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Award-Winning Author

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR INTERVIEW — FICTIOn, with Darlene L. Turner

Can you share a little about your recent book?

In Yukon Wilderness Evidence,forensic botanist, Dr. Keeley Ash, is called to a crime scene where roots have grown into skeletal remains and she has to help date the tree to determine how long the bones have been hidden deep in the Yukon forest. When she’s abducted by hunters, she hides evidence and vows to bring the criminals to justice. Brett Ryerson arrives to tend to the injured and discovers a woman from his past. When they target and kidnap her before his eyes, he races into the forest to save her life.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write to share God’s light in this darkened world. My stories always deal with everyday struggles we face. I share about hope, forgiveness, and trust in God’s sovereignty. It’s my hope that readers will be captured by the action-packed plot, inspired by the characters, and moved by the inspirational message.

How long have you been writing?

When I was young, I loved to read Nancy Drew, so I started writing my own version – the “Mindy Dobson” series. I wish I’d kept them as it would be fun to go back and read it (and laugh). This was when my first writing “spark” started. However, I didn’t pick up my pen again until my late twenties. Then more seriously about fifteen years ago.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

Approx ten years. It’s been a roller coaster ride but God has grown me throughout every rejection. It’s made me work on the writing craft which I will continue to. A writer is never done learning!

Which of your books is your favorite?

That’s a tough one! That’s like choosing your favorite child. I enjoyed writing Yukon Wilderness Evidence. It was so fun to include five-year-old MJ. I also had fun including a Nancy Drew angle in my upcoming book K-9 Ranch Protection. That doesn’t really answer your question, does it? I guess I can’t pick. 🙂

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

In Alaskan Avalanche Escape, I created a “mountain man” named Bertie. He was so fun to write about and his story is a bit of a mystery, so I’m planning on going back and writing his story in a novella. He quickly stole my heart.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

My book Safe House Exposed won the HOLT Medallion award in the short inspirational category. To win that award was such a blessing!

How long does it take you to write a book?

From concept to final complete manuscript – 3-4 months. That’s for the 55K LIS books. My trade book took a bit longer.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

I normally write from around 9 to 2ish. I find that’s when my best creativity flows. After that I work on edits, social media, memes, posts, etc.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I can’t say that I really do!

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

I’d have to say that moment when my author copies arrive at my door. Opening that box and holding your “baby” in your hands NEVER gets old.

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

Rejections. They’re tough, but part of every writer’s journey.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

Many, but I learned from each one and pressed forward! They say that each rejection gets you one step closer to the “one.”

Where do you get your ideas?

Lots of places. I often have ideas spark from watching scenes in movies and TV. Also, from some news stories and even dreams! Some conversations I overhear can also spark an idea. You just never know.

Who is your favorite author to read?

I can’t narrow it down to one. Jaime Jo Wright, Lynette Eason, DiAnn Mills and many more. LOL.

What advice can you give aspiring authors that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

I would say keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you. Finally, don’t compare yourself to other writers. Everyone’s journey is different.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

Giving up too soon. It’s a journey. Work hard at the craft and keep writing, pitching, attending conferences.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Definitely attend writers conferences and pitch your story to agents and editors. Meeting them face-to-face is the best way to get to the top of that infamous “slush” pile.

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders

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Award-Winning Author

Award-Winning author Interview with Maureen Miller

Can you share a little about your recent book?

Most recently, I’m honored to be part of Michelle Rayburn’s A Life, Repurposed Compilation This ReImagined Empty Nest. I’m also thankful to be part of Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures yearly devotional (2024, 2025 released; 2026 not yet released). Most of my work thus far is nonfiction collaborative work, as I love being part of a team!

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write because, much like the quote from Chariots of Fire, I feel I was created for writing. When I write, I sense God’s pleasure. My themes often come from nature as I pray to live with eyes and ears open to see and hear God in His created world. I desire to point readers to God and His son Jesus through my words.

How long have you been writing?

Professionally, since about 2006, but I’ve loved to write for most of my life.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

Because I write for collaboratives, I answer calls for submissions, adhering to the submission guidelines as best I can and wait to hear if my story is chosen. I’m published non-traditionally too (a self-published children’s book Daisy the Circus Dog), and I discover most of my opportunities through AWSA (Advanced Writers / Speakers Assoc.) and my Word Weaver group.

