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The TopNotch® Writer
Empowering Christian Writers for the Kingdom of God
Volume 1 ~ Issue 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . November 2008
Published by TopNotch Communications Group, LLC
MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D., CLC, Principal
Copyright 2008. All Rights Reserved.
From the Editor's Desk . . .
As Thanksgiving Day and Christmas approach, things can get pretty hectic. with the result that our stress levels go up and our writing productivity goes down. Plan now to allow time for yourself during this very busy season of the year. Time not only to write, but also time to take care of yourself.
And the best way to take care of yourself is to spend time with Jesus. As you rest in Him, you will find the stress melting away. You will also find that with Jesus at your computer with you, you will write more in less time because He will be speaking to your spirit the words He wants you to write.
Don't let the enemy rob you of your peace this Christmas season. Determine to focus on Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Blessings,
Dr. MaryAnn
In this issue . . .
ATTITUDE
When the Going Gets Rough
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D.
The writing life is a series of ups and downs. We all love the ups, but, oh, those downs! They can be hard to take.
Our Lord foresaw those downs and warned us about them. He said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV).
Be of good cheer. How many of us are of good cheer when we go through the downs of our life? Yet here, Jesus gives us one of the chief keys for victory over tribulation.
Let's look at a few other keys for overcoming during those down times:
1) Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). This key is akin to the one about being of good cheer. Actually, it is the result of being of good cheer. When we are of good cheer, we want to shout hallelujah. A good Holy Ghost shout will do wonders in scattering the enemy and getting us through the downs. Try it and see!
2) In everything give thanks (I Thessalonians 5:18). The verse goes on to say that giving thanks is God's will for us. I don't know about you, but when God reinforces a statement by saying it's His will, I pay extra attention.
What do these three keys have in common? They all indicate that we trust God in the midst of our circumstances.
So there they are: the three keys to get you through the rough times:
1) Be of good cheer.
2) Rejoice in the Lord always.
3) In everything give thanks.
I guarantee that they will unlock the door to victory every single time.
BUSINESS
Keeping the Books
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D.
As a professional writer, you are entitled to tax deductions on expenses related to your writing business. But in order to prove that you are eligible for the deductions, you must keep accurate records. In the event of an IRS audit, you will be required to present documentation for all of your expenses.
I personally use Quicken to record my writing income and expenses. Since I am a one-person operation, Quicken works well for me. If, however, you have full-time office help, you may wish to consider QuickBooks.
Writers have asked me about the need for an accountant. I would strongly suggest that you consult an accountant initially as you set up your writing business. Then, when you have grown sufficiently to warrant it, hiring the services of an accountant is a wise investment.
An accountant is aware of laws, tax deductions, and other information that could impact your writing business in a major way. So don't wait for a problem to strike. Take preventive action and get the help of someone who knows more than you in the area of business and finance.
Of course, if you yourself are an expert in finances and business, you're already ahead in the game.
CRAFT
The Disgruntled Grammarian
by MaryAnn Diorio, Ph.D
By writing nature, I am a purist. In other words, I don't buy into the new rules and regulations for grammar.
For instance, I cringe every time I hear people say, "for you and I". The correct pronoun is me. Objective case. Object of the preposition "for".
Preposition? Did I hear you ask "What's a preposition?" Banish the thought.
And when it comes to putting periods within quotation marks, forget it. I find myself getting really irritated. The period goes at the end of the sentence, not at the end of the quotation marks within the sentence.
Now I hear some of you asking, "Who cares?" Well, I care. That's who!
But the more important question is, "Why do I care?" I care because grammar reflects a culture. A shabby grammar is indicative of a shabby culture.
OK. You say that language is alive and ever changing. I agree. But when it changes for the worse, that's cause for serious concern, if not alarm, in my humble opinion.
Yet I have found that I'm not alone in my crusade against bad grammar. Imagine how delighted I was to discover S.P.O.G.G., the Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar.
Maybe things aren't as hopeless as I thought.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Who Moved The Finish Line? 
by Susan Reinhardt
Imagine a runner, whose eyes are fixed on the tape stretched across the road. Adrenaline courses through her body. Hey, what's happening? Two vehicles move the finish line. Instead of a ¼ mile, she's faced with another three miles.
