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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.

Tamara’s Workshop:

A publisher’s perspective: What you need before making your pitch

Add some God colors to your world (Click to Tweet)

I learned about Tamara and her publishing company, CrossRiver Media Group at the Heart of America Christian Writers Network Conference
in 2011. WordSowers member Angela D. Meyer pitched her book at that conference and CrossRiver Media published “Where Hope Starts” in 2013.
Lionhearted Kat: Tamara, we’ve learned you started in the writing world as a newspaper journalist and now have your own publishing company. How did that happen?
Tamara: I have always loved to read. As a child I read everything I could get my hands on. I devoured books as fast as I could get them and spent every morning reading the back of the cereal box over breakfast. So when it came time to choose a college major, I knew it needed to have something to do with words. I also grew up as a news junkie… watching the evening news every night with my mom. By the time I graduated from high school, journalism seemed like a natural fit.

After fifteen years in the television and newspaper industry, I decided it was time to use my skills for God. While I enjoyed working in news and being on the frontlines of history, I felt called to do more. I started attending a local Christian writer’s group and felt called to help authors find their voice and an audience for their words. The Lord began opening doors and a few months later, CrossRiver was born.

Lionhearted Kat:  Tell us a little about your role in your publishing company and your plans for the future.
Tamara: Since founding the company in 2010, I have had a hand in just about every facet of producing our book. Part of my newspaper job included writing and designing special sections, magazines and a couple of books. All of that experience taught me how to put everything together, start to finish, including the printing process. At first, I did everything myself. Now, I have several freelancers that I work with who help me with editing, proof reading and cover design, but I still have a hand in just about every stage of the process.
Lionhearted Kat: We know there are challenges in being a business owner, but what do you find the most exciting in your daily work with CrossRiver Media?
 
Tamara: I honestly enjoy just about every part of the creative process – from editing to book design and layout. My favorite part, though, is working with new authors to help them share the words God has given them with others. There is nothing quite like being able to tell a writer, their book is on the printing press…and that they are now officially an author.
Lionhearted Kat:  I know you are big on social media—when you work with new authors, what is the first thing you tell them about building a platform?
Tamara: The big thing I preach is consistency. If you have a bunch of social media sites, but don’t do anything with half of them, you give your fans and possible publishers the idea that you don’t follow through on projects. Even if you are just publishing something weekly or bi-weekly, it is better than having a site that sits there unused month after month. Be consistent. And realize that you don’t have to be on every social media site available. I recommend that authors choose three sites that they feel comfortable with…and stick with them. If that is a website, Twitter and Facebook, that is fine. If they want to have a Pinterest account as well, that is okay, but they need to know what their limitations are…and not become over-committed. One other tip I offer is to make sure all of their addresses agree. CrossRiver’s addresses are www. CrossRiverMedia.com, Facebook.com/ CrossRiverMedia, Twitter.com/ CrossRiverMedia, and Pinterest.com/CrossRiverMedia. With CrossRiverMedia in every address, we can be sure our fans will be able to find us no matter what platform they choose….and no matter what new social media sites come up in the future. Let’s face it, Facebook is unlikely to maintain its current popularity. Something will eventually replace it and when it does, our fans will know they can find us at CrossRiverMedia.
Lionhearted Kat: What are you writing about these days?
Tamara:Unfortunately, I don’t get to do a lot of writing. That is my one disappointment with choosing to become a publisher. I just don’t have the time to put pen to paper myself. The only writing I do right now are press releases for our new books and copy for our social media and websites. However, I do have an idea for a Bible study rolling around in my head. I hope to start working on it this summer.

On a personal note:

