TopA GOOD READ
Newsletter For Readers and Writers

                                                                          March 2009

Greetings!
 
Welcome and thank you for sharing your time with me. Those of you who signed up for my newsletter since last month, thank you for subscribing.
 
This month in Guest Gab I interview Joanne Sloan, Coordinator of the Southern Christian Writers Conference and our Writing Wisdom tips come from Megan DiMaria on preparing for your portrait session. In What Am I Reading? you could WIN a book. In Book Buzzings I highlight a new book by Rene' Morris and also give you an update on my novel. Check Inspirational Insights to read my thoughts about that precious thing we call friendship.
 
If you have anything you'd like to see in future issues of this newsletter or any comments or suggestions, please email me. Feel free to share this newsletter with your friends (they won't be added to any list). At the bottom of this page you'll see a place where you can conveniently forward this newsletter. Always remember: I value your presence here and the time you share with me. 
 
 You can take a look at earlier newsletters by clicking the Archive box on my website


Quality Quote
 
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -- Bernard Meltzer, U.S. radio host
 
 
BookBuzzingsBook Buzzings
Yours and Mine 
Update on my novel, Caney Creek: My search continues for a literary agent to represent Caney Creek to publishers. One of the agents who requested to see the first three chapters of the book really likes the plot of Caney Creek  but thinks the novel needs to be longer. That agent asked if I could write an additional 10,000 words. I said sure, of course! No, I'm not just tacking those words to the end of the book; I'm adding them in the middle of the story. This agent's given me two months to write those 10,000 words. So I'm busy writing something I thought was finished. Oh, the slow road to publication................
 
This month I highlight author Rene' Morris (www.renemorris.com). Below is information about her book, Sonshine Girls: Summer Secret.
 
 
Christy BarrittSonshine Girls: Summer Secret
by Rene' Morris
Young Adult
Summertime Books
December, 2008
Available at Amazon.com

Summer Secret unites four friends who will discover a 50 year old secret and also the value of friendship and forgiveness. The first in the series, Sonshine Girls: Summer Secret teaches young girls how to deal with bullies in a Christian manner.
 
GuestGabGuest Gab
Interview With Joanne Sloan 
Coordinator, Southern Christian Writers Conference 
 
Joanne SloanThis month we welcome Joanne Sloan, Coordinator of the Southern Christian Writers Conference, which has been called one of the three best writing workshops in America. She designed and teaches the University of Alabama's feature writing course in the College of Continuing Studies. Joanne has an M.Ed. degree from the University of Arkansas and is the publisher of Vision Press.
 
 
Jo: Welcome, Joanne. When was the Southern Christian Writers Conference (SCWC) started and are you its founder?
 
Joanne: My husband David, a University of Alabama journalism professor, our daughter Cheryl Wray, a freelance writer, and I (a freelance writer) started the Southern Christian Writers Conference in 1992.
 
Jo: What is the purpose of SCWC?
 
Joanne:The SCWC is a ministry that exists to provide information, inspiration and motivation to writers and to build a camaraderie among writers--both experienced and beginning writers--who wish to write for either Christian or secular publications.  
     First, at our conference we want to provide useful information that participants can take home with them that will enable them to continue or get started in a writing career or ministry.
     In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul said we are Christ's ambassadors. As ambassadors for the King of Kings, Christians should be the most professional of all writers and SCWC wants to provide hands-on information that will equip them to be successful. We want to equip people professionally to pursue their gifts and interests and to be prepared to be used by God for the work that He has specifically for them to do. 
     In addition to providing useful information to help writers become more professional, we want to provide inspiration and motivation so that participants can leave the conference motivated to write.
     Finally, we want to build camaraderie among writers, lasting friendships with other Christians who have similar interests. Writing groups and networking among writers have resulted from this camaraderie.
 
Jo: Is the conference an annual event and where is it held?
 
Joanne: The SCWC is an annual event held at the First Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The church has excellent facilities with a large auditorium and many large classrooms. We've scheduled this year's conference for June 12-13, 2009.
 
Jo: How many attend the conference each year? Do you have a limit on the number of registrants?
 
Joanne: We have from 150-200 participants. We usually limit the registration to 200 registrants.
 
Jo: Tell us who have been some of your keynote speakers at past conferences.
 
Joanne: We have had many excellent keynoters throughout the years. They include Gilbert Morris, Terri Blackstock, Calvin Miller, Angela Hunt, Esther Burroughs, Lurleen McDaniel and Dennis Hensley.  
 
Jo: Do you have workshop speakers from different writing venues? What about editors and literary agents?
 