Like a runner, preparation for a writers' conference and agent/editor meetings begins months before the event. I train. Practice that pitch. Write and re-write. Pull together a dynamite one-sheet. Everyone assures me I'm ready.
Fast forward to the conference. Positive connections are made. Suddenly, I'm in the Twilight Zone. One agent says the writing is good, but wants a book in another genre. A teacher, while somewhat impressed, eliminates almost a third of the pages submitted. A second agent finishes off the tattered remnants.
How do I reconcile contradictory critiques? My story languishes in a Word document, never seeing the light of day for two months. Other projects take priority. Another story jumps to the forefront. Yet, the spark, the joy is missing. Who moved the finish line?
On my way to work, the Lord interrupts my thoughts with a Scripture verse. In the depths of my spirit, I hear, "Why are you looking at the wind and the waves."
I've allowed circumstances and voices to divert my attention. Each critique has value. Encouragement in one area is balanced by correction in another. Like rejection, critiques are part of the writing life, but fear got in the back door and beat me senseless. It's time to re-evaluate the feedback from His perspective.
The finish line may be further away than anticipated, but it's there. I'll keep pressing forward.
_______________________________________________
Susan J. Reinhardt resides in Pennsylvania and attends church in Warrington. Her writing credits include LIVE!, The RevWriter Resource, A Secret Place, and Devotions Magazine. Her work in progress is a mystery/suspense novel. Five months ago, she dipped her toe into blogging waters. You can visit her at www.susanjreinhardt.blogspot.com.
Special Interview with Author / Publisher, Kim Rogers
Several years ago, through a series of providential circumstances, I met the awesome Kim Rogers, dedicated author, devoted pastor's wife, and diligent book publisher. Kim graciously took time from her busy schedule to grant The TopNotch Writer an interview. I present it below for your enrichment and enjoyment.
MaryAnn:
Hi, Kim! I'm so glad to have you with us. Let me start by asking when you first discerned God's call on your life to write and publish. Was it a definite moment in time or a gradual revelation?
Kim:
That was in 1997. The year after my father died, my husband and I had been in the ministry since 1992 and were working at a break-neck pace day and night. I needed an outlet for my stress, and someone to talk to, and having neither, I began to write; so I guess it was a gradual revelation.
MaryAnn:
Tell us about your mission as a writer/publisher?
Kim:
In 1998 God laid it on my heart to write a handbook for pastors' and ministers' wives since there really wasn't anything like that available for that niche. There were hundreds of books for pastors and ministers covering all sorts of topics, but nothing for their wives, and whether people realize it or not, the wife is part of the ministry.
It was four years before the book was actually completed and published. God laid out the design, the Scriptures included, and the lessons He wanted women to undertand. I used to tell God that people were going to hate it, but He told me once they couldn't hate it until they bought it, so I stopped arguing with Him.
During the time I was writing and re-writing this book, God taught me about the publishing business and what one needed to get started. I realized the opportunities for first-time authors were extremely limited, and cost-prohibitive, so I prayed for Him to show me how these obstacles could be overcome.
I did publish my book, and it sold and continues to do so on Amazon.com and in local Christian book stores, and I learned how to do it at an affordable price. Most importantly, I learned how to have enough books to give away, or sell at events, or sell at a discounted rate, as with Amazon, and still be able to cover both the cost of publishing and make a small profit.
MaryAnn:
You are the founder and CEO of a Christian publishing house. Tell us more about what you publish and how you find your writers. Are you currently looking for writers?
Kim:
I publish just about any type of Christian self-help book, devotionals, and self-improvement according to the word of God. What I don't publish are Christian fiction, children's books, and the occasional rantings I get from people who have a 'new revelation' from the LORD.
I'm looking for books that will bless, encourage, edify, and support the reader in his quest for a closer, more productive, meaningful relationship with God, and books that show how ordinary people have overcome a trial or obstacle.
As far as finding authors - they're everywhere! I have a web site which receives many queries on a regular basis, and I have authors in the process of finishing publications that I've committed to publishing. They tell other authors about me; and, sometimes, God will just cause someone to pop out of the woodwork and tell me about a project they're either working on or they've envisioned.
