Workshop Transcript
Writing for Inspirational Markets
with Melody DeLeon
Workshop Transcript
Writing for Inspirational Markets
with Melody DeLeon
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Danni25: What's this workshop about?
zbell: Oh, that's right, this is workshop night!
zbell leans forward eagerly listening
Verla: Writing for Inspirational Markets, dani
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Writing for Inspirational Markets Workshop tonight
Verla: Hey, everyone, I have more than one time here. My watch says one time, my clock another...exactly how many minutes past the hour IS it?
_Lyra: My watch says another 7-8 minutes, V
zbell: I have 7:40 here kia
Danni25: I have 10 min
Verla: Good GREIF!
_Lyra: hmmm...we all need to call POPCORN (g)...do people still call it that?
zbell: popcorn break!
zbell has a belly full of supper right now
Verla: My clock show three minutes to the hour...my watch says ten minutes to the hour.
Verla: HELP!
_Lyra: Let's go with 10 minutes...more time for casual chit-chat (g)
Verla: AH HA! My watch is Correct! It's 54 minutes past the hour right now...almost 55...
_Enchanted: KYW says "8:55".
Verla: Hey....time to set up the room, folks....
Miriam_ runs to the front row
zbell sits up straight and puts on her listening ears
ClaraRose too
_Enchanted: did anyone dust that podium yet?
Verla: Someone get the podium set up, please...and danni would you please get mel some water? (Make sure it's JUST water...no vodka in it!)
Miriam_: me
Miriam_: it clean
Miriam_: sort of
Christyy: achoo!
_Enchanted: Bless you, Miriam!
Danni25: ACHOO! You missed a spot
_Enchanted: come to my house next!
Miriam_: oh that was christy's
zbell hands Christyy a kercheif
Christyy: thanks z
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Writing for Inspirational Markets Workshop in progress
Miriam_: clap! clap!
Verla: Okay folks. This workshop is about to begin.
zbell: are you going to muzzle us?
Christyy passes out muzzles
Verla: Please hold all personal talk including hellos and goodbyes until the workshop is done. It will be an hour long
_Lyra: (darn...no more personal talk!)
MelLane: Uh oh. This is it.
_Lyra: You'll be fine, Mel
Miriam_: go mel
zbell looks around and wonders what happened?
Verla: NO muzzles, please...questions and comments are welcome and encouraged on tonight's topic, which is Writing for Inspirational Markets. Melody De Leon is our leader tonight. Would you please tell us a little about yourself and then begin, mel?
MelLane: Well... Ok, what about that mini-bio I sent you?
MelLane: That pretty much sums me up.
Verla: LOL! It's still not posted, mel...
Verla: Do you want me to cut and paste it?
MelLane: Ok. I didn't keep a copy of it.
MelLane: If you like, Verla. That might be easier.
** Verla: Melody DeLeon has been writing since the age of 6, when she picked out her pen name, Melody Lane. She writes stories, skits, novels, all aimed toward middle grade to young adult ages. She edited a church newspaper for two years, and recently sold six skits to Group Publishing for their "OUTREACH SKITS FOR YOUTH MINISTRY". She studies the Inspirational/Christian Markets avidly and is currently writing for the newly termed "cross-over" market.
Verla: Melody is a licensed Jail Minister/Interpreter and frequently preaches at both the County Jail and the Juvenile Detention and Jail center. She heads the ministry team for the Juvenile center and knows first hand the kinds of pressure today's teen deals with.
Verla: Her writing and ministry goals are the same: to equip young people with the faith in God that will enable them to deal with today's world and to help them attain their goals.
Verla: Melody currently lives in Marshall, Texas, with her three daughters, ages 16, 13 and 10. She is actively
Verla: involved in the Youth and Children's Ministry at her church, teaching the Middle Grade group twice a month.
Verla: Okay Mel...you are on.
MelLane: How about I begin with a few comments about these markets, then we can have question/answer sessions?
Danni25: Sounds good
MelLane: First, let me say that there is a big difference between Inspirational, Christian, and Religious markets.
MelLane: Christian markets are VERY specific, and are aimed toward Christians, or evangelistic in nature.
MelLane: Some Christian writing can be Inspiratonal, but not all Inspirational writing is Christian in nature. Inspirational Markets can be termed "cross-over", and generally makes one feel good about themselves and the human race.
