Word Praize

Patricia Bailey Interview

Dr. Patricia Bailey, author of WOMEN RISK TAKERS, talks about her project rescuing Angolan girls from prostitution and perversion. Listen in!


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A MORNING LIKE THIS, Deborah Bedford

A Morning Like This
by Deborah Bedford

Ratings: ****

Reviewer: Tyora Moody

Imagine you have just celebrated your twelfth wedding anniversary. Life is wonderfully beautiful -- until one day, out of the blue -- the past comes back to haunt you in the worst way possible. This happens to David and Abby Treasure.

David has an announcement for Abby, his wife of 12 years. The results of his announcement will bring to light heartache and pain that ordinarily tear even the strongest married couple apart. Abby Treasure finds out her husband had an affair nine years ago while she was pregnant with their son. The woman David had an affair with calls him requesting a meeting. At this meeting, David finds out he has a little girl that he never knew about. Even more devastating, the little girl has leukemia and is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. David and his son are prime candidates as donors.

With extraordinary writing, Deborah Bedford delivers a novel that will move the reader emotionally and spiritually. Forgiveness and redemption are powerfully displayed as Abby comes to grips with David's betrayal and the "other" woman, whose child is dying. While this book is fictional, the themes that run througout the novel can surely encourage a real-life married couple going through heartaches in their own marriage.

About the Reviewer

Tyora "Ty" Moody is an aspiring writer, book reviewer and professional web developer. She tries to juggle various hats on her short frame. Those hats include being a military wife, Sunday School and bible study teacher and "momma" to one spoiled cat.  Visit her blog or check out the web design portfolio. 

Specialty Bibles Do Well in Multicultural Markets

With recent statistics showing spiritual trends among minorities and more urban products marketwide, more specialty Bibles are being sold. Booksellers and industry professionals chime in on whether current offerings meet growing needs. Read it here.

Hispanic Christian Tradeshow in Miami

Exploit, the 13th annual International Hispanic Christian Products tradeshow, is scheduled for May 19-24, 2005 at the Radisson Mart Plaza Hotel in Miami. The sold out 350-booth event will welcome Rick Warren, Tommy Tenney, Chuck Norris and other personalities as part of the show, designed to spotlight Spanish language products, a market which continues to grow 10-12 % a year, according to the Spanish Evangelical Products Association. Read more.

New Christian Magazine

A New Christian Magazine (title has not be released yet) is seeking submissions and queries for its publication due out in the Fall. The magazine is a fearless and aggressive periodical devoted to sharing revelation knowledge regarding the Word of God by speaking about real and personal issues in the lives of people. We will go where no one has considered going in order to share the gospel to those who need to hear it in an identifiable way and to strengthen those in the Body who need a resource, similar to that of Essence, Vibe, and even the Source, that will meet all of their needs---the physical, mental, emotional, and of course, spiritual. We are open to both new and experienced writers and will be accepting all submissions via email at amag0805@yahoo.com

The nuts and bolts: We only ask for first rights to your articles. Meaning after your work has been published in our magazine, copyright will return to you and you are free to publish it elsewhere. Because of this reason and our lengthly lead time, we would appreciate NO simultaneous submissions! We will contact you once via email to let you know that we have received your submission and have placed in the process for review. Following that, If we decide to publish your work we will contact you directly via phone. Because of the number of submissions we expect, we appreciate your patience! Please include your name, email, and phone number with each submission.

Payment is .10/word, paid upon publication. As writers, please feel free to be led to write on whatever topic you want--given the perspective and Christian Worldview of the magazine. However, don't be hindered by legalistic perceptions! Seek to reach the unreachable, or to share info that will build the reached.

Below is a sample of topic areas: Relationships: Issues related to the covenant nature of dating relationships and marriage. No holds barred! Finance and Careers Beauty/Style: Articles and topics on the external care of men and women of God...including product spotlights Arts and Entertainment: Music, Television, Film...all that are making difference in the lives of our audience or commentaries on those that aren't. Health/Fitness Personal Essays.

