Friday Funny: For All You Writers Who Procrastinate--Yes, You!

I confess: I procrastinate.

Anybody willing to join me?

Great Resource: My Book Therapy Ezine

In a cold, remote, Siberian apartment, Susan May Warren dreamed of writing a novel and longed for an online community of other writers. In time, Susie became an award-winning, multi-published author, but it took a bit longer for the online community she'd envisioned. Eventually, she founded a mentoring/critique service, My Book Therapy, along with award-winning author Rachel Hauck, and started an online community. The My Book Therapy community of writers is called Voices because it's the place where your inner writer finds a voice. Voices are writers who desire to connect with other writers and who want to take their craft to the next level. Now, Susie and Rachel have launched a great writing resource: Voices. The My Book Therapy Ezine, an online magazine, written by the Voices.

I can't say enough about this quarterly online magazine that blends a community of writers with informative articles on writing craft, industry, encouragement and more. You'll need to read it yourself at

Voices: The My Book Therapy Ezine

Some of the Featured Articles this month include:
--A Word of Encouragement: Stay the Course by Reba J. Hoffman, Ph. D as My Book Therapy’s prayer coordinator
--Consulting with the Specialists: Jim Rubart, a media pro and Chip MacGregor, a top agent
--Tax Tips: Hobby Loss Interpretation for Writers by Danica Favorite-McDonald
--From Author Sighting to Author Signing by Leah Morgan
--Contests, Chats, Upcoming Releases, and so much more.
Lisa Jordan, a Genesis finalist, is the editor of The My Book Therapy Ezine.

~Roxanne Sherwood

What Makes a Book a Bestseller?

“I've been bragging for over 25 years that my first New York Times bestseller was a book I copied from the U.S. Government Printing Office!”—Matthew Lesko

Authors dream about writing a bestseller. Major publishers rejected The Shack who told the author, William P. Young, his book was

• “too edgy” (religious publishers)
• "too secular" (religious publishers)
• "it has too much Jesus in it" (secular publishers)
• "too religious" (secular publishers)

And there lies the rub for many Christian authors unfettered by theological or religious stereotypes or telling a story from an original perspective.

After rejection by 26 publishers, Young and some friends self-published The Shack in 2007. Eleven thousand copies sold out in four months, fuelled entirely by word-of-mouth. The Shack became number one on the June 2008 New York Times trade paperback fiction best-seller list. And today after 7 million copies sold, The Shack remains on The New York Times paperback fiction bestseller list.

The Shack’s bestseller status surprised Christian publishers and even The New York Times. And everyone has an opinion—pro or con—about this book, including Mark Driscoll, (known as the cussing pastor), Pat Robertson (known for his argumentative opinions) and even Jay Leno (NBC removed Jay’s comments from Utube).

What Makes a Book’s Sales Snowball?

Platform? Clever marketing? Favorable Press? Timing? Story? Word of mouth?

No one really knows. If writers owned the “bestseller key,” they’d open the door to fame and wealth. Just as William P. Young was an accidental author, writing for publication is an accidental profession. Or is it?

I believe it’s the convergence of a writer’s passion, faithfulness and God’s timing.

Christianity Today's Book Awards

For two decades, the annual Christianity Today Book Awards have recognized outstanding volumes that shed light on people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission. This year, the judging process began with 472 titles submitted by 72 publishers. CT editors selected finalists in twelve categories. Click here to view the 12 winners (including two ties) and 11 notables.

The Christian Bestseller List

If you want to stay abreast each month of which Christian books rank as best sellers, click on this link. Based upon actual sales in Christian retail stores in the United States, these lists published by CBA uses CROSS:SCAN as the source for the data collection.

Coding:

• p. designates paper binding;
• c, cloth
• l, leather
• b, board
• +, tie

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Top 50 BEST SELLERS

Crazy Love, Francis Chan & Danae Yankoski, David C. Cook, p, 9781434768513; Oasis, CD, 9781598593969

Fearless, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849921391; Nelson, CD, 9780849963971

Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781591451884; ChristianAudio, CD, 9781596447370

Going Rogue, Sarah Palin, Zondervan, c, 9780061939891; HarperAudio, CD, 9780061990731

The Love Dare, Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, B&H Publishing Group, p, 9780805448856; Brilliance, CD, 9781441807410

The Love Dare Day by Day, Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, B&H Publishing Group, c, 9781433668234

