Podcasts about acfw

Kim Vogel Sawyer and I have been friends since we served on the ACFW board together, so it is a delight to have her on Book Talk today as we talk about her next book Hope's Enduring Echo. I loved hearing about how she came up with the idea for a book set in Colorado in 1915 with dinosaur bones and line walkers. It's always so fascinating to hear the story behind how a book comes to be. Kim is a meticulous researcher, so I loved learning about how a trip to the Colorado Springs area led to the story idea.But I know you'll also love learning about how she got the idea for her characters and the layers in this story. Kim is a delight, and you'll enjoy the chance to meet her and learn more about her journey to writing and how she became an author of more than 60 novels. It's quite the story.Connect with Kim Vogel SawyerFacebook | X | Goodreads | Bookbub

Welcome back, bookish besties! Oh, how we've missed you! We're ecstatic to kick off SEASON TWO of Booked Solid! We can't wait to roll out our lineup of literary luminaries for you guys in the coming months! Today join Hannah + Steph for a special kick-off episode where we reflect on our ACFW conference experience, share our September highlights + rave reads, and tease the (lit!) season ahead! Shows we're loving and writerly updates? You know we've got those, too! Thank you so much for listening! Let's goooooo! Find us on Instagram (@bookedsolidpod, @hannahcaitlinparker, @stephanienmack)! TODAY'S SOLID BOOKS: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden The Inmate by Freida McFadden The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe  Under the Magnolias by T.I. Lowe The Little Bookshop of Promises by Debbie Macomber 

Today it is my pleasure to host my friend Carrie Turansky on Book Talk. Carrie writes the best books set in England during the Edwardian period. Her most recent book A Token of Love is set in the Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum. I love the story of how she found the what-if for this book — but you'll have to listen or watch to learn all about it.

Are you attending your first bookish conference as an author, reader, blogger, or podcast host? Wondering what in the world you should bring with you? Want to know what to give to new connections and friends? We've got you covered! Today, Hannah Cait is giving you her five Friday must haves for attending a conference! Han + Steph are headed to ACFW both for the first time in September and these are a few of the things that they have been told to bring or have decided to bring themselves! We would love to hear if you will be in attendance at any reader/writer conferences this year?! Comment below or connect with us on social media to start a conversation!

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Roseanna White visits the podcast this week to talk about her new book, A Noble Scheme. We discuss if writing suspense is difficult, what inspired the series, and she shares her breast cancer journey. Patrons get to hear Roseanna's thoughts on why books set in Edwardian England retain their popularity.A Noble Scheme by Roseanna WhiteIn the opulent and perilous world of high society's most elite--and most dangerous--families, two investigators must set aside their broken hearts to uncover the truth.Gemma Parks is known to the London elite as G. M. Parker, a columnist renowned for her commentary on the cream of society. Behind the scenes, she uses her talents to aid the Imposters in their investigations by gathering intel at events and providing alibis for the firm's members through her columns. Yet her clandestine work would be more exhilarating if it weren't for the constant presence of the gentleman who broke her heart.Graham Wharton has never had eyes for anyone but Gemma, and she left his heart in tatters when she walked away from him. When the Imposters take on a new job to recover a kidnapped boy mistaken for his aristocratic cousin, Graham is determined to use the time with Gemma to not only restore the missing boy, but to also win back the only woman he's ever loved. As they trace the clues laid out before them, Graham and Gemma must devise a noble scheme to save the boy's life and heal their hearts."A Noble Scheme is as clever as it is glamorous."--LAURA FRANTZ, Christy Award-winning author of The Seamstress of AcadieGet your copy of A Noble Scheme by Roseanna White.Get the first book in the series, A Beautiful Disguise.Preorder book three,  An Honorable Deception.Roseanna White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.Being educated at St. John's College (the Great Books School) taught Roseanna to ask questions, to value conversation, and to never accept the simple answer without exploring it for herself. She and her family make their home in the mountains of West Virginia where she and her husband both grew up. Roseanna is a member of ACFW, a frequent speaker at writers events and small groups of readers, and an unabashed email addict.Visit Roseanna White's website.

