Inspire:

Hooray for Sue Tornai!

Hello Inspire Writers,

One of my favorite topics of this blog involves celebrating our successes. We have had several exciting writing projects sold recently. So today we will celebrate three of them. Let’s start with Sue Tornai.

 Sue recently sold fourteen Bible stories to Augsburg Fortress for inclusion in their Spark Story Bible. It is a brightly colored and beautifully illustrated Bible for children ages 2-8. Sue’s passion for God’s word shines through in her creative and accurate retelling of stories from The Bible.

I asked Sue how she got this wonderful assignment. “I applied for an assignment writing for Davey and Goliath Family Devotions with Augsburg Fortress. They sent me a mock assignment. I wrote the devotion for it and instead of assigning me a devotion, they offered me a contract for the Spark Story Bible.”

Sue brought a copy to our Inspire critique meeting and we all admired it!

She also sent a copy to Uganda for the orphans at the Osia School. The children love to hear the stories as they are read to them each day. I understand Sue’s grandchildren are also enjoying a copy.

Sue said, “Writing for this story Bible has been the highlight of my career so far. I learned a lot and drew closer to God in the process.”

Congratulations Sue, we are so proud of you!

Watch for two more celebratory posts today. And keep writing.

Gratefully,

Beth

Inspire Christian Writers Critique Guidelines

Because it has been a long time since we went over our critique guidelines, I thought we could benefit from a refresher.

When Submitting a MS for Critique:

1. Email your best effort to the group. Self-edit and rewrite until your work is as good as you can get it. Then submit it to the group.
2. Limit word count to 1500 words max.
3. Double-space your ms.
4. Include your name, title of ms and page numbers.
5. Use a standard font in a size we can see.
6. Prepare your ms as if you were submitting it to an agent or editor.
7. Submit by midnight Saturday prior to our Tuesday night meeting.

For Those Giving Feedback:

1. Always begin and end with something positive or encouraging.
2. Offer suggestions for repairing things you think need changed, being sensitive and gentle. (Ephesians 4:15: "Speaking the truth in love.")
3. Don't talk about commas, spelling, etc. Mark but don't mention.
4. Offer constructive criticism on clarity not style!
5. Give both general and specific feedback. Be as constructive as you can.
6. Offer criticism in a spirit of love for your fellow writer.
7. Always feel free to say nothing.

    

For Those Receiving Feedback:

1. Have thick skin—understand what you are receiving is given in the spirit of love.
2. Accept critique graciously. Ask for clarification if needed but avoid defending your work.
3. Except for obvious errors in grammar—all changes are up to you.
4. Realize there is always room for improvement.
5. Express thankfulness.
6. Feel free to say nothing.

I appreciate your commitment to the Inspire group. Together we are all growing in our craft and our knowledge of the Christian publishing industry.

Keep Writing,

Beth

Karen Ball: Publishing Will Survive

Hello Inspire Writers,

Karen Ball gave us all a wonderful gift yesterday in her post at Novel Journey. I hope you will take a moment and read it. Soak in the encouragement and keep doing what God has called you to do.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Gratefully,

Beth