Posts Tagged ‘Linda Fulkerson’

Posted on September 27, 2011 - by Shannon Vannatter

Singing Praises of ACFW

I sing ACFW praises every chance I get. What an awesome organization. What an awesome conference. Put together by an awesome God. This year, I met Lynn Coleman, founder of ACFW. We chatted about how she wanted to start a Christian writing group to support and uplift one another, with no competition or jealousy. Like most things, ACFW started small as American Christian Romance Writers.

I discovered it by google in 2004. By 2005 when I attended the conference in Nashville, the name had changed to American Christian Fiction Writers. Though I’d been to numerous local conferences, writers’ group meetings, and workshops, ACFW made me realize I only knew the basics about writing.

ACFW goes deep in helping writers improve their craft. So deep, it boggles. I always get brain freeze and have to sort through what I learned when I get home. And yes, even though I’m published and an old hand at working with editors, I still learn from ACFW.

I had so many appointments, interviews, and meetings, I only got to go to four workshops this year. But I still learned. I’m not sure what yet, haven’t had time to sort it out. Oh, I did learn that the voice that tells me I’ll never get another book published when I don’t have a current contract or deadline, that’s the enemy and he tells all writers that. Now I know to ignore him and press on.

ACFW is also about having friends along for what can be a very solitary journey. I took the solo route until 2008. Though I’d been to the conference for 3 years, I stood on the fringes and wished I had someone to hug and cry over like all those other writers. In 2008, I met Linda from my local zone and rode with her to Minneapolis. I met my critique partners face to face, met their friends and Linda’s friends. We all went out to dinner together and had so much fun. The next year when I met them, I hugged and cried over them.

Lorna is my designated shoulder for phone calls or in person. Lorna and I have traversed our getting published journey together. When my husband is at work—I call Lorna and blubber over disappointments or triumphs in writing. When my husband isn’t at ACFW—he hasn’t been able to come since 2007—I blubber on Lorna over disappointments and triumphs. Lorna is getting soggy.

Linda is my designated roomie. We often dance in our room over triumphs. Dawn is my designated can’t find her writing friend. I once called her husband at home in Iowa trying to find her in the hotel so I could get the pie I left in her room. This time, I called a friend at home also named Dawn in my quest for Dawn’s room and went to the wrong room looking for Dawn.

Brenda, my other critter, is much better in person than in bobble-head form. We’ll look forward to seeing her in Dallas. Maybe we can wish her there. Kim and her sweet southern accent were missed this year, but Regina brought her husband. I wonder how many times did I say, “I love to hear him talk.” I also got to connect with Shari again. The only problem is there’s never enough time to spend with my writer friends.

ACFW is the highlight of my year. The knowledge to gain, the friends to hug, the contacts to be made. The kind of place where I can walk up to the keynote speaker–who is always way above the realm I live in–and thank them for what they said to inspire or encourage me. Knowing that all those writers sleep-walking through the conference totally get me. They hear voices too—not only their characters’, but God’s.

Posted on August 27, 2011 - by Brenda Anderson

Company’s Coming!

Oh my, company’s coming to Inkspirational Messages!

And, we’re giving away books too!

Does that mean you have to scrub the floors? Dust on top of the ceiling fan? Take a toothbrush to the grout?

Goodness, no. Just make yourself comfortable. Take your shoes off, pour yourself a cup of lemonade, grab some chocolate, and relax in your recliner.

Ah, that’s better, right?

Now, who’s stopping by, you ask?

Well, we’ll be catching up with our own Lorna Seilstad, Shannon Vannatter, Linda Fulkerson, and Shari Barr. We’re welcoming some old friends: Laura Frantz, Mary Connealy, and Kaye Dacus. We’re even meeting new friends: Sandra Orchard, Gina Holmes, and Jennifer Rogers Spinola.

So, please come on over these next two weeks and chat with us. We’d love to meet you too!