The Shack, William P. Young, Windblown Media, p, 9780964729230; Oasis, CD, 9781598594195

Jesus, Light of the World, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781404187627

Shades of Blue, Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, p, 9780310266228; Zondervan, CD, 9780310324195

Forgotten God Francis Chan, David C. Cook, p, 9781434767950; Oasis, CD, 9781598595765

Imagine Your Life Without Fear, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780849920202

The Purpose of Christmas, Rick Warren, Howard (Simon & Schuster), c, 9781416559009; Simon & Schuster Audio, CD, 9780743581783

The Love Dare, Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, B&H Publishing Group, l, 9780805448658; Brilliance, CD, 9781441807410

Love and Respect, Emerson Eggerichs, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781591451877; Oasis, CD, 9781589267107

Praying God’s Word Day by Day, Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c, 9780805444209

Daily Guideposts 2010, Andrew Attaway, Ideals, c, 9780824947835

Green, Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781595542885; Oasis, CD, 9781598595796

Uncommon, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker, Tyndale, c, 9781414326818; Tyndale, CD, 9781414326832

The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Zondervan, p, 9780310276999; Zondervan, CD, 9780310247883

What in the World Is Going On?, David Jeremiah, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785228875; Oasis, CD, 9781598595666

It’s Your Time, Joel Osteen, Simon & Schuster, c, 9781439100110; Simon & Schuster Audio, CD, 9780743596855

Give this Christmas Away, Matthew West, Tyndale, c, 9781414336442

Miracles, Karen Kingsbury, FaithWords (Hachette), c, 9780446557955

The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman, Moody, p, 9781881273158; Oasis, CD, 9781589269064

Same Kind of Different as Me, Ron Hall & Denver Moore, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780849919107; Nelson, CD, 9780849963957

Game Plan for Life, Joe Gibbs, Tyndale, c, 9781414329796; Tyndale, CD, 9781414329819

2012, the Bible, and the End of the World, Mark Hitchcock, Harvest House, p, 9780736926515; Oasis, CD, 9781598597141

Jesus Lives, Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781404186958

Streams in the Desert, L.B. Cowman & Jim Reimann, Zondervan, l, 9780310285892

The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children, Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, p, 9780736920865

A Lineage of Grace, Francine Rivers, Tyndale, p, 9780842356329; Oasis, CD, 9781589266452

Voices of the Faithful 2, Beth Moore & Kim Davis, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849920714; Oasis, Mp3, 9781598596441

90 Minutes in Heaven, Don Piper & Cecil Murphey, Revell (Baker), p, 9780800759490; Baker, CD, 9780800744366

Wild at Heart, John Eldredge, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780785287964; Oasis, CD, 9781589263703

Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World David Jeremiah, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849919626; Oasis, CD, 9781598596472

The Jesus You Can’t Ignore John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781400202065; Nelson, CD, 9781400202287

The Magnificent Obsession, Anne Graham Lotz, Zondervan, c, 9780310262886; Zondervan, CD, 9780310289036

Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780785289098; Oasis, CD, 9781589268555

The Noticer, Andy Andrews, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785229216; Nelson, CD, 9780785229230

Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers, Multnomah (WaterBrook), p, 9781590525135

What God Wants for Christmas Family Life, FamilyLife Publishing, bx, 9781572299313

What Difference Do It Make? Ron Hall & Denver Moore, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849920196

The Glory of Christmas, Max Lucado & Charles Swindoll, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781404187597

The Power of a Praying Wife, Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, p, 9780736919241; Harvest House, CD, 9780736919869

The Beginner’s Bible, Zondervan, c, 9780310709626

The Hole in Our Gospel Richard Stearns, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785229186; ChristianAudio, CD, 9781596440272

The Beginner’s Bible With Bible, Zondervan, *, 9780310718574 Cover Pack Ltd. Edition

The Missing, Beverly Lewis, Bethany House (Baker), p, 9780764205729; Oasis, CD, 9781598596243

Fathered by God, John Eldredge, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781400280278; Oasis, CD, 9781598596854 The Bible Promise Book KJV Barbour, l, 9780916441432

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Christian Living BEST SELLERS

Crazy Love, Francis Chan & Danae Yankoski, David C. Cook, p, 9781434768513

Fearless, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849921391

The Love Dare Day by Day, Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, B&H Publishing Group, c, 9781433668234

Forgotten God, Francis Chan, David C. Cook, p, 9781434767950

Imagine Your Life Without Fear, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780849920202

