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Author: Kat Crawford

Katherine J. Crawford, the author of Capsules of Hope, Dew Drops of Hope and Buckets of Hope, is published in eighteen compilations and numerous articles. She is one of the Leadership for Wordsowers Christian Writers in Omaha NE. Known as the Lionhearted Kat, she resides in Oregon. Visit Kat’s website lionheartedkat.com. Her blog lionheartedkat.info and read her journal through breast cancer and the loss of her husband: www.caringgiver/visit/org.
HACWN friends, editors and publishers 2013

Do you love writers sitting around chatting and learning together? Me, too. I used the photo above to illustrate the family feel. Unfortunatly, all critique groups don’t feel like family.

When I first attended a critique group years ago, a woman I didn’t know well bluntly said, “You write in purple prose.” I didn’t have a clue what she meant.love the color purple, I did write poetry, but I submitted a double-spaced typewritten article in black and white, where did she find purple or even rhyme?
Unsure of myself, I didn’t ask what she meant. (Besides, you weren’t supposed to ask questions, just listen to the critique.) When I arrived home I called a writer friend, she explained the critique to me.
I survived six weeks in the group—seven well-published women and me. They taught me more in that space of time than in any critique group since.
Tough, yes. After each session I drove home in tears. My husband couldn’t understand why I returned, but I developed a tough hide.
 
I knew those women wanted the best for me.
So what is purple prose?
  • The flowery speech of King Jameth,
  • Too many descriptive words to convey a simple thought.
  • Lengthy convoluted sentences.
  • Paragraphs of descriptive dialogue.
Editors and readers like concise sentences made up of active verbs and specific nouns. After you write, edit. Edit again. Cut more. Remember many editors pay by the word. Edit your work as if every word cost you $1. Now practice cutting your word count by 200 or 400 words.
One last thought–our move to another city took me away from the woman with a harsh critique, but not from writing. It pays to take what feels like harsh criticism handed to us for our good.
Sally Jadlow 

How do I justify spending the money to attend another Heart of America Christian Writers Network Conference (HACWN) in November? 

After all, I’m on the Leadership Team for Omaha Wordsowers Christian Writer’s Conference and knee deep into the plans for April 24-25, 2015.

But after praying about it, waffling back and forth, I finally said, “This is something I enjoy. The Littleton’s allow me to teach workshops and I love meeting new authors, editors and publishers. Why not attend?”
After the 2012 HACWN conference I understood why I attend year after year—I saw at least four women latch onto a writing future. One of them, Rachel Skatvold is ready to release her first novella, “Beauty Within” next month.
What are the five reasons I attend HACWN year after year?
  1. Inspiration: I’m totally selfish. My number one reason is to find that extra “Umph” to keep me writing through the next year. When I hear about others accomplishments, I’m excited to arrive home and set goals for the next year.
  2. Encouragement: To cheer on another author is like a gift to me. I’m rejuvenated when I have the opportunity to meet “new to HACWN” attendees, give them a pep talk, pray with them and share what I’ve learned in the last year.
  3. Network with editors and publishers: Put my face before them, yes. But also to dig into their needs, both industry and personal. Ask, “How can I pray for you?”
  4. Learn what’s new in the writing industry: Be aware of the changes, but realize the world still wants to hold a magazine and/or a book. I’m also learning how to publish an E-book. I choose to live in a progressive world full of change.
  5. Support your closest writer’s conference. Because of Mark and Jeanette Littleton and their many volunteer helpers, HACWN is available year after year. By attending each year and paying our dues, we make it possible for new authors to have the same opportunities we’ve had in the past.
My new author friends with Rachel Skatvold on the right
Really there are six reasons. Carol Cumberland and family “house” our Omaha group. We have stayed in her home five times—this November is # sixth time.
I can’t wait until November —who knows what new friends I’ll make.
A tidbit from the Lionhearted Kat:

In a panel discussions the topic of payment for anthology submissions came up. Many writers responded with, “I don’t have time to submit something when I’ll only receive $50.”

