Edie Melson's Blog, page 175

Organize Marketing with Spread Sheets

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting
I’ve mentioned my spreadsheets to keep organized and have received questions on how I create and use them, so let me share my method. For marketing, spread sheets are so valuable for keeping information in one place and tracking progress. It provides, at a glance, information on plans for media, print, social media, articles and more. It can also keep track of links to work and interviews done and contact information for upcoming interviews. These can be created to track marketing for each book or brand or to build databases of media contacts.
Getting Started
Whether using excel, numbers, or other software for a spread sheet, they all contain rows and columns and that’s what’s important. You can create sections within the spread sheet by simply using empty rows to space divisions and a color for each new header row. 
Consider creating a section for each type or marketing you will do for your book or brand. That might include speaking, media interviews, articles, memes, blog posts, social media, and newsletters.
Use the rows for the type of marketing and the columns for information needed. Include a column to mark the status (pitched, done, possibility) and one for noting when you’ve sent a thank you card.
I always keep the date and deadline column the same for all the types of promotion. That way I can sort by the date to be sure I don’t miss any interviews or deadlines.
Data to collect
For each section create your header of the information needed for each type of marketing:For interview possibilities, include contact information with addresses, website, phone numbers, date/time of interview, who calls or the zoom connection, and the name of the contact, and links to the actual interview.For memes it should include purpose, image, hook, and platform.For articles, the target publication, contact, email, address, possible topics and hooks, and link to article.For speaking, the meeting planner contact, location, date, time, contract status, payment, and topicFor blog posts, list topics and dates to post as well as links created to blog on other platforms, such as putting the post link in a pin on PinterestFor print materials and freebies, title, topic, type (tip sheet, background story, etc.), and where it is stored.For website, calls to action, updated press kit and the link, downloadable freebies to develop (and links)For your newsletter, dates to send out, topics, calls to action, responses, and content notesFor reviews, list names of people who promise reviews, quotes to use from reviews done, and links to the reviews.
Fill in the spreadsheet
Start filing in with your actual booked activities and your dreams. Write down what you hope to do, including possible media (podcast, radio, TV) where you’d like to be a guest. Fill in any details you have such as the contact information. Dream big and add the biggest place you’d like to be a guest.
This will become the best place to review weekly what you can do for marketing and what links you can post or repost on your social media. A column on responses of ROI can also help you track the effectiveness of various promotional activities. That can be as simple as including the number of newsletter subscribers each month to see if the list is growing and what might have triggered the growth.
Build marketing databases 
Create spread sheets to hold information for influences, media, and bloggers where you’d like to be interviewed or be a guest blogger. This would include the contact information, host, title of the show/blog and your pitch ideas. These can be used for a current book as well as all future books. Add to this as you discover shows or blogs that match your topics.
You can create one for your street team, meeting planners for speaking, influencers, or endorsers too. It puts the information in a file that’s easy to access. Keep it in a marketing folder or in the folder for the book you will promote.
Make this month a time to organize your marketing and build your databases of marketing contacts.
TWEETABLEOrganize Marketing with Spread Sheets - @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Karen Whiting (www.karenwhiting.com) is an international speaker, former television host of Puppets on Parade, certified writing and marketing coach, and award-winning author of twenty-six books for women, children, and families. Her newest book, 52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve, uses stories, activities, and chat prompts to help families develop servant hearts and foster strong bonds in families who have members serving the community, nation, or world.
She has a heart to grow tomorrow’s wholesome families today. She has written more than seven hundred articles for more than sixty publications and loves to let creativity splash over the pages of what she writes. She writes for Leading Hearts and Crosswalk.com. Connect with Karen on Twitter @KarenHWhiting, Pinterest KarenWhiting, and FB KarenHWhiting