Jill Lynn is a two-time ACFW - that's American Christian Fiction Writers - Carol Award winning author of inspirational romance for Harlequin Love Inspired and a co-author of the Selah Award winning nonfiction book of the year Just Show Up. She lives near the Colorado Rocky Mountains with her husband and two teenage children. Jill's latest book, just out, is The Summer of Keeping Secrets. More at https://www.jill-lynn.com/    Host Mark Stevens www.writermarkstevens.com  Watch these interviews on YouTube (and subscribe)! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBP81nfbKnDRjs-Nar9LNe20138AiPyP8&si=yl_seG5S4soyk216   Intro by Moby Gratis: https://mobygratis.com/   Outro by Dan-o-Songs: https://danosongs.com/

We're chatting with Joanna Davidson Politano, author of THE ELUSIVE TRUTH OF LILY TEMPLE. Join us for a lively conversation about her work! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her manuscript for Lady Jayne Disappears was a finalist for several contests, including the 2016 Genesis Award from ACFW, and won the OCW Cascade Award and the Maggie Award for Excellence. She is always on the hunt for random acts of kindness, people willing to share their deepest secrets with a stranger, and hidden stashes of sweets. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan.

In our divisive culture, is it possible to disagree respectfully without compromising your convictions? John Inazu reveals a better way to manage discord in his book Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect. John Inazu is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. He is also the author of Liberty’s Refuge: The Forgotten Freedom of Assembly (Yale University Press, 2012) and Confident Pluralism: Surviving and Thriving Through Deep Difference (University of Chicago Press, 2016), and co-editor (with Tim Keller) of Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference (Thomas Nelson, 2020). Inazu is the founder of The Carver Project and the Legal Vocation Fellowship and a Senior Fellow at Interfaith America and the Trinity Forum. He holds a B.S.E. and J.D. from Duke University and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. To wrap up the third hour, Keely Brooke Keith has a conversation with Dawn about her new book Unchartered Peace. This is book thirteen in The Unchartered Series. Keely is the author of the beloved Uncharted series. Her books are best described as inspirational frontier-style fiction with a futuristic twist. Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. She grew up in a family who moved often, which fueled her dreams of faraway lands. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys gardening and is slowly learning how to not kill plants. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee. She is a member of ACFW.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the moment I read my first Patrick Bowers novel, I've been a huge fan of Steven James' books. Then I met him at ThrillerFest. Since then we've interacted through ACFW and other organizations, and I've come to admire Steven as a master writer and teacher of writing. That's why I'm excited to introduce you to Steven in this episode of Book Talk. In his latest novel, Broker of Lies, Steven has created a hero who isn't an action hero. Unlike Patrick Bowers, who is a profiler in the FBI, Travis Brock is an attorney who is a redactor of FOIA requests for the Pentagon. In Fatal Domain, Brock and the rest of the Red Team are back and on a hunt that leads Travis deeper into a collision with his past. One of the things I love about Steven's books is the way they twist and turn, and this one is no exception. He's showing us what might be possible with tech and taking us to a place where we might feel uncomfortable. In this episode, Steven and I talk about the books, but we also talk about his writing process. For Steven, it's always about the characters first and then the story emerges as he writes. He calls story a collision of desires. What is pursued? and What setbacks and desires occur along the way? What would make an honest response for the character in that situation? I also love how Steven talks about wanting the climax to be a moment where he has written himself into a corner and has to find a way out. He wants to play to readers' expectations and then twist them. These are just a few of the techniques Steven shares with us in this chapter of Book Talk with Cara. I can't wait to hear what you think and if you've read any of his books. Connect with Steven James Facebook | Twitter

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Angela Couch returns to the podcast this week to chat about her new release, Capturing Hope. We talk about if she planned out all the plot twists that are in this novel, what she learned about WWII in Poland while writing the book, and what martial art she practices. Patrons will get to hear which is her favorite time period to write. Capturing Hope by Angela CouchOne step ahead of the Nazi's. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope. Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII. After her father is murdered by Nazis and her mother flees to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little—even if it is the meaning of her name. It isn't until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family, that she finds a purpose. David Reid is very familiar with failure, but when he is charged with getting Nadia safely out of Poland, he is determined to succeed—even if she works against him at every turn, putting other's lives ahead of her own. While they race against the daily shower of bombs over Warsaw and the ever-nearing German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. . .but dare she risk her heart?  Get your copy of Capturing Hope by Angela Couch.To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW's Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after six munchkins.Visit Angela Couch's website.