Which of your books is your favorite?

I think I most enjoy writing devotions for All God’s Creatures (Guideposts) because I get to write about a favorite subject—animals!

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

I recently learned two stories I submitted to the Writer’s Digest 2024 contest won honorable mention. This is particularly special because they were selected from more than 4000 applicants spanning 44 countries. They were chosen for the inspirational / spiritual category, and I know that some who would not profess Jesus read them, which means my message of God’s love and presence in our lives was heard. (That’s why I write!)

How long does it take you to write a book?

My first novel (not nonfiction, but the only book I’ve written by myself) has taken more than fifteen years, and is due to release next year. Titled Gideon’s Book, I call it my “long obedience in the same direction,” to borrow the phrase from the late Eugene Peterson.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

When our teenage daughter is in school, I have a more normal writing routine. I usually write from about 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on weekdays (typically 3-5 days a week). I don’t write in the evenings and very little on weekends.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I keep things that inspire me (including inspirational books) all around. I’m visual and love to see color, texture, patterns, etc. I’m nostalgic and memories evoke ideas, so I keep special things in my office that stir memories. I write in silence, except for my writing partner’s occasional panting and snoring. (Prancer, our Golden, is a good office buddy!)

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

The relationships and the best friendships ever. I’ve made so many dear friends through this writing life, and I am so blessed by them!

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

I hit send in 2020 on the first draft of my novel and waited. Everyone seemed to write a book in 2020 when we were in the Isolation Age. I grew discouraged waiting to hear back about it, but God used that time to encourage me to “hone my craft” as the wonderful Cecil Murphey says. That’s when I grew as a fiction writer and began pursing avenues for collaborative work. God redeemed the time and brought beautiful things from that discouraging season.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

Writers should face rejection because that means they are trying and putting themselves out there. I have faced it a number of times too, but I try to learn from what those who’ve said no suggest, whether it’s concerning following (NOT FOLLOWING!) submission guidelines or for some other reason. There’s something to learn in every yes and no.

Where do you get your ideas?

I try to listen to life—kids, grandchildren, pets and farm animals, circumstances… you name it! My ideas come from living with eyes and ears open and a prayer to see and hear upon my lips!

Who is your favorite author to read? I love Cheryl Bostrom, Cindy Sproles, Lori Roeleveld, Corrie Ten Boon, Elisabeth Elliot, and Lynn Austin, to name a few. (There are too many to write!)

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

In the words of Dory from Finding Nemo, Just Keep Swimming! (This hangs in my office!); Ask the Lord to “Establish the work of your hands for you…” (Ps. 90:17), that His favor may rest upon you every day; put on your “armor” daily; always keep a learning spirit! AND… follow submission guidelines!

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

They throw in the towel too soon. They compare themselves to others rather than discovering their own unique voice. They don’t include God in the equation, and they don’t follow submission guidelines. (Yes, our words are precious but sometimes those darlins gotta go!)

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Attend writers’ conferences and retreats! The connections / relationships / friendships discovered are the most valuable, and God uses others to hold open doors of opportunity. Also participate in writers’ groups (Word Weavers International, etc.) and learn from others while being an encourager to others. Always pray and ask God to use you in others’ lives as an encourager. This is one prayer He WILL answer!

Maureen Miller is an award-winning author featured in more than twenty collaboratives. She writes for her local newspaper, is a contributing writer for Guideposts, and a featured blogger for several online devotional websites. She loves life in all its forms and enjoys it with her husband and their three children and grandchildren on Selah Farm in western North Carolina. She blogs at www.penningpansies.com, sharing God’s extraordinary character in the ordinary, and she’s finishing her first novel, Gideon’s Book.

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Award-Winning Author

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR Interview With Darlene L. Turner

Can you share a little about your recent book?

