As I mentioned in a previous post, I pitched a book at the ACFW Conference in August. In preparation for meetings with editors and agents during that weekend, I filled a spiral-bound book of index cards with important details about the manuscript. The book was small and lightweight, occupying little space in my bag. Though …
Writing
ACFW First Impressions Contest Results
Earlier this fall, I submitted the first five pages of my most recent manuscript for young adults to the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest. As I entered this contest for the second year, I was not expecting to win or even be named a Finalist for that matter. My goal was to earn higher scores this …
Blackout Poetry
My 11-year-old daughter and I attended Books by the Banks in Cincinnati this October. When we entered the Author Pavilion, she rushed over to meet Chris Grabenstein, the author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library. Both of my girls were drawn to the book by the challenging puzzles that were woven into the story. After …
Writing and Waiting
This time last year, I had finished my first manuscript. A friend encouraged me to submit the first five pages to the 2015 ACFW First Impressions Contest. I followed her advice and entered my writing to be judged by three industry professionals. I had worked hard to revise the piece to the best of my …
What’s Your Superpower?
As students in our school district geared up for Homecoming, our middle school organized Spirit Week. One day they dressed up in clothing from a specific decade. The next day they wore crazy hats. On the third day, their costumes were inspired by a favorite Disney character. They wore school colors on Friday to show …