It is my absolute delight to introduce you to my writing friend DiAnn Mills. I met DiAnn at my very first ACFW in 2005 when I attended one of the workshops on plotting and brainstorming. I have loved her and her books ever since. In this episode, we talk about her upcoming book Facing the Enemy, and how it's a healing book for her because it touches on a tragic experience in her life. More than that, it's an example of her suspense with romance which is set in her hometown of Houston. That launched us into a conversation about how she loves to use setting to create havoc for her main characters and she gives some great examples. She also gives her top 4 writing tips for readers. You'll have to watch to catch them in detail: but they are that you need to read, write, learn, and pray every day. ⁠ Connect with DiAnn Mills Facebook⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | Pinterest | Instagram Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy! For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Y'all, I had so much fun talking with my friend Carmen Schober. We met at the ACFW conference in September, and it was so much fun to have her on Book Talk! We talked about her first book, After She Falls, which just reached its first birthday. And then talked about her brand new book releasing December 6th, Pretty Little Pieces. We talked about how she writes hope into books that tackle hard issues. We also talked about how she finds writing time with three kids, four and under. Then we discussed what it means to deconstruct faith and what that looked like in her life and what she did about it. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Restored Grace, the second book of the Bay Town Series by romantic suspense author, Kathleen Robison, releases in almost a month.  Learn about her characters and some of their inspirations in this book.  Don't miss out on the bonus short story she's giving away with preorders and the peek into an upcoming Christmas novella, too! Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you. What Wonderful Author Combines Romantic Suspense and Women's Fiction Elements? I first met Kathleen J. Robison at an ACFW meeting in Orange County. This sweet-natured homeschool mom of quite a few children had something in common with me beside the homeschool mom of many bit (I was reading the day God handed out sweet spirits... or something). She wrote incessantly and with eclectic tastes.  What I didn't expect was to find that romantic suspense would be her debut niche. And boy has she rocked that niche! Beginning with a prequel novella (Revived Hope) that deals with criminal intimidation and family trouble, she then tackled one of the toughest subjects to deal with--human trafficking (Shattered Guilt). The next book in this Bay Town Series, Restored Grace, is releasing next month, and oooh... boy.  Wait'll you get to know these characters.  Good guys, bad guys, difficult folks, sweet--she's got them all and not one flat, carbon copy of anyone else in the lot. Kathleen also talks about her upcoming Christmas novellas and even the books she's reading.  Restored Grace by Kathleen J. Robison They promised Jesus would be with her through everything, but is that enough? Free-spirited vintage thrift shop owner, Carol Scape, wallowed in grief after her boyfriend's murder. However, with newfound faith, she's finding out what it means to die to self and put others first. Even if it could cost her life. Carol is on a mission to save a runaway teen and an at-risk girl from Will Boudreaux, the man just released from jail for running a prostitution ring. The same man who previously terrorized Bay Town residents. Can't the town get a break? Can't she? She's up for the challenge, but when sparks ignite between her and the town mayor, it muddles things. Having sworn off men, he's getting in the way of what she feels she must do. Or is he? Restored Grace is the second book of the Bay Town Series, continuing one year after Shattered Guilt. It's a stand-alone, amped-up, romantic suspense. Buckle your seat belt. You're in for a ride. You can learn more about Kathleen on her WEBSITE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Stitcher Amazon and more!