In Yukon Wilderness Evidence,forensic botanist, Dr. Keeley Ash, is called to a crime scene where roots have grown into skeletal remains and she has to help date the tree to determine how long the bones have been hidden deep in the Yukon forest. When she’s abducted by hunters, she hides evidence and vows to bring the criminals to justice. Brett Ryerson arrives to tend to the injured and discovers a woman from his past. When they target and kidnap her before his eyes, he races into the forest to save her life.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write to share God’s light in this darkened world. My stories always deal with everyday struggles we face. I share about hope, forgiveness, and trust in God’s sovereignty. It’s my hope that readers will be captured by the action-packed plot, inspired by the characters, and moved by the inspirational message.

How long have you been writing?

When I was young, I loved to read Nancy Drew, so I started writing my own version – the “Mindy Dobson” series. I wish I’d kept them as it would be fun to go back and read it (and laugh). This was when my first writing “spark” started. However, I didn’t pick up my pen again until my late twenties. Then more seriously about fifteen years ago.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

Approx ten years. It’s been a roller coaster ride but God has grown me throughout every rejection. It’s made me work on the writing craft which I will continue to. A writer is never done learning!

Which of your books is your favorite?

That’s a tough one! That’s like choosing your favorite child. I enjoyed writing Yukon Wilderness Evidence. It was so fun to include five-year-old MJ. I also had fun including a Nancy Drew angle in my upcoming book K-9 Ranch Protection. That doesn’t really answer your question, does it? I guess I can’t pick. 🙂

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

In Alaskan Avalanche Escape, I created a “mountain man” named Bertie. He was so fun to write about and his story is a bit of a mystery, so I’m planning on going back and writing his story in a novella. He quickly stole my heart.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

My book Safe House Exposed won the HOLT Medallion award in the short inspirational category. To win that award was such a blessing!

How long does it take you to write a book?

From concept to final complete manuscript – 3-4 months. That’s for the 55K LIS books. My trade book took a bit longer.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

I normally write from around 9 to 2ish. I find that’s when my best creativity flows. After that I work on edits, social media, memes, posts, etc.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I can’t say that I really do!

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

I’d have to say that moment when my author copies arrive at my door. Opening that box and holding your “baby” in your hands NEVER gets old.

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

Rejections. They’re tough, but part of every writer’s journey.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

Many, but I learned from each one and pressed forward! They say that each rejection gets you one step closer to the “one.”

Where do you get your ideas?

Lots of places. I often have ideas spark from watching scenes in movies and TV. Also, from some news stories and even dreams! Some conversations I overhear can also spark an idea. You just never know.

Who is your favorite author to read?

I can’t narrow it down to one. Jaime Jo Wright, Lynette Eason, DiAnn Mills and many more. LOL.

What advice can you give aspiring authors that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

I would say keep on and don’t give up. I know that’s easy to say as there were times when I felt like giving up, but I had many supporters cheer me on. Also, read writing books, go to conferences, and find a writing mentor. These will all help you. Finally, don’t compare yourself to other writers. Everyone’s journey is different.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

Giving up too soon. It’s a journey. Work hard at the craft and keep writing, pitching, attending conferences.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

Definitely attend writers conferences and pitch your story to agents and editors. Meeting them face-to-face is the best way to get to the top of that infamous “slush” pile.

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders

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Award-Winning Author

Award-Winning Author Interview with Theresa Parker Pierce

Can you share a little about your recent books?

I had the privilege of being part of two anthologies. “Room at the Table” was compiled by Starr Ayers and Stephanie Pavlantos. This is a collection of encouraging stories from special needs families. They included three stories about my brother and the challenges he overcame. He will always be my hero. The second anthology I contributed to contained my Christmas poem “Mrs. Claus Bakes.” The proceeds for “Christmas Spirit,” compiled and edited by Terri Kalfas, benefit Samaritan’s Purse.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write to inspire and entertain. If I had to choose a theme, it would be courageous joy. I write for a monthly magazine called Senior Savvy. It is for the 55 and over reader. The best compliment the readers have given me is that my articles are relatable and bring back memories. I have written stories about holidays growing up, learning to swim, and my childhood. My goal in all of my writing is to offer hope. Having lived 67 years, I have stories that inspire and come from experience.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing during my entire educational career. As a 35-year veteran teacher, I wrote newsletters and inspirational articles for the system. I taught predominantly reading, writing, and history. From teaching a first grader how to write their first sentence, to a high schooler learning to write a research paper, it has been rewarding.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

I’m hoping for my first major book contract. While teaching I wrote “Up Dunn’s Mountain,” a manuscript that is a coming-of-age story set in the Civil War. The protagonist Bea struggles with issues related to the time period.