Oh, and don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about those free books. For those of you who stop by to chat, you’ll have an opportunity to win books by a couple of our guests: Deep Cover by Sandra Orchard, Love Remains by Kaye Dacus, and The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz. PLUS, we’re throwing in two additional books from the Love Inspired line: Marrying Miss Marshall by Lacy Williams and Hearts in Flight by Patty Smith Hall.

Now, there are a few small rules you need to follow if you want a chance to win the books, but no worries, they’re not too difficult:

Contest Rules:

Comment on our “Company’s Coming” topic dated August 29, 2011 through September 9, 2011. Every time you comment, your name will go into a drawing for the books. Contest closes Saturday, September 10, 2011 at midnight. The winner will be posted on Sunday, September 11, 2011. Winner must provide a mailing address in an email to Brenda AT brendaandersonbooks DOT com. Do not post your address anywhere on this blog.

Posted on July 22, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Pearls of Great Price

While shopping with her mother, five-year-old Suzie’s eyes zoomed in on the costume jewelry county. There it was — a set of pearls, just like Grandma’s.

“Can I get them, Mommy?”

“Hmm. Let’s see.” Her mother checked the price tag. “They’re $1.98. Do you have that much?”

Suzie crammed her little hand as deep into her jeans pocket as possible and pulled out a yet-to-be-chewed wad of gum she’d been saving, a broken ponytail holder, half of an orange crayon, and seventeen cents. “Not quite,” she said, her voice bouncing with optimism, “but I can work for it, right Mommy?”

Her mother smiled. “Yes, I’m sure you can. I’ll buy the pearls, but you’ll have to earn the money before you can wear them.” Suzie threw her little arms around her mother and the two headed to the register to make the purchase.

During the next two weeks, Suzie fed the cat, set the table, played with her baby brother, and did everything her parents asked her to do. Soon, her little pile of dimes and nickels added up to two dollars. She could finally wear her pearls!

Suzie loved her new pearls. She wore them everywhere, with every outfit. Even the brown turtleneck sweater with the itchy tag. Over time, Suzie began to neglect daily tasks she normally had done without being asked. Her parents noticed she often whiled away the time, counting the pearls on her necklace. It seemed as though the pearl necklace had become the only thing of importance in her young life.

One day, her father asked, “Suzie, do you love me?”

“Of course, Daddy!”

“Then would you please give me your pearl necklace? I have something I’ll trade you for them.”

“Oh, no, Daddy! Not my pearls!” She clung tightly to her necklace with one hand and reached for her favorite Teddy Bear. “Here, Daddy. You can have Merle. You know he’s my favorite.”

“No, thank-you, Suzie. You can keep Merle. Good-night.”

A few nights later, her father again asked her to trade a surprise for her necklace, and once again, Suzie refused. “Daddy, I worked so hard for these pearls. I can’t let you have them. I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay, Suzie. I understand. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Daddy.”

During the following weeks, her father invited Suzie to trade her pearls for a big surprise, but she continued to refuse his offer.

A few nights later, Suzie tugged on her father’s pants leg. Tears welled in her big blue eyes. “I love you, Daddy. You can have my pearls.” She handed him the two-dollar string of plastic beads. A tear trickled down her cheek.

Her father pulled her into his lap and reached inside his suit pocket. “Thank you for giving me your pearls, Suzie. Here is what I have to trade you for them.” He pulled out a black velvet case and handed it to his little girl. She opened the case and saw a perfect pearl necklace inside.

“Oh, Daddy! Are they real pearls? Just like Grandma’s?”

“Yes, sweetheart. They are real. I know you loved pearls, so I bought these for you. I want the best for you.”

—-

We, too, must be willing to give up our two-dollar earthly treasures in order to receive the bounty our Father wishes to give to us. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like one seeking beautiful pearls. “Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:46).

God is waiting to bless us. He longs to share the splendor of His abundance, but too often I become so engrossed in earthly things that I’m not willing to give them up, even for the riches of heaven. I need to learn to set my heart on things above in order to gain the true victory that awaits me.

How about you? Are you clinging to any costume jewelry instead of trading it in on the real treasure?

