COMIX35 invites Christian comics creators to put together their original proposal for adapting the apologetic classic More Than A Carpenter into an original narrative story in comic book or graphic novel form.

The Josh McDowell “More Than a Carpenter” Christian Comic Competition presents Christian comics creators the opportunity to pitch JoshMcDowell Ministries on their own original concept. The winner receivesa cash prize for their proposal PLUS an opportunity to negotiate apublishing agreement with Josh McDowell Ministries to have theiroriginal adaptation of More Than a Carpenter produced as a comic book or graphic novel.

Entry Deadline: Wednesday 29 November 2006

Rules and info here .

While we're on the subject of COMIX35, they are also hosting COMIX35's "Animations for Web & Mobile Devices" Competition . Click the link for info and rules.

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Our pal Dr. Tony Shore checks in with an update regarding alt-rock supergroup Lost Dogs ...

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Our pals at Infuze share that film producer Ralph Winter (X-Men, et al) is prepping a film adaptation of C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters.

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Christian Country Music Association is proud to announce the Top 10 category nominees for the 12th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show (ICM Awards), which will be held at the historic Acuff Theater, Nov. 9, 2006, at 7 PM CST. The member-voted ICM Awards Show is the keynote event of Inspirational Country Week, slated for November 5-10 in Nashville, Tennessee.  
 
Andy Andrews, New York Times best-selling author and humorist will host the live show. For more information, visit www.icmawards.com.
           
The following Top 10 nominees are listed in alphabetical order within each category:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Branded
Del Way
Dennis Agajanian
Fox Brothers
Gayla Earlene
Last Light Band
Melanie Walker
Mike Hammock
Rory Hoffman
Tommy Brandt

MALE VOCALIST
Chunky Nelms
Clifton Jansky
Del Way
Gordon Mote
Jackie Cox
Mike Hammock
Mike Manuel
Rich McCready
Robert Martin
Steven Paul McCollum
Tommy Brandt

FEMALE VOCALIST
Angel White
Debbie Bennett
Gayla Earlene
Joyce Wagster
Kim McLean
Mary James
Melanie Walker
Nanette Vaughan
Lori Willcuts
Susie Luchsinger

GROUP        
Alabama Crossmen
Carpenters Tools
Chigger Hill Boys & Terri
ELA
Fox Brothers
GunnPoint Band
Last Light Band
Lawrence Bishop Band
Michael King & One True North
Philadelpheia

VOCAL DUO 
Branded
Calvary Cowboys
Gene & Lavada Triesch
Hargroves
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Morgan & Morgan
Potter Sisters
Randy& Heidi Gunn
Twice Robin
2 Days Later

TRIO
Booth Brothers
Carpenters Tools
Chord of Three
Haddix Family
Jeff Treece Band
Last Light Band
Mere Image
Peasall Sisters
Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony
Selah 

SONG OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn, “Believe”
Tim McGraw, “Drugs Or Jesus”
Diamond Rio, “God Only Cries (For The Living)”
Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take The Wheel”
Josh Turner, “Me and God”
Rascal Flatts, “Skin (Sarabeth)”
Sawyer Brown, “They Don’t Understand”
Mike Hammock, “Welcome Home Soldier”
Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton, “When I Get Where I’m Going”
George Strait, “You'll Be There”

SONGWRITER
Ann Hartmann
Chunky Nelms
Cory Mayo
Craig Wiseman
David Phelps
Mike Hammock
Mike Manuel
Ronnie Dunn
Russ Murphy
Tim Johnson
Josh Turner

MAINSTREAM COUNTRY
Alan Jackson
Billy Ray Cyrus
Brooks & Dunn
Carrie Underwood
Craig Morgan
Diamond Rio
Josh Turner
Marty Raybon
Randy Travis
Sawyer Brown     

NEW ARTIST
Corey Brooks
Haddix Family
Hargroves
Jeff Cummings
Jerry Utley
Mary James
Mike Rimmey
Nannette Vaughan
Rebecca Linda Smith
Scott Neff
Steven Paul McCollum

