Word Praize

SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT GOOD BOOKS

  • Keeping the Beat of Multicultural Christian Literature

Columnists

  • Angie Poole
  • Camy Tang
  • Dee Stewart

Author Bloggers

  • Stanice Anderson:

    Stanice Anderson:

  • Mata Elliott:

    Mata Elliott:

  • Marilynn Griffith:

    Marilynn Griffith:

  • Kevin Wayne Johnson:

    Kevin Wayne Johnson:

Recent Posts

  • Watch my client Facebook Addiction
  • February Book Club Pick: Dinner
  • seeking spring 2010 red carpet
  • Good Morning.
  • 2008: Well Worth The Wait by Stanice Anderson
  • Let's Get Real and Walk On Water
  • Experience Stanice Walkin' On Water
  • Resurrected Dreams
  • Good Read BookClub: An Idea
  • CHEERIOS® SPOONFULS OF STORIES® CHILDREN’S BOOK CONTEST

GET BOOK BLOGS

Your email address:


Powered by FeedBlitz

Archives

  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • January 2008
  • November 2007
  • October 2007
  • September 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007
  • May 2007
  • April 2007
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

SistahFaith Conference



  • Online Event Registration - Powered by www.eventbrite.com

Steps Toward Improvement

During the last four months I've had the exciting opportunity of promoting my first novel, forgivin' ain't forgettin'. With this blessing came the privilege of meeting many wonderful people and answering many of their questions. A portion of the people I have met at signings and book club gatherings are also writers, and whether they have written one chapter, nearly completed their manuscript, or simply have an outline, they want to know what to do next. I mostly answer out of my personal experience; sharing the things that have helped me and continue to help me improve as a writer. Below are some of the steps I have incorporated and perhaps they will be helpful to others.

Join a writers group. This is one of the best moves I've ever made. I had no idea what I was doing when I began writing my novel. I also didn't know any serious fiction-writers. But this all changed when I became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. I've gathered valuable information about writing and the publishing industry from this organization--online and at their yearly conference. I've also connected with many talented Christian writers who have prayed with me, encouraged me, and graciously shared their knowlegde of writing, publishing, and promoting a novel.

Join or form a critique group. I have a few friends that I ask to read my work and share their opinions. But I also believe it's extremely important to submit your work to others who write in your genre. Other writers will tell you the truth. And they'll catch things that your family and friends might not.

Read, read, read. One of the best ways to learn how to write a novel is to read them. Study how the author incorporated the elements--plot, setting, narrative, dialogue, and characterization.

Tune out, tune in. There's no room for negative, self-condemning thoughts. They will come, but tune them out by tuning into positive affirmations. I hung scriptures above my computer to encourage myself when I grew weary and discouraged. I often stood in front of the mirror (and still do) and stated aloud, "I am a writer. I can do all things through Christ." I did this despite rejections from publishers and agents and the less-than-encouraging comments of those close to me who couldn't comprehend my commitment to my call. That's another reason why connecting with writers is so crucial to your success. Other writers know what you're going through, and if they are sincere about helping you reach your goals, they will not condemn but offer constructive criticism--which keep in mind is not being negative.

I've learned many other things since I began writing seriously, and I'm still learning with the hopes of becoming a better writer. Perhaps at another time I can share more of my experience.

Have a blessed weekend!

Mata_elliott_2Mata Elliott is the author of forgivin' ain't forgettin', published by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. Mata loves to hear from readers so she invites you to email her at mata@mataelliott.com or visit her website at www.mataelliott.com.

October 13, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Not Alone

September is a thrilling time for me. Although I'm not in the classroom anymore, I suppose it's the teacher inside of me that gets excited about Back To School sales. I used to happily search for bargains on school supplies for my classroom, and I still find myself taking a peek at the aisles of supplies that are available to moms, dads, teachers, and all other interested shoppers.

For me, September also signals change as we transition from summer to autumn. In my part of the USA, the northeast, temperatures begin to decline and mornings greet us with cooler air, a welcomed change from the stifling heat and sticky humidity.

Okay, you can probably tell: I'm not exactly a summer person. Bring on the new season, bring on the change!

"I don't like change," a friend said to me recently. I agreed with her to some extent; change can be a scary place. I believe stepping into the unfamiliar or exchanging the routine for something new is a challenge for many people. When my novel was released, I was suddenly cast into a new arena: Book Signings. Sure, I had attended signings before and seen how they were done, but it's different when you're the one holding the pen as customers come closer to view what you have to offer. Now that I've done a few signings, the experience is more familiar, though my nerves still show up from time to time. Yet here, while working in this new place in my life, God never fails to gently remind me, "I am with you." And that's the whole point. If it is God who has led us into our change, we can rest assured that He is with us as we experience it.