On this episode I KiKi down with Antrice Sykes about her work as a designer and Founder of Allure Bond. Antrice Sykes is a Baltimore based fashion designer specializing in costume design. Studying Fashion Design at Stevenson University, Graduating May 2019. Two of her latest dresses were featured in New York Fashion Week with Nolcha Shows February 2017, ACFW 2020. Antrice has been sewing for over 8 years and is in the process of starting up her own online store featuring lingerie and activewear. -Follow today's guest @allurebound -Follow sex KiKi @_sexKiKi on Twitter -Patreon for sex journal prompts: patreon.com/sexkikipod -rate, review, & subscribe! produced by: SK STUDIOS Music: Moesha's Diary (Mike Nasty Remix) by Mike Nasty is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.A Rose for the Resistance by Angela K CouchA French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII. With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom. Get your copy of A Rose for the Resistance.Get your copy of Where Wild Roses Bloom by Angela K CouchOther books in the series you may also enjoy:The Cryptographer's Dilemma by Johnnie AlexanderPicture of Hope by Liz TolsmaSaving Mrs. Roosevelt by Candice Sue PattersonMrs. Witherspoon Goes to War by Mary DavisTo keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW's Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after five munchkins.Visit Angela K Couch's website.Support Christian Historical Fiction Talk by becoming a Patron. Find out more.

Betsy St. Armant Haddox and I have been writing friends through ACFW for years. We were both children when we started writing. I'm delighted to introduce her to you through Book Talk. You will enjoy meeting her and learning more about her contemporary romance. We also talked about strategies for writing. Food used as inspiration in writing. What it's like to try to hit deadlines. And of course, our favorite go-to authors like Becky Wade, Jaime Jo Wright, and Melissa Tagg. For more episodes, and to learn more about the authors I interview, visit https://caraputman.com/podcast If you enjoyed this conversation, remember you can join me LIVE on Tuesdays at 8:30 PM EST on Facebook! I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app! Get the free novella, Dying for Love, when you sign up for my newsletter!

Episode 7: Julie Gwinn, The Seymour Agency What criteria determines whether a writer seeking traditional publication should pitch their project in the Christian or General Marketplace? Vice President and Agent with The Seymour Agency, Julie Gwinn, discusses that question and more, including platform target numbers, and her ideal author. The inside scoop from a respected literary agent with a multifaceted background in the publishing world. Julie Gwinn most recently served as Marketing Manager for the Christian Living line at Abingdon Press. Before that, she served as Trade Book Marketing Manager and then Fiction Publisher for the Pure Enjoyment line at B&H Publishing Group, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources.She was awarded Editor of the Year and Agent of the Year finalist by the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of  AAR, RWA and ACFW.Julie has more than 25 years of public relations and marketing experience and has worked in marketing for several Nashville nonprofit organizations, including the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children, the Nashville Area Red Cross, and the YWCA. She puts that marketing expertise to use in working with her authors.Julie is actively looking for diverse voices in both fiction and non-fiction and is currently looking for romance, mystery/true crime, historical  and speculative/fantasy novels. In nonfiction she is looking for self-help, lifestyle, motivational and sports related books.As of January, Julie’s query process has changed. She is no longer accepting email queries and has started using Query Manager to manage this part of the business. Please visit her Query Manager portal at the link below where you will find instructions on the process and how to upload your materials. The Seymour Agency This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ginnyyttrup.substack.com

How to overcome literary bloat. Does your manuscript suffer from pleonasm? Multi-award-winning author, Alton Gansky explains manuscript clutter and how to avoid it.Alton Gansky is the author of over 50 books. He has been a Christy Award finalist ( for A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner ( for Terminal Justice) and received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. (Doctor of Literature as well). It’s an honor to have you with us today Al!What is manuscript clutter?When should a writer obsess over clutter?How to override over-writing.LINKSAlton Gansky December Writing Tips & Soul Care for Writers downloadJoin fellow writers on our FaceBook page for the live, Your Best Writing Life after-show party, every Tuesday at 12-noon ET.