MelLane: I.E., "CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL"
MelLane: or the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life,"
Verla: ah, good point.
MelLane: Now, Religious markets are very broad in nature and scope.
MelLane: Religious markets cover: New Age, Jewish, Buddism, and even Satanic markets (although very few of them, thank goodness!)
MelLane: General market books will normally carry Christian in a separate category,
MelLane: and sometimes will combine Christian and Inspirational.
Verla: What market books, mel? You mean like the CWIM? (Children's & Illustrators Market guidebook?)
MelLane: Yes, Verla, and Writer's Market.
MelLane: Any market book that is not specifically designed for Christian markets.
Verla: Thanks, mel
MelLane: And I only know of two Christian Market books.
_Lyra: I think I've seen a Christian Writers Market in the stores
Verla: Ah..
Verla: Please tell us the names of those two market guidebooks, mel!
MelLane: If you are writing for Christian markets, then the addage "Research your markets" goes double here because of the different churches in Christianity, BUT
MelLane: You must be very careful in Christian/Inspirational writing not to reflect too much of any one church UNLESS you are writing for that particular church's press.
MelLane: Ok, now to questions.
Danni25: Are there new age children's books?
Verla: I just asked for the names of those two market guidebooks, mel, Please?
MelLane: Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart is the No. 1 book, and recommended by ALL of the publishers.
Verla: Good!
MelLane: The other is put out by Elaine Wright Colvin, who does WIN Informer, and I'm not sure it's still in print.
MelLane: I DO know that Sally spends most of her time upgrading her market book.
authoress: can you give us examples of any Christian books that have done well in the general marketplace?
Verla: Ohhhh....interesting question, authoress!
MelLane: Authoress: Mandie series by Lois Gladys Peppard.
_Lyra: The CHRISTY series is promoted in Christian bookstores--wouldn't that be cross-over, Mel?
authoress: is that the same Christy series that the TV series was based on?
_Lyra: (Yes, authoress, same Christy as on TV)
MelLane: And yes, Lyra, Christy Series is a "cross-over".
MelLane: Cross over is a term used to denote Christian books that are sold on the secular market.
Danni25: And I asked if there are new age children's books. I've never heard of any
Verla: I'm not sure what "new age" children's books are, danni. Can you elaborate on that?
MelLane: Danni25: Yes, there are. There are publishers that request writers for New Age.
_Lyra: But are their kids' new age, Mel? I'm not even sure what that is...
Danni25: I'm not sure either. But Mel listed them in religious fiction, right?
Verla: So mel...what IS "New Age?"
Fields-to-: I have seen "New Age" picture books...I checked out a couple from the library here
authoress: thanks
Verla: Okay...so what ARE new age books?
Verla: Anyone????
MelLane: New Age is primarily a belief in oneself.
MelLane: It is a broad term for the religions that focus on re-incarnation, etc.
Verla: You mean...like...no religion but a belief in the power within one's own self?
MelLane: Wow! Slow down, please! <G>
NOTE: <G> = Grin
Verla: lol. That's how to do it, mel!
NOTE: lol = Laughing Out Loud
MelLane: I.E., like Shirley McCLain's books?
Fields-to-: New Age signifies a religious book with a focus on spiritual with less emphasis on diety.
Danni25: Thanks
MelLane: Perfect description, Fields.
Fields-to-: New Age often encompasses many "old" religion ideas -- especially Eastern or Native American
MelLane: Yes, Verla, kind of like Yoga. That sort of thing.
MelLane: Exactly, Fields.
Harazin: Is new age metaphysical then?
Verla: Ah...Okay. I think I understand now. THANK YOU!
MelLane: Yes, Harazin.
Miriam_: I am interested in writing a MG Christian Girls Series. I have read the "Twelve Candles" Series. Do these books do well?
MelLane: As far as I know, Miriam.
MelLane: I've seen several.
Miriam_: The lady that writes them lives here in Austin
MelLane: The main focus in writing for the Christian market is:
MelLane: DON'T PREACH!
authoress: I would think it's especially important to send for guidelines for these books; is that true, Mel?
MelLane: Absolutely, authoress. But they are as vague as ones from secular publishers.
authoress: ha!
