The Write to Expire

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The first day of the writer’s conference, my daughters and I crowded onto the elevator with several other conferees making their way to the morning keynote session. Fifteen-year-old Holly and 17-year-old Leilani were the only teen attendees that year. “I just love to see expiring new writers,” spoke up an elderly lady. She nodded and smiled at my daughters. Of course, she meant to say aspiring. Not expiring. I think. Quick-witted Holly didn’t miss a beat. “You must mean my mom.” During the process of writing 29 of my own books and many titles for clients in addition to countless…

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A Little Something for Everyone!

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Hi there, Canners! Take a look at this retreat opportunity, writer’s conference, and a new series to anticipate! From Author Ynonne Ortega: Registration has begun for the Moving from Broken to Beautiful® Women’s Retreat October 19–21 at the Springhill Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront. All rooms are oceanfront, and so is the conference room. Great prices for the room and registration. Go to www.yvonneortega.com/store/ Also, Yvonne has a TV interview on NiteLine on February 28 and one on Time for Hope on March 1, 2018. She hopes to see a lot of SC friends at that time. Sounds like some fun opportunities if you live in the…

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Happy Anniversary to You!

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  Dianne Neal Matthews here, writing from Salt Lake City. Although I’m posting this on the second Monday of July, I actually began writing it on a very special day—the last Friday in June. At the time, my husband and I were starting out on our weekend trip to celebrate our 38th anniversary. Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking…

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Ready for Whatever

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Hello from Jeanette. This time next week I’m be on my way to the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. I am taking a big step this year. For the first time ever, I am not pre-submitting any manuscripts or packing proposals to pitch. I am literally just going to learn and seek God’s direction. The other night, the idea of doing this felt scary. It seemed irresponsible in a way. Now, however, I see my choice as very responsible, because I am doing what God has been nudging me to do.

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Sticking to the Plan

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Happy Monday from Jeanette. I’m finally getting caught up after the Mount Hermon Writers Conference. This year I didn’t come home nearly as exhausted as I have in the past. Knowing that I could not afford to return to my family completely wiped out, I made up my mind to pace myself. And this time I actually did it.

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Starting Places for Greater Creativity

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Hello! Jan here hoping to generate some freshness into not only our nonfiction writing, but also our speaking. Today is the Friday before Valentine’s Day. My childhood memories create a picture of schoolchildren across the country stuffing decorated boxes with sentiments and enjoying cupcakes with red sprinkles and candy hearts. What does that have to do with writing and speaking? Starting places for infusing very needed freshness into what we do . . .

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