Excellent Legal Fiction Debut

While unpublished authors may decry this down-turned publishing economy that makes it difficult for them  break in, the reader is definitely benefiting. The debut fiction that has come out these past two years is often better than that of seasoned authors. Anyone familiar with this blog knows that I love supporting the debut author--the works that have come out these past couple of years have made it easy to support them. Todd M. Johnson's The Deposit Slip is no exception.

This legal thriller hooked me from the very first chapter and kept me captivated, escalating the conflict throughout. Johnson created intriguing characters that I cared about. His pacing was excellent and didn't become bogged down with tedious courtroom drama. This novel was as much about the characters as it was about the legal conflict presented. The Christian element isn't in-your-face, but faith is part of the undercurrent pulling the story along.

If Todd Johnson's follow-up novels maintain this quality, I can easily foresee him joining the ranks of Randy Singer, Robert Whitlow, and James Scott Bell as a top writer of Christian legal fiction.

Other Christian legal fiction writers of note: Don Brown (JAG fiction), Craig Parshall, Diane and David Munson, Rick Acker.

~*~*~

THE DEPOSIT SLIP
by Todd M. Johnson

$10,000,000 Is Missing.

Erin Larson is running out of options. In the wake of her father's death, she found a slim piece of paper--a deposit slip--with an unbelievable amount on it. Only the bank claims they have no record of the money, and trying to hire a lawyer has brought only intimidation and threats. Erin's last chance is Jared Neaton.

How Far Will One Lawyer Go to Find the Money?

When Jared wearied of the shady ethics of his big law firm and started his own, he never expected the wheels to fly off so quickly. One big loss has pushed him to the brink, and it's all he can do to scrape by. 

And How Far Will Someone Go to Stop Him?

He's not sure if Erin's case is worth the risk, but if the money is real, all his problems could vanish. When digging deeper unleashes something far more dangerous than just threats, both Jared and Erin must decide the cost they're willing to pay to discover the truth.


Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. This is his debut novel. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife, his son, Ian, and his daughter, Libby.
Website: www.authortoddjohnson.com

Christian Writers Conference Conundrum

View from my room at CCWC

I'm facing a small dilemma right now. Every year I attend one writer's conference. I would love to attend more than that, but the budget strains mightily just getting me to one. The big problem I'm having this year is deciding which conference is the best for me at this juncture in my writing career. There are many conferences to choose from, but three are vying for my attendance.

I'll lay out the pros and cons below and maybe you can help me make a decision.

Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC)

Estes Park, Colorado, May 16 - 19

     Pros:
I've attended this conference three times and it tends to be my favorite. First of all, you can't beat the location. It's at a YMCA in the Rockies so you're surrounded with beauty. The entire atmosphere of the conference is casual which, for me, translates to less stress.

I've taken in some fabulous classes here: I've been Nangied by Nancy Rue and Angela  Hunt, James Scott Bell taught me how to plot, and Tim Shoemaker drove home the basics of POV. I still have his Super-Ocular POV finder as a reminder. One year, I  got to sit in on a question-answer session with Ted Dekker. That was fascinating. The CCWC is also where I met my hawk-eyed critique partner (& friend), Stephanie Prichard.

A big advantage to the conference is the number of editor/agent/author appointments each full-time attendee receives: four! Plus, for $35, you can purchase a paid critique from an industry professional that includes 30 minutes (not 15 minutes that's standard in other conferences) of face time with that professional.

But perhaps the biggest advantage to this conference is cost. When I run the numbers, it's easily $300 less than the other two I'm mentioning here. That's a hefty amount.

     Cons:
CCWC's not fiction specific. While the faculty is very well represented by prominent editors/agents/authors, there aren't as many as at other conferences. The timing of this conference isn't the best--I have a mother-daughter vacation scheduled for May 6 to the 12, so I'd be gone again from May 16 - 20.

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC)

Near Asheville, NC, May 20 - 24

     Pros:
I've always wanted to attend this conference. I've heard the scenery alone is worth the trip. But this year, I find more than scenery attractive. To me, it has the faculty of my dreams, agent, editor, and author-wise. But, it's the authors who have me excited. Here are a few names: Steven James, Gina Holmes, Angela Hunt, Ann Tatlock, Jim Rubart, and so many more. I would LOVE to learn from any of them! This conference also offers a  manuscript critique (just $30), but I don't see anything on their site regarding agent/editor meetings.

     Cons:
Cost-wise, this conference would run about $300 more than CCWC, a big consideration for me. The date would be a little better than CCWC. At least I'd have a few more days in between being gone with my daughter and attending conference. A big consideration is whether I'm willing to sacrifice the one-on-one editor/agent meeting time. To learn from these authors, it might be worth it.

How I attended in 2011

American Christian Fiction Writers Conference (ACFW)

Dallas, TX, September 20 - 23

     Pros:
This is widely renowned as the  crème de la crème  of Christian fiction writers conferences. It's only focus is on fiction writing so the education is invaluable. All the best agents / editors attend, and a multitude of of publishing houses are represented. Included in your fees are (2) agent/editor/author meetings, plus you can purchase a paid critique from one of the many authors. The keynote speaker this year is Michael Hyatt, a giant in the publishing industry.

ACFW is also the conference the majority of my friends will attend. It's worth it going just to see them again.

     Cons:
The biggest disadvantage for me is the date. September is typically my busiest month of the year. School begins right after Labor Day. We have (2) family birthdays. But the biggest obstacle is that my husband has (2) conferences in September. One overlaps with ACFW. Another obstacle is cost. While it is worth the price, it is still the most expensive of the three.

As of this moment, I'm still not certain which conference will win out. I'm praying for guidance ...

What conferences have you attended? Which do you prefer and why?