During Covid, I wrote a prequel to help the reader understand issues that affected Bea leading up to becoming an orphan along with her twin brother Bubby. Then, while on a roll, I wrote a sequal that carries Bea’s story forward through the eyes of her adopted schoolmarm Momma. She finds her answers and hope for a better future in the south.

Which of your books is your favorite?

My favorite books are historical fiction. I used them in my classroom to engage my students in history. The concept of using story was my inspiration to write my own trilogy. When I taught my students to find the human side of history, they were hooked. Books drew the students into lessons brought by the non-fiction part to life.

My favorite scene in the Dunn’s Mountain trilogy is when Miss Clairmont tells a childhood story about her first pair of button-up boots. The cobbler told her father she could have them for a song and dance. So, she literally does both to the merriment of everyone in the shoe shop.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

My manuscript, Up Dunn’s Mountain won first place for Young Adult Literature at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in 2020. The sequel, Miss Clairmont’s Christmas won third place for Novellas in 2022.  

An award that is particularly meaningful to me was presented at the Asheville Christian Writer’s Conference. I won first place for “The Rodeo Girl,” a devotional about a student I formed a connection with when I attended her rodeo. It completely changed our relationship.

I challenged readers to find a way to give others a second glance, to meet them where they are. I think the reason this particular award is so meaningful is because receiving it caught me off guard. I did not see myself as devotional worthy. I learned later that others feel that same struggle.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

My writing schedule includes a planning for my monthly magazine commitment. I am fortunate to belong to Word Weavers International. The members serve as editors, inspiration, and friends and they help me make my articles the best they can be.

Other opportunities to write come up organically. My husband serves as my first beta reader. He says he does not pass judgement but looks for things that need clarification and grammar. However, when good things happen, he is my first cheerleader.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

My interesting writing quirk is that I lack confidence and when I get a compliment, I am always surprised. One of the greatest joys I have had was winning an opportunity to attend Get Lit at the Mitford Museum in Hudson, N.C.

I’m fortunate, one blessing has led to another. Because of my story, I’ve been asked to present at local museums or schools, which are my favorite because I call those moments “teaching without testing.” I dress in period attire and portray characters like the ones in my trilogy. It is so fun!

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

Since retirement, three years ago, my writing career has become more committed.

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

A dark moment during that time was when I had Covid. I lost my focus and interest in writing. I felt unable to inspire others. What drew me out was the joy of family.

I read the same children’s books multiple times for the entertainment of my grandchildren. I caught the cadence of stories. Then I checked out books from the library using a remote system. They brought inspiration. I followed devotionals and even wrote a few. The mix of genres was the right medicine that healed my Covid heart.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I have experienced plenty of rejection, so much so, that I might have given up had it not been for mentors like Cindy, Eva Marie, Sarah, Taryn, Edwina, DiAnn, Joyce and Edie. They shaped my writing by introducing me to “champaign rejections.” Champaign rejections are the ones that helped me grow and taught me to be culturally sensitive, press on, plus where to find resources and most importantly to learn the craft.

I have learned these lessons and so much more. I keep on keeping on because of my hometown heroes like Jane, Elaine, and Cyndi. I have so many beta readers I lost count. I am thankful for the Word Weavers, 540 classes, Writing with the Erasers group and classes. We all stand on the shoulders of giants. My prayer is to be for others what so many have been for me.

Where do you get your ideas?

I learned from writer, Lester Laminack, to keep a journal. I write ideas on napkins, my phone, and slips of paper. These ideas come from reading—which has become a source of unlimited resources. So much so, I’m starting to predict where the stories will go.

Who is your favorite author to read?

My favorite authors to read are Janette Oke, Jan Karon, Patti Callahan Henry, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Jason Hart, Fanny Flagg, and Kristin Harmel. I have too many authors I like to read to count them all. 

