Wow, Al. Quite a powerhouse lineup of faculty! Some of these I'm pleased to know, and others I would enjoy meeting. No doubt you will draw a good attendance!

All very good reminders, Edie. Thanks! So easy to forget such tips in our hurry to say what we wish to say.

Good stuff, Al. I've always tried to be a linear thinker, but I was only halfway through my latest novel when suddenly I had a vision for the perfect final chapter. Before I could forget the vision, I fast-forwarded to write the conclusion. It felt like heresy at the time, but now I'm realizing many authors skip over hard parts. Some sci-fi writers jot the words [techno babble] into the script when they know they need a scientific gizmo or explanation and don't want to stop the flow of creativity at that moment. You have just aided many writers!

What an interesting and uplifting story about the birth of a book idea. Thanks for sharing, Al!

Good stuff, Edie. I'm sure you've shortened the learning curve for some aspiring writers!

So glad to see Dawn Anderson will be aboard. Although Kregel had already accepted my next novel by the time I met her last September, I found Dawn to be extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic.I have no doubt her classes will be terrific! (I'm sure Erin's will be fantastic, too. I just don't have the personal acquaintance yet to back up that prediction. ;) )

All excellent points, Edie. I especially like #9. When my words first hit the page, there's a whole lot of junk there. But it's like making a snow sculpture: you have to accumulate a pile of "stuff" before you can trim, shape, and fashion it into a thing people want to look at. Blessings to you!

All excellent points, Al. Although writers without ethics may feel at liberty to paint others with whatever brush they wish, authors seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ do well to keep in mind that it's Truth that shall set people free, not cunningly manipulated fiction. The folks at Answers magazine (from Answers in Genesis) have produced some good articles and a DVD revealing the actual facts behind this trial. As helpful as these are, they will not affect the majority who base their beliefs on the movie version.

Thanks for the interview. I had the pleasure of sitting in Don's class at a past Blue Ridge conference. When he overheard me say something in Russian, Don surprised me by responding in Russian too. We chatted in Russian a few moments before I realized everyone else was staring and waiting for the subtitles. Lol.

Enjoyed this very much, Al. Love the humor you mixed into the batter of memories and advice. Blessings to you!

Intriguing idea, Al. No doubt, many newer writers are considering the self-publishing route. Plus, authors of out-of-print books from traditional publishing houses can give their past works new life through self-pubbing. I'm guessing your proposal will appeal to many who are interested, yet confused about the whole process. Blessings to you!

I especially appreciate Point #9: "You really don’t have to fear them, or act like you’re meeting the Royal Family." Some writers seem to think their whole writing career hinges on one 15-minute chat. Yes, that would be pretty stressful, if it were true. I know many writer friends who received "No thanks" from an agent or editor, only to get a "Yes" later, sometimes from the same person. As always, good stuff, Chip!

Oh, Edie, you are so on target. Your post reminds me of Longfellow, who expressed it far better than I can: "The heights by great men reached and kept Were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night." Taken from "The Ladder of St. Augustine"

It seems the one thing about publishing that never changes is that publishing is always changing. Very likely more changes that no one has yet foreseen are also tip-toeing nearer. Only time will tell what those might be!

Excellent suggestions, Edie! Although some people have assumed that I have huge blocks of spare time for writing, the truth is that most of my published works were created in bits & pieces of time here and there in my day. However, in my case I can know in advance that I must always write junk, and later I can revise it into good stuff. :) Blessings to you!

Fun post, Tom. Thanks for sharing this glimpse of your journey and for encouraging others to continue placing one foot in front of the other on their own pathway!

Nothing like living in a simpler culture to help me see that I really don't need to buy all the stuff offered in stores & online. I liked the shots of downtown. So glad you didn't get lost in the big city!

Interesting stuff. Although I already have an agent, it's always worthwhile to listen to people who have been in the industry as long as Chip. Thank you both for this interview.

What a fun trip! Thanks for sharing. Had no idea you were going there.

Over the years I've sold quite a few short stories, far more than my two published novels to date. You're correct that short fiction is whole other creature. My phrase is, "Short stories are the SWAT teams of fiction: You go in, do the job, then extract quickly." No leisurely character development. No unnecessary description.

I loved this. And we probably should have done this when our kids were little. For most of the history of the world, there was no such thing as TV. Suddenly people think you're odd if you don't have one. We own one, but downright little interests me on regular broadcasts. As I looked at your games, I thought, "She's Got A Ticket to Ride. And she cares!" ;)

Oh no! This just reminded me that Pam and I were planning to come over last week and then not take off our snowy boots on your clean floor! We missed our chance. :( Ha! ;)

Glad to see this. I finally made it into one of the conference photos! :)

So on target, Edie! Your last point is the main reason I don't like anyone to see my rough draft. I already it's trash when the words first hit the screen. I don't need someone reading over my shoulder and gently telling me it's not my normal quality of work. Allowing myself the liberty to fill the page with trash helps to grease the wheels of productivity. It also encourages me to come back and revise soon, before anyone sees it. :)

Thought of this stanza when I read your post: Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes Silver white winters that melt into springs These are a few of my favorite things.... We have a mountain of snow by our driveway, but so far, no snow cave. The shoveler is a little tired out. :)