R. Frederick Riddle's Blog, page 52
June 8, 2018
Publishing with Create Space
Last Friday I was helping a friend set up a publishing platform. So I thought it appropriate to discuss Publishing With CreateSpace. This may end up being multiple parts, but here goes.
Why Should You Avoid the Big Publishers?
That’s a good question. There are of course good reasons for using the big publishers, more often known as traditional publishers. In brief, they are established and well known, which gives them a marketing edge and they pay royalties, sometimes good ones. But beyond that they are the ones who are in control and reap the profits.
Traditional publishers exercise literary control. They decide whether your book will be accepted or not for publishing; they have control over the content; and they control most of the publishing process.
What About Self-Publishers?
When I started writing in 2003 I began with AuthorHouse. I was pleased with its quality, its low price (about $400 back then), and the guidance I received. But as time went on I became dissatisfied. At $400 per new book it wasn’t all that cheap.
Self-Publishers are better than traditional but they still have ultimate control. If you want to have control of your writing, publishing, and marketing then you need a different approach. That brings us to CreateSpace.
What is CreateSpace?
CreateSpace is a publishing platform that offers you the control you desire and, along with it, the ability to reap the profits. Would you like to start getting 35% royalties at the first printing? Or how about 70% royalty? Either one is possible.
When you publish your book through CreateSpace you can also transfer the document to KDP Kindle. However, I recommend publishing the Kindle version directly through KDP. Or you can begin the process through CreateSpace and once transferred to KDP, go to KDP and replace the content with content that has been customized for Kindle (ie., removing paging, headers, and anything else that is unnecessary for an ebook). I always copy the finished CreateSpace book to a name such as [Title] + “for Kindle” so that I have one for print and one for Kindle.
What Other Advantages are There?
With Self-Publishers you will probably pay for your ISBN number (either within price or extra), which is necessary if you want to sell your book to libraries, schools, or even worldwide. CreateSpace will provide FREE ISBNs or they will sell you one. The CreateSpace ISBNs automatically are eligible for Expanded Distribution which allows for CreateSpace Direct (wholesale, etc.), Bookstores and Online Retailers (e.g., Barnes and Noble, Ingram, and NACSCORP.), as well as Libraries and Academic Institutions through Baker & Taylor.
It all depends on your needs. Generally, I have found their free ISBN to be what’s needed.
Another advantage is the Photo Gallery. While it is not extensive and, in my opinion, needs to be expanded, the gallery provides many photos that can be used as covers. And if you have a photo you’d like to use they allow you to upload it (needs to meet their standards). Or you can hire someone to make a CreateSpace compatible cover for you. Except for a few rules, you have control.
You have control over the size of your book, and the pricing of your book. Over and over again, you are given the tools to exercise control. And for the most part, it is free!
How Do I Set Up a CreateSpace Account?
It’s actually pretty easy. You’ll need an email account, which will serve as your ID, plus you will need bank account information so that they can pay you your royalties. There may be some tax questions as well. Those are the essentials. After that it is simply following the prompts and answer questions.
How Do I publish a Book?
Again, it is easy. You sign in and are taken to the MAIN PAGE. Here you will select Add a Book. Once you have selected this you will be given a choice of how to proceed in creating your book. You will want to take the guided tour.
Each step of the way you will be guided and asked questions. The first decision will be the Title information. Title information is required and can be changed. It is necessary for you to receive an ISBN number. Once you’ve created a title and selected what type ISBN you want you will save the progress. From that time on the ISBN cannot be changed; it is locked in. However, you can change the title information.
To upload a book it may require a PDF manuscript. Simply save your Word copy to PDF and upload that version.
Do You Recommend CreateSpace?
Since we created T&R Independent Books we have found CreateSpace to be an excellent publishing platform. It works very well for us. We have used it since 2014 and plan on continuing to use it going forward. Your needs may differ from ours so you will need to make that decision yourself.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 7, 2018
Writing as a Christian Service
The following blog is taken from an earlier blog entitled, Is Writing a Service to God? I am still a writer and I write Christian themed novels. So examining the subject of writing is as natural as breathing. There may be small alterations, but basically it is the same.
Is writing fiction really serving God?
That’s a reasonable question since some people believe that it is not true service. I once was upbraided for writing novels based on the Bible because:
People will mistake it for the truth
Thereby getting wrong doctrine
There are a few things wrong with that view:
The Bible is found in the Bible or Religion section of bookstores not fiction
Novels are found in the Fiction section not in the Religion section
My books state they are novels
My novels are purposely based on Biblical fact and doctrine
My novels flesh out the stories rather than disagree
In other words, no person who has read my books can seriously claim they teach false doctrine. If there is any doctrine in the book it always agrees with the Bible. In fact, I have been told my books “bring the Bible alive!”
