(See below for testimonials from Teen Writers, Professionals, High School Teachers, and Conference Coordinators)
WRITER: Represented by David Van Diest of D.C. Jacobson and Associates, I am a graduate of the Christian Writers Guild’s Craftsman Course and was one of seven writers fortunate enough to sit at the feet of Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins and his writing team for five days in the summer of 2010. I’ve also studied the craft under prose stylists Brock and Bodie Thoene.
Filled with passion, I’m the type of person who uses his wedding money to buy 52 books on writing, spends 86 hours on his manuscript during one week of vacation, and invests thousands of dollars in conferences and editorial critique (and my wife still loves me).
SPEAKER: I teach workshops for teens and non-teens alike at writing conferences. I’m scheduled for the 2011 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in North Carolina (May, Teen Track), the Colorado Christian Writers Conference (May, Teens Write), the Oregon Christian Writers Conference (August, Coaching Class), and the CLASS Christian Writers Conference (November, Teen Track).
ACQUISITIONS EDITOR (FICTION): In 2010, I worked as an intern for Written World Communications, reviewing submissions for WWC’s Untapped and Other Sheep imprints.
BOOK REVIEWER:An avid reader, I’ve been privileged to preview several of Ted Dekker’sARCs, including Immanuel’s Veins, in which my review is printed.
JOURNALIST: I earned a degree in journalism from Western Washington University at the age of 20, spent a season covering the New York Yankees as an intern for MLB.com, and I’ve been published in the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. In 2009, I was named a finalist for Sportswriter of the Year.
Along with interviewing superstars like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodrigeuz and Roger Clemens, I’ve also interviewed several musicians, including Emerson Drive and Casting Crowns.
MEDIA / INTERVIEWS:
- Featured by Generation Impact
- Featured by Blue Ridge Mountains Coordinator Alton Gansky (video)
- Featured by GotGat Radio (radio)
- Featured by Clash Entertainment
- Featured by Kids Published
- Featured by Novel Journey
- Featured by Rebelutionary Musings
- Featured by D.C. Jacobson & Associates
- Featured by Texas Sweethearts (Caleb and Brittney!)
- Featured by Daniel Darling (Caleb and Brittney!)
PERSONAL: The words I long to hear at the end of my life were penned hundreds of years before my birth: “But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land.” — Numbers 14:24.
My wife and very best editor, Brittney Breakey, is a graduate of the two-year program through the Institute of Children’s Literature and the Christian Writers Guild’s Fiction that Sells. She is now finishing her one-year advanced program through the Institute of Children’s Literature. She also founded and operates an incredibly useful and practical website for all writers and authors: Author Turf.
We locked eyes when she was 11 and I was 14 and neither one of us has looked in another direction. We don’t watch television, don’t eat out often, and we’re strapped for cash. But we give lots of hugs, write side by side nearly every evening, laugh at each others’ corny writing jokes, and are blessed beyond measure. We are looking forward to our four-year anniversary in January.
I love interacting with other writers and readers. Whether it be a question, comment, concern, or just some jibber-jabber, drop me a note at caleb@calebbreakey.com or calebbreakey@gmail.com.
WHAT TEEN WRITERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CALEBBREAKEY.COM
Teen Writer Alli B. Rockstar, October 2010:“Wow. What isn’t perfect about CalebBreakey.com? It has an amazing, thoughtful, community that is REAL. Not just hired phonies. CalebBreakey.com attracts real writers who really want, need, and value advice from Caleb and the community he’s built. Sometimes his amazing wife, Brittney, will chip in her two cents. Which only adds to that ‘home’ feeling—you know, when you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. When everything is right in the world, and there’s nowhere you’d rather be. That’s what CalebBreakey.com is—only online. It’s amazing. Superb. Marvelous.
What’s more, Caleb is more than qualified for the job. Although you have to read the full bio to get the gist of it, I can tell you this—he went to college. He got a degree. He’s been published in numerous newspapers, among other things. He’s invested countless dollars and time into writing conferences. He really cares about the craft of writing, but even more: he cares about us. Generation X.
Finally, I have submitted my work to Caleb. I found that he did not only give me a very thorough edit on the piece I submitted, but he critiqued my style as well. He alerted me to errors that were common not only in that particular piece, but with the rest of my projects as well. The community critiqued it as well—one person found that I used ‘ing’ words four or five time in just one sentence, and another helped me with the spontaneity of the action.