MUSICIAN
Angel White
Charlie Daniels
Dennis Agajanian
Gene Crain
Justin Todd Herod     
Keith Urban
Lawrence Bishop
Marty Stuart
Robin Bullock
Rory Hoffman     

COMEDY
Barry McGee
Brad Stine
David Ferrell
Dennis Swanberg
Dustin Joiner
Frankie Punkintown Smith
Jeff Treece
Mark Lowry
Roy Fox & The Fox Brothers
Tim Hawkins

RADIO PERSONALITY
Bobby Lynn/WTNK 1090 AM
Dean Long/WGMA 1520 AM
Fred Bacher/WTVY 95.5 FM
Jim Tucker/The Sunrise Show
John Ritter/Rise Up   -  Marie Medina/KSLV 1240 AM
Mark Hunter/Dynamite Christian Country
Rich Miller/Power Source Top 20
Robby Lynne/Sundays Kind of Country
Rodney Allen/ WCRR 660 AM

RADIO STATION
KNGR, Daingerfield, TX
KOKS, Poplar Bluff, MO
KSLV, Monte Vista, CO   
KWXT, Russellville, AR
WCRR, Rural Retreat, VA
WGMA, Spindale, NC 
WJBD, Salem, IL
WSLV, Ardmore, TN
WTVY, Dothan,  AL  
WYEA, Sylacauga,  AL
WZYX, Cowan, TN

PIONEER
Barbara Fairchild
Clint Miller
Dan Cowart
Del Way
Joe Babcock
Lynn Fox
Mike Manuel
Robby Lynn
Susie Luchsinger
W.C. Taylor

LIVING LEGEND
Barbara Fairchild
Bill Traylor
Connie Smith
Del Way
Joe Babcock
Ken Holloway
Mike Manuel
Porter Wagoner
Randy Travis
Susie Luchsinger

MUSIC EVANGELIST OF THE YEAR
Bill Mullis
Chunky Nelms
Del Way
Dennis Agajanian
Dwayne Williams
Jimmy Snow
Justin Todd Herod
Lawrence Bishop
Melanie Walker
Randy & Heidi Gunn

TELEVISION
America One
CBN
Cornerstone
Daystar
Family Net
Inspirational Network
Gospel Music Channel
TBN
TCT
Total Living Network

YOUTH IN MUSIC
Alicia Shultz
Amber Morgan
Christie Ann
Corey Brooks  Jasmun Basilone
Kaeli Fletcher
Mackenzie Morgan
Peasall Sisters
Shanta
The Whitlocks

VIDEO
Brooks & Dunn, “Believe”
Diamond Rio, “God Only Cries (For The Living)”
Jamie O’Neal, “I Love My Life”
Rodney Atkins, “If You Are Going Thru Hell (Before The Devil Knows)"
Diamond Rio, “In God We Trust”
Carrie Underwood, “Jesus Take The Wheel”
Gary Allan, “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful”
Rascal Flatts, “Skin (Sarabeth)“
Sawyer Brown, “They Don’t Understand”
Brad Paisley/w Dolly Parton, “When I Get Where I’m Going”

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INO Records’ critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Derek Webb is announcing a new way to own his brilliantly-reviewed and controversial album, Mockingbird: he is giving it away! Sep. 1, Webb will launch freederekwebb.com, a place where anyone can go online and not just hear, but actually download, keep, and share Mockingbird completely free.

"Derek has always been an innovator and forward thinker in his life, songwriting and musical endeavors, and this FREE DEREK WEBB campaign is an example of such creativity,” commented INO Records’ President Jeff Moseley. "We fully support Derek and this brave idea and are looking forward to watching fans react to his efforts."

“One of the things that excites me most about the future of our business is how easy it is becoming to deliver music to people who want to hear it,” Webb remarks. “I heard a story once about Keith Green caring so much that people were able to hear and engage with his music that he gave it away for free, a very difficult and expensive thing to do at that time. It's actually never been as simple as it is today to connect music with music fans, and I want people to have a chance to listen to Mockingbird and engage in the conversation.”                   