Actually one of the reasons for writing Bible based novels is to encourage people to read the Bible; to discover what is Bible fact and what is a product of my imagination? It is always a thrill when someone reads my books and their faith is either renewed or they become more interested in reading the Bible.
And that is a service!
The true test of service, any kind of service, is as follows: Does it
Agree with Biblical facts
Honor God
Inspire people to read the Bible
Inspire people to worship God
Inspire others to serve
Inspire people to live godly lives
It needn’t do all the above but it should have at least one of the elements. Christian authors, whether fiction or non-fiction writers, have an awesome opportunity to influence people for Christ. You don’t have to be preachy. You don’t even have to write about Bible events or people. But our writings should reflect a Christian approach to or view of life.
My books generally take place before the birth of Christ yet I strive to present a Christian view. So while I don’t mention Jesus, I do mention the Redeemer. In addition, I emphasize the Scriptures (aka the Writings).
So if you’re a Christian author don’t be shy about being one. You have a job, perhaps a calling. Trust His leading and do things His way. And when people challenge you respond in pride, “I write because God gave me the talent and because He wants me to use it for Him.”
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 6, 2018
The Persecuted Church Part 2
Christians are being persecuted around the world. Even here in America we are seeing forms of persecution. The media, some government bodies, and colleges are now taking an anti-Christian view.
In my previous blog on the Persecuted Church I wrote the following:
“Fortunately, the election of Trump has at least slowed down the secularization of America, but it will take a revival to stop it cold and reverse it. But will Christians take a stand; will Christians be revived; and to the point, will America return to its Biblical roots and both honor and worship the one true God?
Some people say no, it’s too late for America. But when I read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, I find examples where God revived His people when all seemed lost. I believe He can still do it, He is all-powerful, but we Christians need to fervently pray for revival. And while praying take a close look at our own lives.
Is the church persecuted in America? Not like in other countries, but it has started.”
I don’t know President Trump’s personal beliefs or relationship with God, but I am aware that he chose a born-again, believer in Jesus Christ as his Vice President. Trump and Pence have already made an impact. And I’m not talking about the economic revival under them nor our stronger, more respected image abroad. They have made a difference in people’s hopes and fears.
Just the knowledge that the government is taking a step back from anti-Christian behavior and getting out of our way is enough to encourage us. While the media keeps attacking him and twisting the facts concerning him, Trump keeps moving on.
But as mentioned above they are not enough to stop the anti-Christian attitudes that are worldwide. We are in need of a nationwide revival; that means a turning back to God of all of us!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 5, 2018
Insights: Christland
This new feature is called Insights. It may concern a book within the series World That Was, Christland, or any other series or book I’ve written or will write. I hope you find it interesting.
Christland is a new series within the Science Fiction genre. As noted previously it is better known as Christian Science Fiction.
Death Ship, the first book of the series lays the foundation for the series. In this novel you will find two parallel stories occurring. In Space you follow eighty Christians arrested, examined, and placed upon a ship whose destination is a distant star and a fiery death. It is a story of courage, romance, and danger.
Meanwhile on Earth you have General Abner Smith the mastermind of this evil persecution as he watches the ship and makes additional plans. Unknown to him the Underground Church, made up of evangelicals and fundamentalists, resists the worldwide ban on worshiping God. They also aim to thwart the general’s plans.
I enjoyed writing this novel. I’ve always liked science fiction to an extent, but it all too often was evolutionary and therefore unbelievable. I found myself wondering why there can’t be science fiction that embraces a Christian view and a more practical plot. I found it challenging and exciting to write. And the amount of research needed and available was simply overwhelming!
Through research I discovered that since the days of Star Trek the idea of space travel has come a long way. They are now seriously looking at things like warp drive, ION engines, replicators (which to some extent already exist), and much more. Since I was already interested in science (not as a student) I found these new developments exciting and thought provoking.
In fact, before I ever got the idea for this book I was already following SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, two competing space developers. Both are exploring the outer rims of space travel and will eventually break through. Death Ship takes place in the 22nd century, therefore allowing more than enough time for the two programs to succeed. In fact, the novel presents a world that has advanced in many ways.
