Nina Simone Art Contest Celebrates 79th Birthday

IN RECOGNITION OF 79^TH BIRTHDAY, DR. NINA SIMONE’S DAUGHTER CONTINUES LEGACY OF MOTHER’S CONTRIBUTIONS IN MUSIC AND CULTURE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH AFRICAN INSPIRED ART CONTEST ON WWW.NINASIMONE.COM

Estate Provides Platform for Aspiring Artists, Friends and Fans to Submit Original

Nina Simone African Inspired Artwork

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MIAMI, FL – February 21, 2012 will mark the 79^th birthday and celebrated life of Dr. Nina Simone. As the only child of one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century, SIMONE, re-launched NinaSimone.com last Mother’s Day, to honor the timeless treasures and milestones in her mother’s career.

In commemoration of Dr. Simone’s music and civil rights legacy, the Estate of Nina Simone is holding an African Inspired Nina Simone Art Contest for aspiring artists, friends and fans to pay homage to the musical icon during Black History Month. Original artwork can be submitted to the site’s gallery. Visit www.NinaSimone.com for additional information and contest rules.

As executor of The Estate of Nina Simone and her mother’s biggest fan, SIMONE is dedicated to continuing her mother’s legacy of liberation, empowerment and passion.

“It is my heart’s desire to build upon the foundation that my mother has already built as a legacy walking,” said SIMONE. “I embrace this obligation on behalf of future generations and lineages in commemoration of the undeniable contributions Mommy has made in music and culture as a whole.”

NinaSimone.com explores the many nuances and flavors that made up the real Nina Simone. The website features a “blog,” whereby notable influencers have contributed personal Nina Simone experiences, encounters and memories. Posts to date include Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Bill Cosby, Ledisi, Nikki Giovanni and Dianne Reeves, with many more to come. The site also includes “Nina Simone Radio,” a 24 hour/7 day-a-week internet radio station that provides hundreds of recordings spanning over four decades, interviews and special guest commentary. Other features include: unreleased Nina recordings; archived video performances; and an expanded photo gallery with previously unpublished photos of Dr. Nina Simone behind the scenes and on-stage.

An icon of American music, Eunice Kathleen Waymon was born on February 21, 1933. She was a classically trained pianist and acknowledged as the consummate musical storyteller, a “griot,” as she would proudly proclaim on numerous occasions. Her remarkable talent and magnificent body of work earned her the moniker ‘High Priestess of Soul’ for she could weave a spell so seductive and hypnotic that the listener lost track of time and space as they became absorbed in the moment. When asked what genre she considered her music, without hesitation responded with two words, “Black Classical.”

Definition: Black Classical - a genre that bridges all races, cultures and walks of life; life gifts for everyone without boundaries; Freedom (which is what Dr. Nina Simone’ life epitomized).

As a classically trained pianist, Dr. Nina Simone influenced countless with her musical genius and uncompromising voice to civil unjust. She received numerous recognitions including two honorary degrees in music and humanities from the University of Massachusetts and Malcolm X College. She was also bestowed a diploma by the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, the very music school that denied her admittance at the beginning of her career due to her race. Additionally, Dr. Simone’s hometown of Tryon, NC erected a statute in her honor in 2010.

When Dr. Nina Simone died on April 21, 2003, she left a timeless treasure trove of musical magic spanning over 40 years from her first hit, the 1959 Top 10 classic I Loves You Porgy, to A Single Woman, the title cut from her one and only 1993 Elektra album. While 33 years separate those recordings, the element of honest emotion is the glue that binds the two together - it is that approach to every piece of work that became Dr. Simone’s uncompromising musical trademark.

Among other popular recordings are Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, I Put A Spell On You, Four Women (whereby SIMONE recorded a newer version of her mother’s original classic for the movie soundtrack “For Colored Girls), and Dr. Simone’s own anthems of empowerment -To Be Young, Gifted & Black and Feeling Good. Her trademark version of Feeling Good has become such a standard that it has been covered by Michael Buble, a popular choice for “American Idol” contestants and most recently pop diva Jennifer Hudson.

