Was it worth it?

Mount Hermon Conference Centre

I’ve just returned from attending the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference in California and I have been asked (in a nice way) if it was worth the time and money.

I certainly learnt a lot. I chose to attend workshops to do with platform, writing book proposals and ‘one sheets’ (a one page summary—like a back cover blurb). In an Australian Christian writing context we don’t tend to write book proposals or one sheets. I thought this was a good thing as I find them so hard to write. However, I’ve discovered that without them, writers tend to be too vague about their message and their audience.

One of the most valuable exercises I did was to create a character description of my ideal reader. It made me focus on who I was writing for and why. It terms of marketing it helped me to focus on the best way of reaching my ideal reader. Not everyone is going to like what I write so it was good to consider the where—which social media sites are they likely to be on, and the how—how was I going to interact with them.

I also attend a series of workshops on the topic, You Can Write Funny, Even If You’re Not. As a writer of Christian Living material, I like to teach people, but I can get a bit heavy and serious sometimes. So I’m trying to figure out how to throw in a lighter moment to make it easier for my readers to digest the truth I want to give them. I was a bit worried before the workshop, as I’m really not good at writing humour. However, I came away with some techniques that will help my writing.

Mount Hermon Conference Centre

As far as my own publishing journey is concerned I didn’t make as much progress as I would have liked. However, I made a number of valuable contacts with agents and editors and I now have particular people I can send my work to. I also received some good suggestions on how to move forward.

I felt a strong sense of God’s presence at the conference. One of the presenters encouraged us to trust the Sovereignty of God, which was a little humbling because that’s what I tell people to do! Overall, I came away feeling encouraged to continue writing and seeking publication.

As for the question of whether it was worth it? It’s always worth doing what you believe God is asking you to do, regardless of the outcome.

*****

Susan Barnes likes to write devotional thoughts on Bible passages, book reviews and inspirational articles. She loves to challenge people's thinking and regularly blogs at abooklook.blogspot.com.au. She is also a school chaplain and pastor's wife.

How Do We Answer?

A question most fiction writers are asked: Where do the ideas of your stories come from?

I am still scratching my head about the answer to that.
All I can offer is that it's something like a seed being planted into fertile ground. (And no one can dispute we writers have fertile imaginations.) It's bound to shoot and wiggle its way up until we see the possibilities of a story. That's when it needs watering.

So what is the watering process for you? Do you get to work and begin laying out your ideas until you see the story emerging fresh, original and tempting?

Or do you take an idea ( or many ideas) you've read before and rewrite the plot with a twist - as agents love to encourage us to add in our book proposals?

Or is it something you've been struggling with in your own life and you place this into you main character's personality? This naturally introduces a spiritual dimension. And may help you discover along the way in figuring out your own life's answers.


The possibility exists that all of the above are true. Now is there something I've missed? I am curious about where we writers differ and where we are similar. As a pantser myself, I wish I could see the end from the beginning. But it seems I need to concentrate on understanding my characters and let them make the right choices ... or wrong as the case may be. Actually wrong choices do make them more human. Then it's interesting to find out how they'll extricate themselves from the consequences of their stupid decisions!

Sigh. All the above is a glimmer, but doesn't prove how we come up with our stories. I'd be glad if you could add some ideas of your own to enlighten me. OR do you have a good answer when posed with the question of where your stories originate?


Rita Stella Galieh is a co-presenter on a Christian radio program broadcast Australia-wide. She was a contributor to several US anthologies published by Adams Media. An attendee at several conferences, she has judged for ACFW, contributes to several other writers’ organizations, blogs weekly, and participates daily on Facebook. After several years study at the Sydney National Art School, she joined the family ceramics business before attending Emmaus Bible College. Each year, besides Australia, she travels with her violinist husband throughout Thailand, with permission from the Buddhist Government, to explain the true meaning of Christmas. 

This past year she has enjoyed presenting the amusing Etiquette of the Victorian Era to ladies and seniors fellowships, dinners, coffee evenings and similar functions. Her website is www.ritastellapress.com