Writers' Moment: "Writing on Purpose"

My devotion "Writing on Purpose" is featured this week on @RobinLBayne blog "Between Sundays." I hope you are blessed. 

Between Sundays: Week Fifty-Seven: Donna Shepherd: Writing On Purpose  

Post by Donna J. Shepherd, Writer, Speaker, Singer.

Writers' Moment: Write a Memorable Devotion in Three Steps

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 (ESV)

Devotionals may be short but pack a message and inspiration into very few words. Many times, I have people ask how I come up with the ideas for my devotionals. Most often, I say that the key is to be sensitive – to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you with an idea, to the circumstances surrounding you where you'll find inspiration, and to the people you interact with or listen to who may motivate or inspire you to share a message.

Have you read a devotional first thing in the morning that stayed with you all day? How do you affect your readers?

• 1. First and foremost, ask, "Is my writing in line with Scripture?"

Many times, God will give you a message as you're reading and meditating on His Word. Even if God gives you an idea first, your next step is to research the Bible to make sure your message is biblically sound.

• 2. "Is my message relevant?" 

Are you writing to moms? Dads? Grads? Grandparents? Children? The list goes on and on. With so few words, you must focus on your audience with precision addressing their needs and concerns.

• 3. "How's my summation?"  

A devotion is so short that you have to conclude with a punch - a challenge, a question, an encouraging word, a prayer. What do you want your reader to remember?

I could go on and on about the subject, but I'm giving advice about writing with brevity. I'll simply say – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you share the message God wants you to share today. Read your Word. Pray. Listen. Be sensitive. Write.

My Tips for Writers Using Pinterest

What is Pinterest? Here's the official definition from Pinterest:

"Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests."

Here are my top ten tips for writers in particular, although many will apply to anyone learning to use Pinterest.

1. Post your favorite books on your personal Pinterest page by adding images
of all the books you love in your life.

You will probably want to have one board devoted to your books. That's fine, but be sure to have other boards devoted to books and authors you like and different topics that interest you. Avoid giving the impression that your Pinterest profile is being used solely to promote yourself. Be sure to follow the site's rule: "Pinterest is designed to curate and share things you love. If there is a photo or project you're proud of, pin away! However, try not to use Pinterest purely as a tool for self-promotion."

2. Find other writers on Pinterest and follow their examples. Use a board for characters, clothing, research, and scenes.

3. Someone said a Pinterest board is like your high school locker (remember those?) as it is a way to show your readers what interests and inspires you as well as what you're working on right now. 

4. Look for book recommendations or comment on other boards in the Film, Music & Books section.

5. Share writing tools, stationery, journals, books and writing-related items in the "Gifts" section.

6. Use #hashtags and keywords. Much like on Twitter, tagging your pins with trending hashtags or keywords will help you find new followers. Searching for other pins and boards using hashtags will also help you find similar brands on Pinterest to follow.

7. Add the Pinterest bookmarklet to your browser's bookmarks bar. This is a time-saver, because it allows you to easily pin things you find while browsing without going to the Pinterest website first. To get it, visit the Pinterest "Goodies" page and drag the "Pin It" button to your browser toolbar. Now, when you see something you want to pin, click the bookmarklet and you'll be prompted to create a new pin. Be sure to scroll to the correct board for each pin.

Another vital tip from Pinterest - "If you notice that a pin is not sourced correctly, leave a comment so the original pinner can update the source. Finding the original source is always preferable to a secondary source such as Google Image Search or a blog entry."

8. This tip has saved me a lot of time. If you're pinning an image from a website using the Pinterest bookmarklet, you can highlight some of the text on that page before you hit "Pin It" and the text will automatically show up in the description box. Still edit and add hashtags.

9. You can also tag other Pinterest users by using the @ symbol with their Pinterest user name. You have to be following at least one of their boards. That user will see the pin, and it will link to their Pinterest profile. Use this tip to help promote each other on Pinterest.