Grace for the Writer

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam
As we know, 2020 gave us more unscheduled time than we thought possible. I don’t need to tell you how many things were cancelled and stay-at-home orders placed on us countrywide as well as some countries around the world—you lived it. 
Often last year we found ourselves sitting around the TV waiting to hear when we could return to normal. We started this routine in March. I don’t know about you, but I’m still waiting to hear we’re ready to return to normal. Though I no longer sit by the TV news for that. We’ve slowly created new routines to get us by.
However, back in the spring I stopped writing. My critique groups and writing buddies couldn’t meet to work together. I became lazy. With no deadlines, or time schedule to meet with writing partners, my urgency—and desire—to write slowly flickered away. The candle flame went out and took all my mojo with it. I couldn’t string a sentence together, let alone an entire paragraph. 
With all the extra time, it would have been a perfect time to clear the clutter in my office, catch up on some writing instruction books or even complete the online writing classes I’ve purchased. Even going through my huge notebook of notes I’ve taken at the many conferences and workshops I’ve attended would have been productive. 
But I did none of those.
What about you? Did you make great use of the extra time given last year? If you did, good on you! Way to rock this writing gig. I won’t be jealous. Much.
Along came November and I began reflecting on my year. Still with more blank spots on my calendar than ever, or than what I’d like to have, I realized what a mistake I’d made not taking full advantage of all the 2020 free time. 
I let the mistake fester within me and take me down a dangerous pit. I felt defeated, a failure and wondered why I was calling myself a writer. I wasn’t writing, so how could I use the term. That evil, old dude from the pit was throwing negative thoughts at me to believe faster than I could fight them. Unfortunately, I was struggling with not believing them. I knew better, but the case made was strong. I felt sinful for wasting the time not writing and being a failure. 
Then grace.
Reading Isaiah 1:18, I was reminded that my sins may be scarlet, but they will be washed white as snow. If I thought I was sinning, then I have the choice to change that. I knew that God allowed mistakes for our good and our refinement. He freely gives grace when we slip up. Why wouldn’t I offer the same to myself? 
Have you found yourself at this point before? 
I knew that mistakes are the things I do, but the shame from doing them became who I was. The shameful failure. I didn’t just make a mistake not using my time productively, I failed at it. Therefore, I am a failure. But that’s not at all what God sees. He sees the opportunity to give grace. 
With accepting his grace for not walking in obedience to my call as a writer in 2020, it allowed me to come to Him and other people. It offered the opportunity to raise my chin, pull back my shoulders and ask for help. And I took that opportunity to do just that. 
Ah grace. What a beautiful thing to receive for our mistakes. 
We’re into January 2021 now and I’m leaning on that grace when my day’s Writing To Do list isn’t fully crossed off when I lay my head on the pillow each night. Instead, I thank God for the accomplishments made at the keyboard for the day and grateful for His grace and that which I’ve given myself. 
What about you? Are you hard on yourself when you don’t complete your writing goals? If so, remember you’re not a failure, you missed the mark for that day, that’s all. Dust yourself off, accept the gift of grace and get ready to work harder tomorrow.
TWEETABLEGrace for the Writer - Encouragement and Insight from @TickledPinkTam on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet) 
You’ll find Tammy using humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. She’s gone from down and defeated from a past filled with bullying and criticism from family to living a Tickled Pink life as she believes there is always a giggle wanting to come out! All because of HIM.
She’s the Social Media Coordinator for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. President of ACFW Upstate SC, Past-President and current member of Word Weavers Upstate SC and Past-President of Cross N Pens Writers Group. She’s a member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. A writing team member for The Write Conversation, contributor for the Learn How to Write a Novel Blog and others. Published in the Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments.
She’s married to her college sweetheart Larry, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen and excited to add a son-in-law in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, she now lives in South Carolina. Connect with Tammy at https://tammykarasek.com.