A multi-talented artist in her own right, SIMONE is very much her mother’s daughter - singer, songwriter and a highly praised performer. Her impressive resume includes starring roles on Broadway in such acclaimed musicals as AIDA, for which she received the National Broadway Theater Award for Best Actress in a Musical and RENT whereby she was nominated for both Helen Hayes and Jefferson Awards for her role as Mimi Marquez.

SIMONE has many exciting projects in development for release over the next year including a double Nina Simone CD, which SIMONE will produce; SIMONE’s own sophomore CD release; a Broadway play on the life and times of Dr. Nina Simone and the re-release of her mother's autobiography.

For additional information, on Nina Simone and African Inspired Art Contest, visit www.NinaSimone.com and on SIMONE, visit http://www.simonesworld.com/.

Want the Same Wristband Israel Houghton,Lee DeWyze, and I have?

Mend Mark Bracelet Thanksgiving Contest

photo: Israel Houghton wearing the Mend Mark Bracelet

The Mend Mark tells a powerful story in two words

Have you been “Marked?” The Mend Mark is an innovative and distinctive bracelet that is designed to reflect the scars and nail holes of Jesus. It is meant to inspire and motivate wearers to live a life of service. A portion of each bracelet sold goes to support Living Water International, an organization combating the clean water crisis victimizing over one billion people worldwide. Each $5,000 given will result in one well drilled, providing a community with clean water.

But wearers should be prepared to be seen. Unique in its design, the Mend Mark is sure to be noticed and gives wearers an opportunity to share the story of the profound love of Jesus for each and every person.

“It was important to me that the design was simple and generic enough that the observer had to ask about it to know what it meant. But I also wanted it to appear distinctive enough that it sparked curiosity,” reveals creator Hunter Harrison. “I wanted it to require the wearer of the product to engage in conversation about the love of Christ (and hopefully show that love to others) instead of just letting the product talk for them.”

The Mend Mark bracelet movement has grown to further fame after being worn during performances by American Idol winner Lee Dewyze, Idol runner up Siobhan Magnus, Decifer Down, Israel Houghton & New Breed, Pillar, and Finding Favour, to name a few, including myself.

 

Would you like this bracelet?

There are two ways to receive it:

• You can purchase here, or
• You can win one from me

How you do win a Mend Mark?

• No purchase necessary
• Visit Mend Mark’s Facebook Page (optional)
• then share with me how you will be of service to your world

I will put the entries into a hat and let Selah pick the winner. Cool? I will pick the winner November 19, 2010, so you can get your gift of thanks before Thanksgiving.

*Note. If you’re not a Facebook Friend, invite me to be your Friend and leave a special message that you are entering the Mend Mark contest.

Related articles

• Facebook PJ Party with Author Shana Burton (deegospelpr.com)
• RSJ Aspiring Author Contest (deegospelpr.com)
• Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls & Oprah's Very Possible Book Club Pick (deegospelpr.com)

RSJ 2011 Aspiring Author Contest

This contest helped me get my three book deal with Dafina. The doors are now opened for your chance. Learn more below…

RSJ 2011 Aspiring Author Contest

(Contest Registration Opens 1 Aug)

Each year aspiring fiction authors take a step closer to having their dreams come true by entering the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Author Contest. The winners' manuscripts are read by an editor or agent with a chance at publication or representation.

Previous winners and prizes. ( I won 3rd)

Genre: Black Romance/Women's Fiction

Prizes:

1st Place: Manuscript reviewed by Editor Latoya Smith from Grand Central Publishing for possible publication.

2nd Place: Manuscript reviewed by Editor Selena James from Kensington Books for possible publication.