Lionhearted Kat: Did you have one particular teacher that helped shape your writing?
Tamara: I had a fantastic English teacher in high school Mrs. Brown, who encouraged me. I wasn’t a prolific writer in high school. I didn’t tackle poetry or try my hand at fiction. I would much rather have been reading, but she saw potential and encouraged me to try my hand at journalism. I fell in love immediately.
Lionhearted Kat: How did your upbringing influence you as a writer?
Tamara: My mom always had a book with her…in fact, sometimes several. She still does. Her love of reading didn’t take hold in me, though, until about the fifth grade. That is when I discovered the Little House on the Prairie series. I nearly wore the set out…reading them over and over again, devouring every word. My mother also instilled in me the love of the news and the understanding of how important it is to know what is going on in the world around us. It was my father who made me realize that today’s news is tomorrow’s history and the importance of making sure I covered my stories with accuracy and integrity. It all combined to make me into a curious writer who digs deep into the subject for the little details.
Lionhearted Kat:  We know you are the mother of four kiddos. How do you balance your writing with the needs of wife and mother?
Tamara: It is a delicate balance and one that I have to admit I have not yet mastered. There are many times when I have to take editing with me to ballgames or spend more time in front of the computer screen than I would like. But I am getting better. I work from a home office, so I am here when the kids get home from school. We live very close to their school so I slip over to have lunch with them from time to time, and I am trying to implement a working policy of nine to five… instead of 24/7. Multitasking is the key to my survival… along with a family which is incredibly understanding and helpful.
Lionhearted Kat: Share something about yourself we may not know—something fun.
Tamara: I played just about every sport in high school…including covering second base on the boys baseball team. Now, I get to coach my oldest daughter. I just wrapped up my first year as a Junior High girls’ volleyball and basketball coach. It isn’t something I dreamed of doing, but I’m having a blast!
Lionhearted Kat: How can we pray for you between now and the conference?

Tamara: First of all, thank you for your prayers. The one thing I would like to request is wisdom in knowing what message God would have me bring to the conference and how I can best help the writer’s fulfill the mission He has given them.

 

*The books shown above are published by CrossRiver Media Group.

Learn why social media is important
before you submit your proposal at Wordsowers Writers Conference
(Click to Tweet) 

Jill’s Workshop: 
Blogging: Creating content that will build your readership 

Wordsowers Conference February 28-March 1 
Add some God colors to your world (Click to Tweet)


Jill Hart first attended a WordSowers monthly meeting at Parables in January 2006. I remember the meeting well. The regulars talked about developing a critique group but not one of us felt confident enough to get our feet wet. In November a couple WordSowers asked Mark Littleton of Heart of America Christian Writers Network to help us. He turned to me and said, “Kat, you do it. You know enough.”

On that cold winter evening with Jill in attendance, she said, “I sure wish I could find a critique group.” That night I jumped in and got my feet wet. The next month the WordSowers first critique group came together. Wow, Jill has come a long way since then.
Lionhearted Kat: What do you remember about those beginning days of writing, Jill?
Jill: I remember being terrified. I thought you would all kick me out of that first meeting because I wasn’t a “real” writer. I was shaking in my boots!  You all helped me find the confidence to push forward and gave me a place to go to ask questions and get help. Oh, what a blessing WordSowers has been in my life!

Lionhearted Kat: You were already blogging at that time, right? Why did you decide you need to attend WordSowers and a critique group?
Jill:  I had started writing little devotionals and articles to post on my website in 2001. But, I only wrote them to have fresh content for my website, not because I enjoyed writing or thought that I was good at it.
I had a conversation with a writer friend in 2005 and she helped me see that the next logical step with CWAHM was a print book. So, I began trying to learn how to go about “real” writing and stumbled across WordSowers. The writing group gave me a safe place to learn, grow and network as a writer.

Lionhearted Kat: Let’s go back to before WordSowers.—what prompted you to build a business online and what do you wish you knew before you started—especially the writing aspect?
Jill:  When I began CWAHM I had know idea that writing would even be involved. I put the website together as I was learning HTML and web design, never thinking that people would actually see it. God had other plans. J
If I could go back, I was be more purposeful. I would definitely have some type of business plan in place and I would have tried to figure out what types of things I was going to need before jumping in head-first. I think, however, that had I done things that way, I would have never ever gotten started. I was have been too intimidated, too afraid of failing, and I think God knew that. He is so gracious to us and knows just what we need.
Learn how to blog: create, re-purpose and find content. 
At the Wordsowers Writers Conference. (Click to Tweet)



Lionhearted Kat: How did you come up with the title to your latest book: “Do Life Different.”

