Moral Premise?

Right now I'm reading a book called the Moral Premise. The author Stanley D. Williams will teach the Early Bird at ACFW in September, and like any good hyper student, I wanted to get a head start on preparing. The Moral Premise reveals the foundational concept at the heart of all storytelling and successful box office movies. In concrete terms it explains how you can create your own success and, in the process, entertain, delight, challenge, and uplift this generation and the ones to come.

Hmmm, that's a lot to offer in one little book!

But as I think more about it, I think the author is on to something. Don't we all want to read books that challenge us to live better lives? That illustrate good v. evil? That show hope and redemption at the end?

One reason I write Christian fiction is my firm belief that if God is with us, which He promises He is, then no matter how bad things seem, there is always hope. And as the movie says, Hope Floats to the surface. Sometimes it just takes longer than other times.

In a nutshell, the premise of the Moral Premise seems to be that a movie or book that will resonate with its audience is one that illustrates the dichotimies of life. Illustrates the differences between choosing well and choosing evil.

The one John Grisham novel I wanted to throw against the wall had Goliath winning rather than David. I don't know about you, but in the books I read and write, I want hope to prevail...after the long, dark night.

Margaret's Coming to Town

Pamela Tracy here, and I love the sense of community Christian writers and Christians readers have. For example, in just a few weeks one of my fellow bloggers will be in my neighborhood giving a workshop. I call that a reunion. I look forward to gabbing, sight-seeing, and just plain bonding. I've heard Margaret speak on craft and such, and am soooo looking forward to this event. Here's what our advertisement looks like:

Writer’s Workshop with author Margaret Daley – 1/29/11

Margaret Daley (ACFW President) is an award winning author for Harlequin's Love Inspired line. She has published more than sixty books.
http://www.margaretdaley.com/
http://margaretdaley.blogspot.com/

Saturday January 29th, 2011 Camelback Church of Christ
5225 East Camelback Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85018

Two sessions and a Q&A:
11:00-12:00 Career Building
Lunch Break
1:30-2:30 Writing Suspense Fiction
2:30-3:00 Q & A

Free to CWOW/ACFW members
Non-members: $15 or $10 if you join CWOW/ACFW

Courtesy of:
Christian Writers of the West
CWOW - Christian Writers of the West (estab. 2006)
is an American Christian Fiction Writer (ACFW) affiliate club.

We meet at 1:00pm the last Saturday of every month.
Manuel's Fine Mexican Food, 2350 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282
Visitors are welcome. Annual dues $10 plus ACFW membership.

RSVP CWOW President, Ann Miller ann_lee_miller@msn.com

Dana Mentink's Personal Highlights from the ACFW Conference

Howdy, all. Dana Mentink here. I just flew back from the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Indiana and boy are my arms tired! Ha! Here are my top three conference moments in reverse order.

#3. Football
Yep, football. I’m not much of a sports fan but I enjoyed being steeped in the Indiana Colts culture. These folks are serious fans, let me tell you. I’m from California. We love our 49ers and all, but you’d never see an entire city of people here wearing niner jerseys. I enjoyed being surrounded by SERIOUS Colts fans at the local P.F. Changs and I really enjoyed peeked from my sixteenth story hotel room window and seeing the entire city in their blue jerseys making their way to the football stadium. It was so neat to see such pride (and I was happy those Colts won!)

#2 Michael Hague’s Six Step Plot Structure class.
Mr. Hague was not only incredibly knowledgeable about how to put together an amazing story for the big screen or novel, but he was also very entertaining. I think I’ll always have his turning points and stages stuck in my head when I watch a movie and I’ve already put his framework to use in my current WIP. One of the best classes I’ve been too.

#1. Cindy, in the prayer room.
This is my fourth ACFW conference and I’ve never been in the prayer room. This time, a family crisis brought me to the door where I met the amazing Cindy W. She was truly God’s hands and heart for me and I will never forget her kindness and spiritual support.

Did you go to Indiana this year or have you attended ACFW in the past? What were the highpoints?

When you can't make it ...

Hey there, everyone! Liz Johnson here.

You know, last year at this time, I was typing frantically trying to finish sample chapters and synopses. I brought my laptop to work with me every day so that I could write through lunch. I wrote in every spare minute to get ready for appointments with an agent and an editor at the ACFW conference in Denver.