3rd Place: TBA

Submission Package:
To help prepare contestants for submitting to publishing houses and agents, the entries will resemble a submission package sent to agents and publishers except remove your name from the query, synopsis and sample pages. You can call yourself Contestant. Submissions are electronic (sent via email). The file should be a Microsoft Word document. In the body of the email, be sure to give the name you registered in the contest under and the title of your novel.
Format:
• 1 inch margins all around
• Font Times New Roman, 12pt

Include (one email, 3-4 attachments):
• 1 page query letter single spaced addressed to:

Ms. C. Judge

2 Busy St.

New York, NY, 10101

Sign it Contestant.

Your query letter may be in the body of the email.

• Synopsis double spaced (3 page max).

• 15 sample pages double spaced.

• Cover page (this page does not count toward your 15 sample pages)
• In the manuscript header, place the Novel Title / Author and Page Number
• If you need an extra page or two to complete a scene, that’s okay.

• Contest registration form if you have not already submitted it.

Note on Eligibility: If you have not had a full-length novel published by a traditional publisher, you are eligible for this contest. Therefore, if your publishing credits are, short stories, novellas, poetry, non-fiction and or you are self-published, you are eligible.

Important Dates: All submissions must be received by 28 February 2011. The winners will be announced at the Emma Awards Banquet during RSJ 2011. Winners not in attendance at the the Emma Awards will be notified by email the first week of May 2011.
Contest Fee:
Please make a $30 money order or cashiers check payable to: Romance Slam Jam
Mail payment and Contest Registration Form to:
Romance Slam Jam
c/o Deatri King-Bey
P.O. Box 822
Tolleson, AZ 85353
If you'd like to pay using PayPal, the fee is $35. Email payment and registration form to deatri@romanceslamjam.org

Once payment and the Contest Registration Form have been received, instructions will be emailed to you on where to send the submission. Please note, registration fee is non-refundable.
Refer any questions regarding the Romance Slam Jam Aspiring Authors contest todeatri@romanceslamjam.org

Good Luck!

Help Selah and I end our Mommy/Daughter Summer Staycation in Style!

Share

 

me and girlee(above on my back)

Okay. If you don't know. Girlee(my daughter) & I have planned  a Mommy/Daughter Summer Staycation this year for her summer vacation. We've been everywhere. Last Sunday we participated in The Great Cupcake Smackdown. The week before that she went to The Aquarium, The Atlanta Zoo and The Coke Museum via Girl Scouts of Atlanta, and that's just a bit of all we've done.

But this next thing is free for me, but depends all on you.

We want to end our Staycation by attending a fancy dinner at one of the top Atl restaurants. DiningOut Atlanta Magazine is offering a free $50 gift certificate, if we get 50 people to like their Facebook Page before anyone else.

All you have to do is visit Dining Out http://www.facebook.com/DiningOutMagazineAtlanta?ref=ts at  and like their page.

Then come back here and let me know in comments, so I can calculate who liked them. And use this page as a reference.

Thanks.

Now I guess I owe you all a note on my wall. (lol)

GoodGirlz Contest Slumber Party

Author Reshonda Tate Billingsley has a super cute contest for teen BFF Girls Clubs. Teen Groups with minimum seven girls participating(book buyers) can win the chance to  have Reshonda Skype into their Good Girlz slumber party, receive a pizza party for up to 10 friends, autographed copies of the Good Girlz books and get featured on http://www.goodgirlz.org/
Check out my review of Caught Up in the Drama in Romantic Times Review April issue(on newstands now)
How to enter click the pic or visit http://www.goodgirlz.org/.

Thursday Writer’s Talk: Cindy Woodsmall

So proud of author bud Cindy Woodsmall. Check out her Talk at Ohio State University. She shares her writing process and the hard work she puts in making her stories realistic and honoring the Amish community.

Nora at Psalm516 has a great contest with Cindy at her blog.