Love and Respect, Emerson Eggerichs, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781591451877

The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, Zondervan, p, 9780310276999

The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman, Moody, p, 9781881273158

The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children, Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, p, 9780736920865

Wild at Heart, John Eldredge, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780785287964

Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World, David Jeremiah, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849919626

The Jesus You Can’t Ignore, John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781400202065

The Magnificent Obsession, Anne Graham Lotz, Zondervan, c, 9780310262886

Captivating, John & Stasi Eldredge, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780785289098

The Power of a Praying Wife, Stormie Omartian, Harvest House, p, 9780736919241

The Hole in Our Gospel, Richard Stearns, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785229186

Fathered by God, John Eldredge, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781400280278

Prayers That Rout Demons, John Eckhardt, Charisma (Strang), p, 9781599792460

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, Donald Miller, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785213062

Praying God’s Word, Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, p, 9780805464337

Heaven, Randy Alcorn, Tyndale, c, 9780842379427

Fasting, Jentezen Franklin, Charisma (Strang), c, 9781599792583

Fear Not Promise Book, Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781404187757

You Were Born for This Bruce Wilkinson, WaterBrook, c, 9781601421821

Believing God Day By Day, Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c, 9780805447989

3:16 Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849901935

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God, Charles Stanley, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781400200924

Have a New Husband by Friday, Kevin Leman, Revell (Baker), c, 9780800719128

Have a New Kid by Friday, Kevin Leman, Revell (Baker), c, 9780800719029

Love and War, John Eldredge & Stasi Eldredge, Random House, c, 9780385529808 CHRISTIAN LIVING

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Fiction BEST SELLERS

The Shackm William P. Young, Windblown Media, p, 9780964729230

Shades of Blue, Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, p, 9780310266228

Green, Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781595542885

A Lineage of Grace, Francine Rivers, Tyndale, p, 9780842356329

Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers, Multnomah (WaterBrook), p, 9781590525135

The Missing, Beverly Lewis, Bethany House (Baker), p, 9780764205729

An Amish Christmas, Beth Wiseman & Kathleen Fuller, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781595548214

Intervention, Terri Blackstock, Zondervan, p, 9780310250654

Take Two, Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, p, 9780310266174

The Secret, Beverly Lewis, Bethany House (Baker), p, 9780764205712

The Sound of Sleigh Bells, Cindy Woodsmall, WaterBrook, c, 9780307446534

Burn, Ted Dekker & Erin Healy, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781595544711

White Christmas Pie, Wanda Brunstetter, Barbour, p, 9781597899376

Kelly’s Chance, Wanda Brunstetter, Barbour, p, 9781602608900

Take One, Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, p, 9780310266167

Kiss, Ted Dekker & Erin Healy, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781595548191

The Silent Gift, Michael Landon & Cindy Kelley, Bethany House (Baker), p, 9780764203633

The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis, Zondervan, p, 9780060652937

Plain, Pursuit Beth Wiseman, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781595547194

The Inheritance, Tamera Alexander, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781595546326

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Inspirational/General Interest BEST SELLERS

Jesus Calling, Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781591451884

Going Rogue, Sarah Palin, Zondervan, c, 9780061939891

The Love Dare, Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, B&H Publishing Group, p, 9780805448856

Jesus, Light of the World, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781404187627

The Purpose of Christmas, Rick Warren, Howard (Simon & Schuster), c, 9781416559009

The Love Dare, Stephen Kendrick & Alex Kendrick, B&H Publishing Group, l, 9780805448658

Praying God’s Word Day by Day, Beth Moore, B&H Publishing Group, c, 9780805444209

Daily Guideposts 2010, Andrew Attaway, Ideals, c, 9780824947835

Uncommon, Tony Dungy & Nathan Whitaker, Tyndale, c, 9781414326818

It’s Your Time, Joel Osteen, Simon & Schuster, c, 9781439100110

Give this Christmas Away, Matthew West, Tyndale, c, 9781414336442

Miracles, Karen Kingsbury, FaithWords (Hachette), c, 9780446557955

Same Kind of Different as Me, Ron Hall & Denver Moore, Thomas Nelson, p, 9780849919107

Game Plan for Life, Joe Gibbs, Tyndale, c, 9781414329796

Jesus Lives, Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781404186958

Streams in the Desert, L.B. Cowman & Jim Reimann, Zondervan, l, 9780310285892

Voices of the Faithful 2, Beth Moore & Kim Davis, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849920714

