Highlights of Montrose Christian Writers Conference
1. PEOPLE (aka ODD DUCKS): I get to welcome Carol L., Carol W., Carolyn, Deborah, Ed, Elaine, Grace, Jane, Joan, Karen, Sarah, Sharon, and dear Sylvie--way cool people I met this year and/or last at Montrose. Welcome to my blog!
(Dear Family, Please check back next week for a decision on doing a family blog. Be sure to vote, and remember, only one more day to stuff the ballot box).
2. PROFESSIONAL CRITIQUE: I sent my book proposal plus 20 pages of the manuscript in ahead of time so Kathy Ide could critique it. She's a sharp, energetic speaker and writer, and founder of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders & Editors Network. http://www.kathyide.com/
What I hoped to hear: "This just isn't worth the effort. Give up."
What she said: "This has a LOT of potential and seems as if it would be extremely helpful for readers in your target market."
3. WRITE NOW GROUP: I was able to qualify for this week-long critique group. We met twice a day, read our manuscripts to each other and received constructive feedback regarding grammar, organization, clarity, viewpoint, tone, etc. My group leader was Carol Wedeven, http://www.carolwedeven.com/. I knew I was assigned to the right group for me when she introduced it by comparing writing to artwork--" With our words we create line, texture, color, depth . . ."
"Aah, yes. . ." said the little artist within me.
What I hoped to hear: "This doesn't make sense. No one would buy this. Give up."
What they said: At first, when I would finish reading my manuscript, there was complete silence. "Oh, no," I thought, "They're trying to figure out how to nicely tell me it's awful." There was a collective sigh, and then the comments came: "This has got to be published." "We want more!" "What happens next?"
Feels like God is pressing His finger in my back.
4. AUTHORS: Met some interesting Christian authors, and enjoyed their presentations. I'm going to be checking out their books.
Jeanette Windle grew up as a missionary kid and now writes action-packed thrillers full of international intrigue and inspiration. http://www.jeanettewindle.com/
Bryan Davis is a home-school dad who has sold over 2 million of young adult fantasty series Dragons In Our Midst. His storylines bring teens to the Lord! http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/
Elaine W. Miller was in my critique group. She is a wonderful writer and personality, and we both love bubble baths! Some of her books were for sale at the conference so I did a little Christmas shopping. :) www.splashesofserenity.com
Next week: I'll list some short range goals to pray about for my writing. (Please pray that this week I realistically define them).
Thanks for checking my blog! Have a great week.
(Dear Family, Please check back next week for a decision on doing a family blog. Be sure to vote, and remember, only one more day to stuff the ballot box).
2. PROFESSIONAL CRITIQUE: I sent my book proposal plus 20 pages of the manuscript in ahead of time so Kathy Ide could critique it. She's a sharp, energetic speaker and writer, and founder of The Christian PEN: Proofreaders & Editors Network. http://www.kathyide.com/
What I hoped to hear: "This just isn't worth the effort. Give up."
What she said: "This has a LOT of potential and seems as if it would be extremely helpful for readers in your target market."
3. WRITE NOW GROUP: I was able to qualify for this week-long critique group. We met twice a day, read our manuscripts to each other and received constructive feedback regarding grammar, organization, clarity, viewpoint, tone, etc. My group leader was Carol Wedeven, http://www.carolwedeven.com/. I knew I was assigned to the right group for me when she introduced it by comparing writing to artwork--" With our words we create line, texture, color, depth . . ."
"Aah, yes. . ." said the little artist within me.
What I hoped to hear: "This doesn't make sense. No one would buy this. Give up."
What they said: At first, when I would finish reading my manuscript, there was complete silence. "Oh, no," I thought, "They're trying to figure out how to nicely tell me it's awful." There was a collective sigh, and then the comments came: "This has got to be published." "We want more!" "What happens next?"
Feels like God is pressing His finger in my back.
4. AUTHORS: Met some interesting Christian authors, and enjoyed their presentations. I'm going to be checking out their books.
Jeanette Windle grew up as a missionary kid and now writes action-packed thrillers full of international intrigue and inspiration. http://www.jeanettewindle.com/
Bryan Davis is a home-school dad who has sold over 2 million of young adult fantasty series Dragons In Our Midst. His storylines bring teens to the Lord! http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/
Elaine W. Miller was in my critique group. She is a wonderful writer and personality, and we both love bubble baths! Some of her books were for sale at the conference so I did a little Christmas shopping. :) www.splashesofserenity.com
Next week: I'll list some short range goals to pray about for my writing. (Please pray that this week I realistically define them).
Thanks for checking my blog! Have a great week.
Comments
WOW! Impressive! (by the way your Joey Delicious was very good.) The feedback and reviews you received from the conference were out of this world. I am proud of you for being a writer with such a hopeful future! Congratulations!