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

The best advice I can you give aspiring authors I wished I had received is to try different things and don’t be afraid to ask for help. When I first started I was embarrassed and timid. I still struggle but now when I get a rejection, I read the suggestions and start again. I don’t want to live with regret.

I recommend writers break into the market in a variety of ways. Attending conferences is a great way to network. Join a support group. Toughen your skin. That is how to grow. Take chances. Enter contests. Don’t look at others and set your own course.

Theresa Parker Pierce has 35 years of experience teaching reading and history in both private and public schools. Two-time Rowan Salisbury Teacher of the Year, Theresa enjoys storytelling about her childhood in eastern North Carolina and the history of Rowan County. 

Theresa is a member of Word Weavers International, Blue Ridge Christian Writers, Room at the Table, and the 540 Writing Club. She writes monthly for Senior Savvy magazine. She shares her volunteer time between the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer and the Rowan Museum in Salisbury. You can connect Theresa on Facebook.

You can find these compilation books on Amazon.

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Award-Winning Author

Award-Winning Author Interview with Terry Overton

Can you share a little about your recent book?

The Journey, book five of The Underground Book Readers, was released in December. This is a Christian futuristic action-adventure book with a dystopian feel. My hope is this series reaches readers who like a bit of (clean) science fiction but who might not choose Christian books. Through the books in the series readers will learn wholesome family values, the importance of friendship, Old and New Testament Scripture, and United States and World History. In this series a group of preteen and teen characters live in a world where books are banned, schools destroyed, and churches burned. Most adults have been taken to work camps or to serve in the military. The teens find each other, survive by helping each other, and hide forbidden books and Bibles deep in a cavern of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Throughout the series, the group decides to make the world a better place by escaping the rule of the World Force and establishing their own new settlement.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

As a retired educator, I write from a Christian worldview to provide children, teens, and adults, with new information and to especially draw each reader closer to Christ.

How long have you been writing?

My first short story for a competition in elementary won a blue ribbon. I have been writing all my life. Before I retired from teaching graduate students at the university level, I wrote nonfiction researched based books and articles. After retirement, I began writing Christian fiction.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

I am both traditionally published and have self-published. My first traditional publisher contract was over forty years ago in the field of education. In the past six years I have been traditionally published and self-published.

Which of your books is your favorite?

The book that is the most special to me is Legends of the Donut Shop. It was written and dedicated to my parents. This book was at the editor when they both passed away from Covid. They had seen the book cover but did not get to see the finished book.

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

My favorite character is the grandfather in Legends of the Donut Shop. The grandfather was based on my father.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

Legends of the Donut Shop has won the most awards of all my books. It won the Christian Indie Award, the Mom’s Choice Award, the American Writing Award, and several other awards. These awards are special for different reasons. The Christian Indie Award is special because it is given to Christian authors who are self-published. The American Writing Award is judged only by fellow authors. And the Mom’s Choice Award is unique because a book must meet certain “mom” and family friendly criteria.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Lately, working on the teen series, The Underground Book Readers, it has taken about four months to complete each first draft. Rewriting and going through several rounds of edits takes another two months or more.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

Unlike many writers, I write in long spurts and several days of time off in between. My writing days consist of long days. I write for several consecutive days and consecutive weeks until it is finished.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I am not sure if it is a quirk, but some of my ideas seem to begin out of the blue. I might be awakened at 3:00 AM and will get up and begin writing. I believe this is a gift provided to me.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

Hands down hearing from readers! Love to chat on Facebook, get Christmas cards, and meet them at book signings. I try to stay in touch with as many readers as possible.

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

Maybe not a dark moment but frustrating moments happen during self-publishing. I first had to learn various platforms and how to work within parameters.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I have not counted rejections but have had many. Rejections are often form letters or emails. After a rejection, I submit again elsewhere.

Where do you get your ideas?

Some creative ideas begin, as stated earlier, in the middle of the night. Other ideas for characters or plot twists, might come from observations or be based in part on people I know. Some ideas are based on my own life experiences. A story of a near-death experience was based upon my own near-death experience after complications during surgery.

Who is your favorite author to read?

