Writing Contest - First 1,000 Words

First 1,000 Words

Faith and Fiction Retreat Writing Contest

The first 1,000 words of your manuscript can make your career!  Some acquisition editors and agents know after reading the first 1,000 words of your work if theyÂ’d want to represent you or sign you to a book deal.  The first 1,000 words can either draw the reader in, or make them put the book down, never to be retrieved again.

Can you get an editor's attention with YOUR first 1,000 words?  Enter the Faith and Fiction Retreat Writing Contest and find out.

Entry Fee: $35

Deadline for Submission: May 28^th

It's easy to enter!  Just submit to info@faithandfictionretreat.com your:

·         First 1,000 words (Fiction/Non-Fiction genres)

·         Full Synopsis

Your entry will be judged on:

·         Originality

·         Page Turn Appeal

·         Editorial Content (punctuation, typos, etc)

·         Marketability

Prizes

·         Grand Prize: Fifteen minute pitch with the pitch session panel (Latoya Smith, Grand Central Publishing; Mercedes Fernandez, Kensington Books/Dafina; Joylynn Jossel, Urban Christian; Dwan Abrams, Nevaeh Publishing)

·         First Prize(2): Ten minute pitch with the pitch session panel

·         Second Prize (5): Five minute pitch with the pitch session panel

Pitches may be in person or virtual (phone or Skype).  Deadline for submission is May 28^th, winners will be announced June 5^th . 

First 1000 words entry fee $35

Virtual Pitch Session w/ Editors From Four Publishing Houses

If you've heard about the Faith and Fiction Retreat, Pitch Session and would LOVE to participate, but the recession has hindered your travel plans, we've got an option for you!  There's nothing like having a face to face with editors, where they can see, feel and hear the passion you have for your story, but a virtual pitch might be the next best thing!  

Faith and Fiction Retreat - Virtual Pitch

Price $149

How it works:  After paying your Virtual Pitch Registration fee, you can submit your work via email to info@faithandfictionretreat.com.  At the retreat, you will have a scheduled five-minute pitch with the acquisition editors via Skype or phone.  

Pitch Session Editors

Mercedes Fernandez, Dafina/Kensington

Latoya Smith, Grand Central

Joylynn Jossel, Urban Christian

Dwan Abrams, Nevaeh Publishing

All fiction and non-fiction works will be accepted.  At this time, no screenplays, stage plays or poetry will be accepted for the virtual pitch session.  

To register for the Virtual Pitch Session, please submit:

Fiction: Synopsis, Query Letter, 100 word bio, First Three Chapters

Non-Fiction: Synopsis, Outline, First Three Chapters, 100 word bio, Marketing Plan

There are VERY limited slots available for the Virtual Pitch Session, because many authors have signed up to pitch in person!  Don’t wait!  These slots will fill up quickly.  If you don’t have an agent, you NEED the pitch session.

Virtual Pitch Fee - $149  Click HERE to Buy Now

 

Faith and Fiction Retreat - Atlanta - June 18-19th

Registration Details:

Full Registration - $229 – includes all retreat sessions (excluding Pitch Session), luncheon on Saturday, Semi-Formal Faith & Fiction Gala (dinner)
Pitch Session - $159 – Pitch your work to agents and editors! Doesn’t have to be faith-based fiction.
Registration + Pitch Session $239 – If you want to register for the retreat & Pitch your work.
Vendors - $199 – Does not include meals or sessions

To register and pay www.faithandfictionretreat.com/payment.html

Balance due by June 1st 

Hot off the press - Special Saturday rates $119 for all day Saturday and $50 for sessions only (doesn't include the gala.) 

www.faithandfictionretreat.com/saturdayregistration.html

Hotel – Omni at CNN Center room rate of $139
1-800-524-0500 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-524-0500      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Use code “Faith and Fiction” when making reservations

Itinerary Highlights
Pajama Party Book Discussions
Industry insider panels
Faith and Fiction Gala and Awards – Semi Formal
Scavenger Hunt – You’ve got to read the books to win!
Pitch Session with Agents + Editors
Guess the Villain – Your favorite Faith Fiction villains are showing up at the retreat, guess who they are and win prizes!

Stephanie Perry Moore Two New Teen Series

Stephanie Perry Moore has to have two days in this feature, because she has so many books. This year she released two new series; one for the younger and older teens. Here's a little about the second books in both series:


Yasmin Peace Series

It all Begins with Faith

In this second book of the Yasmin Peace series, family tensions and school unrest soar to a fever pitch. A school counselor begins the LIGHT club, a club dedicated to helping eighth grade girls deal with issues like gangs, depression, teen suicide, and self esteem. Yasmin discovers that there is hope on the other side of every obstacle—if she holds on to her faith.



