Eddie Jones's Blog, page 15
October 19, 2022
Character Development . . . It Begins With Heart
Writers' Coach
When it comes to character development . . . it begins with heart.
CHARACTERS MUST…• Reveal heart
• Face obstacles
• Pick paths
• Make a discovery
• Reveal a secret
• What does she want?
• What is she willing to do to reach her goal?
• What WILL she do to reach that goal?
• What is she willing to sacrifice?
• What happens if the she fails?
• Is your Lead larger than life?
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October 12, 2022
Start With What’s in Your Hand (Exodus 4:2)
Repurposing Content
Repurposing content from a successful blog or sermon can be a great source of material for a book. Writing from scratch can take time, but when you re-use published content you start with a pre-existing audience, an established focus for your book, and hopefully, a built-in marketing machine. In this episode of Reality Coaching for Writers we’ll look at how to start with God has placed in your hand.
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. Find out more at https://writerscoach.us/
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October 6, 2022
Why Do Your Write?
Your purpose behind the prose says much about where you’ll end up on your writing journey and how you define success.
“The scripture reference I gave during yesterday’s video topic, ‘Why do we write?’ is from Matthew 13 in the passion translation.” – Diana
“The disciples came up and asked (Jesus), “Why do you tell stories?” He replied, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That’s why I tell stories: to create a readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state, they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they are blue in the face and not get it. ”
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. Find out more at https://writerscoach.us/
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September 27, 2022
Is the Holy Spirit Moving You toward a New Writing Opportunity?
How can you tell when the holy spirit is moving you toward a new writing opportunity? Today on Reality Coaching for Writers we discuss ways the Holy Spirit moves us out, moves us on, and into a new field of reporting.
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. Find out more at https://writerscoach.us/
The post Is the Holy Spirit Moving You toward a New Writing Opportunity? appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
September 22, 2022
Book Marketing Jesus’ Way Book
People crowded around Jesus to listen to the word of God. (Luke 5:1-6)
People crowded around Jesus to listen to the word of God.(Luke 5:1-6)
Nearby an author stood in a booth packing up his books. When Jesus asked permission to sit in the booth, the author shoved aside some boxes to make room. After speaking to the people, Jesus asked the author to put out some books for display and some bookmarks.
The author replied, “Master, I’ve worked hard all night—months, actually—and haven’t anything to show for it. But because you say so, sure, I will put out some promotional materials.”
When he had done as Jesus asked, the author sold such a large number of books that his back began to ache from lifting boxes. His hand cramped from signing copies. Overwhelmed, he signaled to friends in other booths for help. Others hurried over to unpack boxes, take orders, and hand out bookmarks. The author sold out all the books he had plus books from his friends’ booths.
Astonished the author said, “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man.”
Jesus replied, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch men for me with your words.”
That day the author stopped promoting books the old way, left everything, and followed Jesus.
Will we?
Book marketing Jesus’ way places our confidence in him. We work to make our books known but trust that only he can bless our efforts. When we work with all our heart as though working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), we can be sure we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward, for it is our Lord Christ we are serving.
Our Prayer“Lord, help us to write for you, to have your heart, your compassion, your grace and mercy for others. Through your Spirit inspire us to add words to our books and writings that will draw others to you. We want to catch people for you with our words. Amen and amen. ”
This is but one of ten encouraging stories we will explore from the life of Jesus for how he went about promoting his message of Good News. Learn from:Two Fig TreesWind and WavesWater and WineLoaves and FishesFish and NetsA Fish With A CoinAn Miraculous Open Doorand more.
When thousands gathered on a hillside to hear Jesus teach he already had in mind what he was going to do. (John 6:6) Is this the way you come to your book promotion? Do you already have in mind what the outcome will be? How many copies will sell, how much you’ll spend? What your return on investment will be? Or are your efforts simply based on hope and a vague prayer for blessing from God?
There is a better way to promote your books—one that doesn’t require spending more money than you can afford to invest. If you believe in Jesus and his power of restoration and life, you might benefit from Book Marketing Jesus’ Way. Begin to believe your words are even now blessings others and pointing them to Jesus.
Book Marketing Jesus’ Way
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, a new way to discover Christian books at FREE and 99 cents. Be inspired with fiction and nonfiction that offers love, truth, and hope.The post Book Marketing Jesus’ Way Book appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
September 20, 2022
The Top Ten Mistakes Self-published Authors Make
There are ten mistakes self published authors make that sabotages their book sales. Are you guilty of any of these?
