Author Brenda Nixon - Blog Tour!
I'm up to my ears in Blog Tours lately! It's fun to check in with other authors out there and pick their brains a bit to find out how and why they ended up where they are today.
My guest this go around is Brenda Nixon. Brenda authored and published Power Parenting in the Early Years, a highly practical book for parents of young children.
She is also a contributing author to many books, including several books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, WriterSpeaker.com, and Intimate Encounters with God.
Her work has been featured in parenting and online magazines including Christian Women Today, CBN.com, and iParenting. Last October, she was quoted in McKinney Kids, a Texas parenting magazine, and has been quoted on WebMD, in Working Mother, and Child magazines.
1. How long have you been in the publishing industry?
I began professional speaking in 1996, and writing soon followed. So, I guess you could say I've been in the industry around 10 years.
2. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Can't quote a date or moment, Jenn. Through traveling and speaking to audiences, I gradually realized the marriage between oral and written communication. People wanted something beyond the platform. I began writing parenting articles and columns for local publications. After attending Christian Leaders and Speakers Service (CLASS) training in 2000, I went home with enthusiasm and resolve to write my first book, Parenting Power in the Early Years.
3. Can you think of a particular individual who inspired/motivated/encouraged you at the beginning of your career?
Thankfully, there've been many people who have provided input and encouragement to my career. And along the way, God has planted various people to influence me. Currently, my precious prayer partner is Gloria Penwell.
4. What’s your favorite topic to write about?
Oh, now that's an easy one - parenting! Building healthy, happy families one parent at a time is my passion – my profession – my goal. I am a speaker and writer devoted to parent empowerment through education and encouragement. One of my articles, "Bedtime Resistance Remedy" is published at http://christianwomentoday.com/parenting/bedtime.html. There are also free parenting articles on my website www.BrendaNixon.com.
5. Do you have any writing advice for up-and-coming writers?
I encourage writers to get connected with other writers. Don't be a lone ranger. The writing life can be lonely and you desperately need to surround yourself with like-mined people who understand your heart and passion and with whom you can swap ideas, critiques, and industry news.
Also, make plans to attend a writer's conference. I know it cost money and time away from family, but if you want to improve, network, and feel more professional you need to go to industry events. It was at Write-To-Publish, that I met my literary agent and now have book contracts. Below, are some upcoming conferences along with their website:
February 16, 2008. Oregon Christian Writer's One Day Winter Conference at Corban College
in Salem, OR. Gail Sattler, Keynote Speaker.
More info: http://oregonchristianwriters.org/members/
Feb 28-March 2, 2008. Florida Christian Writers Conference in Bradenton. Keynoters include
Paul McCusker and T. Davis Bunn. Includes a special Teen Track taught by Bryan Davis. More
information: http://www.flwriters.org/
March 14-18, 2008. Spring Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon. Debbie Macomber
and Jerry B Jenkins. More info: http://www.mounthermon.org/writers/
(Secular) April 3-5, 2008. Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop in Dayton, OH. More info:
http://www.humorwriters.org/2008SpeakerBios.html (NOTE: this one always sells out fast, if interested I suggest you hurry and make your commitment for 2009)
April 12, 2008. Spring Writers Day. Orange County Christian Writers, CA. Featuring Beverly
Lewis, Dan Benson, Brian Bird and Chip MacGregor. More info: http://www.occwf.org/
April 17-19, 2008. Delaware Christian Writers Conference. Newark, Delaware.
More here: http://www.delawarechristianwritersconference.com/
April 19, 2008. Mini Conference, St. David's Christian Writers at Emmanuel Christian Church
in Stoneboro, PA. More info: http://www.stdavidswriters.com/home.html Click on
"Mini-Conference."
May 2-3, 2008. Northwest Christian Writers Renewal (formerly SPU Writers Renewal).
Northshore Baptist Church in Bothell, Washington. Cec Murphey keynotes. Editorial reps
include Mick Silva, Waterbrook; Don Pape, Cook; and Jesse Florea, Focus on the Family
magazines. More info: http://www.nwchristianwriters.org/default.asp?id=8785
May 2-3, 2008. Antelope Valley Christian Writers' Conference. Tim Riter, Keynote. More
info: www.avwriters.comMay 3, 2008. Susquehanna Valley Writers Workshop at the Best
Western Inn/Country Cupboard Restaurant, Lewisburg, PA.
More info: http://www.marshahubler.com/workshop.html
May 18-22, 2008. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Ridgecrest, NC. More
information: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D152237%252526M%25253D201125%2C00.html?
June 4-7, 1008. Write to Publish Conference. More info upcoming:
http://www.writetopublish.com/ (NOTE: I've taught at WTP and it is one of the foremost, well-organized conferences. Recommended)
June 13-14, 2008. Dayton Christian Writer's Conference. Englewood, OH. More info: http:/
/www.dougtoles.com/upcominggospelevents/
June 16-21, 2008. St. David's Christian Writer's Conference. Grove City, PA. Featuring
Sally Stuart, Jane Kirkpatrick, Robbie Hess and Lisa Crayton. More info:
http://www.stdavidswriters.com/home.html
September 8-12, 2008. Maranatha Christian Writers Conference. Muskegon, MI. More
info: http://www.writewithpurpose.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
September 29-October 2, 2008. Sandy Cove Christian Writers Conference. More info:
http://watkins.gospelcom.net/sandycove.htm
6. Favorite book of all time? (note: The Bible doesn’t count!)
Oh my, Jenn, that's a tough one. I have to say . . . many favorites. For devotion, I like to read Oswald Chambers and Max Lucado books. For professional growth in child development, I like anything written by Drs. Ross Campbell, T. Berry Brazelton, Brenda Hunter, and Sal Severe. For pure entertainment and relaxation, I do crossword puzzles.
For more information about Brenda, check out the rest of her Blog Tour Schedule. Be sure to visit Brenda's next stop at Melonie's Blog on January 28th.
Thanks Jenn, it was fun being interviewed and sharing some tid-bits with
your readers.