10. And finally, follow me! I'm at http://pinterest.com/donnashepherd. My boards are a hodgepodge of recipes, crafts, interesting and funny pictures (Bonus tip - funny pins gets re-pinned more often!), and of course, a couple are dedicated to my books. I have links to wonderful inspirational and Bible quotes, too. I hope you'll check them out.

Join Me for the Captivating Women Quarterly

I invite you to join me for the Captivating Women Quarterly Fall 2010 Mini-Conference in Florence, Kentucky on Saturday, November 13, 2010. My two classes are:

Workshop 1 - "Make Every Word Count" - 9:30am - 10:45am

In this workshop, you'll learn how to write pieces that will touch the hearts of your readers, offering hope and encouragement. Donna Shepherd will share how to compose a short piece, study the markets, and the proper way to format your writing for submission to magazines, anthologies, and e-zines. Learn how to say a lot in a few words. Devotional markets, magazines, and e-zines are good places to make first sales, too!

Workshop 3 - "The Seven Planks of Your Platform" - 2:30pm - 3:30pm

As a speaker or writer, it is in your best interest to build your marketing platform as early as possible. Are you wondering - what is a platform? Why do I even need one? And the biggest question of all: How do I start building mine? In this workshop, Donna will share seven tips for establishing yourself as a professional speaker and/or writer and connecting with your audience.

 There are classes for speakers, leaders, believers, and writers along with special singing and general sessions. I hope you'll join me!

Find more information and register: http://www.captivatingwomen.org/ 

Greater Harvest Workshops - A Day for Writers - July 17, 2010

Our next Day for Writers is Saturday, July 17, 2010 with an all-new lineup, additional speakers, and a reduced fee. 

If you're in the Cincinnati-Dayton area, mark your calendars. We have classes on writing for children, illustrating for children's books, determining if self-publishing is a viable option for you, how to write a novel, and yes, more! We're very excited about this jam-packed Saturday.

Registration Fee: $29


Have you always wanted to write but haven’t known where to start?
Is it your desire to write articles and devotionals for magazines and books?
Have you written a book, or would like to, but have no idea what step to take next?
Have you started to write, but need to be inspired to keep the momentum going?


Greater Harvest Workshops are designed to move you closer to your goal of becoming a working writer and published author. Taught by authors and speakers, Donna J. Shepherd and Linore Rose Burkard along with our guest presenters, these workshops, along with hands-on training, will motivate you to step up to the next level!

For more information and to register, visit http://www.greaterharvestworkshops.com

Greater Harvest Workshops: Sowing Spiritual Seeds...One Word at a Time 

Mad Anthony Quarterly Writers' Workshop

Donna will be presenting a workshop.

More information at http://www.madanthonycbf.org/Nov%20descrip%20bio.htm

Quarterly Workshop Series Presents:

Writing for the Christian Market - How to write, edit, and sell your writing

8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14, 2009

8:00 Registration; 8:30 Donna Shepherd: Christian Nonfiction
10:15 Shelley Galloway: Christian Fiction
12:00 Victoria Ryan: The Devil is in the Details: Revising and Editing

Book signing after each presentation.

244 Dayton Street (corner of Dayton and Third Streets)
Hamilton, OH 45011
(513) 856-9800

Street Parking is FREE on Saturdays

Registration: $25 prepaid/ $30 at the door includes 3 workshops and light refreshments *

The Mad Anthony Writers Conference is a volunteer organization raising funds for the YWCA Family Literacy Council serving Butler, northern Hamilton, and western Warren Counties in Ohio.

* Workshops will be cancelled if fewer than 10 participants
More information at http://www.madanthonycbf.org/

Captivating Women Quarterly - June 13

I invite you to attend the Captivating Women Quarterly - Summer 2009 Mini-Conference. From 11:15am - 12:30 pm, I will be teaching Workshop 2 - "Write His Glory."