Jill: Do Life Different has really been the theme of my life over the last couple of years. So many of my friends think my life is so weird – working from home, writing, speaking – it’s not the typical Midwestern life.
And I find that my spiritual walk has that same flavor to it. We have to be a bit weird to live for Christ, we have to “Do Life Different” to stand out from the crowd.
Lionhearted Kat: In your info about your workshop you said mentioned blogging helping your audience finding new content, repurposing content, run more contests and more. What do you want your workshop attendees to learn from your presentation?
Jill:  I really would like people to walk away from the session with a sense of purpose and direction for their blogs. So many writers are told to blog, but they aren’t really sure what to do once they have the blog set up – how to engage their readers.
We’ll walk through the ins and outs of blogging for writers – what it means, why you should do it, and how to keep from spinning your wheels.
 On a personal note:
Lionhearted Kat: Who is your favorite author and what hits home with you when you read one of their books?
Jill: My favorite author is Liz Curtis Higgs. She amazes me with her imagery and her ability to make eternal truths easy to understand. Liz writes both fiction and non-fiction, she doesn’t let genre or subject matter stop her. I love that she blazes her own trail and writes what God lays on her heart.
Lionhearted Kat: Author Emily Dickenson said, “I dwell in possibility.” How does that thought pertain to you?
Jill: Dreaming is my favorite thing! It seems I’m always trying to come up with something new or a fresh way to do things. One of the best things about running an online business and doing all my own web work is the ability to do whatever I want, to some degree. I love the freedom of working at home and working for myself. And I love that I go wherever God leads me even if it doesn’t necessarily fit with where I’ve been.
Lionhearted Kat: Share about your family life, how do you balance your writing/speaking schedule with your life as wife and mother?
Jill: Oh, the balancing act. This is certainly where the pressure sets in. I think I’m constantly evaluating and re-evaluating what I spend my time on. I’ve learned over the last 15 years that success isn’t what the world claims it is. There are more important things that money and making a name for myself. Building a relationship with the Lord must come before all else and my family second. Anything else is a bonus.
I’m learning that I can never truly be balanced, I can simply be flexible. So, I wake up each day and set about doing what God has asked of me for that day.
Lionhearted Kat: Your children are growing up, how do you see your life changing in the near future?
Jill: I can’t believe how big my kids are already! Where does the time go? My daughter is 12 and my son turns 9 in a few weeks.  I honestly think that my kids need me more now than they did when they were small. They needed me to be present physically when they were little, but now they need me to be all-in emotionally and mentally as well. They are turning into young adults and it is a pleasure to walk through this journey with them.
While I have more time to work and write now that they are in school during the day, I’m much stricter with myself about not working evening or weekends. It does happen on occasion if I’m on deadline, but not often.
 Lionhearted Kat: How can we pray for you between now and the conference?
Jill: I would love your prayers and I prepare both my heart and mind for speaking. That God will guide me to cover the topics that people truly want and need.
Lee Warren is a freelance writer and editor from Omaha, Nebraska, and one of the founders of WordSowers Christian Writers. He has written six non-fiction books and hundreds of articles for various newspapers and magazines. He has also edited more than 50 books that are currently in print.
I met Lee at the first meeting of Omaha writers, before we chose the name WordSowers. For several years Lee served on the Steering Committee for WordSowers—he enjoys helping new authors find their voice. He is on staff for CLASSeminars, A Christian Writers Conference held in New Mexico and has presented dozens of writers workshops over the past few years.

Interview Questions:

