Deborah Vogts

Country at Heart

2008-06-03T23:59:00.000-05:00

It's kind of like winning the lottery or maybe winning the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes. Not that I would know how either of those feel like, but it finally arrived . . . my contract with Zondervan!

They have contracted me for three books of my Seasons of the Tallgrass series. The first book tentatively titled, Snow Melts in Spring is set to release in May 2009. How exciting is that! I am thrilled to be working with them on this project and understand that my first edits will be coming soon. Yahoo! It has been a long and winding road, but I am finally going to be published. A big THANK YOU to my agent Rachelle Gardner at Wordserve Literary, for working out all the details. I'll post more news in August, but until then, please celebrate with me!!!!

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

ACFW Conference

2008-06-03T19:12:00.002-05:00

ACFW Conference

Minneapolis, Minnesota

September 18-21, 2008

If you write fiction and you've never attended an American Christian Fiction Writers conference, you're missing a key ingredient in your writing career. The ACFW conference is the cream of the crop, and the only conference that targets fiction only.

This will be my sixth year to attend, and I have to say that each year gets better and better. 2008 promises to be the best so far, with keynote speaker, Angela Hunt, and over 16 agents and 24 editors representing 17 publishing houses! If that doesn't convince you, there are also two early bird sessions, six continuing education sessions, 35 workshops, and at least 16 late night chats scheduled. Another cool addition is an author book signing at the Mall of America, and a conference book store run by Barnes and Noble. Other highlights are the awards banquet, a prayer room, and amazing (did I say AMAZING) worship time.

Yes, it's expensive to attend a conference of this calibar, but measure that against the top-notch education you'll receive from editors, agents and some of the best-selling Christian authors in the business, fellowship with other writers (some who will become your best friends for life), and learning about the publishing business in a setting that's safe and friendly among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It does not get better than this!!!

The deadline for early registration is August 15. After that fees will increase. Visit http://www.acfw.com/conference for more information.

Go register . . . NOW.

Cowboy Poet

2008-06-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

Recently we watched cowboy poet and lay minister Travis Lowen perform at the county fair with horses and an 1800 pound longhorn steer. He taught that working with animals helps us understand authority and obedience using the Bible as our guide. It was quite interesting and entertaining.

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD." Proverbs 21:31

Lemon Orange Cake

2008-06-01T10:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a recipe my middle daughter took to the county fair this year. It is delicious.

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

FROSTING:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

3 tablespoons orange juice

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1-2 tablespoons grated orange peel

1-2 tablespoons grated lemon peel

1 teaspoon lemon extract

5 1/2 - 6 cups confectioners' sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in extracts. Pour into three greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, beat butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Add the next five ingredients and mix well. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until frosting has desired spreading consistency. Spread between layers and over the top and sides of cake. Makes 10-12 servings.

More Recipes

County Fair

2008-06-01T10:00:00.002-05:00

"Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph. 5:1-2

This past July we attended our county fair, an event we look forward to all year long. This year was no exception, although it was very hot and humid. I have to admit that I'm glad to be back inside with the air-conditioning. Here are a few pictures of our girls' projects. Above is our youngest daughter with her bucket calf. Below are pictures of their food projects and our oldest with horse, Joe.

New Author Interviews

2007-01-05T18:30:00.000-06:00

Many of you have been following my journey to publication, but I am only one in a sea of writers trying to get published. I wanted to take a moment to offer hope to you (and me) with this interview of two new authors, Beth Goddard and Jill Eileen Smith. Take heart--publication can happen! My questions are below in red:

Christmas is the season of gift-giving, and I understand that both of you have been given the gift of a publishing contract this year. Congratulations! Since you both joined ACFW about the same time as me, I know that this time of celebration comes only after a great deal of waiting and struggle. Please briefly tell us about your journey.

BETH: I received the news that my editor wanted to buy my novel last October (2006). Seasons of Love will be released to Heartsong Presents book club this December 07. I’ve written most of my life and knew that I wanted to become a paid writer years ago. I didn't actually make that commitment and the decision to pursue writing novels until 2001—the same year I joined ACFW. All the credit goes to the Lord, of course, because He led me to this group. ACFW gave me direction and training. Still, it was five long years of writing, working on my craft, before I obtained that elusive contract.