I have many authors whose work I enjoy. I read books written by my Christian author friends as well as authors like John Grisham, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Don’t wait until you retire to start writing! If you are a writer, write every chance you can.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

In reviewing books by new authors, I have seen some amazing books. I have also read many books with editing mistakes and others with character or plot inconsistencies. Be careful and let others read your work before you submit or self-publish. Always use a professional editor before you submit.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

If you cannot find an agent or publisher, hire experts (editors, cover designers, etc.) and publish it on your own.  Over thirty percent of all ebooks sold are self-published and the numbers continue to increase.

Also, feel free to include: book cover image(s), where book(s) can be purchased, and social media and website links.

You can find Terry’s books on Amazon

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

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Fantasy-Sci-Fi

You Need to Attend a Scifi/Fantasy Writers Conference

Writer’s conferences are, once again, gearing up to welcome attendees. These annual conventions (in-person, online or a hybrid of both) are where writers gather to meet and learn from industry professionals, successful best-selling authors, literary agents, editors, and each other. Conferences host lectures, panels, and workshops geared to help writers at every stage of their writing journey. You will socialize, improve your craft and perhaps even start a career altering relationship.

There are three major reasons you should go to a writers’ conference: learn, make friends, and pitch.

Learn from the best teachers

The faculty at a writer’s conference comprises best-selling authors, top literary agents, and world class editors. These generous people provide firsthand knowledge gained from years of experience in the publishing business. Besides the large group lectures and panels, many conferences offer you the opportunity to get one-on-one time with these professional (usually for an additional fee). You can get feedback on your own writing or ask the burning questions you’ve always wanted to.

Make some new friends

Friendships start with a shared experience, or a shared passion. At a writer’s conference, you’ll find people who both have shared your experience of writing a novel and share your passion to get published. Every person, from the greenest newbie to the most hardened veteran, spent serious money and took days away from friends and family to be there.

Writer’s conferences know many of their attendees are introverts, and this concept might make them a little nervous. They will often have places and events setup to help introverts break the ice and get conversions started. As a bonus, your fellow introverts will understand in a way few of your other friends do when you need a few minutes of solitude to recharge.

Pitch your novel to agents and publishers

Most writer’s conferences host events where you can pitch your novel to an agent, editor, or publisher. You’ll know your pitch didn’t get lost in an email inbox with thousands of others never to be read. You gave it to them one on one. The agent will hear your passion for the project, and you’ll be able to answer their questions on the spot. You’ll receive invaluable feedback on your project as you watch their facial expressions and body language.

Now that you know why you should attend a writer’s conference, let’s look at a couple of writer’s conferences specifically geared to writers of science fiction and fantasy novels.

SFWA Nebula Conference

Home to nearly 2000 authors, artists, and allied professionals, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America is one of the oldest and largest conferences for speculative writers. This year’s conference was held the first week of June and was online only. At the conference, the SFWA announces the winners of The Nebula Awards for the best novel, novella, novelette, script, and short story. Dates and locations for the 2022 conference are yet to be announced.

World Con

The World Science Fiction Convention aka “Worldcon” is a five-day international conference attended by thousands of writers, artists, fans, editors, publishers, academics and dealers of the science fiction and fantasy community. You’ll see a celebration of Science Fiction and Fantasy in all its forms: books, film, TV, art, comics, anime and manga, and gaming. This conference announces the winners of the prestigious Hugo awards. This year’s conference will be held December 15 through December 19, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Realm Makers

Realm Makers is a niche conference for creatives who love Science Fiction and Fantasy and profess a Christian worldview. It’s a place for you to learn, share your talents, & meet with people like yourself. This conference hosts the Realm Awards to recognize the best speculative fiction written by Christian authors. This year’s conference will be held July 15-17, 2021 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Writer’s conferences provide a range of benefits to attendees and should be something every aspiring author plans into their yearly schedule.

Ted Atchley is a freelance writer and professional computer programmer. Whether it’s words or code, he’s always writing. Ted’s love for speculative fiction started early on with Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, and the Star Wars movies. This led to reading Marvel comics and eventually losing himself in Asimov’s Apprentice Adept and the world of Krynn (Dragonlance Chronicles). 