I find that I give out a lot of free advice ~smile~. Also, in the event I cannot help someone, I always try to present them with alternatives so that I don't become a stumbling block to their vision, but rather a stepping stone along the way.
MaryAnn:
You are a pastor's wife and understand the particular needs of pastors' wives. Also, you seem to have focused your writing on helping pastors' wives meet those needs. Yours is a unique ministry. Please tell us more about it.
Kim:
Being a pastors' wife is an unusual ministry to say the least - you're blamed for what the pastor does or doesn't do; overlooked by the congregation unless they want you to bring their need or interest to the pastor; or unless they need you to 'represent' at a particular function or event, or service. Members of the congregation seem to think a pastor's wife has elephant skin, because they have no problem telling you how much they hated the sermon, or the fact that your kids should behave better than the other kids, because after all, they ARE the Pastor's children. I remember one Sunday our youngest daughter fell asleep on the pew, and ended up lying down. She was about 5 or 6 I guess. Anyway, about halfway through the sermon, she must have rolled over, and ended up rolling off the pew onto the hardwood floor . . . no one even asked if she hurt herself. They all just turned around, sucked their teeth, and rolled their eyes and looked at me as if I'd pushed her.
Pastors wives don't have anyone they can really talk to, especially in their congregation, and most of the time they don't have ample opportunity to cultivate friends outside of the church.
Being a pastors' wife is like being an armour bearer. You are always on the battlefield, so you need to be aware, prayed up, diligent, as the Bible calls for you to be. You need to be a diplomat, and a peacemaker, and remember that you are part of a team that is sent to minister to the needs of others.
I realized that pastors' wives are like mothers. They sacrifice for the good of others and for the glory of God. In most cases they are not really rewarded for their work here on earth, but God promises us a reward in heaven.
As a pastor's wife, I try to be supportive of my sisters in Christ without being a busybody. I try to make them laugh at themselves and others, and I try to reinforce the Living Word in their lives so that they are strong in the Lord and are able to 'stand'. Most of all, I try to be a non-judgmental person they can come to, who will listen quietly, and keep their confidences.
Ministry is a tough business, and there are many casualties. For some reason, I take the casualties very personally, and as long as God gives me breath, I'll probably be on the battlefield picking up the bodies and trying to bring them back to a safe place where they can heal and start all over again.
MaryAnn:
You love to encourage fellow writers. What is your favorite way of encouraging?
Kim:
First, by listening to their idea(s), then sharing with them ways of reaching more people, and finally, by being available if they have questions or additional needs.
MaryAnn:
What are some of your personal writing dreams for the future?
Kim:
My own personal writing dreams are very small . . . I just want to write what God gives me to write. I want to think that what I write makes a difference; causes people to think, and to consider God; strengthens the brethren, and equips the soldier for what I believe are the last days.
MaryAnn:
You've written a few books yourself. Please tell us about them.
Kim:
I've written 3 books so far; one that will remain nameless at this time; The Handbook for Pastors' and Ministers' Wives, and A Modern Book of Psalms after the similitude of the King James, which I hope to publish in the spring.
MaryAnn:
What do you like to do for fun?
Kim:
I enjoy reading, singing, and learning new things. Lately I've been investing time in becoming healthier and taking care of God's temple ~smile~
MaryAnn:
What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?
Kim:
--Don't call yourself and say that God called you!
--Don't get ahead of God if He did call you. It took 4 years from the time God laid it on my heart to write a book until the time it was published, so have patience.
--Don't be discouraged even if no one encourages you!
--Don't try to figure out how God is going to make everything work. Just do your part!
_____________________
Editor's Note: To learn more about Kim, visit her websites at
http://www.101thekrcochristianpublishers.com
http://www.kimrogersonline.com
BOOK REVIEW
Scribbling in the Sand by Michael Card 
My husband and I are long-time Michael Card fans. In fact, a few years ago, we had the privilege of attending a magnificent performance by Michael Card at the Ocean City Tabernacle in Ocean City, New Jersey.
Scribbing in the Sand is a brilliant revelation on true Christian creativity. In this book, Card explores the Biblical foundations of creativity and shows that creativity is a "vital expression of our discipleship".