12 Point Checklist for Writing Feature Articles

12 Point Checklist for Writing Feature Articles by Jill Black

1. Have you selected your intended subject topic and carefully planned out your idea?

2. Have you sent your idea query pitch to magazines or newspapers who may be interested? or will you write "on spec"?

With many magazines and newspapers now accepting material online it is now possible in many instances to email your queries directly to the publication. Have you read the publishers guidelines carefully to make sure if this method is acceptable?

Before sending your query pitch:

- Is it likely to be what the publisher needs: have you studied the publication?

- Is the timing right. Have you checked the magazines editorial calendar? If it is a seasonal article is now the best time to send your query?

If you have answered yes to these questions then package your idea into an attractive proposal and send it off to the editor of your chosen publication.

3. Have you adequately researched your topic?

Read everything you can on the topic from all available sources - bookstores, newspapers, libraries and internet sources. Never discard anything about your subject topic since you don't know until you write it up what you may actually want to use.

Tip: Saving magazines, newspapers and clippings for the subject matter can save time when researching future writing assignments on the same topic or when working to deadlines. Catalogue all your collected material for easy reference.

4. Have you interviewed the key person/people you need for your proposed feature?

Now it is time to organize your material into a feature article.

5. Have you discarded everything in your research except for factual information?

True research and liberal use of factual material gives an original perspective to your feature article and also avoids the possibility of plagiarism.

6. Have you checked and cross-referenced your facts amongst your various sources.

7. Have you decided on the length of the article? Have you checked the length is suitable for the publication you are sending it to?

Tip: Do not waste the editors time by sending a 2000 word article to a publication that requires articles between 500-750 words.

8. Will you use quotes in your article? Quotes and antcedotes bring a story to life. Are the quotes from a reliable source and have you double checked that quotes used are acurately recorded?

9. Do you have a good lead, middle and ending?

10. Have you proofread and edited your article to achieve the best possible version through re-writing your drafts to arrive at your final version?

Have you made all corrections and necessary changes, have you checked spelling (this includes people and place names) grammar, punctuation etc?

11. If the feature is to be visual - have you provided the appropriate photographs, art work, line drawings, or other graphic illustrations to compliment your feature?

This increases the payment amount you can expect to receive if you are a feature photojournalist or travel feature writer who can offer original photographic perspectives of your subject topic.

12. Have you included everything in your envelope before sending your article to the publisher (including photos properly packaged) or, if the magazine or newspaper excepts online submissions have you given everything a final check before hitting the send button?

Copyright 2005 J Black

Jill Black is the owner of http://www.netwrite-publish.com a site offering resources for writers and publishers and ideas for creative living. She is also the editor of writing and publishing success a newsletter for writers and publishers. To subscribe to this newsletter send a blank email to: Writing-Publishing-Success-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Dr. Gail Hayes Interview

Dr. Hayes shares about her book DAUGHTERS OF THE KING and her ministry in helping women find identity, purpose and destiny. Don't miss this one!


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Kendra Norman Bellamy Wins Writer's Awards

Kendra Norman Bellamy, one of our 2005 feature authors, won the 2005 Best Christian Author Award at the Memphis Black Writers Conference.  Ms. Bellamy, along with Stacy Hawkins Adams, another Word Praize feature author, were also chosen as best in Christian fiction by the readers of Shades of Romance magazine this year.

Neta Jackson Interview

Author Neta Jackson talks about the latest in her YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP series, the meaning of "yada yada" and more. Listen in!


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Walk Worthy Fiction Function

Walk Worthy Press Fiction Function

On May 7, 2005, Borders Detroit will host a discussion and book signing with Denise Michelle Edwards (Sweet Bye Bye), Derek Jackson (A Man Inspired), Cheri Paris Edwards (Plenty Good Room) and Tiffany Warren (What a Sista Should Do) at Eastlake Baptist Church.  There will be dramatizations of favorite scenes from each book, Mother's Day baskets and giveaways and free gift wrapping. The event begins at noon.

