Tips from the Pros: Twila Belk

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Almost six years ago, I had the privilege of meeting the wonderful Twila Belk and her partner in crime, Cecil Murphey, at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Orlando. Since then, I've come to count both Twila and Cec as good friends. That's why I'm delighted to introduce Cec's much-maligned sidekick to you today. Not only does Twila serve as Cec's manager, protector, and as Cec would say, "mother," but she is a talented speaker, writer, and the “GottaTellSomebody Gal.”  She was also brave enough to invite me to teach at my first writer's conference in 2009. So without…

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Tips from the Pros: MaryAnn Diorio

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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…

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Tips from the Pros: Crystal Bowman

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A warm greeting from sunny Florida, where fall means cooler days, shorter nights, and (as my teenage daughters say), choosing the flip-flops with the wider straps. Today, I have the privilege of sharing an interview with fellow Florida author Crystal Bowman. I first met Crystal when we taught together at the Florida Christian Writers Conference, and I’m delighted to share her words of wisdom today. How did you get into writing, Crystal?                                 I started writing when I was 10 years old. I loved writing…

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Tips from the Pros: Davalynn Spencer

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Greetings from historic Philadelphia, where I’m teaching “WannaBe Published,” a continuing session, at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. I always enjoy spending time with other writers, and this conference is dear to my heart. Every month, Davalynn Spencer, Sarah Sundin, and I alternate in posting interviews with our fellow CAN authors for this “Tips from the Pros” feature. So I take special delight in sharing the following interview with Davalynn. She has some creative answers and insights to share that I know you’ll enjoy. Welcome to the other side of the interview desk, Davalynn. How did you get into…

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What to do when facing injustice

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How do you put into words the devastation that leaves you numb? As writers, we need to possess the ability to express the deepest pain, the biggest joy, and the most complicated emotions. I tried that. But the effort nearly drained me.

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Tips from the Pros: Angela Breidenbach

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I don't see a sign of April showers here in Florida, but Angela Breidenbach, today's featured author, may be watching out for snow showers in her Montana home. She and I became acquainted a few years ago when we both taught at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference, and our paths have crossed in several professional ways since. I'm thrilled to introduce Angie and her newest book, which released April 1, to our CAN audience!  How did you get into writing, Angie?                                  I started my…

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Tips from the Pros: Karen Whiting

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Greetings from Sarah Sundin! This interview is especially fun for me, because Karen Whiting got me started doing these interviews on the CAN blog and coached me through many posts. Finally it’s her turn to be interviewed! Not only is Karen a multi-published author of various nonfiction books, including devotionals and children’s books, but she’s a valuable CAN board member, currently serving as our treasurer. I’ve benefitted from her wisdom and humor and heart in our e-friendship, and I know you’ll enjoy what she has to share with us today. Karen, how did you get into writing? For many years people…

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Tips from the Pros: Sarah Sundin

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 Hello, I’m Mildred Colvin. I’ve come to interview Sarah Sundin, who has written a series of historical novels set in the 1940s. Sarah received a degree in chemistry from UCLA and a doctorate in pharmacy from UC San Francisco. She lives in northern California with her husband, three children, an antisocial cat, and a very social Labrador. She works on-call as a hospital pharmacist, teaches Sunday school to fourth and fifth graders, and teaches women's Bible studies. She is a member of Diablo Valley Christian Writers' Group and American Christian Fiction Writers. Her first novel, A DISTANT MELODY, will be released…

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Tips from the Pros: Jocelyn Green

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Merry Christmas! I'm Mildred Colvin and I've come to talk with Jocelyn Green who has written a devotional to encourage military wives. A most worthy project! Grab a peanut butter ball (one of my family's favorite Christmas candies) and enjoy a visit with this busy author. I know she's busy because she has small children. LOL  Hi, Jocelyn, we'll begin with our first question.

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Tips from the Pros: Winnie Griggs

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I recently finished a book titled The Hand-Me-Down Family by Winnie Griggs. I love mail-order bride stories, and with the Beauty and the Beast theme, the kids, the hero and heroine's growth toward resolving some long-standing struggles in their lives, and their developing love for each other, this book  makes for a great read. Today, I'm privileged to interview the author, Winnie Griggs.   Can you tell us, Winnie, how did you get into writing?  I’ve dabbled with writing ever since I was an adolescent.  It wasn’t until my kids were all in school and I got my first home…

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