Newsletter 2007-April

Writing
Currently I am focused on completing the first 25 pages of a new fantasy which I hope to enter in the ACFW Genesis contest. For the first time, members may enter more than one manuscript, so I’m also planning to enter And Then Come the Roses, my contemporary. I need to make some changes based on the critiques I received at the Mount Hermon Writers’ Conference, and all of it needs to be completed by April 15

Publication
I sold my second story, this to an online webzine, The Sword’s Review. I’d entered their short story contest, finaled, but did not place. Still, they wanted to buy the story, and I gladly sold it. The publication date is yet to be determined.

Of course, I continue to look for publication of my novels. I have a proposal out with an agent who is willing to represent science fiction and fantasy authors—and wouldn’t I love to have such an agent. At Mount Hermon, I also met with another agent who wants a proposal for And Then Come the Roses, and a third who gave me the nudge to write something other than fantasy who said to send it whenever it’s ready.

One editor also said he would accept a proposal for the contemporary and one for the fantasy trilogy. I have learned, however, not to feel overly excited about these opportunities. One editor said he asks to see the complete manuscript for only 1 percent of the proposals he sees. Still, it is an opportunity, and God can work whenever and however He wishes.

Contests
I just might be contest-addicted. This past year I entered two Writers Digest short story contests, neither of which I won. I’m currently looking for some place to publish those stories. Much like my novels, they do not neatly fit in either Christian or secular publications.

Of course there is a Spring Writers Digest contest which I would like to enter, but I did pass on two webzine contests in order to focus on my novel projects.

Blog Tours
The Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour continues to grow. We have over 70 members and have held tours for authors such as Donita Paul, Wayne Thomas Batson, Kathy Tyers, and Kathryn Mackel.

Our April tour is set for the 16th, 17th, and 18th and will feature Karen Hancock’s final book of her Legend of the Guardian-King series, The Return of the Guardian-King.

I still participate on occasion in the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. This week we are focusing on Brandilyn Collins’ latest release, Coral Moon.

I’ve also joined in the individual tours for a couple friends—Sharon Hinck (Renovating Becky Miller) and Julie Carobini Chocolate Beach). Both were lots of fun because the books are so well written.

Latest In Spec
One of the newest endeavors to promote Christian science fiction and fantasy is the creation of a “newsletter,” similar to a bulletin board or the classified ads, where writers can let readers know about appearances, book releases, podcasts, online chats, etc. We hope to add a Book Store section where stores that promote CSFF via the newsletter will also be listed. That way readers can know where to find the books they want. We plan to release the third issue of Latest In Spec this month.

Writing Related
Once again I’ll be a first round judge for the contest connected to American Christian Fiction Writers. It’s fun because I’m discovering new authors I’d never read before.

In an interesting side light, I’ve received a number of reviewer copies of books about to release from several publishers. Although I do review some books, my blog is far from a review site, so this sudden influx of unsolicited books certainly surprised me. I know these are precious marketing dollars, so I will try to find interested readers for these books.

And then there is the blog … I never dreamed I’d enjoy blogging, but I do! A lot! I like connecting with readers, exchanging ideas, meeting new people, developing topics … all of it. Like everything else, I’m trying to keep it to manageable size.

Wrap Up
I never realized that staying home could make me so busy! And I wouldn’t trade any of it.