Resurrecting The Buried Life in our Writing

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme
When we sit to write, we’re challenged to let our minds go to that place of wonder that lies in the deep crevices of our hearts. The “Buried Life,” (a term coined in a poem by Matthew Arnold,) is waiting to be rescued from the prison of political and social correctness. The freedom to write truth in books, articles, and speak in the public forum can lose its luster through the busyness of keeping up with social media and the constant flow of disturbing news. 
The buried life was once free to explode from our psyche and burst forth in prose, its message strengthened by community and fellowship in the church. With that fellowship now limited, our soul is robbed of the nourishment of assembly with fellow believers—social interaction that is meant to infuse us with energy and meaning. We begin to look inward and are afraid of what we see. We may start to doubt ourselves and the words that have been given us. In the back of our minds, words still struggle to come forth, only to often be squashed by our fear of approval or, worse yet, disapproval. 
We need a resurrection of sorts, a transformation of what we think we know to be true to what is really true. A miracle that transports us back to the tomb, where Jesus lay, His lifeless body proof that all was over. And then it wasn’t. A miracle happened and He rose again, His sacrificial death giving new and eternal life to we who believe. Believing, adhering, and clinging to this reality causes our soul to rise and crack open the door beyond natural man’s three dimensions and five senses. We untangle the ropes that have bound us and darkness is eradicated by light that illuminates a bold new realization of just who we are through Christ. 
As writers, we are emboldened to dip our toe in the world of the impossible, where a scullery maid can be turned into a princess, beautiful enough to besot a prince. A world where our purpose can be realized against all odds, because our reality is built on Someone greater than ourselves, not the dictums of a new world order, whatever that may look like. We become who we were meant to be, write the words we were meant to write, say and do the things God ordained for us in the time and place He ordained us to be.
Entering into a world we cannot see is not the easy route. It is wrought with rapids and mountains blocking our view. The road is never straight. Loneliness, fear, and ridicule by others often beset us. As was true with Noah, so we will be mocked for who we have chosen to follow and the moral standard which rules our words and deeds. As we continue to build the arc with our words, the sun may still shine and the mocking intensify. Fear not. It will rain. Because He who created and holds the world together is in control. We don’t have to shake our finger and promise the mockers their sordid outcome. Instead, we obey Him and look up. And do the work He has called us to do. Until that day when He takes us to the eternal home He won for us on the cross.
“And there arrives a lull in the hot raceWherein he doth forever chaseThat flying and elusive shadow, rest.An air of coolness plays upon his face,And an unwonted calm pervades his breast.And then he thinks he knowsThe hills where his life rose,And the sea where it goes.”
The last verses of poem, The Buried Life, by Matthew Arnold (1822-1888)
TWEETABLEResurrecting The Buried Life in Our Writing - @GannonEmme on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Emme Gannon is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to write stories that stir the heart. Her award-winning writing has appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, several anthologies, and numerous newsletters. She just completed her first novel.

My American Idol Ah-ha Moment as a Writer

by Crystal Bowman
In the early seasons of American Idol, I was a faithful fan. From the first auditions to the grand finale, I watched every episode to see who would make the top ten and eventually win the singing competition. 
In one episode, when a young man was about to audition, Simon Cowell ask him if he thought he could be the next American Idol. The young man confidently answered, “Well, I love to sing in the shower, and I think I have a good voice.” 
Simon’s response to the young man’s answer was an honest reality check. He said, “The contestants who have a slim chance of advancing in the competition have been singing since they were children. They take voice lessons and have coaches. They sing in church choirs and local bands. They sing the National Anthem at baseball games and perform in high school musicals. They come with years of training and experience.” 
The young man’s audition didn’t earn him the golden ticket to Hollywood, and he walked away disappointed. 
My Ah-Ha Moment
The parallels between a singing competition and writing for publication were obvious. Though I admired the young man’s confidence, his ambitions were unrealistic, like many writers who think they can get something published that they wrote on their lunch hour. I’ve met several writers who tell me about the bedtime stories they’ve made up for their kids. They believe since their children love the stories, publishers will love them too. One time, a woman with zero experience sent me a story she wrote and asked me to give it to my publisher. Another time a friend of a friend asked me for the name of my editor so she could discuss some ideas with her. Um, sorry. It doesn’t work like that. 
The writers who have a slim chance of getting their work accepted for publication attend writers’ conferences. They read books on the craft of writing. They join critique groups and hire writing coaches. They write for local newsletters, magazines, or church publications. They work hard to become the best writer they can be before they submit their work. They gain experience in writing even if it’s unpaid. 
Has God Called You to Write?
If you believe God has called you to write, then write. But like any other calling, we need to prepare, learn, and grow to fulfill that calling. Missionaries don’t go out on a field assignment until they have been fully trained. Most careers require years of education, training, internships, and degrees. Writing is no different. 
The Hard Work Continues
Just like a professional singer needs to continue voice training, those who achieve a presence in the world of publishing continue to work hard. Bestselling authors still need to write proposals and go through the tedious process of submitting their work. They attend writers’ conferences and have their work critiqued. They face negative reviews and receive “no thank yous” from publishers. But they don’t quit.
As a published author, I love studying the publishing industry and growing as a writer. I love meeting with other authors and learning from them. I enjoy every step of the process even if I receive a “no thank you” now and then. It’s hard work, but that’s what makes it good. 
In Conclusion
My ah-ha moment opened my eyes to the reality of how writing and publishing parallels a singing competition. I will continue to train and work hard as long as I am able. And even though I like to sing in the shower, I will not audition for American Idol.
TWEETABLEMy American Idol Ah-ha Moment  as a Writer - Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and four nonfiction books for women. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine. She loves going to schools to teach kids about poetry. She also speaks at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups and teaches workshops at writers’ conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she enjoys going for walks, working out at the gym, and eating ice cream. She and her husband live in Michigan and have seven huggable grandkids. 
WWW.CRYSTALBOWMAN.COMWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTAL.BOWMANWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTALJBOWMANWWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CRYSTALBOWMANAUTHOR