If I had to chose the thing I loved most about CalebBreakey.com? I don’t think I could. Your making the right choice, joining Caleb, Brittney, and the rest of us here at CalebBreakey.com. We’ll welcome you with open arms, just like with everyone else who has decided to join us. Before you know it, you’ll be home.”
Teen Writer Elizabeth V. Rockstar, October 2010: “I am amazed by CalebBreakey.com. When I first checked it out I thought it was sort of a blog, but as I started checking every day and reading every post, I found that it’s a community of writers who are helping each other. And Caleb is the ringleader. He takes the time to not only edit Teen Writers’ work (and his edits are incredibly helpful and make the best part of the story really stand out), but he also encourages us to do the same for each other. By offering incentives (like more editing of our writing!), he draws us in to participate in commenting and contests. And I love how his edits enunciate the writer’s strengths and help build underlying weaknesses to present the work as a stronger coherent whole. Thank you so, so much!”
Teen Writer Cati B. Rockstar, October 2010:“Caleb is such a great guy! His edits are amazing, and so is his site. Caleb’s dedication to Teen Writing is so wonderful. I check on the site as much as I can, and I love to make comments on there. Ever since I started coming to the site, I’ve thought of him—and everyone else there—as a friend. Though none of us have known each other for very long, our passion and dedication is very clear, including his. When I read his posts, I feel as if he must really enjoy writing and editing our work. I love how dedicated he is and how much he enjoys writing.
So far, I love CalebBreakey.com. Everything about it is wonderful, and I love being involved with such a great site. I see the site growing into something amazing and well-known. Just look at what we have accomplished since August! The way the site is set up makes it easy to access, and the friendliness of the site is outstanding. Everyone here acts like a happy family, trying to help each other grow to be better writers, and even better people. Unlike other sites, CalebBreakey.com is not a selfish site. Everyone is there to help each other to grow and become better writers. I love the site, and will stay to comment long after my submission has been critiqued!”
Teen Writer Lindsay M. Rockstar, October 2010:“Caleb, you’re doing a really great thing with your website. I’m amazed at the quality of the writing, but even more awed that you’re taking so much time to individually work with us kids, review our work, AND edit it. You’re going to help a lot of young writers and God is going to do some amazing and wonderful things through CalebBreakey.com (and Caleb Breakey). I love how fellow writers can review each other and that we can see so many different writing styles, strengths, views, and voices. I can’t wait to see what God does through you!”
Teen Writer Grace L. Rockstar, October 2010:“Caleb’s site has been an encouragement and great opportunity. I enjoyed meeting and talking to some of the other teens I met, as well as the critiques and excitement. It really is the best writing site I’ve come across in a long while.”
Teen Writer Lindsey S. Rockstar, October 2010: “I’ve had a wonderful experience with CalebBreakey.com. It’s amazing to see writers on the site and hear about what they write. Caleb has been a wonderful host, and I believe he has really brought out the talent in everyone. He splits up the days when writers have their moment in the spotlight, and writers can get feedback from other writers. It’s been a great experience, and I will continue to promote and suggest CalebBreakey.com to other writers and anyone I know. I can’t wait to see more!”
Teen Writer Tiffany C. Rockstar, October 2010: “I’m new to Caleb Breakey’s program, and am yet to be part of the teen roster, but I already feel comfortable and confident about what he and his wife Brittney are doing for us aspiring Teen Writers. They help to give us coverage and training in a writing world that appears easy to break into at first glance, but is actually much harder. Not only that, but they help us kindly and intelligently. Both teens and adults alike should check out this great site!”
Teen Writer Margaret D. Rockstar, September 2010: “I love how Caleb does things with the video blogs and critiques. It’s nice to be able to go somewhere where you can submit your work to someone legit—that’s free. It’s so nice to know there are so many Teen Writers out there who share my passions, and it’s nice to have a place to connect with them.”
Teen Writer Dorianna F. Rockstar, September 2010:“I had a great experience with Caleb and www.calebbreakey.com. There are few places where I can practice my English and get better at it, and Caleb’s site is one of them. I love this language and I like expressing myself in it.”
