Christian writers wanted
(Note from Wendy: found this on Craigslist, but don’t know any more about it)
“New Christian publishing company is seeking writers of Faith. Email
Christian magazine seeks writers
This was on Craigslist.org:
A Christian magazine is seeking freelance writers who have a passion for whole life wellness (mind, body and spirit). Writers must have experience/knowledge and a passion for helping others with topics related physical fitness, holistic health, healthy eating, biblical truths, emotional health or any other topics related to whole wellness. Please send contact information, resume and/or writing samples to publishing@sozomagazine.com. Someone will contact you if your skills are a match for our needs. Thanks and God bless you!
2 FREE contests for completed fiction manuscripts
Marcher Lord’s quest for Christian Speculative Fiction
Christian publisher seeking fiction and nonfiction
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/wrg/1349862327.html
Christian Writers (Comp: TBD) (telecommute)
gigs-twerq-1349862327@craigslist.org
Servant House Publications is currently looking for manuscripts. We are a start-up christian based publishing company located in California. We need christian based material only. Manuscripts must be typed, double spaced, single sided, 12 point font (Times, Helvetica, Arial) with brads. Contact information must be on the first page. Please also submit a one page summary of your story to include the genre of the story, i.e. fiction, non-fiction, etc. Mail all submissions to: Kelli Roncancio Servant House Publications 23974 Aliso Creek Rd #187 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Christian poetry contest with $2,000 in prizes
Aug. 31 deadline; $20 entry; prizes are $500, $300 and $200; 7 honorable mentions of $100
Info and entry here: http://www.utmostchristianwriters.com/poetry-contests.php
10 QUESTIONS FOR…Mark Atteberry, “So Much More Than Sexy!”
Author interview with Mark Atteberry
Mark Atteberry has been the pastor of Poinciana Christian Church in Kissimmee, FL for 20 years. He has written seven books, including So Much More Than Sexy! (2009) He is married to Marilyn, his childhood sweetheart, and has one daughter, Michelle.
1. Tell us about your latest book. So Much More Than Sexy! (Standard Publishing) is a book for women, written from a man’s point of view. The big idea is that, contrary to what culture is constantly trying to hammer into our heads, men are interested in more than sex. The book is basically a plea for women to aim higher than culture’s standards. It’s not an “anti-sexiness” book. I’m in favor of sexiness as much as the next guy. But I know that both God and men want women to be so much more than that. There’s nothing more thrilling to a single man than meeting a beautiful woman and then discovering that there’s more to her than meets the eye: intellect, integrity, etc. At the same time, there’s nothing more disheartening than meeting a beautiful woman, only to discover that she has nothing to offer beyond her looks.
2. How did you get started as a writer? Karen Kingsbury is a close friend and “discovered” me through our frequent email exchanges. She thought I had a knack for stringing words together and told me I ought to be writing books. She introduced me to her agent and pieces started falling into place. That was seven books ago.
3. What does a typical day look like for you? As I pastor, I get to my office at about 8:00 a.m. and spend my day writing sermons or Bible study lessons, counseling people, making hospital calls, preparing for meetings, or any one of a hundred other things pastors do every day. I do all my writing in the evening, after dinner. I might write for an hour or until 2:00 a.m., depending on if the words are flowing.
4. Describe your desk/workspace. It’s a small desk with a pull chain lamp. I work on a laptop with the entire room in darkness except for the lamp. I like the feeling of darkness around me, as if my laptop is the center of the universe. If I have lights on or music playing like some of my author friends, I can’t concentrate.
5. Favorite books (especially for writers) I don’t read books for writers. I’ve tried, but they generally bore me and I refuse to read anything that bores me. What I really love to sink my teeth into is a good thriller. I read non-fiction books all day long for my work and I write non-fiction. So there comes a point in every day when I really need an escape. Recently, Tom Rob Smith’s two books, Child 44 and The Secret Speech moved me deeply.
