Poll!

WhiteFire Publishing has some exciting news about the launch of a new line of books for young readers. It's been in the works for awhile and it's now time to NAME the new line.

And WhiteFire is asking you, the readers, for your opinion.

Here are some things to consider about the readers and books for this new line:

• for picture books to young adult
• the image the name brings to mind
• easy to say and remember

To submit your opinion, click this link  http://bit.ly/WFPkids

Thank you for supporting publishers like WhiteFire who provide clean reading material for all ages.

Happy 6th Blog-o-versary To Us!

It's been 6 years since Gina Welborn realized a dream of bringing a group of female inspirational writers together for the purpose of friendship and support by way of the Inkwell Inspirations blog. Read Gina's inaugural blogpost where she introduced us to the world.

A mere couple of weeks later in September 2009, several of us met for the first time at the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference in Denver, Colorado. The conference is now our annual destination for get-togethers - a time for tears and laughter as we share our rejections, accomplishments, and bloopers - a physical embodiment of Gina's dream.

Inktropolis has never been stagnant. As time passed, opportunities arose, and priorities changed. Some initial members moved on, and others took their place. And some of us have been there from the start.

ACFW Dallas 2012: (L to R) Lisa Richardson, Jennifer AlLee, Gina Welborn, Anita Mae Draper, and Dina Sleiman (in front)

Just because some Inkies can't make it to conference, doesn't mean they are forgotten.

ACFW Indianapolis 2013: The whole Inkwell Inspirations crew in flesh and spirit after Friday night's Genre Dinner. (Standing L to R) Jennifer AlLee holding photo of Dina Sleiman, Barb Early, Lisa Karon Richardson holding photo of Niki Turner, Anita Mae Draper, Gina Welborn, Susan Johnson holding photo of DeAnna Dodson. (Sitting L to R) Susanne Dietze, Debra E Marvin holding photo of C.J. Chase

Whether it's news of an award nomination or result, or the offer of a contract, we've prayed for each other and offered tears of comfort and congratulations regardless of the results.

And speaking of contracts, we have news to share. Three years ago, eight Inkies decided to create a novella series we called, Austen in Austin, where we took 8 Jane Austen heroines and transplanted them in late 19th century Texas. This past June, WhiteFire Publishing contracted all eight of our novellas and Inky joy flowed.

Thanks WhiteFire Publishing! And thank you to Roseanna White for designing our fabulous book covers and promotional aids.

Volume 1 contains novellas by Susanne Dietze, Anita Mae Draper, Debra E. Marvin, and Gina Welborn, and releases January 2016!

But best of all, the paperback version of Volume One is available for pre-order on Amazon right now!

Volume Two will follow along in September 2016 with novellas by Suzie Johnson, Lisa Karon Richardson, Dina Sleiman, and Niki Turner. And coming soon are the complete volumes, as well as individual novellas in ebook format.

As for the Inkies as a group, publication of the Austen in Austin series means every Inky has now reached publication status! Yay!!!

We want you to share our success! Leave a comment on this blogpost before midnight tomorrow Sept 1st, 2015, and we'll draw one name for each $25 Amazon gift card.

Yes, that's 2 winners!


The Inkies will be giving away Austen in Austen Volume One postcards while at the ACFW conference in Dallas, TX this September. If you see us there, just ask and it's yours.

Don't forget to leave a comment with a way of contacting you and we'll put your name in the draw for one of the $25 Amazon gift cards.

Release Party - Sweet Mountain Music by Suzie Johnson

 

 You never know who you are going to see in the wilds of the great Cascade Mountains!  Do you believe in the Great North American Ape?  Might one of them be lurking on the edge of the forest hoping to catch sight of Suzie Johnson at our release party?

 Congratulations Suzie!  Don't you all love this cover from WhiteFire Publishing? 

SWEET MOUNTAIN MUSIC

Chloe Williston isn't going to let a chance like this pass her by. Will the legend of the man-like, hairy beast of the great northwest be the story that seals her place as a journalist?

 

 

Chloe longs to be like her hero, journalist Nellie Bly!

Sweet Mountain Music is set in the incredible Cascade Mountains

 The year is 1896 - Pull up your coach or wagon and join us inside the meeting hall for some mighty fine grub. There'll be some singing too, if we can get a certain gentleman to favor us with his voice!