JILL: I've been writing for 20+ years learning the craft, writing over ten novels, some of which were compilations of others. But the story of my heart remained the life of King David. That first epic garnered 28 rejections and a place of honor under my bed. The Wives of the King series went through about 7 years of rejections until my wonderful agent, Wendy Lawton, put it in the hands of Lonnie Hull Dupont, the editor who planted the idea for Michal's story in my mind 16 years ago. That idea came tucked in the middle of a rejection letter, which was really more like a "redirection" letter. When Wendy placed Michal in Lonnie's hands, the book had come full circle and within a little over two months I was offered a three-book contract for Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba.

I read recently that there are approximately 20 Christian publishers who publish two to three new novelists a year. ACFW now has over a thousand members, which means there are a lot of writers not getting contracts. The market, they say, is saturated. This can be very discouraging for a new writer and can be especially disheartening for a Christian writer, who may feel that God has given him a story to tell. I'm sure both of you had your moments of discouragement. Would you care to elaborate on this, and what encouragement can you offer new writers?

BETH: One of the reasons I delayed working on a novel for so many years was because I was afraid that I would put that time into something that would never amount to anything. Fear is an author’s worst enemy. Fear of rejection and fear of success. Even during times of discouragement, though, when I wanted to give up and go back to a normal life, I’ve been afraid to do even that. At this point, I don’t think I can ever stop writing. I think what drives me is that I don’t want to come to the end of my life and wonder “what if” I had done this or that. If I stop writing now, I’ll never know where it will take me. If you know that the Lord has given you a dream and a calling, you don’t have to worry about anything but doing His will and He will do the rest. I know this is easier to say than to do. But perhaps that is part of the journey, learning to trust and acknowledge Him in all our ways, leaning not unto our own understanding. With the publishing numbers being what they are, I’d say that last part of scripture is one to hold onto—don’t lean on your own understanding.

JILL: I believe the best thing a new writer can do besides learning the craft is to write what you love and to be in constant prayer about what God would have you do. I cannot say that everyone who longs to be published will be. I seriously doubted I would ever get that call - and if it had not happened, I would have had to accept that God had other plans for me. I constantly - even now - lay it at His feet for Him to do with as He will. Surrender every desire - pray about every detail. The rest is up to Him.

Discouragement can come in the form of many things, rejection one of them. Studies show that even the most successful authors had trouble getting published. Stephen King's Carrie was rejected more than 30 times; Dr. Seuss received 24 rejections before his first story was published; Publishers rejected Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind 38 times. The list goes on. This past year my agented proposal received a passel of rejections. How have both of you dealt with rejection, and what ammunition do you have for keeping rejection at bay in the future?

BETH: I have the good fortune of having a sales background so I know that it’s a numbers game as much as anything. Rejections are painful, especially when you get your hopes up. That’s why I work hard not to put too much hope into what I send out. That might not be the best approach, but I can tell you it has been less painful to receive the rejections. Several rejections I simply laughed off because I had prepared myself. But that isn’t the way of most. I think the best solution for keeping rejection at bay is once you’ve sent out your project, instead of waiting around to hear word, put your heart and energy into the next project.

JILL: Rejection hurts. There is no getting around that. But rejection can either cause us to give up or lead us to try again with a different and better story. Recently, I've tried something new - to praise the Lord for what He's done even in the midst of rejection. I've been amazed at how my attitude changes! I think the key to discouragement is to keep giving it to the Lord. Keep surrendering the dream. Keep asking, keep trusting. I Chronicles 5:20 says, "He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him." (NIV) It may be that God asks us to persevere and not give up. Or He may ask us to lay our dreams on His altar. Whether He chooses to give them back to us or fulfill them the way we intend and hope isn't our call - it is up to Him.

Beth, your contract was offered to you nearly twelve months ago with Heartsong Presents, and your book is scheduled to release to book club members this month. Jill, you just sold a three-book Biblical fiction series with Revell. I rejoice with both of you for achieving that wonderful, but elusive title of "published author". Obviously, we must all learn the tools of the writing trade in order to sell a publishable novel. But there are other things we must learn in this business, too, such as marketing strategies, humility, criticism, or even how to handle success. In retrospect, what was the greatest lesson you learned on this long journey to a publishing contract? Do you feel God had a special reason for making you wait?