Mary was chosen to bring God's Son, the Savior, into the world. This was surely a life-changing event for Mary, but she was not alone. God was with her. So whatever change we face, whether it be a new job, moving to a new city, a storyline in our manuscript that the Holy Spirit is leading us to write differently, the loss of a family member, or the birth of a new baby, we can take comfort in knowing that if God ordered the change, our change is fully supported by Him and He has not left us to deal with it alone. "...for thou art with me..." Psalm 23:4.

Mata_elliott Mata Elliott is the author of the recent release, forgivin' ain't forgettin', published by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. This is her first novel. Visit Mata at www.mataelliott.com.

September 08, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Summer Releases

Two books that you do not want to miss this summer have just been released!

Like_sheep_2Leslie J. Sherrod, a native of Baltimore, celebrated the debut of her novel, Like Sheep Gone Astray, on Thursday evening. Like Sheep Gone Astray is the intriguing story of how one man's quest for wealth leads him down a path that slopes into the dark depths of destruction. Caught in an intricate web of deceit, central character, Anthony Murdock, is on the verge of losing everything--his ministry, his wife, and his integrity. It will take more than money to get him out of the mess he's made, and Anthony knows it. But will he surrender and call on God, or will he sink deeper into the pit that threatens to destroy him?

To learn more about Leslie J. Sherrod and her compelling new novel, visit her website at www.lesliejsherrod.com.

A_fine_man_1 Another novel you don't want to miss is the newly released mystery, Murder, Mayhem and a Fine Man, by Claudia Mair Burney. In this gripping, yet humorous story, we meet Amanda Bell Brown, a forensic psychologist who just turned forty. Amanda's birthday plans did not include dead bodies, but much to her surprise, Amanda finds herself standing over two dead men instead of a cake. Things get messy in more ways than one, not only is the scene of the crime more than enough to leave Amanda with goosebumps, but the handsome detective who shows up to solve the crime gives her goosebumps of another kind. As Amanda works on the bizarre case with him, memories of her troubled past arise, opening the door to a journey that she's not sure she's willing to take.

Be sure to meet Claudia Mair Burney on her blog at www.ragamuffindiva.blogspot.com.

Both Burney and Sherrod are gifted writers, their love for storytelling obvious on each page of their books. You won't be sorry you added these selections to your library.

Vermata_elliott_1_7Mata Elliott is the author of the recent Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books release, Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin'. If you would like to read the first chapter of her debut novel, visit Mata online at www.mataelliott.com. The review and author interview section of her website is called Soul Pen and she invites you to check it out when you stop by.

July 14, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

More Than Passion

I wrote this article a couple of years ago. It has been slightly revised, but I trust you will still enjoy it.

More Than Passion by Mata Elliott

Writing is easy if you love to write, right? Well, partially. Professional writing is a process, perhaps founded on creativity but structured and maintained with challenging work, and while at times words may pour out with ease, becoming a successful writer requires more than passion. It takes practice, preparation, perseverance, lots of patience, and if you’re writing for God, a commitment to prayer.

I’m finished my first novel (it was released yesterday!!) and I'm currently writing a second novel. I have a long journey ahead of me, but here are some of the steps that have helped me thus far.

SEEK GOD. Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. But just as I love to write, some people love to cook. But this does not mean he or she will open a restaurant. Therefore, writing and sharing your writing with an audience is two different things. If you have a passion for writing, wonderful! But for some, writing is their PURPOSE--no longer something they simply want to do but also that which they MUST do. If you believe you’ve been called by God to write, persistently seek Him. He will show you what to write, how to write it, and how to get it to an audience.

SET GOALS. Write every day, even if it’s only one paragraph. Set a realistic goal and strive to reach it. Make it a priority.

STAY CONNECTED. Join a critique group or writing group. Writing groups are made of people like you so they understand your zeal and frustrations. They also provide answers to questions you may have about writing and expose you to unique writing opportunities, like contests and conferences. Do not neglect to form a personal cheering section, too. Sports teams have one. So why not you? Establish a few people who can pray with you, offer constructive criticism, encourage with sincerity, and have your back no matter how many rejection letters you receive.

STAND ON SCRIPTURE. The promises of God daily remind us that WE CAN DO IT! Select a few verses from His Word and memorize and/or write them down, and they will keep you encouraged.

SPEAK FROM THE HEART. At times this is hard for me. I am a private person, programmed to keep my feelings and experiences locked inside. But experience is what links us with the heart of our neighbor or the person on the other side of the earth. The things you have learned during the dark seasons of your life can shine light on the darkened path of another.

Vermata_elliott_1_6

Mata Elliott is the author of Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', published by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books, June 2006. She invites you to visit her website and say hello at http://www.mataelliott.com.

June 09, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Wonderful News!

Book_2_1It's almost time! In less than a month, my debut novel, Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', will be in stores everywhere!

...forgivin' ain't forgettin'...a wrenching betrayal has left Cassidy Beckett a broken and unforgiving woman, burying her feelings behind her faith. But when a handsome widower with his own painful past enters Cassidy's life, her past rises up demanding to be dealt with. Now only the deliverance and wisdom that God provides can help them find healing in His Word and each other...

