Congratulations to Janet Jensen

Our own sweet Janet Jensen continues to rack up attention with her gifted writing and with her most recent book, Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys. Her newest award is the 2007 AML Marilyn Brown Novel Award, Honorable Mention!

Some of the other awards she has won are:

• Finalist, USA Best Books 2007 (Religious Fiction)
  
• Finalist, Foreward Magazine's Book of the Year Award (Religious Fiction)
  
• Finalist, Whitney Award (Reader Views Literary Awards 2007 Fiction: Religion/Spiritual)
  

We'll be featuring an interview with Janet in the future about her writing experiences, including tips for new and old authors alike. Until then, congratulations Janet!

For more information, feel free to visit Janet Jensen's website.

J. Scott Savage

J. Scott Savage is one of the nicest guys I've met. But more importantly, he is an amazing writer. He's prepping for his summer book tour and is inviting all to come along for the ride. Visit J. Scott Savage's blog for more information!

The Storymaker Writers' Conference

The LDStorymaker Writers' Conference is coming in a week! I'm not sure if you've had the privilege to attend one of these before, but the lineup this year is exciting.

Timothy Travaglini, Senior Editor at G.P. Putnam's Sons (a division of Penguin Group, USA) is the Keynote Speaker. He has worked at Henry Holt, Scholastic, Walker & Company (to name just a few of the publishers).

In addition to Mr. Travaglini, Jamie Weiss Chilton will also be in attendance. She is an agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc. Ms. Chilton represents children's books, teen novels, picture books, amongst other genres. Her most specific interests include literary fiction with intense emotional content. She too worked at Henry Holt, amongst other companies such as Bantam Delacorte Dell and Knoft & Crown Books.

The beauty of attending conferences such as these is that in addition to workshops presented by published authors with an expert eye of what constitutes an excellent book, you also meet national individuals who work to make literature a fine experience. For example, Mr. Travaglini and Ms. Chilton will have private appointments with writers attending the conference.

Here are just some of the topics being addressed in this year's conference:

"Getting Out of the Slush Pile," by Mr. Travaglini

"Writing in Spite of a Busy Life," by Rachel Ann Nunes

"Writing a Synopsis," by Josi Kilpack

"Writing about Real Issues for Children & Youth," by Tamra Norton

"The Middle Grade Writer: Character, Voice & Audience," by Lael Littke

"10 Things That Get You Noticed/What LDS Publishers are Looking For," by Kirk Shaw (of Covenant)

""Your First Novel: Step by Step Basics," by Heather Moore & Julie Wright

"Creating Your Inner Writing Team," by Carroll Morris

"The Editing Process," by Lisa Mangum (of Deseret Book)

"Non-fiction - Finding Your Niche," Shirley Bahlmann & Jaime Theler

A Publishers Panel

General Session Speaker, Chris Crowe

And all this in just the first day's line-up! Day two of the conference contains even more, including the Whitney Awards Gala. You may check to see if tickets are still available by visiting the LDStorymakers website. But if not, make sure to mark your calendar in January 2009 to purchase tickets for the 2009 LDStorymakers conference. It will be well worth your time!

(Did I mention a writer's best friend, an Alphasmart Neo, is being given as the grand prize to the First Chapter contest winner?)

James Dashner and The Thirteenth Reality

I love books that are good. Who doesn't? But I've found one that is not only good, it is excellent. It now sits on my shelf right next to my all time favorite book, The Phantom Tollbooth. Who is this newcomer to my coveted shelf of only-the-finest books?

It is The 13th Reality, by James Dashner, just released March 3, 2008. (Actually The 13th Reality is the title of the series.) Even though I have an ARC copy, I am waiting with baited breath to get an official hardback of "Book One: The Journal of Curious Letters!"

This is why I marched into my local Borders bookstore yesterday and demanded a copy (nicely, of course). They have 6 on order and my name is the first in the list to get my copy (I'm sure it's because I asked so nicely). You better run to your bookstore and do the same, because they will go fast when they come in!