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you I am a jazz saxophonist, I have an enormous jazz music collection (records and CD’s) that features many rare items, and I once hit a half court shot at the buzzer to beat a previously unbeaten basketball team.
7. Favorite quote “Nip it! Nip it in the bud!” –Barney Fife (If you think about it, millions of people need to take this advice. They would save themselves untold heartache.)
8. Best and worst part of being a writer Best part: receiving emails from readers who say your book helped them. Worst part: writer’s block.
9. Advice for other writers Read. It doesn’t matter what, just read. It’s the single most important thing you can do to improve your writing.
10. Tell us a story about your writing experience. I started writing with a desire to be published 18 years before I got my first book contract. I accumulated a stack of rejection letters as thick as a Sears catalog, but I kept trying. When Karen Kingsbury suggested that I become a writer, she had no idea that I had been trying for almost two decades. When I preach about perseverance and hanging onto your dreams, I speak from experience.
Where can people buy your book?
You can buy my books wherever books are sold. As far as I know, all seven of them are still in print. My web site is MarkAtteberry.net and I am on Facebook.
10 QUESTIONS FOR…Dr. Linda Seger (Making a Good Script Great & new book!)
Author interview with LINDA SEGER
I’m a script consultant, speaker and seminar leader, and author of 11 books, including 8 on screenwriting and three on spirituality. In 1987, my first book, MAKING A GOOD SCRIPT GREAT, was published. It became an industry standard and is used throughout the world. That book opened up the world to me, and led to giving seminars in 31 countries around the world on screenwriting.
My educational background includes a ThD (doctorate of theology) in Drama and Theology from a seminary in Berkeley. I call it the least marketable degree in the world, since it’s an odd combination, and the drama people didn’t want someone with a theology degree and the theology people thought I was probably too dramatic for any job in theology. I finally started my own business, first out of desperation, and then I realized that I was very suited to being an entrepreneur. When I created the job of script consultant, it didn’t exist. I based my work on my doctoral dissertation on “What makes a script work?”
Since 1981, I have focused on the script consulting work and seminars. In 2002, my husband and I moved to my dream house in the mountains right outside of Colorado Springs in Cascade, Colorado. Around that time, I realized I wanted to expand my work to include books and speaking in the area of spirituality. My latest book is on spirituality and success.
1. Tell us about your latest book.
The book is called SPIRITUAL STEPS ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS: Gaining the goal without losing your soul. It’s written from a Judeo-Christian perspective, although I believe the spiritual issues are universal. When I began my business, I decided to try to apply spiritual principles, and my own relationship to God, to my work, hoping that I could make a living while also being spiritual in the difficult, competitive world of Hollywood. I found the issues were different than I expected. Some of the chapters in the book discuss “Becoming Important”, “Meeting the Seven Deadly Sins”, “Developing a Sense of Smell” (so one becomes wise at sniffing out the scoundrels), being “Willing to be Blessed”, and combining one’s contemplative life with the very active life of someone in business.
2. How did you get started as a writer?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was 10, and began writing short stories, and then poetry shortly after that. I wrote my first novel when I was 13, which took three months to write, and then wrote more short stories all through college and into graduate school. When I started teaching screenwriting and discussing my theories, participants in my seminars kept asking, “When are you going to write a book about this?” I finally did, and then my agent asked when was I going to write another book. I realized that I loved writing non-fiction, and I am now writing both screenwriting books and spirituality books. Since 2008, I’ve written 11 books, and just signed a contract for another screenwriting book, and am now trying to sell a proposal for another spirituality book.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
I generally start my day eating breakfast at the computer and reading my emails. If I’m on a tight deadline, I then write one to two hours, and then turn to my other work, such as the consulting work and emails. If I’m not on a tight deadline, I might write later in the day. It depends on how much creative work is necessary for the writing, and how much is more research, or thinking time. If I have reading and research to do, I tend to do that later in the day.
I usually write two mornings a week. I’m clearly a morning writer, and if I need to, I’ll get up very early, but usually I’ll start writing about 8 a.m. I wrote my 9th book, a book on theology and politics, in five months, working five to six mornings a week, while keeping my business going. But usually I ask for a year to write a book.