It also depicts a world where Christians are persecuted. This is simply a practical outgrowth of the worldwide persecution we now see. Even here in America we see it starting. Only a nationwide revival can truly overturn this trend. It is true the Trump administration is increasingly acting as a friend of Christianity, but the next president may once again allow attacks against Christians to go unchecked and unpunished.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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June 4, 2018
Global Warming
Monday’s I try to focus on issues. These can be spiritual, religious, political, economic, or just about anything. Today I am focusing on the weather, particularly “global warming.”
Since I’m not a scientist I won’t write from the view of science. This is actually good because the scientific community is overrun by global alarmists to such a degree, pardon the pun, that reasonable discussion is almost impossible.
This is unfortunate being as there are problems with the global warming viewpoint. Last week I read an article purporting that investing in global warming can bring great economic benefits. Now, if you’re talking individually I would agree. Al Gore with his Inconvenient Truth movie did all right for himself. The fact that the movie was flawed and that he personally doesn’t live according to “green” theology is beside the point.
The fact is that the scientific study of weather has a rather recent beginning of only a few hundred years. But historically there is a better record and it seems to indicate that the weather is cyclic. That is, there are periods of cooling (such as the Ice Age) and periods of warming. The Ice Age didn’t happen millions of years ago, but rather about 2,500 years ago right after the Flood. It is believed it lasted for only a few hundred years.
So when you talk about the Earth warming there is truth in that. But that should not bring concerns about the end of the world. If you read the Bible you know how the world will end and you have a small understanding of how it will be renewed.
According to the Bible the Earth will never have a worldwide flood again. But rather it will burn up. Because of global warming? Maybe, but doubtful. Rather God will cause the Earth to be destroyed by fire; purged if you will of the results of sin since the days of Adam. Then there will be a New Earth!
So will investing in the global warming industry reap financial benefits for all of mankind? I find this doubtful. Unless man starts using a commonsense approach to global warming theories, the benefits will be hard to come by. Don’t believe me? Ask the coal workers who have been victimized by a concerted effort to shut down their industry. The current thinking, supported by the previous administration, is that they are right and if it takes loss of work, health or life to accomplish their will, it will be worth it.
I think that if global warming is truly coming (and the ‘experts’ blame everything on it) then it should be embraced. Instead of resisting and trying to stop it, there should be an effort to understand it and profit thereby. But most ‘green’ solutions are aimed at stopping it.
The problem is that global warming is probably not happening on the scale that the tabloids and shock troops of ‘the world is ending’ persuasion claim. But, influenced by a flawed movie and self-serving lies, they press forward demanding changes that would undermine, at the least, world economies. They talk of the weather getting hotter and hotter; they even provide a measure of degrees by which it will grow hotter. But the truth is that it is all built on a theory that is supported by lies or, as supporters say, ‘It may not be the truth, but if it brings about the desired change it is worth it.’
Thinking again of the coal industry, I think they have at least tried to become more ‘green’ friendly with their ‘clean coal.’ That is a practical approach. It isn’t sexy nor does it glitter, but it can protect jobs, reduce prices, and bring a Return On Investment (ROI). That is the kind of thinking we need.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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May 30, 2018
The Persecuted Church
Christians are being persecuted around the world. Even here in America we are seeing forms of persecution. The media, some government bodies, and colleges are now taking an anti-Christian view.
In this first blog about the Persecuted Church I am taking a look at America, so-called Christian America. We now live in a country where believing in the fundamental truths of the Bible is ridiculed and punished.
Recently I read a column by Kathleen Parker. Now, to be honest, the two of us would probably disagree on a lot of things since we apparently have two different worldviews. But I found her article interesting and well written. The article concerned the religious liberty battle raging between the city of Philadelphia and the Catholic Social Services. This battle also included the Bethany Christian Services.
Both of the services turned away an openly gay couple from adopting a child. Why? Because both organizations had religious objections based on their understanding of the Bible. Protected by the constitution, right? Apparently not. Shortly afterward the city’s Department of Human Services “suspended foster care intake with both Bethany and CSS.”
Now Parker and I would differ on our view of gays, but we agree on religious liberty. But the real point of bringing this up is that attacking people for their Biblical stand is becoming all too common. The article itself referred to the forcing of devout bakers to create wedding cakes for gay marriages. This is a sad time for a country that is still identified as Christian.
But may I take it further? Not only are Christian values being stomped upon, but cults and other religions are getting preferential treatment. We frequently hear of Dearborn, Michigan, not far from where I once lived, being run as a Moslem city. Is it true? I haven’t been there in decades, so I don’t know. But if true, it is contrary to our constitution and, for that matter, to our history. But Dearborn is just one example. How about our military where a small group of atheists had forced the military to turn against the very men and women who served, some as chaplains?
