Category: From The Author

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From The Author

The SoCal Christian Writers’ Retreat

The SoCal Christian Writers’ Retreat

I had a chance to recharge my mental and emotional batteries at the SoCal Christian Writers’ Retreat. I got to Palomar Christian Conference Center, in northern San Diego County before breakfast.

The mountain-top experience gave me a chance to connect with well-respected authors who shared about how to grow closer to God, how write a compelling first chapter for a non-fiction book, and how to better promote my soon to be released children’s picture book.

During Kelly Herrell’s presentation entitled “Surrender Your Talents,” I was encouraged to reexamine my time, priorities, and dedication. Her message, based on Matthew 25:14-30, pointed out God-given talents are a privilege and come with responsibility. This reminded me of the sacred trust I have as an author to be a faithful servant and wisely use my talents.

Joseph Bentz, an English Professor at Azuza Pacific University, talked about writing nonfiction. During my free time, I found a table in the great outdoors and read a few chapters from his book, When God Takes Too Long: Learning to Thrive During Life’s Delays. Principle 3 resonated with me: “Remember your identity in God during the long days of waiting.”

Joanne Bischof discussed book marketing strategies and about how she created YouTube videos and beautiful book covers. Her refreshing approach to marketing challenged the group to promote books in enjoyable and authentic ways. Joanne also participated in the Genre Meet-up for those interested in fiction.

As I drove home, I thought about the day.

Thank you, God, for my time in the mountains with other like-minded authors. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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From The Author

Are You Stressed Out?

Are You Stressed Out?

Is your life hectic and chaotic?

Or, is it calm and peaceful?

Is there another adjective or adjectives you would use to describe your situation?

Are emotions under control, or would you say, “No, my emotions are out of control.”

Here is a quick exercise.

Add up all the things on your To Do List.

Then, add in deadlines.

Then, add in people with competing agendas.

Then, add in emergencies.

Then, add in last minute scheduling changes.

Do all the tasks in your life add up to make you feel overwhelmed?

If stress is getting out of control, take a moment and recall the lyrics of the first of Simon and Garfunkel’s song, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy):

“Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feeling groovy
Ba da-da da-da da-da, feeling groovy”

Take a few breaths. Slow down. Pace yourself. Be good to yourself. Ask for help.

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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From The Author

Countdown to Book Launch Blastoff

Countdown to Book Launch Blastoff

The past month has been terrific.

I have loved being part of Author Media’s 28-day Book Launch Blueprint course. The course has changed my perspective of what it means to be an author.

Authors write books? Yes.

Authors write, articles, blogs, and other content? Yes, again.

Authors can sometimes spend years writing, editing, revising, editing again, and polishing their manuscripts prior to a book finally being released? Yes, again.

Authors work very hard at writing. Sure.

Yet, some neglect to take decisive action the thirty days before and the thirty days after their book is first released.

I learned in the course ways to launch a book successfully. I now have an action plan.

I’m convinced my book, which is due out this July, can and will change the hearts and minds of young readers and their parents.

I am now accepting applications for my launch team. Use this link to apply.

Join the Launch Team
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From The Author

Increase Your Odds of Success

Increase Your Odds of Success

Feeling overwhelmed?
It is time to make a list!

Not just any list…

Write ALL you have going for you.

That’s right.

Right now, jot down a personal inventory of the attributes that equip you to succeed.

Don’t be modest.

It’s time to make a list that will prove to yourself you have the seeds of greatness.

If you have been procrastinating, begin a new project or get back to the one that is stalled out.

Based on your list, you have what it takes to finish what you’ve started.

Even if the odds are not in your favor, make progress and celebrate every victory.

When success seems illusive, look at the list to be reminded of how you can be an overcomer.

Post your list where you can see it.
Read it out loud. Often.

Now that you know your strengths, lean into them, and get to work.

Although your list is not a 100% guarantee of success, reminding yourself of who you are and what you are capable of has increased your odds.

Have a great week!

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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From The Author

Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw

Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw

A few weeks ago, I came across a very fun-to-read children’s picture book. Howie’s Broken Hee-Haw by Josie Siler, illustrated by Sebastien Braun, will become an Easter and anytime classic.

Without giving away the story, just know that a little donkey has a special bray that Jesus appreciates.

Where do you find good books?

Do you visit the author’s website? Do you check the Amazon or Goodreads reviews? Does a radio show or podcast interview pique your interest that spurs you make a purchase?

I found out about Howie’s story through a friend. She told me she had heard about a good children’s book author, so I visited Josie Siler’s website. Somehow, I found a link to one about a podcast interview where she was the featured guest. During the interview, Ms. Siler read a short excerpt from her book. After that, I looked on Amazon and read the reviews.

I was so impressed with all I learned that I ordered two copies. One was for my collection and the other for the younger children in my family.

When one young child and I read the book aloud with the family present, everyone fell in love with the story.

I highly recommend this book.

It surely will make you smile.

Enjoy!
https://www.amazon.com/Howies-Broken-Hee-Haw-Josie-Siler/dp/1637970110

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.

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From The Author

The Book Launch Blueprint Will Help Me Serve My Readers

The Book Launch Blueprint Will Help Me Serve My Readers

My goal is to better deliver on my promise to provide Christ-Centered Inspiration for You and Your Kids.

For the next several weeks, I will be engaged in a program whereby I watch a series of videos, do homework, and take part in a daily, hour-long, Zoom-like live session.

Experts in the writing profession will lead this dynamic training. Trusted sources suggested I take the course.

As I embark on this ambitious undertaking, please know I am dedicated to serving you, my readers.

The course is being presented by Author Media and Thomas Umstattd, Jr. See https://www.authormedia.com/

Tell me what you think below and please join me every day as we pray for wisdom by taking part in the Wisdom Prayer Challenge.