"As Christians, whether we're writing a book, a magazine article, or for the web, our ultimate goal is to write for God's glory. Would you like to see more clearly how God is involved in your writing process? Come ready to examine what motivates you to write and to determine how best to use your unique gifts to obey His call to communicate the message He's given you…for His glory!"

Come ready to delve deep into your motivation to write and route a course for your unique gifts from God.

To register, click the banner above.

The Secret Place

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” - Psalm 91:1

The other night I watched the classic movie, The Secret Garden, made in 1949 and based on the children’s book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, about a sad and troubled girl who finds peace while solving the mystery of a secret garden. Although I don’t remember ever reading that book, the idea of a place to get away has always been my dream. As a child growing up in a tumultuous and stressful home, I imagined a tranquil and beautiful retreat.

In the movie, the filmmakers used Technicolor in key scenes. It was almost breathtaking to go from the dark and brooding atmosphere of black and white film to the shocking array of vibrant colors. I thought of how this compares with the times I really commune with God. I escape from a gray world to talk without interruption to the Master, the Creator of all things lovely and good. Everything becomes more colorful, clearer, authentic. The outside world falls away from view, and I’m left in a place of holiness and peace. I find rest for my weary mind, and the strength to go on. How I long to linger there, resting in the shadow of the Almighty!

Even now, I could use a garden in which to hide. I spend little time alone. My house buzzes with activity with people stopping by, phones jangling, and dogs barking. Most of the time, I enjoy the clamor, but sometimes I could really use a secret place to recharge, talk to God, and be quiet and still long enough to listen when He talks to me.

Will you find a secret place today for prayer and worship? I pray you do, and that you and I both emerge refreshed, anointed, victorious, ready to minister in the way our Master has designed for each of us.

My son recently moved out, and I’m thinking of transforming his room into a place of worship, somewhere in my house I can escape, where no television blares, no radio booms, and no computer hums – my own prayer closet. My own Secret Garden. I know God will meet me there.

Prayer: God, I look forward to our time of Communion. Thank you for the assurance that You are always with me. I praise You! In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Donna J. Shepherd - http://www.donnajshepherd.com/

The Privilege of Writing - Books a Latte

Check out Books a Latte and read "The Privilege of Writing." Click HERE!

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Join Me for the Captivating Women Mini-Conference

Captivating Women Quarterly Mini-Conference Jun 14, 2008 - 8:30 AM

9286 Schulze Drive
West Chester, OH

If you're ready to be encouraged and equipped to fulfill your God-given potential, we look forward to seeing you at the Captivating Women Summer 2008 Mini-Conference!

You will be encouraged and equipped to fulfill your God-given potential as a woman at the Captivating Women Summer 2008 Mini-Conference! This special 1-day event will offer you practical and inspiring workshops, with some of the nation's best speakers helping you develop your skills - all for just $49!

-Plus - you'll be refreshed and renewed with special music from Connie Ryan during our welcome session.

-And ... for only an additional $49, you can request an interview session with life coach and radio hostess Emily Roach - and then receive a professionally edited audio track of your interview for your media kit or to share your testimony with others!

-Finally, you can also request a photo shoot for a professional headshot with photographer Collin Rowland - for just an additional $99!

Workshop 1 - "From Podium to Paper and Back: Writing to Communicate and Captivate" with Donna Shepherd: 9:30 - 10:45am

Identify and meet the needs of your audience - and get on the pathway to publication! Learn how to develop your message, where to submit your writing, and how to incorporate your pieces into your speaking ministry.

For more information and to register:
http://www.captivatingwomen.org/index.html

I hope to see you there! - Donna
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One Thing Is Needful

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. – Luke 10:42

It snowed this evening. An entirely unexpected snow, at least for me. I have a DVR now, so I rarely watch live television. This means I miss important announcements - like the fact that a storm is headed for my town.

