priorities.

3. Submitting material to the blog.

Have a question you want addressed on Writer's Talk Radio? Post it below in the comments and we'll see if we can't dredge up an answer.

 

Download Writer Talk Podcast #8 Post Conference

 

Now What?

by Alton Gansky

Most of us are able to breathe again. The conference has come and gone and we've descended from the mountain to the Valley of Life. That's not bad. It is in the valley where our faith and work have meaning, and while we need a mountaintop experience from time to time, we are needed on the Edgeland of creativity.

So where do we as conferees and faculty stand now that BR2013 is in the history books? First, we challenge the idea that BR2013 is over. The skills that were sharpened, the ideas that were given flight, the goals that were set, the network of friends and fellow writers that were created continue on, and, ideally, grow a little each day.

So what plans does the leadership team have for the months between our last, "Goodbye" to our next, "Hey great to see you again" in May 2014? We plan to continue many of the efforts already in place and add a few more.

BRMCWC is not just a conference. It's a community. That's our plan. We don't want to be one of those once-a-year things. Those who have been around BR over the last few years know that we keep our blog active, we answer questions, and we do our best to make a lonely profession less lonely. So here a few things to note:

1. Not only are we promoting conferee writing by posting some of their work on our blog, we're going another step by using submissions as a learning tool. Submissions will be edited and a Track Changes copy sent to the contributor. The goal is to create a real-world experience, similar to submitting to a magazine. We're turning the process into a learning opportunity. Submission guidelines:

a) Submissions should be between 300 to 600 words (exceptions might be made in certain situations), so write tight.

b) Submissions need not be writing related but should consist of material that interests, informs, or inspires Christians. Submissions can be anything from a devotion to flash fiction; from an interview to a how-to; from humor to poetry. NO political rants. If you want to address a social issue, then do so with words seasoned with salt (I'll let you look up the verse in James). The newest addition to my life-guidelines is, "Speak with a reasoned voice."

c) Since we are now using this as a teaching opportunity, please query first. Queries need not be long. A paragraph and a bio will do.

d) Be patient. This is not our job, Edie and I still have books to write, edits to conduct, promotion to work, and occasionally sleep.

2. Have questions? Ask them. This blog is a great forum for Q&A. Send your writing/publishing questions to alton@altongansky.com.

This is just the start. There's more on the way. Stay tuned.

 

Alton Gansky is a full time writer, director of BRMCWC, and founder of Gansky.Communications. He is the award winning author of over 40 books. Prior to turning to full time writing, he was the senior pastor to three Southern Baptist churches. In addition to his writing, he speaks to writers groups and church organizations. www.altongansky.com

His newest book WOUNDS (Broadman Holman) released in May of 2013. (Amazon, Barnes & Noble)