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(Nashville, Tenn.) July 31, 2006 – Veteran songwriter/performer Michael W. Smith continues to stretch his artistic wings in 2006 with the announcement of a fall tour that will visit 27 markets throughout the U.S. The tour is part of a busy fall and winter that also features the release of his 19th studio album, Stand.
 
Smith, who has garnered positive notices for his feature film debut earlier this year as pastor Ethan Jenkins in the Steve Taylor-directed Provident Films release The Second Chance, returns to his roots as a live performer with the fall tour. The evening will feature Smith in an intimate and personal setting, performing an acoustic set comprised of songs drawn from his RIAA platinum-selling, Dove and Grammy Award winning musical career.
 
“Over Michael W. Smith’s career he’s performed live with full bands and with symphonies, but we consistently get feedback his fans love him performing solo at a piano,” says longtime manager Chaz Corzine.
 
The tour will play primarily church venues, with capacities of 2,500 to 3,000 per date. Smith’s ongoing passion for the work of the church, heard and seen vividly on his series of “Worship” projects, makes these venues the perfect place for this type of concert experience.
 
See MichaelWSmith.com  for up-to-date tour schedule.

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Available August 15 from WaterBrook Press: ‘MY 2nd CHAPTER: THE MATTHEW WARD STORY’ DETAILS LIFE JOURNEY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC PIONEER

My 2nd Chapter: The Matthew Ward Story, the autobiography of one of Christian music’s true pioneers, will be available at retail outlets nationwide August 15.  With a foreword by acclaimed worship leader Darlene Zschech, the book documents Ward’s experiences as a member of the 2nd Chapter of Acts, one of contemporary Christian music’s foundational groups.

My 2nd Chapter: The Matthew Ward Story recounts how Ward and sisters Annie and Nellie began singing as the 2nd Chapter of Acts in the early ‘70s and the phenomenal response the trio received during 17 years in ministry. In addition, Ward shares about life with his wife Deanne, and their three daughters, including how they were impacted by his cancer diagnosis more than 10 years ago.
 
"As I was writing My 2nd Chapter, the one thing that kept showing up as a recurring theme was the faithfulness of God," said Ward. "While I flipped through the pages of my own history, I was constantly reminded of God's ability to use what seemed broken beyond repair to help bring life to so many."
 
"We consider it a privilege to publish Matthew Ward's life story," said Joel Kneedler, Publicity Manager, WaterBrook Press. "His stories about life on the road with 2nd Chapter of Acts will prove fascinating reading for those interested in the roots of contemporary Christian music. His reflections on challenges he has overcome will be especially encouraging to those of us who hope to face similar situations with faith and courage."
 
The 2nd Chapter of Acts recorded 16 albums over the course of nearly two decades, and made popular such signature titles as “Easter Song” and “Mansion Builder,” among others.  The trio was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999. As a soloist, Ward has recorded eight albums and continues to perform concerts across the country, as well as internationally.

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One of Christian music's premier singer/songwriters, Cindy Morgan is an award-winning recording artist, and her songs have been recorded by luminaries such as Michael W. Smith, Avalon, BeBe Winans, Sandi Patty, Jaci Velasquez, John Tesh and Natalie Grant.

After a too-long hiatus from record shelves, Cindy returns with the exceptional Postcards. Five years in the making, the Wayne Kirkpatrick-produced album is her first of a new label partnership with Reunion Records and the Provident Label Group.

For more info, find Cindy online at CindyMorganMusic.com.

* * *

Full name: Cindy Lavonne Morgan

Nicknames: Von, Von Dizzel, Morgan

Born where & when: Born June 4th in Cincinatti, Ohio

Family stats: Youngest of 5 children 3 sisters and two brothers

Pets: We have two dogs in Canada—chocolate labs named Hershey and Cocoa

Last movie seen: An oldie but a goodie, Leap of Faith

First job: A skater-waitress at the sonic

Worst job: selling magazine ads

Worst subject in school: Math

Your favorite sport/game to play: Racquetball

Best way to make you laugh: Watch the dinner scene of The Nutty Professor.

Most annoying habit: Clicking my teeth

If you had to pick another profession, what would it be? Social Services case worker

How many emails do you answer a day: 20

Worst trouble you got into as a child: Going to a friends house after school without asking permission

Hidden talent: I can bend my thumbs backwards over my index finger.