BIG GIVE AWAY - For your chance to win a Signed copy of WHEN THE HEART CRIES, Cindy's First book, a Signed copy of THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS and TWO Pot holders made by Amish woman. Leave a comment about the interview and a way to contacting you if you win. DRAWING is on APRIL 12th

2nd Annual New Year's Resolution Writing Prompt Contest

A New Year Writing Prompt and Contest for you. Here are the rules:

1. Write a 250 word (1 page) snippet based on this writing prompt.


2. Post a link to the snippet from your blog here or email it to post here in the comments section, or post link on Twitter with hashtag #NewYearWrite. (My Twitter ID is deegospel)
   


3. Comeback Jan. 12, 2009 to see if you win.

The prize:

• My ebook, The Book Diva's Guide to Publicity and Reviews


• Urban inspirational artists, Destiny Praise single CD, "His Will."


• a free review of your plot sketch or first chapter (your choice)

• and a surprise. it's so hush, hush, even I don't know what it is.

Pass the contest onto your writing buddies. Enjoy,

OH!! The prompt....

If God sent an angel down just to turn your latest resolution into reality what would you change? This could be a fictional account and it doesn't have to be complete. A vignette would do. Note: if you want to win check through my blog and read what I look for in a good book or read my Halo Eve's Writing tips in the sidebare.

Why don't you get yourself a gift? It's free. Subscribe to christianfiction by Email

Dee

Special Announcement: Destiny Praise, Gerard Henry & Me on Blog Talk Radio

Destiny Praise Tonight on BlogTalkRadio
8:30 PM
Call in #: (646) 595-4699
Click here to listen online and chat

Atlanta,GA]— Destiny Praise kicks into overdrive with its sophomore release, Driven. “His Will,” the first single released from then project is currently the #1 most downloaded CCM single on R & R. Broken the third song on the project is the theme song for Praise 97.5‘s Cocoa Brother Radio show, the #1 FM radio show in Atlanta. This group’s explosion on the charts and in contemporary Christian life is not an enigma, but the beginning of new shift in CCM Music.

Dr. Bryan E. Crute, Senior Pastor of Destiny Metropolitan Worship Church in Atlanta, Georgia hand-picked the nine-piece ensemble in 2001. Since then they have opened for John P. Kee and Kim Burrell. Grammy Award winning music Producers Travon and Tandria Potts(Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Monica,) created their debut and latest project, Driven. With those combined forces, they have won the 2006 Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards for Best Vocal Group/Duo. Another highlight for DP was singing in conjunction with the Purpose Driven Worship Conference at Saddleback Church, under Pastor and author Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life).

Tonight Destiny Praise will be chatting with Gerard Henry and you. I'll be giving away a CD to those who listen on the show.

Weekend Chat & Contest: Have you ever been a Part of a Social Movement Inspired by a Book?

I read books and therefore receive many kinds of bookmarks for gifts. I have jeweled ones, cute Hello Kitty Ones, and your basic paper variety. But this summer I received the best bookmark ever, so far. Jerry B. Jenkins' Riven bookmark.




Why am I gaga over this bookmark? Look above. It comes with a pin. The pin is designed in the shape of a crucifix with the words "Riven" inscribed on top. When I saw it I immediately knew I wanted to wear this.

Why?

• It's a evangelism tool
• It's a book marketing tool
• It invited community into the discussion
  

I will talk about these whys in detail through the week and would like you to help me write these posts, so I am opening this discussion up to the community via utterz, twitter and on your blogs. I have 2 questions for you. Let me know your answers between now and August 3, 2008, and you will get the chance to enter a drawing to win a free copy, of Riven and the cool bookmark that I'm wearing. So The questions are:

What's Your Favorite BookMark? Or What's Your Favorite Tee-Shirt?

(I just won a cool Eat.Live. Tweet Tee-Shirt last night at The First Online Tweet-up hosted by my new buddy, Billy Fairchild AKA Tw3nty3ight

Have you ever been a part of a Social Movement inspired by a Book or Media Platform?

