Edie Melson's Blog, page 333

One Writer's First Experience at the ACFW Conference

by Lynn H Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I attended my very first ACFW(American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference last week. 
I know many of you may be thinking about attending ACFW at some point in the future so I thought I’d share my thoughts and impressions with you.
Here’s my day-by-day guide to ACFW. Day 1 - ThursdayThis year the conference was held at the Omni in Nashville. The Omni was lovely. Nice rooms. Excellent service. It’s a very large hotel, and it has to be because there were close to 600 people in attendance. I’ve attended quite a few conferences, so when people warned me about how big ACFW was . . . well, it’s not that I didn’t believe them, but I wasn’t worried about it.
I probably should have been just a little worried. My introverted self wasn’t quite prepared for the sheer mass of people. SO. MANY. PEOPLE.
Fortunately, I know myself well enough to know the feeling of “I need to get away from all these people” will subside once I get my bearings, which really didn’t take very long. Thursday afternoon and evening were packed with worship, keynote, genre dinner, and publisher spotlights. All of which were fabulous and not to be missed.
Day 2 - FridayFriday was an interesting day. The morning started off with a zone breakfast where I had a chance to get to know other writers from my zone. Then there was a worship time and then it was off to continuing classes, appointments, and drop-ins with publishers. It’s a full day and looks different for everyone depending on their schedule. Friday evening is open. In my case, I joined other Love Inspired authors for a meal with our editors and it was a wonderful opportunity to finally meet many of my online friends.
Day 3 - SaturdaySaturday began with worship and then went straight into classes. I had a blast volunteering to be a hostess for a couple of the classes I attended and I highly recommend signing up to volunteer. It’s a great way to feel like you’re a part of the event. Saturday evening ends with the Gala and awards ceremony. It’s a lot of fun to dress up, but if you’re worried about it, know that you don’t have to go with a tuxedo or a floor length gown. Regular Sunday clothes will work just fine. 
Overall Impressions ACFW is big. It’s intense. The schedule is packed. But people are friendly, helpful, and kind.
ACFW is filled with opportunity. There’s more opportunity than you can take advantage of in three days. There are more classes than you can take and more people than you can meet. But God is in control and time after time the “right” person sits down beside you or winds up on the elevator with you.
ACFW is absolutely about helping you in your career. But it’s even more about helping you write for the One who called you. I wish I could fully convey to you how even in the cacophony, God’s Spirit was evident to me. The worship times were precious, and I would argue that they are critical. When everything is swirling around you and you feel like you have to be “on” every moment, it’s vital to spend time each day refocusing on what matters and why you’re doing this in the first place. The classes also pointed me back to the Creator. I attended several classes so full of Scripture and Truth that my seat felt like holy ground.
I have a few regrets. I was in the same room with a few authors that I just couldn’t work up the nerve to talk to, and I wish I had. I also wish I’d taken more pictures of the authors I DID get up the nerve to talk to. I tried to be friendly, but sometimes I just sat quietly by myself (particularly in classes). It’s my coping mechanism in large groups, but I wish I’d pushed through some of that and been more intentional about meeting people.
I mostly have joys. I got to hang out with lots of writing friends, and that’s always a good thing. I got to meet many of my virtual friends and discovered that they are absolutely delightful in real life. I laughed a lot and more than once I heard the still, small voice of God and that confirmation will resound in my mind and heart for a long time.I left ACFW exhausted but enthusiastic about my writing and my career, and looking forward to the next time.
So how about you? Did you attend ACFW? Did you have any huge moments while you were there? Or maybe ACFW is on your wish list? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!

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A writer looks back on the #ACFW Conference - @LynnHBlackburn (Click to Tweet)


Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Her first book, Covert Justice , won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. You can follow her real life happily ever after on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and at lynnhugginsblackburn.com.

What Does it Mean to be a Writer of Hope?

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I am a writer of hopeBeing a writer of hope is something I’m making a deliberate effort to become. I think it’s something we all should consider. There is so much in our world these days that can lead to hopelessness if we let it.
Because our business is words, we have the ability to affect how others interpret the world. I’m not suggesting that we slant our viewpoint to something untrue, but rather that we take an honest look at the hope around us no matter what situation we’re viewing.
Being a Hope Writer Means:Reminding others—and ourselves—that no matter what we’re facing, we can use it to make the world better or worse.Reporting truth, but not forgetting that even the most difficult truth carries within it the seed of possibility.Remembering to be kind. We should always take time to make sure what we’re writing isn’t running others down.Remembering to be respectful. There are always two sides to every issue. Even when we disagree, we can do it without attacking one another.Repeating the fact that no situation is ever permanently bad. We all face struggles and stress, but nothing lasts forever.Redefining possibilities. Just as every situation has multiple possibilities, it’s our job as writers to bring those to light.Releasing the misconceptions we hold onto so tightly. We have to first take an honest look around us before we can share truth with others.Reinventing our own personal attitude. Unless we subscribe to the attitude of hope, it’s hard to encourage others.Reminding others of God’s ability to redeem anyone and any situation.
These are the precepts I’m trying to apply to every thing I write. What would you add to the list? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESWhat does it mean to be a Writer of #Hope – thoughts from author @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
A writer of hope knows that even the mostdifficult truth carries within it the seed of possibility (Click to Tweet)