And I can't help but think that I should be doing the same thing this year. Except I can't make it to the ACFW conference in Indy. I'm going to miss out on catching up with friends, learning from some amazing workshop teachers, and connecting with suspense writers who are just as crazy as I am. No where else in the world can you overhear public plotting of murder and mayhem. Or listen to two women gleefully laughing over the near death of a hero ... because they know he's going to make it and win his woman's heart in the process.

I love the camaraderie of writers conferences, and I'm already feeling a little sad that I can't make it this year. So what am I to do with myself as I listen to my friends talk about packing their bags, polishing their proposals, and setting off for Indy?

I have a few ideas:
1. Start working on my proposals for next year. Come next year, I'll be ready to go!
2. Pray for the attendees, leadership, and staff.
3. Watch the Carol Awards Event online at ACFW.com. This is of particular interest to me this year, as I'll be waiting to hear if my first book, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, wins in the debut author category. If you're an ACFW member, log in to the website to watch it on September 19 @ 7pm.
4. Sleep in. If I was at conference, I'd have to be up early, so I'll appreciate my weekend even more.

What do you do when you can't make it to a conference, ACFW or otherwise, or something else that you regularly attend?

Building Suspense with ACFW!

by Debby Giusti

Last Tuesday, I had the pleasure and honor to visit the American Christian Fiction Writers' WORD Chapter in Buford, Georgia. President Lindi Peterson (sitting to my left in the first photo) invited be to present a workshop on Building Suspense in Any Genre. The topic was fun to research and made me realize, yet again, how much I love the suspense genre.

The members were so warm and welcoming, and although I live quite a distance from where they hold their monthly meetings, I wanted to become a part of the group and joined that evening. Diana Shuford (far right in the photo below) and I rode together and hope to return at various times throughout the upcoming year. If you're a writer and live near the Mall of Georgia, check out this wonderful and talented group of writers!

During the program, I discussed a number of ways to build suspense that could easily be adapted to other genres. Suspense relies on tension and conflict, which must be in every book to keep the reader interested and ready to turn the next page.

One of my favorite suspense techniques is giving the reader a superior position. That's when he or she knows something the hero or heroine doesn't. A cop hero may learn the identity of the serial killer, targeting women in his hometown. The reader learns about the killer while in the hero's POV then, in the next scene, becomes totally engaged in the story when the heroine invites the killer, who--unbeknownst to her--is also a plumber, into her home to fix the clogged drain pipe in her laundry room.

Another favorite technique is to end a chapter with a cliffhanger and then reverse the POV in the next scene. The reader has to quickly read through the next scene before learning how the cliffhanger problem is resolved.

James Scott Bell's book, The Art of War for Writers, provided an interesting tip on writing comedy. Bell states, "To write a comedy, make the characters believe they are in a tragedy." He goes on to say the tragedy is trivial because the characters have blown something out of proportion. Often the situation can seem like a life or death issue to the characters, which means the author may often use suspense techniques to build up that trivial tragedy.

The old adage about learning when we teach held true for me last week. I learned a lot about writing in general and especially suspense because of the WORD ACFW Chapter. Thanks to all those who made the evening so enjoyable.

Happy writing! Happy reading!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/
http://www.crossmyheartprayerteam.blogspot.com/

Christmas Gift Ideas for Writers

I love books. Step into my house, and it's obvious, because they are everywhere! And my office--oh, my! Every inch of wall not covered by windows, doors, or the huge bulletin board above my desk is filled with overflowing bookshelves. Fiction of all kinds, of course, and also evidence of my passion for books on writing. I really, really need to stop collecting every book on writing that I see! I could probably weed all of them down to a dozen favorites...though I'm always on the prowl for new titles that offer something special. And boy, have I found some great titles lately!

I recently came across two new ones that are truly excellent--both by members of ACFW.

I've come to realize that if James Scott Bell pens a book on writing, I want to be first in line at the store. His Plot & Structure and Revision & Self Editing are two titles that I'd pack if I knew I was going to be stranded on a desert isle. I can't recommend them highly enough. And now, he has come out with a third-- The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics and Exercises with perhaps the most unique approach ever--and packed with excellent information and advice. I love this book! And it's just the right size and price to be a perfect gift for my critique buddies. But shhhhh....don't tell!

The other new title that I love is The Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke, and it is absolutely packed with wonderful information for anyone who hopes to write Christian fiction, or even if s/he has a dozen books written. Reading it was like sitting down with the author and receiving an in-depth workshop in my home.