Joanne: We like to have one agent each year as well as book editors and magazine editors. We have freelancers who cover a wide genre of writing in our workshops. These include poetry, songwriting, fiction, non-fiction, children's books, young adult books, Christian romance novels, mysteries, etc.
     At our conference each year we seek speakers who have servant hearts. We want speakers who will share with would-be writers that they too can be published if they are professional in their writing, work hard and learn about marketing their articles or books. 
 
Jo: So, can you reveal who the keynote speaker is for the 2009 SCWC?
 
Joanne: Our 2009 keynote speakers are Cec Murphy, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven and over 100 other books, and Vanessa Griggs who is a novelist as well as a national motivational speaker.
 
Jo: You have an able and dedicated staff. Please tell us a little about them.
 
Joanne: Sammie Barstow, a freelance magazine writer, serves as our registrar. David Sloan, my husband, is the co-coordinator. Cheryl Wray, our daughter, is editor of the SCWC newsletter. Christopher Sloan, our son, is one of our speakers. Danielle Sloan, our daughter-in-law, is the conference hostess who maintains the hospitality room.  I am the conference coordinator. We all are available throughout the conference to attend to the many details.
 
Jo: SCWC has a writing contest each year. Please tell us how that works.
 
Joanne: The annual SCWC Writing Contest recognizes the outstanding published works of members throughout the year. Works of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry by SCWC members (individuals who have attended at least one workshop in the past two years or who are registered for this year's workshop) may be entered.
     Works eligible for the 2009 contest must have been published between May 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009. They must fit into one of the following five categories: (1) Nonfiction Magazine Article, (2) Newspaper Article, (3) Short Story (fiction), (4) Poetry or (5) Letter to the Editor. You may submit no more than one entry in any one category. Short stories and poems must have been published in a newspaper or magazine or have been included in a published (but not self-published) book. The publications in which the entries appeared may be either religious or secular.
     To enter the contest, send a photocopy of the entire work as it appeared in the publication and a photocopy of a page (such as the table of contents or cover) that shows the publication's title and date. An accompanying letter must show your name and tell what category (Magazine Article, Newspaper Article, Short Story, Poetry, or Letter) you are entering.
     The deadline for entering the contest is May 15, 2009. Send entries to: SCWC Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1106, Northport, AL 35476.
     The top three winners in each category will be announced at the closing session of this year's workshop. A cash prize and certificate will be awarded to the first-place winner in each category; certificates will be awarded to the second- and third-place winners.
 
Jo: Where can our readers find out more about this year's conference, the cost, accommodations and how to register to attend?
 
Joanne: We can be reached by e-mailing us at [email protected]. We also have a website. People interested can Google Southern Christian Writers Conference 2009 and find the site. Details for this year's conference will be added to as time nears the conference.
 
Jo: Joanne, you're a published author. Tell us about your books.
Joanne: I taught high school English in four states for years. At the time I was teaching I began publishing in national magazines. As I continued to write for magazines, I started to write books. My daughter Cheryl and I have written four books together including two from a Christian publisher. They are Faith Stories: Devotional Thoughts from the Lives of Missionaries and A Life that Matters: Spiritual Disciplines that Change the World. They are not available now. We do have an agent interested in a revision of our last book. I have just finished my first novel; I am sending it to an agent soon.

 
Joanne, thank you for spending time with us today and telling us about the Southern Christian Writers Conference. Perhaps you've stirred some interest about SCWC among our readers.
 
WhatAmIReadingWhat Am I Reading?
In each issue of A GOOD READ I will tell you about what I'm reading or have just read. Let me know what you've read that really bowled you over, tell why in about 100 words and I'll include it here; giving your name is optional. Please, no erotica or pornography.
 
To WIN a copy of Bayou Betrayal email me the correct answer to this question by March 25: In Bayou Betrayal, what is the deputy sherriff's name? You'll find the answer in the book review below. Please type "Contest" in the subject line of your email. I'll put all subscriber names I receive by March 25 in a hat and draw one winner.  I'll announce the winner in next month's newsletter.
 
Bayou BetrayalI recently read Bayou Betrayal by Robin Carrol, Steeple Hill Books, 2009. Monique Harris loses her private investigator husband to a suspicious murder soon after he locates her biological father. Her new-found father is in prison, her mother died earlier and now she's angry at God for taking away all she had left--her husband. Alone and curious that she might have some relatives on her father's side, Monique moves to his hometown in the Louisiana bayou. A few days after arriving there, Monique gets warning phone calls to leave town and an arsonist burns down her rented house while she's sleeping. She escapes the fire but the threatening calls continue. Monique's resolve to not love again weakens while around the handsome, sensitive Deputy Sheriff Gary Anderson who's investigating her case and he has difficulty keeping his mind on his deputy business when she's present. Gary has few suspects and no motive for the fire and threats. He's anxious to solve the mystery so he can turn his attention to a relationship between him and Monique; he wants to help her love again and return to speaking terms with God. Robin Carrol gives us characters we can pull for and loads Bayou Betrayal with twists and turns all the way to the last page. A good read.
 