Idea Starters for Writers - Calendar Days - 30 Days of Crazy Holidays & Special Occasions in September

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It’s time again for Calendar Days. 

These are fun to read and also a great way to jumpstart our creativity when looking for ideas for articles and blog posts. They’re also excellent writing prompts to help get your creative juices flowing.

Finally, calendar days are great conversation starters for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Daily CelebrationsSeptember 1National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) DayNational Chicken Boy DayEmma M. Nutt Day (first female telephone operator)Building and Code Staff Appreciation DayLetter Writing Day
September 2V-J DayNational Lazy Mom’s DayBring Your Manners to Work DayCalendar Adjustment DayNational College Colors DayNational Blueberry Popsicle DayNational Beheading Day
September 3Skyscraper DayInternational Bacon DayWorld Beard DayInternational Turkey Vulture DayUS Bowling League DayNational Tailgating DayNational Welsh Rarebit Day
September 4National Wildlife DayPet Rock DayNational Macadamia Nut DayNational Newspaper Carrier Day
September 5Labor DayNational Cheese Pizza DayBe Late for Something DayInternational Day of Charity
September 6National Another Look Unlimited DayNational Read a Book DayNational Coffee Ice Cream DayFight Procrastination Day
September 7Buy a Book DayNational Acorn Squash DayNational Grandma Moses DayNational Neither Rain nor Snow DayNational Salami Day
September 8National Ampersand DayActors’ DayWorld Physical Therapy DayIguana Awareness DayInternational Literacy DayPardon Day
September 9Stand Up to Cancer DayNational Hug Your Boss DayNational Teddy Bear DayNational Wiener Schnitzel DayWonderful Weirdoes Day
September 10National TV Dinner DayNational Swap Ideas DayWorld Suicide Prevention DaySewing Machine Day (celebrated twice a year)
September 11Patriot Day (911 Remembrance)National Grandparents DayNational Pet Memorial DayNational Hug Your Hound DayNational Hot Cross Bun DayNational Make Your Bed DayNo News is Good news Day
September 12National Programmers DayNational Day of EncouragementNational Boss/Employee Exchange DayNational Chocolate Milkshake DayNational Video Games Day
September 13National Kids Take Over the Kitchen DayInternational Chocolate DayNational Ants on a Log DayDefy Superstition DayRoald Dahl DayFortune Cookie DayNational Peanut DayUncle Sam DayPositive Thinking Day
September 14National Kreme Filled Donut DayNational Live Creative DayNational Eat a Hoagie Day
September 15National Online Learning DayNational Linguine DayGoogle.com DayNational Double Cheeseburger DayNational Cheese Toast DayMake a Hat DayNational Felt Hat DayInternational Dot DayGreenpeace Day
September 16International Read An Ebook DayNational Cinnamon Raisin Bread DayNational Play-Doh DayNational Stepfamily Day National POW/MIA Recognition DayCollect Rocks DayMayflower DayAmerican Legion DayTrail of Tears Commemoration DayWorld Ozone DayGuacamole DayNational Working Parents Day
September 17Constitution Day & Citizenship DayBoys’ and girls’ Club Day for KidsInternational Country Music DayResponsible Dog Ownership DayNational Gymnastics DayBig Whopper Liar DayNational Monte Cristo DayNational Apple Dumpling DayInternational Eat an Apple DayInternational Coastal Cleanup Day
September 18Air Force BirthdayWater Monitoring DayNational Cheeseburger DayWife Appreciation DayNational Respect DayNational Women’s Friendship DayHug a Greeting Card Writer Day
September 19International Talk Like a Pirate DayRespect for the AgedNational Butterscotch Pudding Day
September 20National IT Professionals DayGet Ready DayNational Punch Day
September 21World Alzheimer’s DayNational Pecan Cookie DayInternational Peace DayMiniature Golf DayWorld Gratitude Day
September 22National White Chocolate DayAmerican Business Woman’s DayWorld Car Free DayNational Centenarians DayAKC Responsible Dog Ownership DayHobbit DayNational Ice Cream Cone DayElephant Appreciation DayDear Diary Day
September 23National American Pot Pie DayInnergize DayNative American DayHug a Vegetarian DayNational Checkers/Dogs in Politics DayRestless Legs Awareness Day
September 24National Punctuation DaySave Your Photos DayWorld Maritime DayNational Family Health and Fitness Day USANational Hunting and Fishing DayNational Public Lands DayInternational Rabbit DayNational Cherries Jubilee Day
September 25National gold Star Mother’s DayNational Comic Book DayBinge DayCooking DayNational Research Administrator DayMath Storytelling DayNational tune-Up DayPsychotherapy DayWorld Pharmacists DayWorld Dream DayNational One-Hit Wonder Day
September 26National Johnny Appleseed DayNational Pancake DayNational Dumping DayNational Shamu the Whale DayLove Note DayBatman DayFamily DayLumberjack Day
September 27National Chocolate Milk DayNational Woman Road Warrior DayInternational Lace DayNational Voter Registration DayNational Crush a Can DayAncestor Appreciation DayWorld Tourism Day
September 28National Strawberry Cream Pie DayNational Women’s Health & Fitness DayAsk a Stupid Question DayNational Good Neighbor Day
September 29World Heart DayWorld Maritime DayInternational Coffee DayVFW Day
September 30National Chewing Gum DayExtra Virgin Olive Oil DayNational Hot Mulled Cider DayNational Mud Pack DayInternational Translation Day
Now let's do a little brainstorming for next month. What are some of your favorite days from the list and how do you propose using them?
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESDon't get caught without ideas, use the calendar for #blogging, #socialmedia, & article #writing (Click to Tweet)
Use Sept's crazy holidays to spark #socialmedia &#writing ideas - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Blog Numbers Dropping?

