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.

Can You Hear Me Now?

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 17:6 NIV

Have you told anyone recently how you can be reached? If you’re like most Americans, you have a landline, fax line, and cell phone. Then there’s email, IM’s, and texting. When a friend and I went to a movie and McDonald’s, she couldn't get through a hot fudge sundae without texting several people.

Yet even with all this technology, occasionally we can’t be reached. The phone lines are down. Cable is out. We forget to recharge the cell phone battery.

Aren’t you relieved we don’t rely on any of these things to talk to God? He’s as close as your next breath. With the phones jangling and emails piling up, take a moment to whisper, "Jesus.” You’ll be amazed at the calming effect of His name. Call on Him today.

And if you need to further recharge your spirit, get into His ‘text’ – the Bible!

Prayer: Oh, God, I praise You today. May I be keenly aware of Your presence in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

The Best Grandma in the World

I'm pleased to say I have a story in a book just released by Howard Publishing (A Division of Simon & Schuster), The Best Grandma in the World. My piece is "The Singing Mamaw." I hope you enjoy it.

Prayer for the President

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV)

Do you feel led to pray for our leaders? Here's a blog, NOT a political blog, but one dedicated to prayer for the leaders of the United States. I've heard from people all over the world who pray for the President of the United States, and as an American, I'm grateful for their prayers. If you'd like to add your prayer to the ones already posted, click on the link, and join us in prayer.

Prayer for the President

BUSY Parents Devotional - Dabbling Mum - What's In a Name?

A new column's up on The Dabbling Mum.

"I skipped into my first classroom and the teacher directed me to sit down at a big, round wooden table with a half dozen other children. My eyes scanned the table, and I spoke up. “Why don’t we all say our names?”..."

Click here to read What's In a Name?

Donna J. Shepherd © 2007
All rights reserved.

No portion of this Website may be reproduced by Crossmap or any other website without dated written permission from Donna. - Thanks!

For the Graduates: Who You Know

“For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”- Proverbs 2:6 NIV

“It’s not what you know. It’s who you know.”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that expression. Each year in Spring, we celebrate many graduations from kindergarten to college. Many of these graduates head to the job market only to be disillusioned by the difficulty finding employment. Sooner or later, almost everyone I know has muttered the above expression followed by a long sigh.

I have to say my first job came as a result of knowing a district manager of a company. But I’m friends with many people who’ve managed to get great jobs without having any connections at all. I got my second job by being ambitious and a go-getter – or at least that’s what my boss told me.

You may get a job by knowing someone, but you can’t keep a job unless you have the knowledge to do the work.

We read in the Bible the Lord blessed Solomon with great wisdom and understanding. "God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.” (1 Kings 4:29 NIV) Can you imagine being that smart?

But there is one position where it only matters Who you know – your place in the kingdom of God. Solomon, with all his wisdom, recognized his need for God. In Proverbs 9:10 he wrote, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

And most importantly, it matters Who knows you! In I Corinthians 8:3, Paul wrote, “But the man who loves God is known by God.”

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV) Are you following Jesus? Do you know Him, and does He know YOU?

I’ve gone back to college. When I’m studying for exams after such a long hiatus from school, I sure wish I had a bit of Solomon’s wisdom and understanding!

Prayer: Lord, I pray I listen to Your voice. My desire is to know You more, and to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

*I first posted this devotional on 5-18-2005. This devotional also appears on Crossmap and Narrow Is the Path, where you can stop by to read and rate.

Looking for a Gift for Father's Day?

I recommend a book I recently reviewed. Here's a link to the review. Click HERE!

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.

Guardian Angel Publishing Releases New Book: Ouch! Sunburn

OUCH! SUNBURN!

by Donna J. Shepherd

A Wings of Faith Children's Book

Author: Donna J. Shepherd

Illustrations: Kevin Scott Collier

ISBN: 1-933090-60-X
ISBN 13: 9781933090603

From the Publisher: Donna J. Shepherd’s snappy rhymes along with the 15 colorful and fun illustrations by Kevin Scott Collier help children see the need to protect their skin in the sun. Sun Safety Tips in the back of the book reinforce the book’s theme. 27 pages. 94 word easy reader.

http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ouch!sunburn.htm

Christa Taylor - Defining Modest Fashion

I don't do this often, but am making an exception. What a nice surprise to see all the lovely fashions offered by this company. Check them out! - Donna

Christa Taylor Grand Opening Presents Modesty in a Whole New Light
Spring Collection Provides Young Women with “Modish” Options

Vancouver, WA—Christa Taylor, a new clothing company, has made its message clear. As the visionary designer herself explains: “We are fashions for the Empowered Traditionalist. An Empowered Traditionalist, or ‘ET’, loves her clothes and believes modesty can be stylish and attractive.” Christa Taylor’s Spring Collection proves just that.

The company’s dream grew out of a infuriating, yet all too common experience. As a young lady, Taylor encountered weeks of frustrating shopping trips- trying to find something modest and attractive. Finding a modest bathing suit became a long and arduous affair, searching websites and retail stores to no avail. So she went to the drawing board and designed a new swimsuit that satisfied her desire for modesty and style (she calls it "modish:" a blend of modest + "chic").

