Marketing to Kids--and Ministering at the Same Time

Greetings once again, fellow scribes and beloved readers! Today I have a special guest and dear friend I'd like you to meet. Vonda Skelton can write just about anything, but she has a real heart for children and teens, reflected in her books. In addition, she realized early on that she would have to be the main marketer of her material, and so she has come up with some really interesting ideas, which she has graciously agreed to talk about today. Thanks, Vonda, and welcome!!!

And thanks to you, Kathi--and to all you wonderful readers, for giving me a chance to share some of my marketing ideas.

My children's mysteries, The Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries, are published by a small secular press, and it didn't take me long to realize that if any of my books were going to sell, I was going to have to figure out a way to make it happen. I had never met author Mindy Starns Clark, but we both attended a general mystery conference in 2003, just about the time my first book was going to be released. One night, while many of the other authors were busy "unwinding" in activities I preferred not to join, Mindy and I sat up late, talking about what it was like to be a Christian writer in a non-Christian world. I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have a Christian publisher, and she was saying she wanted to see her books get into the crossover market. Then she said, "You know, Vonda, maybe God didn't want your book to be published in the CBA so you can get into the school system and reach kids there."

Wow. A lightbulb went off! I thought a lot about the struggle teachers in public schools have teaching writing to their students. Many will tell you it's a subject area in which they feel least confident. So I put together an instructional writing program for kids called "Writing Is Fun!" and used my first book of the Bitsy series as the backdrop for the teaching. Now, four years and two books later, I've spoken to over 15,000 students, primarily in public schools, all across the Southeast, teaching writing classes and selling my books. I also teach week-long writer-in-residence programs, combining character education (read "Christian traits") and writing education. The really wonderful thing is that kids who would never go into a Christian bookstore will line up to buy my books when I come to their schools--and they ask for more! If I had been published by a Christian publisher, I might not have had that kind of access into the public school system.

The first two books of the series are now in their second printing, and I've just turned in the third, which will be released in April 2008. Of course, this being a small press, that's still not huge overall sales to most people, but it's a big deal to them (and to me).

Now I teach a class at Christian writers' conferences called "Teaching Biblical Truth Through Secular Fiction." I think this is a great way for us to reach out to those kids who don't have Christian influence in their lives. They can read about kids who live in a Christian environment without the books' being preaching or even evangelical. It's a fine line, and one I'm happy to walk. At least, that's a few days of reading where students aren't being entertained by plots to kill teachers, consider becoming part of an immoral lifestyle, or celebrate independence from their parents. What a great bonus to the joy of writing!

If any of you are interested in finding out more about the Bitsy Burroughs Mysteries, please visit me at my website: www.vondaskelton.com. Thanks again!

Comments

[Kathi Macias]

READERS: PLEASE DON'T SHOOT ME AT DAWN, BUT I JUST FOUND OUT (VIA VONDA) THAT I SAID HER BOOKS WERE SELF-PUBLISHED, WHEN IN REALITY THAT ISN'T TRUE. I'M NOT SURE WHERE I GOT THAT BOGUS INFORMATION, BUT PLEASE FORGIVE ME--TOTALLY MY MISTAKE!!!

[Kathi Macias]

YAY! Thanks to techie-whiz Mary DeMuth, who knows more about this blogging stuff than I ever will, the above-mentioned "self-publishing" blooper has been deleted. Thanks, Mary--and thanks again, Vonda!

[Vonda Skelton]

Hi Kathy! I just returned from an awesome week with my hubby (with no computers and no work!) and found your interview! Thank you for taking the time to share my story with your readers. It is such a joy to see kids get excited about writing. And it's a real bonus to watch them get excited about my books!
Thanks again,
Vonda

[Marlyn]

I have had the privilege of seeing Vonda sharing her love of writing techniques with elementary children. One student offered how boring it was to write. Without realizing what was happening, the student began to see that "Writing is Fun". The student's demeanor changed and I could almost see the thoughts and ideas racing through her mind just by watching her face. It is a true joy to have known Vonda for a long time. She is an awesome speaker that travels just about anywhere, an even more awesome author; but most of all I consider her a friend.

[Renae]

Vonda, I met you at the North Texas Christian Writers Conference. You are such a delight! My daughter simply devoured your book, and is planning to write you a letter.

I think you are absolutely right about publishing in the secular market. So much of Christian writing is directed at Christians, but we need missionaries to go into "all the world" with their books. If we can point them to God, then He will do the rest.

Funny, I had this same conversation with a friend the other day, and then, here was your interview. Keep up the great work!

[Fran Sandin]

Vonda,
I also met you at the North Texas Writers Conference and was enthralled by your workshop. I have two granddaughters ages 7 and 9 and they will love reading your Bitsy series that I'm giving them for Christmas. Vonda, I'm thanking God for the impact you and your books are having on so many. You are a beautiful lady inside and out. God bless you!

[Vonda Skelton]

Thank you for your kind words, Marlyn, Renae, and Fran. You have encouraged me more than you know! I really like what you said, Renae, about being missionaries. I heard someone say recently that we're "Word Missionaries." Sounds like a good description to me!
Blessings,
Vonda

[Ellen]

I met Vonda at the Blue Ridge Mountain Conference for Christian Writers this year. She is witty, intelligent, approachable and motivating. Vonda has the ability to reach kids and adults. Since meeting Vonda, I have shared a memory about my uncle's faith with my congregation at a Communion Service. Thank you Vonda for caring about the little ones and us older ones too.

[Julie Savage]

I have the pleasure of calling Vonda my friend. What a talented and Godly woman. It is really exciting to see how God is using her talents for His glory. Thanks for the great article!

[Vonda Skelton]

Hi Julie and Ellen. Thank you for your kind comments. I'm thankful the Lord continues to bring Christian writing friends like you into my life! What joy!
Blessings,
Vonda

[Kim Sprayberry]

Vonda,
Thanks for allowing God to use you in so many ways to reach so many. I love you and pray for you!! I am looking forward to the conference in October. Thanks for your encouragement in my writings and for being such a sweet, wonderful friend.

[Vonda Skelton]

Thanks, Kim! It's been a joy to watch you grow as a writer. ;-)
Blessings,
Vonda

[Barbara Parentini]

Hi Vonda,
I'm so glad that I sat behind you at the CLASS conference in TN in 2005. Your friendly smile and humble manner made you so approachable. You're truly a natural teacher. I've learned so much from you and love being mentored by you. I can't express my appreciation enough, Vonda. I have a children's book in my heart that has been there for years, and this is the year to pen it. I know you are the right person to guide me! May God continue to grant you the desires of your lovely writer's heart. Barbara

[Vonda Skelton]

Thank you, Barbara. I'll look forward to reading your finished book!
Blessings,
Vonda