Collateral Blessings for Writers: Unexpected Surprises from God

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
Don’t you love when God totally surprises you with a blessing you didn’t see coming? 
I’ve played around on Facebook for a number of years, starting my personal page long ago when my teenagers first asked to join the social media world. “Only if you help your technologically-challenged mother set up an account, too,” I’d replied. “So that I can monitor your activity … somewhat.” I knew my tech intel skills couldn’t rival that of my kids, but, luckily, my teens were more interested in getting to church on time for youth group than they were getting into anything devious online. 
As my writing career continued to move forward, social media became more of a work tool for me than a teenage surveillance device. I paid attention at conferences like Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and learned to sincerely engage with those that might be part of my potential audience for my writing. 
And, when I signed a contract back in 2019 for my parenting book that came out in October of 2020, I really ramped up my presence and posts. I enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow writers, as well as the moms and homeschooling mommies that my posts and shares catered to. 
When Revell/Baker Publishing released my book, 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Momeinto Lasting Memories, I posted the obligatory “please check out my book” memes, in addition to my engagement posts of encouraging Bible verses, fun holiday celebrations, and helpful parenting tips that had become staple shares over the last couple of years.
Shortly after my book launch, I received a Facebook private message from a young adult whom I’d volunteered with in the children’s ministry at my church many years ago. When we volunteered, she was a college student at the local university, and I had two kids in the youth group and two kids in the children’s ministry. Though we were Facebook “friends,” we hadn’t chatted personally for quite some time – all four of my kids are college grads now, so that’s an indication of the time lapse. 
Late one night while I was working on the computer, a Facebook private message popped up from this young lady. With my words interspersed in the conversation that I’ll leave out for the sake of space, here are the words she sent me: 
Your social media posts encourage my soul so incredibly much! You truly inspire me to reach for Jesus more! I don’t have children. I don’t even have a boyfriend, but I bought your book because I know how inspiring and encouraging you are! 
While volunteering [in the children’s program at church] I truly learned how to Christ in a classroom where I can’t share Christ! It’s definitely changed the way I interact with my students. Please keep writing and posting and encouraging! It truly is your gift from God. 
I can’t speak for everyone but knowing you has made me a better person and a better disciple of Christ. Recently, I’ve struggled in my walk, but every single time I get on social media and see your posts, I’m automatically pointed back to Christ. I can never thank you enough. 
I’ve wandered in my recent years, but Christ has led me back to church. I’m excited for this new season, and you were a big catalyst in getting me back in the door. I hope our paths cross sooner rather than later. 
I wept at the computer as I read her messages and thanked her profusely for sharing such sweet words to me. It was a poignant lesson for me that I can plan my steps – posts and engagement aimed at parents who might consider buying my book – but the Lord directs my path – posts that touch the heart of a single, childless teacher and send her on a journey back into the fellowship of God’s fold.
“Marketing” has never been my purpose for Facebook engagement, yet social media had become a viable tool for bringing awareness about my parenting book. But what if God’s plans for my social media posts had little to do with my new release and more to do with refreshing the soul of a wanderer? What if that was His intent all along? 
I asked my friend for permission to share her words as a reminder that God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than I can ever dream. I believe God led me to those posts – some announcing silly holidays and others expressing powerful Bible verses – for such a time as this, in ways that I will probably only barely comprehend.
Thank you God, for surprise treats. 
Write on, my friends, and keep your eyes open for unexpected, collateral blessings from the Lord.
TWEETABLECollateral Blessings for Writers: Unexpected Surprises from God - @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Julie Lavender, author of 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories (Revell), looks forward to a new year of engaging conversations on social media. Please connect with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/julie.lavender.10 or https://www.facebook.com/groups/607967430049843; Twitter at https://twitter.com/JLavenderwrites; and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/julielavenderwrites/.