Eastlake Baptist Church
12400 East Jefferson Avenue (near Conner Street)
Detroit, MI 48215
313-821-9348

Writers for the King

His Glory Passes By by Gail M. Hayes, PhD

"So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Exodus 33:22

Brother Moses and the children of Israel saw some marvelous things. Just think about it for a moment. They saw the pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. Before that, they saw the plagues that never touched them, torment the Egyptians. They saw death come and they, while wiping the sleep from their eyes, lived to see their first born still alive. They saw and experienced the Lord do some mighty things.

Let's don't even talk about Brother Moses. This man had some clout with God. He heard God's audible voice and saw the burning bush. Right about that time, I would have been searching for my notebook and digital recorder because I know no one would believe what I was seeing. Unlike me at times, this brother knew that God was real. The challenge was that the other Israelites didn't see and experience what He saw and experienced. But wasn't the Red Sea experience enough?

As I read the stories of their wilderness experiences, I couldn't help but think of how even after seeing and experiencing God's miraculous power, they still fell into unbelief and sin. In Exodus, chapter 32, when Moses was still in God's presence getting the Ten Commandments, they forced Aaron to make a golden calf so they could worship the ugly beast. Moses had to pray some hard prayers and plead with God so He wouldn't kill them. I just couldn't believe that people could be so ungrateful after seeing and experiencing what they saw and experienced. Oh, but pride has a way of working overtime and I soon discovered that pride was my middle name…with a capital P! 

Before I receive a writing assignment, I complain because I don't have any work. Once I do receive the assignment, I complain because I cannot seem to get started. I don't feel inspired to write or something else seems to have priority. It's as if some unknown force holds me captive. Never mind, that I am getting paid…hopefully. Never mind, that I have a deadline. Never mind, that I am being selfish. Never mind that I have an opportunity to write something that gives God center stage in my life. No, I need to be the Prima Donna of the Writing Court. I need an audience. I need to have my ego stroked. I just need what I need when I need it!

You see, at the moment I accept the assignment, the fiery passion I had for writing turns to cement. When I lift my hands to the keyboard, I feel the weight of the heavy, wet mixture becoming one with my fingers, and stalling the flow of my blood. I freeze at the moment of inspiration because my hands cannot keep up with my mind. In desperation, I shake myself, hoping that the moment will pass. My internal screams go unheard.

Okay, I admit that I've seen God operate in my life. I admit that I know He comes through for me but I still have trouble standing in the face of writer's block or in the constant flow of life's interruptions. I become irritated and angry with the entire writing process when God's promises do not happen as quickly as I believe they should. Hey, remember… I need what I need when I need it!!!

Do you know what happens next? I find myself making up things. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to move, I move with my natural ability and make up something. For us creative types, making up something comes natural. But what comes natural is not always what's best. Have you ever just "made something up" just so you could see some action? In my making up mode, I try to justify my actions and even become impatient with God because He does not get in line with my program. When this happens, I usually fall flat on my face and then become angry because He let me fall.

In my anger, I cannot honestly face my doubts and admit I no longer believe God's promises. I do not believe that He will give me the assignments, speaking engagements, and the platform for my work. Doubt shoves faith into a pit and sits itself on the throne of my heart. That's when the real trouble starts because the only thing that rescues me…ugh! Shall I say it? Okay, here goes…humility. I have to humble myself under the mighty hand of God so that He can exalt me and my writing ability. I have to cry out and ask for Daddy's help.

So I am learning that when my loving Father drops manna at my tent, prepared in heaven's kitchen that I cannot complain and cry for meat. When He sees my need for protein and delivers quail on the wings of the wind, I have to be grateful. When I feast on the manna and quail and then realize that I thirst, He is so precious that He gives me sweet water from the Rock and stays with me, like He did with the children of Israel. He even guides my way with the cloud of His wisdom by day and blocks the enemy's attacks with the fire of His might by night.  I then see the enemies of pride, self pity, and doubt drown in the Red Sea of confusion as I stand on shores of assignment completed and rejoice.

