In Memoriam: Renita Riley 9.21.05

My friend and young adult ministry confidant, Renita Riley passed yesterday, unexpectedly. Today I will write in her memory. She suffered from a heart ailment. I am healing from post partum heart failure. We both have daughters. We're both in our thirties. We both love God.

This senryu I wrote when my doctor's told me I was terminal four years ago. I am still here and no longer terminal, but chronic. And from the doctor's expressions soon to be recovering. The poem is named after my daughter, Selah.

Selah
She sleeps near my heart
Enlarged, wide open for her
God heals mothers posed for praise

God blesses and keeps you now, Renita. We will all meet perfection and you again.

Writing to see what the end's gon' be,
Dee

What I'm Reading this Week

BGina Holmes Conference Prep Tips

Gina Holmes tells her mind blowing account of the ACFW Conference in Nashville as she tells her story she pauses to give us novice authors very important prep tips:

When I see writers who are starting out, trying to sell manuscripts that aren't finished, not even close, and that have major mechanics to learn, I want to shake them with a warning. 'Don't rush, you're going to blow your shot!'

I too was once in a hurry with unready work. I blew a shot or two.

A pause for a tip: Finish your manuscript. Either pay the money to have it proffessionally edited or run it through the toughest critique group you can find. One that will shred it if neccessary. Then give it to five readers or more and have them read it as a whole. Get their honest reactions.

Then go back and fix what they collectively didn't like and then give it to more readers, until the only reaction you seem to be getting is, 'this is as good or better than any book out there.'

Some people may not like your kind of story, that's okay, they'll say, 'I don't normally read scary stuff, or historicals or romances, but this was very well written.'

Then and only then, go search for an agent or publisher. You get one shot with each contact with your ms. And this is a SMALL business. "

Click on the Title of this entry to redirect you to Gina's blog, to more about her time at the conference.

Dee

2005 Pushcart Nominations: Lorraine & James

"The Lorraine and James : 2005 Pushcart Nominations Are In!:">Lorraine and James editorial staff is proud to announce our 2005 Pushcart Nominees for Fiction and Poetry:

Jess Stuart, 'Blood of the Lamb'
Max Sparber, 'A Gift For Effective Language'
Cathleen Richardson Bailey, 'The Mutilated Woman'
Kristi Swadley, “Too Many Saltine Crackers Will Dry Out Your Mouth'
Daniel M. Jaffe, “Modern Times”
Pamela MacIsaac, 'Sweet Potatoes and Coconut'

Congratulations!

editors/staff/litlobbyists
Lorraine and James"

Jasai, congrats. When can I speak with Jess about Blood of the Lamb? :)

Dee