But in other ways, this little electronic box has been a great blessing. I no longer channel surf, looking for something worth watching. I have more time to be productive.

Tonight before I let my dogs out, I looked out at my back deck, covered with a thick layer of snow. When I flipped on the light, the stark white carpet caught me by surprise, the light catching individual snowflakes shimmering like diamond dust. It reminded me of how 2008 stretches before me, untouched by failure or unmet goals or harsh words.

Then again – I write this on January 1.

I haven’t written resolutions this year. For some reason, if I do and fail to keep them, the guilt overwhelms me. Instead, I have one goal, and that is to set my mind on God. Period. The apostle Paul advised the Colossians, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). If I do that, will the rest of my life fall into place? Am I committed to write? I depend on God, my creative God and Creator of all, to inspire me as I write, and give Him glory for it. Do I need to lose weight? Um, yes. So, I remember that my body is God’s temple. I should take care of it. That means a better diet and exercise are in my future. Do I get snippy with people? I won’t forget that Jesus served others, and expects me to do the same. How can I be like Jesus without loving as He did?

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? I know and you know life is not simple, but instead of making a list of ten, or even five, resolutions, maybe the one goal, to set my mind on God and things above, will be attainable.

I suppose if I wanted to add some more to my list, I could strive to keep the additional list Paul gave to the church at Colossae in 3:12-14. “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Whew! I think that should about cover it!

When Jesus had dinner at Martha’s house, she got so caught up in being the perfect host, she forgot to focus on her guest, Jesus. When she complained to Jesus about all she had to do, He told her only ‘one thing’ was needful. What was that one thing? She had set her mind on earthly things while her sister, Mary, focused on Jesus, as He no doubt spoke of things above.

Did you make resolutions? Tell me how in this world you manage to keep them? And if not, how about writing down one goal? Surely you and I can focus on one thing. Even with my tendency toward procrastination and scattered thinking, I think I can hone in on one task for 2008. If you had to pick just one goal, what would it be?

Prayer: God, help me to never take my eyes off the one thing that’s needful – to love and serve you unreservedly, wholeheartedly, and joyfully. I glorify and thank You for Your love. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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No part of the materials available in this Web site may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form, in whole or in part, without specific permission (to request permission to use materials, e-mail Donna J. Shepherd). Distribution for commercial purposes is prohibited.
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Is Fear Your Master?

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' – Matthew 25:21 NIV



As a little girl, I daydreamed a lot and tended to dawdle. In first grade, my teacher saw some artistic talent in me, and gave me an assignment to paint a poster-sized picture. Every day I spent part of my recess time staying inside and working on it.

I’m also a bit of a perfectionist, so the progress became painstakingly slow. One day my teacher came in to see how much I’d accomplished and exclaimed, “This is how much you’ve got done?”

I can still remember how hot my face felt. I can see the disappointment in her eyes. I thought I’d done well, but realized at that moment how slowly I had worked. She wanted to cultivate my talent for drawing, and agreed to let me continue, but begged me to “pick up the pace.”

Fear played a part in my perfectionism. I wanted to do it right so badly, I agonized over every stroke of the paintbrush. That wise teacher helped me to see the bigger picture – both realistically and figuratively.

In Matthew 25, we read a parable Jesus told of a man going on a journey. He entrusted his property to his servants. The man who received five talents gained five. The one with two doubled them to four talents. But the man with one talent dug a hole and hid the master’s money.

When the master returned, he praised the first two servants. But the third man received harsh punishment because he didn’t do as his master wished.

And why didn’t he? Fear. “'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' – Matthew 25:24-25 NIV.

Perhaps fear is keeping you from ministering in some way. Maybe you’re like me, always reaching for perfectionism. There is only One Who is perfect, and God uses plain, ordinary, flawed people like you and me. As our Master, God loves us and uses us by the power of the Holy Spirit to do His work on earth. My desire is to hear Him say at the end of my life’s journey, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

The following is a prayer I penned concerning writing, but whatever your ministry is, I pray it will be blessed abundantly. Step out in faith today. What do you want to do as a ministry for the Lord? What's stopping you?