 

 

Posted on July 8, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Summer Reads and Recipes

During the dog days of summer, when it’s simply too hot to do much else, picking up a great book and heading to the lake or stretching out beneath a favorite shade tree is a great way take a break. The Inkspers have shared some great reads on the blog so far this week, and I’d like to add to that list and suggest everyone pick up a copy of Lynne Gentry’s new release, Reinventing Leona.

I first met Lynne Gentry several years ago at an ACFW conference. (Isn’t that where we all meet the coolest people we know?) She is a drama minister for her church, and she began sharing Leona’s story through a one-woman dramatization. It’s hilarious, but touching at the same time.

Without creating any story spoilers, I can tell you that Leona Harper is a woman many of us can identify with. Her life had always been the same, until the day one event changed everything, leaving Leona with no option but to reinvent herself. Not an easy task for a middle-aged pastor’s wife.

The fact that she’s a pastor’s wife makes her transition even more challenging, because the congregation and community have some strong traditional ideas of how and what a minister’s family should be and do. Besides being touching and hilarious, Reinventing Leona has an underlying theme that cautions Christians against judgmentalness – a lesson many of us (including me!) can benefit from.

Before you head to the lake, be sure to prepare and pack some potato salad. Here’s my favorite recipe for this summer side dish:

Peppery Potato Salad

6-8 potatoes (I use the red ones, but any will do), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, but not mushy. Set aside to cool.

Mix together (amounts listed are estimates – I just add according to taste):

1/4-cup mustard
1/2-cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
1/2-cup dill pickle relish
1/2-cup chopped green olives
1/2-cup chopped onion (I use the purple kind)
6 slices peppered bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
2-3 boiled eggs, chopped

Add above ingredients to cold cooked potato chunks. Blend well. Salt and pepper to taste. Cool, preferably overnight. Top with additional peppered bacon crumbles. Best served with burgers or ribs, alongside baked beans. Serves about 8-10.

What’s your favorite read so far this summer? Leave a comment, and your name will be entered to win a summer reading drawing!

Posted on June 10, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the ACFW Conference

If you’re still teetering with whether or not to attend the upcoming ACFW Conference, hopefully some of this information will help you make the decision to go.

Here are my Top Ten reasons for attending the annual ACFW Conference:

10. The Travel. I love to travel. My favorite part is watching an empty airport luggage carousel spin with hopes that my bags will miraculously appear. Of course, I leave Saturday on a 4500+ mile vacation, so I’ll have my fill of traveling for a while, but come September, I’ll be ready to go again. Besides, traveling to the ACFW Conferences fills me with anticipation, and since they are always centrally located in the country, many of us are able to drive. Pretty soon, you’ll hear me humming, “I’m leaving, in a Hyundai . . .” (Sung to the tune of “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane.”)

9. The Food. Seriously. I know we’ve all eaten our share of dull conference food before, but did you know that the ACFW board meets with the hotel staff and actually taste-tests our menus? They do an excellent job of selecting our meals.

8. The Maid Service. Come on, I know you’re thinking the same thing. Four days without having to make your own bed, wash dishes, or clean a toilet. It’s paradise on earth.

7. The Chocolate. No, this shouldn’t have been categorized under “food.” Chocolate is its own entity. And if you’re able to come to the ACFW Conference, you’ll see more chocolate in one weekend than you’ll likely see the rest of your life. That is, until the next conference rolls around. Oh, and some of the carb-cutters bring nuts, which are great, but nothing compares to chocolate. And Coke used to think IT was the real thing. Sheesh!

6. The Name Badges. There’s nothing like slipping that lanyard around your neck, knowing it’s official. You’re now at an ACFW conference. And they’re handy little buggers, too. You can stuff your business cards, meal tickets, conference schedules, and any other of life’s necessities, right behind your name. Yep, name badges rock.