Lionhearted Kat: When we met you worked at a bank. When did you decide you wanted to write?
Lee:My parents divorced when I was eight years old, so my dad came to get me on Saturdays to spend time with him. He was a painter (the kind who paints houses) and he owned his own shop, so we would often stop by there on Saturday afternoons. While he was busy, I often gravitated toward his big manual typewriter on his desk. I’d scroll a piece of paper into it and begin copying liner notes from albums, articles from newspapers, etc., sometimes picking up a story where it left off. I didn’t know it at the time, but the writing bug was planted in me back then.
During my teen years, I wrote poetry to deal with my emotions. As an introvert, the written page was my only safe place. During my twenties, I wrote songs to deal with my emotions. I became a Christian in my mid-twenties and a few years later got online, where I landed a singles column with Christianity Today Online.
And then in my thirties, I received a flyer for a Christian writers conference in Kansas City. I was intrigued so I registered and attended. For the first time in my life, I was among kindred spirits – creative types who expressed themselves with the written word. That’s when I really knew I wanted to write.
Lionhearted Kat: Before you started writing fulltime, you drove to Kansas City to attend a monthly writers group or critique group. It’s a long drive to Kansas City, how often did you go and how did that dedication help you as a writer?
Lee:The Kansas City conference above I mentioned took place in 1998. For a few years, they had annual conferences, but then the network changed hands and the new directors changed the conferences to scaled down versions that occurred quarterly. For the next few years I drove to Kansas City and attended nearly every one of them. I 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.
Being around other writers on a consistent basis – writers who were serious about pursuing publication – really fueled my creative juices. Everybody is busy. Everybody has family issues, and church issues, and various other issues. But being around writers who were writing in spite of all that made me want to do it as well.
Lionhearted Kat: Were you involved in a critique group during the beginning years of your writing journey? If so, how did it help? Or if not, why not?
Lee:Being introverted I never had a big desire to be part of a face to face critique group. Takes too much out of me and too often those groups are not structured. They become social gatherings rather than critique groups. I did participate in a couple of them though – one with a few other writers here in Omaha. We would meet at Barnes and Noble monthly. The other one was not face to face. It was an online ACFW critique group. I was part of that for maybe a year.
I benefited more from going to writing workshops at conferences – especially ones that were dedicated to the craft. I took one workshop in which novelist Nancy Moser taught about the importance of showing rather than telling and that helped me a great deal. I took another one with novelist Angela Hunt about structuring a novel. It was gold. I sat in on workshops in which professional editors tore stories apart and then put them back together again. Andy Scheer, who used to be the editor at Moody and is currently an agent, taught one such workshop and I attended it several times. Again, it was pure gold.
Lionhearted Kat: You’ve given dozens of workshops over the years. Is there one workshop you enjoy presenting more than others–why?
Lee:I teach one called “Article Writing 101” that I really enjoy because part way through, I can see people’s faces begin to light up. They come to the class not really knowing how to structure an article and once they learn some basic journalistic techniques, then they feel equipped to give it a shot. I love that.
Lionhearted Kat: Your Contemplating Redemption is one of my favorite blog sites. One of your recent posts tickled my funny bone. I so related to your “Losing My Technological Touch.” What prompted this so true post and how do you think people older than you will keep up with the every changing technology?
Lee:The site you are referring to is my author website. But you picked up on the tagline: Contemplating Redemption. Most of my writing is steeped in redemption of one sort or another, so that’s the theme for my author website.
As a writer who is just trying to make ends meet every month, I have taken on a lot of different type of work. I love to edit, so I became an editor. I love to encourage writers, so I became a writing coach. I knew more than the average bear when it came to setting up blogs, so I began setting up blogs for writers. But somewhere along the way, I bit off more than I could chew and I found myself drowning in technology.
I think the moment of truth came about a year ago with I tried to set up an e-book for an author on Amazon.com and I lost a ton of time on the project. Learning to format the e-book wasn’t bad, but the layout afterward was a nightmare for me. The text somehow flowed into a hidden boundary. A horizontal line just appeared on the bottom of every other page and I couldn’t figure out how to get rid of it. Then the author told me he had a bunch of photos to insert. I was in over my head and I admitted it to the author.
I just learned to stick to what I can do well and then hire someone to do the rest. And that’s probably my advice for people who are older than me. Jump in, give it a try, but if you find yourself getting too frustrated or in way over your head, find someone who can do it for you.
On a Personal Note:
Lionhearted Kat: You are big into sports, watch them and write about them. You also interview many sports celebrities—often on the fly—in a few minutes. What do you enjoy most about talking with those in the sports world? Is there one interview you haven’t done and hope to in the future? 
Lee:I love talking to the athlete who doesn’t have a big name, but who is working hard behind the scenes either to excel on the field, or to excel in his or her faith.
I interviewed a baseball pitcher named John Wasdin in 2006, I believe. He was pitching for the Texas Rangers and was near the end of his career. Not many people knew who he was, but he found a way to stay in the game because of his work ethic, willingness to adapt, and continuing to tweak his game. Those players are called journeymen.
We were in the Rangers clubhouse in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. I introduced myself as a sportswriter for a Christian publication and he pulled a seat up to his locker, inviting me to sit down. That doesn’t happen often. During that interview, I learned that he had witnessed to a Triple-A player when he was in Triple-A himself and that player became a Christian. Wasdin made a commitment to disciple him, but after he got called back to the big leagues, that made face to face discipleship impossible. So he committed to discipling that player on the phone every night after their games were over.
Digging for and finding a story like that is invigorating for me as a journalist. They are inspiring and faith building. Journalists live for the “get.” They want to get the story nobody else knows about. I feel that way too, but I want to get the journeyman story because the odds are stacked against him.
Even in a story like this, redemption is always lurking.