If you would like to read an excerpt from Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin' please go to http://www.mataelliott.com/books.html.

Also, stop by my website www.mataelliott.com and sign the guest book, and you'll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a copy of Ty Adams' new book, Single, Saved, and Having Sex. The winner will be contacted next month.

Have an abundantly blessed weekend!

--Mata

Vermata_elliott_1_4

Mata Elliott has contributed to A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women and The Quiet Hour. Her first novel, Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', will be released in June 2006 by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two senior citizen cats.

May 12, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Make That Change

Ahhhh, spring has sprung! I live on the east coast so there are finally fresh flowers standing tall from garden to garden signaling new life and new beginnings. Speaking of new beginnings, perhaps back in January you decided to make a change in your life like so many of us do at that time of year, but for one reason or another change hasn't happened. And you may be thinking I'm too deep into the year to make any changes now. Not so. It's not too late to make that change, start fresh. Every day is a new day. The Bible tells us the Lord's mercies are new every morning. So with that promise in mind and surrounded by the unique beauty that comes with spring, it's the perfect day to take steps toward renewal whether it be to make a fresh commitment to God, live a healthier lifestyle, study the Word of God more often, spend more time with your family, build your confidence with positive affirmations, write a page of that unfinished manuscript each day...and the list goes on...

Even though it's not the first day of the year, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Embrace it, enjoy it, and enter each moment with the understanding that it's not too late for change and steps forward.

Be encouraged, blessed, and have a Happy Easter!

--Mata

Vermata_elliott_1_2Mata Elliott has contributed to A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women and The Quiet Hour. Her first novel, Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', will be released in June 2006 by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. Visit Mata at www.mataelliott.com.

 

April 14, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink

Make That Change

Ahhhh, spring has sprung! I live on the east coast so there are finally fresh flowers standing tall from garden to garden signaling new life and new beginnings. Speaking of new beginnings, perhaps back in January, you decided to make a change in your life like so many of us do at that time of year, but for some reason or another change hasn't happened. And you may be thinking I'm too deep into the year to make any changes now. Not so. It's not too late to make that change, start fresh. Every day is a new day. The Bible tell us the Lord's mercies are new every morning. So with that promise in mind and surrounded by the unique beauty that comes with spring, it's the perfect day to take steps toward renewal whether it be to make a fresh commitment to God, live a healthier lifestyle, study the Word more often, spend more time with your family, build your confidence with positive affirmations, write a page of that unfinished manuscript each day...and the list goes on...

Even though it's not the first day of the year, today is the first day of the rest of your life. Embrace it, enjoy it, and enter each moment with the understanding that it's not too late for change and steps forward.

Be encouraged, blessed, and have a Happy Easter!

--Mata

Vermata_elliott_1_1Mata Elliott has contributed to A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Women and The Quiet Hour. Her first novel, Forgivin' Ain't Forgettin', will be released in June 2006 by Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books. Visit Mata at www.mataelliott.com.

March 10, 2006 in Mata Elliott | Permalink

GET BOOK BLASTS


  • Join the Word Praize Promo mailing list
    Email:

Categories

  • Angie Poole (1)
  • articles (22)
  • Author Events (14)
  • Book News (23)
  • Book Reviews (5)
  • Books (23)
  • Camy Tang (23)
  • Cheri Paris Edwards (5)
  • contests (3)
  • Current Affairs (11)
  • Dee Stewart (25)
  • devotionals (2)
  • essay (4)
  • Film (1)
  • Gail M. Hayes (2)
  • Interviews (28)
  • Kevin Wayne Johnson (11)
  • Mata Elliott (7)
  • Religion (1)
  • Reviews (1)
  • Stanice Anderson (20)
  • Tyora Moody (6)
  • Vanessa Davis Griggs (1)
  • Weblogs (2)
See More

Book Blogs

  • Faithchick
  • The Word Foundry
  • Churches of the Masses
  • Faith*in*Fiction
  • Christian Fiction
  • Grace Reign
  • Writer-Lee
  • Word Working
  • Ellezymn
  • Learning Curve

bookspots

  • FaithfulReader.com
  • Romance in Color
  • Good Girl Book Club
  • Faith-Based Fiction Lovers Weekend
  • Shades Of Romance Magazine
  • Soul Pen Book Reviews
  • Faithwebbin.net
  • Divine Eloquence Ezine
  • WordPraize writer's list
  • Focus on Fiction
  • Dancing Word Network
  • Christian Writer's Info
  • Craig Hart
  • My Church Library
  • At Home with Christian Fiction
  • Christian Fiction Webring
  • American Christian Fiction Writers
  • RAWSistaz Reviews
  • Christian Fiction Review
  • The Christian Fiction Site
  • Blacks and Books
  • Infuze Magazine
  • Book Remarks
  • Christian Fiction Blog

About