I have been a part of a few: Terry McMillan's novels changed not only my perception of AA women, but my generation, as well as Sweet Valley High, teen novels. I'm pretty sure Sherri Lewis' The List, which comes out in March 2009 will start a revolution among progressive, single Christian women. And of course you know I'm Twitastic.

About Jerry B. Jenkins' Riven, the novel:

Brady Wayne Darby and Thomas Carey could hardly have been more disparate individuals. Yet when Darby, a no-account loser raised in a dingy suburban trailer park, encounters Carey, a weary man of God, an entire state—indeed a nation—is affected. Embark on a wondrous journey where death, guilt, and despair are unfathomably trumped by rebirth, forgiveness, and hope. (Tyndale, 560pp, $24,99)
Click here to order.

Mobile post sent by deegospel using Utterz. Replies. mp3
Click here to listen.

Dee & Mom Know the 7 Secrets 2 Love Giveaway

THIS SUMMER HAVE AN INTIMATE BIBLE STUDY w/LOVED ONES

This summer I planned to start a new bible study. For the past three years I have shared a woman's bible study with church friends from my old neighborhood. But like me many of them have relocated, so I thought I would be solo this summer. To my surprise my mom asked to join me. My mom and I are polar opposites in terms of personality, but we share the same spiritual beliefs and have the same hearts' desires, to take care of our families the best way we know how. It was appropriate that we chose Dr. Gary Chapman's Love as a Way of Life.

USE THIS BOOK AS A NINE WEEK BIBLE STUDY

The book is broken up in three parts. We used the first part as a warm-up to get to know each other. The second part we are using like a weekly bible study session. Each week we will learn one of the seven secrets to love. We use the bible study companion in the back of the book to take this session deeper. So far so good. I'm learning some things about my mom, myself, our relationship, and what God has probably been trying to tell us for a long time. :)

AN INVITATION AND CONTEST TO BE APART OF 7 SECRETS COMMUNITY

I invite you to use this book as a personal bible study with your parents, your bffs, your spuse, your kids. See how God moves through you. In fact I like this book so much I am giving away a copy here at Christian Fiction Blog. To enter this giveaway you must do one of three things:

• please add my badge to your sidebar(if you have one,)
  
• twitter the link to this blog post with the words "@deegospel & Mom Knows 7 Secrets 2 Love. Do U?" between now and July 23
  
• or join The Christian Fiction Network.

The winner will be announced next Wednesday in our Wednesday Read-Up. (Yeah I know. I didn't post one this week. :) Leave your entry in the comments. Thank you.

A little more about Gary Chapman

CFB: What is the take-away message of Love as a Way of Life?

Dr. Chapman:

Love as a Way of Life is designed to help the person who sincerely wants to make a positive impact in the world. I believe that is ‘most of us.’ Our biggest problem is that we don’t know how and we keep getting tripped up by our own selfish ambitions. The purpose of the book is to help us break free from the prison of selfishness and come to experience the satisfaction of truly loving others as a way of life. It is little acts of love that build up to a lifestyle of service.

Author Bio:
Gary Chapman is the author of twenty-five books, including the New York Times bestseller The Five Love Languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. His daily radio program, A Love Language Minute, is broadcast on more than 100 stations nationwide. Chapman, a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Wheaton College, Wake-Forest University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, serves on the pastoral staff at Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Win $500 Zappos Gift Certificate

Win $500 Zappos gift certificate by participating in the What's the coolest thing you can do with a shoe? contest The contest lasts for three weeks. I would love to win some shoes. Let me know if you enter. :)

20th Carnival of Christian Writers: CFB Featured

Writer . . . Interrupted’s Blog Carnival of Christian Writers
has been runningfor over a year and a half now and features blog
posts about the craft and call of Christian Writing.