5. The Goodie Bags. You can always tell the quality of a conference by the contents of the goodie bag. And ACFW’s conference bags are better than stuffed stockings at Christmastime. Books, pens, notepads, bookmarks, pins, those little hidden-razorblade envelope openers (note: hide yours from the suspense writers). You name it, and it’s likely to be found in the ACFW conference goodie bag. And while I’m on this subject, let’s stop to say THANK YOU to all those who do this pre-conference prep.

4. The Bookstore. The ACFW conference bookstore is better than any Barnes & Noble I’ve ever been in! A special thanks goes to bookstore staff as well as all the authors who have either lugged or shipped books in order to make this awesome selection possible.

3. The Fellowship. I don’t want to have to stop typing to dab my eyes here, but nothing (not even chocolate) compares to the warm-fuzzy feeling I get while gathered with a group of like-minded people, sitting in a hotel ballroom, and hearing Brandilyn’s voice state the familiar, “Good Morning, ACFW!” I can’t wait!

2. The Training. If you’ve been in this group for even a day, you’re familiar with the expertise we’re blessed with. ACFW has continually offered top-notch workshops, keynoters, late night chats, critiquers, and the list goes on. But some of the best one-on-one training takes place while waiting — waiting for a latte in the coffee shop, in the elevator, standing in line at the concierge’s counter, and, yes, even the bathroom. (The guys miss out on this part, seeing that they never have to stand in bathroom lines.)

First place is a tie. No, this isn’t just a clever literary device to get out of a jam because I suddenly discovered my top ten list actually consists of eleven items (although you’re welcome to use this idea in the future if necessary) – these two items are truly tied. No way could I pick which one of the two is the best.

1. The Spiritual Uplift. I’ve attended many retreats in my life, and all have been a blessing, but the spiritual aspect of ACFW shines through at the worship services sprinkled throughout the weekend. And the prayer room. Talk about tingles.

1. The People. It’s too early to get mushy, but ACFW is the best group of people on the planet. The children’s song “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold” sums it up well. The best part to me is the entire group’s willingness to serve and help each other. In truth, we’re competitors, yet all I’ve witnessed since I attended that first conference in Kansas City is the Golden Rule of helping and loving one another, which ties in with the whole spiritual uplift thing, too.

Ta-da! There’s my list. Now, what are YOUR favorite reasons for attending?

Posted on April 29, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Treasure Hunting

When I sit down to read a book simply for enjoyment, I typically prefer a fantasy novel or perhaps an historical romance. To be honest, that doesn’t happen too often.

Since we’re discussing what we’re reading, I don’t want to frighten anyone by sharing about the stuff I really read, which would include such invigorating titles as PHP for Dummies and Understanding cPanel or something more fun, such as Photoshop: Down and Dirty Tricks or Understanding Shutter Speed. (At least the photography books have pictures!)

I’d estimate that well over 75 percent of my reading time is spent pouring over some tomb in the how-to genre, but there’s a sub-genre in the how-tos that I absolutely love to read, and that is the “how to travel.” I suppose that genre could be more appropriately titled, “where to.” And despite the price of gasoline, travel is one of my passions.

Travel books often fall into the ho-hum category. In fact, I’ve read a few technical how-tos that were more fun than mulling through the usual laundry list of restaurants, motels, and over-hyped tourist traps. But I recently ran across one that is, well, a treasure. Kind of like stumbling across a diamond amongst the mud at Arkansas’s diamond-digging park.

The book, Yellowstone Treasures, was written by Janet Chapple, who grew up in the park because her parents worked at the Old Faithful Inn. I bought it because we’re planning a trip to Yellowstone this June.

Again.

I know I should have been excited when hubby announced our vacation destination, but my first thought was, “We’ve already BEEN to Yellowstone.” In fact, the image at the top of the post is a pic I took during our 2007 trek. I was looking straight down into one of the colorful thermal features. (Click on the image to see it full-sized.)

Since we’re traveling with another couple, who has not been there but has “trip to Yellowstone” written on their Bucket List, I was tasked with planning the ultimate Yellowstone adventure. Every time I read a few more words from Chappel’s book, I get excited about the trip.