After reading The 13th Reality, I had to learn more about the background of the book. So I emailed James Dashner, the 13th Reality man and author himself, if he would oblige. And to make it fun - since The 13th Reality is YA fiction (like the Harry Potter series) - I invited two kids do the actual interviewing!

David is six years old; Cassandra is twelve.
~~~~~~
David: How did you come up with the idea for The 13th Reality?

JAMES: It came from some serious brain pounding after being given one week to come up with a proposal for my eventual publisher. I'd submitted a different book to them, and they liked my writing, but didn't feel that particular book was right for them. So I worked my tail off to write a proposal for an idea that had always bounced around in my head: The concept of a group helping kids by sending out riddles and clues, but also horrible, dangerous things that try to stop them while they solve the mystery.

David: What was it like when you were writing your very first book about Jimmy Fincher compared to now?

JAMES: Totally different. Then, I didn't know if it would get published. This was done with a deadline. I really like the second way!!

David: How did you come up with more ideas for the next 13th Reality book? Isn't that a lot of work?

JAMES: I'm just always thinking, I guess. And when a cool idea pops in my head, I write it down.

David: How old will Tick be in the second book?

JAMES: It ends right at his 14th birthday.

[Now for questions from my daughter, Cassandra.]

Cassandra: What was the funnest part about writing The 13th Reality?

JAMES: Creating Mothball and Rutger, I think.

Cassandra: How did you come up with your characters?

JAMES: Most of them are based on people I know or characters I've loved in other books.

Cassandra: Who was the hardest character to write about?

JAMES: Mistress Jane. I wanted her to be evil, but have a human side. I think I did a much better job in Book 2.

Cassandra: Who was your favorite character to write about?

JAMES: Tick. He's basically me.

Cassandra: What was the hardest chapter to write in Curious Letters?

JAMES: The one where MG explains everything. I wished I had spread that out more.

Cassandra: How did it feel when you were finished? Sad to be at the end? Relieved?

JAMES: I was beyond ecstatic. Not sad, because I knew I had 4 more books to write in the series.

Cassandra: How do you start writing a book? Where do you get your inspiration?

JAMES: My inspiration comes from loving to create stories. I start by creating a very simple outline and then going from there.

Cassandra: What do you do when you run out of ideas while writing?

JAMES: Honestly, I don't very often. If I do, I stop and think. Seriously!

Cassandra: What is your writing schedule like?

JAMES: All over the board. But mostly in the evenings and Saturdays.

Cassandra: How do you plot out your books?

JAMES: I just do a simple list of the main events I think need to happen. Then I expand that a little and develop how they will happen. It usually just ends up as 2 pages of detailed notes. Then I start writing, referring back to that outline often and making further notes or changings things as needed.

Cassandra: What is your favorite part about writing books?

JAMES: Coming up with cool plot twists and writing exciting action scenes. Also, hearing that a reader liked my book.

[And now a question from me...]

C.S.: What advice do you have for new writers?

JAMES: Well, there's a lot on my blog, but here's something: Rejection is part of the game. It hurts, and it will always hurt. But no matter how good you are, no matter how brilliant your work, the odds are astronomical that you will never receive a rejection. Or 10, or 20, or 100. If you learn to accept it and keep submitting, reworking when necessary what you've written, you'll find a home.

~~
I'd like to thank James Dashner for the time he took to answer two new fans' questions - in spite of his busy schedule. He is touring around the United States doing book signings. Check the official 13th Reality website to see if he is coming to a city near you. He not only is a very nice man, but he is a terrific Latter-day Saint who is making the world a better place through his talents. The 13th Reality is a great tale, but it also contains a message of truth and uplift.

Very few books make it to my highly coveted only-the-best book shelf, but The 13th Reality now has its very own spot. This book is that good. In fact, it is not just good, it is excellent. You don't have to take my word for it . . . just check out these readers' opinions!

For all my readers, run to your local Borders, Barnes & Noble, or Books-a-Million and request your very own copy . . . before they are gone.

The Right to Write

I remember as a kid being fascinated with words. I loved their feel as they rolled around on my tongue. I loved their slender shapes sprawled on the page. In fact, I became so enamored with words that by junior high I would sneak a dictionary into my room and spend the afternoon reading nothing but words.