To celebrate the 20th carnival they are giving away
an awesome prize ~

p2 weeks - month of Free Advertising on
Writer . . . Interrupted OR

A Writing Critique of a
First Chapter (up to 10 pages)

Participants will get one entry and referring participants will get
an extra entry for each participating referral to the carnival.
Winners will be selected at random.com and notified by email
& posted at Writer . . . Interrupted on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

COME SUPPORT MY ENTRY & ENJOY THE CARNIVAL!

Dee Stewart is starting a series on self-editing with an emphasis on the major pieces of junk that bogs down your prose. See what she has to say at “Self Editing Habits: My Writing Hygiene“.

20th Carnival of Christian Writers Contest

Writer . . . Interrupted is announcing its 20th Blog Carnival of Christian Writers to be held on Monday, May 26th, 2008. The blog carnival has been running for over a year and a half and features blog posts about the craft and call of Christian Writing. Past participants include authors, editors, literary agents, and aspiring writers.

We are looking to add at least 20 new participants to the carnival in celebration of the 20th carnival. Participants in the 20th carnival will be eligible to receive an awesome prize! Each participant will get one entry and referring participants will get an extra entry for each participating referral to the carnival. Winners will be selected at random.com and notified by email and posted at Writer . . . Interrupted on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

Tell Gina, Dee at Christian Fiction sent you!

Whisper of Freedom MEME Sticky Tour & Contest

Happy Freedom Sticky Fest!

I'm excited to be a part of Tricia Goyer's Whisper of Freedom MeMe Sticky Post Tour & Chest of Gold Contest. I had so much fun last week with the MommyFest I'm excited for a new thing, particularly a Christian Fiction Thing.

Before I post my MEME results and the Contest info I want to say a few things about A Whisper of Freedom (Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War Series, Book 3):

1. I love that there is a summary at the beginning of the novel to catch me up to speed with Sophie.
2. It' has a multicultural subplot. Deion Clay and Gwen (an AA romance subplot) love that and Oliver Law, an AA fighter for Spain.
   
3. The story feels real. Tricia has made me a fan of historicals again. I love that she includes the Brave men of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, an excerpt...
   

Then, as he[Deion] lay there, another face filled his memory. It wasn't one from his dream, but rather the face of the nurse who cared for him. The strength and meekness that shone through her eyes, her shy smile--all made his heart beat faster.

During the tour, you can enter to win one of FIVE signed copies of A Whisper of Freedom by signing up for Tricia's newsletter there!

The Contest:
Three brave "players" will be selected at random to win their own lost gold (Gourmet chocolate coins and all three books in the Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War series). To enter all you have to do is answer the MEME on your blog and then leave a comment on Tricia’s blog tour post here that you’ve posted your MEME. Easy.

Thanks all so much for your willingness to play along!

OK. My Chance...

List three things you would do with a chest full of gold (assuming you got to keep it!)

1. Determine the value of the gold.
2. Tithe appropriately
3. Invest it and live on 10% of it annually.
   

2. List three charities/missions/organizations you support (and why).

1. I support March of Dimes. My sister has had two miscarriages. After the last one The March of Dimes contacted her about testing for a rare blood clot disorder.
   
2. I support the American Heart Association, because I am a post partum heartfailure patient.
3. I support The Girl Scouts, because I am one. :)
   

3. List three ways you have volunteered your time/services.

1. I've been a Girl Scout Leader for three years.
2. I help a newbie writer each year better their craft.
3. I promote many gospel recording artists for free.
   

4. List three things you keep "hidden" when company comes over.

1. My tenor saxophone
2. My art portfolio
3. A box of love letters from all my former loves.
   

5. List the last three things you've lost.

1. Seven years of writing. All my novels, mag articles, tear sheets.
2. I lost a child last year.
3. I lost a new boyfriend.
   