The Beta Gamma Pi Series


Pledging wasn't in Malloy Murray's plans, but it might be exactly what she needs...


Malloy Murray has never had any close girlfriends, so she wasn't really feeling the whole "sorority" thing, but Malloy has to pledge?her mother, the National President of Beta Gamma Pi, is counting on it. After meeting some of the sisters at a party, the idea of becoming a Beta isn't actually so bad. And when Malloy runs into Kade, the guy she's been crushing on, things heat up fast, especially when Sharon—a Beta sister and Kade's girlfriend—vows to do everything to keep Malloy away from Kade and out of the sorority. Now to survive the school year, Malloy’s got to look deep into her heart to find the real meaning of sisterhood.

STEPHANIE PERRY MOORE is the author of many Young Adult Christian fiction titles, including the Payton Skky series, the Laurel Shadrach series, the Perry Skky Jr. series, the Faith Thomas Novelzine series, the Carmen Browne series, and the Beta Gamma Pi series. She is also the co-editor for the impactful BibleZine, REAL. Mrs. Moore speaks with young people across the country, showing them how they can live life fully and do it God's way. Stephanie currently lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and author, and their three children. Visit her website at http://www.stephanieperrymoore.com/.

Author Interview - Bonnie Hopkins

Today, I welcome author, Bonnie Hopkins to Urban Christian Fiction Today. Bonnie is one of the authors I met at the Faith and Fiction Retreat last summer. I purchased her novel, Seasons, and while I admit the Seasons became a Christmas gift, I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this novel because Bonnie really managed to wet my appetite for the story. Plus my girlfriend raved that Season was one fo the best books she'd ever read.

Welcome Bonnie. Introduce yourself to my readers.
I am a happily retired woman who resides in the Houston, Texas area. I live close enough to my grandchildren that I am able to interact with them frequently, and that is a joy. I am currently enjoying my second career as a writer of Christian novels. I am a prayer intercessor in several intercessory groups; I serve in my church and volunteer as often as possible in worthy causes. My most rewarding endeavor is as mentor/coach to a group of aspiring writers and others who just want to be inspired to pursue their God-given gifts.

Tell us about your new release, Now and Than, Again.
Now and Than, Again is the story about a woman whose past is strewn with deep disappointments and hurts. But she has overcome them (she thinks) and is finally beginning to experience new and exciting things. However, just as she begins to savor these new things, a devastating demand issued by an unexpected person from her past sends her reeling with shock. She is forced to face ugly truths about herself when she is challenged to actually WALK her Christian TALK. But strongholds of unforgiveness, hurt, anger and fear, hidden in the rut of her soul, defeat her. Every aspect of her new life is threatened, as these strongholds joyfully wave the flag of victory, and mock her when it seems she is failing the ultimate Christian tests of love, faith and unforgiveness.

Who is your favorite character and why?
My favorite character in the story is Savannah Sinclair – known as ‘Vann’ to family and friends. I love this character’s strength, wisdom and determination. She is the one everyone around her depends on for help in their time of need, - which she tries to give – even in the midst of her own troubling situation.

What would you like readers to take away from this story?
I would like the readers to turn the last page of this book filled with the assurance that God never forsakes His children; that He has the power to reach into the past and bring restoration, renewal and redemption into their present circumstances and relationships. I pray their faith will be stronger, as they are reminded through the story that NOTHING IS OVER UNTIL GOD SAYS IT’S OVER.

How long have you been writing? When did you realize you were gifted/called to write Christian Fiction? I have only been writing books a very short time. Contrary to most writers, who grew up with the desire to write books, I had no idea I would be doing this. It was only as I started down the path to developing my own inspirational greeting card line, and decided to make a devotional a part of it, that I discovered God desired something more from me. I went a few rounds with God over it, and as you can see, God won. Truthfully, it took me a while to realize that writing inspirational books is indeed God’s purpose for my life. But God knew it all along, and it’s truly amazing when I look back over my life and see how God navigated the circumstances of my life to prepare me for this writing journey. Readers can go to my website and read my entire testimony about how God directed the course of my life to bring me into His purpose – writing inspirational stories.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences since publication?
My most rewarding experience is when someone tells me how much my book(s) blessed them, drew them closer to the Lord, or motivated them to make a Godly decision about a situation they were dealing with. And I am overjoyed when they tell me that they are reading it over and over. This assures me I am fulfilling God’s purpose for my life.