Fortunately, the election of Trump has at least slowed down the secularization of America, but it will take a revival to stop it cold and reverse it. But will Christians take a stand; will Christians be revived; and to the point, will America return to its Biblical roots and both honor and worship the one true God?
Some people say no, it’s too late for America. But when I read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, I find examples where God revived His people when all seemed lost. I believe He can still do it, He is all-powerful, but we Christians need to fervently pray for revival. And while praying take a close look at our own lives.
Is the church persecuted in America? Not like in other countries, but it has started.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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May 29, 2018
Insights: World That Was
This new feature is called Insights. It may concern a book within the series World That Was, (as today’s blog is), Christland, or any other series or book I’ve written or will write. I hope you find it interesting.
My very first book ever written was Refuge: The Genesis Chronicles. This book would later be incorporated into Perished: The World That Was. It was a look at the 120 years leading up to the Flood. Some people ignorantly speak of the Flood as a myth. But if they bothered to do research they would discover that it actually happened. I find it instructive how people can throw up challenges that prove to be rather easy to refute simply because they desperately want to disprove the existence of God.
Some people say there were local floods around the world at the time of what we call the Flood. But they don’t consider the difficulties such a belief faces. One simple problem is ‘the magnitude of so many Earth damaging local floods all happening about the same time in history.’ For a flood to cause the traumatic effects discovered through the study of fossils it would have to be huge. So the problem becomes even more difficult and can be stated as, ‘the magnitude of so many huge Earth damaging local floods all happening about the same time in history.’
In other words, for such a scenario to be believed requires huge faith. Greater faith than I have. Because it is a faith in ‘chance.’ It is a blind faith in an arbitrary god called ‘chance.’
What do I mean?
Well, by chance:
The Universe was formed (currently called Big Bang)
The Earth evolved
Local floods around the world appeared at same time
These floods were huge, mighty floods
They all worked together to change the Earth’s surface
And all this occurred without ‘real observable evidence’ and contrary to what is observable and reproducible. Both evolution and creation have one thing in common, they are both theories. However, creationism looks to the God of heaven Who created the Earth while evolution looks to no god unless he is called the god of chance. Both beliefs require faith, but evolution requires faith in a god that is ever changing; a god who is cruel, unhearing, and without a soul.
Perhaps we should worship and learn more about the God of heaven.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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May 28, 2018
Take a Survey
I know this is Memorial Day and I will discuss that in a moment, but first a word about my survey.
Normally I blog about some issue or item that is noteworthy to me and/or you. But today is Monday, actually Memorial Day, and I’d like to depart from my normal activity. At this critical juncture in my life I think it is important to get to know my readers. You’re very important to me. I don’t want to be talking to the wind, I want to be heard. That requires knowledge; my knowing your likes and dislikes. Only then can I be sure I am communicating with you.
Therefore, I would like to start this week off with a quick survey. To complete this survey just post your answer below. It’s an easy survey, but one I want to use. It has a simple goal: for you to share with me who you are.
In other words, I would like you to tell me about yourself. I learned a little about you when you first liked or followed me, but the information is not always complete and it changes. So what am I interested in? You, as a person. What do you like to read or do you read? You liked or followed my blog, Why?
In other words, I’d like to know the kind of man or woman you are, what your interests are, and what prompted you to either like or follow my blog. Do you like the content? Are there ways in which I can better communicate with you?
Are my answers private?
Yes! That’s the short answer. Let me state it another way, This survey is strictly for my own use. The information will not be sold, loaned, or given to anyone else. I respect your privacy and will guard your information as though it were my own. And you can believe me when I say that I want my privacy guarded as well. Some things I want people to know, and some things I want kept secret.
I offer you two ways of taking the survey.
Posting your response below. This is the most common way that most people use. However, other followers can read your posts, so privacy is somewhat compromised.
This second method is equally simple but more secure. Here you simply email me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You can give more in-depth answers and know that no one other than I will see your answers. When using the email method, please include in the subject line the word “Survey.”
Thank you for taking the survey. While it’s great having people follow me, I can better serve you and others through the use of the knowledge gained.
Memorial Day.
One last thing. As mentioned this is Memorial Day, a day of remembrance. This is a day for remembering those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I am a Vet, but I didn’t pay the ultimate price. But there are many men and women who did. Remember them and thank God for them.