Lionhearted Kat: In the past you mentioned how you enjoy Jan Karon books. Is there another author you enjoy—one of those that the minute their latest book is off the press you gotta have it? What is it about the author that drives you to read their work?
Lee:I’m a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. His characters are often flawed, wounded, imperfect people who are just looking for another chance at love. That resonates with me, given that I’m 47 and never married. And there’s that redemption theme again.
I also love Richard Ford. His Bascombe trilogy about a sportswriter named Frank Bascombe is something to savor. He does something with a male protagonist that many in modern literature are unwilling to do – he explores the protagonist’s emotions as he struggles through his disappointments. I love that. As a man who is willing to explore my own emotions, I feel like I have a friend in Bascombe.
Lionhearted Kat: Last fall you participated in the National Novel Writing Month. How did you manage your daily schedule and producing a novel that fast? Where did you write most of your work, in a recliner or in a coffee shop?
Lee:I wrote that novel exclusively at night in restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores. I got into a rhythm most nights, writing 1,666 words (the average you need to hit the 50,000-word goal) in two and half hours. That’s doable for anybody if you’ll turn off the TV. I was dead tired most nights by the time I finished, but it was a satisfied tired.
Lionhearted Kat: Because you are involved in other conferences, you are able to travel to other states. If you had the opportunity right now to travel, where would you go and why?
Lee:I’m assuming you mean traveling to the conference of my choice? If so, I would go to Mount Hermon. It’s probably the premier conference in the CBA and I’ve never had a chance to go. If you mean non-conference related traveling, I would love to travel to see the four tennis Grand Slam tournaments in New York, Paris, London, and Melbourne.
Lionhearted Kat: I know as a fulltime author you face struggles in receiving payments on time and also, you’ve had some physical issues. Is there a specific need you’d like us to pray about for you or your family between now and the conference?
Lee:I don’t really want to get specific, but you have named all three of my primary struggles as a full-time freelancer – finances, health, and family concerns. I would love it if you would pray about all three of those areas of my life.
Interviewed by The Lionhearted Kat, one of the Leadership Team of WordSowers Christian Writers Group and the author of Capsules of Hope: Survival Guide forCaregivers. She is published in seventeen compilations and has written numerous magazine articles. After the death of her husband she wrote From theEyes of  joyful Widow.

 

Join us for our live hangout:
Pre-Published Author Platforms
February 6th at 10:15-11:15 am

 

~ ~ ~
Conference Sneak Peak
 Meet Gabriele Udele from Beacon Hill Press 
who will be presenting a workshop this year.

Gabriele Udele--Beacon Hill Press Editor

Wordsowers Writing Group is excited about Gabriele Udele presenting a workshop at our WordSowers Christian Writers Conference on March 1st. I first met Gabriele at the 2013 Heart of America Christian Writers Conference in Kansas City. She represented Beacon Hill Press, a publisher in business for over ninety years.

 
Lionhearted Kat: When did you begin work at Beacon Hill Press and what is your role there?
 
Gabriele:  I have worked at Beacon Hill two different times—from 1999-2004, and from 2013-present.  My title is Consumer Product Line Editor.  I am a content and acquisitions editor for Christian Living books.
 
Lionhearted Kat: What do you wish you’d known when you first started in your position?
 
Gabriele: I wish I’d learned the Chicago Manual of Style when I was in college! We used a different documentation style when I was in school.