Words like defervescence and boride and academe. Words like penicillamine and featherstitch and quire. And thus, is it any wonder my favorite book was The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norman Juster? (Which, by the way, if you've not read you simply must!)

But in the midst of all these wondrous words, I began to feel smaller and smaller. In the midst of their power, I began to doubt my ability to string them together in stories people would want to read. I still wonder that at times. Do you?

Yet, there is a special something deep in my heart that tells me the God of our spirits feels otherwise. He, who creates universes, knows a thing or two about the import of creativity. And He fashioned us in His image. Do I (or perhaps you) really think He would fail to tuck away within us the creative gift? Could it be possible we, in this one area, are NOT like our Father in Heaven?

I think not! Thus, the next time I feel impotent in my ability to self-express, I will shun the thought. And I hope you will, too. We are created in God's image ... and as such, we have the gift of creativity. We have the right to write! May we use that gift well, working with all these wondrous words.

Promises, Promises

Whether you realize it or not, as a writer you make promises to your reader. If you are writing a category romance, you promise a happy ending. When writing a suspense novel, you promise moments of tension so tight that the reader's palms should sweat. And so on.

But beyond the overall promise that a particular genre offers, there are smaller promises, too. Like the one - perhaps - on an author's page 6 which mentions in great detail, candlesticks. Why candlesticks? The reader will remember this for some time, that you spent great effort describing the objects. And if by the end of the book, candlesticks never factored into the story again, the reader will wonder why you bothered to mention them on page six.

Does this mean that you cannot mention any detail at all if not returned to later? Of course not. But what determines a "promise" is precisely the amount of detail you include early on. In other words, don't mention a gun hanging over the fireplace with intense writerly focus, if you don't mean to use it by the bad guy forty chapters later.

Readers love looking for "red herrings", even if you're not writing a mystery. They also like noticing "flaws" - you know, those kinds of images you eventually deleted out of the first draft, yet still remain with ghostly presence in the final draft. Things like three men at the shootout in chapter 14, scene 1, yet now only two men by the time you arrive at scene 2. The reader will go, "Huh? What happened...I thought there were three men?" They then spend several minutes flipping pages back and forth, trying to figure it out.

You might not notice the error, because your mind now has a reason for only two bad guys. But if you don't closely edit out your adjustments, you leave the reader confused - due to poor editing - and perhaps even worse, disappointed - when too much was made of an object early on in the story, never to be revisited again.

None of us like unfulfilled promises. That's why as writers, we seek only to emphasize elements in our stories that hold promise ... and make sure to revisit them when it really counts.

Dealing with Blows

by C.S. Bezas

What is your response when you are knocked up side the head?

Hopefully for most of us, this experience does not come literally. But unfortunately, experiences do come at us that unsettle us. We feel we've tumbled to the gritty floor, blood in our mouths, and yet in truth, none of it really happened. It was all perceived, fictional.

Problem is, our brain perceives emotional knock-downs as real.

Perhaps it's the sudden death of a loved one (example: I found my baby in his crib, having passed away from SIDS). Perhaps it's the unexpected loss of a job (example: my husband experienced this twice). Perhaps it was learning of a friend's terminal illness (again a personal experience).

I'm sure you have your own knocked-up-side-the-head blows. They are never pleasant; they always feel nearly as real as a sure kick to the head (or heart, as it may be). What do you do in such times? I'd love to know.

All I know currently is that the only true solace I've found, while collapsed from life's dirty blows, is in the arms of the Lord. Isn't it true that during scripture study and prayer that peace is found - even when peace can't be found any other way?

But This is a Writers' Blog!

What does all this have to do with a writer's blog? Everything, at least in my mind. Writers experience continual "blows" or "knocks" throughout their writers' journey. How a writer deals with these blows determines the rest of their personal triumph (or misery).

The next time you receive a rejection from a publisher, reach for your scriptures instead of any other response. Drop to your knees instead of any other response. Peace can be found when you turn to the Lord first, before anything else. It's the only choice I've found that helps on some of the darkest days.

