VondaSkelton.com

Word Pictures: Out of the Mouths of Babes

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Our kids' and grandkids' statements are often good for a laugh, but could there be more to them than that? Honestly, could "MaMa, why is your arm like a water balloon?" assist me in some way as a writer and speaker?

This Isn't What I Signed Up For!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

As a mature nineteen-year-old who had helped raise three younger siblings, I had a keen sense of maternal instinct. And that maternal instinct told me natural childbirth was the way to go.

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Renae Brumbaugh

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In 2007 Renae Brumbaugh went to a writer's conference. They said authors should have a blog. She went home and started a blog. They said writers should send out queries. She sent out queries. They said writers should be in a critique group. She joined a critique group. Two years later she has two traditionally-published books with three more contracted, a syndicated column, and has had over 200 articles published. Lucky girl.

Yea. Right.

The Journey to Becoming a Master Writer

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Yes, the day I placed my fingers on the keys of the blue and silver Selectric, I was confident I was embarking on a short trip to bestseller lists and six-figure royalties. Little did I know the long and winding road that lay ahead.

Research: The First Step to a Great Story

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As I write this entry, I'm on the coast of NC, researching settings and story ideas for the fourth Bitsy book, Bitsy and the Mystery at __________ (location to be decided, hopefully this week). To be honest, one of the hardest parts about writing the Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries is coming up with plausible reasons for a 12-year-old girl from a poor Greenville, SC family to visit all these cool islands! It all begins with research.

Developing Beautiful Feet (It's a Message for Guys, Too!)

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The Christian Writer's Den weekend is filled with sixteen women (Sorry guys, but we aren't able to invite you--at least not yet!), delicious food prepared and served by our own cook, praise and worship, teaching from God's Word, writing instruction, and hours of uninterrupted writing time. Yes, you read right--sixteen women remain totally quiet for hours at a time! Why?

Which Side of the Coin? by Guest Blogger Ray Simmons

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Ray admits his life has changed. But in this letter to the Elders of his church, Ray shares the joy of knowing God has blessed him, even through this trial. We could all learn a lesson from Ray.

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Kathi Macias

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Imagine the horror of being told your mother has been murdered. Now imagine discovering your son committed the crime. That's the premise of Kathi Macias' latest novel, My Son, John.

Writing Opportunities for YOU!

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Since I'm on the road this week in the great state of Texas, today's entry will get right to the point: Writing Opportunities.

Money in My Mailbox

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Last week I walked out the door to the mailbox. I came back in $25 richer. It was the second time I had gotten free money. Well, maybe not totally free, but almost.

Writer, Fear Not!

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Okay, go ahead. Admit it. You know it's true, so just go ahead and say it: You like to write. You find joy in writing. You may even feel you've been called to write. The question is, why aren't you? Why aren't you writing? I'll tell you why. You're afraid. I know...because sometimes I'm afraid, too.

Author Interview and Book Give Away with Sharon Fawcett

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Have you ever struggled with depression? Does someone you love suffer with it? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you won't want to miss today's interview with author and speaker, Sharon Fawcett. Sharon and I met in the cafeteria line years ago when I was teaching at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference, now CLASS Christian Writers Conference.

Coke, Sweet Tea, and Grace: Ingredients of a Novel

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I took one last look in the mirror, then touched up my lipstick, primped my hair, and brushed my teeth...again. Everything had to be perfect! After all, I was having dinner with an editor from a major CBA house. I whispered a prayer for direction and discernment. I should have prayed for bigger hands.

Auditioning Characters at the Airport

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As I write this, it's 3:30pm and I'm sitting in the Washington DC airport. According to my flight itinerary, I should already be home, lying on my sofa, dozing off as I pretend to read the newspaper. But instead of snoozing, I'm stuck at the airport, scouting out my next cast of characters...and they don't even know they're auditioning for the part!

A Diva Wannabe

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0400

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Homemaking is not one of my spiritual gifts. Put me on a stage in front of two thousand people and I'll have a ball, but please, please, please don't ask me to pick out a rug or decorate a table.