Fields-to-: Sometimes more vague...I have some that are basically guides to manuscript formatting
MelLane: That's right.
authoress: I've glanced through some titles in the bookstore that seem very "thick" with prayer, etc, and they sure seem preachy to me
MelLane: Those do not do well, authoress.
authoress: I'm glad to know there's some room in these markets
Verla: Most children do NOT want "preachy" books. They get enough of being told what to and not to do from their parents
MelLane: For an example of GOOD Christian writing, I recommend:
MelLane: Pat Rushford
MelLane: Lee Roddy
Verla: Lee Roddy!
MelLane: Gilbert Morris.
MelLane: Yes, Lee Roddy is my hero.
MelLane grins
authoress: your pseudonym perhaps (giggle)
_Lyra: I would also recommend Bethany authors like Judy Baer
MelLane: His characters are a reflection of Christian growth.
MelLane: I wish!
MelLane: Yes, Judy Baer is good, too.
_Lyra: Also Lorraine Snelling (another friends) does inspiration horse series--seemed a bit heavy handed though
MelLane: In writing for these markets, it is doubly important to SHOW, don't tell.
Verla: I have a WONDERFUL "how to write" book co-written by Lee Roddy. It's called "Writing to Inspire" by Willliam Gentz & Lee Roddy & others....and it is a TERRIFIC book.
MelLane: I WANT that book, Verla.
Verla hides her book from mel...
Verla: Writer's Digest publishes it, mel. Get your OWN copy!
Verla: I paid $14.95 for it in paperback. It's THICK and BIG.
authoress: is it important, Mel, to have the kind of ending where good triumphs over evil?
MelLane: In all stories for children, authoress, it is important to have good triumph.
authoress: good point, I meant what about overall theme, though? more sugar coated than the secular markets?
_Lyra: If you read Pat Rushford's books you'll see NOTHING sugar-coated
MelLane: I don't like the Mandie Series by Gladys Lois Peppard, because I think it is too broad for the Christian market.
Danni25: How do you avoid being preachy and still manage to keep a spiritual tone?
MelLane: Good question, Danni.
MelLane: First, I recommend you get around Christian children.
MelLane: Then, base your characters on them.
authoress: maybe visit a Christian school?
MelLane: STUDY Lee Roddy's characters, and Gilbert Morris's characters.
MelLane: The true nature of a person is to make mistakes. Everyone does.
Verla: Danni...my book says this about preaching: Don't preach. Instead, clarify your point with thought-provoking evidence.
MelLane: That's right, Lyra, Verla.
MelLane: And authoress: NEVER sugar coat anything.
Danni25: You mean examples?
authoress: are most of these books about moral dilemmas?
MelLane: That's my problem with the Mandie series.
MelLane: Actually, no, authoress.
authoress: could you please give examples of some plot problems?
MelLane: Plot problems?
MelLane: Let's see....
MelLane: Most Christian books are the same as secular stories.
MelLane: only difference is the Character is a Christian, and that must be reflected in their lifestyle, not in their words.
MelLane: Naming a particular church (unless you're writing for one of their publishers)
MelLane: There is a problem, too, about making your characters TOO holy.
MelLane: Don't.
MelLane: Let your kids be kids.
MelLane: Let them come to realize the Biblical truths you're trying to teach your audience ON THEIR OWN.
MelLane: Just like any GOOD story.
Miriam_: ..and make their own mistakes along the way
MelLane: Exactly, Miriam.
authoress: I'm curious about the horse/inspirational you mentioned
MelLane: I didn't. Lyra did. I haven't seen it.
authoress: lyra?
_Lyra: (I'll check the book...just a sec)
_Lyra: The horse story by Lauraine Snelling I have is book 6 in the series and deals with the death of the heroine's father--her using faith to get through grief
Verla: My book says there are seven basic catagories of religious material for children. The pure Bible story. Bible-based materials. Religious concepts & moral instruction. Fictional stories/nonfictional stories. Prayer/devotionals. The seasonals. The activity.
MelLane: Yes.
Miriam_: thanks verla
MelLane: Bible story is the retelling of, say, David & Goliath.
MelLane: Concepts & Moral instruction would be your Bible lessons.
Verla: Most crossover markets only want the seasonal and fictional/nonfictional stories I think, don't they, mel?
MelLane: Yes, Verla. Crossover is relatively new.
MelLane: Some musicians, like Amy Grant & Michael W. Smith have been successful.
