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Fun Fridays – February 23, 2024

By Steve Laubeon February 23, 2024

You can write today’s date as 2, 23, 24 … Two. Two three. Two Four. It’s almost like a countdown to a song, which brings me to today’s “fun.”

This week, I was talking with a friend about a book title that describes so much of our Christian life. It is titled My Almost for His Highest (a satire on the famous Oswald Chambers book). Then, she sent a list of “realistic hymns.” Here are some, which lead to today’s video:

Take My Life and Let Me Be
He’s Quite a Bit to Me
When the Saints Go Sneaking In
Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
My Hope Is Built on Nothing Much
I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
Above Average Is Thy Faithfulness
Spirit of the Living God, Fall Somewhere Near Me
Blest Be the Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style

[HT: Barb Peil]

Now to a hilarious send-up of bad worship songs.
Can you come up with some of your own?

Mastering the Art of Professionalism: Small Steps, Big Impact in Book Submissions

By Megan Brownon February 22, 2024

Hey, aspiring authors! Let’s talk about the unsung hero of the publishing world—the initial submission email. You know, that little note that holds the key to unlocking the door to literary representation. But, here’s the kicker: Many budding writers are unintentionally fumbling the ball at the goal line because of seemingly small mistakes in their submission process. So, let’s …

Category: Book Proposals, Pitching

Encouragement Is More Than Words

By Dan Balowon February 21, 2024

A lot has happened over the last five-plus years since I wrote this agency blog post on Encouraging Writers. While I don’t think I would change the substance of it for today, still, over the last several years, between Covid lockdowns, the growth of virtual work, and societal institutions seemingly dissolving, we probably have a different perspective on many things in life now. From engaging in a …

Category: Encouragement

Presidential Quotes on President’s Day

By Steve Laubeon February 19, 2024

Today is President’s Day in the U.S. Originally established in 1885 as a recognition of George Washington’s birthday (February 22), it was later expanded to include Abraham Lincoln and all other U.S. presidents. Some of the words of these leaders have stood the test of time. For example, from Abraham Lincoln: “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” “And in …

Category: Craft, Historical, Inspiration, TheologyTag: Inspiration, Writing Craft

Fun Fridays – February 16, 2024

By Steve Laubeon February 16, 2024

Since yesterday’s post was a “A Writer’s Lament,” I thought this video would be appropriate. Very clever refashioning a cat’s mournful cry into a song. But even more, it sounds like the cat is a writer!

Category: Fun Fridays

A Writer’s Prayer of Lament

By Bob Hostetleron February 15, 2024

A few months ago, the leaders of the West Coast Christian Writers Conference had the poor judgment to allow me to teach and meet with conferees. In one of the preconference sessions, I invited attendees to lament the struggles and wounds of the writing-for-publication process, following the form the psalmists often employed. Several were willing to share their efforts and one—Judy Parker—even gave …

Category: Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology

The Difference We Offer

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon February 14, 2024

Once upon a time, I wrote Christian romance novels for publication, and now I’m a literary agent living my happily-ever-after in representing many romance authors. Valentine’s Day is my favorite secular holiday. Ignoring fond stories of St. Valentine himself, retailers encourage spending. Giving and receiving jewelry, flowers, cards, negligees, and candy are all great ways to say, “I love and …

Category: Inspiration, Personal

Mistakes to Avoid at Your First Writers Conference With Dan Balow

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on February 13, 2024

Writers conferences play a key role in most authors’ careers. Often, a conference is a transformative event that helps an author transition from hobbyist to professional or provides an opportunity for a connection that makes a huge difference. Unfortunately, some authors have unproductive experiences at conferences, especially if it’s their first one. It’s unfortunate because …

Category: The Writing Life

Defusing Contract Landmines

By Steve Laubeon February 12, 2024

It is crucial that every author knows that if they sign a contract, they are legally bound by the terms within that contract. Even if it is to their disadvantage. Our agency is often approached with a phrase like “I signed a bad book contract and want out of it. Can you help?” Usually, the answer is “Unfortunately, no.” After so many years of running into landmines buried …

Category: Book Business, Contracts, Legal IssuesTag: Book Business, Contracts, Legal

Fun Fridays – February 9, 2024

By Steve Laubeon February 9, 2024

Today’s video suggests two things: 1. Technology advances are astounding. 2. I may be classified, by some, as old. In 1975 I programmed a computer to play golf, using a random number generator. The computer was in a university where I attended a summer math camp as a high schooler. The computer was the size of a living room with spinning wheels of tape. I input my data on a keyboard, which …

Category: Fun Fridays