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I’ve had a number of similar conversations this summer. They always begin the same way, with an inquiry about how he/she can improve the numbers that are dwindling at an alarming rate. These worried bloggers are certain they’ve either done—or not done—something to cause the drop in views, comments and shares. And my answer is always the same.
A drop in blogging numbers is normal during the summer.
My one-sentence assurance is rarely enough to calm a blogger’s nerves. And that’s understandable from someone who’s seen consistent growth through out the first of the year. So today, I’m going to break down the normal ebb and flow of blogging numbers throughout the calendar year, to help you evaluate the health of your own site.NOTE: Blogging is an art, not a science. I can share what’s normal and expected, but remember there are always exceptions. If your blog is new, I suggest you also read my post on Reasonable Blog Growth.
A Blogging Breakdown Month-by-Month January: This is usually a good month. People are ready to get back into a routine after the holidays. They’re also looking for information to fuel any New Year’s Resolutions.
February: The momentum of January has leveled off just a bit. You should still see some growth, but most people are already burned out on New Year’s Resolutions and back in the daily grind. They’re keeping up some new habits, but not quite as active.
March: Usually about the same as January.
NOTE: The numbers of this first quarter are also dependent on the weather. If it’s been an unusually harsh winter, with lots of power outages, you’ll not see as much growth or interaction.
April: This month brings with it the hint of spring fever and you’ll again see a boost in numbers
May: Surprisingly this is often a tough month. It’s the end of the school year, with lots of inherent activities. These activities bring a halt to the growth and interactions you’ve been nurturing. I think of May as a plateau month.
June: This is the beginning of the summer slump. People are outside more, away from computers. Your blog numbers will probably reflect this. Add to this the fact that you’re probably not as consistent with your own posting schedule and it does make sense.
July: You’re in the height of the summer slump. Now is NOT the time to second-guess what you’ve been doing. Wait until everyone is back from summer vacation and see what happens.
August: This month should see an end to the downward spiral. And the end of the month will be better than the beginning.
September: This month will be much like January. People are focused on once again getting back on a regular schedule and meeting goals before the end of the year.
October: Again a month of upward movement. Everyone wants to meet goals before the holidays start.
November: This month is August in reverse. The beginning of the month is strong, but when Thanksgiving draws near online activity dwindles.
December: Relax and enjoy the holidays, just like all your followers. Stay consistent, but don’t kill yourself because there’s very little you can do to increase your numbers.
I’ve been at this blogging thing a long time. I want you to have reasonable expectations and not get discouraged when normal slumps hit.
Now it’s your turn. What trends have you noticed on your own site? More importantly, what trends do you see regarding when you visit other sites? Be sure to leave your thoughts below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
TWEETABLESA drop in #blogging numbers during the summer is normal -  @EdieMelson Click to Tweet)
Dropping #blog numbers are sometimes normal - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Actively Erupting Good Thinking