MelLane: So, now the publishers want to get in on it.
MelLane: One major Christian publisher wants good, moral stories, not necessarily religious.
MelLane: There is an on-line writer's group for Inspirational/Christian writers that allow for submissions to be critiqued.
Danni25: Is there room in the markets for more Bible retellings? I'd like to retell Queen Esther's story, or Davis and Johnathan's friendship
MelLane: Yes, Danni. Lots of publishers WANT biblical stories, especially pic books.
Danni25: Oh, good
Verla: I think there is ALWAYS room for a story retold IF it is done really well and with a unique tone and/or slant, danni
Fields-to-: I've noticed some publishers backing away from "Christian" material that they once ran, in favor of "Character building" material
MelLane: Because Fields, "Christian" has been given a bad name, like some of the books that Lyra has read.
MelLane: Most of the early Christian fiction was "preachy".
MelLane: Like I said, DON'T PREACH!
Verla: Yes, I read some of it, mel. But not MUCH of it! LOL!
authoress: how are these books marketed, and do the publishers expect their authors to take an active role?
MelLane: The publishers generally do the marketing themselves.
Verla: ALL publishers expect the author to take an active roll in promoting their books, authoress...even Putnam...
MelLane: But, yes, they expect an active roll.
Verla: But the publishers do the actual "marketing"
MelLane: Their main concern is: Do you KNOW about what you're writing?
_Lyra: But the active "roll" of promoting and talking to kids has turned out to be the best writing joy of all
Miriam_: I agree lyra
Verla: Religious markets are really very much like secular ones.
authoress: I'm just wondering, sort of a philosophical question, what happens if an author writes for Christian and also other markets...
authoress: if that creates any problems in image
MelLane: I do that, authoress.
MelLane: Depends on WHAT you write, authoress.
MelLane: I mean, what if you write Horror books?
_Lyra: I know authors who write for both, Authoress-and are quite happy
MelLane: And then write Christian?
authoress: that's good to know
MelLane: It wouldn't mesh. <G>
Verla: Well, if you are writing heavy-duty smut, authoress...it could cause a problem. In that case, I would use a pen name for one of my names! LOL.
authoress: hey, now, Verla...
MelLane: Now.
authoress: I was thinking more in terms of "secular" YA or mid grade that had a different tone
NOTE: YA = Young Adult
MelLane: I don't see a problem, authoress.
authoress: kewl
Harazin: Ive heard that with religious markets, they actually prefer unagented authors.
Miriam_: I plan to write Christian as well as the MG YA I already write authoress
NOTE: MG = mid-grade
MelLane: The GOOD news about Christian publishers is that I've only found ONE publisher that requires an agent.
MelLane: All of the rest accept unsolicited submissions.
authoress: Is the Christian market any easier to break into, less competitive?
MelLane: Nope.
MelLane: It took me two years to finally sell to the Christian market.
MelLane: They are more exacting in their writing.
_Lyra: I know my agent (years ago) considered the Christian market as not paying as much...although that's changed now, I think
Fields-to-: I think it still tends to be the case in the magazine market, Lyra
Verla: It took ME three and a half years, mel, to sell to the secular market.
_Lyra: It took me two and a half years to sell to secular
authoress: it sounds like this field has changed a LOT in the past 10 years
Harazin: I've also noticed my rejections from christian markets are nicer, even helpful.
MelLane: Yes, Harazin, they are friendlier.
authoress: yes, I've gotten nice rejection letters too
MelLane: But, the pay is still quite a bit lower than secular.
authoress: some is better than none!
_Lyra: Except from Bethany House--they pay enough for those authors to support themselves
MelLane: Bethany House only takes 3% unpublished writers, Lyra. <g>
Verla: But when you say the pay is lower, aren't you just talking about the ADVANCE, mel?
MelLane: No, Verla.
MelLane: Royalty seems to be lower, too.
_Lyra: I could have added that Bethany is ALMOST impossible to get in with
MelLane: It is.
Verla: A LOT has changed in publishing in the past ten years. For instance, now it is an acceptable practice to simultaneously submit to most publishers...where ten years ago that would have been considered VERY unethical for a writer to do.
authoress: I still hear it's a no-no, verla
MelLane: and WORD is the one publisher that does not take submissions.
