Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Scars by Renate Braddy

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Check out this historical fiction book by Renate Braddy.

About Scars:


"Are some truths powerful enough to change the world? It is 1867 and New York City reporter Samuel Cuffee is used to a life of research and deadlines, but when he tells his boss about his own family story that he uncovers through a mysterious photo Sam’s need for information becomes much more personal. Tormented by nightmares he is determined to get the answers regarding his past that he hopes will finally bring him peace. His murdered father, anti-Slavery campaigner Andrew Cuffee was a man of mystery to him. To understand his father Sam must uncover the story of the incredible man who changed his father and his Uncle Charlie’s life by adopting them in 1750; African-Indian Doctor David Cuffee. To get the answers he would need to travel to the farm of his Uncle Charlie and Aunt Nona in Alma, Massachusetts. Could his uncle hold the key to the peace that has eluded him for so long?" (Amazon)


The Christian Writer's Manual of Style by Robert Hudson

Christian writing is so different than other genres or writing, especially if you're writing class books or text books. Because of this there are certain style elements that are specific to the Christian genre.

It's important to have a good grammatical foundation for all your books. The Christian Writer's Manual of Style will help you to learn the basic fundamental skills that will make your book shine!

-Susan

About The Christian Writer's Manual of Style

"An essential tool for writers, editors, proofreaders, designers, copywriters, production managers, and marketers too. The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style is an essential tool not only for writers of religious materials, but for their editors, proofreaders, designers, copywriters, production managers, and even marketers. Rather than simply repeating style information commonly available in standard references, this newly updated and expanded edition includes points of grammar, punctuation, usage, book production and design, and written style that are often overlooked in other manuals. It focuses on information relating to the unique needs and demands of religious publications, such as discussions on how to correctly quote the Bible, how to capitalize and use common religious terms, and how to abbreviate the books of the Bible and other religious words. Also included are rarely found items such as: • an author’s guide to obtaining permissions • guidelines for using American, British, and Mid-Atlantic styles • discussions of inclusive language, profanity, and ethnic sensitivities • discussions of Internet and computer-related language style • a list of problem words • style issues regarding words from major world religions • a discussion of handling brand names in text • a list of common interjections • issues of type design, paper, copy-fit This edition has been completely updated since the 1988 edition and contains more than twice as much information as the previous edition. This is the most detailed and comprehensive guide of its kind." (Amazon)

What You Need to Know to Get Published in the Christian Writer's Market

For more info click on this pic.
I just realized that because I was brought up in a home with a writer, I may know some things about publishing and writing resources that many people don't know -- things that I take as general knowledge. So, I'm going to share some of my knowledge with you and maybe it will help you as you reach for your dreams.

I received my first market book as a junior in high school. My mother was determined that if I wanted to publish poetry she would make sure that I knew where I could send it to get it published.

Many of the authors who read the Church of Christ Women Authors Blog are Christian authors. So, I thought as my first knowledge share I would tell you about this book. It's a handy tool for people who want to get into the genre of Christian writing.

The Christian Writer's Market Guide 2015-2016: Everything You Need to Get Published

"For more than 25 years, The Christian Writer’s Market Guide has been the most comprehensive and highly recommended resource available for Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and writing teachers.

Wherever an author is at on the spectrum of writing—from beginner to seasoned professional—this book will help them find what they are looking for. This is the must-have tool for getting noticed and published and the ultimate reference tool for the aspiring Christian writer.


  • Detailed listings for more than 180 book publishers, subsidy publishers, and self-publishers
  • Detailed listings for more than 170 periodicals by category with rates of pay
  • Detailed listings for literary agencies, writing contests, conferences, workshops, editorial services, and writers’ groups
  • Extensive information on electronic and print-on-demand publishing
  • 100 bonus pages filled with a wealth of how-to information, ideas, and tips (Amazon )

Meet the Author Leah Hopkins


Welcome Author Leah Hopkins to Church of Christ Women Authors. I hope you will spend a few minutes reading about her and getting to know her. Leah is the author of The Glam Girl's Guide to Sex and Dash the Racecar.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have enjoyed writing for years but a pivotal moment for me was New Years Eve 2011, after I had been studying for a couple of months to further certify myself in the medical field and realized that I was so much more passionate about writing and in particular writing for young ladies.  My husband and I talked about it and he set me loose to start.  I finished "The G.L.A.M. Girl's Guide to Sex" 6 months later.

How long does it take you to write a book?
Well, first book took me 6 months, 2nd book was a children's book called "Dash the Racecar" and the writing was done within a few hours but the artwork took a couple of months.  That being said, I have been planning a sequel to GLAM since I released it & life has gotten in the way.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Work schedule...haha.  Really, I am starting to figure out how to carve out some personal writing time because I stay so busy with all the other projects we have that I fall to the back. Justin told me to write for at least 30 minutes a day.  I am trying to do that...but I don't everyday. =/

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I need to have complete silence when I am writing.  ANY noise & I completely get thrown off.  Maybe that is why I am so late with writing sequels...  I have small children and a husband that must work with noise. =p

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas just come from subjects I am passionate about. They are not just for young ladies, in fact, I have a long list of different books I would love to write.  I guess we will see....

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I enjoy spending time with my family.  Playing with the boys, going on a date with my hubby.  I also enjoy cooking, reading, and looking at real estate and blue prints.

What would you tell other Christian women who want to write?
My advice is to spend time in prayer and studying God's Word, and not only if you are writing a religious book.  I also think that if there is some way in which you can use your passion and skills to spread the Gospel in some way, you should.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written two books unless you count all the writing I have done for the Compass Bible class curriculum...then a whole lot more.  My favorite is G.L.A.M.  In fact, I am working on a G.L.A.M. devotional journal right now to go along with the series.

What do you like to read? 
I like to read a variety of different genres.  I find myself drawn to some of the period historical fictions like what Jill Eileen Smith has put together (not a 1st century Christian).  It helps me put the humanity on the people I read about in the Bible.  To really see them in their possible daily struggles.  I don't know of any of these books that are written by Christians though.. I am not sure if I would be able to tackle something like this or not...

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I bounced around from nurse to actress.  When I started college I went from Pre-Med to Architecture before going to SWSBS.  =)

Fun Fact...hmmm.  I used to barrel race when I was a teenager & I love boxer dogs.