By the end of the emails that flew back and forth, I felt like a less-than-good-writer because I submitted to low-paying venues.
Truth is, I like writing for Cup of Comfort, Love is a Verb, Rainy Days, Picket Fences, Angels, Miracles and Heavenly Encounters, and Chicken Soup: Finding My Faith. My work is published in fourteen or is it seventeen anthologies now?No, I don’t earn a living on those stories, but God honors all work.
Last week a District Superintendent qualified the district churches. “We don’t have second-hand churches or less than stellar preachers. We do have many small churches in villages that pay little or nothing. The pastor is bi-vocational—that doesn’t make him or the church less than the mega work in the city.”
The same is true with authors. We may not make big bucks on an anthology, but our words are in print and we will never know what needy soul will read our story—the right story for their need.

Kelly KlepferOn Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 6 pm Kelly Klepfer will present a workshop at the Wordsowers Christian Writers (WCW) monthly gathering. The WCW meets at the Bookworm, 89th and Pacific at 6 p.m.

Kelly’s topic: Co-authoring Fiction.

You want to write and get published. Traditional publishing is getting more complex requiring impressing agents, editors, marketing boards. Platform building is a huge component of future publishing, and don’t forget about networking. Now is the time to be more creative than ever. Kelly Klepfer will share tips and suggestions from her co-authoring journey. 

Angela Hunt
Angela Hunt

When the term POV comes up in the critique group I cringe. At least I did until recently.  Last fall when I attended Heart of America Christian Writers Conference in Kansas City, Angela Hunt talked about POV—Point of View.

There is First Person POV. The “I” person is sharing their personal story. This is often used in memoirs.
The Second Person POV: you, yours, yourself is used in letter writing or possibly a speech.
In the Third Person Omniscient POV an all-knowing narrator not only reports the facts but may also interpret events and relate the thoughts and feelings of any character. Charlotte’s Web by EB White is a good example.
Much of what I read is written in Third Person Limited POV. My problem—my fiction work often has talking heads or someone sticking in their thoughts where they shouldn’t be.
Angela Hunt’s Facebook
I’ll admit I’m not the best teacher on POV, but I’m beginning to recognize when I’ve interjected words where they can’t be if the material is written correctly.
There is a new novel buzzing around in my brain. Sometimes I fall asleep thinking about which character said what. I’ve decided the story is told by the ex-wife and her teenage son. Two people using third person limited POV.
Sound asleep I woke up, sat up in bed with a blazing revelation. “They can’t say that. No one can know what happens in the hall. The wife is in the restroom and the son in a hospital bed.” Wow!
Today I picked up a book, I’m assuming should be third person limited POV. The stilted dialogue might not bug me if I could figure out who is where and when. A young single woman is sharing her story. When a young single man comes along she thinks he couldn’t possibly like her for more than a friend, he’s good looking and she’s homely.
The single story teller gives lots of back story before she meets the guy. While they are talking we get his thoughts. “Wow, her smile is gorgeous and she doesn’t wear a ring.” Then back to her sharing her life history with him—much of what we know from the back story.
He thinks, “Wow, maybe God sent me here to marry this woman.” (Hallmark I understand—at least they give a few days instead of minutes.)
When the young lady suggests he have lunch with her family he accepts. When the two young people walk out of the restaurant, we have the dialogue from the parents. “They’re going to get married aren’t they?”
Okay, so maybe the author is writing in Third Person Omniscient—but I don’t get it. Think I’ll try and learn the Third Person Limited well before I put my novel in the computer.

My random writing thoughts for today.
Lionhearted Kat
A detoured sheep drawn by Savannah Wilkes

Write a fun story using the two sheep photos. You can add your story to the comments here, or on WordSowers facebook page. 

Happy Dreams drawn by Savannah Wilkes
Robert McKee says, “A STORY must build to a final action beyond which the audience cannot imagine another.”
When you finish your story for the newspaper, an article for magazine or a novel, all problems are resolved.
“We’re supposed to be better writers than they.The audience wants to be taken to the limit, to where all questions are answered, all emotions satisfied—the end of the line.”  McKee suggests, “The audience’s emotional involvement is held by the glue of empathy.”
Story on Amazon

There is no word count needed–be creative.