_Lyra: Yup--although I do know three of their authors (g)
Verla: Most publishers now accept simultaneous subs, authoress. You just have to read about them before sending.
MelLane: Although I wrote them a query once. <g>
Verla: AND got accepted, mel!
MelLane: Not from WORD, Verla.
MelLane: They have THEIR author.
MelLane: Oh, yes!
Verla: Okay. Thanks for the pay info, mel.
MelLane: There are two web sites that I recommend:
MelLane: http://www.yourlink.net/hall/cwise
MelLane: AND http://www.acwpress.com
MelLane: Any other questions?
MelLane: Or would you like to discuss the actual writing?
Miriam_: do it mel
MelLane: I also recommend Frank Peretti.
MelLane: His kids books are GREAT to study.
Danni25: I loved Prophet by Peretti
Fields-to-: I like his adventure series
MelLane: He's my hero, too.
Danni25: But that's an adult book
_Lyra: There are several authors doing girl series I see in stores, too
MelLane: Well, if you like him, you will love:
MelLane: The D.J. Dillion Adventure Series & the American Adventure Series by Lee Roddy.
Verla: Okay...let's talk about exactly what TO say for today's market, mel. Like can you give us a couple of good examples of something with a religious theme that is NOT too "preachy?"
MelLane: What do you mean, Verla? I'm not sure I follow you. (The ADD thing, you know)
Verla is pinning mel to the floor with a difficult question. heheheh.
Verla: Give us a line or two of a story that is NOT too preachy but still has the religious "flavor" to it.
Miriam_: yes
MelLane: Well, I can quote some from EMILY'S GIFT, which Focus on the Family Publishers really liked.
Verla: okay...
MelLane: Now, the story is about a young girl visiting the nursing home where her grandmother had been and died.
MelLane: The girl doesn't want to visit, but does anyway.
MelLane: She is in an old woman's room, with a Bible she bought from GoodWill.
MelLane: In the Bible is the inscription, "To Mama, Love Emily".
MelLane: I will relate some of their conversation.
MelLane: I'm picking up where the girl, startled, trips over the end of the bed, the Bible landing in the old lady's lap.
MelLane: Ok, here goes: "Are you all right, Mrs. Taylor?" I aksed.
MelLane: "Yes, child, I am," she said, looking sadly at me. "This Bible is mine. Where did you find it?"
MelLane: "I didn't find it. I bought in Goodwill," I answered, removing myself from her bed.
MelLane: Now, let me skip... sorry.
MelLane: "But that's not a waste," I interjected, "Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me!"
MelLane: She looked at me soberly. "That's what Emily always said..."
MelLane: -----end-------
MelLane: Notice: Jesus is mentioned.
MelLane: And later: We prayed together as she accepted Jesus.
MelLane: No exact method of her "being saved" (which is term that is avoided by Group)
MelLane: Just focusing on Jesus being the Son of God, and dying for her.
MelLane: Incidentally, Emily's Gift was two-fold: She wanted her mother saved for her birthday present, and the Bible was her gift.
Verla: That's great! Thanks, mel!
Verla: I have another thing from my book I'd like to share with all of you....
Verla: Here are The Deadly Sins of Religious Writing from my book...: Claiming to be inspired by God. Pious Oblivion. Rightious Rigor Mortis (stiffness & formality.) Heavenly Haze (flowery phrases.) Writing in an unintelligible language. One-sided argumentation. Syrupy sentimentalism. Preaching on paper. Parroting knowledge not your own. (UH OH! That's what I'm doing right here! YIKES!) Suicidal submission (NOT researching the religious markets.)
MelLane: Perfect, Verla!
MelLane: That says it in a nutshell.
Miriam_: oh, how wonderful!
Miriam_: this really helps me
Verla: (This IS a VERY good book, by the way! I highly recommend it.)
Verla: For those who came in late: It's Writing to Inspire by William Gentz, Lee Roddy & others...published by Writer's Digest Books.
MelLane: It doesn't mean you can't write about certain churches, just make sure you send, say, Baptist material to a Baptist publisher.
MelLane: Does anyone have a specific question regarding their material?
MelLane: I'll be glad to help, if I can.
Sammeow: About guidlelines, are they available on the net? Not much subtlety..
MelLane: Yes, Sammeow.
MelLane: Some will send you guidelines by e-mail.
Miriam_: mel, would you recommend using any scripture?