 
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WritingWisdomWriting Wisdom
Preparing for Your Portrait Session
by Megan DiMaria
Megan DiMaria is the author of Out of Her Hands and Searching for Spice.  She works for a highly acclaimed portrait studio in the Denver area. From her blog she gives you--reader or writer--tips to help you prepare for your portrait appointment.
 
 
"Now that you've scheduled your portrait session appointment, you want to make the most of it by being prepared. Preparing yourself is more than selecting a good shirt and applying your makeup. There are a few tips to help you look your best:      
 
      *Be well rested, and drink plenty of water in the day leading up to the session.       
 
      *Avoid haircuts or hairstyle changes within one or two weeks of your photo session.      
 
      *Excessive sun or tanning salon visits prior to your session should be avoided; a dark suntan may make your face look oily.
 
"Don't stress about your wardrobe selection. Here are a few guidelines that will help you to present yourself in the most flattering way:
 
      *Choose collars and necklines that frame your face.

      *Clothes that are solid colors are best. Avoid anything with a bright or busy pattern. You want your face to stand out in the image, not your clothes. If you're not sure what to wear, black is always a safe color. Jewel tones are also very flattering, especially for outdoor shots.

      *If you're wearing a suit or jacket, select a middle tone or dark jacket and pair it with a light color shirt.

      *Avoid sleeveless clothing--that will draw attention away from your face to all the skin on your arms. See the image of the lady in the yellow shirt? The goal of a professional portrait is to have the viewer focus first on the face, not all the skin from the neck down.
 
     *Don't select high-neck clothing that will obscure your neck. See the photo on the left?The stripes are too busy and she has no visible neck. That's a no-no.

     *Wear your usual hairstyle. Don't try anything new and risk suffering regret over wasting the photo session. Make sure your hair is styled the way you want prior to arriving for your session. You may want your usual stylist to style your hair that day, if you're nervous.

     *If you wear glasses, you may want to ask your optometrist if you can borrow a pair without lenses. That way these won't be any glare.

     *Avoid clothing that wrinkles easily or doesn't fit well.
 
"You want to look as natural as possible as far as makeup is concerned.

     *Don't go overboard on your makeup on portrait day. Simple, clean, and fresh is best. When applying makeup, pay special attention to your eyes. That's what people see first. Eye shadow adds depth. Stick to neutral shades and avoid iridescent colors.

     *Ladies, as we age the more flattering shades of blush are peach tones. I know those pink blushes used to make you look fresh and young, but I have to tell you--if you're no longer a young woman, it will just look unfortunate. Same goes for pink lipstick. Trust me on this. Truly.

     *Bring your makeup kit with you so you can touch-up as needed.

     *Gentlemen--a light powder foundation can reduce imperfections and an oily appearance. No one will be the wiser, and don't feel self conscious about a dusting of powder to enhance your image."
 

You can visit with Megan DiMaria at her blog, www.megandimaria.blogspot.com.
Also you can visit her website,
www.megandimaria.com.
Clean Chuckle
 
moneyThree boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers.
 
The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50."
 
The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100."

The third boy says, "I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"

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InspThoughtsInspirational Insight
Friendships
by Jo Huddleston
 
Friends
 
 
 
 
Friends to the End:
The True Value of Friendship
by Bradley Trevor Greive (October 2004)
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Animals are such agreeable friends--they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." -- George Eliot
 

Do you make friends easily? Do some of your friendships date back to years ago? Do you have a best friend? Just by our life experiences we know what a friend is, but how would you define "friend" to someone who had no knowledge of the word? I like Aristotle's definition: "A true friend is one soul in two bodies." A less literary and more lighthearted definition of a friend is by Mr/Ms Anonymous: "A friend is one who dislikes the same people that you dislike."
 
Friendship is a valuable commodity to be cherished and cared for. True friendship is a durable thing. Commitments between friends are easily made and certainly kept. Good friends don't feel the need to carry on incessant conversations; silence between friends is an enjoyable time not an awkward time. Understanding between friends is a beautiful thing because their thoughts often lie on the same plane; much of the time friends know they are in agreement without even voicing their thoughts. The proverbial "they can finish each other's sentences" applies to best friends. And true friends are very much in agreement most of the time. Even when they disagree, friends are okay with that. They agree to disagree and neither is put out with the other.
 
Robert Blair (1699-1746), a Scottish poet, aptly summed up the relationship of friends:
"Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul,
Sweet'ner of life, and solder of society."  
 
 
 
 
 
� 2009 Jo Huddleston. All rights reserved.
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