Victims' Advocate Editor Speaks Up for People

This evening, Shirley Shaw, Editor of Justice Coalition's Victims' Advocate spoke at FCCW. She told the story of how the Justice Coalition came about and how she became involved with the organization.

Shaw also told us the story of an amazing man, Terry Lane, whom she describes in her article entitled, "Look at the Children," in the Sept/Oct 2007 issue of Today's Christian.

Shirley clearly has a passion for telling stories of the many interesting people she meets.

Thank you for inspiring all of us this evening Shirley!

Your First Readers Aren't Your Audience

This evening, author Vic DiGenti reminded writers that our first readers aren't always our audience. The person who buys the book isn't necessarily the person who reads the book.

Vic suggested that writers do six things in an open:

1. Get the reader hooked.
2. Establish a bond between the reader and the lead character.
3. Set the scene through dialogue or action--show, don't tell.
4. Get conflict going.
5. Describe the hero or heroine briefly so readers can picture him or her.
6. Surprise or startle the reader.

"Writing is an obsessive-compulsive behavior," say DiGenti. I find this to be true as I continue on my quest for researching, experiencing, writing and publishing more and more ideas. There's never enough time to observe and write, experience and write, think and write, read and write! Anyone else agree?

Hope to see you soon at First Coast Christian Writers.