Miriam_: ...and which version?
MelLane: I posted two Web Sites earlier. Shall I repost them?
Verla: You had a couple of websites, mel?
Verla: Ah....I missed them.
MelLane: Both of these are FULL of good information.
MelLane: Yes!
Verla: Yes, please repost them for the latecomers, mel.
MelLane: http://www.yourlink.net/hall/cwise is a great resource.
Sammeow: Thanks, I got them.
MelLane: Also: http://www.acwpress.com and click on writing resources.
Verla: Thanks, mel
MelLane: Also, Evangelical Publishers website:
MelLane: Sorry:
MelLane: Christian Writers Fellowship Interantional:
MelLane: http://www.users.aol.com/cwfi/writers.htm
Verla: You missed a question, mel...from miriam.
MelLane: I'm sorry, please repost your question.
Verla: Miriam_: mel, would you recommend using any scripture
MelLane: Specific publishers request specific versions.
Verla: Miriam_: ...and which version
MelLane: Most Bible publishers will let you quote up to 25 verses WITHOUT written permission.
MelLane: The King James of course, requires no copyright.
Miriam_: thanks
MelLane: Did that answer your question, Miriam?
Miriam_: yes it did
MelLane: I like the New Century Version for kids, though
MelLane: But some publishers require the New International Bersion.
_Enchanted: Mel, earlier you mentioned a major Christian publisher that looks for good, moral stories, not necessarily religious. What's the name of that publlisher?
MelLane: Let me get my market book. Just a sec.
MelLane: brb... I took it to school, today, when I did my Author visit.
MelLane: Multnohmah Publishers, formally Questar.
Verla: Are there any last questions or comments anyone wants to make before we close the workshop? (People are very welcome to stay and talk more afterwards, of course. This will just end the official workshop portion of the chat session.)
Miriam_: thank you mel, you have cleared up a lot of questions for me
Verla: Mel, you did a GREAT job! Thank you SO much!
Sammeow: Lots of valuable info, thanks.
Verla: Whistle whistle STOMP STOMP STOMP!
Danni25: Cheers for Mel!!
Miriam_: clap! clap! clap!
Fields-to-: Great workshop
Harazin: Great, Mel
guest-Lyn: Thanks a lot
tess101: Yes, thanks! Been here for only a few minutes but learned a lot already.
ClaraRose: excellent job!
Verla throws the silly string that sq would have thrown if she were here...
Miriam_: sq is here
Verla: HEY! You ARE here, sq! Throw your OWN silly string!
Miriam_ grabs verla can and sprays her in the face
Danni25: Verla, we're all sneaking to your house and stealing that book of yours
Verla: AWK! Suffocating...falling to the floor....
Verla: Thrashing on the ground...
Verla: AND HIDING MY BOOK!
_Lyra: YEAH, MEL!!!!
_Enchanted: Thank you, Mel!
MelLane: Thank YOU.
Suzy-Q showers Mel with silly string
Miriam_: good job mel
MelLane: But I'll be happy to answer any more questions in an informal way.
Verla: Thanks, mel!
MelLane: Thanks, Miriam. It's MY market area. <g>
_Lyra: Stealing Verla's book is not a very "inspirational" thing to do
Miriam_: ha ha lyra
_Enchanted: Thanks for your hard work, too, MelLane. Very interesting workshop. Lots of new ideas.
MelLane: You're Welcome.
Suzy-Q presents Mel with a gourmet caramel Apple
*** Signoff: guest-Lyn (guest-Lyn has left the room)
Danni25: But I could learn from my mistake AFTER I steal it
Miriam_: danni!
MelLane: Make a story of it, Dani. <g>
Miriam_: she got you dani
MelLane: Maybe we can do it again sometime. <g>
_Lyra: Watch out, Mel -- kia will jot you down and sign you up for another one RIGHT now!
Verla: Hahhahahha. The workshop schedule is full until January, lyra.
MelLane: Say... is the writer of a Catholic novel in here tonight?
MelLane: I found her/him some markets.
MelLane: I can't remember who it was....
MelLane: And, Verla, how about SCHOOL VISITS as a topic?
MelLane: You and Lyra leading?
_Lyra: Didn't we do school visits already?
_Lyra: And I am still LEARNING about school visits...while Mel has tried out an idea of mine, I haven't tried it yet
Danni25: I think we did
Miriam_: I already went to school!