Again, some blows in life might not be physical ones ... but they might as well be for as much as they hurt. The best way to get off the gritty floors in life and back where we're needed - in my experience, at least - is within the pages of scripture inspired by the Master Writer Himself, within the arms of Him who knows to console like no other.

May you experience few "blows", but if you do, may you find great peace within Him who loves you!

Book Review: Craft & Technique, by Paul Raymond Martin

Writers can be a lonely group of people. If we're not writing, we're editing. If we're not editing, we might be off somewhere stewing over our next plot line or chapter.

Then again, some of us would like to be like that. For those of us who are mothers or fathers, there are other daily demands. You know the kind - important things like a job or putting food on the table or helping a child with their homework.

It can make "being a writer" a bit of a challenge. That is why I find certain writers' books so helpful. They boil down the most essential elements of writing, so that when I actually sit at the computer TO write, I'm more effective.

Craft & Technique, by Paul Raymond Martin, is one such book. I love this book. It is the one I reach for most often. If I'm in a writing bind, I reach for this book. If I'm taking a break, I reach for this book. It is that good.

At first glance, this little 3 1/2" x 5" book might not seem like much. But oh what impact it carries! The cover of the book states that Craft & Technique "includes more than 300 aphorisms and insights." And it is precisely its pithy quotes I love. For example:

"Think of your writing as a house before moving day. You have to get rid of the clutter."

"Interest Level equals Word Count divided by New Information."

"Writers write long when they haven't taken the time to write short" (p. 4).

The author includes savvy advice in all six chapters: Characterization; Dialogue; Plot; Fiction Techniques; Style; and Voice. Each chapter is equally as refined and potent.

I'm a mother. It's hard to find writing time. Even harder to find time to study what makes great writing. Is it any wonder then that in my house this book is dog-eared and well-used?

Writers might be a lonely group of people, but we also are very busy people. If you need a great book that's a quick read, Craft & Technique is just the thing. Not only will your writing improve from studying it, but you'll enjoy the experience (in the brief snatches of time you might have).

The Courage to Write

LatterDayAuthors.com's dear Terrie Bittner mentioned in her blog below about the courage it takes to write. I agree. Her post has come during an important time of the world's history. Much is in commotion. Voices clamor for attention. Some of those voices insist on honesty in their verbose declarations. But others couldn't care less for the things of integrity. They seem only interested in elevating their voice above the others.

It is during this cacophony of sound that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a request to its general membership ... and it may be one that interests you as a writer.

Here is an excerpt of that request, coming from Elder M. Russell Ballard:

“We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches,” he said.

“While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time.”

The rest of the information can be found at this link. The important piece of knowledge from this whole statement is that the Lord needs YOU as a writer. He needs your words, He needs your knowledge, He needs your love for Him to shine brighter than ever before.

The Church now requests that the general membership use blogs and other forms of new media to share the joy the gospel brings. Of course, as Elder Ballard stated, "There is no need to become defensive or belligerent" in those communications. As always, we are to be examples of believers and followers of Christ. Our decorum influences others at all times.

So if there were ever a time to shun discouragement or despair regarding your own writing, it is now. The Church needs your voice as a voice of reason during a time of great turmoil and cacophony of sound. You, yes, you are a writer and you are being called forth to share your thoughts, your words, and your testimonies with the world!

By C.S. Bezas

Life is tough at times. Therefore, it's encouraging to read of individuals who bless the lives of others and who help make our earthly experience a little more gentle.

Such an individual is Jewel Adams. She is the author of several books. The most recent is titled, Against All Odds. Jewel was kind enough to share a few thoughts with me. I think you'll enjoy reading her words.

C.S.: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is something that those who know you might not know?