BETH: God has been there with me all along including pursuing me to write in the first place. That’s another story. I think it takes time to learn the craft and I’m still learning. In addition we have to make the right contacts, again, God is in charge of those divine appointments. For me personally, the Lord has been gentle to keep me from achieving success too fast because my focus should be on my family. I had three young children when I started writing in 2001, then in 2003 had another baby. They need my attention and I would never be a fool to think that writing, even if God has called me, is more important than these little people. Through all of this process I’ve learned that it is all about the writing journey, my relationship with God and with others.

A wise multi-published author once counseled me when I was depressed about not being contracted, that I should take joy in where I am in my writing journey. Once you find success and are required to make deadlines, you can’t take time with your family. If someone close to you is suffering or dies, the deadline still looms.

JILL: My mom used to quote me a little phrase every time I would get frustrated over the waiting, the rejections, the feeling like I had wasted my life...and that was, "God's timing is never wrong." It truly isn't. God is God and I am not, and even down to the last ten days when I knew Revell wanted to offer me the contract but had to finalize it so I couldn't announce it or celebrate - God was still teaching me to wait on Him, to trust His timing, to watch and see what He would do. To be patient! Something I thought I was rather good at, at least some of the time! Obviously, He thought otherwise. :)

Thank you so much Beth and Jill, for taking the time to visit about this "not so delightful" topic. Christmas is a time of hope--a hope that came to us when Jesus Christ entered the world. What hope can you offer to those struggling to continue their writing journey?

BETH: The hope I offer is that hope is not found in writing or publishing, but in Jesus Christ. Peace can only be found in resting in Him. No amount of writing success will bring you peace or satisfaction so continue your writing journey, if He’s called you to do so, and be at peace while you enjoy the adventure he has for you.

JILL: When we surrender our lives, our writing to Him, we allow Him to be the one to call the shots, to decide what He will do with the results. Be honest with Him and pray about everything every day. If we are stuck in God's waiting room far longer than we would like, rest assured that He is there with us. He knows our hearts' desires. He remembers that we are dust. So while we are there writing for an audience that only He can see, may we reflect on this truth: "It matters not if the world has heard or approves or understands...The only applause we're meant to seek is that of nail-scarred hands." B.J. Hoff -- And when all is said and done, that applause is our hope.

Thank you again, ladies, for visiting us. May God bless you both this Christmas season, and I hope to have you back soon to visit more about your new books!

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

2006-11-03T13:52:00.000-06:00

This past month, I was among 400 attendees who traveled to Dallas, TX to attend the 5th Annual ACFW Conference. This year's keynote speaker was Liz Curtis Higgs, a woman rich in humor and Christian perspective and a joy to listen to.

The program schedule included editor/agent panels, continuing education sessions for beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional fiction writers, elective workshops and late night chats. There were also Book of the Year awards as well as the new Genesis Contest, a contest for unpublished writers.

I am thrilled to announce that my friend, Marian Merritt, received the Genesis Award with her women's fiction entry Legacy of Grace. One of my critique partners, Christina Miller, was also a finalist with her general fiction story Twilight. Congratulations ladies!

Here is a slide show of some of this year's conference pictures:

Country at Heart

2006-09-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite memories growing up was when my dad made homemade ice-cream--which was just about every weekend, especially in the summertime. Dad loved the taste of soft-serve vanilla ice-cream--icy cold and creamy, with chunks of Hershey's chocolate bar stirred in. (He still does for that matter.)

Back then, Mom prepared the recipe and when it was ready, Dad would put an old feed sack over the bar of the White Mountain ice-cream maker, then have one of my brothers or me sit on it to hold it down while he cranked. It could get really cold on your bottom, especially if there was no one to take turns with you.

As I grew older, the "cranking job" became mine. I remember inviting my good friend, Donna, from down the road to help on many of these occasions, and we'd take turns "cranking" until our arms got tired. Those were the days--simple, carefree, hot summer days, with nothing to do but look forward to eating a bowl of homemade ice-cream out on the front porch. Today, whenever we have a family get-together, my mom and dad usually serve ice-cream for dessert--only now they've upgraded to an electric machine.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Saving Grace

2006-09-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

Six years ago, I formed and managed a group of youth singers who called themselves "Saving Grace." During that time, we learned a host of contemporary praise songs along with a few gospel hymns, and we traveled around southeast Kansas singing and glorifying God with our music. Some of the places we attended were various churches, community events, and even the Kansas State Fair where we performed three times. In those years, we managed to purchase our own singing equipment and last year we recorded a music CD of our favorite songs. We also ate a lot of pizza and had some fun roadtrips.