Verla: Not really, lyra. That will be a good topic for January. AFTER I start "doing" visits. GRIN
_Lyra: only if you do it with me, Verla
Sammeow: Mel..I have a ??? What's wrong with nice, good girls in tough situations? Would they suit the christian market?
MelLane: Sammeow If the girl is a Christian, yes.
MelLane: Pat Rushford writes those BEAUTIFULLY>
MelLane: I recommend her JENNY series for that.
^GailM: If you are a religious writer, you need to work with religious schools. Obvious.
MelLane: Actually, it was a Public school where I gave my talk, Gail.
MelLane: I visited a PUBLIC school and read CHRISTIAN material!!
_Lyra: Have you read Pat's adult books, Mel?
MelLane: Yes, Lyra. They're VERY good too.
_Lyra: Do you have her single title, non-series, Mel?
MelLane: Which one, Lyra?
_Lyra: (I can't find the title now, Mel--my Mom might have it)
Verla: Sounds like a GOOD seriers, mel
MelLane: It is EXCELLENT, Verla... and one of my goals as a Children's Writer is to make characters like his.
Danni25: I have another question. Does the main character have to start out being a Christian, or can it be about her accepting Jesus during the course of the story?
MelLane: Danni: The character can accept Jesus during the course of the book. Lee Roddy's Book One of the DJ Dillion Adventure Series does precisely that!
Miriam_: but be careful, writing is catchy
MelLane: The rest of the series is based on his growth as a Christian.
Fields-to-: Stephen Lawhead's book Taliesin presents the whole salvation message, though NO one is a Christian at the beginning
Danni25: Thanks again
Verla: This workshop is now OFFICIALLY over, folks.
Danni25: Oh boy, I'm just full of questions. Are there any humorous stories for this market?
MelLane: Yes, Danni!
Danni25: Don't blame you for wanting to write like Peretti
MelLane: ERIC STERLING: SECRET AGENT
MelLane: (a series) is very funny and about environmental issues.
Fields-to-: Peretti is wonderful
MelLane: AND Gilbert Morris writes some funny ones, too.
MelLane: There is a series with Food in it, But I can't remember any of the titles.
MelLane: There are even SCARY Christian stories!
_Lyra: There are SO many Christian series when I've gone to those stores--amazing how many
Suzy-Q: Night all. You did a great job, Mel.
MelLane: Thanks, SQ.
Fields-to-: How about a nice Christian Celery book, Verla?
Suzy-Q: what!
Christyy: lol fields
Verla sends miriam some extra brain cells to get her full-up again....
_Lyra: Verla--are you sure you can spare those cells????
Verla kicks ms soon-to-be Fields in the shins!
Fields-to-: Ouch...and here I was, on your side, Verla
Verla: With a CELERY cookbook, fields? Uh uh. That's NOT on MY side.
Fields-to-: Oh, it wasn't a cookbook Verla...it was a mystery...the celery stalks in the full moon
tess101: Good night, everybody. You're one fun group. I'll be back some other time. Thank you, all!
_Lyra: you DID great, Mel!
_Lyra: Didn't you feel the earthquake of my applause? You rocked Texas!
--> MelLane No, it was JUST right!
MelLane: LOL!!!! Lyra!!!
Sammeow: Oh
ClaraRose: Christian Celery book... would that be Veggie tales?
Verla: Veggie Tales from the Old Testiment.
ClaraRose: They did one on 'Who is afraid'... it had a frankencelery in it... (for real)
Fields-to-: How a celery stalked an innocent children's book writer of cryptic rhyme
MelLane: Really? Wow!
Verla: AWK!
Miriam_: and lots of other stuff it called for lyra
Verla hides from the evil celery....
Suzy-Q takes the celery and baths it in peanut butter.
Verla: yeah, sq!
Fields-to-: "I Vant to Suck your Juice," the celery lisps evilly
MelLane: Oooooh, GROSS, fields.
Suzy-Q crunchs the evil celery
Fields-to-: SQ....always the hero
Sammeow: You guys are all a little nuts...Nite all.
Suzy-Q adds raisin to the peanut butter and celery and makes ants on a log.
Verla: Ewwww. SQ is eating BUGS
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Writers & Illustrators of Children's Literature Meet Here
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