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August 15, 2006

Have you ever thought you might like to write a novel? Well, here’s your chance. Thousands of people THINK about writing a novel someday, but what they lack is a deadline. Motivation to actually sit down and do it.

Coming soon, November is National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short. I’ve never participated in this before, so the graphic with the pencil runner is just for show. I’d love to hear if any of you have ever done this and how it went.

According to the NaNoWriMo site, last year there were 59,000 participants and 9,769 winners. The way you get to be a winner is to complete the goal of writing 50,000 words from November 1 to November 30. That’s about 1700 words a day. Nobody cares what you write, and nobody will even see what you write if you choose. A computer will scramble your words for privacy, and then count them up.

Here’s what the site says:

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30 … Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It’s all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly …

As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel.

I’m not sure, but I’m thinking about signing up this year. I’ve got several short stories I’ve never done anything with — maybe I could piece them together into a novel. It would be fun to be part of something big like this — just to say I did it. I know several writers who use this for a warm-up exercise.

Although it’s rare, a few past participants have actually gone on to get their novels published. If you’re an aspiring writer, this might be good incentive to take that next step. One thing I noticed is that if you choose to use your real name, it might be a good publicity tool for you. If you do a search for 2005 winners, you can see an author profile that includes an excerpt from the author’s novel. The author profile can link back to your blog or website. You never know if editors or agents might be browsing through this site someday looking for someone new.

If you’re a parent of an aspiring writer, why not let them give it a try? I’m sure this would be a big boost to a young writer’s confidence — and let them see what it’s like to actually finish a complete book.

According to NaNoWriMo, “Win or lose, you rock for even trying.”

P.S. The reason why I’m posting this so soon is so you’ll have all of September and October to psyche yourself up (like training for a marathon). You can start thinking of your characters and jotting out a plot. And if you end up writing the next bestseller and become famous, just don’t forget to send me a signed copy. OK?

By: Heather Ivester in: Writing | Permalink | Comments & Trackbacks (4)



August 2, 2006

Another great issue of Christian Women Online is hot off the press. Pour yourself a mug of coffee or tea, and get ready to be inspired.

CWO is really starting to gain attention in the blogosphere. It was recently mentioned on the mega-site, msnbc.com, and Jan White featured CWO in her MarketLines column for Cross & Quill Magazine as a hip new publication for Christian writers to submit articles. I’m working on my September Book Buzz column and would love your thoughts on any great new books you’ve read recently. I’m in the middle of a hilarious novel by Diann Hunt called RV There Yet? I can’t wait to review it for CWO because it’s a hoot. Diann Hunt is one of those funny people I’d love to meet someday.

Fortunately, she also blogs for Girls Write Out, along with Kristin Billerbeck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter. Those ladies know how to have a good time — and it definitely shows up in their writing. I interviewed Colleen here a few months ago, and I saw her from a distance at the Women of Faith conference. My brush with fame!

By: Heather Ivester in: Books,Faith,Writing | Permalink | Comments & Trackbacks (5)



July 29, 2006

If you live anywhere near the metro Atlanta area, I’d love to invite you to come hear me speak.

Yes, that’s right! I’m going to have to overcome my speaking jitters and tell you all about … something. I’m not sure what yet — it’s a secret that I’m working on. The Secret of the Scared Writer.

I thought becoming a writer meant that you could squirrel away with your keyboard like a hermit. But publishers aren’t too crazy about books that don’t sell. So they expect authors to do scary things — like speak in front of people! And invite people to come buy your books — even when you write your name in them.

The truth is, I’m kind of excited about this, and I’d love to meet you. I’ll be here — speaking at the Friends of the Smyrna Public Library’s Third Thursday Program. I’ll work up something fun to present — I promise. I do have a teacher’s bag somewhere — full of props and tricks. I’m pretty good at 3-year-old show and tell.

From a Daughter's Heart to Her Mom: 50 Reflections on Living Well

If you’re reading my blog and you’re an old friend, new friend, red friend, blue friend … or just a generally nice person who likes the smell of books, I’d love to see you. (please come, OK? somebody?)