Two afternoons a week I go out to ride my horse. If I’m writing, I use the driving time to think about an idea or a chapter, or think about a consulting problem I’m trying to resolve. Several times a week I also go to the pool. Usually my writing time is 1-2 hours.
4. Describe your desk/workspace.
I have the dream workspace. I have a small cabin on our property, which is in the mountains (in the first mountain town west of Colorado Springs.)My computer is by the window, and I look out over hundreds of pine trees, magpies, sometimes deer. The cabin is large enough for a table and two bookcases and several file cabinets and just about anything I need. And it’s just 29 steps down a small hill from our home. I have little knick-knacks on the window ledge in front of the computer that inspires me. One is of a Nordic sailing ship that I got from Norway that encourages me to go to big and new horizons. One is of a unicorn, that tells me I can be original and one-of-a-kind. I have a red metal lion from South Africa (very small, obviously!) that encourages me to be bold. A little Savorski piano that encourages me to sing my tune. An angel. Some sea shells. And a mug that has the Prayer of Jabez on it..that asks God to bless me and expand my territories.
5. Favorite books (especially for writers)
I love Anne LaMott’s writing, especially Bird by Bird. Years ago, I read a Journal of John Steinbeck’s that he kept while writing East of Eden, which is my favorite book. I think the journal was called the East of Eden Journal…really fascinating about his process.
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
I bought my first horse when I was 58, although I had been doing horse-back riding one-week vacations for about 12 years by then. I’m now competing in reining, which is a difficult form of western riding.
I am totally in love with Colorado, and have been since we first came here when I was 13. I remember the first time we entered the mountains, and I determined to live here somehow. It took many, many years.
I’m a Quaker. Many people find that interesting.
7. Favorite quote
From Maria Von Trapp in SOUND OF MUSIC, (although I think someone else said it first): “God never closes a door without opening a window.” I call Maria my favorite theologian.
8. Best and worst part of being a writer
The worst part is to keep trying to sell one’s ideas. Even when one is known, the selling still is a waiting game. On the other hand, I have a wonderful agent.
Best part – being able to work with ideas, and seeing people’s lives change as a result of ideas. I love to work with words, and as time has gone on, I have paid more attention to alliteration, internal rhymes, and having fun with words. I love working with the style of a book – and becoming better at making writing decisions about style. How funny should I be? How surprising? Should I be a bit outrageous? How tender?
9. Advice for other writers
Writing is a process, and becoming good at it doesn’t happen overnight. True, we might do a very good job on our first book, perhaps because it’s been percolating for many years, but sustaining being a writer demands some kind of mastery over the craft and the ability to have found your own voice.
And it demands being honest and authentic. That means telling the truth, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction.
10. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
Well, no crazy ones, but I have written sections of my books in very interesting places. I wrote part of my book, WHEN WOMEN CALL THE SHOTS, in the Beijing, China airport, while sitting on the floor against a column with my hands through all my personal belongings – purse, backpack, etc. My plane was delayed, so I used the time to write. Once I wrote at the L.A. Airport while it was evacuated (the wing where I was waiting was the only area not evacuated, but we weren’t allowed to leave.) Once, when I was working on a book during an airplane ride, the plane landed and the man next to me looked at me and said, “I have never seen anything like that! You concentrated and never lost focus for 3 hours straight!” So, I can write just about anywhere.
Where can people buy your book?
My website is the name of the book: www.spiritualstepsontheroadtosuccess.com
My blog is being created, but will be part of this website.
The book is readily available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com, and will probably be in various Christian bookstores as well. Perhaps in other bookstores.
Readers can also visit my other Web site, www.lindaseger.com for photos, speaking engagements, information on my other books, etc.