After blogging on his own for several years, Blizzard Watch (blizzardwatch.com) hired Ted to be a regular columnist in 2016. When the site dropped many of its columns two years later, they retained Ted as a staff writer. 

He lives in beautiful Charleston, SC with his wife and children. When not writing, you’ll find him spending time with his family, and cheering on his beloved Carolina Panthers. He’s currently revising his work-in-progress portal fantasy novel before preparing to query. 

Ted has a quarterly newsletter which you can join here. You’ll get the latest on his writing and publishing as well as links about writing, Star Wars, and/or Marvel.

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Guest Posts

How to win book awards. Advice from the Experts!

Paula Sheridan, Founder of Page Turner Awards, offers advice to authors on how to get their books to win awards so they can become award-winning authors.

1. Book Cover:

Your book cover must be professionally designed to create intrigue and thus hook the reader and award judges to choose it to open the pages. It’s a myth that book cover designers are expensive. Most designers will charge a few hundred for a cover. Ask for recommendations in your writing groups. If you’re short on budget, search the internet for book cover solutions.

We’re often told ‘not to judge a book by its cover’ which has a different meaning for humans than for books. Most readers will buy a book based on the feeling they get when seeing the book cover. Equally, for a book award, judges will be drawn to covers they like and that will encourage them to read on. Which brings me on to the next important point…

2. Opening Chapters:

The first page and opening chapters must hook the reader or judge within the first paragraph or two. Ensure your story’s opening grabs the reader or judge by their collar and pulls them along. And, before they know it, they are reading several chapters and can’t put your story down. This is vital for book awards and writing contests.

3. Grammar and Prose:

In your opening chapters, be vigilant with grammar and checking for typos. You cannot have a judge put your book aside due to bad workmanship. A free trial with a great piece of self-editing software, like ProWritingAid will ensure that you don’t have any mistakes in your submission. Don’t rely on Microsoft Word to do this very important job for you! A sterling editing software, like ProWritingAid, will also improve your prose by pointing out where you’ve used too many adverbs and it even lists words that are over-used. If you haven’t tried such a ‘writing wonder’, I highly recommend it.

4. Compelling Characters:

Start your story with a compelling character, either a heroine or a villain but most likely the main hero of the story who is someone the reader or book award judges will care about almost straight away. They must capture the reader or judges attention, so they engage with the character and they continue reading to see what happens to the character. This should be the case for any self-published book, whether you intend to enter a book award or not!

Winning book awards can help your book get discovered. They provide new promotion opportunities for you and your book.

5. Be Brave:

Don’t be afraid to try something new and show off your writing flair with original thoughts and ideas. For example, take a character’s personality or a plot point that we know as familiar and flip it in a way that we don’t recognize, then the reader or judge will find your writing exciting and new, so they’ll want to keep reading. Write something unexpected in plot, or concept. Another given for all stories you intend to self-publish.

6. Find High Value Prizes:

When searching book awards to enter, check out the awards where the prizes are of real value to writers and authors, such as a writing mentorship or PR plans for book publicity, or critical feedback. These are all essential elements of a writing or book award, but not all have them. Page Turner Awards offers these prizes and much more. That’s probably because as an author myself, I created the awards with judges and prizes that I wanted to find in a literary award but couldn’t find. As writers, we want to win prizes that will improve our writing or help to propel our careers.

7. Book Promotion:

Remember that a book award is another form of book marketing. Having a book award under your belt means you can promote your book as an award-winning book. If you’d like help with promoting your book, try out this book marketing trio, which you can download for free https://BookHip.com/XXBVFC

8. Finding the Right Contest:

Lastly, many writers and authors are skeptical about entering a new book award with no track record. If you find one that is new and you’re not sure if you should enter, check their previous successes. Success stories from Page Turner Awards inaugural awards include three writers winning literary representation, six writers winning a writing mentorship, five writers winning a publishing contract and thirteen independent authors winning an audiobook production.

Good luck with your book awards entries!

Paula Sheridan is founder of Page Turner Awards, Book Luver and Writing Goals. She writes and publishes under the pen name of Paula Wynne. Paula’s career spanned several decades as a book publicist and marketing expert (check out Pimp My Site).