I’ll be speaking on Thursday, August 17 at 7:30 p.m. somewhere in the Smyrna Public Library. If you think my talk is boring, at least you can visit this beautiful building and maybe browse through their collection of over 100,000 books! If you want to see what I’ve been up to, I’ll have copies of my book, From a Daughter’s Heart to Her Mom: 50 Reflections on Living Well.

I had a nice surprise last week — book critic Joyce Handzo from Christian Book Previews wrote a very thoughtful review of my book — which you can read here. You can also read a couple of excerpts from the book here.

By: Heather Ivester in: Writing | Permalink | Comments & Trackbacks (8)



July 5, 2006

The new July issue of Christian Women Online magazine is out. Click here to read it.

You can enter to win a free copy of Allison Bottke’s A Stitch in Time, which I’m in the middle of reading now — it’s absolutely adorable. And there are regular columns by Darlene Schacht, Shannon Woodward, Bonnie Hooley, Valerie Wolff, Victoria Gaines, Bonnie Bruno, Kim Brenneman, Ann Voskamp, and moi. You can also read a new chapter from Catherine West’s novel, Just a Little Walk, and be further inspired by guest columnist, Polly Boyette, author of Life is a Buffet, So Save Room for Dessert .

If you haven’t joined the CWO blogring yet, what are you waiting for? There’s also a new CWO Blog, which includes daily posts from six of our favorite bloggers: Darlene, Iris, Paula, Joy, Antique Mommy, and Tracey.

Here’s how editor Darlene Schacht introduced my new Book Buzz column:

Heather Ivester has picked some of the best books this month we’re sure you’ll want to get your hands on for summer.

Whether you want to get whisked away to the Isle of Arran, enter the hilarious and hectic world of Beckie Miller, or brush up on your home-keeping skills, there’s a wonderful book waiting for you.

So sit back in your favorite chair, put up your feet and get lost in a book.

Read more…




June 30, 2006

A few months ago, I checked my mail and saw a thin envelope with a return address from Guideposts magazine, based in New York City. I thought it was probably another rejection, from the third story I’d sent. But this short one was accepted. Here’s a link to an online version.

I’ve been reading Guideposts every month since middle school, and it’s had a huge impact on my outlook on life. Here’s a little information about the magazine from the Daily Guideposts website.

GUIDEPOSTS publishes five magazines that have a combined paid circulation of close to 4.5 million. Best known is Guideposts, with a circulation of 3.3 million (680,000 circulation attributed to our large print edition), making it among the top 20 largest magazines in the United States. Other magazines include Positive Thinking Magazine, published ten times a year, and two bimonthlies, Angels on Earth, Guideposts Sweet 16.

Guideposts is a monthly magazine featuring first-person, true-life stories that offer practical solutions to everyday problems and inspiration for overcoming personal difficulties. Guideposts magazine is first and foremost about people — people from all walks of life, celebrities to schoolteachers, who tell personal stories of how faith has helped them overcome enormous adversity or simply face life’s day-to-day challenges with optimism, determination and joy.

I can tell you — they’re a great magazine to work with. I’ve written for some publications that don’t even send me extra copies, but Guideposts sent me over a dozen. They really made me feel appreciated!

If you have a high school junior or senior in your house, Guideposts has a Young Writer’s Contest that will start accepting submissions Sept. 1, 2006 until the deadline, November 22, 2006. There will be 20 prizes offered; the top winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship. This is great incentive to get your teens to write an inspirational story! Here are some stories from previous winners.

By: Heather Ivester in: Writing | Permalink | Comments & Trackbacks (12)



June 10, 2006

I wanted to show you the cover of this magazine I write for — here’s our June issue. I’ve been writing monthly articles for this magazine since last December. It’s fun because I write about local people, places, and trends in my hometown and a few surrounding counties. I enjoy asking people to tell me a little more about their passions and expertise.

For this issue, I helped research a story called “32 Ideas for Cool Summer Fun.” I immediately thought of this amazing horse farm, run by a husband and wife who moved down here from Virginia. I think their story is so inspiring. They just had this DREAM — to start a horse farm — and they did it with lots of hard work. They bought some land and slowly built a beautiful stable and riding rings; meanwhile, they lived in a teeny-weeny house (that was actually built to become a future horse barn) until they could build up their business.