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. Find out more at https://writerscoach.us/
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September 18, 2022
Our Purpose and Activity From God Cannot Be Stopped
Acts 5:36-39
A Fictional Adaption of (Acts 5:36-39)Recently a conferee at a writers conference commented on the sudden popularity of an author and how almost as quickly the individual’s fame plummeted.
“Some time ago Gladis’ books were everywhere. She was on morning shows, featured on book clubs, even rumored to be about to start her own publishing company. She claimed to have the secret to publishing success and at one point had about four hundred others committed to doing whatever work she asked. Then she was tragically killed in a car accident and all her followers went back to doing what they were doing before. All of it came to nothing.”
I nodded but said nothing.
“After her, Jude whatshisname, the guy from Gatlinburg, appeared in the days leading up to the last election and led a bunch of people in a march on the Capital. His book was number one on Amazon. He too was killed, in this case by police, and all his followers were scattered. Some are probably still hiding. I’m still trying to figure out if I can replicate any of the success those two enjoyed. Do you have any advice?”
The faculty member I’d come to meet with had been sitting at the table with us during this conversation, listening.
Finally he said, “In instances like these I would advise you not to get too excited about sudden fame or a quick best seller. Instead, work on the craft and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. If your purpose or activity is only of human origin, it will fail. Or at least fade from the public’s memory. Maybe not right away, but in time.”
“Paul wrote almost half the New Testament,” I said, “and as far as we can tell he never earned a cent in royalties. I doubt he saw any of his works in print. And yet who of us wouldn’t like to have that sort of legacy.”
“C.S. Lewis died one week short of his 65th birthday,” my faculty friend added. “Name another author whose books are being sold more now than they were when they were alive. Lewis’ vision for the Christian life was seemingly simple while being very complex. My advice is this: if your writing is from God, no person or event will be able to stop your influence for his kingdom. And should anyone try, they’ll only find themselves fighting against God. Write for him and write what he tells you to write. God is in the business of creativity and productivity.”
When others come against you, meditate on these verses. Take comfort in knowing God is on your side.
Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. (Isaiah 8:10)
The Lord thwarts the purposes of the peoples. (Psalm 33:10)
When in doubt as to whether your work is of worth and glorifies him, meditate on this verse.
Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. (John 3:21)
Write what the Holy Spirit places on your heart. Write with excellence. Then wait on the Lord. His submission process considers the impact our writing will have for all eternity. Be faithful and let his fame be your glory.
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September 6, 2022
Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul
Diana and multi-published author, writing coach and teacher, Tracy Crump, discuss the ins and outs of writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul.
As promised, here are Tracy Crump’s links:
Newsletter with callouts: The Write Life at https://tracycrump.com/ or https://www.writelifeworkshops.com/
Serious Writer course: “How to Write for Chicken Soup for the Soul” at https://www.seriouswriter.com/
Chicken Soup for the Upcoming Book Topics/Guidelines/Submission Form: https://www.chickensoup.com/story-sub…
Devotional book: Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness at
https://amzn.to/2OinraH
Caregiver blog: https://tracycrump.com/blog/
Eddie Jones and Diana Flegal offer personalized coaching for writers. Find out more at https://writerscoach.us/
The post Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
September 4, 2022
Onesimus and the Cost of Running
Mark 2:13-17
Only the torch light of the guard leading me down a short passageway lit the door to the ship’s brig. I soon understood why. In darkness hatched plans for escape died for lack of light. The small door had barely opened before the guard had shoved me roughly forward. Tumbling headlong into blackness, I landed on men. The door slammed shut above me, sealing us in darkness.
Deep in the bowels of the ship men groaned and became sick, others cursed their ill luck. Only the remarks of one or two identified nationalities. Most spoke in tongues foreign to my ears. If the young woman had expected me to find a welcoming audience aboard the Asklepia she greatly misjudged the temperament of her crew and captain. Running always comes at a price and my attempts to flee Saul and Barnabas in order to return home had placed me great danger.
The Cost of Running“Our gods will not stand for this captivity we suffer,” said a voice—though from which direction I could not tell.
A heavy dampness clung to my skin. The stench of unwashed men and their foul sickness from the rocking of the ship caused me to take short, quick breathes. Here and there one or another muttered curses or a groan.
“Perhaps our gods are asleep,” another replied.
“Or indisposed,” said a third.
I did not dare suggest to those around me that there was but one God, the Creator of the Heavens and Earth and all within and under.
Another voice, this one more calm and closer than the others, asked, “How did you come to be aboard?”