I am so grateful for His mercy. Because of His lovingkindness, I am learning that when I stop complaining and allow Him to do what He does best, I can go into His presence and experience joy unspeakable much like my fellow scribe and brother Moses. The Lord placed Moses in the cleft of the Rock, in the secret place and he saw God. When He passed by, the Lord left glory all over the Rock where He hid Moses. When Moses came out, God's glory shined from his face so brightly that he had to wear a veil when he went before the people.

My prayer for us all today is that we all remember why we write. It can't be for the people. It can't be for the fame. It can't be for the money. It can't be for the "whatever" it is that we think it is. It's got to be that this writing thing is so heavy upon us that we can barely speak or move unless we get our words from Him. It's got to be that when we sit down at computer or with pen in hand that His fire pulses through our veins, so powerfully that we set fire to everything and everyone around us. It's got to be that we long to taste the honey of His approval, the refreshing of His affirmation, and the passion of His acceptance. It's got to because we love Him.

Then, as we go into the secret place, I pray that we emerge, like Moses, with faces that reflect God's glory and tablets written with the finger of God. As the Father shines through us, I pray that we write the words that make others hunger for our Daddy.  I pray that we all emerge, filled with His power and ready to write again.

Always remember...we are writers of the King!

©2005 -- Gail M. Hayes, Ph.D. -- all rights reserved.

Dr. Gail M. Hayes is a much sought-after conference speaker and author. She has appeared on QVC, Christian Television Network, Total Christian Television and the Sky Angel Network. She is a former police officer and consultant to U.S. military. Her latest book is Daughters of the King (Walk Worthy Press, 2005). She lives in Durham, NC with her husband and two children.

Write Time

Working Full-Time and Writing (or for any busy writer) By Camy Tang

As always, remember that these tips won't all work for everyone, so pick and choose what's right for you.

Utilize small increments of time.

Wherever you go, bring things with you to do so you can be efficient if you have a spare minute. Bring paper and pen, a PDA, a laptop, or an Alphasmart. Even if you only have a few minutes, work on your manuscript. Those two sentences you add are still two sentences.

Often, when you transfer the small snippets you write in these short amounts of time onto the computer, you end up expanding on what you've written. It acts as a springboard for more ideas, extended prose, longer dialogue. Nothing is wasted.

I'm usually not organized enough to remember the previous scene to add on to it, or to bring a few pages to edit. If you have a laptop computer that you write on, take that to work. I sometimes save my manuscript onto my PDA, because it has a keyboard attachment. What I also do is save my manuscript in Yahoo Briefcase (http://briefcase.yahoo.com/), an online service that enables you to save up to 30 MB of data in your personal online folder and then access it from any computer hooked up to the internet. It's completely FREE, you just need to register as a Yahoo! Member or get a Yahoo! email address. I can access my manuscript during the day from my work computer and edit a few pages, then save it back into my briefcase and resume working on it at home.

Stress
Sometimes when I have a few precious minutes to write, I'm stressed because of whatever task I've just finished, or I stress about using the time efficiently and end up getting nothing done. For when you are emotionally heightened and only have short periods of time, do writing-related things that are more relaxing and less creatively stressful than writing prose. Brainstorm new ideas, edit your manuscript, or read (see list at bottom for writing-related ideas).

Complex plots
Many times the manuscript is incredibly complex, which makes it difficult to write unless you have a huge chunk of time. If that's the case, then use the small increments of time to brainstorm, write dialogue or narration snippets, jot down questions about the plot, develop characters. Use the time to do what you can on the story, even if things are out of order in the plot. Many times I'll think up a short dialogue that I can use several chapters down the road, or I'll think up something to add to what I've already written.