by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea

A lot of my friends have adopted a more active lifestyle and started new workout routines of late. When they all do it at once like that I’m usually shamed into joining them. This time, I’ve decided to do resistance training. Because nobody resists training like I do.
People are always talking about how important it is to have a strong core. And even though I’ve heard from all different directions that I should exercise my core, I’m having a hard time getting past the fact that it sounds just plain dangerous. I try not to disturb my core. That’s because under the various layers of fat cells, I’m not altogether sure what I’m really made of. Hey. What if my core is made of molten lava? Anyone ever think of that? Activity is one thing. But volcanic activity? That’s a whole different ball of magma.

On the other hand, there’s a paraphrase of 1 Peter 1:13 that really gets me. It tells me to “exercise self-control.” Seriously, no one wants a flabby, molten center. We need self-control—a strong core spiritually. If we want to know what it is to be victorious and fruitful, we simply must continually exercise that self-control. The verse in 1 Peter in whole says, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1 Peter 1:13, NKJV).
We're not called to be spiritual coach spuds.To gird up the loins was to gather up the cumbersome robes so that a person could stay active, unhindered. In another version we’re told to have “minds ready for action” (1 Peter 1:13, HCSB). We’re not called to be spiritual couch spuds. Action begins in the core of our minds—that place where a thought sparks an act. Good thinking doesn’t simply erupt from our minds. We’re called to work at what goes on in our head-space, to exercise self-control in every thought and not give place to the cumbersomeness wickedness of sin.

A ready mind stays aware of what’s going on thought-wise. Not rationalizing or excusing. Reining it in. We are, essentially, to roll up the sleeves of our thoughts and put them to use for the Kingdom. Paul charges us to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV).

It’s good to remember that we’re not without a weapon in the battle to capture those thoughts and ready our minds for action. We “gird up” by filling our minds with the truth of God. “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,” (Ephesians 6:14, NKJV).

Girding up with the truth of God’s Word puts our minds in a place of victorious living and successful service. Thoughts aren’t meant to freely roam about willy-nilly in any fleshly direction they want. As we exercise self-control and gather our thinking in truth, we find ourselves loving, serving and sharing Christ with other people like never before—even giving like never before.

I might ordinarily call that being magnanimous. But in this particular spot I think I’ll call it being magma-nanimous. Because what’s hotter than a lava joke?
TWEETABLEAction begins in the core of our minds—that place where a thought sparks an act - @RhondaRhea (Click to Tweet)
Actively Erupting Good Thinking - @RhondaRhea (Click to Tweet)
Rhonda Rhea is a humor columnist for lots of great magazines, including HomeLife, Leading Hearts, The Pathway and more. She is the author of 10 nonfiction books, including How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person? and coauthors fiction with her daughter, Kaley Faith Rhea. She and her daughters host the TV show, That’s My Mom, for Christian Television Network’s KNLJ. Rhonda enjoys traveling the country speaking at all kinds of conferences and events. She and her pastor/hubs have five grown children and live in the St. Louis area.

Writing a Book was only the Beginning

Edie here. I'm really excited to introduce you to Susan Baganz, one of my fellow authors at Prism Books. Be sure to read about her latests novels, out soon! 