I watched these girls grow from gangly teens to beautiful, God-honoring women. This year we ended our time as a group, and I'd like to formally introduce them and thank them for all the joys they've brought me. Group members of those six years are: Andi & Stevi Ballard, Sara Dyson, Kerri Hartzell, and my three daughters, Abbey, Maggie & Samantha Vogts. Thank you girls, and may God grant you happiness in His care all the days of your lives.

Country at Heart

2006-07-25T17:29:00.000-05:00

Ah, summer in the country . . .

When I was a girl, summer meant no more school for three whole months--time to do whatever I wanted, as long as the chores were done. Chores for me included cleaning the house, doing laundry, cooking, and tending to my 4-H projects. You see, I was the only girl in the family, and my mom was often busy helping Dad in the fields. If she wasn't in the fields, she was in the garden harvesting vegetables or in the kitchen processing them. I helped with that, too.

Oh, how I despised silking corn--an entire dining table full of it. When we processed corn, everyone helped, including my grandma and great-grandma. Shucking was okay and silking was too . . . for a little while, until my fingers became so tacky from corn juice I thought I'd go insane. Sure, I complained, but there's nothing like a home-cooked meal of fresh corn-on-the-cob, new fried potatoes, and tender garden lettuce with a vinegar-sugar dressing. Mmm.

Summers haven't changed much for me. I still clean house, do laundry, cook, and garden. And my three daughters are in 4-H, with projects in sewing, cooking, reading, horse, and bucket calf. Add to that my writing projects and a possible vacation, and that spells B-U-S-Y. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and

I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when

you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Kansas Authors Brainstorming Retreat

2006-06-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

The second week of April, I was invited to attend a brainstorming retreat with four Kansas authors at Deborah Raney's home. What an awesome treat this was for me to visit and learn from some of the best inspirational writers in the business. And talk about brainstorming . . . there were some really great ideas being passed around as one idea sparked another.

Those present were: Deborah Raney, Judy Miller, Pat MacDonald, myself, and Kim Vogel Sawyer.

Country at Heart

2006-05-06T23:57:00.000-05:00

I lived in the city for several years before I married and moved to the country. One of the things I missed most was the still quite evenings at sunset. There are few scenes more inspiring than a country sunset colored orange, pink and silvery blue against the darkening western sky. Add to that the haunting call of a nighthawk as it dips low to the ground in search of insects.

An evening walk on an abandoned country road is the best way to enjoy these sunsets--alone, with a loved one or maybe a dog or two. In that rare breath between windy day and starry night when the air is still and you can catch the sweet scent of honesuckle, freshly tilled earth or mown grass--that wondrous moment in time when the work is done and supper is over, and all that's left is to enjoy the gift God's given you--life in the country.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Country at Heart

2006-03-30T12:20:00.000-06:00

Except for a short time while attending college, I've lived in the country all my life. I was raised on a Kansas farm, and now my husband and I live in the country where we are raising our three daughters, as well as Quarter Horses and Golden Retrievers. To put it simply, I love living in the country -- fresh air, quiet atmosphere, animals & wildlife, open landscape, and magnificent sunsets.

When I was a girl, my dad bought a CB radio, you know, one of those electronic devices where you use the phrase "Breaker 1-9". His calling name was Pig Farmer, my mom's name was Mother Hen, and mine was Country Girl. Not too original, I know, but do you see a pattern here?

If you haven't guessed by now, the books I write are set in the country. Because of this, I decided to use Country at Heart as my writing brand. I think it is quite fitting.

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13

Kansas Writers and Librarians

2006-01-15T14:33:00.000-06:00

Lisa Goins, Delores March (Parsons librarian) and myself

Recently I was among three Kansas authors invited to attend a meeting for writers and librarians at the Parsons Public Library.

Jay Fultz, author of In Search of Donna Reed, and fellow ACFW member, Lisa Goins, were also in attendance.

As part of the meeting we participated in an informal round-table discussion about our writing and how writers and librarians can work together. Several SE Kansas libraries were represented.

Deborah Vogts

Country at Heart

ACFW Conference

Recommended Reading

Cowboy Poet

Lemon Orange Cake

County Fair

New Author Interviews

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference

Country at Heart

Saving Grace

Country at Heart

Kansas Authors Brainstorming Retreat

Country at Heart

Country at Heart

Kansas Writers and Librarians