For the next few Mondays, I’ll be introducing you to the contenders for this year’s Writing Challenge Best of the Best. These members are those whose Challenge pieces have taken first place since last July. All of the winning entries will be judged in June for the title of BoB. BoB  walks away with $300 cash! The second and third place winners also receive a cash prize.

I will post the links to all of the winning Challenge entries so you can read them for yourself. Keep in mind that these members may acquire even more #1 entries between now and June.

So without further ado, here are the first two contenders, each with more than one entry in the running. Continue Reading…

WARNING: The following post should be read only by those who have a sense of humor.

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don’t panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto. The blockage will be almost instantly removed.
2. Clumsy?  Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.
3. Avoid arguments with the little woman about lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink. Continue Reading…

Maybe we can help each other out this week! I will post three links to publishers/publications that I’ve had success with in the past. Places I’ve had my work published and would recommend to you. Places I encourage you to consider submitting your work to.

Then it’s your turn. In the comments, list three places you would recommend to others. If possible, include a link to the writer’s guidelines. Let’s get a huge list of potential markets to give us plenty of options and motivation to get our work out there.

Don’t forget…if you’re work gets accepted, let me know so I can post it in the Member Shoutouts!

My three recommendations: Continue Reading…

Although there is plenty of reading material available on FaithWriters.com, the site is    specifically geared towards, well, writers. Did you know that we have a sister-site that focuses strictly on content? A place that provides not only clean reading material, but is freely available to anyone who wants to use it – on their websites, blogs, newsletters, magazines, or church bulletins.

FaithReaders.com is free to join and members can comment on articles, track their favorite authors, and add appreciated content to a member specific library of favorites for easy long-term referral. You can even search articles by keyword or by author’s name and can always access our most recent articles. Continue Reading…

Something a little different today…

If you don’t write poetry, consider this an opportunity to stretch your wings a bit. OR, seize the chance to just have fun.

In 50 words, write a poem about hot dogs.

If the poetry thing goes over well, we may incorporate it bi-weekly into Tackle it Tuesday.

So grab your Poetry helmet and have fun!

It’s time to meet another FaithWriters moderator! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Pat Guy. Be sure to look for her on the boards.

Message Board User Name: Pat

How long have you been a FaithWriters member? Forever. My daughter has grown up around here. Six years now.

Thing you love most about FaithWriters: Making friends with fellow writers who understand. FW is like going to a close-knit church where you can count on love and prayers for everything going on in your life. FW best buds are the best!

Favorite Platinum 500 perk: Supporting FaithWriters. I would do the same without any perks. Continue Reading…

Unfocused Friday totally hits the mark today, as I am  so unfocused I can’t even think of anything  to blog about. Which is why I’m posting a previous entry from my personal writer’s blog. A post from a day when I was experiencing exactly what I am today.

Read on…

OK, confession time: I had blogger’s block (it does happen from time to time!)

I couldn’t think of anything to blog about, so after a few minutes of frustration, it came to me: why not steal other people’s brains today? Continue Reading…

Today, for the Thursday Three, I’m going to list three strange and unusual words that have something to do with writing. In fact, these words are so strange and unusual that if you’ve heard of them, let alone know the meaning OR how to pronounce them correctly, you get the Smarty Pants of the Year award.

Here they are:

1. Anopisthography - The practice of writing on one side of the paper.

2. Hippopotomonstrosesquipedalian – Pertaining to extremely long words. (Go figure.)

3. Mytacism – The incorrect or excessive use of the letter M.

Know any more strange and unusual words pertaining to writing? List three in the comments. Let’s all learn something new today. It will be interesting to see whether new words will suddenly start popping up in Challenge entries.

I am pleased to announce that all of the information for the FaithWriters conference 2010 has been posted! Only 5 months until we meet again and I, for one, can’t wait! This conference is one of the biggest highlights of my year. And I know many of you feel the same.

Do you sometimes feel malnourished as a writer? Me too! And that’s what the FaithWriters conference will focus on. The theme this time around is Nourishing the Whole Writer. You are guaranteed to leave re-energized, refreshed, blessed and nourished!

There are lots of cool things in store, but something I want to highlight is your opportunity to pitch your completed manuscripts to Linda Glaz. Linda is the editorial assistant to Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency, and she will not only be a speaker at the conference, but will receive your pitches on behalf of Terry. So spit shine those manuscripts and wind up for that pitch! Here’s a fun article written by my former crit buddy and published author, Jenness Walker, on the 9 steps to pitching your novel to an editor or agent. You might want to give it a quick read-through before the conference. PITCHING LESSONS

CLICK HERE TO SEE A HARTLINE LITERARY AGENCY BROCHURE

Conference details: Continue Reading…

Okay…now that you have the hang of how Tackle It Tuesday works, I’ll just jump right in with the topic. This week, it’s a fun one (if a little creepy). Remember, keep your stories to 50 words or less! I know you can do it!

A new neighbor has moved in next door who you are certain was featured on America’s Most Wanted last week.

Go for the tackle! Looking forward to reading your stories!