Personal

Read a Book for My Birthday!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 31, 2017

I learned that my birthday next week, September 6, is National Read a Book Day!

Do I have the perfect career match or what?

So, what book will you read for National Read a Book Day? You can read it in honor of my birthday if you like, but most of all, choose a book for your entertainment, edification, and increased knowledge.

Would you like to suggest a book I should read? If you do, I’ll select the top three or five, put the titles in a feminine, stylish hat, and draw one. The winner will be awarded a copy of Bygone Christmas Brides, which includes one of my novellas I wrote awhile back. I’m honored to be included with authors Ginny Aiken, Carla Gade, Pamela Griffin, Jill Stengl, and Gina Welborn.

I can’t wait to see what books you recommend!

Fun Fridays – August 25, 2017

By Steve Laubeon August 25, 2017

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This is a special fun Friday. Our youngest daughter is getting married today. This makes three married daughters. At the risk of making myself a puddle of sentimentality, I can only say that I am proud of all our girls. Today, for the last time, I will be walking a daughter down the aisle. She may be all grown up along with her sisters, but I will always carry the below photo in my wallet and in …

Category: Personal

What Book Changed Your Life?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 20, 2017

A few weeks ago at the Blue Ridge conference, Steve Laube gave a keynote speech during which he asked, “Except the Bible, what book changed your life?” More than one book changed my life, but the first one that popped into my mind was Looking Out for Number One by Robert J. Ringer. Despite the ruthless title, the content is practical. The message isn’t, “Step on anyone and everyone to get to the …

Category: Personal, Reading, TheologyTag: Books, Reading

Oh, What a Time I’ve Had

By Karen Ballon July 5, 2017

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There are so many things about being an agent that I love. Finding new writers whose work resonated with, and moved, me. Building relationships with my amazing clients. The joy of working with them on their projects. Playing “matchmaker” and finding just the right publisher for them. Seeing publishers treat these wonderful writers with such enthusiasm and respect. Working with Steve, Tamela, and …

Category: Agency, Editing, Encouragement, Inspiration, Karen, PersonalTag: Agency, Karen Ball, Personal

Is Your Glass Half Empty?

By Steve Laubeon June 12, 2017

Over the decades it has been interesting to listen to and read the various pundits regarding the publishing industry. Typically those who spell out doom and gloom get the attention (fortifying the idea that “if it bleeds, it leads”). At the same time there is the optimist position which is often derided for being unrealistic. After awhile I’ve learned to smile and simply get back …

Category: Christian, Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Personal, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life, TheologyTag: Encouragement, Faith, The Publishing Life

The Infiltration of Anger

By Karen Ballon May 17, 2017

Yesterday, anger almost took my husband from me. Don was coming out of the grocery store when he realized two young men were screaming at each other just to the side of the doors. One, let’s call him Jim, whose pregnant wife was sitting in their car, yelled at the other, now known as Dave, “Why did you point a gun at me??” My husband set his bags down and looked at Jim. “Did you really see a gun?” …

Category: Inspiration, Personal

Print and Prejudice

By Steve Laubeon May 1, 2017

For the last ten years, since the unveiling of the Kindle reader, there has been a constant conversation about reader’s preferences. Print or Ebook? While ebook sales grew exponentially and paper sales stagnated many declared victory for the ebook. I have a number of friends who have not purchased a paper edition of a book for quite some time. Some libraries have removed all their books and gone …

Category: Book Business, E-Books, Personal, ReadingTag: Book Business, ebooks, Reading

Obstacles are a Pain

By Karen Ballon April 26, 2017

You may have noticed that my blog was missing last week. That’s because I’ve been fighting with today’s obstacle: chronic pain. I’ve had a series of headaches and migraines that have made it hard for me to think, let alone write a blog. I’ve dealt with pain before, but this…this ice pick in the temple that doesn’t let up…this assault on the body that had me hiding under the covers in my bed, …

Category: Personal, The Writing LifeTag: Obstacles, The Writing Life

Repeal and Replace

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 20, 2017

Writers live full and demanding lives. Let’s become more focused and productive with my unscientific version of Repeal and Replace! Repeal: Exhaustion. Replace: Go to bed earlier. Even fifteen minutes can help. If you like how you feel, shave off a few more minutes until you find that perfect bedtime. The more often enough rest helps you be vibrant the next day, the more you realize how little you …

Category: Personal, The Writing LifeTag: The Writing Life

Dark Friday

By Steve Laubeon April 14, 2017

Contemplate the sacrifice. Contemplate the mystery. While you contemplate, listen to this instrumental piece called “Gethsemane” from Jeff Johnson’s album “No Shadow of Turning.” A new version of the piece can be found on Jeff’s album “Thin Places” You can listen to it at this link. Then please listen to this classical song “Go to Dark …

Category: Christian, Personal, TheologyTag: Christian, Theology