The owners are so friendly and involved in the community — we’d met them because they invited our preschool over for a hayride. Within a few years, they were able to save up and build a nice house with a pool. Of course, the pool is part of their summer horseback riding camps.

When I called to interview them for the story, the woman screamed into the phone, like I’d just told her she’d won the lottery. I heard her say, “Guess what, everybody? This is Heather from Lifestyles Magazine!” Then she apologized for the noise in the background. “I’m so sorry,” she said to me. “We’re having my son’s birthday party, and we’re just about to bust the pinata.”

I asked her if I could call her back at a more convenient time — and she said “Oh no! This is perfect!” Since their website was so informative and I had already been out to visit their farm, I really only had a few specific questions. After chatting a few minutes, I asked if she could email me more details about their summer camps.

Within a few hours, her husband sent tons of information by email, and he also sent my editor several professional-quality digital photographs for possible use in the story (saving us from having to send a photographer out ourselves.) This couple made us feel like we were the best thing that had ever happened to them. And guess what the result was? Our June issue ran four fabulous pictures of their horse farm, telling readers about their camp, filling up a nice page in the magazine. At absolutely no cost to them — since they were part of the story we were writing. Yet the resulting publicity will introduce their farm and camps to thousands of readers.

If I had only KNOWN how much fun it would be to write stories like this, I would not have been so petrified to major in journalism. (I squirreled away with stacks of British novels, majoring in English instead.) I imagined I’d have to be an investigative reporter, aggressively sticking a microphone in someone’s face. But my kind of stories usually only involve one-on-one interviews.

There’s an art to interviewing, and I’m only beginning to learn it. A good interview will result in a good story; a poor interview will leave you with nothing to work with. I can’t read any magazine articles now without a pen in my hand. I dissect them, similar to what we did to those poor frogs in 7th grade biology. I’m fascinated with the words writers choose for their lead-in sentence, the theme, how they arrange the quotes, how they tie it all up with a take-away.

Maybe one day I’ll learn how to write a great story. It all starts with keeping my eyes and ears open for the unusual, the unique, and the spectacular. What I’ve discovered is that most people don’t mind being interviewed, if you show a sincere interest in what they’re passionate about.

Someday, when I have more time, I know some of these interviews could be turned into pieces for national magazines — for example, a horse magazine might be interested in this horse farm — or a marriage magazine, since this couple built a dream together and work together. Or maybe a writer’s magazine, giving tips on interviewing. The list could go on … unfortunately, I can only meet the deadlines I have now and little else!

If you are a writer and have any tips on interviewing, I’d love to know!




May 30, 2006

I went to a writers’ conference last weekend sponsored by American Christian Writers. It was more like a retreat for me — being surrounded by other people who love books, words, and growing in our faith always puts me in good company.

This was my third ACW conference — and it was a great one. I really enjoyed getting to meet one of my blog readers! When I found out she lived not too far from me, I invited her to come. And she did!

I counted up, and this was the seventh writers’ conference I’ve attended in the past two years, plus I also went to CBA Advance in Nasvhille, which is where all the Christian publishers display their lines of books for retailers.

I’ve been to two large conferences sponsored by Lifeway, one sponsored by SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators), three American Christian Writers, and another local writer’s group that had a one-day conference that brought in a novelist I really wanted to hear speak.

So, why do I keep going to these things? Am I just not getting it? Well, except for one, they were all within driving distance from my house. Four of them were within an hour of my house, and every time I’ve gone, I’ve invited family members or friends to come with me. For example, last spring, I invited a high school friend to come with me, and I helped her get her feet back into publishing. She’s writing regularly now for several magazines and a PR firm.

It’s also encouraging for me to meet other people who are as wacky as I am about Christian books. Here’s a picture from the Nashville CBA where I met with several people from one of my online writing groups. (I’m in the back row, second from the right.)

On the back row, far left, is Cecil Murphey. He’s one of the most prolific writers around — do you remember me telling you about him when I reviewed 90 Minutes in Heaven? He was the writer God used to tell Don Piper’s story. At the conference last weekend, I sat through over six hours of Cec’s teaching! He has such a gift for mentoring writers.