Remember, even a short story needs a beginning,
a middle and an ending. Have fun and send your stories to lionheartedkat@cox.net

 

June 12, 2014—Janet Nitsick presents:
Are you writing God’s Way
How do authors determine if the path they are traveling is their way or God’s way? Janet will share her insights and tips and participants will assess their own journeys through fun-analytical handouts and discussions.
Janet Syas Nitsick, lives in Springfield, Nebraska. She is the author of Seasons of the Soul, the story of life with her two autistic sons, Lockets and Lanterns, and historical western romantic anthology, Bride by Arrangement.

Interview by the Lionhearted Kat:

When I received word Janet Nitsick planned to hold a book event at Divine Truth, I dumped my plans for the day and drove west. When I walked in I saw this delightful lady in her elegant dress and hat. What a fun afternoon sitting and visiting with her.
Janet’s book Seasons of the Soul is a heart touching story about being the parent of two autistic sons. While we visited that day, Janet shared even more about the challenges of their family life, their travels and how God has blessed them because of their sons.

In years past I kept in touch with writers on TWV2. I posted, asked questions and learned from the well-seasoned authors that served as moderators.

Many of you know Sally Stuart published The Christian Writer’s Market Guide for years. Then a few years ago she sold her business to Jerry Jenkins. Side note: In my opinion, the market guide is a must for every author.
One day on TWV2 Sally posed the question: If an editor rejects a manuscript with a form rejection, is it OK to ask them to explain why?
My response: A month ago I sent two articles to an Adult SS handout editor. The same day the editor rejected both of them with a form letter stating, “These do not fit our needs.”
I replied by email. First I thanked him for the quick response and then I wrote, “I realize my articles didn’t fit your needs. Do you have a particular topic you are seeking? A hole that needs to be filled?”
Next day the editor replied, “Need Easter story for next year.”
Every Author Needs One
I found an old article I’d written years before and never submitted. Sent it. Sold it. Celebrated.
What did I learn? Form rejection letters say nothing more than ‘can’t use that manuscript at this particular time.’ They don’t say your writing is junk or the article isn’t good. I became bolder after such a great response to my email and have continued to write for this editor—more than once I’ve asked, “What hole do you have that needs filled?”

A few years ago I received a note from Jeannette Littleton, “Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers will be released April 10th with your two stories.”

Then the Publisher’s Assistant wrote, “We need your help. Every author is paid to help market.”
Lord, we could use the money, but I don’t know how to market. In the past, you placed someone in my world that wanted to use his or her spiritual gifts. Please, Father, give me that person now.
A few moments later, I heard the answer. “You have more expertise than you think. Hire yourself. You knock, I’ll open.”
“Is that you, Lord?”

“You said you planned to ditch your fears. Get serious about my plans for you. Spend more time talking to me about your needs and allow me the honor and glory.”

I prayed on the way to work. I felt giddy when I arrived at the office. My non-believing co-workers laughed at me when I announced, “I just hired myself as my promotional manager.”
The laughter ceased when I ditched my fear and marched to the cubicle of our company social committee chairperson.
“Nanci, I have two stories in this Cup of Comfort anthology,” I handed her my copy. “Is it possible the social committee will host a book signing?”
Five Devotions by Kat
Five Devotions by Kat
My stories in Cup of Comfort unleashed a dynamo in action. Every day I spent more time in prayer–kneeology production. Every day another door opened. My co-workers saw God in action.
One day I announced, “I have scheduled 6 book signings, 4 newspaper interviews, and 2 radio interviews.” An hour later I reported, “A patient just called about her bill and guess what? She is in marketing. She gave me tons of leads.”
Later, Peg, the host of my first book signing called. Before we hung up she said, “I have a degree in marketing, lets meet. I’ll coach and you’ll sell.”
What have I learned?
  • Pay your dues. I didn’t miraculously have the ‘know how’. I spent three years in study on FCW, Wordsowers, TWV2, and HACWN. I set goals, journaled praises, and wrote daily. I attended writer’s conferences, studied grammar, asked questions and accepted critiques.
  • Pray. “Kneeology” is promised production. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Ephesians 4:6 (NIV).
  • Pitch your product. In the past, I mumbled to my co-workers about my sales. Now I email my progress to friends and family. I have also become more vocal about my freelance status. I hand out my business card or a flier I just happen to have in my purse. My card says freelance author, but I know God calls me Freelance Missionary.
  • Praise Him. Allow the Lord to receive the glory. Being vocal about the answers to prayer has been an ongoing witness to others.
Follow my lead, hire yourself, tackle new ideas and brainstorm often. Then when you look in the mirror say, “Look out world. I’m a dedicated go-getter with my bosses highest good in mind. I might be untrained, but I’m willing and I have a great attitude.”
My stories in “Cup of Comfort” helped build my marketing skills. Who knows with the continual writing and the promise of another book coming out, I might end up on Oprah or Joyce Meyer. With the Lord, all things are possible.