90 Minutes in Heaven, Don Piper & Cecil Murphey, Revell (Baker), p, 9780800759490

The Noticer, Andy Andrews, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785229216

What Difference Do It Make? Ron Hall & Denver Moore, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780849920196

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Children’s BEST SELLERS

The Beginner’s Bible, Zondervan, c, 9780310709626

The Beginner’s Bible With Bible, Zondervan, *, 9780310718574 Cover Pack Ltd. Edition

Read and Share Toddler Bible, Gwen Ellis, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781400314645

O Little Town of Bethlehem Ron, Berry, Ideals, b, 9780824965662

The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones, Zonderkidz, c, 9780310708254

Read With Me Bible, Zonderkidz, c, 9780310920083

The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree, Stan Berenstain & Jan Berenstain, Zondervan, c, 9780310719403

The Legend of the Candy Cane, Lori Walburg, Zondervan, c, 9780310212478

Read and Share the Story of Christmas, Gwen Ellis, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781400314683

I Am Not Afraid, VeggieTales & Big Idea, Thomas Nelson, b, 9781400311583

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Young Adult BEST SELLERS

God Girl, Hayley DiMarco, Revell (Baker), c, 9780800719401

Do Hard Things, Alex & Brett Harris, Multnomah (WaterBrook), c, 9781601421128

God Guy Michael DiMarco, Revell (Baker), c, 9780800719418

Lies Young Women Believe, Nancy DeMoss & Dannah Gresh, Moody, p, 9780802472946

Redefining Beautiful, Jenna Lucado & Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781400314287

The One Year Book of Josh McDowell’s, Josh McDowell & Bob Hostetler, Tyndale, p, 9780842343015 Youth Devotions

Chaos, Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781595543721

The One Year Book of Devotions for Teens, Susie Shellenberger, Tyndale, p, 9780842362023

Guys Are Waffles Girls Are Spaghetti, Chad Eastham & Bill Farrel, Thomas Nelson, p, 9781400315161

Chosen, Ted Dekker, Thomas Nelson, c, 9781595543592

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Biblical Studies/Theology/Ministry BEST SELLERS

What in the World Is Going On? David Jeremiah, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785228875

2012, the Bible, and the End of the World, Mark Hitchcock, Harvest House, p, 9780736926515

What God Wants for Christmas Family Life, FamilyLife Publishing, bx, 9781572299313

Macarthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785250661

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, B&H Publishing Group, c, 9780805428360

The Bare Bones Bible Handbook, Jim George, Harvest House, p, 9780736916547

Sparkling Gems From the Greek, Rick Renner, Teach All Nations, c, 9780972545426 New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance James Strong, Thomas Nelson, c, 9780785260967 of the Bible Super Saver

God Sightings: Learning to Experience God Every Day, Group Publishing, p, 9780764439254

More Than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell, Tyndale, p, 9781414326276

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Children’s Bibles BEST SELLERS

Adventure Bible Revised (NIV) Zondervan

Adventure Bible for Early Readers (NRV) Zondervan

Teen Study Bible Revised Edition (NIV) Zondervan

Revolution the Bible for Teen Guys (NIV) Zondervan

True Images the Bible for Teen Girls Updated Edition (NIV) Zondervan

FEBRUARY 2010 CBA Study Bibles/Speciality Bibles BEST SELLERS

Every Day With Jesus Bible (CSB) B&H Publishing Group

Chronological Study Bible (NKJ) Thomas Nelson

Study Bible (ESV) Crossway

Life Application Study Bible Revised (NIV) Zondervan

God Sightings the One Year Bible (NLT) Tyndale

Daily Bible in Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings (NIV) Harvest House

God Sightings the One Year Bible (NIV) Tyndale

Study Bible (KJV) Thomas Nelson

Life Application Study Bible (NLT) Tyndale

Personal Size Giant Print Reference Bible (KJV) Thomas Nelson

A "Friday Funny" for all the editors out there!

Video: Writing Advice from Stephen King

Master storyteller Stephen King offers advice to beginning writers at Yale University.

The Miracle of Story

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.”—C.S. Lewis

I'm considering moving to the dark side—writing fiction. (That's a joke, precious fiction writers.)

