The Basics of Writing-to -Publish, Books and Articles: The Foundations You Need to Know
by: Cindy M. Jones
This one day workshop was given by Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin on October 9, at Beeson Divinity School’s Lay Academy of Theology on the campus of Samford University in Birmingham.
Denise George, http://www.authordenisegeorge.com/index.html, is the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of magazine articles. She is also a teacher at Beeson Divinity School and the co-founder of Boot Camp for Christian Writers, a one day writing-to-publish seminar held throughout the United States. Mrs. George has written such books as; What Women Wish Pastors Knew (Zondervan) and What Pastors Wish Church Members Knew (Zondervan). Read one of her articles at http://www.kyria.com/topics/spiritualformation/theologyspiritualissues/14.38.html.
Carolyn Tomlin, http://www.carolyntomlin.com/, has authored 8 books and thousands of articles. Her newest release along with George is The Secret Holocaust Diaries The untold story of Nonna Bannister, http://secretholocaustdiaries.com/, which is an amazing story. Mrs. Tomlin retired from her career of education in which she invested 33 years as a professor at Union University. Along with Denise George, Carolyn Tomlin is also a co-founder of Boot Camp for Christian Writers, http://www.beesondivinity.com/layacademyoftheology.
The Basics of Writing was a small and intimate workshop given on a Saturday, 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. Denise George taught the morning session. Denise says of herself, “I believe in providence.” I have to agree with her. The weekend of her workshop, my family and I were suppose to be on the beach for a fall break. But providence prevailed and I was able to attend. Though the workshop focused mainly on newbies to the writing world, I walked away with a noggin full of new ideas, skills, comprehensions and zeal.
“The gift that God gives us, (writers), is passion not writing,” Denise George.
As a seasoned writer, both George and Tomlin did a phenomenal job compacting the amount of information into a day only workshop. For the novice writer, considerable attention was given to the ins and outs of the writing business on a daily basis. The thought process, actual writing tips, creating ideas, finding ideas, researching material, finding credible publications to submit to and the step-by-step method of queries, non-fiction and fiction book proposals.
The presentations were upbeat. Packed with loads of wisdom, persuasive humor held one’s attention while facts, forms and writing formulas filtered through without stifling the learning process. I was impressed with the amount of work George exerted in putting together the informational packets relating to the book proposals. In-depth discussions revolving around the 1 H and 5 W’s (how, why, where, what, when, and who) of the book writing process, proved very insightful. I believe those who have had some success writing would benefit from the workshop as well.
“Like Jeremiah who could not not preach, I can not not write,” Denise George.
Tomlin gave a step-by-step guide to understanding fundamental books such as Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers Market Guide, http://www.stuartmarket.com/, and Writers Market Guide, http://www.writersmarket.com/. She discussed common traits that all good writers should have:
Something to Say
Being an Avid Reader
Write in an Orderly Process
Geniuses at Putting Emotions into Words
The Ability to Ask “why” and “how” Questions
“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he will receive nothing,” Quote from Tomlin’s
class.
Tomlin’s packet was filled with valuable and useful information that I will be putting into use this week. Some of the most helpful advice included:
Finding your niche in writing, where will your experiences be useful and educational?
Finding the time and place to write, be consistent, have a goal, and never give up.
Keeping records is important, ways to do that.
Look for a Gap, where can I answer a question, solve a problem, or educate someone?
Writing terms, agreements and legalities were insightful and easily explained.
Becoming a writer never felt so simple, uncomplicated and achievable. “Basics of Writing-to Publish Books and Articles” is a must for anyone who desires to become a writer.
“Write to inspire people, to make a difference, do a kind thing without anyone knowing you did it, follow the Golden Rule, look for joy in the small things, have friends young and old, that’s how you are successful in life,” Carolyn Tomlin.
I hope you’ll attend their next seminar: “Eight Articles Editors Love—And How to Write Them” Saturday, November 13, 2010
Beeson Divinity Hall, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
Cost: $99.
For more information, contact Denise George or Carolyn Tomlin at:
Cindy,
Thank you for your faithfulness to share what you've learned. As always, your posts are very informative. I'm especially looking forward to what you have to say about finding the time and place to write. As a homeschool mom in fulltime ministry, I'm dedicated to studying the Word of God first thing in the morning – so when do I write?