Writer’s Prayer

As I sit down with pen and paper today
I pray, O Lord, for the words to say.
Bless my thoughts. May they be directed by You.
Whatever I write, may it be uplifting and true
To Your Word, to Your Character, to Your Spirit, I pray.

May the words I write challenge the reader to praise
Your Name above all Names - my hands I raise.
Whether it’s a poem, prose, or a worship song
Or a love story like the Song of Solomon,
Help me tell of Your love in glorious ways.

May the story of your grace and mercy cause reflection.
I pray as I write your Spirit gives direction.
No matter the story
I’ll give You the glory
For You alone are the Author of perfection.

© Donna Shepherd 2003

Tips on Writing for Children from Chautauqua

I've posted more insights from Chautauqua 2007. Click HERE.

I Can’t Be Inspired in Dirty Clothes

*For something different, I'm including a few posts on writing. I have a lot of readers who write, too!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:14-15 niv

I attended the Chautauqua 2007 Writers’ Workshops in July. I had always heard if you ever went to anything the Highlights Foundation sponsored, you would never be the same. And it’s true.

At the opening banquet, I spotted Kim Griswell. Kim edits poetry for Highlights Magazine, and is one of my dream editors. We talked about life and kids and got to know each other. Before the week was over, she critiqued some of my poetry and commented that, while I have a good sense of humor and it comes through in my writing, I’m not letting go and having fun with it. She advised me to re-write several poems, and submit.

During the last morning session, Kim shared a piece she wrote highlighting the events of the prior week. Writers, and according to the good folks at Highlights, that’s what we ‘officially’ became that week, all over the auditorium brought out tissues to wipe away tears.

As she summarized her comments on that final day, she said, “If you go home, and on Monday, do laundry, you’ve missed the point.”

I understood what she meant. If we cannot be inspired by an entire week of focusing on nothing but writing, and hearing some of the best in children’s literature share their journey, we have chosen the wrong endeavor.

But then again, as I talked to those around me, I discovered that very few enjoyed the luxury of full-time writing. One very talented writer I met, Ruth, is a psychologist, another - Artie, a professor at Ohio State. I met teachers, a real estate developer, a newspaper photographer, and a ranch owner.

So while it would have been nice to sit at the computer all day on Monday, you can guess what I found myself doing – laundry. As I worked around the house, catching up on chores (hadn’t anyone done dishes while I was gone??), something interesting occurred. After such a hectic, jam-packed week, it felt good to let my mind rest. But not for long. As any writer knows, it worked its way back to writing. I carried my recorder around, making notes and figuring out ways to make my children’s poetry sparkle.

Most of you reading this write, too. Most of you have another job, or two or three. Yet, we still manage to get words down on paper or into files on our computers. While we wipe noses or sort whites from colors, our minds work the same as those blessed few privileged to be full-time writers. If you’re like me, you take a recorder with you in the car, blurting out phrases and ideas at red lights. Or you scribble notes and hope you can read your own writing when you get home.

I thank God for my time at Chautauqua. The entire week seems rather like a dream now. For seven full days, I was a full-time writer, and it was heavenly. Kim’s closing prose was so beautiful that I now realize how much more I need to improve. Kim, you inspired me. Perhaps one day, I’ll be blessed to give up my other jobs to write full-time. But for now, I’m writing and writing – but in my nice, clean clothes.

Next Week – Tips on Writing for Children from my Chautauqua notes.

Visit Donna on the web at: http://www.donnajshepherd.com

If you want to comment on this post over on the Master's Artists Blog, click HERE.