JEWEL: Well, I was born and raised in Asheville, NC. My husband and I have eight children, all of whom I have home schooled. Let's see, something people don't know. Well, everyone tells me that I don't have an accent at all, but if you standing close by while I'm on the phone talking to one of my relatives, the southern drawl snaps right back in.

C.S.: You have several books out. What has been one of the hardest things for you as a novelist?

JEWEL: Getting used to rejection:o) Having my work picked apart, even though I know it's usually for my own good and the good of the novel.

C.S.: What has been the easiest?

JEWEL: Coming up with story lines. My imagination usually works overtime. Sometimes that's good, sometimes it isn't.

C.S.: When you begin a writing project, how do you start? How does it start?

JEWEL: Subjects also come easy for me because I've had so many experiences, some good and some bad. But for me, the first paragraph is everything. If I can't draw a reader in with the first paragraph, then I feel like I've failed.

C.S.: How disciplined are you as you write?

JEWEL: It's funny but I have two specific time during the day that I write. Noon til 2:00 and after 9:30 at night. Those are the times that my family says I'm 'in the zone.' Once I'm there you can't talk to me because I literally do zone everything else out.

C.S.: What kind of responses have you received from readers about your novels?

JEWEL: So far everyone has loved them. I keep all the emails I get, and when I'm feeling a little down or unsure about my writing, I just pull those out and it gives me an instant boost.

C.S.: What other kind of creative projects do you have going? Or are you strictly a novelist?

JEWEL: I'm pretty much just a novelist. I am working on a YA romantic fantasy right now, which is totally out there for me. I love fantasy, but I never thought I would attempt to write it myself. My project, however, is not your normal fantasy. The book is called "The Journey," and it is set in another world and based on life and the choices we make. I excited to see how it turns out.

C.S.: What do you believe sets you apart from other writers?

JEWEL: Most of my books deal with interracial couples. It's what I know and I'm told you write about what you know:o)

C.S.: If you were to name one gift the Lord has given you, what do you feel that is?

JEWEL: It would have to be the gift of imagination. Without it, I know I would never have been able to get through so many things I've had to deal with in life. I'm grateful for that gift.

C.S.: What do you view as the purpose for gifts and talents?

JEWEL: To touch the lives of others, as well as ourselves.

C.S.: Do you have a favorite scripture? Something that helps you on difficult days?

JEWEL: Actually, I have two favorites. Revelations 3:21 and 2 Nephi 31:20 Both talk about overcoming and enduring to the end.

C.S.: If there were one thing you would tell a new writer or somebody seeking to better their personal gifts, what would it be?

JEWEL: Just think positive. You're going to face opposition, but you can do anything you set your mind to.

C.S.: What kind of helpful resources are there for LDS writers?

JEWEL: Well, there are writer's groups, LDStorymakers for one. It's pretty neat getting feedback and tips from other authors. There are also books written by LDS authors that offer tips and suggestions on writing.

C.S.: Do you have any favorite writers? Favorite books?

JEWEL: Oh, yes, but there are too many to mention. I would have to say though that my two top favorite writers are Richard Paul Evans and Chris Stewart. My top favorite books are "The Last Promise" and "The Great and Terrible" series.

C.S.: What does your family think about your books?

JEWEL: My oldest daughter is a total romantic like myself and she loves them. My husband has never read my books, even though I've told him that my male characters have his attributes, they're just a little younger and have more hair. (Laugh) The rest of the kids just know their mom writes books.

C.S.: How did you first begin writing?

JEWEL: I started by writing a book about my life. After that, I started doing fiction and giving some of my female lead characters some of my experiences. That way I'm able to share a little of myself, only my characters are a lot more interesting.

C.S.: Any final thoughts?

JEWEL: You know, I just love writing, and if I never got another book published, I would keep doing it. There's just something magical about giving life to people who only exist in your mind.

We at LatterDayAuthors.com wish Jewel and her family the best. May she continue to bless the lives of many! For more information, visit Jewel Adam's website.

LDS Writing Competition!

Here is a news release from Christian Vuissa, founder and president of the LDS Film Festival:

Hi everyone,

I'm the founder and president of the LDS Film Festival. I wanted to let you know that the LDS Film Festival is currently accepting submissions for the following writing competitions:

7-page script competition
12-page script competition