by Susan M. Baganz @SusanBaganz

In October 2009, I had a strange dream. I sensed I was supposed to write a novel in November for National Novel Writing Month (www.nanowrimo.org). I figured it cost me nothing, wasn’t illegal and if I didn’t finish the 50,000 word goal in November, I would have at least tried.
So I wrote a story that I’d been too afraid to write for more years than I can count. I had a blast. I wrote 110,000 words in 21 days. That story has since been whittled down to the 80’s through many rewrites and revisions due to minor issues like, say, head-hopping? I knew nothing then.
What was more amazing though than finishing the rough draft of my first novel, was that I connected with someone through the forums on NaNoWriMo. I never did things like that! We lived in the same town and were both first timers. When she won I sent her a NaNo-mail and told her my real name and gave her my contact information. I figured it would be fun to meet and talk about the experience.
I got a response. She called me by my maiden name. Told me we went to high school together. She told me who she was—Carol.  
I’d been praying for Carol for twenty-five years. She’s a distant cousin of some kind as well. Our initial separation after high school was over my faith in Christ.
Carol wasn’t following him in 2009 either but we met and she brought reinforcements—several other friends from “back in the day”. We sat at a restaurant and I listened to 25 years of stories from each person. Tales of heart break and survival.
We connected on Facebook. Back then many of my posts were just plain silliness (okay, sometimes they still are). A stay-at-home mom coping with craziness of raising three children. She said every time she read a status it was as if God poked her.
God grabbed a hold of her heart. She quit smoking. Joined a church. Was baptized. Started helping with leading worship there. Carol moved out of the home she shared with the father of her son. Took an 18-month-long theology class I taught, because she wanted to be mentored by me. Me?
My life is messy. My choices in obeying God have led me down paths some people disagree strongly with. There is nothing remotely “normal” about my life. She knew the down and dirty of my reality.
Carol says she believes the only reason she wrote a story for NaNoWriMo that year was because God wanted her to reconnect us.
I didn’t bring her back to faith in Christ. But I loved her where she was at and lived my own authentic, messy faith, without apology.
Now I’ve written so many books I’m losing count and have had several published and more in the process. More waiting to be written. I edit for a publishing house. I attend writer’s conferences and teach and encourage other writer’s on their journey to publication.
When I can I try to remind up and coming authors that publishing isn’t the real goal. Of course we all want to see our names in print as writers. We cannot forget as Christian writers that while God can and will use our words to bless others, often he chooses to use us. You and me. Messy. Real. Fallible.
We lose something precious if we focus on the temporary thrill of seeing our book come out. Don’t get me wrong. It is a thrill! But that passes. It’s temporary. The impact we can make on the lives of those around us as we navigate our writing careers though, can have an eternal impact. We can’t lose sight of people and the value they have, on our way to a best-seller list.
Carol’s name is published in the Lamb’s book of life. Just because I obeyed God and wrote a book. The book didn’t bring her to Christ. It was our relationship that had the impact and opened the door for the Holy Spirit to work. There’s nothing more thrilling than getting to be a part of that.
TWEETABLEWriting a Book was only the Beginning - @SusanBeganz (Click to Tweet)
The Baron’s Blunder  (August 26, 2016)
Fighting evil has been a hobby, but fending off marriage-minded debutantes—a chore.
Lord Charles Percy fends off a land pirate robbing a carriage in broad daylight. Noting he has rescued a beautiful debutante, he lies about his title claiming to be a mere mister.
The Honorable Henrietta Allendale isn’t convinced Mr. Percy is who he claims to be. But after he admits to one blunder can she ever truly trust what he says? Especially about the evil threatening her? Who is the Black Diamond anyway and why would he be after either of them?
One intrepid debutant and one bumbling Baron soon join forces to defeat evil. But to do so might mean they have to sacrifice the one thing they’ve each held as most important—their single status.
Can the truth set them free to love? 
Feta & Freeways  (September 16, 2016He’d never noticed her…till now.
Nikolos Acton is the lead singer of a Christian Band, Specific Gravity, struggling to make it in the industry after an unplanned break, touring the country with their manager, Tia.
Tia Bartel loved Niko for the longest time, but it wasn’t until she stepped in to save his life that he finally realizes what has been there all along. Is it too late for him? Could a relationship between them work after years of ignoring her? How would he ever convince her he’s worthy of her trust?
Susan M. Baganz chases after three Hobbits, and is a native of Wisconsin. She is an Acquisitions Editor with Prism Book Group, specializing in bringing great romance novels and novellas to publication. Susan writes adventurous historical and contemporary romances with a biblical world-view.
She is the author of the Orchard Hill Romances, contemporary inspirational stories taking place in the Milwaukee, WI area. Pesto & Potholes and Salsa & Speed Bumps and Feta & Freeways and three more stories to come!
The Baron’s Blunder, a Regency-period romance, while part of the Love is . . . romance series by Prism Book Group, is also a prequel to Susan’s Regency series called Rose Hill Romances which are filled with love and adventure in the early 1800’s. The first full length novel of five, The Virtuous Viscount will be coming soon.
Susan speaks, teaches, and encourages others to follow God in being all He has created them to be. With her seminary degree in counseling psychology, a background in the field of mental health, and years serving in church ministry, she understands the complexities and pain of life as well as its craziness. She serves behind-the-scenes in various capacities at her church and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and serves on the board of the southeast chapter. Her favorite pastimes are lazy…snuggling with her dog while reading a good book, or sitting with a friend chatting over a cup of spiced chai latte.
You can learn more by following her blog www.susanbaganz.com, her Twitter feed @susanbaganz or her fan page, www.facebook.com/susanmbaganz. Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/silygoos.