What’s Behind Your Writer's Mask?

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
Living in unprecedented times brings a lot of new “rules” we must learn to live with. One of the new norms for us today is wearing a mask when we go out. Though not popular with some people, wearing masks is one thing we can do to be proactive in helping restore our freedom of moving about without fear of contamination.
Writers have worn masks for years and in some ways, it is a parallel to our current mask wearing.
1. Masks make it difficult to see our joy.
The mouth and nose coverings makes it difficult to see if someone is smiling, frowning, or void of expression. We must look closely at the eyes of the person we are conversing with to see if there is joy.
Writing Problem – When we are writing, we often conceal our joy in the middle of words. Our writing is bland and the “meat” of what we really want to say is buried. Only our most diligent readers will get deep enough to find our basic message.
Solution – Once you have finished with your article or chapter, reread it looking for spots that made you scratch your head to figure out what you were really saying. Be intentional about making the heart of your message obvious.
2. Masks help us hide.
People are wearing masks today to keep bad things, specifically germs, from getting out or in. It has been proven that even the tiniest of droplets can spread germs from a virus.
Writing Problem – Many of us tend to want to remain superficial in our writing. Sharing deeply personal experiences makes us vulnerable. We are afraid if we share stories that could be perceived as negative, our readers think less of us. The opposite is true. The more we share with our readers, the more they identify with us. Many readers are looking for a connecting point and encouragement in their present situations.
Solution – Allow yourself to become vulnerable. Ask God what parts of your story you need to share with your readers. This is difficult, no doubt. However, I think you will be surprised at how many of your readers will comment and thank you for your vulnerability. Take the mask off and show them who you really are.
3. Maks affect communication
Have you noticed how difficult it is to communicate when you are wearing a mask. I am amazed at how many times I say to folks, “Excuse me, could you repeat that?” It is just difficult to understand others when your mouth and nose are covered in a mask.
Writing Problem – Sometimes we use so many words and chase “rabbit trails” and our readers don’t even know what point we are trying to make. Flowery language sounds good to us, especially when we first begin writing. However, editors much prefer we get straight to the point. If we are not able to remove unnecessary words from our manuscripts, the editors will!
Solution – For writers clear communication is the key to our writing. So remove your writing mask and all the “fluff” and say what you want your reader to take away from your writing. Don’t try to protect yourself with a mask. Readers prefer reading about the real you, not a concealed or overprotected version.
4. Masks make us all look alike.
With a large percent of the population wearing masks, it is sometimes hard to tell people apart. Yes, we have different colored hair, skin, and many differences. But our facial expressions are so important to who we are. We miss sharing a smile with friends.
Writing Problem – Do you want to be just like other writers? Many times I have met with writers and one of their first comments is “My writing is very similar to Beth Moore’s or Billy Graham’s.” Really? Yes, there is a lot we can learn from other writers but do you want to be known as a writer who is just like another writer?
Solution – When you begin writing, study other writers and determine what you like about their styles. Then start your journey to become the best writer you possibly can. Develop your distinct style and become known for being who God created you to be, not a copy of someone else.
Look at your writing to find masked areas. Remove the mask and do your best to communicate clearly. You have a message that only you can share. Don’t send it to the world with a mask on!
TWEETABLEWhat's Behind Your Writer's Mask - @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Linda is the author of 19 books and over 1000 magazine articles. She enjoys every meeting with editors and knowing we are all part of the same team. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com

