Nov

January 15, 2010

The text proofing on Devoted to Traveling is finished and back to the publisher. I noticed several errors so it was a slow process. In fact, I ended with over nineteen pages of edits. After that, the publishers were plagued with rounds of illness prompting another delay. But, it’s a new year and once again everything is moving forward. It shouldn’t be long now before I receive the cover to approve.

After the holidays, I spent a good amount of time setting writing goals and creating a complete business writing calendar for the year. For me, this works well and keeps me on track with assignments and submissions. Each year I take time to slip away on writing retreats to make sure I keep on schedule. In fact, I just returned from a three-day retreat. The Slatecreek Lodge, near Wellington, Kansas provided hours of silent writing, a welcomed crackling fire, and inspirational views across the lake to the rolling prairie of Kansas. There is nothing better than escaping to the countryside to enjoy God’s great creation and becoming one with nature.

During the weekend, I completed entries for the OWFI contest held in conjunction with their annual conference April 29-May 2 in Oklahoma City. I also worked on a novel which I’ll pitch to agents at the same conference. This is the same conference where I was fortunate to receive the contract for the Devotional Book. Another book contract wouldn’t be bad at all. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

December 1, 2009

I’m so excited. I just received the galley for Devoted To Traveling, a book of devotionals and a chronicle of my personal travels with friends over several decades. In every trip, a learning experience, memorable occasion, or intriguing adventure, triggered a devotional.

I’m thinking the proofing will go quick as I’ve already been through one round of edits. Then it’s off to the printer and a final okay for the book cover. I’ll keep you posted on the release date.

This year I attended three writing conferences. First the OWFI (www.owfi.org) which was chock full of speakers, agents, and editors. This is one of the best conferences around that is both economical and informative. The keynote speaker this year was Tess Gerritsen, who pumped writers with antidotes of her own personal writing journey.

In October, I attended the Kansas Authors Club convention/conference in Topeka, and in November the HACWN (Heart of America Christian Writers Network) in Kansas City. If your genre is inspirational, this is the conference for you. I came away with renewed knowledge of available markets, book proposals that sing, and spiritual guidance.

Conferences are key to gaining expert guidelines on many topics for the writer. Give them a try. Scan the speaker list to select the conference that best suits your writing style, register, pack your bags, and be prepared to enjoy the comradeship of fellow writers all working toward one goal–publishing.