To finish the story: Yes, I published in each Cup of Comfort until the publisher decided not to publish another one.

My stories have been published in many more anthologies also. What I learned with marketing Cup of Comfort became my stepping stone into real sales. I’m still an inspired go-getter.

Check out the interview page to learn about Hannah Segura and Lori Schulz. Our workshop presenters on Thursday, 8th at the Garden Cafe. 
 
LIONHEARTED KAT:  The first post I browsed on your website talked about your comfy shoes.  Your word pictures and your description of painting them tickled my funny bone.  This feels like a book for kids who don’t want to give up their favoritest T-shirt they wear every day, or the PJ’s they’ve got to have.  Where are you going with the shoes, Lori?

LORI:  First, I have to ask you if you’ve been in my home recently at bedtime because my youngest son has one of those t-shirts that he wears to bed every night.  It is really too small for him and it is literally falling apart.  I’ve bought him new t-shirts, but he continues to wear his too small, tattered t-shirt simply because it’s comfortable.  I suppose he gets his need for comfort from me as I think about my comfy shoes, which are similar to that t-shirt.  My shoes do not have holes in them, however.  So, where am I going with those shoes?  That’s a good question.  I’ve been going to a lot of places with those shoes and they keep reminding me of new lessons that I want to share with others.  So tune in for more about my comfy shoes on my blog.  And maybe I’ll write a story about that comfy, tattered t-shirt someday!

Before the WordSowers 2014 conference in March, we posted an interview with Lee Warren, our workshop presenter for this Thursday, April 10. Take time to read the first interview and you’ll know Lee even better.
Lionhearted Kat: In the last interview you said by attending the HACWN conferences in KC you “…ended up building a relationship with an editor I met at one of those quarterly conferences and I still write for him to this day, even though he has changed publications.” We have many authors writing books. Do you recommend beginning with writing articles, a book, or building relationships?
Lee: Every writer’s journey is different, but I don’t think these three options are necessarily mutually exclusive. At the very least, writers need to be involved in building relationships while also working on articles or a book.
I started by writing articles. I landed an on online singles column with Christianity Today long before most people were online. But not much grew out of that experience because I wasn’t building relationships with other editors. I don’t even know I was supposed to, but when I received a flyer for the HACWN conference, it sparked an interest in me to know more about the publishing industry, so I attended it.
At that conference, I met the editor for Decision Magazine (published by Billy Graham’s ministry) and began to build a working relationship with him. Two years later, he published my first article.
Meeting with editors and publishers at a writers conference–photo by Kat 
Later that same month, I met the editor of Sharing the VICTORY Magazine (published by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at an HACWN quarterly conference. He’s the editor you mentioned in your question. After writing eight or nine articles for him there, he went to another publication and when he needed freelancers, he asked me to join his stable. I’ve probably written forty or fifty articles for that publication, and I continue to write for it.
Writing articles helped to build my creditability, both as a sportswriter and a journalist. As I met more editors at conferences and mentioned my article writing experience, they were open to talking to me about book ideas. My NASCAR book, Racin’ Flat Out for Christ stemmed from one such conversation with an editor.
In my case, books flowed out of articles and relationship building.
Lee Warren has more to share–on the interview page (for the rest of the story.)
Lionhearted Kat: The April workshop info is found below. See you Thursday.
April 10, 2014—Lee Warren presents: Navigating the Self-Publishing Maze
Two major shifts are occurring in the publishing world right now. Large traditional publishers are narrowing their pool of authors in favor of authors with large platforms. And at the same time, the price to self-publish is dropping dramatically as many options abound. In this informal workshop we will talk about the self-publishing process, whether or not you need to hire an editor or cover designer, and we’ll examine a number of low cost (or even free) self-publishing options.
Lee Warren is a founding member of WordSowers. He has written six books and hundreds of articles for various magazines, newspapers, and websites. He critiques manuscripts for The Christian Communicator Service, on-staff with CLASSeminars and owns Christian Manuscript Editing Services. Follow Lee