We think we hear a lovely male voice amid all those lady songbirds!

Chloe Williston has a newshound's ear for the biggest story to come her way in a long time.  With her brother Caleb tagging along, it's going to be difficult to keep her cover. No serious naturalist wants a journalist around when he's about to become famous! I don't think Ben Kearny has a chance!

Ben Kearny has a voice like an angel, but his efforts to keep the nosey Chloe Williston from accompanying his expedition are decidedly sour.

BLURB for SWEET MOUNTAIN MUSIC!

Chloe Williston will make a name for herself... no matter what beast she must track to achieve it.

Chloe Williston has two goals in life: to make her father proud, and to do it by making a name for herself as a journalist. It seems she has been waiting for years for the perfect opportunity...and when it arrives in her Washington State town in the form of a handsome naturalist in search of the legendary Great North American Ape, she isn’t about to let him go off on an adventure without her.

Ben Kearny has to admit he’s intrigued by the undauntable Miss Chloe Williston...until he learns she’s a journalist. The last thing he needs is a reporter sticking her nose however pretty it may be in his expedition. He has to find the Sasquatch. It’s his only chance at restoring his reputation, and he can’t let anything, even Chloe, get in his way.

But as the expedition sets off with Chloe and her brother in tow, Ben find the obstacles stacked against him. He not only has to find the illusive beast, he also has to keep Chloe out of the trouble she seems determined to find...all while protecting his heart.

Come in and say hello and help us celebrate the release of Sweet Mountain Music.

Chloe's brother Caleb just went out for some ice, but while you wait, grab a plate of our best potluck fixings!

Visit:
Suzie's website

Suzie's Pinterest Page for Sweet Mountain Music

Purchase:
on Amazon

Thanks for stopping in!

 

Lessons from the Editor's Desk - Editors Are People Too

by Dina Sleiman

Okay, so the title is a little silly, yet oddly easy to forget. As I’ve mentioned in the last two posts in this series, I am a part-time, often volunteer editor for WhiteFire Publishing. So I assume you knew I was just a regular person, but the same holds true for all editors. Here are some things to keep in mind in that vein, and I would venture to say that most of this is true of agents as well

Editors Want to Have a Good Conference Experience. While editors come in a variety of personality types, they want to have a pleasant conference experience just like you. They might be shy and new to the conference and just as nervous about who to sit with at lunch as you are. Or they might be a fun-loving individual looking for someone to bounce their jokes off of. If you treat them like a person, ask them about their families and pets, their interests, you might just gain an actual friend who happens to be influential in the publishing industry. And just like any other people, you will probably connect easily with some of them, and not so easily with others. That’s okay. Chances are, the ones who like you will also like your writing style.

Editors Want to Have Good Meetings with Conferees. Generally, editors don’t like being pressured, being given sob stories, or being told that God has mandated them to publish your book. They don’t like being chased or handed manuscripts under bathroom stalls. Beyond that, it’s a good idea to do some research on the editor and learn what they do and don’t like. Personally, I have a pet peeve about conferees who don’t answer my questions but instead push on with their sales pitch. For example, I want to know how long a writer has been writing, what professional associations they have, and if they know the industry lingo, and I hate it when writers ignore my questions. On the other hand, I find nervous conferees kind of endearing. I think most editors like it when conferees are a nice balance of prepared yet casual. They enjoy a relaxed meeting. They like to have a conversation and not just listen to a speech. They like to see that you are excited about your project and that you’ve done your work to be ready for publication.

Editors Talk to Other Editors. Going to writers conferences and meeting with editors is an awesome idea…unless you have a pushy, annoying, or otherwise abrasive personality. In which case, you might want to think twice. Editors talk to other editors, and you don’t want to get a bad reputation in the industry. If you discover that you’ve committed a serious faux pas (I‘m not talking about passing manuscripts under stalls or using the wrong font here, we’re used to that stuff), it might be wise to make a sincere and heartfelt apology.

Editors Have Preferences about Submissions. For starters, most of them only want submissions from agents these days. If they do take submissions, shockingly (sarcasm) they put their guidelines right on their website, and they expect you to follow them. What if they just say something general like “a query letter” or “a proposal”? That should indicate two things to you, 1) They aren’t terribly particular, but 2) they do expect you to do your own homework and to provide these documents to a general industry standard. Don’t know what that is? I repeat—do your homework.