I ordered six books to inhale. I started reading all six. The one that grabbed me most? The book Story by famed teacher Robert McKee, who some believe teaches the world's ultimate writing class for screenwriters and novelists. His students have won or been nominated for:

• 32 Academy Awards, 106+ nominations
• 168 Emmy Awards, 500+ nominations
• 21 Writers Guild Awards, 77+ nominations
• 17 Directors Guild Awards, 48+ nominations.

Story is about principles, not rules. A rule says, "You must do it this way." A principle says, "This works ...and has through all remembered time."

• Anxious, inexperienced writers obey the rules.
• Rebellious, unschooled writers break the rules.
• Artists master the form.

Story is about archetypes, not stereotypes.

• The archetypal story unearths a universally human experience then wraps itself inside a unique, culture-specific expression.
• A stereotypical story reverses this pattern: It suffers a poverty of both content and form. It confines itself to a narrow, culture-specific experience, dresses in stale, nonspecific generalities.

Story is about thoroughness, not shortcuts.

• Brevity takes time to write.
• Excellence means perseverance.

Story is about realities, not the mysteries of writing.

• The "secrets" of writing a story are as public as the library down the street.
• Writing story looks deceptively easy. Determination and study reveals the writing puzzle.

Story is about respect, not disdain, for the audience.

• Stand in awe of the audience's capacity for response.
• Filmgoers/readers open to the storyteller in ways even their lovers never know, welcoming laughter, tears, terror, rage, compassion, passion, love hate.

Story is about originality, not duplication.

• Never mistake eccentricity for originality.
• What is originality? The confluence of content (setting, characters, ideas) and form (selection and arrangement of events), that inspires and mutually influences one another.
• The intellectual and emotional spirit of your story evolves as you rework it.

Add to your To Be Read Pile with recommended books for writers

Most writers I know love to read.
We also love to read about writing. It's one way we hone our craft.
OnlineUniversities.com compiled a list: 75 Books Every Writer Should Read.
Here are a few they recommend:

• Word Painting: A Guide to Writing More Descriptively by Rebecca McClanahan
• Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell
• The Faith of a Writer: Life, Craft, Art by Joyce Carol Oates
• The Artful Edit: On the Practice of Editing Yourself by Susan Bell
• The Pen Commandments: A Guide for the Beginning Writer by Steven Franks
• How to Grow a Novel: The Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them by Sol Stein
• How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card
• Keeping a Journal You Love by Sheila Bender
• The Right to Write: An Invitation an Initiation into the Writing Life by Julia Cameron

I definitely have a few of the books on my shelves already, but I can see I am going to be adding to my To Be Read Pile.
What about you? How many of these books have you read? Which ones do you endorse?

Branding Yourself

Natalie Hanemann, a senior editor at Thomas Nelson, said on the My Book Therapy blog, “My suggestion to the writers is to know your brand. That is, be able to say, no matter how many novels I write, they’ll always have these same elements – or more accurately be able to say to the reader, no matter how many novels you buy, you’ll consistently have this same emotional experience.”

Best-selling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble writes of three elements common in all in her stories. In each one, you’ll find a strong heroine, a refreshing setting, and an unusual animal. But the promise Colleen makes her readers is to give them a compelling story of suspense.

Early in her career, Brandilyn Collins published both suspense novels and women's fiction. Her publisher told her to choose one genre, and she became queen of "seat belt" suspense.

Of course, there are authors who are successfully published in multiple genres. But no one knows if they'd have more success if they'd concentrated on only one.

Readers buy books from their favorite authors because they’ve come to know what to expect. When mega best-selling romance author, Nora Roberts, began writing futuristic police procedural novels, she published them under the pen name, J.D. Robb. Roberts didn’t reveal her identity as Robb until the 12th book in the series was published.

Writer Bob Younce suggests, "Branding flows naturally from voice and vision."

An agent asked her client who writes romantic suspense to consider writing an Amish romance because the market is hot. The author resisted. As much as she'd like another sale, she doesn't want to become branded as an Amish romance author. Her voice and vision guide her into write novels of suspense.

Hanemann said, “Once you know your brand, compile a list of three comparable authors in the marketplace WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL (don’t say Stephanie Meyer or J.K. Rowling). Be able to name what makes you distinct from them.”

Did you abandon your historical when the market turned flat? Did you write Chick Lit when it was hot? Historicals are selling but no one will touch Chick Lit today. You can't let what's selling now determine what you write.