Sherri will skype from Colorado

Learn how to target your writing towards a specific,

focused audience at the Wordsowers Writers Conference (Click to Tweet)

 

Sherri Langton, an Associate Editor for Bible Advocate and Now What? Meets new writers and gives workshop at many conferences. I’ve talked with her at the Oregon Christian Writers Conferences, Heart of America Christian Writers Conferences, and this year she will skype into our spring conference. She’s a woman of God who faced, fought and survived cancer.

Lionhearted Kat: You have been with Bible Advocate for 24 years or so—why did you start there and why did you stay?

Sherri: I started at the Bible Advocate in July 1989, after being laid off a job at a bank and being out of work for seven months. I knew I didn’t want to go back into banking; I had a degree in English and loved writing. So I looked for jobs in communication and the like. I found the Bible Advocate in a reference book at the library, sent in my résumé, and landed a job as editorial assistant. The story is wonderful of how God brought me to this office, but it’s long! I will just say that God definitely brought me to this organization. I am now associate editor. The Church of God (Seventh Day), which publishes the magazine, has been very good to me!

Lionhearted Kat:  I think I first met you at OCWC conference in Oregon about 2002. Several times we’ve been at HACWN together. What do you find is the biggest blessing from attending a writer’s conference? 

Sherri: I think meeting one-on one with writers and helping them with their writing. I also like teaching and guiding writers to improve their work.

Lionhearted Kat: You are an Associate Editor. Do you ever write stories or have you written a book?

Sherri: I have never written a book, and frankly, I’m not a book writer. I love writing articles and personal experience stories, however. I’ve been published in over 40 Christian publications, including Decision, In Touch, Focus on the Family,and many others. I’ve also had stories published in two Chicken Soup volumes and other book compilations.

Lionhearted Kat: Give us three “good to know facts” about Bible Advocate. 

Sherri: The Bible Advocate is one of the oldest Christian magazines in the country. It celebrated 150 years of print on August 10, 2013. Though it’s a denominational magazine, a large percentage of the readers are not members of the Church of God.

Personal Questions

Lionhearted Kat: You were diagnosed with lymphoma a year ago. Did the diagnosis come as a surprise, genetic and how did you deal with the first realization your life would change?

Sherri: The diagnosis was a total surprise. I did not handle the initial news well — lots of anger and fear. But God showed His mercy to me in so many ways during treatments. And I praise Him that my last scan was clear!

Lionhearted Kat: What did you learn through your journey?

Sherri: I don’t think I’ve realized all the lessons yet. I’m still processing all that happened and asking God to guide me through it. I do know that God is closer to me now than before the ordeal.

Lionhearted Kat: If you were sitting across from a lymphoma patient filled with fear of dying and you only had a few minutes to talk, what would you share with them?

Sherri: It’s OK to be afraid and even angry — let yourself be human. Even if you don’t feel that God is with you, He is. Know that His grace will see you through each day, one step at a time.

Lionhearted Kat: Is there a specific scripture that has helped you through tough times?

Sherri: My life verses: Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NIV):  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

And John 16:33 (NIV):  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Lionhearted Kat: How can those reading your interview pray for you?

Sherri: Please pray for follow-up blood tests that are part of the post-treatment routine. I always get nervous when I go in to the doctor for those. I feel great and praise God for His touch in my life.

Meet with editors and pitch your idea at the Wordsowers Writers Conference 

  Bible Advocate writers guidelines for online magazine.