6. List the last three things you've found.

1. I found my spunk again.
2. My love for Yoga.
3. My prayer life.

Photo of World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr. courtesy of Medal of Honor. Sgt. Carter is not depicted in Tricia's novel, but his life mirrors the lives of the soldiers that fight for freedom in her novels.

Let Your Readers Hear Your Passion Contest!

Since its spring and people are ready to get out and mingle, this is a great time to talk and act on book promotion. Therefore, this month Christian Fiction Blog has begun its 1Question Author Interview Spring Series. The question is appropriately: What's the Best Way to Promote Your Books?

Tricia Goyer, bestselling author of Generation Next Marriage steps off her blog tour today to share her best promotion secret.

I LOVE doing radio interviews. It's fun because every interviewer is different. Also people get to HEAR my passion ... and I get to tell stories about my books. Plus, there are opportunities for huge audiences. It's a win, win, win.

Tricia

Speaking of passion. ..Tricia has a great contest for the lovers in you. Oh...and you can win a date with your spouse (whoo-hoo) Love Gen X Style!
Share your story and WIN a dinner for TWO to the restaurant of your choice! ($50 maximum) Tell us the story of how you and your spouse met. If you have photos, send those along, too! All the stories will be published on this blog. The winning story will be the one with the most comments...so tell your friends. A winning story will be chosen at the end of the blog tour and will be published in Tricia's monthly newsletter! (Just think, you'll be famous! Contest entry form for Generation NeXt Marriage blog tour! If you enter the contest and I hope you do, tell Tricia, Dee sent you. :)

How to Win Vonda Skelton's Treasure Box

Vonda's celebrating the release of her new book, Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe by hosting a blog basket bonanza!!! There are many sweet treats in this goody pack, but the book is divalicious enough to stand on its own as a gift for your girlfriends' souls.

Why? You can use it to build a summer girlfriend bible study. The book include eleven chapters that could be used as lessons, with the appendix acting as a chapter by chapter question primer. And if you win Vonda's treasure box, you and your girlfriends can share the loot!

What's inside the Treasure Box:

• Designer Gift Box
• One copy of: Seeing Through the Lies, Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island, Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island.
• A stretchy bracelet with Sterling Silver Beads, Gold Swarovski Pearls, Turquoise and Blue Zircon Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Masquerade Mask Charm.
• Bookmark custom-made with Sterling Silver Beads, Gold Swarovski Pearls, Turquoise, Blue Zircon and Clear Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Masquerade Mask Charm on a 4.75 inch Silver Plated Bookmark.
• Gold Tri-fold picture frame.
• Pewter-colored oval picture frame.
• Jeweled decorated cross.
• Peanut caramel clusters.
• Caramel Truffles.
• Mini-Yankee Candle.
• Three-pack sample tea bags.
• Sample Columbian Supremo Coffee.
• Oh My! Itty Bitty Chai Packet.

Wow! That's a lot.

So how do I enter this contest, Dee?

Answer my question below either here, via email or in a separate blog post, but link back to this post, so that I can track you. Once you respond I will add your name to the Christian Fiction Kitty, then send it to Vonda. Check Vonda's blog everyday. Other bloggers on the tour will be blogging about this contest. Leave a comment on their blog and you get another chance to enter. Every time you post, you earn a ticket! On April 4 she will pick a name from her hat to be the winner. Just in time to for your class kickoff. Cool beans!!

And now the question:

What is the biggest myth you believed in that made a mess

New Year's Writing Prompt Project Contest

A New Year Writing Prompt and Contest for you. Here are the rules:

1. Write a 250 page snippet based on this writing prompt.


2. Post a link to the snippet from your blog here or email it to post here in the comments section


3. Comeback Jan. 7, 2008 to see if you win.

The prize:

• My ebook, The Book Diva's Guide to Publicity and Reviews


• Urban inspirational artist, Darlene McCoy's maxi-single CD, "Fallen in Love."