Here are a few things to consider when determining your brand:
--Above all, write a good book. Strong writing sells.
--Decide how your writing compares or differs from published authors.
--Discover what's unique about your writing.
--Consider what audience you're writing for.
--Form a coherent vision.

If you're having trouble deciding on a brand based on your current manuscripts, look at future story ideas. Discover themes that resonate with you.

Finally, sum up your brand in under ten words.

After extensive research, author Camy Tang discovered she is the only one writing Christian romance and romantic suspense with Asian American characters. So that's her brand.

What's your brand?

~ Roxanne Sherwood

How Writer's Conferences Resemble Speed Dating

Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
catch me a catch
Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match
Night after night in the dark I'm alone
So find me match,
Of my own.
—Lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof

Attending a writer’s conference is one big speed dating party. It’s an organized form of matchmaking focusing on meeting a lot of editors and agents in a short period of time. Most writer’s conference events include short fifteen-minute ‘dates.’ Armed with a nametag, writer’s conference notebook, pitch sheets, and their sparkling personalities, writers pair up to an editor or agent to begin their first date for a face-to-face conversation.

After fifteen minutes, each writer plays musical chairs, moving on to meet his or her next date. Following each date, editors or agents decide whether they’re interested in talking with the writer again. If a writer and editor connect, the publishing professional provides the lucky writer with their contact information.

For many writers tired of receiving those dreaded rejection letters, writers conferences offer 'at-the-beginning-or-end-of-their-rope' writers a thin thread of hope. Writers yearn for a faster, less painful path to a lasting relationship.

A writer’s conference allows writers to:

• Throw caution and their hearts to the wind, hoping to find the perfect match—someone to fall in love with their writing.
• Enter the fast-paced world of speed writer dating, where they can meet up to ten publishing representatives in one place.
• Sign up for three or four 15-minute dates.
• Rotate around the room to meet and greet as many editors and agents as possible.
• Give their 90-second ‘get to know me and my writing, are you feeling the love?’ spiel.
• Trade business cards with hopes of an invitation to follow-up and establish a long or even short-term publishing relationship.
• Rub shoulders with other lonely, understanding writers looking for Mr. or Ms. Right Publisher.
• Meet—with no strings attached—other publishing professionals exhausted of the writer dating dance but still looking.

Are you an unpublished and an over 50 cougar? Never give up. It’s never too late to pursue your writing dreams. Attend a writing conference. You may find an editor who finds your writing attractive and falls in love with your manuscript.

S.M.A.R.T. Goals

Welcome back to The Writing Road as we celebrate a new year!
That's 365 days bursting with possibilities. And a fresh start is a chance to make resolutions and achieve new goals. If past failure has kept you from making resolutions this year, banish those negative thoughts. You don't need to walk in discouragement or despair any longer. God has already taken care of that.

God's mercies are new every morning!
"The LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lam. 3:22-23)

Get S.M.A.R.T.
You may shake off any self-defeating attitudes, but how can you ensure success in 2010? First, be S.M.A.R.T. when setting goals. Make sure your goals are:

*Specific
*Measurable
*Attainable
*Realistic
*Time-Bound

You've written down your goals, right? After all, you are a writer.

Quotes on goals:
A goal without a plan is just a wish. ~ Larry Elder

A goal is a dream with a deadline. ~ Napoleon Hill

Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.~ Tom Landry

Good news:
Word counts, page counts, deadlines, contest submissions, agent/editor contacts are all quantifiable and can all easily become S.M.A.R.T. goals.

Let's hear your New Year's resolutions? What do you hope to accomplish in 2010? What's your plan to get there? Leave a comment and I'll put your name in for a drawing for a cute little notebook.

~Roxanne Sherwood

The cross. A symbol of fashion, fad or faith?

"Christianity is a religion founded on the mystery of the cross of Christ." —Leo the Great, Pope from September 29, 440 to 10 November 10, 461

Book Review: The Mystery of the Cross: Bringing Ancient Christian Images to Life

Author: Judith Couchman

Paperback: 227 pages

Publisher: Intervarsity Press

ISBN-10: 0830835393/ISBN-13: 978-0830835393

The cross. What does it mean to you? A symbol of fashion, fad or faith?

Occasionally, I read a Christian book that grabs my interest and my heart. I confess…the majority of modern-day, nonfiction Christian books recycle the same old yadda, yadda, yadda making me question, “Have I become a skeptic regarding the profoundness of today’s Christian literature?”