A Writer's Dollar Wisely Spent

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted
Writers live on pennies. If we’re lucky – dimes. So when conferences roll around it’s our eyes that roll at the pennies we spend. No one will argue that attending a conference is expensive. It is but it is also the one place you will latch on, not only to your dream but to the necessary learning needed to excel as a writer. 
The more you dive into the writing industry to more you see dollar signs raise and at times it’s hard to know when or where we should spend our money. The expenses of being a writer are like a scene in the Mary Poppins movie. The one where the old woman sits on a bench feeding the birds. She sings, “Feed the birds. Tuppences a bag.” (Two pennies). If only tuppences were what we were looking at, right?
It’s important to address some of these expenses and help you decide if this something you need now, or later. As a conference director, I get the importance of this question. Since we are launching into a new year, let’s look at expenses writers can incur.
Writing Expenses
Conferences: A conference costs from $100 - $1200. There are tons of variables included in this cost. The venue, time of year, length of the conference, number of faculty. Writers have to look at the options available and see what is right for them. A conference should be the number one thing you invest in your career. At conferences, you learn the craft of writing, network with other writers, meet editors, agents, and publishers. You’ll learn about the business of writing and attending a conference will bring you a refined look at your writing career by helping you find your calling, set your goals, and receive encouragement. Individuals have to look at their finances and decide how much you want to invest in their career. It’s a personal decision, but I have yet to regret spending any money to attend a conference. The payback is immediate. **** 4 stars
Conference CDs or MP3s: This is the purchase of extended learning and keeps on giving. If you attend a conference make every effort to come home with the recordings of the classes. You will have this learning forever. Conference recording costs will vary from $1.99 per class to $200 for the entire conference and everywhere in between. I have recordings from every conference that I continually listen to in my car, at my desk, on my phone. My skills continue to grow because I purchased and use these recording over and over through the years. ****4 stars
Paid Critiques: Those 15-minute appointments are great for you to meet and network with editors, agents, and publishers. If you are on a tight budget, it’s not something you have to have unless you have work that is ready to be pitched. If you have a solid piece of work that is completed or near completion, then a paid critique is great. You can choose the person whom you may want to pitch the work to, let them look over your work, spend some in-depth time with it, and then with you. This is when a paid critique pays off. You have a prime opportunity to allow a professional to take a look at your work. Not only do you learn from it but you might catch a break on publication or at least submission. ***3 stars.
Mentoring: For those who have a strong work in progress and you need some guidance, mentoring is valuable. Mentors are generally well-seasoned authors or editors whose ability and information is well worth your time and money. If you have a work in progress that has some chops, and you have a teachable spirit, a mentor can be the icing on the cake in helping you cut through to a publisher or agent. Their years of experience will help you with tricks of the trade you will only find in this one-on-one situation. Mentoring costs from $50 -$600 ***3 stars. 
Editing: Before I send anything to my agent or publisher, I invest in a content editor to go through my manuscript and be sure it is as clean as it can be. The less work the editors and publishers have on a project translates as money saved for them and a great reputation for you. Editing falls under your work ethic and how much you are willing to do to make your work as “publishable” as it can be. Be responsible and do your homework. Editors are a dime a dozen but reputable editors are found through resources such as Christian Pen or via conference faculty, agents, or editors. Spend your money wisely by choosing an editor with a solid background. Do your homework. ****4 stars
Self-publishing: This is a luxury not a necessity. Spend your money learning the craft then publish. Who knows, you may land a traditional contract. *1 star
Contests: Contests, unless they are national book contests, translate into a nice pat on the back. Good encouragement. They rarely, if ever, bring an unpublished writer a contract. A published author will get name recognition and that is worth the sales generated from a contest. Choose a couple, enter, and learn to present your work. ***2 stars
There is an old saying, “If a person wants something, they’ll find a way to get it. And it’s true. Begin by saving $5 a week. Just take it out of your wallet and drop it in a jar. $5 a week. Oh, and drop that loose change in there too. We once saved all our loose change and paid for a week at the beach. Those dimes and quarters add up quickly. Give up Starbucks two days a week and save $10. The point is, save. Plan. Take a small portion of your income tax return (if you get one) rather than wasting it. Invest in yourself. It’s a good habit that will pay in the future. 
TWEETABLEA Writer's Dollar Wisely Spent - advice from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the executive editor for christiandevotions.us and inspireafire.com. Cindy is the lead managing editor for SonRise Devotionals and also Straight Street Books, both imprints of LPC/Iron Stream Media Publications. She is a mentor with Write Right and the director of the Asheville Chrisitan Writers Conference held each February at the Billy Graham Training Center, the Cove, Asheville, NC. Cindy is a best selling, award winning novelist. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.

