Normally, I am really good at starting a novel or story. Normally, the beginnings are a breeze for me. Normally, my growls and hair-pulling take place 2/3 of the way through a story.
An Unexpected Man is not shaping up to be a normal story. I can only hope and pray that the rest of the book isn’t as hard to share as the first chapter was, or the Virtual Grand Opening will be delayed!
I want to thank the folks on twitter who follow me and cheer me on and commiserate with my struggles. If you’re on twitter, look for @sandyquill and come say hello.
Tags: beginnings, first chapter, twitter, Writing
Interested in having a short story of yours published? Willing to work for it? 
I have been asked to be on the judging panel for a writing contest that can get you just that. The Key to the Kingdom Competition (click the banner to go to the website) is being held to give the opportunity to a writer for publication at the end of Jennifer Barry’s next book in her The Kingdom series.
The rules and requirements are spelled out clearly at the website (http://kingdomcontest.wordpress.com — in case the above link doesn’t work for you) but in brief, they are as follows:
1 — Your story has to be written for a Young Adult audience.
2 — Your story should be between 2,000 and 8,000 words.
3 — Your story must not have been previously published in any venue.
4 — This is an anonymous contest, which means that the judges MAY NOT KNOW who has written what. When we, the judging panel, receive the qualifying stories, they will be devoid of the entrant’s name and be identified solely by a random number.
There is a prize package to compete for as well as publication at the end of the Barry’s next book. If you are interested in writing Young Adult Fiction, click on over! Entries being accepted from 1 April until 31 May!
Tags: competition, Writing, YA fiction
One of the biggest aspects of Journeys into Justice that struck me powerfully was how very practical it is.
Unlike some books that “talk a good game,” Harper has, in essence, created something like a business model for applying his theology and interpretations of Scriptures to the betterment of society, bringing social justice to those that are in need.
The focus is on “building collaborative organizations for positive change.” Social transformations will not occur due to one person on the street, no matter how good their idea is or how giving their heart might be. People must come together to make changes. And they must come together powerfully.
Citing several social advocacy groups and models of instigating social justice, Harper shows how successful groups are inclusive of different approaches and inclusive in their requirements. Exclusionary practices of some theologically-based helping organizations are not as effective as more inclusive groups when it comes down to organizing, promoting and implementing specific, goal-oriented programs.
Harper cites several collaboratives when it comes down to demonstrating an effective bridging approach between faith-based organizations and more secular group management for effective implementation. Local, Regional and National religious collaboratives are studied as they assist families after disasters, people who absolutely need affordable housing and the very popular Living Wage Campaign.
Recommended for anyone interested in Social Justice Christianity and those who are wanting to apply their theology to making concrete changes in the world around them.