Highlights 2007 Fall Founders Workshops

Are you interested in writing for children? Here's a link to a .pdf with information about the Highlights 2007 Fall Founders Workshops. Jane Yolen will be doing picture books in December. Debbie Dadey is scheduled for a new offering entitled Reluctant Readers. Special guests at the popular Crash Course in Publishing run by Clay Winters will include Lindsay Barrett George and Susan Campbell Bartoletti.

I attended the 2007 Writers Workshop at Chautauqua and had a wonderful experience. Click HERE for more information on the Fall Founders Workshops.

Featured Writers for Mother's Day Special Edition

One of my devotionals, Slow Down!, will be featured in a Mother's Day Devotional Booklet called Whispers in My Ear - Legacy of a Godly Woman. Here's the lineup:

http://tinyurl.com/2x3d9y

Writer's Guidelines for upcoming booklets are posted on the site. Click here.

Magnetic Writing

*For something different, I'm including a few posts on writing. I have a lot of readers who write, too!

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” – Matthew 5:14-15 niv

Are you writing in such a way that people are drawn to Christ?

C- Christ. We love Him. He sacrificed His life for us. We’ve crowned Him Lord, and our writing will reflect our allegiance and service to the King.

L- Loving Him with all our heart, mind, souls, and strength means we love God more than we love writing. Love Him so much that should God call you to another type of ministry, and you never write another word, you would be willing to give it up to serve Him in the manner that pleases Him.

O- Obey God as He directs. At this time, God has directed me into the area of nonfiction. I like the idea of writing a novel, but if I tried to right now, I believe I’d be out of His will. Are you following the leading of the Holy Spirit?

S- Sacrifice your writing to God each day before you write the first word. Lay your desires, talent, and plans on the altar. Ask God to burn away any selfish ambition.

E- Exalt the Lord in ALL things – the words you write, the things you say, the acts you do. God forbid that we write holy words and lead unholy lives.

As Christian writers, let us be committed, bold, articulate, and above all else, concerned for the salvation of others. Let us draw close to Christ so that we will draw others to Him.

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds [writing, singing, speaking? - Donna] and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”

Prayer: I lay my writing at Your feet, Jesus. Use me as You will. Amen.

A Blog Award

A nice surprise today! I've placed in the top three in the "Spiritual and Religious" category for the The Mother’s Day Central Top 100 Mom Blogs Awards. Click HERE to see all the blogs. Many of my favorites were included. (Thanks, Heather, for posting the news on your blog, and congratulations for your award, too!)

Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Report

Me, Andy Meisenheimer, Mary DeMuth, Jeanne Damoff

This time last week, I zipped through the air, high above the clouds winging my way home from Mount Hermon – my first Christian writing conference. I’ve attended two SCBWI conferences and the Erma Bombeck Conference, but the Mount Hermon conference has them all beat for atmosphere. Nestled among the tall redwoods with lush greenery, the setting envelops you, welcoming you, making you feel at home. Squeals of delight rang out the first day as those who had attended in the past met up with old friends.

I finally met many of my online friends face to face and what a joy it was! My roommate turned out to be Karen, a woman I’d corresponded with already, and we had an immediate rapport. Our cabin reminded me of the time I went to cheerleading camp – small but clean. No TV. No radio. And gasp! No wireless connection for my laptop. What would I do?

I’m sure those in charge set it up that way so we writers would get out of the cabin. Otherwise, I have a feeling we’d hunker down in the room reading or updating our blogs.

Because of my flight schedule, I went a day early. That night we feasted on a bountiful buffet. All week the conference center brought out trays laden with fantastic food. Karen and I attended a workshop on ‘pitching.’ Since I’d had only about two hours sleep the night before, I could barely keep my eyes open. I would later regret it that I couldn’t pay more attention. As it turns out, editors and agents like to hear you pitch your project. At that moment, all I could think of was how soon I could pitch my body into bed.