I think he knows a thing or two about books — since he’s published 104 of them and has about half a dozen under contract now. I’ve taken away so many nuggets from his teaching. And I also got to meet with him one-on-one and listen to his advice for me personally.

This is the best part about these conferences. You get to make appointments with editors, authors, and agents. What better way is there to learn about publishing than to meet the people who make the decisions behind the scenes?

The truth is — last weekend’s conference was where I realized this “writing thing” is not going away. It’s not something I’m going to abandon, like I’ve abandoned countless other hobbies that I got bored of. By writing, I don’t mean scribbling away in a secret journal. I mean seeking publishers who need content and are willing to pay for it.

I’ve learned that to be published, you have to do more than write whatever you want and send it out in an envelope with postage and a prayer. That’s the quickest way to get a rejection letter, probably from somebody’s assistant (yes, I know about this first-hand!).

At every conference, I’ve learned something new. The main thing I’ve picked up is that marketing goes hand-in-hand with writing. Before you even begin your article or book, think about who you’re writing for. Otherwise, you’ll have a hard time finding anyone to buy it.

For example, Gina Holmes of the awesome Novel Journey blog recently interviewed mega bestselling author Allison Bottke. She has published over 20 books in the God Allows U-Turns Series and Christian Living genre, as well as her debut novel. Major success story.

How did Allison do this? In the interview, she explained how she’d wanted to write a memoir of how her life got turned around when she became a Christian at age 35. But she thought, “Who’d want to read my story?” Then she decided to tell it as part of a series of other people’s stories. An agent loved it, and the rest is bestselling history.

And just in case you think these conferences might be boring, think again. Here I am at the Nashville CBA Advance doing a little clowning around. If you like to write, maybe I’ll see you at a conference someday!

By: Heather Ivester in: Books,Writing | Permalink | Comments & Trackbacks (5)



May 27, 2006

Beth Moore
I loved watching the Beth Moore Living Beyond Yourself video this week on the topic of “Faith” (I’m a little behind). We’re on Week 9 out of 10 (I think), and we’ve worked out a few kinks behind the scenes with our group. We now have a real “list” that is private, and we’re able to exchange emails and share things that we don’t even dare blog about. It’s been a great source of encouragement for me.

First of all, I want to tell you I’ve become a very quiet blog reader lately. For those of you who are wondering if I’m still around, I’ll tell you that I’m reading your blogs in my Bloglines, and I’m just not commenting. Forgive me. The end of the school year is CRAZY busy around here.

I love all the things I’ve been learning through this study. It’s beyond eery how I’ll hear or read a verse from Beth Moore, then I’ll read it again in a book or hear it from a sermon. The same day! God is speaking to me in so many ways.

A few months ago, I had a crisis of faith. I really had some major doubts — about EVERYTHING. Do you ever feel this way — like you’re being tumbled around in a dryer full of wet clothes? Well, it started with lightning striking our computer, despite those surge protector things. It zapped our modem, printer, and hard drive. I was disconnected for about four days while we got some things fixed.

The timing couldn’t have been worse. After spending months of scribbling down design ideas and agonizing over every detail, I’d finally sent off my design order to start my blog! I had used PayPal for the first time ever and even signed up for my hosting service. Then — ZAP! Computer gone.

I was so worried my designer would call me with a question! And I’d set the goal of starting my blog by the first of October so I’d have a few posts written before the Glorieta writers’ conference in late October.

My husband put up with my calling him two or three times a day and asking him to check my email. After the fourth day, I walked to the mailbox in complete despair. I’m sorry I sound so shallow — but I keep up with everyone by email — even my parents, siblings, and local friends!

I remember walking back from the mailbox, and I was letting my thoughts run away with worry. What would we do if I could never get online again? What if I missed my deadlines? What if my husband’s car wore out?

We have a long driveway, and my fears raced even further. What are we going to do when our kids discover we’re the only people around who don’t own any video games? What if they start realizing their clothes aren’t name brands? How will we ever put five kids through college? What about weddings?!!

Aaggghhhh!!!