In this episode we talk briefly about Domestic violence in the home and how designer "Kichella Karoar" has introduced a show line in dedication to survivors of Domestic violence. We also talk about the upcoming "ACFW" fashion show coming up in September. Text NOSTIGMA to 707070 if you are in need of help. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/chanel-estee-london-is-kichella-karoar/support

Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell. As co-author of As the Ink Flows, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. She writes Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor. Member of ACFW. She has never met a Starbucks she didn’t love and has been known to eat vegetables for breakfast—well, pumpkin pie—same thing. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her husband, their two teenagers, and two cats. Melony’s book is entitled A Promise to Keep BUY THE BOOK FROM ANAIAH PRESS BUY ON AMAZON BUY ON AMAZON.CA Connect with Melony at the following links: Website | Facebook | Facebook Group | BookBub | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support Leave feedback and connect with me at the following links: Email: annwrites75@gmail.com Website: https://annwritesinspiration.com/contact Voice messages from anywhere: https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/message Social media: https://www.facebook.com/annwritesinspiration https://twitter.com/annwrites75 https://www.pinterest.com/annwritesinspiration Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/annsmusic1 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/message

Join Andrea as she discusses the many facets of writing in the life of a best-selling author. Hear Tracie's advice for both new writers and established authors.

Award-winning author Janice Thompson also writes under the pseudonym Janice Hanna. She got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over 100 books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children’s books and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh.Janice was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She currently serves as president of her local ACFW chapter (Writers on the Storm), where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing.Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. Her tagline, “Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters!” sums up her take on life.She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. When she’s not busy writing or playing with her eight grandchildren, Janice can be found in the kitchen, baking specialty cakes and cookies for friends and loved ones. No matter what she’s cooking up—books, cakes, cookies or mischief—she does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all.

When Wind Catches by Tori V. Rainn Tori V. Rainn resides in Texas where she collects knives, or anything sharp, and pretends to be a ninja. She's a music junkie, loves video games, a member of ACFW, and popcorn addict. She’s currently editing a completed fantasy that she’s darn proud of, well, at least until she goes back and rereads it. Other ongoing projects include yet another fantasy, a paranormal novella boiling hot under her fingers, and various short stories. Tori writes YA fantasy, horror, sci-fi, paranormal, and speculative, and is always open to branching out to different types of stories, where ever the wind takes her. She has been on this amusing writing journey for nearly seven years, leading to two publications, a children’s story, “The Unseen” featured in The Caterpillar Magazine, and a small story won in a contest, "Pheoclex". Google+ Pinterest 600 Second Saga Music is provided by MADS.  You can support 600 Second Saga by giving us a 5-star review on iTunes Become a Patron! Follow me on Facebook Follow me on Twitter  SaveSave Save

Linnette R. Mullin is an author of life-changing romance and a freelance writer. CrossRiver Media released her award-winning novel, Finding Beth, in 2013. Other writing credits include Charles Stanley's In Touch magazine, 101 Facets of Faith, and Reach Out Columbia. She is a member of HACWN and ACFW, is working toward her Master's degree in Christian Counseling. Her writing path has undergone very difficult family trials and her testimony encourages writers how God helps through all circumstances. Discover more about Linnette and her journey at www.linnettermullin.com.

Linnette R. Mullin is an author of life-changing romance and a freelance writer. CrossRiver Media released her award-winning novel, Finding Beth, in 2013. Other writing credits include Charles Stanley’s In Touch magazine, 101 Facets of Faith, and Reach Out Columbia. She is a member of HACWN and ACFW, is working toward her Master’s degree in Christian Counseling. Her writing path has undergone very difficult family trials and her testimony encourages writers how God helps through all circumstances. Discover more about Linnette and her journey at www.linnettermullin.com.

Kimberly Pickens is a preschool teacher at her home church daycare. She has written two stories that are featured in Christmas Moments and Spoken Moments. Her story, Molly's Promised Land, won an honorable mention from The ACFW First Five Pages Contest. She is a member of a writing and critique group, Crosses and Pens. She is also a member of NACFW and the ACFW. Kimberly likes spending time at home with her husband and best friend of over twenty-five years. They have a daughter and a son. Besides writing, Kimberly's passion is her faith in God, her family, and helping children achieve academic success. She has recently started her own enrichment program in preschools to help children develop a positive attitude early-on in math and science. Her program is called Math that Counts. It is Kimberly's heart's cry to bring glory and honor to God Almighty by using the talents He has blessed her with, to advance the kingdom of heaven through her writing.

