Where have my blog posts been, you may ask? Lost amid the swarm of writing contests, book proposals, and Wisdom and Folly chapters.
Don’t I need to write consistent blog posts? Why, yes, I do.
What am I going to do about it? I set an obnoxious alarm on my phone so it will buzz like crazy every Sunday evening after my boys are in bed.
I’ve, ahem, ignored it the last two weeks, but no longer!
So here you go–my weekly Sunday evening blog post! :)
My first exciting news of the evening is…drum roll please…
Indiana Faith and Writing Conference (faithandwriting.com)
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am going to the first writing conference of my life, and I am so stinkin’ excited!
Located on the campus of Anderson University, it is October 31st through November 1st, and there are so many intriguing workshops and speakers.
I will most definitely let you know how it is!
Indiana Faith and Writing Contest (ifwc.submittable.com/submit)
I have also entered the first few chapters of Zombie Takeover into their writing contest. Winner gets free admission to next year’s conference as well as a cash prize. Shannon Marchese, Senior Editor of Fiction for WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House, is the fiction judge, and I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of it! I encourage you to enter if you plan on attending IFWC.
Crowdscribed.com’s Writing Contest with Jerry B. Jenkins (www.crowdscribed.com/challenges/73)
I have to admit I’m a little bit bummed that I haven’t heard back from the CrowdScribed contest yet. I have finally stopped checking the results daily. As of today, the entries are still under review. Then again, that means I’ve still got a chance! :) Thank you for all of your votes!
Writer’s Edge (www.writersedgeservice.com)
Quick recap–Writer’s Edge is the submission service that, once your manuscript is accepted, sends a book list to a plethora of publishing houses that require agents. Although my manuscript was accepted by them, I have yet to hear from any publishing houses or acquisition editors. Believe me, you will know the minute I know anything! Praying for patience… (And that my manuscript will find itself in the right hands soon!)
Operation First Novel: Jerry B. Jenkins’ Christian Writer’s Guild Writing Contest (www.christianwritersguild.com/contest/)
This is on my to-do list. Big time. Like the title suggests, this contest is for a novelist who hasn’t been published yet. I will most definitely be entering if I do not hear from CrowdScribed soon. Winner also gets their book published.
Editing Class/Writing Certificate through Taylor University (online.taylor.edu/degrees/aa/professional-writing-certificate.shtml)
I have decided to wait until Wisdom and Folly is complete to work toward my writing certificate. My number one priority is my boys, and, believe me, when they are in school I will be able to devote much more time to perfecting my craft. I can’t wait to take that editing class! I’ve already got the textbooks, I’m that excited!
Writing Classes (www.acfw.com) (www.christianwritersguild.com)
I have, however, been taking online classes through the Christian Writer’s Guild and American Christian Fiction Writers. Classes are included in membership, and I have learned so much! Also, The Guild offers the one-hour classes to non-members for $10 each, if that interests you at all.
Book Proposal (www.rachellegardner.com/how-to-write-a-book-proposal/) (honestediting.com)
I’m just gonna say, the blasted thing is as done as it’s going be until I hear from an editor requesting one. It is as filled out as I can make it without crying! Lol.
Is your head spinning yet? Mine most definitely is!
Please pray that I use my precious time wisely, that my manuscript finds the right publishing house soon, and that I glorify God in absolutely everything I do!
Whew. I just feel better knowing you have my back.
Night!
In Him,
Michele