Editors Represent Companies. Editors might seem like all-powerful gods to authors, but they have to answer to their employers just like anyone else, and they also have to win the approval of their publication committee. If they choose your book and it does poorly, it could negatively impact them as well. They have an obligation to represent their company’s lines and needs, and part of your (or your agent’s) homework is to make sure you are sending your work to the right companies. Most companies have certain “slots” to fill in their publication lines. For example, two American set historical romances, one historical romance set in England, three suspense novels, and five contemporary women’s novels. And to continue the example, eight of those slots for the year might already be filled by their current authors. You might have an awesome book that the editor loves, but whether or not you get a contract will still be largely based on the company’s specific needs of that moment, which is one of the many reasons you must keep trying and not be easily discouraged. Editors want to please their employers and keep their jobs just like anyone else, which is why being stubborn or pushy about a book that doesn’t fit their line will only cause you to be on their bad list.

Editors Have Personal Taste. In addition to representing their companies, editors also have their own taste. You might find that within a given publishing house one editor prefers plot driven fiction, another deep characters, and a third is a sucker for a great voice. That’s part of why you can’t take rejection too personally, and you must keep trying and trying. It’s entirely possible that you might send an editor an awesome novel, but they have read two similar bad ones recently that negatively color their perception. Or worse yet, they might have just read an off the charts awesome book in your genre, and therefore yours seems lackluster in comparison. It happens, and there’s nothing you can do about it but keep trying.

Editors Care about People They Know. And so I pretty much bring us back to the first point. Let me be clear. I’m not talking about nepotism. But…I think it is simple human nature that editors will give more time and attention to submissions by people that they know and like. They’ll feel more confident about publishing a book by someone they trust. It’s easy for me to send a simple, “no thank you” to people I haven’t met, whereas someone I know in person is more likely to get suggestions for improvement with an invitation to resubmit. At the end of the day, publishers are only going to publish books they love and feel confident about. But…given two books of equal merit, do you think an editor will push for the one by a friend or a stranger???

Yep, editors are people too. Don’t tick them off. Don’t annoy them. But if you can invest time into getting to know them and becoming their friends, it just might bode well for your future.

Have you ever met with an editor? Can you share any funny stories, cautionary tales, or suggestions?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dina Sleiman writes lyrical stories that dance with light. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Check out her novels Dance from Deep Within, Dance of the Dandelion, and Love in Three-Quarter time. And please join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace. For more info visit her at http://dinasleiman.com/

Meet WhiteFire Publishing - A Small Press for a New Generation

by Dina Sleiman

Between the nearly impossible to break into and often predictable world of big publishing houses and the danger and unpredictability to both readers and writers of self-publishing, there is another option. Small presses. These companies are opening up new opportunities for both writers and readers.

I've had the pleasure of serving as an acquisitions editor for a small publisher called WhiteFire Publishing for the past three years. WhiteFire began with a goal to reach under served markets. We wanted to be an outlet for books that were beautifully written but hard to sell. We also wanted books that were more realistic than some of the Christian publishers were looking for. At the same time, we wanted our books to have a deep sort of spirituality. We favored big books that crossed genres and offered a little something extra and exciting. Finally, instead of focusing on a middle aged audience as so many bigger Christian publishers do, we wanted books that would speak to all ages and that would draw a younger fan base who could grow with us.

I think more than anything else, these quotes from our authors express what we're all about.  Christine Lindsay had this to say, "I appreciate WhiteFire's desire to show the Christian faith in stories that will hopefully touch the hearts of those who are seeking." Susie Finkbeiner said, "They took a risk on me...they mentored, encouraged, and taught me so much about being a novelist...WhiteFire is a community of writers and readers with a deep passion for spirit filled literature." Normandie Fischer added, "I feel so privileged to be published by a company with heart, run by folk who care, and who show it by walking out their faith in matters of business and prayer." June Foster said, "I'd like to commend WhiteFire for living up to their logo - Where Spirit Meets the Page."And April McGowan said, "As a first time novelist, I didn't know what to expect...but, you all put me at ease immediately with your sense of humor and encouragement." And I'll wrap it up with this one from Golden Keyes Parsons, "I love the feeling of worth and value that WhiteFire gives to the individual author."

