When writing devotions for children, the challenge is to keep them kid-friendly while addressing a variety of spiritual topics. A picture book can zero in on one theme or concept and use 24 + pages to develop the lesson. In devotional books, however, the writer has only one or two pages to develop a complete message.
Month: November 2013
This is our archive pageSnow Angel of A Log Cabin Christmas Collection by Margaret Brownley
An unusual Texas snowstorm traps schoolteacher Maddie Parker in her dilapidated log schoolhouse along with her nemesis Sheriff Brad Donovan and three of her most challenging students. Will a snowbound Christmas be just the thing to bring hope and forgiveness to the entire town? About the Author: Margaret Brownley is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels to her credit including her newly released Gunpowder Tea, and a non-fiction book. Look for her work in the following collections: A Bride for All Seasons, A Log Cabin Christmas and A Pioneer Christmas. Not bad…
How to make our days shine
“Oh, sweet friend,” I said in an email to my dearest friend from my college years, “I’ll be attending a fancy gala soon. And if you find any fancy gowns in your shopping ventures in my size, let me know. Little time for me to shop these days.” As is her nature, she went to action. She researched and sent me links to dresses she chose according to my color and size. Then she wrote, “I found great bargains for gorgeous dresses. And I found other items that I’m sending too. I know they will look great on you. They’re…
The Aching and Powerful Fragility and Strength of Memory
It is poignantly fitting that National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month occurs in the same month as one of our most memorable holidays – Thanksgiving Day. Alzheimer’s is a disease that robs people of their memories. Thanksgiving Day is an occasion when people gather to celebrate, give thanks, and weave conversation from past to present to future memories. Photos, videos, and audio recordings will be made during the festivities. And some of these will make their way sometime in the future into the lap of someone who once participated and remembered, but now needs to be gently coaxed to even recognize the…
Tips from the Pros: MaryAnn Diorio
Almost-Thanksgiving greetings from Marti Pieper, posting today from Sevierville, Tenn. and the National Bible Bee. Through the magic of the Internet, author MaryAnn Diorio and I were able to set up today's interview in advance. I'm thankful to have met MaryAnn in person when we both taught at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. She has some wise words to share, so without further ado, enjoy our Q & A session. MaryAnn, how did you get into writing? How many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles? I've been writing since I was a young…
WRITERS WHO SPEAK – SPEAKER DO’S AND DON’TS (Part 2)
Golden Keyes Parsons here in Central Texas where the leaves are just beginning to turn and fall. We don’t have near the beautiful color in our trees as in New England or the Rockies where the aspen turn the mountains to gold, but every now and then one will see a tree showing off its color. It is also a popular season for retreats and luncheons, so let’s continue with our Speaker Do’s and Don’ts. We discussed five last time: 1. DO speak on your passion. 2. DO speak to the listener’s heart. 3. DO be aware of the doctrine…
NEW RELEASE–Sept. 2013, A Pony Express Christmas by Margaret Brownley
Stranded alone in the Nebraska Territory with a broken wagon and two stubborn mules, Ellie-May Newman has no way to continue searching for her twin brother along the deserted Pony Express route or of returning home to Iowa. Could a man on the verge of being hung be the answer to her prayer? About the Author: Margaret Brownley is a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 novels to her credit including her newly released Gunpowder Tea, and a non-fiction book. Look for her work in the following recently released collections: A Bride for All Seasons, A Log…
Backstory Is a Whole Other Story
Hi, Dave Fessenden here with some thoughts on writing for this Friday blog. I am experienced in nonfiction—I wrote a book on the subject, in fact—but when it comes to fiction, I still have a lot to learn. My first novel is coming out this month (The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy), and though I’m getting a lot of good reviews, I am not sure I’m ready to teach about fiction. With that disclaimer, let me share an observation I had when reviewing a potential client’s fiction manuscript.
Tips from the pros: Margaret Brownley
Hello from Colorado's Front Range where temperatures are dipping and hopes are rising. Davalynn Spencer here with Margaret Brownley who writes about Love and Laughter in the Old West. Margaret, how did you get into writing? I wrote my first book in fifth grade but because of several setbacks (including my eighth-grade English teacher flunking me) I didn’t write seriously until my children were in middle school.
Bookmarks and Postcards for Marketing
Aloha from Karen I love having bookmarks for my books. They make great little gifts and also promote books. It’s great to add more than a book title and even better to team up with others for some bookmarks.Bookmarks can hold an amazing amount of information. CAN creates bookmarks of the next year’s book releases from members. We recently created three to showcase 70 releases coming in 2014.
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