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Why Isn’t My Agent Working for Me at Conferences?
Often I’m asked by writers to pitch a book at a conference I’m attending. Sometimes I’m asked to find out the status of a submission. Because of my writing background, I totally understand these impulses. When I was writing novels, I asked these questions of my agent. So believe me, I’ve experienced the frustration of being at home, wondering why my agent isn’t asking about and pitching my work at …
Why I Wouldn’t Represent Bible People
Taking a cue from the media ads for various prescription drugs, including a legal disclaimer in any communication protects everyone from legal jeopardy or in this case, condemnation. God inspired the Bible and the thoughts expressed in it are exactly as God intended. No one shall add or take away anything. The following satire is intended for entertainment value only. The opinions expressed are …
Happy 50th Birthday, Star Trek
It was 50 years ago this week that the TV show “Star Trek” made its debut on NBC (September 8, 1966). It lasted for only three years and 79 episodes, but continues to influence our entertainment culture to this day. Did you know who the original producers were? If you guessed Gene Roddenberry you would be half right. The other half of the funding for the show came from Desilu …
A Strange Case of Mislabeling
As readers of this blog know, I enjoy all sorts of books. But a recent experience reminded me of the wisdom and comforts of Christian fiction. After seeing several reviews and ads for a secular novel touted as a thriller, I checked out a copy from my public library. I opened the book realizing I’d likely experience characters who weren’t seeing life from a Christian viewpoint or even making an …
Lessons from a Conference
I recently returned home from teaching at the Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference, held in Portland, Oregon. It was a grand time of sharing and laughter, learning and listening. Here are the main lessons I brought home with me from this time spent in the company of fellow writers: 1. Even with all the changes, there’s still a lot to celebrate in the publishing world. From contracts with …
Book Topics That Will Always Be Needed (Unfortunately)
With hundreds of thousands of new books published every year in the U.S., very few are on topics never previously covered. In the Christian publishing world, a quick glimpse back in history will reveal similar patterns of behavior and spiritual need no matter when you decide to stop your time machine. While many things change, some never change…like people. Look to Scripture as the starting point. …
In Praise of Slow Writing
It seems counter-intuitive that an agent would suggest that writers slow down. After all, isn’t the volume of output one of the keys to an author’s success? There is a measure of truth in that, but today I’d like to explore the concept of Slow Writing. Think of it as a leisurely walk in the woods as a child. I remember strolling through sticks and leaves exploring the forest …
Worth the Money?
As a businesswoman, I have to decide what’s worth paying for and what isn’t. Anyone in business is barraged with opportunities to purchase software, gadgets, and all sorts of pretty office supplies in cool shapes in colors. High heeled shoe tape dispenser, anyone? Well, okay, no office supply store I know of is giving away tape dispensers so you have to buy those. But what about other options, …