Teen Writer Lacey C. Rockstar, September 2010: “I would like to thank you so, so, so much, Caleb, for going over my writing. The advice was great!”
Teen Writer Joshua M. Rockstar, September 2010: “Your ‘punch’ analogies were extremely helpful. I appreciate what you said and I’m going to try to apply as much of it as I can . . . Again, thank you so much for your work and care.”
WHAT THE PROS ARE SAYING ABOUT CALEBBREAKEY.COM
Kevin Kaiser, Writer, Producer, and Brand Strategist: “Caleb Breakey’s passion for storytelling reminds me of a comet: rarely seen, white-hot, and a bit dangerous. CalebBreakey.com is a place where teens are finding the inspiration and tools they need to pursue their dreams and burn brightly just like Caleb.”
Jerry B. Jenkins, Author of the Left Behind Series (over 65 million books sold): “We enjoyed having Caleb in our Craftsman Course. He’s quite a creative guy.”
Matt Koceich, Author of The Sending: “I am a fellow Craftsman graduate and can testify to Caleb’s level of dedication and commitment to the craft of writing. I wish I had someone as passionate as Caleb around when I was a teen. What a blessing Caleb is to the Lord’s kingdom. To see him set teens on fire through the written word is nothing short of inspiring. Thanks Caleb!”
Carrie Turansky, Author (10 books):“I am excited to see what Caleb Breaky is doing to encourage and mentor Teen Writers. His website is a great place for students to find information and interactive opportunities to grow as writers. Caleb has a heart to help young people follow their dreams and become the best writers they can be.”
Yvonne Lehman, Author (40 books): “Working with Caleb in the CWG program was a treat. Loved his obvious talent and enthusiasm about learning and using his gifts. He is intelligent, determined, and likely to succeed in whatever he endeavors to do.”
WHAT HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CALEBBREAKEY.COM
Teacher Jami Aeschliman, Options High School: “Your casual and approachable style allowed students to engage in the discussion right away and the interactive approach kept their interest throughout. You have a powerful message and your obvious passion for your craft helps teens find their own inspiration. As a staff, we are always looking for ways to engage students in thinking about their post-high school lives. Even students who are not strong writers made connections with your presentation due to your pervasive message of ‘following your passion’ whatever that may be.”
WHAT CONFERENCE COORDINATORS ARE SAYING ABOUT CALEBBREAKEY.COM
Gerry Wakeland, CLASSEMINARS President and CEO: “You were an incredible addition to our teaching faculty. I know originally our plan was to have you join us so that you would be better prepared to introduce our youth track in 2011, however it was obvious that God had other plans. Your enthusiasm was contagious and we received great comments about your workshop. However, in my opinion, the best endorsement we heard was about how encouraging you were to our young writers. You bring an element of excitement to your teaching that is refreshing. This coupled with the knowledge of your subject matter makes you a credible and reliable resource for conference attendees.”
WHAT NON-TEEN WRITERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CALEBBREAKEY.COM
Writer Star Dreamer: “I first discovered CalebBreakey.com while perusing the web for writing websites and blogs. All I had been thinking at the time was that it looked like an interesting site filled with cool information and some really neat interviews by young writers. Then I looked deeper and discovered that that wasn’t all the site was, nor all it was meant to be. All I can say now is that I’m 100 percent impressed. Caleb’s mission is so evident—to reach out to young writers and encourage them to continue in their passions. What’s not to love about that? And because that’s my Number 1 goal as well, I will continue to enjoy visiting, perusing, and spreading the word about this site.”
Writer Tonya LaCourse, September 2010:“My experience with Caleb Breakey and calebreakey.com was fast, simple, and informative. Caleb has always been prompt and easygoing in his responses. When my critique was posted, I found the community to be very supportive and encouraging. Everyone I interacted with was knowledgeable and gave usable feedback to add to my writing.”
Writer Lawan Baldwin, October 2010: “It’s an amazing thing to see teens explore their God-given talents (at CalebBreakey.com). I’m no teenager but I enjoyed the simplicity of it. Building great writers, unfolding potentials, and impacting lives—how amazingly great? I pray (CalebBreakey.com) gets a wider audience. I’ll try do something on my part. Thanks and stay blessed.”
