Conference Raffle Books and Tidbits

Look what I won at the conference! Not one, not two, but THREE books! Thank YOU, Maria Riley! I've only read the first one so far and it's so well-written. Joshua is a newly adopted child in a family with two children already in the family and he struggles to believe he's loved as much as the other kids. The three kids get to time-travel back to the Nativity and get to experience how St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus loves Him. Children will really connect with the saints in this series. 

I'm still not caught up on the conference videos because I've been working on pitches and proposals and polishing my manuscripts for submission. But here are some tidbits from the wonderful speakers. I hope you will discover some new authors and editors here that will help you on your own writing journey. A BIG THANK YOU to all the organizers and volunteers for making this possible.  

Powerful Not Preachy: Crafting a Story with a Message. Good stories are balanced between engaging both mind and heart. If a story is all heart, no mind, it can become sentimental. And the opposite, it can become more about an idea and the plot/characters can feel contrived to fit an agenda. Share truths, not propaganda. Powerful stories pose questions and explore them through character development. Trust your readers; they're allowed to come to a different conclusion than you, the writer. Let God work. Don't meddle. ~ Sister Allison. 

Publishing Industry Red Flags. Learn the different paths to publication. Have realistic expectations. Practice discernment. ~ Anjanette Barr, . It was good to listen to an agent. I've been thinking that once my historical is ship-shape, I might query agents again.

Instagram: So Much More than Likes or Follows. Use Instagram as an online business card. ~ Kate Frantz. This talk made me realize that I could try Instagram. I am visual and this medium would suit me.

Serious Popular Fiction. Calibrate the Mind to Reality. Remember Plato's example of people living in a cave, only see shadows. It's a false reality. Once they go outside, they see as things truly are. A well-calibrated mind is less prone to being deceived and is able to assess new ideas wisely. With stories we can both experience and reflect at the same time. We can judge the moral weight of an action. Serious fiction is fundamentally moral, not because it teaches morality, but rather creates experience of facing a moral dilemma. ~ G. M. Baker. This was one of the best talks that integrated writing with philosophy. Looking forward to reading his books.

Why the World Needs Catholic Romance Novels. Be countercultural, break stereotypes. ~ Gerri Bauer. I love romance and have toyed with a couple of ideas and this talk inspired me to revisit them.

Incorporating Biblical Themes into Fiction. We are authors of words...and Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God. Why not let the two intersect? Let the Bible inspire your fiction. Some topics to consider: sibling relationships, parent-child relationships, priesthood, purgatory, angels, sacrifice, chosen people, outcasts, barrenness/infertility, brokenness, healing. ~ Allison Ramirez. It's funny, but even as an atheist, I ended up incorporating some Biblical themes in my work because it's true.

Newsletter Marketing. A newsletter is the most stable and long-term marketing tool. Make it worth the reader's time. Be authentic. ~ Stephanie Landsem. I've been told this over and over to write a newsletter. Maybe this is the year I begin. I have loved Stephanie's historical fiction.

Author and Editor Relationships Panel. Editing is also where you allow another into the creative process. Education is an investment. Publisher brand should match your sensibility. Rebecca Martin, Colleen Pressprich, Michelle Buckman, Roseanna White, Marybeth Giltner. Really enjoyed listening to the publishing stories. 

Tips for Writing Your Nonfiction Book. Simplify. Evaluate your writing space, your commitment and fitness for writing, your writing itself. Write with Jesus! What is God's vision for me? If it's from God you will overcome all obstacles. Discern. What are your ruts, your killer thoughts? A big one is fear. It stops you from writing. So change your thoughts. Thoughts-->Action-->Behavior. When you are overwhelmed, PRAY! ~ Belinda Terro Mooney. I really loved these tips on pre-writing. 

I'll stop here. More tidbits later. Happy reading and writing. Look at these newlyweds in their cosy little home! Michael and I had a very rich Chef's Kiss dinner at New Realm last night. And we have leftovers. Yum! And it is because HE first loved us that we can even manage to love a little. A happy and blessed St. Valentine's Day to you and all yours.