Kimberly Pickens is a preschool teacher at her home church daycare. She has written two stories that are featured in Christmas Moments and Spoken Moments. Her story, Molly's Promised Land, won an honorable mention from The ACFW First Five Pages Contest. She is a member of a writing and critique group, Crosses and Pens. She is also a member of NACFW and the ACFW. Kimberly likes spending time at home with her husband and best friend of over twenty-five years. They have a daughter and a son. Besides writing, Kimberly's passion is her faith in God, her family, and helping children achieve academic success. She has recently started her own enrichment program in preschools to help children develop a positive attitude early-on in math and science. Her program is called Math that Counts. It is Kimberly's heart's cry to bring glory and honor to God Almighty by using the talents He has blessed her with, to advance the kingdom of heaven through her writing.

Kimberly Pickens is a preschool teacher at her home church daycare. She has written two stories that are featured in Christmas Moments and Spoken Moments. Her story, Molly's Promised Land, won an honorable mention from The ACFW First Five Pages Contest. She is a member of a writing and critique group, Crosses and Pens. She is also a member of NACFW and the ACFW. Kimberly likes spending time at home with her husband and best friend of over twenty-five years. They have a daughter and a son. Besides writing, Kimberly's passion is her faith in God, her family, and helping children achieve academic success. She has recently started her own enrichment program in preschools to help children develop a positive attitude early-on in math and science. Her program is called Math that Counts. It is Kimberly's heart's cry to bring glory and honor to God Almighty by using the talents He has blessed her with, to advance the kingdom of heaven through her writing. A veteran attendee of Writers Advance conferences, Mary is an experienced photographer, seeking to capture memories that bring smiles. A 2013 graduate of Christian Communicators Conference, Mary speaks about her own experiences with abuse, leading her to begin her Be A Voice 4 Kids ministry.  She recently shared at the Chosen Chicks for Christ Conference and local church events, with the latest being the guest speaker “What's I Your Purse?” banquet at Faith Temple Baptist Church. With much prayer she followed through with the calling of becoming trained as a facilitator of Stewards of Children through Darkness to Light to help prevent child sexual abuse. She loves to share the Love of the Lord and brings hope to those who hunger for only what can be found through Jesus Christ. Find Mary on her face book page at Be A Voice 4 Kids or at www.writeblessings.com or  www.beavoice4kids.vpweb

Kimberly Pickens is a preschool teacher at her home church daycare. She has written two stories that are featured in Christmas Moments and Spoken Moments. Her story, Molly's Promised Land, won an honorable mention from The ACFW First Five Pages Contest. She is a member of a writing and critique group, Crosses and Pens. She is also a member of NACFW and the ACFW. Kimberly likes spending time at home with her husband and best friend of over twenty-five years. They have a daughter and a son. Besides writing, Kimberly's passion is her faith in God, her family, and helping children achieve academic success. She has recently started her own enrichment program in preschools to help children develop a positive attitude early-on in math and science. Her program is called Math that Counts. It is Kimberly's heart's cry to bring glory and honor to God Almighty by using the talents He has blessed her with, to advance the kingdom of heaven through her writing. A veteran attendee of Writers Advance conferences, Mary is an experienced photographer, seeking to capture memories that bring smiles. A 2013 graduate of Christian Communicators Conference, Mary speaks about her own experiences with abuse, leading her to begin her Be A Voice 4 Kids ministry.  She recently shared at the Chosen Chicks for Christ Conference and local church events, with the latest being the guest speaker “What's I Your Purse?” banquet at Faith Temple Baptist Church. With much prayer she followed through with the calling of becoming trained as a facilitator of Stewards of Children through Darkness to Light to help prevent child sexual abuse. She loves to share the Love of the Lord and brings hope to those who hunger for only what can be found through Jesus Christ. Find Mary on her face book page at Be A Voice 4 Kids or at www.writeblessings.com or  www.beavoice4kids.vpweb

