• ACFW Conference:


    Okay, the ACFW conference rocked. Did you go? Have you heard about it? Maybe heard more than you wanted about it? LOL.

    I traveled up to Denver with Pamela Tracy.

    Somewhere in Utah.
    Somewhere in Utah.

    Our adventure to Denver began Wednesday the 16th. We drove a bunch of hours up to Denver.

    It was a blast hanging with Pamela.

    Still in UT.
    Still in UT.

    We saw some fantastic views through Utah. Never been to Moab so that was cool as well.

    Once we arrived, I was on the go non-stop. Classes by stellar faculty such as Donald Maass, Margaret Daley, Natasha Kern, and so on. I got several brain cramps with all the information I took in.

    But that’s good. Can never stop learning the craft, right?

    Thought I’d share a few pictures from the fun.

    Gwen, Lynn, Rosslyn, Anne. Online friends of mine I finally got to meet!
    Gwen, Lynn, Rosslyn, Anne. Online friends of mine I finally got to meet!
    Me and a new good friend, Frank.
    Me and a new good friend, Frank.
    Me and Michelle Sutton
    Me and Michelle Sutton
    Avily, JC Lamont, and me.
    Avily, JC Lamont, and me.
    We got to get dressed up for an awards banquet, so that was fun!
    We got to get dressed up for an awards banquet, so that was fun!
    Krista, me, and Avily.
    Krista, me, and Avily.
    Ben and Lynn
    Ben and Lynn
    Okay, our room was as far as it could be from the elevators. It was crazy! That's Avily way, way, way down there.
    Okay, our room was as far as it could be from the elevators. It was crazy! That's Avily way, way, way down there.
    Pamela won Book of the year:  Short Contemporary Suspense- Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy
    Pamela won Book of the year: Short Contemporary Suspense- Broken Lullaby by Pamela Tracy
    My crit partners Diana and Ann
    My crit partners Diana and Ann

    Okay, that’s probably enough with the pictures, huh? I couldn’t help myself. It was such a great experience. So, if you went, what’d you think? Any special memories?

  • Writers Contest


    typewriterkeys~~~

    Writing contests are, or should be in my opinion, a big part of the writing process toward publication. Why? You might ask? Well, a couple reasons. First, they get you focused. Having a goal for me is part of keeping me focused on making progress on a project. Knowing I have to submit something by a certain date keeps me focused.

    Second, it gives me objective feedback. Yep. Getting your stuff out in front of other people who will then give you impartial feedback will ever improve your writing.

    I’m a prime example.

    Over the past 18 months or so, I’ve written about eight novels. But let me tell you, that wouldn’t have been possible without contests. I took what I’d learned from the several contests I’d entered my first book in to and honed the weaknesses they’d pointed out.

    And hey, I’ve even placed or finaled in a couple, which was surprising to say the least.

    So, I’m here to introduce a contest I hope all you writers will try consider.

    Our local American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) chapter, which is called Christian Writers of the West (CWOW) is sponsoring its first contest. We have a stellar line up on published writers judging first round entries. The final round judges are stellar as well.

    Come check it out. I hope you consider entering: The Phoenix Rattler: Does your story have bite?

    Good luck, everyone!