King Lays Down Life to Make Time to Write

Author Michael Ray King revealed he was a closet writer for twenty years before he decided to come out into the open. Due to insecurity, he felt his knowledge inferior or unworthy to be presented to the public.

Using John 3:16 as his guiding principle, he shed this apprehension. He concluded that he truly loved writing; therefore, he would lay down his life and “make the time” to write and ensure his book was published. Through intense research, he established his own publishing company and learned the art of creative self-publishing. His discussion was filled with exciting new ways to print, promote and sell.

His main advice to fellow writer’s: use John 3:16 as your guide, every day write 500 word articles at www.articles.com, and blog twice a week.

Together, Mike and his wife Bobbie, co-founded ClearView Press, Inc. in May 2007. Learning the publishing side of writing has been and continues to be an exciting and challenging part of their busy lives. As they move forward with new books, they wear many hats - author, publisher and marketer/promoter.

In this first of what will be many publications, Michael Ray King makes his debut with one of his favorite subjects, Fatherhood 101: Bonding Tips for Building Loving Relationships. The opportunity to help other men learn what it means to be a solid, caring father is his top priority. Through books, white papers, pamphlets, speaking engagements and consulting, Michael hopes to have a positive impact on the lives of fathers and their children.

Michael won a Royal Palm Literary Award Honorable Mention at the 2008 Florida Writers Association Conference for his book Fatherhood 101. 

By Priscilla Weaver, VP PR First Coast Christian Writers

Author Auth Reveals Emmy's Question

Jeannine Auth was at her computer making final revisions to an historical novel she’d been working on for almost five years when she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Her granddaughter, Emily, who was ten at the time, plopped her diary on Jeannine’s desk and said, “Grannie, I’ve been thinking about this. You’re a writer. I want you to take my diary and make a book out of it so other kids like me—other children of alcoholics—will know they’re not alone. They need to know they can still be okay even if their parent doesn’t get well. But they’ve got to know to ask somebody for help.”

Jeannine flipped through the journal pages filled with shame, bewilderment, and anger--but also love and hope. Right then, she filed the historical novel away in the bottom of a filing cabinet, and Emmy’s Question was born. Although inspired by the writing and drawings in Emily’s diary, the story has been fictionalized to include experiences of other children of alcoholics as well. There are over 11 million children under the age of eighteen in the U.S. who have an alcoholic parent–not counting kids whose parents are drug-addicted. These children for the most part don’t have a voice and do not get help. They live in a culture of shame, denial, “don’t tell”, and isolation. Having worked through her own pain and understanding, “Emmy” became their voice.

Jeannine devoted the next two years to writing Emmy’s Question. The title came from Emily’s struggle to answer the question: How could Mommie choose wine over me?  Her ultimate understanding that she could find the best in herself in spite of her parent’s alcoholism is a message of hope to any child living under the cloud of  parental addiction. The book is carefully researched, and won the endorsement of the Betty Ford Center prior to publication. Jerry Moe, the Children’s Program Director for Betty Ford, critiqued the manuscript to ensure that information and messages presented were in keeping with current-day understanding of the special needs of these children.

Emmy’s Question has won a number of prestigious awards and multiple endorsements. It was published by Morningtide Press, a small independent publishing company owned by Jeannine and her husband, Dennis.  The book is available through bookstores nationwide and all on-line booksellers. It is being used in counseling practices, schools, and rehab centers. She hopes to complete a sequel to Emmy’s Question over the next year, as well as resuming work on her earlier novel.

Jeannine stressed the need for aspiring writers to study and learn the craft of writing. She advised the group on some do’s and don’ts of the writing trade and suggested several books she found especially helpful. These books include:

The Craft of Writing, William Sloane

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Browne & King

The Art of Fiction, John Gardner

Makely Shapely Fiction, Jerome Stern

The Elements of Style, Strunk & White

Bird by Bird, Ann Lamott

Members and guests gathered around Jeannine after the program concluded to ask questions. Jeannine graciously offered sage advice to those hoping to break into the publishing field.

By Ron Moore, Member First Coast Christian Writers