3 Good Reasons to Disagree with an Editor

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2


Because I’m an editor as well as an author, you might be surprised to read the title of this post. Aren’t editors always right? Won’t you doom your writing career if you disagree with an editor? Won’t they stick the dreaded difficult label on you if you dare to question one of his or her edits?
It’s important to keep in mind that disagreeing is far different than being disagreeable. Your relationship with your editor should be one of mutual give and take, characterized by dialogue and interaction. This is the reason for the Accept and Reject Change button in Microsoft Word—you have the power and right to reject editorial changes, but only for very good reasons. And be prepared to defend yourself.
1. The proposed change is incorrect.Most editors are well versed in grammar, punctuation, and the particular style guide of their publication. No editor, however, can know everything.
One reason to question an edit is the area of local or specific knowledge. For example, in my latest devotional book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time , I refer to my home area as the Sandhills of South Carolina. During the editing phase of my book, my editor lowercased the s in Sandhills.
I rejected her edit and inserted a comment bubble that explained that I wasn’t using the word Sandhills to describe the topography of the region; it was the actual name of the area. To add credibility to my explanation, I inserted a link to a web page of South Carolina geography facts describing the Sandhills region of South Carolina. And yes, the S was capitalized.
Similarly, you may have knowledge about an area, field, or specialty your editor doesn’t. If this impacts an edit, it’s more than OK to explain your reasoning. Documentation adds credibility to your objection.
2. The edit alters your meaning. Sometimes a change in wording or word order will significantly alter your intended meaning. This is a valid reason to oppose an editorial change. For example, you may write, “The club is open to visitors and meets on the first and third Thursdays.” Your editor may think the specifics bog down the flow of the article and change it to “The club is open to visitors and meets every other Thursday.”
You know, however, that because of the way the calendar sometimes falls, there might be a fifth Thursday in a month, making the “every other Thursday” change inaccurate.
If an edit changes the meaning or intent of your words, you must reject it (with an explanation) to maintain the accuracy of your writing.
3. The edit significantly alters your voice. Good editors know that edits should reinforce your voice and style, not change it. If you’re folksy and casual, and you’re writing a whimsical novel about life in the mountains of North Carolina, your editor shouldn’t change your vernacular to sound like an academian.  Conversely, if your topic is technical or educational, she’s justified in editing out the y’alls, sistahs and sugahs.
Voice is a tricky thing to pin down, but if you read the piece aloud, and it sounds more like your editor than you, it’s time to politely object.
Keep in mind that editors are not adversaries. Their job is to make writers look good and make your work as clear and effective as possible. While most are knowledgeable and professional, they’re not infallible.
It’s important to remember, however, that while you may be justified in disagreeing with an editor, you’re never justified in being disagreeable. Be polite, respectful, teachable, and professional, and you’ll always have a great relationship with the hardworking editors with whom you work.

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3 Good Reasons to Disagree with an Editor - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher is the editor of  Reach Out, Columbia  magazine and the author of two devotional books,  Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women  and  Joy in the Journey – Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. A blogger, writing instructor, and women’s ministry speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

The Myth & Management of the Multitasking Writer

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverbendSagas

When I was in public service and in ministry work, especially involved in hiring, it seemed every job description called for the ability to multitask. And every candidate listed multitasking as one of their strengths if not their greatest strength.
Watching how others and I performed our job functions over the last too large number of years, I’ve learned we can really do only one thing at a time if we want it done well. Multitasking is really knowing the status of where everything else on our plate is so we can quickly pick it up when we get back to it.This requires the ability to manage our own behavior and to allocate our time.
We will make time for things that are important to us.
A To Do list is helpful but I’ve found it’s only a beginning. I need to do two things with my list.
One, I need to prioritize it. Not everything on it is equally important. Not everything on it needs to be done by me or, perhaps, at all.
As a self-employed writer, my writing myst be
my highest priority on any To Do list.As a self-employed writer, my writing must be my highest priority on any To Do list. And it is. Priority items are those things that must be done. My writing is number one. Paying the bills is another priority item. I mark the priority items with a star or the letter A or something similar.
The next level of priority are those items that are necessary but don’t cross the threshold to highest priority. These are marked with the letter B.
The items of lowest importance are those that are not crucial—you guessed—they get the letter C. Over the years I’ve learned someone else can either do these or they don’t need to be done at all.
When I worked with a staff, I looked to see which tasks could be delegated to others. Being a one-person organization now, I am the staff. Focusing on the A’s first is more important than ever.
Next I take my now-prioritized To Do list is put the items on my calendar. If I don’t block out time, they won’t get done or they’ll be done too late.
The highest priorities get scheduled first. Recently my wife and I made the decision to adjust my schedule to allow for what we call a Honey Day—a day for us to do things together. It maybe a project around the house, or errands, or something fun.
The second priorities are scheduled next and they may spill over into next week or later depending on the time I have available.
The lowest priorities don’t get scheduled but I have the list nearby if I find some time to work on them.
At the end of the day, I review the list and reschedule or adjust as necessary.
What tools have you found helpful to keep yourself on track and get stuff done?
TWEETABLESThe Myth and Management of the Multitasking Writer - @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
We make time for the things that are important to us - including #writing - @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest. 

He serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers. 

Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 

Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Tips for How to Hook Your Reader

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

The best compliment a writer can hear is, “Your book kept me up all night. I was hooked from the very first line.”
We’re pumped! What wonderful affirmation for our hard work. All the hours, tears, rewrites, digesting critiques, and muscle-cramped fingers just paid off. A lovely nap is in order.
But in addition to all the effort it takes to write a dynamic story, a wise writer understands her readers have certain habits. Those peculiarities and preferences are vital to creating a novel that leaves the reader satisfied and wanting more. Our desire is for our books to be shared with others, via word of mouth and social media.How can we writers determine the best way to engage readers? We can begin by understanding the demographics of our readers. Know who they are and write to heartfelt needs. By penning the answers to the following questions, we writers can ensure our books are well received.
Questions to AskWho is your reader? Can you describe her (him)?What is your reader’s age? How can a story appeal specifically to that reader and what she is experiencing at this stage of her life?What is your reader’s career? Can the writer pen a story that relates to the reader’s expertise or interest?Where does your reader live? Is her home the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, etc? Does the story idea draw in the reader’s home or travels? If the reader lives in a different area than the book’s setting, does the story paint a vivid image of the location?What are your reader’s hobbies?What does your reader do with free time?Jenn dePaula of Mixtus Media coaches writers to find their “ideal reader.” Do you know your reader like a best friend?
Keeping a reader glued to the pages of our books is more than crafting unique characters, a strong plot, vivid setting, witty dialogue, appropriate emotion and body language, correct grammar and punctuation, and all the other techniques involved in writing a quality story. A bestselling novel caters to the world of the reader and invites her inside with an adventure that promises to live on in her heart.
How do you hook your readers?

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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. 
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association; International Thriller Writers, and the Faith, Hope, and Love chapter of Romance Writers of America. She is co-director of The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. 
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. 
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Getting Creative with Fiction Publicity