So now...I would just love to hear about your favorites!

Wishing you a blessed Christmas filled with joy for the true reason for the season, and a wonderful coming year,

Roxanne

GIMME FIVE!!!!

By Debby Giusti

Want to know the five best things that happened to me at ACFW? Is so, read on…

1. Tina Colombo, AKA Tina James! Steeple Hill’s senior editor for the Love Inspired Suspense and Love Inspired Historical line came to ACFW and was a true delight. Tina, who married this summer and thus the name change, is a beautiful, articulate, warm and endearing woman. In the sessions with Steeple Hill, she laid out the guidelines for the three Love Inspired lines and answered a myriad of questions with grace and poise. I learned so much and came away totally charmed by the lovely woman who leads the editing team for the books I write.

2. Charlene Patterson, Bethany House Editor! At dinner on Thursday, a lady slipped into the chair next to me. Wanting to get to know those I was sitting with, I asked what she wrote. Charlene Patterson smiled and said she was an editor. Of course, I apologized for not recognizing her, and then we continued to chat about the conference, books and writing in general. We had a wonderful discourse throughout our meal, and I was completely taken by her sweet sincerity. Bethany House authors have a gem in Charlene. I feel blessed to have shared the evening with her and hope we can reconnect at future ACFW functions.

3. My “other” blog is Seekerville, http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/, where 15 unpublished writers joined together for mutual support in 2005. Two years ago, we went public with the blog that now generates 6,000 visitors a month. For the first time in Seeker history, all 15 of us were together. Of course, we made the most of the conference with a Treasure Hunt for Seeker friends that will lead to a Treasure Chest of prizes in the upcoming weeks. We also met each evening to recap our conference highlights and catch up on Seeker news.

4. Friday night I returned from dinner with the Love Inspired Authors and found none other than best-selling Christian suspense author Ted Dekker in the hotel lobby surrounded by a gaggle of women. Knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I pushed my way (nicely, of course) through the crowd and asked if someone would take our picture. Ted’s a cutie. Who knew he was so young!!! I’m a fan and now even more so. He asked me which of his books I liked the best. With my love of the World War II era, I quickly answered, “Obsession.” Thanks, Ted, for making my ACFW conference experience so memorable.

5. Another ACFW joyful memory was spending more time with Pam. We sat together in a couple of workshops, shared a table at lunch and kept running into each other in the hotel. I was the one screaming the loudest when she won the Book of the Year!!! Way to go, Pam!!! We’re so proud of you!!!

I’ll be at Georgia Romance Writers’ Moonlight and Magnolia’s Conference this weekend. Hope to see some of you there!

Happy writing!!!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
www.DebbyGiusti.com
www.seekerville.blogspot.com
Watch for Debby’s December 8th release, CHRISTMAS PERIL!

Photos from ACFW

Since this is my first post here since the ACFW conference, here are some photos from the conference earlier this month. This first one was from the early bird. Almost 300 people participated in this workshop with Don Maas on Writing the Breakout Novel. It. Was. Incredible!

Seriously, if my conference had ended there, I would have still received my money's worth. If I'm not a better writer after this -- say it with me -- I'm a lazy writer!

I'm in the purple sweater, Jenny B. Jones is in front of me looking away from the camera, and fellow Hoosier Ronda Wells is next to me.

This next photo is one Dr. Richard Mabry snapped while Don Maass and I chatted a moment before his introduction. Did I mention that Robin Miller (check out the trailor for her book on her site) asked me literally two minutes ahead of time to introduce one of the most famous men in writing? Ack!

Fortunately a lady right there in the front row had both of his writing books, so I grabbed them and started talking. Seriously, who wants to hear me blather on when a man with his wisdom is in the room.

Then this is a photo of me with writing pal Tina Forkner. One of the best parts of conference is connecting with friends I usually see at conference if at all. Tina is an amazing writer and her personality is so fun! Her daughter is a year older than Abigail and a level six in gymnastics so we had fun comparing notes.

I had my camera but didn't take any pictures. Instead, I loaned my card to Mom and Janna so they could take photos. I need to email those to Janna ASAP.

So for today, I'll end with this photo: it's of my mom and Mary DeMuth. Mary is an AMAZING writer and has such a wonderful heart. She's one of those gals I wish I got to spend more time with. Some day. Until then, I'm so delighted that I got to introduce these two and hear more about Mary's memoir Thin Places. Isn't that a wonderful title -- God meets us in the Thin Places of life...

