Writer Spotlight: Dr. La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D.

Writer Spotlight: Dr. La Verne Tolbert, Ph.D.

Tolbert IMageFor the past two weeks, we have been featuring some of the speakers and panelists of the upcoming UMI Christian Writers Conference that will be held on Friday, April 22-23. Up next is a brief Q&A with Author and UMI’s Vice President of Editorial Dr. LaVerne Tolbert, Ph.D. In addition to being a best-selling author of her book Teaching Like Jesus: A Practical Guide to Christian Education in Your Church, Dr. Tolbert is also a former editor of Family Circle and Bride’s Magazine. Find out more about Dr. Tolbert and her journey to become a successful writer below:

 

When did you discover that you had a passion for writing?

During my early childhood years, my father required me to read at least 5 books every summer. I loved reading and found that I also loved writing.

Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction?
When I was a magazine editor, I focused on writing non-fiction, and today this remains as my preference. I enjoy writing “how-to,” and my classic text, Teaching Like Jesus, explains how to teach.

What are you looking forward to most about the UMI Christian Writers Conference?
I’m looking forward to networking with and meeting new writers who are interested in working for Urban Ministries, Inc.

With so many other genres and styles of writing, how did you make the decision to pursue a career in Christian writing and publishing?
I’m a former professor of Christian education (Talbot School of Theology). Since my masters and doctoral work are in this field, it’s natural for me to also write for a Christian audience.

Do you have one piece of advice that you’d like to share with someone who is interested in pursuing a career in writing?
My advice to anyone who wants to pursue a career in writing is this…write! Often, people say they want to write, and they think about writing, but they don’t actually sit down and write. At the conference, I’ll share my easy-to-follow steps for beginning this process.

 

For more information about the UMI Christian Writers Conference, visit the website.

Writer Spotlight: Crystal McDowell

Writer Spotlight: Crystal McDowell

Crystal-McDowell_IMG_4505-2-458x458For the next two weeks, we will be featuring some of the speakers and panelists of the upcoming UMI Christian Writers Conference that will be held on Friday, April 22-23. First up is a brief Q&A with Author, Editor and Blogger Crystal McDowell who will be speaking on “Writing Great Devotionals.” Find out more about Crystal and her journey to become a successful writer below:

When did you discover that you had a passion for writing?

I discovered my passion at a writers conference in 1999. I didn’t have a full understanding of the reason that I was there–but I knew that God was leading me in that direction. One evening at the conference, I called my husband and said, “I’ve found my people!” There was a common bond of exploration and discovery of God’s deeply embedded gifts within us that drew us together. From that very first conference, I landed writing Sunday School lessons leading to bigger writing projects. Bottom line…I never lost that feeling of “I can’t believe I’m getting paid for what I love to do!”

Do you prefer writing fiction or non-fiction?

I see potential in writing both–however, in this season of my life writing Christian nonfiction is my strongest impact. I haven’t read as much fiction as I used to, but I’m beginning to explore it more. I believe that a writer’s greatest influence lies in what we are reading–it will be reflected in our work

What are you looking forward to most about the UMI Christian Writers Conference?

Jesus said, “It’s better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). I’m looking forward to encouraging other people to follow their dreams in the same way I was strengthened and encouraged to move towards my destiny. There’s something about strengthening others that gives me the fuel to continue to stretch myself as well.

With so many other genres and styles of writing, how did you make the decision to pursue a career in Christian writing and publishing?

I’m open to all genres and styles of writing that give opportunities to shine the Good News of Jesus Christ. I don’t know if I chose Christian writing and publishing–or if it chose me. The gift of creative writing in the Christian field is wide open right now for those who are willing to take the first steps of faith. As believers, our light is to shine wherever we go to whomever partakes of our writing.

Do you have one piece of advice that you’d like to share with someone who is interested in pursuing a career in writing?

The best advice given to me was from a professor at graduate school: practice your A-B-Cs which means Apply the Behind to Chair! Writing is something I do whether I feel like it or not. Alex Haley’s advice also rings in my head when he said, “Your attitude is everything. Believe in yourself and trust your material. To be a successful writer, write every single day whether you feel like it or not…”

 

For more details about the UMI Christian Writers Conference, including registration, visit here.