We started with just one book in 2009, then three in 2011. 2012 was a slow year as we got our systems in place, looked for quality submissions, and hired a nonfiction editor. But in 2013 we really took off, adding contemporary and nonfiction to our line, and 2014 is off to a strong start as well. So I'd like to give you a quick overview of what WhiteFire has to offer. Keep in mind as you scroll through, that all of these are available as ebooks for under $3.99. They are also available in print if you prefer. Find them online at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com.

2009
A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna White - Set in the days of Jesus, this edgy book full of drama, romance, and spiritual insight is Biblical fiction at its finest.
2011
Jewel of Persia by Roseanna White - More awesome Biblical fiction, this time featuring a fictional wife in Xerxes court during the time of Esther.
Shadowed in Silk by Christine Lindsay - A realistic historical set in Ghandi's India. You will be swept away by the romance, suspense, and gorgeous setting. *
Dance of the Dandelion by Dina Sleiman - A unique romantic coming of age saga which begins in a 13th century village in England and travels to far off Italy. *
2012
Walks Alone by Sandi Rog - An American set historical romance with a hunky Indian hero who you are sure to fall in love with.
Trapped by Golden Keyes Parsons - The first in a series of Biblical novellas featuring nameless women of the Bible.

2013
Historical and Biblical
Captured by Moonlight - The even better sequel to Shadowed in Silk. *
Alone and Broken - More Biblical novellas by Golden Keyes Parsons.
Contemporary Fiction
The Good Girl by Christy Barrit - A really fun romantic suspense novel by this well-loved, multi-award winning author, featuring edgy characters and maybe even a ghost!
Paint Chips by Susie Finkbiener - Deep women's fiction dealing with abuse and human trafficking yet full to the brim with humor, grace, light, and hope.
Jasmine by April McGowan - Romantic women's fiction that also takes a look at the harsher realities of life while offering hope and healing along the way.
Sailing out of Darkness by Normandie Fischer - Another romantic women's fiction featuring nautical themes, Italian settings, and a cool supernatural element.
Dance from Deep Within by Dina Sleiman - Yet more romantic women's fiction featuring a Muslim heroine, a bi-racial hippie, and a blonde ballerina who join forces to face life's challenges.
Nonfiction
Catching up with Daylight by Gail Kittleson - An artistic memoir full of spiritual insights and God's light.
Listening Prayer by Joanne Hillman - Learn to listen to God's voice and tap into the power of journaling.
Mountains, Madness, & Miracles by Lauralee Bliss - Join this popular CBA romance author as she takes a 4,000 mile journey along the Appalachian Trail and straight into the heart of God.

*During these first few years we've also been getting some notice on the award circuit:
Shadowed in Silk: Grace Award Winner 2011 for Action/Adventure/Epic/Expansive, and Readers Favorite Award 2012 Finalist
Walks Alone: Grace Award Winner 2012
Dance of the Dandelion: Honorable Mention in the 2012 Selah Awards
Captured by Moonlight: Readers' Favorite Award 2013 Finalist for Christian Historical Fiction

What's in store for 2014? At least another ten or so books for sure. Although the schedule is not completely set for the second half of the year, let me share a few books I'm really excited about. Ryan's Father by June Foster is a unique romance featuring a hero struggling with homosexual tendencies. It is a brave book and a worthwhile read for sure. Soul Painter by Cara Luecht is a gothic historical of the highest rank. Cara is a debut author to watch out for. I expect great things from her. No Plan B is a nonfiction offering by our first male author, Nelson Hannah. More books are coming from Susie and April, plus sequels from Christy, Roseanna, Christine, Golden, and me.

But perhaps more exciting than any of these for our Inky readers will be...drum roll please...this awesome, whimsical historical romance from our own Suzie Johnson, Sweet Mountain Music, set in Washington and featuring a surprising and very fun character :)

Have you read any WhiteFire novels? What are some of your favorite publishing houses, or do you pay attention to publishers at all?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dina Sleiman writes lyrical stories that dance with light. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Check out her novels Dance from Deep Within, Dance of the Dandelion, and Love in Three-Quarter time. And please join her as she discovers the unforced rhythms of grace. For more info visit her at http://dinasleiman.com/