For just a minute, I thought, Is God real? Is He really there? If He cared about me, then how come I’m feeling so lost and disconnected?

I know this may sound a bit kooky, but at that moment, I looked up, and the sky was completely clear and blue except for a white slash of clouds that were shaped perfectly like a cross. And I felt this impression in my heart of the Holy Spirit saying, I’m Here.

That was one of those moments I’ll never forget.

The next day, we were back online, and I had an email from someone inviting me to send a resume pronto for a possible devotional project. The editor was passing out assignments, and I might find a spot. So I sent it (by email of course). And I somehow got offered an assignment to help three other writers work on a book.

The title? Faith for Each Day.

So my crisis of faith led to an open door for me to help write a book on faith! Even more amazing, a friend invited me to join Beth Moore’s Believing God Bible Study, so I was suddenly surrounded by godly awesome women and the richest teaching I’d had in years.

I turned in my work on time, and the editor asked if I’d write a few more. I ended up writing over a hundred devotionals for this book. It’s being released soon — so if you see it, maybe my name will be written somewhere teeny-tiny along with a bunch of other people on the back of the title page.

Here’s what the publisher says about the book:

Like a daily energy boost, these inspiring entries begin with an insightful scripture followed by a powerful, relevant-to-the-day devotion that will remind readers that God truly longs for us to start the day with Him, that He is present in our lives even when things seem hectic, and He desires to richly bless us.

Hmmmm … So that’s what happens when I have a crisis of faith. From now on, I’m “Believing God,” and “Living Beyond Myself.”

Addie Heather* Carol
M Rach Jeana
Jenn Amanda MamaB
GiBee Boomama Maria
Blair Heather Nancy
Janna Flipflop Robin
Sherry Patricia Tara
Lauren HolyMama! Faith
Christy Eph2810 Karin
Leann Rachel Janice



May 17, 2006

Another writing contest. Sally Apokedak at All About Children’s Books has announced a poetry contest asking you to write a stanza of a “feechie love song.” These are common throughout the Wilderking trilogy of books by author Jonathan Rogers.

Here’s a sample stanza from Book 2, The Secret of the Swamp King:

She smells just as sweet as a mud turtle’s feet.
Her hair is as soft as a possum.
Once I walked by her side,
but she knocked me cross-eyed,
It took me a week to uncross ’em.

The winner gets a signed set of all three books of the trilogy, The Bark of the Bog Owl, The Secret of the Swamp King, and The Way of the Wilderking. These Christian fantasy books are published by Broadman & Holman and make excellent family summer reading.

Please encourage your kids to enter!!!

You can read more details about the contest in this post here at All About Children’s Books. You will need to email Sally your contest entry or be bold and share it with everyone in the comments section. If you want a good laugh, go read the ones that are already posted.

Deadline is May 31, 2006.

By: Heather Ivester in: Books,Writing | Permalink | Comments Off on Wilderking Poetry Contest



May 10, 2006

Editor Darlene Schacht of Christian Women Online has reprinted Ann Voskamp’s award-winning essay, A Shepherd’s Mother, incorporating gorgeous photos. Please go read it on the magazine’s site! What a lot of encouragement is going on out here in the blogosphere!

Thank you to a certain someone who sent me a letter from her mother, in response to her reading her daughter’s essay for this contest. I ruined another pair of contact lenses crying through that note — but it’s something I’ll always treasure. What a thrill to know I made somebody’s mom feel special because her daughter wrote a story that blessed her!

Other news: Holy Mama! has blessed MY socks off today with her post about my book. Wow — Thank you!

Here’s a must-read funny interview on Sally Apokedak’s All About Children’s Books site. She caught up with Dr. Jonathan Rogers, author of the Wilderking trilogy. Book 3, The Way of the Wilderking, was released last week, just in time for summer reading. If you want to know what a young boy reads to grow up and become a children’s novelist, go read this interview. (Just watch out for those screaming hairy armadillos.)

And me! I’ve been offered a position to become a professional blogger! I don’t know what to do and am giving this much prayer. It’s on a topic I feel quite passionate about — but do I feel passionate enough about it to write six posts per week? I must say, there’s something to be said for earning a little income doing something that I love.