Use dead time to imagine and plan the next scene.
Another way to utilize short periods of time efficiently and with less emotional stress is to use "dead" time before your "writing" time to mentally prepare. While washing dishes, or driving home from work, think about the next scene you have to write--where it will be set, how to set up the tension, how to create more conflict. Then, when you sit down in front of the computer you can just go for it, no wasted time sitting and thinking.

If you'd rather not use the short times to write, use it to read:
A Writer's Digest article can be completed in a few minutes.
A chapter in a writer's craft book
Writing articles on the web.
Research material for your next book or article.
A few pages of your manuscript to edit.
A few pages of your critique partner's manuscript to edit.
A non-writing magazine or newspaper--read them during your spare random times rather than at home when you could be writing.
A book to analyze--what made it good or bad, highlight the threads (spiritual, emotional/relationship, plot, suspense, etc.)

Next month: Rest days

Camy Tang lives in San Jose, California and works in biology research. In her spare time, she is a staff worker for her church youth group. She writes Asian Christian fiction, and you can read more at her website or drop her an email for more information.

Author Hosts Talk Show

National Best Selling Author Now Hosts Her Own Talk Show

Princess Dominique Show is a lighthearted entertainment program hosted by National Best Selling author and advice columnist Linda Dominique Grosvenor. The show will air on Sundays on the WB22 in the Raleigh-Durham-Fayetteville region of North Carolina. Excited about the promising new show , Grosvenor says, “The Princess Dominique show gathers together all the things I've ever found fascinating about television including makeovers, musical guests, quick recipes and trendy fashions--we've got it and we serve it to you royally.”

Linda Dominique Grosvenor is native New Yorker, author and online advice columnist. Her expertise on dating and relationship issues have been used in articles for Modern Bride and MORE Magazine. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband John and her cats Jing Jing and Ninja. Direct interview  requests for The Princess Dominique Show to chase@lindadominiquegrosvenor.com.

Faithchick Chat Report

Last week I was invited to a Faith Chicks chat by my good friend, Mary Griffith.  I attended to support her and her books.  I signed on a little late, however the chat was just getting into high gear.  This was one of those chats, that you keep in your good chat memory.

This chat introduced me to the new world of Christian chick lit.  Some of the authors participating, Mary Griffith, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Neta Jackson, Sharon Ewell Foster, Rachel Hauck, Laura Jensen Walker welcomed me and made me aware of this new genre. 

I haven’t laughed so much during a chat in a long time.  These women know how to have a good time.  It was like have a girls night out online.  They teased each other, cracked jokes and talked about what made a good chick lit.

Just trying to keep up with all the conversations was fun.  These women enjoy what they do and it came through in the chat.

Each author gave a quick synopses about their books, making you want to run out to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy.

Nena Jackson shared how her book brought a reader to salvation.  Now if that wasn’t inspiration for a new writer, I don’t know what is.

I sure wished they had these types of books when I became saved.  It would have been refreshing to spend the day reading about women like me who love the Lord.

The authors inspired me, to try my hand at chick lit.  Who knows,  maybe there’s a girl friend book in me.

LaShaunda C. Hoffman is the editor/publisher of Shades Of Romance Magazine.  An online magazine for readers and writers of multi-cultural literature.  She believes in promoting books and helping authors get their names out in front of readers.  If you enjoyed this blog, send her an email at: sormag@yahoo.com and receive a free subscription to SORMAG.

[Editor's note: I didn't pay her to say this stuff. Honest!]

Reflections on the Pastor Pedestal and Christian Celebrities

Reflections on the Pastor Pedestal and the Christian Celebrity Cycle by Pam Perry

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3

I will never forget the children's story "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Anderson. I really liked that story because it illustrated that just because you think you're right - doesn't mean you are - even if other people seem to go think so too.

The Emperor surrounded himself with people who feared him.  They put him on a pedestal and felt he was their "god."  They were afraid to disagree with anything he said or thought. They were the consummate "yes-men."  Consequently, they let him fall for some really dumb stuff.  Like walking around in "invisible" clothes. 