• a free review of your plot sketch or first chapter (your choice)
  
• and a surprise. it's so hush, hush, even I don't know what it is.

Pass the contest onto your writing buddies. Enjoy,

OH!! The prompt....

If God sent an angel down just to turn your latest resolution into reality what would you change? This could be a fictional account and it doesn't have to be complete. A vignette would do. Note: if you want to win check through my blog and read what I look for in a good book or read my Halo Eve's Writing tips at the bottom of CFB face page.

Why don't you get yourself a gift? It's free. Subscribe to christianfiction by Email

Dee

Fall into Thankswriting Contest

Have you shared your spiritual life story with yourself?

This fall I am attending a class about the life of theologian, Howard Thurman. In this class our chief objective is to think of our own spiritual lives. How did our faith find us? What have we learned so far?

I got to thinking. Hmm...I've made so many bad turns and wondered down winding roads leading me back to where I was afraid to go. I really need to figure this thing out before it's too late.

Well, two weeks ago I received an invitation to review-one of my gospel favorites- Amy Grant's memoir, Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far." What I discovered is that she--like me-- has struggled on her soul's journey, worried whether her children would find their faith, and wondered if her life as an artist was what God wanted for her.

She writes...

"I have been a part of several Billy Graham crusades since then. The last one was in Minneapolis in the late nineties. Before the evening started, I had a chance to visit with Billy.I felt pretty sure I was headed for a divorce, though no one knew it but me, and out of respect, I felt like I needed to tell him that my life was derailing. His organization sets a high standard. If I was going to stand on his stage as an invited guest, I didn't want anyone to be taken surprise by later events. He talked to me about his own children, reminding me that God is always at work in our lives, even when we take the long way home. The good news of the gospel was as powerful[to me] in the tiny curtained-off backstage area where we spoke as it was in the full-to-capacity stadium that night."

I invite you to read Amy's story and discover your own. This month Christian Fiction Blog is hosting the Fall into Thankswriting Contest. We are giving away three copies of Amy Grant's memoir through a drawing.

How to enter this contest?

1. You must be a subscriber of Christian Fiction Blog.Subscribe to christianfiction by Email
2. You must post a short comment about how Amy Grant’s music has inspired your life.
   
3. And…pledge to write a piece of your own life’s mosaic to read to your family this Thanksgiving. (Girl Scouts Honor :)

Why Did I Get Married Love Story Contest

Win a romantic getaway to Lake Tahoe with the one you love! Send LionsGate a story about how you make your relationship work and they will send the two of you to a romantic getaway to Lake Tahoe. Send email to whydidigetmarried @ lionsgate dot com. Include in the subject matter "contest submission." Click the pic for official rules.

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Related topic:
3 Ways to Convince Your Hubby to take you to see Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?

Why Did I Get Married: the Movie

First Chapter Romance Contest

Gather is very pleased to announce the next generation of First Chapters: The Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition. On August 1, we’ll launch this new competition in conjunction with Simon & Schuster’s Pocket Books imprint and Borders. This unique opportunity will enable one talented Gather member to win a guaranteed publishing contract, along with a $5000 cash advance!

Here’s How It Works: From August 1 through August 22, aspiring romance writers will have the opportunity to submit a full-length romantic fiction manuscript for consideration. Over the course of the competition, authors will post chapter one of their manuscripts in the First Chapters Romance Group. These chapters will be rated by the Gather community and the Gather Editorial Team, and five finalists will be selected through two rounds of voting. (See our new voting guidelines.) One Grand Prize Winner will then be chosen for publication by a panel of judges.

So are you an unpublished author who’s passionate about getting your romance novel into bookstores? Well, put away your unrequited query letters and enter The Gather.com First Chapters Romance Writing Competition. For those of you who don’t have a romance novel at the ready, readers are needed, too! In the weeks to come, you can join other romance lovers and writers to help read and rate the entries. Who deserves their big break? YOU can help decide. Click here to learn more.