In both competitions the best scripts will be made into short films that will screen at the festival. If you're interested in submitting a script, go to: http://www.ldsfilmfestival.org for more information.

Christian Vuissa

Here is some additional information:

-------------------------------------------------
CALL FOR ENTRIES 2008
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The LDS Film Festival is the premiere place for LDS filmmakers to showcase their work. With an attendance of close to 5000 in 2007, the festival has become a reliable audience magnet and the ideal networking platform for filmmakers.

We invite and encourage writers and filmmakers to participate in the 7th LDS Film Festival 2008 and submit their work to the festival. Over $3000 will be awarded to the best scripts and films.

For more information go to:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?McVUysSm_q79qYMESNrpZg

-------------------------------------------------
NEW SCRIPT COMPETITION ANNOUNCED
-------------------------------------------------

After the huge success of the 7-page script competition, we are happy to announce the 12-page script competition! Selected filmmakers will read all script submissions and pick one script for production. Each selected script is automatically a winner and will be made into a short film by an accomplished filmmaker.

Unlike the 7-page script competition, the 12-page competition has a theme and important rules to follow. The theme for this year's competition is CONVERSION. We are looking for stories that deal with the different processes and stages of conversion. Stories about people that are moved to change or have an experience that transforms their life.

For more information go to:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?tmdm9DkiUiK1P8al5X_Sbw

-------------------------------------------------
SUBMIT YOUR FILMS AND SCREENPLAYS NOW
-------------------------------------------------

The LDS Film Festival 2008 offers the following categories for submissions:

Short Film Competition
Films 20 minutes and under

Feature Film Exhibition
Films 60 minutes and longer

24-Hour Filmmaking Marathon
Become an award-winning filmmaker in 24 hours

Special Screenings
Films 20 to 60 minutes in length

7-Page Script Competition
7-page scripts to be made into short films

12-Page Script Competition
12-page scripts to be made into short films

For more information go to:
http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?hAY.Z7IhwJxLeUdZtVeZPg

______

This is not sponsored by latterdayauthors.com, but we are more than happy to pass the information on. Hurry and click on the link. You just may be the one who wins!

Your Favorite Book?

By C.S. Bezas

Ever heard the quote: "We will yet have Miltons and Shakespeares of our own..."? Orson F. Whitney stated this long ago.

Forget the fact that perhaps you have never read any works by Milton or perhaps the only thing you know of Shakespeare is that taught by your 9th grade teacher. What really counts is that quality literature has the power to move and change souls.

To celebrate just such books, the prestigious Whitney Awards have been born. Begun to stimulate the search for quality LDS literature, the Whitney Award is in its infancy and first year. Yet just as the acorn contains immense potential, the Whitney Awards seek those books whose impact resonates and continues to expand through space.

Have you experienced such in your life? Do you have a favorite book? If so, nominate that book today for the new prestigious Whitney Award! Click here for the nomination form and further details.

What of the Children?

I'm going to be a bit vulnerable here. I can't tell you the amount of times I've felt guilty for sitting at the computer and writing. My children, it seemed, knew the back of my head better than they knew my face.

Project after project demanded my time. For you see, years ago I was the Stake Cultural Arts Director. This meant that my days overflowed with time spent writing productions for stake and regional settings.

Don't get me wrong. It was flattering to see my imaginings on stage, playing before hundreds of audience members. In fact, it was more than exciting to see one of my productions in regional committee discussions to become the "Hill Cumorah pageant-of-the-south."

But when your church calling demands so much time...what of the children? What of my children?

This question, "What of the children?", has haunted me at times. For nothing can compare with the quiet moments of looking into the exquisite eyes of my daughter. Her eyes speak of eternity to me, if I look in them long enough.

Nothing can compare with hearing my youngest son's peals of laughter when we get into a tickle fest. His chuckles move me like nothing else can.

Nothing compares with the deep discussions my eldest son and I are wont to engage in. His insights inspire me and aid me on my darkest days.

