Colorado Christian Writers Conference

The 2009 CCWC Overall

Hello. I'm back from the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC) and am energized from it. I went last year and thought it was wonderful. This year, I thought more of the same. You get the most bang for your buck at this conference. There's several workshops and opportunities to meet with editors and other writers to network with, so it's quite worthwhile.

It always amazes me how the business is not a cut-throat business at all as a writer. Everyone wants to help one another and that makes all the difference. It's a tough business to get into and stay with because of all of the rejection.

I learned a great deal and am ready to start applying my thoughts to life and see what happens...

Email Me

Were you at the CCWC this year? Let me know. Email me at: Storiesbystacy@gmail.com. Also, if you want to break into the publishing business, Christian or not, let me know. Email me at the same address.

My Experience with Editors This Year

I'm a woman ahead of my time and the Christian publishing business is what I heard four different times. I was told I'm between 5 to 10 years ahead of time. So, what does that mean?

Christian publishing looks for the demographic of women ages 25-55. Also, it's typically historical romance or suspense.

Speculative fiction of fantasy or sci-fi is a no-no. That's half of what I write, so that makes things interesting, if you catch my drift.

So, what now?

In the midst of having all five books rejected because they aren't looking for what I'm writing at the moment, I received more confirmation of what I need to do. I understand editors are in a business (to make money for their company and fulfill the American dream of capitalism--all of which I support wholeheartedly) and what they say isn't personal.

They each said I have found my voice. Good. I thought I found it years ago and have been told the same repeatedly. At least I haven't lost it.

They also said I write well. Great.

Now what?

I asked them precisely that. Now what? They told me a couple of interesting tidbits of information:

1. The publishing industry as a whole has felt the effects of our economic times.

2. I need to self-publish.

More to follow tomorrow...

Stacy Duplease

Ugh! Spec Lit and More Changes

I've decided to split up Stories by Stacy into two different blogs. Please sign yourself up as followers for each (you do not need Google to do so) and can do so on each blog's site. Even those who normally despise speculative fiction of fantasy or sci-fi have said that they like my writing. Therefore, give it a try even if you aren't a fan. It would mean a great deal to me and I just might make you a fan. (Or, I may be delusional or an eternal optimist.) However, in case it's an automatic turn-off, that's why I'm putting it in another blog.

Therefore, my books of: Cammi's Story, Tanpres, and Zeagar will be moved to the other blog at: www.speclitstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/

My other writings will stay on this blog. This will be my main blog. If you want news about me, the drama books, and my random thoughts, please still tune in here.

If you want to escape for a while, go to the other blog as well. Everyone needs the chance to escape and this was does not cost any money. Reading a book is free. Escapism is essential for self-care and keeping one's sanity. If you can't get away, reading about a world not like this place can be a good way to runaway and forget about it all. In fantasy and sci-fi, you're able to travel to different places, talk to English with animals and fantasy characters, explore the universe, participate in a battle of good vs. evil, and find a prince or princess to marry or even be royalty.

The Spec Lit blog will be up and running in the next two weeks. (I hope.)

Thank you so much for bearing patiently with me while I figure out how to do this blogging thing. Have a great day.

Blessings to You,

Stacy D.

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Please see my other speculative fiction blog at: www.Speclitstoriesbystacy.blogspot.com/

You can also find me on twitter at: Storiesbystacy and email me at: Storiesbystacy@gmail.com

While each blog will be a stand-alone, if you're new to this blog, you may want to go back and read the previous posts in order to get the most out of the blog.

Blog Vol. 4 SBS