10 QUESTIONS FOR…Brian Sandell, author of “The Wager” and “The Christmas Rose”
Author interview with Brian Sandell
My name is Brian Sandell. I am a twenty-two year old author of The Wager and The Christmas Rose, my latest book which came out in January of this year. I graduated college on May 16, 2009. I plan to attend Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in the fall. Some of the finest things I enjoy in life are the following: small dogs, Kraft macaroni and cheese, reading the Sunday comics, a good caramel macchiato, the smell after a fresh rain, any Will Ferrell movie, and writing of course.
1. Tell us about your latest book.
The Christmas Rose is my latest book. It is a truly emotional, heartfelt journey that the reader takes with the protagonist, Jasmine Reese. The story focuses on the issue how do we deal with pain when it comes in our life. Jasmine Reese a very identifiable, ordinary woman, she does have two very big tragedies in her life, the divorce of her parents and the death of her husband. Jasmine sadly slips deep into depression and alcoholism, until one night her fate is about to change, and she is granted an opportunity to get the life back she always wanted. Jasmine’s journey is enchanting, her task is daunting, but her will is truly inspiring. This book will keep you turning the pages, and produce a tear in your eye when after you finish reading it.
2. How did you get started as a writer?
The story I like to tell people is that I was never an athletic child, so instead of watching me strike out in baseball, and get tackled in football, my mom encouraged me to sit down with a pen and paper and start writing. However, I first began to realize my gift and talent for developing compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and surprise endings back in high school English class.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
Well, since I just graduated college, my typical day consists of lots of work! Sadly, I do not mean writing. There is this thing called money I need to make lots of if I want to go to seminary next year. But, I do most of my writing at night, watching television, movies, Seinfeld, The Office, or sometimes just listening to music. I think balance is the big key of what I want to accomplish in my life. I desire to spend a fair amount of time writing, publicizing my work, spending time with family and friends, working, and some just “Brian” time.
4. Describe your desk/workspace.
Most of the time it is cluttered with opened mail, glasses/mugs, and various books which I have started reading. My computer sits on a TV table, right in front of the television. I actually am really lucky, because my family is so awesome they let me sit in the most comfortable chair downstairs, and I think that is what really inspires the creativity.
5. Favorite books (especially for writers)
I love Quiet Strength and Uncommon by Tony Dungy. I love reading anything John Grisham. Showdown by Ted Dekker is a huge favorite of mine. I thought I would appeal to the classical fans, by saying I am also a huge fan of The Divine Comedy: by Dante.
6. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you
1. I have tried to learn to play the piano four unsuccessful times.
2. I am dating a girl with the same name as the girl my twin brother is dating.
3. I am watching Ken Burns’ documentary “Civil War” as I am typing this.
7. Favorite quote
“Be the change you want to see in others.” Gandhi
8. Best and worst part of being a writer:
I love writing stories, I love developing characters, memorable situations, and surprising endings. One of the biggest joys in life is to have someone tell you they learned something from your story, they were inspired, or your story made them smile. The worst part is by far editing, all the rules, commas, grammar, it is overrated I think. But, I do not make up the rules, so sadly I cannot change them. One of these days, I may try and make grammatical rules more simple.
9. Advice for other writers:
I’ll make this nice and simple three things:
1. Have other people read your work and critique it.
2. Make sure you don’t put all your eggs in the writing basket, pursue other things as well.
3. Write a story with an ending that people cannot guess.
10. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
After my first work, The Wager, came out I did not make it really public that I had written a book. So, I kept it quiet for a few months from everyone at college, and shortly after a newspaper article came about my book in November that year, a huge rush of, “Oh, Brian, I didn’t know you wrote a book.” “Wow, you wrote a book!” “That is so awesome!” I got comments like that all the time, and it was cool and a little weird going from a normal guy to a minor celebrity who wrote a book.
Where can people buy your books?