Lionhearted Kat: See more of the interview and what Gabriele will share at the conference by reading LIONHEARTED KAT INTERVIEW 

McConaughey lost 40 pounds to play the role of a man with AIDS.
Probably I won’t see many of the films up for the Golden Globe Awards, but I kinda watched the presentations on Sunday evening.
Several of the stars I wanted to win, like Tom Hanks for “Captain Phillips,” were left sitting on their chairs, instead of racing to the platform. But when Matthew McConaughey’s name rang out, I watched him.
Wow, his first major award. He looked like a little kid receiving his first bicycle. But what stood out to me the most is the opening of his acceptance speech.
Of the film McConaughey said “This film took 20 years to get made. People declined to make it 86 times. We got together with a group of people who laid skin on the ground. That was one thing. A year later, it’s living. It’s very present. And I’m standing up here with a Golden Globe. That’s incredibly rewarding.”
When any of our writers talk about rejection, we need to read McConaughey’s statement again.
THIS FILM TOOK TWENTY YEARS TO GET MADE.
PEOPLE DECLINED TO MAKE IT 86 TIMES.
 I’m printing the above and pasting it to my desk. I know we are looking at the years to produce a film, but what about our years in publishing a book—I’m glad McConaughey shared that information, it’s a great reminder of the dedication of writers, producers and the actors, too.

I first met Troy Griepentrog two years ago at the Heart of America Christian Writers Conference (HACWN) in Overland Park, Kansas where he represented Focus on the Family.

In a ten minute interview we talked about a story I’d written. Troy listened intently. Smiled often. Commented on a few ideas of mine—I left the interview feeling I’d met a new friend. Later at lunch we talked a bit about Colorado Springs.
This year Troy again represented Focus at the HACWN conference. He told me he doesn’t have a facebook—but he does browse there once in awhile to check out what is happening around him. Several things I learned about Troy in our short meetings. He has a great sense of humor, he constantly encourages writers, and he loves the Lord. He looks young—in reality he is Grandpa Troy.
Lionhearted Kat: You work for Focus on the Family publications, what is your position?

Troy: I’m a senior associate editor of Thriving Family magazine, and I edit marriage topics primarily.

For the full story see:  Interview and Reviews

A new interview on the interview and reviews page. 
Unfortunately, I didn’t meet Gloria Penwell at the Oregon Christian Writer’s Conference when her husband Dan encouraged me to publish my book. But because of mutual friendships and Lee Warren working with her at CLASSeminars, we’ve now connected.
I’ve posted an interview with Gloria—take time to read it. She has been around the CBA market for a number of years and is full of wisdom.
Still Lionhearted, Kat
 
 
Continued notes from Kat from the Q and A panel:
When our Q and A panel received questions from those attending WordSowers meeting in November, most people didn’t put their name on them. Jeanie added her name, and even if she didn’t, we know about her contract with “Chicken Soup” and applaud her tenacity—
The sign on my desk says,
If you don’t submit, you can’t sell.
Jeanie’note-question:
 “My story will be in an upcoming Chicken Soup book.
Is there a protocol for promoting that without being pushy?
I currently have a (new) website, (new) blog, (new) author’s
facebook page, and (new) twitter account.”
We need to do more than applaud Jeanie’s sale—she’s moved ahead in building the blog, getting her facebook up and going and is on twitter. Yahoo, Jeanie. Great job.
Is there a non-pushy way to promote your book? Any book?
With “Chicken Soup books” you are paid for the manuscript and given 10 free books. What you do with the book from there is up to you. Of course, the publisher hopes that every author will sell books for them, but how?
In my case, I waited years to be accepted by “Chicken Soup Finding Your Faith.” I might not have promoted the book, but when I spoke in the northwest this summer, offering books after my presentation worked well.
How would I share a compilation if I didn’t speak? In the beginning—maybe 2005, I held book events at Parables, Divine Truth, Borders and Barnes and Nobles. Did I make any more money? No, but I connected with managers in each bookstore. When I did self-publish my book, those same managers allowed me to hold more book events and even carried my book in their stores.
When I sold any compilation in a church setting or to family and friends, I bought the books at half price—sold them for list price.
I didn’t quit my day job. This isn’t a huge money maker, but you begin to build your platform and your portfolio.
Angela Meyer held a book launch party when her book “Hope Starts Here” published. Why not hold a book launch party with “Chicken Soup?” Yes, it’s lots of work, but if your book is published in January or February, everyone needs a reason to celebrate and you will start building your audience for the future. Invite family, friends and ask them to invite more people. Most of them want to celebrate a new publication—get the word out, Jeanie Jacobsen, you are an author.
Terry Burns, Hartline Agent
Last Thursday evening WordSowers held their monthly meeting at the Rockbrook Garden Café. Lee Warren, Kat Crawford and Teresa Tierney sat on the Q and A panel. One of the questions asked was “How do I find an agent.”

