Conferences, EVENTS•
on August 23rd, 2009•
Before I head to bed, it suddenly occurred to me, I forgot to blog about a fantastic online event authors and writers certainly don’t want to miss – The SORMAG 2009 Online Conference.
I will be presenting an Online Marketing Workshop on Friday, August 28th. I’ve spent most of the weekend updating a former workshop. So much had changed in a year!
To visit the full schedule of great workshops, telechats and panels go to: http://sormag.blogspot.com/2009/06/register-for-online-conference.html
OR just stop by the main page at http://sormag.blogspot.com/
As the SORMAG Online Conference Event Coordinator, LaShaunda Hoffman often says – See ya on the Net!
Musings•
on August 23rd, 2009•
I’ve been looking for a new church home for most of the year. Where I live, there are hundreds of churches. The task of where to start was a bit daunting. So I have to say I sat quite a few Sundays out. I watched television broadcasts and even attended church “online.” Neither was quite the same as going to a physical church.
To jumpstart my search, I decided to go back to my roots a bit. The first church I ever joined was an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Methodists are very orderly and it many cases very traditional. I wasn’t sure if this was what I wanted in a church home after spending a number of years attending a non-denominational church. I can say every AME church I’ve visited, there is a sense of comfort in knowing the order of service.
There has been a church I’ve attended three Sunday’s in a row now and I’m already feeling at home. There are few things I really like:
- The pastor is female. That’s definitely different for me.
- She is a bible-teaching pastor. A pastor who studies is important.
- The congregation is really friendly. I’ve visited churches where even the ushers weren’t very welcoming.
- The church is about growth and serving the community. I really don’t enjoy churches who seem to collect money only for the building fund.
Last Sunday as I was leaving, the pastor asked me my name. Today, we actually talked. Her reaching out and and today’s sermon on “Lukewarm Religion” (Revelations 3:14-22) were big for me. So, it appears I may be getting close to the end of my search.
I’m definitely not a pew sitter. I’ve always worked in the church whether in Sunday School or Women’s Ministry, so I’m looking to get back on track after a year of intense transitions.
When did you know your church was the right fit for you?
Nonfiction•
on August 13th, 2009•
As usual, I’m behind on book reviews. I did want to post the books for this blog tour because they will make wonderful additions to your reading and bible study time. Kay Arthur is included in this tour - one of my favorite bible study teachers. Check out some of her titles below.
The Friends We Keep: A Woman’s Quest for the Soul of Friendship
by Sara Zacharias Davis
During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.
The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks: read more
The Playlist•
on August 13th, 2009•
Today, I want to introduce one of my writing partners. We met via Kendra Norman-Bellamy’s Writers Hut group.
I have had a chance to read Naima’s memoirs and was really touched by her candor and her testimony. While she is a writer, she is also a recording artist.
Take a listen We Have Come! below. I know you are going to like it, so join Naima’s mailing list at www.naimajohnston.com and spread the word.
[podcast]http://www.tyoramoody.com/mp3/WeHaveCome.mp3[/podcast]
read more
Fiction, REVIEWS•
on August 13th, 2009•
Wounded: A Love Story
by Claudia Mair Burney
Gina Merritt struggles with being a single mother and her mental illness. She seeks relief by attending the Ash Wednesday service at her beloved church home. To her shock, the comfort she seeks comes in the form of a vivid vision, followed by blood flowing from her palms.
read more
WIP Updates•
on August 11th, 2009•
I’ve had a weird year. I looked at the calendar last week and decided it was time to come out of my period of non-writing. I’ve been knocked back a good bit, keeping me from my goals, but it’s time to dust off the manuscripts.
To kind of help jumpstart me, I decided to finally join Sisters in Crime. Here’s the mission:
“The mission of Sisters in Crime is to promote the professional development and advancement of women crime writers to achieve equality in the industry.”
I downloaded the newsletter tonight and will be reading over it the next few days. I’m excited about the organization and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a mystery and suspense writer.
I also have become familiar with the characters in my When Rain Falls manuscript. This is the first book in a three-book series, so I’m hoping in a few weeks to work on the outline for the other two books. Ideas are brewing. 
Fiction, REVIEWS•
on August 6th, 2009•
Illusions
by Wanda B. Campbell
Denise Hightower has been married to Pastor Bryce Hightower for over three years. She’s confident in his love for her and enjoys being by his side. That is until she finds out her husband and pastor has a secret addiction.
Being the First Lady, Denise already has to deal with scrutiny and in many ways protects her husband. She tries to pretend all is normal in front of the congregation, but when the burden starts to get the best of Denise, her self-esteem plummets. As she moves farther away from Bryce, can their marriage survive?
read more
Before I head to bed, it suddenly occurred to me, I forgot to blog about a fantastic online event authors and writers certainly don’t want to miss – The SORMAG 2009 Online Conference.