Card goes on to explain that understanding the creative imagination, made in God's image, leads to "a lifestyle of humility, obedience and servanthood". Card points out that creativity is both response and reflection. Response to God's love and reflection of that love toward others.
This book is well worth reading. Its concepts are profound and universal. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes a classic. Order your copy here.
To purchase books and products featured in earlier issues of
The TopNotch® Writer, click here.
To read back issues of The TopNotch® Writer, click here.
TOPNOTCH COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC
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P (856) 327-1231 F (856) 327-0291
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Dr. MaryAnn Diorio, CEO and Publisher
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ATTENTION
PARENTS, TEACHERS,
& HOMESCHOOLERS!
If you're looking for outstanding literature books you can trust,
check out Dr. MaryAnn's
series on American authors.
A Student's Guide
to Nathaniel Hawthorne
A Student's Guide
to Herman Melville
A Student's Guide
to Mark Twain
All three books are available through
Enslow Publishers.
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Candy Abbott, CEO
www.fruitbearer.com
fruitbearer.publishing@verizon.net
www.GavinGoodfellow.com
"Help for Writers Series"
by Dianne Butts
Need help with your writing? Check out Dianne E. Butts' pamphlets for writers: Basics for Beginners, Conquering the Dreaded Query Letter, How to Market Your Reprints, How Do I "Show, Don't Tell"?, and Should I Become a Writer?. $3.95 each + shipping. Click "For Writers" at www.DianneEButts.com
Get a Book Proposal Ready to Submit to Publishers ... and pay only $595. And you will only need to pay $495 now; the balance of $100 won't be due until you secure a book contract or decide to self-publish. Please take a moment and read my special offer below...
My name is John Riddle, and I am an author and ghostwriter from Bear, Delaware. I am the author of 34 books, and have worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects. (Some of the books I have written
include "For God and Country," "Lintball Leo's Not So Stupid Questions About Your Body, "Consulting Business," and "The Story of the Pony Express.")
If you are interested in writing a book, but either don't have the time or are not sure how the publishing process works, I can help you.
I have over 30 years experience as an author, and over the past 7 years have been teaching at writer's conferences all across the country. I teach with some of the top editors, publishers and agents in the industry, and I know what types of books they are looking for.
Most people don't realize they can sell a book project to a publisher without writing the entire book. All you need is a "book proposal," which consists of:
1. One page summary of the book
2. Two sample chapters
3. Table of Contents
4. Author bio
5. Marketing plan
I can help you create the book proposal for only $595. And you will only need to pay $495 now; the balance of $100 won't be due until you secure a book contract, or decide to self publish. I accept checks and credit card payments via Pay Pal.
Once the book proposal is completed, I will supply you with a list of publishing companies and a few agents. I will also draft a cover letter for you to use when sending out your book proposal.
Once a publisher is interested in your book, they will offer you a contract, and an "advance" payment (against future royalties). I can also review your contract, to make sure you are getting the best deal, and advise you on how to get the "highest advance" possible.
You can learn more about me by visiting www.ilovetowriteday.org I am the Founder of I Love To Write Day, a grassroots campaign I launched in 2002 to have people of all ages practice writing every November 15. The event has really taken off in schools, and last year over 20,000 schools all across the country held special ILTWD events and activities.
Let me know if I can help you with your book project. As a ghostwriter, editor and book doctor, I can take your "rough drafts" of chapters and "whip them into shape," so a publisher will say "yes!"
Thank you for your time and consideration.
May God bless all that you do!
John Riddle
302-834-4910
johnriddle@sprintmail.com
WRITING COACHES
Are you feeling "stuck" in your writing? I've been there myself. Allow me to help you!
Andrea Boeshaar
Certified Christian Life Coach
& Published Author
www.andreaboeshaar.com
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TopNotch Life & Career Coaching
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If so, why not hire a writing coach?
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WRITING SERVICES
THE MOST VALUABLE 2-CENTS YOU’LL EVER FIND!
Clear – Concise – Compelling
Political Commentary That Will Turn
Your Readers into Returning Readers.
Gina Diorio cuts to the chase on today’s hottest issues in a style that's engaging, intellectual, and at times irreverent. Readers might get happy – they might get angry – but they will get thinking.
Contact Gina today to include her political commentary in your publication.