Cynthia Ruchti is a multi-published award-winning author whose stories, told through both writing and speaking venues, are hemmed in hope. Cynthia serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for the nationally acclaimed ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Join us Tuesday morning, April 28th at 8:00 AM MDT on Literally Speaking with Patti Shene, where Cynthia will share her writing journey and her love of words and worship. Cynthia will inform listeners of the many valuable benefits and networking opportunities offered to writers of all skill levels through ACFW.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott interviews a man of many God-given talents, Alton Gansky. Alton Gansky is the author of twenty-four novels and nine nonfiction works, as well as principal writer of nine novels and two nonfiction books. He has been a Christy Award finalist (A Ship Possessed), an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice), and recently received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. He lives in central California with his wife. In addition to his own writing, Gansky has consulted and provided editing/writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing, having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top-tier authors. Gansky is in frequent demand at writers' conferences. He has taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. Gansky has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana. He is the director of the premier writers' conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC). Discover more about him at http://www.altongansky.com/.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott interviews a man of many God-given talents, Alton Gansky. Alton Gansky is the author of twenty-four novels and nine nonfiction works, as well as principal writer of nine novels and two nonfiction books. He has been a Christy Award finalist (A Ship Possessed), an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice), and recently received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. He lives in central California with his wife. In addition to his own writing, Gansky has consulted and provided editing/writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing, having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top-tier authors. Gansky is in frequent demand at writers’ conferences. He has taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. Gansky has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana. He is the director of the premier writers’ conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC). Discover more about him at http://www.altongansky.com/.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott interviews a man of many God-given talents, Alton Gansky. Alton Gansky is the author of twenty-four novels and nine nonfiction works, as well as principal writer of nine novels and two nonfiction books. He has been a Christy Award finalist (A Ship Possessed), an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice), and recently received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. He lives in central California with his wife. In addition to his own writing, Gansky has consulted and provided editing/writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing, having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top-tier authors. Gansky is in frequent demand at writers' conferences. He has taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. Gansky has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana. He is the director of the premier writers' conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC). Discover more about him at http://www.altongansky.com/.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott interviews a man of many God-given talents, Alton Gansky. Alton Gansky is the author of twenty-four novels and nine nonfiction works, as well as principal writer of nine novels and two nonfiction books. He has been a Christy Award finalist (A Ship Possessed), an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice), and recently received the ACFW award for best suspense/thriller for his work on Fallen Angel. He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies and was granted a Litt.D. He lives in central California with his wife. In addition to his own writing, Gansky has consulted and provided editing/writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing, having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top-tier authors. Gansky is in frequent demand at writers’ conferences. He has taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington, and Canada. Gansky has also been guest lecturer on suspense writing at Taylor University in Indiana. He is the director of the premier writers’ conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC). Discover more about him at http://www.altongansky.com/.

Sue Dent hails from Mississippi and is the author of Never Ceese and Forever Richard the first two installments in her Thirsting for Blood Series. Her debut novel Never Ceese appeared on the 2007 preliminary ballot for a Bram Stoker Award. Her second book in her Thirsting for Blood Series, Forever Richard, made the 2010 long-list at the British Fantasy Society. Both Never Ceese and Forever Richard made the 2009 Pluto Award long-list with Never Ceese moving onto the top three books short-listed. Never Ceese was also Book Club Choice of the month at the American Christian Fiction Writers Association in May of 2007 when Sue was a member. Sue no longer pays to be a member due to the fact that the ACFW is a writer's group designed to help author's find homes with CBA niche market publishers. Sue is currently a member of HWA, Horror Writer's of America. Dent's stories continue to appeal to general market readers with surprise appeal to the denominationally discriminative (niche market CBA member publisher's serve. Ms. Dent likes to point out that though her work appeals to readers of this niche market, she does not write specifically for that market which is why you won't find her work in CBA member bookstores or rather on any shelf at any Christian Retailer or even listed on-line at member on-line bookstores such as Christianbook.com