My website is: www.christianthrillernovels.com
You can also buy it right here: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=brian+d+sandell
Wendy Burt-Thomas, author and full-time freelance writer
BUY “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters”
Want to see when I post new writing contests? Follow me on Twitter.com/WendyBurt
Wendy Burt-Thomas is the author of:
• “Oh, Solo Mia! The Hip Chick’s Guide to Fun for One” (2001, McGraw-Hill)
• “Work It, Girl! 101 Tips for the Hip Working Chick” (2003, McGraw-Hill)
• “The Writer’s Digest Guide to Query Letters” (Dec. 2008, Writer’s Digest Books)
Other credentials include more than 1,000 published articles, short stories, essays, reviews, poems and greeting cards. She taught “Breaking Into Freelance Writing for 8 years and has worked as an editor, columnist, writer and PR specialist.
Wendy lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, two kids and two black labs. She is a full-time freelance writer, editor and PR consultant.
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Ask Wendy – All things writing!- Flash fiction contest December 17, 2009$100 prize; March 15, 2010 deadline; $5 entry fee; 1,000 words max The magazine is for flash fiction only [no poetry] All submissions should be under 1,000 words well written and highly polished Guidelines and entry info HERE: http://powfastflashfiction.com/askwendy
- Sci fi/fantasy/horror mag seeks short stories December 16, 2009Aurealis mag; 2,000-8,000 words; pays $20-$60 per 1,000 words; also buys nonfiction and art. For info and entry, go HERE: http://www.aurealis.com.au/submissions.phpaskwendy
- FREE Freelance Success Stories Contest December 15, 2009Writer’s Market is currently hosting its 5th annual Freelance Success Stories contest. This free contest is looking for real stories of freelance success. These should be personal stories—written in first person—and true (how often do freelancers get to do that!). First place will receive $750 and publication in the 2011 Writer’s Market. Submissi […]askwendy
- Free poetry contest about meditation December 15, 2009Jan. 31, 2010 deadline; poem must be unpublished; cash prizes; info and entry HERE: http://www.spiritfirst.org/spirit_first_news.html#poetryaskwendy
- FREE steampunk romance short story contest December 13, 2009Dec. 28 deadline; 1,000 words max; steampunk erotica also welcome; Info and entry HERE: http://asteampunkreverie.blogspot.com/2009/12/steampunk-short-story-contest.htmlaskwendy
- FREE short story contest December 13, 2009InspiredAuthor.com’s contest: 5,000 words max; Amazon Gift Cards as prizes; not sure of deadline; For info and entry, go HERE: http://inspiredauthor.com/blog/character-development/inspired-author-winter-short-story-contestaskwendy
- Scriptapalooza is here! December 11, 2009I thought your readers might be interested in learning about Scriptapalooza, the annual screenwriting competition. Now in its twelfth year, Scriptapalooza has grown to be one of the world’s most recognized screenwriting competitions with over 40 scripts optioned, two Emmy winners and is as the only screenwriting competition endorsed by the WGA. Every script […]askwendy
- Blog radio show seeks poets December 11, 2009Misterie Loves Company Show I am seeking an array of artists from music, poetry and spoken word to interview tuesday nights @ 9pm via BTR(Blogtalk Radio). This means you must be able to call in for the duration of the interview.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/misterielovescompany Also please submit work and bio or presskit to uniquete @ yahoo.com [...]askwendy
- 10 QUESTIONS FOR…Fleur Bradley, YA thriller writer December 9, 2009Author interview with Fleur Bradley Dozens of Fleur Bradley’s mystery short stories have appeared online and in print, including the Deadly Dames anthology. She’s written a YA thriller her agent is now finding a home for in New York. It’s cold over there in winter, so let’s hope this happens soon. Fleur also writes freelance, and lives [...]askwendy
- Write On!’s Dec. writing contest December 9, 2009Write On! Online’s monthly contests are designed to encourage you to give those writing muscles a workout. THE DECEMBER CHALLENGE: HOLIDAY TRADITIONS As 2009 comes to an end, let’s celebrate! Write 200 to 400 words on your favorite holiday tradition. It doesn’t matter what you celebrate – Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, Winte […]askwendy
- Flash fiction contest December 17, 2009
