Chrisitan Writers Fellowship International, After 35 Years

I joined Christian Writers Fellowship International over ten years ago. A group of Christian writers that help one another, I most certainly benefited along the path to publishing and beyond. Beyond that? CWFI list serve members are prayer warriors. I have prayed for others and they have prayed for me. We are still praying. I love the writing support, but in all honesty, I've gained much more from their prayers.

After 35 years of serving writers, CWFI is closing its doors. At first I thought, "No more CWFI?" Well, not so. It's true the newsletter will stop. But, CWFI is already on FaceBook. Sandy Brooks, our wonderful director of CWFI plans to add a blog in the near future.

Now I'm thinking, "This won't be so bad. Just different."

What about Sandy? She will go through adjustments after serving writers through CWFI, since 1981. She gave her time, as a labor of love, so the changes for her will prove heart wrenching.

Sandy, thank you, God bless you, and I'm sure the next job God gives to you will bless others, once again.

All the best . . . for there is a time for every season.

Until next time . . .

Colorado Pikes Peak Writers Fiction Contest

Last November, I entered the first few pages and the synopsis of my upper middle grade novel in the Pikes Peak Writers Fiction Contest. I paid the fee for one critique and hoped for the best.

In April, I received an e-mail saying I did not place, and the judges comments and critique were enclosed. What I found pleased me. Two judges gave honest and helpful feedback. I am grateful to them and wrote a thank you note as my response to their meaty suggestions.

As I read the paperwork, I could see right off that Pikes Peak's point system and format was simple and organized. The points I earned for my story, CLAIRELEE A.D. (AFTER DISASTER), were the middle end of the grading system. I lacked fourteen points to get into the final judging of the contest.

Before I received the contest outcome, I read an article about how important judges comments can be to your story. I agreed, because the judges suggestions had a familiar ring. When I receive comments from agents, they're saying much of the same thing. With that many folks agreeing with what's not working, I have a clearer understanding of how to rework the plot and make this story worthy for young readers.

Next year I'll enter another story I am working on in the Pikes Peak Fiction Writers Contest. On second thought, CLAIRELEE A.D. (AFTER DISASTER) should be ready by then. I should re-enter CLAD and see what happens.

Until next time . . .

Best Writing Advice of the Year

On my SCBWI list serve, I received a posting about a site by Jane Friedman, publisher of Writer's Digest. She had asked readers to submit links to what they thought was the best advice for writers they had seen online this year.

I read the first one by Agent Rachelle Gardener and appreciate every word she wrote. Bless her heart, she's thoughtful, wise, and I wish she were my agent.

Maybe one day.

Here's Ms. Gardener's link.

Read the whole posting of links:

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2010/04/05/BestWritingAdviceAccordingToWritersPlusWinnerOfContest.aspx


I'll call this writing a tidbit . . . until next time . . . write and read and never give up.

"Dear Lucky Agent" Contest: Middle Grade and Young Adult

Here we go again. Another "Dear Lucky Agent" Contest for the MG and YA writers. I really appreciate all that Chuck Sambuchino does for the writing community. His Guide to Literary Agents is a must read for all beginning writers and otherwise. I receive his articles daily and learn about the writing industry as a whole.

Go on over to Chuck's blog for the April 12th article about the "Dear Lucky Agent" Contest and see the rules for participation. Agent Regina Brooks will judge the entries. The deadline for submission is April 14, 2010, so hurry on over.

Good luck to all of us!

Until next time . . . write, write, read, read.

Who Taught Who: My Writing Class For Home Schoolers

I had a most wonderful experience teaching the first page of a story to a group of home schooled children. The most lovely young ladies you'll ever want to meet. I presented my talk, giving them a handout. They read and critiqued each others first page and we discussed it.

I was amazed at how beautifully these ladies put down words on paper. It is my opinion that most young people write better than adults. At least this adult, as I point my finger at myself. Their story's passion stands out on the page.

With extra time left over, I brought out my first page and read it. They thoughtfully gave me suggestions, great ones, and I learned. I will make the changes and it will be better. They even suggested how to please the gate keepers, so that everyone was satisfied. Smart!

May I suggest that we adult writers take a class from young writers? Let them teach us. I understand now the times I've heard about an author reading her work to students and they helped her.

Why should we be surprised? For after all, these children are our readers.

Until next time . . . read, read, read. Write, write, write.