What’s been disappointing or difficult? The most disappointing and difficult thing has been my inability to publish more inspiring books to bless others. As many may know, the publishing road is filled with unexpected delays.

Anything else you’d like to share? Although long in coming, this is the most fulfilling and rewarding season of my life. I would like to encourage anyone who may be struggling with finding their purpose in life to continue to pray and trust God. Believe me, He will make it crystal clear in His own timing. But be prepared to jump in with both feet when it happens. And whatever you do, never give up!

How can readers contact you? Where are your books sold.
E-mail: bonniehopkins08@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.bonniehopkins.com/
The book is available in major bookstores and on-line outlets.

Faith and Fiction Retreat 2009

Faith and Fiction Retreat in Orlando on July 16-19. This conference, founded by author, Tiffany Warren was an excellent getaway last year and is sure to be even better this year. The retreat allows readers and bookclubs to come together in a spirit of sisterhood and to get up-close-and- personal with their favorite Christian Fiction Authors.

This year featured authors include Angela Benson, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Tia McCollors and Tiffany herself. Conference events include everything from late night book discussions to book signings to panel discussions with 14 of your favorite inspirational writers, a special session for teens and a session about building a bookclub.

The hotel is a five star resort with a lots of amenities right in the heart of Orlando's theme parks. For details on registration, select here and join us!

I'll be there. For more details visit http://www.faithandfictionretreat.com/

Faith and Fiction Retreat

I'm still recovering from my sunny days in Destin Florida where I attended the Faith and Fiction Retreat (http://www.faithandfictionretreat.com/ ), which means one of two things, either it was really a great or I'm really too old for activity. Suffice to say you know the former would be the true statement. Here are a few pictures of some new and old friends. The first is Reshonda Tate Billingsley in her p.j.'s at the book chat for her novel, The Paster's Wife (excellent read by the way). Reshonda is officially the funniest person I've ever met. The second pic is of Ashea Goldson and Kendra Norman Bellamy from my writer's group and also my sisters on the Urban Christian Book Imprint.













If I had to pick one thing that was best about the retreat, I'd have to say it was meeting the book clubs. What a treat. I've never been a part of a book club, but being a part of the late night chats made me want to join one. I looked forward to attending just to observe how bookclubs discuss the actual books and I was pleasantly surprised at the discourse and/or banter that ensued. Wow! I knew this going in but books really speak into peoples lives. Made me proud I'm an author. Below is a picture of the ladies of the Phenomenal Women Book Club. It was phenomenal to meet them and all the ladies from the Regal Sisterhood Book Club, Glory Girls, Sip n Read, Circle of Friends II and Spirit of Sisterhood. There were also readers who weren't apart of book clubs who attended from as far north as Rochester, New York and Columbus, OH and Texas. It was great to see such devotion to Christian Fiction.



The second best part of the retreat was meeting the authors I've never met in person - Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Michelle Andrea Bowen, Mikasenoja, Bonnie Hopkins and of course our conference host, Tiffany Warren. It was great seeing Victoria Christopher Murray as always. Victoria and Reshonda hosted a great panel for writers about the publishing business and the advice they shared was life changing...that is for my individual writer goals and my marketing plan. I really appreciate these ladies transparency and willingness to share. The other panel discussions were great as well. Ooops, please note my local sister writer friends Sherri Lewis, Kendra Norman Bellamy, Ashea Goldson and Dwan Abrams. You know how it is when you're in Nazareth, I appreciate you all too!

In the first picture from left to right is Tiffany Warren, Sherri Lewis, Kendra Norman Bellamy, Bonnie Hopkins, Victoria Christopher Murray, Dwan Abrams, Reshonda Tate Billingsley and Mikasenoja. In the second picture are Sherri Lewis, Ashea Goldson and Dwan Abrams, my Urban Christian Imprint mates from Atlanta and members of the Visions in Print Writer's Group.




















Finally, the accommodations and the relaxation, superb. I didn't make it to the beach. Can you believe that? I was far too busy, but I did get to rest in a room with windows from floor to ceiling that had an ocean view. I also had some wonderful quiet time on the balcony in the early morning and the late evening hours. I listened to the waves come in on the beach while I spent some awesome time in prayer with the Lord. It was so peaceful and so needed at this time in my life. Yes, this is a picture I took from my balcony on at the Palms of Destin.






So with that all said, the retreat was a real treat. I'm already planning and looking forward to next year. The food was yummy, too. Who ordered the six layer chocolate cake?!!

Make sure to go over to http://www.christianfiction.blogspot.com/ to listen to interviews with attendees that Dee Stewart recorded.

As always, thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

Rhonda