The next morning, refreshed and ready, I threw myself into the craziness of Mount Hermon. I met Mary DeMuth and Jeanne Damoff. We hugged like old friends. Mary is lovely, and Jeanne is a graceful wisp of a woman. Both made sure I ate at their tables – which was nice since they were both much in demand.

About this time, I started to notice the writers with a panicky look in their eyes, jaws set with determination, with plans to meet the right editors and agents. One woman actually stepped right in front of me to talk to an agent. I get downright nauseous at the thought of having to be so competitive.

That’s why it surprised even me when I made an appointment with an editor. Unless you’ve sent work ahead to be critiqued or considered, once you get there, Mount Hermon has no formal schedule for writers to meet the editors and agents. To make an appointment, all you have to do is ask. I heard two or three other people making appointments, and on a whim, made one myself. Almost immediately, I regretted my act of spontaneity. I didn’t have a complete proposal, and I’ve already admitted, slept through the workshop on pitching.

After tossing and turning all night and praying to God to let me know if canceling would be in His will, I concluded that if said editor crossed my path before my appointment, I would cancel. That morning, I slipped into the gift shop to buy a postcard for my husband (which made it to my house the same day I got home.) and in stepped the editor. What are the chances? I had my sign. Right? Wrong. I walked up and said, “I had an appointment…I mean, I have an appointment, and well…” Before I could say another word, the editor said, “No. You need to be there.” Something told me he’d had run-ins with many nervous authors before me.

For my major morning track, I chose to attend one taught by Cindy Kenney. As a children’s book author, it thrilled me to meet Cindy, a Veggie Tales author. Like a good groupie, I had my picture taken with her. And I took a fun, frantic workshop taught by Christine Tangvald, another children’s book author. I met with Jim Stafford, the editor for The Upper Room. He related how people in one village in Africa shared one copy, passing it around until everyone could read it. After taking his workshop, I feel better informed as to what he looks for in a devotional. What a blessing to minister to people all over the world!

So, what insights did I come away with? I found all of the agents and editors with whom I interacted to be more than willing to chat, exchange information, and make the writers feel at ease. We ate lunch and dinner with at least one member of the faculty at each table. Most of them made sure to talk with each person at the table, not letting the more aggressive writers dominate the conversation. Quite a feat.

All the previous interaction with friends on the internet affords an instant connection when we meet face to face, but as Christians, we have an even deeper ‘koinonia.’ That ‘same Spirit’ the Apostle Paul talks about (2 Corinthians 4:12-14) lives in us. I like to think it’s a glimpse of the fun we’ll have in heaven, when we meet all the people we’ve read about in the Bible. Perhaps some of the people to whom we’ve ministered with our writing will catch up with us on the streets of gold, too. While book sales, marketing plans, and proposals are all important to us now, in the end, the impact we’ve had in sharing Jesus Christ will be all that’s left.

I thank Cecil Murphey for giving me the impetus to fly cross-country to Mount Hermon. Randy Ingermanson wisely advises, “Think contacts, not contracts, when you go to a conference.” My plan included learning the ropes, networking, and getting to know what the agents and editors desire from authors. I ended the conference with a re-energized desire to write, and yes, even though I babbled through my ‘pitch,’ I came away with some encouragement. According to Chip MacGregor, I need to be a “writer with a good idea determined to put in the time required and express that idea in a coherent and entertaining manner.” More than ever I realize, I have much to learn and a lot of hard work ahead. I love it!

New Website!

I'm finally taking the plunge and setting up a website. I haven't had a lot of time to work on it yet, so be forewarned - it's most definitely a work in progress.

For those of you who do take time to visit, I'm open to suggestions on what you like to see when you go to an author/speaker's site. I like the blog because of its interactive nature, but having the website is nice because I can set up separate pages for the children's writing and the grownup writing, yet have it all in one easy-to-access spot.

Eventually I hope to have a links page set up so I can recommend my favorite blogs and websites.

Check it out if you have a minute: http://www.donnajshepherd.com