Thus years later, I've changed my pace. It's been a hard thing to do -- for in truth, I love nothing better than sitting at the computer creating stories and events, articles and book chapters. Those activities, along with my music compositions, have been rewarding.

But -- in truth -- nothing can compare with irreplaceable moments with my children. Therefore, I determined I would shift my priorities. Surely the Lord could help me work more efficiently and complete my projects more swiftly.

As a result, I soon learned the potency of delegation. I also witnessed that reducing perfectionism speeded completion. "Over-the-top" efforts were not required -- not when my children were present and deserved my love (which they seem to spell "a-t-t-e-n-t-i-o-n").

In truth, I may not have three books a year to show for my writing efforts, but at least my children are much more familiar with "Mommy's face!"

Blessing the Lives of Others

For me, blessing the lives of others is the main reason talents exist. True, our work from those talents also can expand ourselves personally. But to paraphrase a quote from my husband's patriarchal blessing: "Remember, talents are given to bless the lives of others."

That phrase has shaped me probably more than most quotations. It has adjusted the way I view life and others. Thus, when I see another individual living to do the same, it encourages me. I want to highlight them and emulate them. Anne Bradshaw is just such a person.

Anne Bradshaw, who lived in England until she moved to America ten years ago, has written countless articles and short stories for magazines, and has two published books, Terracotta Summer, and Chamomile Winter, prior to her latest work out September 2007, Please, No Zits! & Other Short Stories for LDS Youth.

Anne and her husband, Bob, have four children and more than a few grandchildren. When not writing, she reads any good book she can find, drools over fresh fruit and healthy food (especially warm peaches straight off the tree), and speed walks early mornings.

But most importantly, for many years before moving to America, Anne traveled the British Isles interviewing LDS youth for the New Era magazine. "I met some of the finest young people," she says. "Teens are exciting and amazing to be around."

When I heard that she was sponsoring a contest to highlight amazing teens, I had to know more. She graciously obliged. I include her interview here for not only your enjoyment, but in the hopes that her good works will inspire those of your own. And who knows - perhaps you know the teen that will win this contest!

C.S.: How did you come up with the idea of a contest?

ANNE: I have a new book for the youth coming out this September, and because I try to help young people through my writing, one thought led to another as I wondered how to promote the book. This contest seemed like a win-win situation for everyone involved-and especially for the young people because they are so often portrayed in the wrong light. The contest will highlight our younger generation and the wonderful things many of them are doing.

C.S.: Who is the contest for?

ANNE: While the contest spotlights young people age between 12 and 25, it also gives those who submit entries a chance to share their talents as writers. Not that you need to be a writer to send something. Far from it. I hope to receive information from anyone who knows how to type and send an email, regardless of how it's written. The main thing is to help our young people feel of worth by entering them.

C.S.: What are the prizes?

ANNE: I wish there could be prizes for all the entries, because really each young person is a winner in my eyes. But that's not possible this time around. Maybe next year. Prizes have been generously donated by several people. The young person who wins overall receives a signed copy of my new book, "Please, No Zits!", and two fabulous gifts from Zdocs (www.zdocsonline.com).

The owner, Philip Davis, says, "ZDocs is honored to participate in the Spotlight the Youth Contest. As ZDocs specializes in helping authors self-publish, the prize we want to offer is 50 soft cover books. The content of the book can be whatever the winner wishes; the winning story, a simple memoir of the winner's experience, or some other book-type idea. Not only will the books make a nice keepsake, but the winner will also learn some of the steps necessary to publish a book. Depending on the number of pages, we will either perfect bind the books or saddle-stitch them. The winner can include as many color pages as he or she would like."

Zdocs is adding a bonus prize. If the winning person wishes, he or she can sell some copies of the book on Razorpages (www.razorpages.com) for free, and get a first hand peek into the book selling process.

The person sending in the winning entry receives gift wrapped items--Liquid Facial Wash, and Facial Moisturizer--from the all natural line of beauty products, Scentiments (http://www.tristipinkston.com/scentiments.htm). He or she also receives a copy of Annette Lyon's latest novel, Spires of Stone.