When I did not respond, a sharp and hard blow jarred the back of my shoulder.
“Onesimus asked you a question.”
“I, ah, am . . . ” I considered explaining all that had happened to lead me to the ship’s brig, but given the foul mood of those around me—and unable to see any of their faces—I thought it best to keep to the explanation the young woman has presented me. “I have, um, an important message for the owner of this ship.”
“As do I,” growled the man next to me.
“And me.”
“Perhaps your message was meant for more than one who holds us captive, yes? Perhaps it might also be for the captives themselves?”
While I considered the question, a swift and jarring blow to the back of my shoulder sent me pitching forward. “Onesimus is speaking to you.”
Unable to make out the faces of those around me I was terrified and wished for some weapon in my hands. But all I could do was remain still and hope the rough crowd pressing in around me would not treat me as the mob had wished outside the prison . . . or worse.
“‘Follow me,'” I said. “That is the message. Those are the words of the Teacher. Our Lord desires that all follow him.”
“What an odd command.”
The touch of the man’s hand resting on my shoulder left me startled.
“I am Onesimus, a bond servant Philemon of Colossae. Or was until I sought to secure my freedom on my own. Who is this person who seeks admirers? Well I have known others who sought to gather a following. All proved to be frauds who wished to fill their purses with silver and gold.”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” I replied. “The day he gave his invitation for others to follow, a Roman tax collector sat in his booth along a well-traveled road. At once this man Levi, left everything and followed the Teacher. Not long afterwards Levi hosted a dinner at his home. In attendance were many others like himself along with thieves, prostitutes, drunks, and all manner of individuals who were forbidden from entering the synagogue and worshipping God.”
“I worship my god with good spirits,” a voice remarked.
His response elicited a mix of snickering and affirming, “Here, here!” from others.
“Ignore them,” said Onesimus. “Their laughter masks their fears of what is to come. Please continue.”
“While eating with these people of the street the teachers of the religious rules and others of high standing in the synagogue asked the Teacher’s disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this, the Teacher replied, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
“Would you be so bold as to think that I need to repent?” asked Onesimus.
The harshness of his tone left me wondering if I might be suddenly be killed for speaking the truth of the Teacher.
“We are all sinners in the eyes of Yahweh, the Creator of Heaven and Earth and all that is above and below. None stands in a right relationship with Him, not one. His ways are greater than our ways. He alone is holy. We are but unclean men adorned in filthy rags.”
“If only I had rags to wear,” said a man.
“To believe we are worthy of looking upon the Teacher’s glory in our present state is to deceive ourselves. It is for this reason I was sent to this ship, I see that now. Though my message is for the captain of this ship and the owner of its cargo, I perceive that some here among you are also meant to hear the Teacher’s invitation to follow him.'”
“Then let us go to the ship’s owner and tell him of this news,” Onesimus replied, “for I perceive you are a prophet of god. Perhaps your words will persuade him to release me and the others. Guard! We have a message for the master of this ship!”
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August 23, 2022
Leave Everything And Follow Jesus
Book Promotion Jesus' Way
Leave Everything And Follow Jesus—People crowded around Jesus to listen to the word of God.
Nearby an author stood in a booth packing up his books. When Jesus asked permission to sit in the booth the author shoved aside some boxes of books to make room. After speaking to the people, Jesus asked the author to put out some books for display and some bookmarks.
The author replied, “Master, I’ve worked hard all night—months, actually—and haven’t anything to show for it. But because you say so, sure, I will put out some promotional materials.”
When he had done as Jesus asked, the author sold such a large number of books that his back began to ache from lifting boxes. His hand cramped from signing copies. Overwhelmed, he signaled to friends in other booths for help. Others hurried over to unpack boxes, take orders, and hand out bookmarks. The author sold out all the books he had plus books from his friends’ booths.
Astonished the author said, “Go away from me, Lord! I am a sinful man.”
Jesus replied, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will catch men for me with your words.”
That day the author stopped promoting books the old way, left everything, and followed Jesus.
Will we?
Book marketing Jesus’ way places our confidence in him. We work to make our books known but trust that only he can bless our efforts. When we work with all our heart as though working for the Lord, we can be sure we will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward, for it is our Lord Christ we are serving.
Lord, help us to write for you, to have your heart, your compassion, your grace and mercy for others. Through your Spirit inspire us to add words to our books and writings that will draw others to you. We want to catch people for you with our words. Amen and amen.
The post Leave Everything And Follow Jesus appeared first on Eddie Jones - Author.