ACFW 2009

by Debby Giusti

I’ll be flying to Denver in a week for the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. While I’m excited about the workshops I’ll attend and the opportunity to hear the latest information from the various publishing professionals, the best part will be reconnecting with old friends.

The Steeple Hill authors are a close-knit supportive group I always look forward to seeing. Most of us keep in touch online throughout the year. Often we help one another when problems arise or when we need advice or encouragement.

Many of us consider our writing ministry as well as a profession so there’s a spirit of service and commitment in the group. We share like values and a common goal to provide uplifting stories for our readers. Working together with our editors, we’re dedicated to making Steeple Hill books the best they can be.

Yes, we’ll talk about our writing when we gather together, but we’ll also talk about how we can help writers seeking publication. We want to see everyone succeed. First sales are celebrated, and we always welcome new authors into our sisterhood with open arms.

If you’re targeting Steeple Hill and attending the ACFW conference, be sure to say hello! We love sharing suggestions on how to make your work shine, and we want to get to know you. Sit next to your favorite authors at lunch or in the various workshops, and even if this is your first conference, don’t be shy. We’re a friendly group and so are the other attendees. Hopefully by the end of the weekend, you’ll have a close group of friends who will support you throughout the year until we all reunite at next year’s conference.

Looking forward to seeing you in Denver!

Wishing you abundant blessings,
Debby Giusti
http://www.debbygiusti.com/
http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/

Watch for two great holiday stories this December in CHRISTMAS PERIL, featuring Merry Mayhem, by Margaret Daley, and Yule Die, by Debby Giusti.

Calming First Time Nerves

Attending a conference is nerve-wrecking.

Let’s face it, you’re taking huge risks by going.

You've invested a lot of money: registration, hotel, airfare, some meals, and other incidentals. You’ve invested who you are – by attending you’re joining the ranks of those who have moved from wanting to write, to those who have taken steps to actively chase a dream. You’re risking your heart because you’ve gone public with your dream.

Bundle that with the fact that you might not know many people and you might be pitching the book of your heart to an editor and agent, and suddenly your stress is through the roof.

It’s okay.

Sit back, take a deep breath, whisper a prayer for peace and help.

You’ll be okay.

As someone who’s been in your shoes, and helps those first-timers attending ACFW each year, I’d like to offer a bit of advice.

1) Pray, pray, pray. If God has lead you to attend ACFW or another writer’s conference, then He has a purpose and a plan for your time there. It may not be what you intend. But pray and ask for His will to be done. Ask for opportunities to serve others – nothing better to take your thoughts off your fears than to focus on others. And ask Him for peace to carry you through the days.

2) Prepare, prepare, prepare. ACFW has a conference blog that is packed with fabulous advice on everything from how to get from the conference to the hotel, where to find food for Friday’s free night, and how to get ready for that editor appointment. Take advantage of that repository of advice. Get your one-sheet ready if you have time. Polish that first chapter, and have it in your bag for appointments. Have business cards to leave with those you meet. Get your toolbox loaded and ready.

3) Research, research, research. Take the time to know what the houses you are pitching are currently publishing. How does what you write line up with that? Is it a new niche? Different from current authors? Etc. Google the editors so you can learn what you can. Same with the agents. Some of the agents have blogs. Read them. It is a wealth of information not just about the industry and their firms, but also on personality. You can tell so much from how a person writes for a blog.

4) Relax, relax, relax. ACFW, at least, is one big family. You may not think you know anyone, but you’re wrong. You’ll spend the conference giving and receiving hugs from folks you’ve met on the loop or first timers loop. Reach out to others with a smile, and they’ll be delighted to reciprocate. At my first conference, the friend and I who had driven down together grabbed a gal who was flying solo for lunch. Before conference officially began, we’d connected in a very cool way.

5) Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. By serving others you will find yourself relaxing, meeting others, and having a great time. There are so many ways to do it that don’t take much from you, but help the conference run efficiently and smoothly.

6) Rest, rest, rest. Sometimes you just have to skip a workshop because you’re brain is on overload. Or you can’t fathom the thought of another meal surrounded by people. That’s okay. Escape to your room. Put your feet up. Take a bath. Read a book. Do whatever it takes to recharge. We understand.

7) And at ACFW don’t forget the prayer room. It is open all the time, and the perfect place to escape when you’re rattled and overwhelmed.

Can’t wait to meet you in Denver!