Updated frequently, her website http://www.christa-taylor.com demonstrates careful thought, and genuine care for her customers. “Expect new styles, ideas, and superior quality” Taylor affirms, “I am all about creating clothes that flatter real girls, satisfying their needs and building a trust relationship.”

The Christa Taylor team believes no business should exist just to make money. In the midst of an individualistic culture focused primarily on success, power and prestige, they are committed to a greater vision; a vision that presses beyond the tendencies towards self-absorption. With this in mind, and always aware of their own need, they have resolved to contribute at least 30% of their profits to the world’s poor and toward furthering social justice around the globe. Their first project is already under way.

For more information, please visit http://www.christa-taylor.com

Topsy Turvy Time!

Something new! Devos for Kids! Click HERE for

Topsy Turvy Time!

Starting May 1st, Topsy Turvy Time will be on CWAHM.com, too!

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

Topsy Turvy Tour

Here's a peek at an illustration in Topsy Turvy Tour, a mini-topsy turvy tale written by me, Donna, and illustrated by who else but Kevin Scott Collier! We are pleased to announce the story is featured in a new Children's E-Zine called Stories for Children. You can download it either as a .pdf file OR in a program that opens it up like a magazine right on your computer!

New Column - NABBW

"This week a celebrity died. She was only 39 years old. I say ‘only' because, as a Boomer Baby, a thirty-something woman seems very young. This celebrity did a whole lotta livin' during her short time on earth, and sad to say, her legacy is already one marked by confusion and vanity.

Vanity could refer to her obsession with her looks, but King David referred to vanity in a different light..."

Click HERE to read this month's devotional on NABBW called "Your Legacy."

Donna J. Shepherd 2007 All rights reserved. No portion of this Website may be reproduced without permission. For more information, contact Donna.

Pioneer Parenting

Today my friend over at the Pioneer Parenting Blog, author Mary DeMuth, has featured one of my stories. Click on over to read "My Wake Up Call."

http://tinyurl.com/yv2byq

Mary has a great list of links to parenting resources in the right hand column, and a place to sign up for her newsletter.

Donna J. Shepherd © 2007 All rights reserved. No portion of this Website may be reproduced by Crossmap or any other website without dated written permission from Donna. - Thanks!

Amazing Grace

Have you heard of the movie? Here's a link to CBN.com where you can watch a preview, listen to music inspired by the movie, read a review, enter contests, and a link to an interactive message board.

http://tinyurl.com/yv9d8a

Bringing Words to Life

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

Several of my friends are novelists. Anyone who can write a novel has my respect. I’m in awe of writers who write thousands of words in a day. When I write devotionals, I may write a thousand words. Then I start cutting, honing in on the central message, slashing the excess. For one project, I had to keep each devotional to five hundred words or less.

When I write for children, I have even fewer words with which to play around. Most of the children’s magazines want poems of up to twelve lines. In today’s market, picture books run less than a thousand words. The trick is to write a book where part of the story itself is dependent upon the illustrations in a picture book. As it’s written, the author actually ‘sees’ the pictures as if they already existed. Of course, sometimes, the illustrator comes up with new possibilities the author never dreamed.

Like most people, I’m fascinated by the story of God’s creation. By His Word, something came of nothing.

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” – Hebrews 11:3

Mind-boggling, isn’t it?

In my children’s book, a few lines say,

“He (God) made the giraffe with his very long neck,

And the toucan with gigantic beak.

God must have had fun

Creating each one,

And all in just under a week!”

I like to think of God’s pleasure as He created. Can you imagine Him smiling when he put that humongous beak on the toucan? And then, with a flourish, added all the beautiful colors?

As writers, we are blessed to be able to create. And as a children’s writer, sometimes I’m really blessed, and the words I write are illustrated with pictures. It’s so much fun to see my words come to life. I thank God every day for the joy of writing, and for allowing me the pleasure of seeing my words in print, and sometimes illustrated.

Recently, Kevin Scott Collier and I worked on a short story for a new children’s e-zine. Here's a sneak peek at the cover of Topsy Turvy Tour, a mini-topsy turvy tale.

When Kevin sent the final draft of our creation, I felt giddy. Like a child again. The way I felt as a first grader when I brought home a masterpiece created with finger paint, and mom displayed it on the refrigerator.

Have you lost the joy of writing? I have a friend who’s a fantastic writer, but does she write? No. She’s lost the joy.

Now I’m not discounting the hard work. Anyone worth his salt will put a lot of time and energy into every creation. Not long ago, I finally finished a picture book I’d been working on, and it took more time than I dreamed possible when I began. It’s only 320 words long.

As a Christian, I feel a call to write. Even when it’s what some would think is a silly children’s story, I still consider it worship to God when I use the talent He’s given me to create. What keeps you writing? Does a finished product give you the impetus to start something new? Does an acceptance make you roll up your sleeves and get back to work? Are you called to write? We’re created in God’s image. Let’s create.

Amos 4:13 niv, “He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth— the LORD God Almighty is his name.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the talent you've given. Help me to glorify You in all I do, in life and with my artistic endeavors. I stand in awe of Your creation. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

* Read this post on The Master's Artists blog. I have shared another picture from Topsy Turvy Tour. Click HERE to check it out.

Donna J. Shepherd © 2007 All rights reserved. No portion of this Website may be reproduced by Crossmap or any other website without dated written permission from Donna. - Thanks!