Most unusual thing in your fridge right now: Hmm ... spaghetti squash that's about six months old. I guess I should throw it out.

Most embarrassing moment: Falling down onstage on the Steven Curtis Great Adventure tour.

Goofiest thing you believed as a child: That if I spun around fast enough I WOULD become Wonder Woman.



Thing you can't do to save your life: Balance my check book.

Best advice you've ever been given: "Be yourself."

How many speeding tickets: Five

The weirdest Christmas present you ever got: Mace

When you see God, what do you hope He'll say? "Welcome."

What television show would you love to appear on? House. I LOVE that show

Favorite television show or book as a child:
Book—To Kill a Mockingbird.
Show—Andy Griffith.

Dream duet: Sting

* * *

MORE CHRISTIAN ARTISTS:
FAST LOOK: REALITY (FRESH DIGRESS)
FAST LOOK: CHRIS M.C. (FRESH DIGRESS)
FAST LOOK: KATHY TROCCOLI
BIG WIN FOR THE AFTERS
LEIGH NASH: ONEPENCE NONE THE RICHER

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We just sent out the VERY FIRST ISSUE of my new quarterly email newsletter, WELL READ. Every issue include news, updates and exclusive contests for free stuff.

(Sign up now!)

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A talented singer, songwriter and accomplished mandolin player, Sonya Isaacs is a member of bluegrass gospel favorites The Isaacs, regulars on Bill Gaither's popular Homecoming tour.

The family group recently received several nominations for the 2006 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards: Sonya was nominated for "Female Vocalist of the Year," The Isaacs for "Bluegrass Gospel Artist of the Year," and the group's video The Best of The Isaacs received a nomination for "Video of the Year."

The 2006 Diamond Awards Ceremony will take place Sept. 15 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Go to www.diamondawardsonline.com for a complete list of the nominees, as well as vote for your favorites. A printable ballot is also available at www.sgnscoops.com. ONLY ONE BALLOT PER PERSON IS ALLOWED. Deadline for voting is Saturday, July 15, 2006.)

Find The Isaacs online at TheIsaacs.MusicCityNetworks.com.

* * *

Full name: Sonya Melissa Isaacs

Nicknames: Chacha (means “Aunt” in Yiddish). Only the kids get to call me this!

Born where & when: July 22, 1974, in Middletown, Ohio

Family stats: Ben (brother), Becky (sister), Mom (), Dad (Joe), other siblings—Julie Beth and Joe

Pets: None

Last movie seen: Nascar 3D: The Imax Experience and Troy

First job: Singing

Worst job: Volunteer candy striper at a nursing home—still wasn’t too bad, though!

Worst subject in school: History

Your favorite sport/game to play: Volleyball and Scrabble

Best way to make you laugh: Tell me something stupid you’ve done

Most annoying habit: Running late

If you had to pick another profession, what would it be? Probably a travel agent—I love to read maps and plan trips

How many emails do you answer a day: One or two if you break it down. I don’t get to check my email that often

Word or phrase you overuse: “Really?”

Worst trouble you got into as a child: Becky and I went to our neighbors down the street to play and didn’t tell Mom; she was furious and scared to death. We learned never to do that again!

Hidden talent: Doing Mary Kay makeovers

You’ve been made president for the day—what are you going to do? Put prayer back in schools and erase my speeding record!

Most embarrassing moment: About 10 years ago I stepped back and tripped over a floor monitor on stage during a sound check—in a skirt! Yikes…

Thing you can’t do to save your life: The Heimlich and skiing

Best advice you’ve ever been given: “Smile onstage, be friendly to everyone, and sing to God more than to people.”

How many speeding tickets: Five in the last 17 years

The weirdest Christmas present you ever got: A BB Gun

When you see God, what do you hope he’ll say? “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Enter in—the buffet is always open and you’ll never gain a pound.”

