Live from The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center)

I don’t know if you’ve noticed lately, but my posts have been few and far between. Whether you call it a rut or just plain exhausted and stretched too thin—my ability to write dissipated. Not completely, but I’d sit at the computer, start a devotion, article, or even a blog post and after a paragraph or two say, “That’s junk,” and walk away. I’m sure those of you who artists and writers can relate.

This weekend, I’m attending a writers’ conference at The Cove in Asheville, NC.  Arriving on “the mountain,” each year is like stepping into the presence of God. Don’t get me wrong. Every day I live in His presence. He’s in everything I see and experience. But here…words don’t exist in the English language to describe the tranquility and holiness of this place.

I first stopped at the chapel, slipped inside, and sat on the back row while the guide talked to a couple near the front. When the guide finished, I moseyed up as she took their picture and then offered to take mine as they left.

She asked if I played the piano, which I do. She insisted I play the grand piano at the front of the chapel—the one played by George Beverly Shea. If you know me, performing in public scares me. Actually, performing in front of anyone makes me anxious. I made some lame excuse about not being able to play without music, and she pointed me to a stack of hymn books. To my surprise (and relief) I was totally at peace as I picked up the hymnal and flipped through, settling on the great Billy Graham crusade invitation hymn, “Just As I Am.” The music reverberated through the chapel, a beautiful tone like no other piano I’ve ever played.

When I finished, I strolled through the chapel by myself, spent some time in prayer, and then took a few photographs. You’ll notice from the photos there are no stained glass windows. The Grahams wanted God’s nature to show through the windows instead. Wise choice.

My desire and zeal for writing has been rekindled. I'm excited about writing and feel so blessed that God has gifted me to share His message through the written word. 

As I sit here at my laptop overlooking the beautiful landscape, a few snow flurries flutter by my window, I wonder—is this what Moses felt when he went onto the mountain to meet God (Exodus 24, 33-34)? Based on the radiance of his face when he came down off the mountain, certainly his spirit was renewed each time he fellowshipped with God in that special place and time.

The peace and tranquility I’m experiencing for this finite time is only a slice of what heaven will be like and what Moses experienced, but I’ll soak up as much as I can and return home with a renewed spirit to do the work God has equipped me to do.

Thanks for joining me on my journey.

God bless,

Laura

©Laura Hodges Poole

Your Appointed Time

Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.” 

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV

Great advice, especially for writers. When I first began writing years ago, the process of becoming published was a mystery. I did all the things new writers should. I acquired market books, attended conferences and workshops, and found mentors for my writing. I submitted articles to publications and eventually got published. Meanwhile, I began writing my first book.

Any time a neighbor, friend, or family member read one of my articles, their suggestions were always the same: “You should write a book.” I’d summon up the courage to say, “I am writing a book.” Their response? “When is it going to be published?” If only it were that simple. J

Cindy, Me, and Katy 

I spent the past weekend at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. This is the third year I’ve attended an annual writers’ bootcamp there. There’s nothing better than being on the mountain in such a tranquil environment with deer, wild turkeys, and hibernating black bears (my favorite kind). The Cove is a spiritual oasis that can’t be matched. Friendships formed are forever.

Wild turkeys

Normally I return home exhausted but reenergized. This year I returned home just plain tired (as we say in the South).  Maybe I went with my expectations too high, or maybe I’m beginning to see some things a little more clearly than I did before.

Even so, my state of mind could be described as determined. Determined to see my manuscripts published. Determined to do more to further God’s Kingdom. Determined to walk the path God has planned for me. Though it often feels like His way tarries like a winding mountain path through bushes, trees, and over rocks or streams, eventually you come into a clearing and see a sprawling landscape of rolling pasture where deer frolic and God’s plans are fulfilled.  

Deer playing 

I encourage you to seek God’s hand in all that you do—whether you’re a writer or whatever occupation or spiritual gift you have. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time.” Trust that God will walk alongside you until the appointed time.

What problem are you facing today that feels insurmountable? I’ve love to pray for you. Please leave a comment or e-mail me confidential requests. While you’re here, would you lift up others in prayer who leave comments? A permanent prayer list is also at the top of the blog.

Now it’s your turn. How has God worked in your life to help you overcome trials or reach seemingly unachievable goals?  

Laura ✞

Chapel

Inside the Pilgrims Inn

©Laura Hodges Poole

How To Prepare For A Writers Conference

I’m honored to welcome Christian writer and social media guru Edie Melson as our guest blogger today. Edie also is co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She brings a lot of experience to the conversation about preparing for a writers conference. Check out her blog, The Write Conversation, for more in-depth writing tips.

Welcome, Edie!

Prepare for a Writers Conference

Previously, on my blog, I posted a tongue in cheek Top Ten List of Reasons to Attend a Writers Conference. Then I gave a rundown of how to Choose a Writers Conference. Today I'm going to get a little bit serious and share some of the things you may want to prepare before you go. I've written about reasons to attend a conference on this blog, and I'll address what you'll need for two of those.

Networking

Networking is the easiest to prepare for. If you're just going to meet other writers and professionals the main thing you need is a good business card. Please take note, I said, good, NOT expensive.