by Eva Marie Everson @EvaMarieEverson

Nearly 20 years has passed since I walked into this world of publishing, whether I knew it or not. Twenty years ago (March 1997) I began writing what would become my first published novel, Shadow of Dreams. As I wrote, I knew—somehow, deep deep down—I knew this book would find itself onto bookstore shelves.During that time period when friends asked me, “What are you doing with yourself these days?” (mainly because my daughter was about to graduate from high school and possibly leave me with an empty nest), I answered, “Writing a book.”
“Oh,” they said … “I wrote a book one time.”
Or … “Oh, I started to write a book once …”
“And then what happened?” I’d ask.
They shrugged. “Nothing.”
To which I’d think, “Well, mine is going to get published.”
And it did. Of course first I had to see three nonfiction books with my name gracing their covers before the novel received any notice from editors whatsoever.
Shadow of Dreams (the first in the “Shadow Series”) told the story of a redeemed exotic dancer, Katie Webster. The idea came to me while taking a walk one afternoon. I smelled jasmine, which reminded me of honeysuckle, which reminded me of home. I began to piece together a story of a woman who returns to her hometown after 25 years of everyone—including her mother—believing her to be dead. On her way into town, she stops to taste the honeysuckle on the side of the road, something she hasn’t done for a quarter of a century. As the book was being published, as the fan letters poured in, I had no way of knowing just how significantly that one book would change my life. Not simply in publishing terms, but in the ministry I found myself in because of it.
A new door opened at the turn of this century for Christian fiction writers. Publishers toyed with the idea of what “story” could and should mean in ministry. Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins had made their mark, not only in CBA, but also in ABA. You couldn’t pass a bookstore of any sort and not see their books lining the front shelves and tables and windows. Writers like me wanted to use our talents to bring the harsh realities of life blended with faith to the forefront, much as Jesus had done with his parables. Sons sleeping with pigs and workers in the field hiding their talents were serious issues of the day. LaHaye and Jenkins had captivated the world with the reality of the Second Coming and all that precedes it.
The next thing I knew, with Shadow of Dreams published and fans asking for more (thus the “series”), I became acquainted with the world of exotic dancing ministry. A two-page four-color photo spread in the Orlando Sentinel threw my face (me, standing resolutely against a background of neon lights advertising nude dancers) to the “Hey, I know you” level in Central Florida. I received copies of newspaper clippings from other parts of the country (thank you Knight Rider). The book sales went up … I saw my first royalty check … and my heart broke for the young women and men who find themselves trapped in a world darker than most of us can imagine. A world I became a light in the dark places.
About this same time, as I wrote other novels about other things, I came to understand that most Christian novelists have a difficult time advertising their stories. If the publishing house doesn’t get behind them (especially the less-recognized novelists), if the advertising dollars aren’t sent their way, they are left with unfilled dreams, a warehouse somewhere full of unsold books with their name on the cover, and no future in the business because their books didn’t sell.
We novelists determined to survive decided we had to get creative. And so we did.
What nugget of truth, we asked ourselves, could we possibly use as a soapbox? In The Potluck Club Series (co-written with Linda Evans Shepherd), which was about six women in a small Colorado town who meet once a month to share potluck and prayer but who somehow find more time to gossip) took off like a silver bullet because not only had Linda and I formed the personalities of the girls after the vast number of women we’d met at women’s conference and retreats (every church has at least one), we also took that notion to radio, television, magazine, and ezine-type interviews. We made Christian women laugh … and cry. We brought reality between the cover page and the back cover.
But after the success of our books, as we went on to write our own works individually, I had to find a way to get the germ of each of the novels “out there.” So I looked for that nugget of truth and I expounded on it.
Last month’s blog for The Write Conversation showed you a little trick of mine. I taught you, yes. That was the ultimate goal. But I also used my novels as publicity for my novels with the intent of making this very point in this blog post.
It’s much easier to publicize nonfiction books. If you write about a topic you are an expert in (say addiction or prayer or grace …), you’ll have no trouble whatsoever in becoming the guest on any number of TV and radio shows, blogs, etc. Gracious, when Reflections of God’s Holy Land released, I spent an entire day doing radio show after radio show after radio show. Over 25 to be exact. In one day. Talking about my trek across Israel with my Jewish friend and best-selling author, Miriam Feinberg Vamoshwas easy and simple. We’d walked and driven and hiked and prayed and sang together from Dan to Beer’sheva and Miriam is an expert on the land. So …
But what about books like This Fine Life , which centers on finding your own purpose in Christ? Publicity had to be about that and not solely on Mariette, whose struggle existed for a season only in my head.
So here’s the conundrum, fiction writers. We write fiction based on fact then have to publicize the fact over the fiction.
Sometimes, I think, even Christian readers want to indulge in a story simply because it’s a nice escape. But, for the most part, they want that truth that will change them. Grow them. I know. I get their fan mail. They tell me how one of my books changed them or “grew” them. How, because of my words, their lives were turned to the Scriptures and to what God intends for them.
Like the stories of Jesus that ministered to those who heard His voice in the telling, ours must do the same. Then we, as our own PR agents, must find that germ and run with it.
That’s not overly spiritual. That’s just fact for the fiction writer. Then we must find other ways. Like writing articles about writing books.
See?
But the end result is what we hoped for—our stories get read. Lives are changed. Our ministry of words continues. And we’re in pretty good company. Jesus didn’t have a PR team or budget either. Remember that. 

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Eva Marie is a multiple award-winning author and speaker. She is one of the original five Orlando Word Weavers critique group members, an international and national group made up of critique chapters. She served as the original president from 2000 to 2007 and is now president of Word Weavers International, Inc. Eva Marie served as a mentor for Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild for several years and has taught at a number of writers conferences nationwide. During the 2010-2011 school year, Eva Marie served as an adjunct professor at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She describes it as one of the best times she ever had while working. Eva Marie also serves as director of Florida Christian Writers Conference (along with Mark Hancock).

She is both a past and current student at Andersonville Theological Seminary where she plans to receive her Masters in Old Testament Theology sometime before her ninetieth birthday. Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida where they are owned by one very spoiled dog, a funky chicken, and two hearts-full of grandchildren.
*Carol Award Winner for The Potluck Club**ICRS Gold Medallion Finalist***Multiple awards, including 2012 Inspirational Readers Choice Award & Maggie Award (Chasing Sunsets), 2013 Maggie Award & 2013 Christy finalist for Waiting for Sunrise, 2014 AWSA Golden Scroll Award (Slow Moon Rising), 2015 AWSA Golden Scroll Award (The Road to Testament)
****CBA Bestseller List several months running and a finalist for Retailers Choice Awards, 2013