Then a book comes along that offers a refreshing and authentic look at faith, provokes deeper thought and prompts tears from deep within. The Mystery of the Cross: Bringing Ancient Christian Images to Life by Judith Couchman provided to me one of those rare reading experiences that engaged my biblical, artistic and historical inquisitiveness, spiritual intellect and emotional core.

Couchman deftly weaves forty art images of the cross and little known historical facts with biblical passages. The spiritual insights, like a quiet beckoning, intertwines with the reader’s heart to investigate not only the meaning of the crosses we carry in our lives, but the cross carried by Jesus and Christ followers in bygone times.

It’s rare that a writer can turn factual information and antiquated artifacts into penetrating spiritual insights that pierce the heart. Drawing upon a vast array of resources, Judith steps outside the common Christian reference material. The author traces the enigma of the cross’s appearance in pre-Christian times, other cultures and religions. Yet she skillfully transports the mystery of the cross back to how the cross imprinted ancient Christians and our lives today. A master writer, Judith’s command of research, vocabulary and spiritual depth enhances an intriguing read, plus the reader’s takeaway—factually, artistically, theologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many of her stomach-grabber meditations compelled me to stop to reflect upon the truths fleshed out. Yet I felt a delightful tension and curiosity urging me to continue reading until I’d consumed the last page.

The book also includes the award-winning artist Anne Elhajoui’s delicate line drawings, a classy interior book design, and notes for each chapter. My only wish for this book? More pictures or illustrations of the artifacts described. Readers can also access a free, downloadable study guide.

Judith writes, “The forty short chapters can be read for art appreciation, historical information, personal meditation, spiritual formation, small-group discussion, Lenten observation, or worship insights.” The Mystery of the Cross: Bringing Ancient Christian Images to Life invites readers to delve into the mystery of a deeper walk in their faith journey with Christ.

This book, an enriching addition any devotional library, is not another fashion or fad book—it’s designed to become a classic.

Read the introduction.

Read an excerpt The Mystery of the Megolith.

Author Bio

Judith Couchman is an author, speaker, writing coach, and art history instructor. She's published more than 40 books, workbooks, and compilations. Her books cover topics as diverse as discovering your purpose, shaping the soul, thriving in difficult times, body image, art history, church history, flower gardening, and breadmaking. Judith presents seminars based on her books and serves as a writing coach for people who want to publish nonfiction.

Judith also teaches art history courses as a part-time instructor for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Judith holds a B.S. in education (English and journalism), an M.A. in journalism, and an M.A. in art history. She lives in Colorado. Visit Judith's blog and website.

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Table of Contents

Part One: Ancient Echoes of Christ: The Cross in Pre-Christian Times

1. The Mystery of the Megalith

2. Egyptian Signs of Life

3. The Healing Cross

4. Ugly Roman Power Symbols

Part Two: The Pain and the Glory: The Cross and the Suffering Savior

5. Shouldering the Cross

6. The Garden and Golgotha

7. Inscription Insights

8. The Man of Sorrows

9. Descent from the Cross

Part Three: Early Signs of Faith: The Cross and the First Believers

10. Crucified with Christ

11. The Everywhere Cross

12. Graffiti Marks and Mocks

13. The Sign of Jonah

14. The Outstretched Hands

15. Signs of the Cross

16. The Absent Crucifixion

Part Four: The Great Conversion: The Cross and Early Religious Freedom

17. The Emperor’s Vision

18. Searching for the Real Thing

19. A Cross in the Desert

20. The Missionary Cross

21. Becoming More Christian

Part Five: Daily Signs of Salvation: The Cross in Ancient Everyday Life

22. A Cross for the Darkness

23. Hoping for the Cross

24. Fear No Evil

25. The Trustworthy Standard

26. Coins for the Kingdom

Part Six: Ways to Worship: The Cross in Early Church Life

27. Walking the Cross

28. Follow Me

29. The Cross and the Water

30. Breaking the Bread

31. Take This Cup

32. Decorating the Sacred

33. The Iconoclastic Cross

Part Seven: Enduring Mysteries: The Cross and Its Eternal Power

34. Pilgrims of the Cross

35. The Ecumenical Cross

36. Desperately Seeking Sanctuary

37. Hearts Up

38. The Veiled Cross

39. The Eternal Kingdom

40. To Rise Again

A free copy of this book was provided to the reviewer.