The new January 2008 issue of Spirit-Led Writer is posted online now, and there are some great encouraging articles for Christian writers.
If you have an article or review that would appeal to Christian writers, this publication is a paying market and is always looking for submissions.
Ever since I wrote my September Parent Muse column on internet privacy, I’ve had a hard time feeling motivated to write about myself or my family online. What do you think?
Here’s the opening of my column:
As a parent writer, you don’t have to look far to find great story material. The people around your own kitchen table provide you with an endless source of ideas and quotes. Yet where do you draw the line when it comes to protecting your family’s privacy?
Some authors prefer to use pen names and shield their children completely from the public. J.K. Rowling recently went so far as to sue a photo agency for trying to publish a picture of her son. Though the judge ruled against her, she plans to appeal, stating she takes the privacy and safety of her children “very seriously.”
How do you feel about your family’s privacy? Most Christian writers today use their full names in all marketing materials, including websites. Publishers and agents encourage authors and speakers to build a platform of name recognition, which will encourage a fan base (and sales). Yet is it safe to publish your children’s real names? And what about online images of your family?
You can read the rest of the column here.
A very thought-provoking, well-researched article, Heather. Gives bloggers something to chew on…and decisions to make. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am always better fed for reading here…
I hope the novel writing is going well!
Every blessing, friend…
Ann
Comment by Ann V @ Holy Experience — January 29, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
Hey girl, I’ve been out of the loop for months–trying to keep the main thing the main thing–eyes on the Lord and focus on my family. I read your article on Spirit Led Writer, THEN came here to see what you were up to. Little did I know your mind was on this topic.
I gotta’ tell ya’, my hubby’s an Intel officer for the Navy–he’s privy to information that would blow your mind. He’s extremely leary of posting names, photos, or any personal information.
Besides internet predators, any sex predator today can access the internet and find our information–even if they stumble upon it. They can photo-edit our innocent photos into objects of perversion. There are also gangs that prey on middle class white women as part of their initiation ritual. Why make it easy for them?
Parents should do some searching for topics like “sex slavery” or “trafficking in persons” for more reasons why they don’t want to make their families even more vulnerable.
Well, that’s a brief rant on the topic–some may call it paranoia, but I call taking every caution, under the circumstances, wisdom.
So what else are you writing? How’s the fam?
Comment by Carmen — January 31, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
Thank you so much! I stumbled here from Vonda Skelton’s blog, and after reading your article, I immediately went and took my family picture off of my site! Thanks for the heads up!
–Renae
www.renaebrumbaugh.com
Comment by Renae — February 4, 2008 @ 12:44 am