It just happens I’ve interviewed Terry Burns with Hartline Literary Agency. Click on the Interview and Review button. Terry answers a lot of questions for anyone thinking about finding an agent.

More interviews to come in the near future.                                   Kat Crawford 

Check out the Book Reviews and Author interviews. This is the latest release by author, Karen Kingsbury.

Review by Kat Crawford
Fifteen Minutes is available to purchase from Amazon.com. 
Note: I received this book as part of the Fifteen Minutes blog tour from Fiction Addict. I received no compensation for this review and only received a copy of the book for review purposes.  
Review copy provided by the publisher.
Today I chatted with author, speaker, teacher and Dean of Women at Grace University, Tara Rye about her presentation at our WordSowers meeting, this Thursday, May 2ndat the Rockbrook Garden Café. After our discussion about Thursday’s  workshop I asked Tara a few questions.
Kat:    When did you feel called to write?
Tara:  I have always written. I wrote poems and short stories for school. I kept a journal as a kid. I have always wanted to be a writer, but it wasn’t defined as a fiction writer, but more as an inspirational writer. I wanted to write so that people were caught, taught, changed, or challenged in their thoughts.
Kat:  Tara I know you self-published your manuscripts. Did you try presenting them to a mainstream publisher—if so, how did the editor/publisher respond?
Tara: I tried sending out queries and I was told regularly that what I had was good, but it is more niche’ oriented. Several time after submitting a piece to a publishing house, it was rejected. About two years later the same company published something very similar. I lost respect for traditional houses and feared giving out my material.  I used to think poorly of self published authors, but eventually I realized that it was the avenue I needed because I don’t write for the masses I write for the one that will be inspired. I do not write to make a profit or to sell a lot of books. I write for the one. So, my marketing strategy works for me. I do nothing. 🙂 The icing is that they do get purchased.
Mandy Mouse Lives at Lydia House 
Kat:  I know you stay busy. Can you tell us what you are involved in at the present time?
Tara: I write for the Kansas Nebraska Digest as a regular and for CWAHM. I have a calendar reminder each month to submit and I do. I did write for the Examiner, but decided it wasn’t worth my time. I have written for LIFEWAY since 2005 as a Bible curriculum writer.
Kat:  You finished your dissertation.  Does that mean you are Dr. Tara Rye?
Tara: Yes, I am now Dr. Rye. It is a DEdMin, a doctorate of educational ministry. The last four years has been a very intense writing experience from the scholarly perspective. It was not about inspiration, but information. It was tough, but through it God has taught me that I can do hard things. I am getting requests for it (the dissertation) and I have been asked to publish it beyond the seminary publication.
I write daily. I write when I teach about the lessons. It is my greatest joy. I do not feel that I am a gifted writer grammatical. I enjoy the thoughts. I hate the grammar and spelling. I am terrible at it and struggle through it. For this reason, I have a hard time releasing my work. LOL! However, I cannot imagine a day without some sort of written expression.
Kat: What are the credentials behind your name?
Tara:  DEdMin
Tara gave a workshop at the WordSowers Writers Conference on March 2, 2013. She is an awesome speaker, author and prayer warrior. You may know her from the Cultivating Hearts Radio Ministry or through her ministry at the Open Door Mission.
Don’t miss Thursday, May 2nd at the Rockbrook Garden Cafe
108th and Center.
When I read John Kings’ description of finding names for book characters, I flipped in my Bible to the Genesis passage where God gave Adam the “naming” task.
“There were around 70 main characters in Centennial, and to find names that sounded appropriate for the parts they played, as well as being in keeping with their family origins and their time in history, was an important and pleasurable part of our research, rather like a game of literary Scrabble.”
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.” Genesis 2:19 (niv)
The Bible doesn’t say Adam whined. There is nothing recorded that says, “But God, I’ve never named anyone before.” No, Adam named every living creature and we know God continually said, “And it is good.”
Those helping Michener name the characters for Centennial didn’t whine, sometimes in their discussions they argued over what they believed a character might say or do, but mostly they enjoyed building the cast on paper.
What task has God given you? Maybe not naming animals or people, but if you complete the task without complaint will you hear the Lord say, “And it is good.”
Prayer: Our gracious father in heaven, help us to welcome with open arms whatever you call us to do for you. Amen