Salvation Army Writers Conference

You have an opportunity to win a scholarship to the Salvation Army Writers Conference at the Sheraton, St. Louis City Center, 400 S. 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103.

October 8-13, 2013 - Five days of learning, sharing, inspiration and recreation for the advancement of the Salvation Army's publishing ministry. Look for announcements about special speakers and presenters in the months ahead.

Contest Categories: Fiction and Non Fiction
First Prize - Full scholarship for conference and airfare
Second Prize - Full scholarship to conference
Third Prize - Half scholarship to conference

Submit your original work, up to 1,200 words in length, by March 31, 2013. Submissions will be judged on creativity, plot and character development (fiction), and message, structure, style, substance, and related criteria.

Visit www.publications.salvationarmyusa.org for the contest submission form. Submissions are to be sent electronically.

Conference Cost: $650, includes all meals and a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi.

Twelve Ways to Glorify God with Your Blog

As Christians we want our writing to shine as a beacon into our world. That means if we have a blog ministry, we want it to be the best. Here are twelve ways to provide your readers with God glorifying copy:

1. Use compelling content--stories from your own life or retold Bible stories with life application.
2. Insert scripture with or without Bible address. God's word does not return to Him void.
3. Use good grammar and spelling. Nothing stops my reading faster than poor writing.
4. Avoid purple prose (adverbs). Use active verbs (Try not to use helper verbs like "is, was, were, have, had, has, to be, would, could, should. . .")
5. Use pictures. The Internet offers many free graphics and photos. I use Plus! Image or my own photos.
6. Keep posts short. Aim for less than 300 words. No more than 500 words.
7. Engage your readers by asking questions or opinions.
8. Read and comment on other blogs. Link to other blogs or websites.
9. Use labels that are likely to be used in searches (i.e. God's love, God's grace, Jesus loves me, Bible story titles)
10. Choose topics that appeal to readers. A good example today is how to find joy in a troubled world.
11. Use Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, and Linked In to publicize your posts.
12. Use compassion when responding to comments on your blog.