The young person featured with the next highest number of comments, receives a copy of Chick Lit author Stephanie Fower's latest romantic comedy out in September, Meet Your Match, together with a copy of Marcia Argueta Mickelson's novel, Star Shining Brightly.

The sender of this second entry receives a copy of Heather B. Moore's first book in the Out of Jerusalem series--Of Goodly Parents.

C.S.: Wow, those are some amazing prizes. Has it been difficult to spread the word and get entries?

ANNE: I'm counting on the relay system that email and the Internet offers. If every person who hears about the contest passes on the information to friends and family, then pretty soon it will spread around the globe. I'm impressed with results so far. It amazes me how one little idea can grow into something far greater than it started off.

Blogging is another excellent way of sharing information. There's a huge, worldwide spider's web of blogs connecting people with similar interests out there. I'm showing up on contest blogs and many others.

I'm excited about the potential for good this whole competition creates. We hear too much bad news these days. I feel it's time for some positive input.

C.S.: When is the closing date and where do our readers send entries?

ANNE: The last date for receiving contest entries is midday (US MST) Friday, August 31st. Posting of top entries will follow, giving blog readers a chance to comment on their favorites.

The winning entries will be the ones with the highest number of comments by midday (US MST) on Thursday, September 13th.

Entries can be emailed to Anne Bradshaw (xtrafam@yahoo.com) and should have Youth Contest in the subject line so they don't get lost in spam control. All entries will be acknowledged before they are read, so if an acknowledgement isn't received for some reason please resend.

C.S.: OK, so once each entry arrives, who will judge the contest?

ANNE: I know it will be difficult to choose, but I'll pick out a variety of entries that represent teens best. These get posted on a blog, and then judging will be up to the world at large - not me! (Some editing may be required.)

C.S.: When will winners be announced?

ANNE: Winning entries will be announced during the morning of Friday, September 14th - at my blog.

C.S.: How will winners receive their prizes?

ANNE: All prizes get mailed Friday, September 14th. Zdocs will contact the person receiving their awards and make plans personally. Some books may be mailed separately from individual authors. I'll collect the remainder and mail them, together with the Scentiment products to various winners.

C.S.: This is exciting. So what precisely should an entry be about?

ANNE: Really, anything a young person is doing that someone feels is good and wholesome is worth sending in. Simply describe his/her involvement and the reasons behind whatever is being done. Use the old reporter questions and answer as many as possible, i.e. what, why, when, where, how. It doesn't need to be very long or even fancy. Heartfelt writing is what we're looking for.

Maybe the youth is serving quietly at home where there's illness, or some other unusual situation. Or perhaps the young person suffers from a disease or other handicap and remains cheerful most of the time, comforting others instead of complaining. Or a youth might have a talent of any description, and be developing it as much as possible. The positive things young people do every day are limitless. I saw a program on TV about a young woman who raised her younger siblings because of a bad situation at home. My hat goes off to her and anyone like her who shoulders responsibility.

If people want to send in pictures with the entry, feel free to do so. Pictures can speak to us in ways words cannot.

C.S.: How are you dealing with possible safety issues?

ANNE: For the duration of the contest, any entries posted in blogs will only show first names. Addresses won't be given. If finalists want full names displayed, that's fine, but only at their request. No addresses will be given at any time, except privately to me so prizes can be mailed.

C.S.: Thank you, Anne, for sharing with us your drive and desire to inspire others, especially the most fragile (at times) of those amongst us - our teens. I also applaud the individuals and businesses who are supporting teens by supporting this Spotlight the Youth Contest.

Now for our readers, if you feel you know a teen that deserves recognition, please visit Anne's blog for more information. Remember, the deadline is in 7 days! Jot down your thoughts and send them off now!

Welcome to the World of Writing

We welcome you as you join us at latterdayauthors.com's new blog. This is a new adventure for us and one we are most excited about.

Herein you will find professional writing advice, tips, and personal insights into the lives of authors working in the field of writing. We come from a wide background - journalists, novelists, poets, non-fiction and memoir writers, even playwrights.

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