And while death is considered the ultimate price, there is another price that is almost as horrific. Some may say it is worse than death. That is the men and women who are homeless or have lost a limb or more. These veterans desire your prayers. They went out whole and came back deeply hurt. Our hearts go out to and for them.
And while you’re at it, thank God for His Son, who paid the ultimate price for our Eternal Freedom and Home in Heaven!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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May 25, 2018
Evangelistic Outreach
In my last blog, My Ultimate Service, I talked about TR Ministry. Today I want to talk about Evangelistic Outreach.
Why is soul winning or evangelism so important?
Perhaps you don’t consider evangelism important, but Jesus did. He came not only to die for our sins, to take our place, but to give us an example. God’s people are like sheep in need of a shepherd. That is why He gave us pastors and evangelists.
But the Bible teaches we are to have a burden for souls. That is why He sent prophets (Mt. 23:37); why He gave us preachers and evangelists (II Timothy 3:16); and why He sends us (Mt. 28:19-20). We are part of His plan for mankind.
This Sunday I will be teaching a Sunday School lesson about Joseph, the son of Jacob. It is the final lesson on Joseph’s life. I’ll be wrapping it up and applying the truths. The overriding truth is simply this: God has a plan for our lives. He had a plan for Joseph and it didn’t matter what the devil threw at Joseph, God made it work together for good as seen in Genesis 50:20: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
When you read of how God worked in the lives of others, it makes you want to allow God to work in your life as well. Study their lives and you will find that this “good” was for others, not always the individual. Ultimately Joseph felt blessed, but the real blessing was upon his family and the nation of Israel. And it lasted well beyond his life.
Every time Christians give a dollar (or even a penny) God acknowledges it. Moreover, he takes that money and multiplies it, using it for His own purposes. And amazingly He allows us to keep 90% of our profits while He takes only 10%. But every penny, dime, and dollar we give back He multiplies. Not always in the same currency, sometimes He rewards us differently, but He always gives back.
There are many ways for a Christian to support God’s evangelistic program. First there is being available; God delights in our personal service. Second, there is prayer; God listens to our prayers especially when they are Holy Spirit driven. Third, there is financial support; God loves a cheerful giver.
Dr. D. James Kennedy built his Coral Ridge Presbyterian church on personal soul winning. And many other men of God have done the same. It is having the power of the Holy Spirit behind it. God can take our efforts, however mighty or puny, and magnify them into something grand.
Does that mean he’ll magnify TR Ministry? I would like to think yes, but only God knows how He will use this ministry. But one thing I do know, God will use it to His glory!
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
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R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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May 24, 2018
My Ultimate Service
Those of you who’ve followed me for awhile know that I serve God through a variety of means including writing, serving in the church, and as vice president of T&R Independent Books. But what is my ultimate service?
Introducing TR Ministry
TR Ministry is a service or ministry of T&R Independent Books. It is a ministry that focuses on the local church, worldwide missions, and evangelism. In my last blog I indicated that God had shown me the direction He wanted me to go. This is it: T&R Independent Books exists to promote TR Ministry through the sale of our books.
Going forward this is a ministry that Teresa and I believe God has given us that is above, beyond, and includes our church. It is a ministry that will benefit from book sales and any other financial support we provide.
Does this mean we’ll be asking for your support? No!
Ultimately the support will come from royalties from the sale of our books. So the only way you can support this ministry is the purchase of a book by me or, in the near future, my wife (Tress Riddle).
Will we benefit from our books? Of course we will. But the primary beneficiary is TR Ministry. Will we have the ministry on our website? At this writing that is doubtful, since the ministry will be strictly ours involving no one else.
ARE YOU A BOOK REVIEWER? I am always looking for book reviews. Whether it is Perished The World That Was (Book One), World of Noah and the Ark (Book Two), World of Shem (Book Three), World of Abraham (Book Four) or Death Ship I value your reviews.
If you would like to review any of these books contact me at marketing@tr-indbkstore.com with the subject line indicating that desire. An example of an appropriate subject line would be: ‘Seek to review [book Title].’ In the email make sure to indicate your email address, your name, and the choice of copy (PDF or ePub).
– – – – – – –
R Frederick Riddle is the author of several books and is best known for Christian Historical Fiction. For more information on him or his books visit his Amazon Authors Page. He is also co-founder and Vice President of T&R Independent Books where his books are featured. To reply to any blog you have the option of commenting on a blog and/or sending an email to marketing@tr-indbkstore.com. You may also be interested in his Facebook page at RFrederickRiddlesWorld.
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