This treasure book gives a stop-by-stop overview of the entire park, yet Chappel manages to intrigue rather than bore. What sets her book apart from the typical travel book?

Stories.

Stories about people who once frequented the park, about structures that are no more, about animals who call Yellowstone home, and about the ever-changing formations and landscape.

Yes, Yellowstone Treasures has the usual tour-book stuff. But Chappel intertwines stories from her history and that of the park in every page. Instead of reading some boring review of the Canyon Hotel, this author shares how the spiral staircase was replicated from the Paris Opera House and that, when she was young, she was told she couldn’t go there because that hotel was, “for rich people.”

No matter which genre of book we pick up, it’s the story that makes it worthwhile.

Posted on April 1, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Deeper and Wider Characters

We’ve discussed movies, TV shows, and novels to share what types of characters jump off the page so far during this segment. Today, I’ll head in a different direction — what course, mentor, book, or workshop have you learned the most from on developing memorable characters? For me, the answer to that question is easy — Susan May Warren. She’s not only one of my favorite authors, she’s hands down my favorite teacher, too.

The best fiction-writing training I’ve ever received has been at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) workshops taught by Susan May Warren. She is not only an amazing person, she is an awesome teacher, and I recommend that anyone who wishes to write great fiction either attend her workshop classes or buy some of the books she’s written on the craft of fiction writing.

Which comes first, the Character or the Plot?

Of course, that question is personal to the writer, and every novelist has his or her own way of developing the story. Susan May Warren says she first comes up with a story idea and then figures out what type of person would be best to put in that situation.

What makes her stories and characters so special?

Susan teaches a layering method of character development. She explains these layers in depth in her book, Deep and Wide, but here is a (very) simple outline of the layers she uses. If you’ve ever read one of her books, you know that she integrates these layers seamlessly to create amazing characters and great stories.

Layer One is a character’s Identity — how he or she sees themselves and how the world sees them.

Layer Two is the character’s Purpose — the reason why he does the things he does.

Layer Three is the character’s Competence — the main thing your character does well.

Layer Four is the character’s Security — Susan uses this layer to determine the character’s “point of no return.” What would prompt a character to do something he or she would otherwise NEVER do?

Layer Five is the character’s Belonging. She uses this to develop his developmental and spiritual arcs. What holds the character back from happiness? What holds them back from God?

I picked up the two books Susan wrote, which stemmed from some of her classes I’d taken, at the last ACFW conference. I’ve not been disappointed. The second book in her craft how-to series is called From the Inside Out.

So, who or what has helped you create memorable characters? What “best tip” on character development have you used over and over again in your writing?

Posted on March 4, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Adventures in Reading

I’ve always loved a good adventure story. And my favorite of favorites book is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain. I know we’re discussing memories of books from childhood, but I must confess that I still read this book every couple of years. No matter what your genre preference is, this book has it all — adventure, romance, suspense, mystery, religion, politics, family relationships, and a good dose of Twain’s humor.

I remember the puzzled look on my 6th-grade teacher’s face when the time arrived for our first book report, and, while nearly every kid in the classroom was fighting the librarian to check out the shortest books on the list, I picked The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

The teacher explained to me that it was a long book and asked wouldn’t I rather pick a different one, a shorter one perhaps. I said, “I know how long it is. I’ve already read it twice.”

She seemed shocked that someone so young would relish reading so many pages. But who can resist Mark Twain? Anyone who can take something so ordinary as a pair of glasses and describe them in a way that defines the character whose face upon which they reside is a master. Here’s an excerpt from the opening page, when Aunt Polly is looking for Tom:

The old lady pulled her spectacles down and looked over them about the room; then she put them up and looked under them. She seldom or never looked THROUGH them for so small a thing as a boy; they were her state pair, the pride of her heart, and were built for “style,” not service — she could have seen through a pair of stove-lids just as well.

My daughter bought me an early edition copy of the book. It’s not the first run, but it was printed over 100 years ago. My kids and I have taken turns reading it to each other throughout the years. I think it’s time to read it again.