These are the things a good writer’s business card includes:

·    Your picture - I know, I hate to have my picture taken and I always hate how it looks. But, in this business you need to be remembered and recognized and your picture is the best and easiest way to do that. If someone has a card with your picture on it, they'll remember who you are months longer than if it's just got your name. Also, it's harder to throw away a card with a picture on it than a card with just text on it.
·    The name you use when you write - If you use a pseudonym, be sure it's on the card. Here's an example (I just made up the names - they're not representative of a real person): Susie Stone, writing as Catherine Milo.
·    Your email address - This is going to be the main way others will contact you.
·    Your website or blog address - Never pass up the opportunity to encourage new visitors to your sites. Also, many people will follow up on what you've told them and this will be a way for them to get to know you better.
·     Cell phone number - This isn't absolutely necessary, but it helps if your email goes down and someone has a hot lead for you.

Please take note of what is NOT included on a business card now. You do not need your physical address on the card. Actually, it's a liability. It can be dangerous to give out your home address, so if you feel you must include an address, invest in a PO Box.

It is possible to make your own business cards, using Avery brand sheets that go through your ink jet printer. The trick to successfully printing your own cards is to keep them simple! Another inexpensive way to go is by using VistaPrint. This online company is very reputable and I personally know a lot of writers who get their cards through them.

Bring some writing samples:

These are good to have simply because you'll probably find yourself in a group, or at a table, where everyone is sharing something they've written. It might not happen, but chances are, if you don't have anything to show, you'll be disappointed.

Pitching

This is when you attend a conference because you have something you want to sell to a publisher or if you want to get an agent. The things below that you'll need are specifically for those wishing to sell a fiction or non-fiction book.

It's important to keep in mind that everything you prepare for the conference to pitch a project is incremental in nature.
·     Your tag line or hook should make the editor or agent ask to hear more about your project (this is the time for the elevator pitch).
·     The elevator pitch should lead them to ask for your one sheet.
·     Your one sheet or pitch sheet should lead them to ask you to send them a proposal when you get home.
·     Your proposal should lead them to ask you to send them your entire manuscript.
·     Your entire manuscript should lead them to offer you a contract.

These are the generic steps in publishing. God can step in at any time in the process and something completely different can, and often does, happen. But, until that happens, I try to take it one step at a time.

Now let's look at what's involved in each one of these components.
·     tag line or hook - This is one sentence, preferably 15 words or less. It should NOT be a synopsis of your book, but rather it's to intrigue the editor/agent and make them want to know more.
·     elevator pitch - This should be short, around 45 seconds. It will sound a lot like back cover copy or what is on your one sheet. Again, it's to make the editor/agent ask to see more.
·     one sheet or pitch sheet - This gives the blurb about your book, information about yourself (bio) and general info, like genre and audience for your project. If it's fiction, it states that the project is finished. If it's non-fiction it gives a completion date if the project is unfinished.

You won't need a full proposal or manuscript for the conference. If an editor or agent is interested, they'll ask you to email or snail mail them one when you get home.

Again, as with networking, you'll need to bring some samples of your writing.

This is just a general overview of what is needed. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me at ediegmelson@gmail.com. You can also post your question in the comments section below so others can learn with you.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Edie Melson is the author of numerous books, as well as a freelance writer and editor. Her blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and the Social Media Mentor at MyBook Therapy. She’s also the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

(Almost) Live From The Cove

Whew! What a weekend. For those who aren’t regular followers, I attended “Writers Advance! Bootcamp” at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC. As promised, I took many photos, though my jammed-packed schedule didn’t allow for blog postings. 

Guard house at entrance

Shepherd's Inn

I arrived at The Cove around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, an hour later than I’d planned.

After check-in, I rushed off to the first early bird class at 3:30, “Writing Big in a Little Space,” taught by the brilliantly gifted writer, editor, and social media guru Edie Melson.

Dinner, the opening session, and the keynote address followed, “Your Writing Career and its Longevity,” by the acclaimed Christian fiction author Yvonne Lehman. Yvonne published her 50^th book, Hearts That Survive: A Novel of the Titanic last spring. It's always a pleasure to hear her speak.

Evening networking began at 9:30, followed by Christian Devotions staff meeting, after which I fell into bed around 11:20 p.m.

At 6:20 a.m. I was ready for day two. Or maybe not. You be the judge of how tired I already looked at breakfast on Saturday morning. LOL.

I attended another wonderful day of classes, ate incredible meals, and enjoyed a brilliant keynote address given by Vonda Skelton, followed by fireside chats with fellow authors during snack time at 9:00 p.m. Exhaustion had definitely set in, but the Holy Spirit had given me much to think about when I went to bed around 11:00 p.m.

Sunday morning we awoke to a beautiful snowfall...

...and a time of worship and receiving our bootcamp marching orders, which were based on Isaiah 6:8:

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Despite the condition of the world around us or, more importantly, because of society’s spiritual state, Christian writers don’t retreat—we advance with God’s power supporting us.

I’m eager to see where the Lord continues to lead me on this writing journey He gifted me with. I’m happy to be sharing my journey with you.

needlepoint gift portrait

Below are more Cove photos, if you’d like to look at them.

prayer room in the training center

writers (and friends) from Anderson, SC

Samaritan's Purse missions

Medical missions

One of many memorabilia displays

Ruth Graham's funeral

"End of construction. Thank
you for your patience."

At the chapel

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Laura J 

©Laura Hodges Poole