Gina L. Diorio, M.A., Principal
www.Liberty WritingSolutions.com
Check out Gina's New Blog at
http://www.modernconservative.com/blog.php
UPCOMING CONFERENCES
Christian
(NEW)
First Annual Forum of
Christian Writers' Conference Directors
January 13-15, 2009
Nashville, Tennessee
Contact: RegAForder@aol.com
Writing for the Soul Conference
February 19-22, 2009
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Florida Christian Writers' Conference
February 26-March 1, 2009
Lake Yale Conference Center
Leesburg, Florida
Secular
Sanibel Island Writers' Conference
November 6-9, 2008
Sanibel Island, Florida
Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway in Cape May, NJ
January 16-19, 2009
Cape May, New Jersey
20th Annual Writers' Institute
March 27-29, 2009
Madison, Wisconsin
Check out these conference resources:
www.ShawGuides.com
http://writersconf.org/
WRITING CONTESTS
This month we begin a new feature:
Writing Contests. Check these out
and enter a few. You may just win! :)
Christian
The AMY Foundation Writing Awards
Deadline: January 31, 2009
Secular
Writer's Digest Poetry Contest
Deadline: December 19, 2008
WRITING JOBS
The resources below offer both in-house
and freelance job opportunities for writers.
Absolute Markets Newsletter
EU Writer
(writing opps in Europe)
Journalism Jobs
Morning Coffee
Worldwide Freelance Writer
Writing for Dollars
RESOURCES
Writers Magazines
Christian
Advanced Christian Writer
Cross & Quill
The Christian Communicator
Secular
Byline
Poetry Magazine
Poets & Writers
Publisher's Weekly
The Writer
Writers' Digest
Writers' Organizations
Christian
Act One
American Christian Writers
American Christian Fiction Writers
Christian E-Authors
ChristianPoetry.org
ChristianWriters.com
Christian Writers' Fellowship International
Christian Writers' Group International
Christian Writers' Guild
FaithWriters.com
Fellowship of Christian Writers
Inscribe Christian Writers' Fellowship
International Christian Writers
Literary Christian
Suite 101 for Christian Writers
Utmost Christian Writers
Writers' Information Network
Secular
Academy of American Poets
American Screenwriters Association
American Society of
Authors &Journalists
American Society of Food Journalists
Freelance Writing Organization Int'l
International Association of
Business Communicators
National Association of Science Writers
National Education Writers Association
National Press Club
National Writers' Association
Society of American Travel Writers
Society of Professional Journalists
Teachers and Writers Online
Writers Guild of America
Blogs/Ezines/Websites/Loops
Christian
Christian Fiction Factor
Right-Writing.com
http://rosemccauley.blogspot.com/
Sally Stuart's Christian Writers' Marketplace
The Write Power
The Writers' View
(by application only)
Secular
Fiction Factor
Poetic Asides
The Wooden Horse
The Writers' Bag
http://writersdigest.com/101BestSites/
http://www.writing-world.com/
SELF-PUBLISHING RESOURCES
BookMasters
Fruitbearer Publishing
Morris Publishing
Small Publishers Association of North America
Wine Press Publishing
FEATURED MARKET
World Magazine
COURSES FOR WRITERS
Internet
Writers Online Workshops
Gotham Writers' Workshop
Correspondence
The Christian Writers' Guild
American Christian Writers (ACW)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW!
Nov. 15, 2008
I LOVE TO WRITE DAY!
For more info, go to
http://www.ILovetoWriteDay.org
Supplies for Writers
The Writers' Store
The Writers' Life Gift Shop
Organized Times
Writing-Related Resources
Get Organized Now!
Christian Book Distributors
Amazon.com
Oil Painting Techniques
Virtual Sheet Music
Current Cards
AWeber.com
The Christian Writer's Power Source
(The Baptism in the Holy Spirit)
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"I don’t believe in writers’ block. Plumbers don’t get plumbers’ block. Why should writing be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working."
~ Jane Austen
THE TOPNOTCH WRITER is published monthly by TOPNOTCH COMMUNICATIONS GROUP, LLC, owned and operated by Dr. MaryAnn Diorio. Articles in THE TOPNOTCH WRITER are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any way or by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the written permission of Dr. MaryAnn Diorio.
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