When I’m writing a descriptive passage about a character, I try to delve beyond the obvious — red hair, freckles, or other easy-to-spot feature — and find some object they possess, use, or even cherish, and describe the object in a way that gives the reader a bit of insight into the character’s character. Thanks, Mark Twain, for teaching writers that trick!

Can you think of a specific writing technique you’ve learned and used that stemmed from one of your favorite authors?

Maybe you discovered your favorite book during your childhood days, maybe not, but what book (other than the Bible) do you re-read over and over again without tiring because the story is so compelling or well-written?

Posted on February 4, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

The Perils of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is my rut. My life and my writing often consist of a vicious cycle. I set unreachable goals and fail to attain them. I place myself under constant pressure, becoming self-critical, anxious, which sometimes leads to depression.

When I realize I can’t attain one of my unreachable goals, I give it up and move on to something new — change directions. Given a fresh start, I start new projects full of enthusiasm, but soon I get back into the rut of setting unreachable goals and the cycle continues. The inevitability of failure squelches my productivity. Instead of living the “Try, try again” mantra, my motto is often, “Do or don’t bother.”

My problem? Trying to do everything myself, my way.

Perfectionism is self-reliance gone amuck. It often stems from a rigid need to control, perhaps because those who are plagued with it are afraid to let God take charge of our lives. The “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” syndrome confines us to attempting only those tasks we can accomplish alone, which sets us up for failure.

Imagine how many goals I could reach — writing and otherwise — if i surrender and become willing to accept His help! One of my missionary friends helped me with my perfectionistic patterns by offering me this advice — “Make a decision you know you can’t do alone, but ONLY with God’s help. Plan beyond your abilities. Pray. And then do it! Not because you think you can, but because you know HE can!”

I read a quote just yesterday that got me thinking about this topic — “You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going!” There is no limit to what we can accomplish with God’s help. Only He can pull me out of my rut and into His groove.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Posted on January 7, 2011 - by Linda Fulkerson

Waiting . . . till April

One of the fun parts about being involved in a group such as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is getting to know the authors of a lot of the books I read.

And wait to read.

One author I met at last year’s conference in Indianapolis was Jill Williamson. I attended one of the workshops she taught. Jill writes fantasy, and everyone who reads that genre knows that every fantasy book has a map right inside the front cover. Her class taught us how to plot a story using a map and how to develop the story world from it. By creating cities with unique characteristics, prejudices, and opposing religious and political views of other cities, conflict among the characters is automatically built into the story.

Blurb about the Blood of Kings series (from Jill’s website): “The Blood of Kings trilogy is an epic medieval fantasy tale about Achan Cham, a young man who is a slave, and Vrell Sparrow, a young noblewoman who is on the run from an evil prince who wants to marry her in order to possess the duchy of which she is heir. The story takes place in the land or Er’Rets.” (Click here to see an interactive map of Er’Rets.)

Not only did I learn a lot about plotting at Jill’s workshop, I was intrigued as she shared how she came up with the idea for her series. She was strolling one of her young children and came across a home that had just burned. A large tree in the yard draped over the fence. The half of the tree within the yard was charred and blackened, yet the half that hung over the fence was green and vibrant. She realized the tree resembled how sin creates darkness and death, yet Christ gives us life and light.

Jill is also an artist, so she drew the tree — half dark and dead, half light and alive. Take a moment to visit her website and you’ll see the header with the tree, which spawned her best-selling book series. After hearing her story, I immediately rushed to the bookstore to buy Book One of the series, By Darkness Hid. The bookstore attendant (at the ACFW conference) saw me pick up the book and turn toward the cashier. She said, “Oh, you’ll want to buy Book Two also.” She was right. As soon as I finished By Darkness Hid, I immediately read To Darkness Fled.

Now comes the hard part. Waiting for the release of the third book of the trilogy, From Darkness Won, which doesn’t release until April.

Trailer for Book One, By Darkness Hid:

Trailer for Book Two, To Darkness Fled: