Just saw this on Publisher’s Weekly. It was announced yesterday. That’s right. Thomas Nelson will no longer attend the primary CBA tradeshow, ICRS. I’m not sure whether this means they are leaving the Christian Booksellers Association, or just no longer attending the tradeshow.
Update: Michael Hyatt weighed in on this in the comments. They aren’t leaving the CBA, just no longer attending ICRS. He pointed people to a Q&A about this specific issue on his blog.
At any rate, you need to know this stuff. So keep reading and be sure to click through to the articles as well.
It’s official. I’m going to the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Conference. (My work isn’t paying for this one either.)Â And because lists are fun, here are four reasons why I’m excited:
Some of my blogging friends are still talking about Karen Hancock’s Christian fantasy novel, Return of the Guardian-King. I thought I would highlight some of my favorite bits of wisdom they’ve shared over the past two days:
CSFF is exploring Jeff Gerke’s site, WhereTheMapEnds.com. So I thought I would spend the last day of the tour highlighting my five favorite parts of his site.
Interviews! I love interviews, and Jeff has some really good ones. A notable absence is Randy Ingermanson. Jeff, I hope that one’s on the way.
Collaborative Fiction Project! In his newsletter (see the right side bar of Jeff’s site), he says, “Our premise: A medieval fantasy world–with its own problems, histories, cultures, and cast of characters–is suddenly invaded by technologically advanced beings from space–who themselves have their own problems, histories, cultures, and cast of characters . . . I hope you’ll join the fun. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or just an intrigued bystander (who might BECOME a writer along the way), you’re heartily invited.” His inspiration for the premise is the movie Krull–boy, does that take me back.
The Random Story Generator! This is just fun. It’s based on Randy Ingermanson’s snowflake method, and it isn’t half bad as a real tool.
Venusian Beauties! Ok, this Ed Wood style short isn’t actually on Jeff’s page, but he stars as a “Commander in the United States Space Invaders Agency who turns out to really be an evil spy from the planet Venus.” You won’t want to miss all the tin foil! (It’s about five minutes, and you’ll hear Jeff say things like, “Show me!” and “It was a big fat bird!” and “Captain Space Man!”
The best stop on the tour by the way is Jeff’s interview about the CBA. I’ll add that link later this morning. (My son is gagging right now, gotta run.)
There’s a special treat at the end for READERS when Wayne reads ”The Betrayal,” a powerful excerpt from The Door Within—with voices and everything.Â
Update 12-28: Michael Hyatt posted a follow-up article on his blog with the Thomas Nelson Top 100.
Michael Hyatt, the president and CEO of Thomas Nelson isn’t exactly Toto, and the American publishing business certainly isn’t Oz. But his blog does a great job of pulling back the curtain to demystify the Christian publishing world.