* * *

FAST LOOK: ANDY ANDREWS
FAST LOOK: CINDY MORGAN
FAST LOOK: REALITY (FRESH DIGRESS)
FAST LOOK: CHRIS M.C. (FRESH DIGRESS)
FAST LOOK: KATHY TROCCOLI
LEIGH NASH: ONEPENCE NONE THE RICHER

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Switchfoot offers fans a unique opportunity: Play COWBELL on their next studio release. Click here to sign up, then send the guys a photo of your best, um, "air-bell" and you could be flying out to LA to record ...

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This was one of my early posts over on my other blog, over at CCM online. Originally published August 2004, I thought it was worth repeating ...

***

"Beginning writers must appreciate the prerequisites if they hope to become writers. You pay your dues -- which takes years." -- Alex Haley

"After Michelangelo died, someone found in his studio a piece of paper on which he had written a note to his apprentice, in the handwriting of his old age: 'Draw, Antonio, draw, Antonio, draw and do not waste time.'" -- Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

While working on an upcoming issue of Homecoming Magazine, I was editing the transcript of a conversation between Bill Gaither (who, as Rolling Stone will tell you, one of the most successful men in music today) and legendary baseball pitcher Carl Erskine.

At the end of the interview (which will appear in the September/October 2004 issue), we get to this exchange:

Bill: Any advice to a young person who'd like to spend his life playing baseball?

Carl: I get letters from kids who ask that question, "Give me some advice what should I do" and "When should I start throwing a curve ball" and all that stuff. And again, Bill, really ... in your profession, in singing, if you want to go somewhere, you've got to do that. You couldn't be a singer of any note and never sing anyplace. Well you've got to find a way, as a baseball player, to play.

Bill: Start doing it somewhere.

Carl: You've got to play and you've got to show your skills. That's how people find you. It's a misnomer to say that you pick baseball as a profession. Baseball'll pick you. Because they look for the talent. You play for fun, and you play for your own enjoyment. But if you have exceptional talent and you're playing, you can't hide it. They will find you.

As I read this, it struck me how much this sounds like the only answer you can give a hopeful writer. In fact, as author and poet Annie Dillard comments on page 68 of her book The Writing Life: "The writer studies literature, not the world. He lives in the world; he cannot miss it. If he has ever bought a hamburger, or taken a commercial flight, he spares his readers a report of his experience. He is careful of what he reads, for that is what he will write. He is careful of what he learns, for that is what he will know."

A couple of pages later, she adds this anecdote:

A well-known writer got collared by a university student who asked, "Do you think I could be a writer?"

"Well," the writer said, "I don't know -- Do you like sentences?"

The writer could see the student's amazement. Sentences? Do I like sentences? I am twenty years old and do I like sentences? If he had liked sentences, of course, he could begin, like a joyful painter I knew. I asked him how he came to be a painter. He said, "I liked the smell of the paint."

To add to the dialogue, here's some advice from novelist and comic book legend Neil Gaiman, as found on his site's FAQ:

How does one get published?

How do you do it? You do it.

You write.

You finish what you write.

You look for publishers who publish "that kind of thing", whatever it is. You send them what you've done (a letter asking if they'd like to see a whole manuscript or a few chapters and an outline will always be welcome. And stamped self-addressed envelopes help keep the wheels turning.)

Sooner or later, if you don't give up and you have some measurable amount of ability or talent or luck, you get published.

This has been true of my own experience. Throughout my career -- including both the awards and the rejection slips (and, yes, I have more of the latter than I do of the former, if you must know) -- none of what I have accomplished could have happened if I had not written.

You know, words on paper.

Over the years, I have met many dreamers with ideas for stories. Unfortunately, the majority of them did not understand the distinction between the idea and the sweat it takes to actually write it down and -- more importantly -- rewrite it and rewrite it until it's a finished thing.

Generally, these are the sorts of people who are first to spout off that they won't put in the sweat or effort until after they get their "big break."

However, as Solomon put it a long time ago:

"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." -- Proverbs 22:29

Note that the person in the quote was doing the "skilled" work before his big break came. (Which, of course, led to his big break.)

As in any discipline -- whether you want to write a novel or you want to sell shoes or whatever it is that you want to do -- it's the person who pushes himself or herself to excel, to be the best, who gets noticed.

Those who are saving their creative energy until after their big break are in for a long wait.

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