>Only 73 days until the 2008 ACFW Conference kicks off in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This will be my third time to go, and rather than wax dramatica about the life-changing moments I experienced the last two years, I did an informal survey (meaning non-scientific) of a few ACFW friends to get their thoughts about what makes this conference the one to …
>Two “Cool” Sites for Authors
> It’s here! The Christian Fiction Online e-zine! The brain child of Bonnie Calhoun at CFBA, Michelle Hutchinson Sutton is the editor of the newest, grooviest place to read about your favorite authors and catch the latest industy buzz from a huge line-up of authors, editors, agents, and other industry professionals. Click on the magazine cover above to take you …
>WRITING SALMAGUNDI
>I’ve not posted anything about writing in a while. You might even say it’s been eerily quiet here at the café when it comes to talking about craft or creative endeavors. Two reasons for that: 1) I’ve been busy writing (hallelujah!) 2) I’ve been so busy writing, I’ve let all those great “blog” ideas slither on by without taking the …
>EXCELLENCE: This One’s For You, Simon
>I’m feeling a bit metaphorical today. Not sure if it’s because I’ve been keeping up with my daily word count or because spring has finally arrived. Whatever the case, please hear me out. The metaphor for today: Writing a novel is like watching your favorite installment of American Idol. I’m a semi-Idol fan. I know enough to know who’s in …
>SETTING AS INSPIRATION
>I’m reading an incredible book right now. Trouble The Water by Nicole Seitz (see previous entry on this blog). It’s rich setting is the South Carolina Lowcountry, and through Nicole’s magical writing, I can taste the salt in the sea breezes and feel the grit of the sand on my feet. Her story comes from personal experience with the setting. …
>2008 ACFW Genesis Finalists
> Yesterday, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) announced the 2008 Genesis Finalists—a full week ahead of schedule, thanks to the magnificent efforts of contest coordinator, Camy Tang, and her very capable crew. If you scroll all the way to the bottom, you will find that I have a particular reason for this post. Yes, I am, by divine grace, a …
>Meet Singing Artist SALLY KLEIN O’CONNOR
>I talk a lot about books here at the Café, and with good reason. I love to read. I’m a writer. Words make my heart throb. An original, fresh metaphor lingers in my mind for hours. And when I capture just the right word or phrase for my own prose, I can float for an entire day. I have a …
>MOUNT HERMON – Part Two
>It’s hard not to feel the majesty of God at Mount Hermon. Ramrod straight redwoods stretch beyond the clouds. Branches laden with cherry blossoms reach out like welcoming arms. Daffodils and ferns spring at will from the spongy forest floor. There’s also a cross at the top of Mount Hermon (a 30 minute trek, I’m told), and I’m sure that …
>MOUNT HERMON – Part One
> I’ve just returned from my first (and God willing, not my last) Mount Hermon Writers Conference. I promised to share a full report, and before I left, I envisioned that I would give you a day-by-day recap of what happened there. Now, as I sit before my computer, weary, yet brimming with inspiration, I find myself inadequate of describing …
>MOUNT HERMON Christian Writers Conference
>On Thursday, my savvy and very cool critique partner, Myra Johnson, and I will be heading to Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference near Santa Cruz, California. Oh my. It feels like a dream come true—five glorious days and nights with four hundred writers pursuing our craft, laughing, learning, and hanging out. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of …