That's the problem with having just "yes" people around you. They will let you look stupid instead of challenging you because they're too afraid.  In the story, it wasn't until one truthful child stepped forward and told the Emperor that he had no clothes on, then the Emperor finally got a revelation!

There are two sides of this story and they're both based on things that are ungodly: fear and pride.

If the people had not been in fear - they could've told the Emperor the real deal. And if he hadn't wrapped himself up in pride, he could have recognized that he was really looking ridiculous. 

Fear and pride are elements that can kill a soul and destroy a nation.  When rampant in the church, it can stop the move of God.   

God's Word says that we should submit to those in authority.  We are to respect and revere them - not be afraid of them.  First Peter 5:5 says, "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"

We are to respect one another.  When we worship a pastor to the point that we're afraid to tell them the truth - it's dangerous.  The pastor will go around exposed to deceit and not even know it.  We should never worship or esteem man over God - it's detestable in God's eyes.  It's idolatry - and anything you idolize you will not dispute - even when you know it's right to do so. 

"Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right," Proverbs 16:13.  If we really love our pastors, we must speak the truth. 

Ministry leaders must also learn to temper their stubbornness - which comes out of pride.  The Bible says there is safety in a multitude of counselors.  Wise counsel is godly.  If a pastor thinks he knows it all, he is heading for destruction.  The Word warns us that "pride comes before destruction."

If God gives grace and favor to the humble, we all must be willing to say, "I was wrong. I stand corrected."  Stubbornness keeps us from doing what is best - thus in the end we hurt others and ourselves too.

Confrontation requires courage.  Reverence does not mean we can't speak the truth to our pastors in love.  Mutual respect is the key element.  It flows both ways. When we flow in the wisdom of God and receive correction from the people he set around us, we will be safe and secure and properly clothed at all times.

Pam Perry is a publicist at Ministry Marketing Solutions, specializing in the Christian publishing industry. Pam serves as the president of American Christian Writers Detroit.

Writing to See What the End Gon' Be

<--Jason Mamoa

An excerpt...

To the body, the day begins and ends the same, but the soul exists to know and praise the difference.

Around 6:00 am in my dreams the Lord met me. One minute he was Ben Affleck(not the superstar, but my nightdream boyfriend) and then he changed to Jason Momoa(not the incredibly gorgeous Hawaiian actor, but my daydream boyfriend)--neither of these men are my fiance mind you. But for a minute I don't think that my dream boy switches are absurd. It feels like the most casual occurence in the world. And then it strikes me.

I was late!

God knew my brain would trigger the moment I saw Momoa. If you're a girly girl like me I think your brain will trigger too, if this man popped up in your dreams all Willy Nilly. But it hit me again, while brushing my teeth and tiptoeing through the house, hoping not to disturb my daughter, Selah.

I laugh. The Lord has a sense of humor.

But what's rich about this illumination is the fact that for the first time I understood that the Lord knows what to do to get my juices flowing. He knows who I am.

Usually he sends the Holy Spirit to whisper to me, while I'm joking with Ben,"Good Morning, Davidae."

But not today. And I am too happy to wonder why.

I read a few pages of Mariette in Ectsasy and laughed--again, not at the book, but at myself.

I love beautiful things: people, planets, words...
I love the way they place on the page and how they sound when read aloud.
I love pleasant surprises like Jason Momoa and Mariette in Ecstasy.
I love my Lord's morning love notes that he only sends to me.
I love feeling a part of a great big, beautiful, Momoa-inspiring world.

May you find The Lord flirting with you this day.

Writing to see what the end gon' be,
Dee

Davidae 'Dee' Stewart is an editor, book reviewer, speaker and writer. Her works have appeared in Romantic Times, Gospel Today, Romance in Color, Soul Source, Precious Times, and Rejoice! She resides in Suwanee, Georgia with her daughter, Selah and is completing a christian fiction novel.