Speaking Tips for Writers in 2021

by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1
We may have decided to accept 2021 as it unfolds. We trust that what God has for us will come about in his way and timing. I sat each evening during the last week of December with a pen, a journal, and a Bible. On New Year’s Eve, I sat alone with God and asked again for direction. Here are open doors for me that may appeal to you.
The first speaking tip for writers in 2021 is to attend a speakers conference.
I will attend Carol Kent’s Virtual Speak Up Conference on July 14-16, 2021. You can register at https://speak-up-conference.myshopify.com/products/pre-registration You also have the option of setting up a payment plan. Since it will be a virtual conference, you’ll save on travel expenses, a hotel room, and meals.
Carol Kent has an outstanding faculty every year for both the speaking and the writing track. Attendees have phenomenal opportunities to meet with faculty including agents at the conference and have a meal with them. Last summer was the first virtual conference, and we had numerous appointments available for a virtual meal with the faculty and individual virtual appointments after the conference.
Sign up to receive updates via email. 
Second speaking tip for writers is to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference at https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
Study the faculty list already posted and the projects they’re looking for. Michelle Cox is a speaker and bestselling author. By the time you read this full article, Michelle will have probably lined up six or seven interviews and completed another book proposal. Be sure to talk with her. 
Linda Goldfarb is a speaker, conference emcee, and podcaster. As the faculty description states, “She loves helping writers and speakers take God’s next best step to reaching their publishing goals and beyond.” Don’t miss the opportunity to talk with her. 
Isaac Hernandez has over 40 years of experience in the Christian Television industry. If you’re interested in a television show on Trinity Broadcasting Network, be sure to talk with him. He also has his own show. 
While you look over the faculty list, pray that the event can be live, and that the shuttle will run for the conference.
Also keep an eye out for the date of the Mountainside Speaking Retreat, a hands-on event, at https://www.blueridgeconference.com/mountainside-speaking-retreat/
Third speaking tip for writers is to sign up for SpeakerMatch at speakermatch.com
If you are looking for general market events, sign up at SpeakerMatch. As their site reads, “Create and promote a professional brand with our simple online tools, so planners can find YOU.” I have several speaker friends in California who prefer SpeakerMatch to anything they’ve tried. They take whatever SpeakerMatch makes available in their area of training or expierence.
I was asked to speak for a teacher’s association in my state of Virginia at the last minute. The subject matter was teaching math. I have strengths as a certified teacher, but math is not one of them. I thanked them and recommended my math teacher friend in that city. The engagement took place before the pandemic. They thanked me for my honesty. 
You can do a live chat or call the toll-free number, 1-866-372-8768, Monday through Friday 9:00 am–5:00 pm Central Time to learn more. 
Remember to sit down with your pen, journal, and Bible. Let me know which one of the possibilities you register for, or if you feel led to try something else. 
TWEETABLESpeaking Tips for Writers in 2021 - @YvonneOrtega1 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Yvonne’s background as a licensed professional counselor brings a unique perspective into the heart of women. She’s a speaking and writing coach and the owner of Moving from Broken to Beautiful®, LLC. She belongs to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, the Christian Authors Network, the National Speakers Association, and Toastmasters International.
She celebrates life at the beach, where she walks, builds sand castles, blows bubbles, and dances.

God in the Seasons

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod
As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. Genesis 8:22 NLT
Only two remained. 
As I sat on my old antique porch glider, I watched as two hummingbirds fought over the one feeder that hung just outside my den window. Just a few days before, I had cleaned all my feeders but only returned one to the backyard. And just a few weeks prior, a dozen hummingbirds had created a war zone in the back and side yards as they fought for nectar from the three feeders placed strategically around the yard. Now, everything was changing.
The next day would be the first day of the autumnal equinox. The leaves on our four crepe myrtle trees were already turning and arching to the ground. The blooms had disappeared. Our first cool snap had arrived, dropping nighttime temps into the 40s. I knew what would happen soon: the hummingbirds would leave. As they had migrated here, the cool temps would send them back to southern Florida or Texas, and, if not there, to Mexico or South America. This was the only thing about fall I didn’t enjoy. Everything else, I loved. It’s my favorite time of the year. 
I had only removed one of our feeders, but I knew in a few weeks I would need to remove all of them. Otherwise, a few hummers might hang around, get caught by the cold air, and perish before they made it back to their winter quarters. And I wanted them back next year. 
I couldn’t help but think of the promise God made to Noah thousands of years ago. A promise that came after He had sent the great flood to destroy everything on earth. A promise of change, along with the promise never to send another flood like the one Noah and his family had witnessed. Within the promise came a dual promise of change and consistency—two seemingly contradictory things. The seasons would consistently come, but within the seasons, change would happen. Planting and harvesting. Cold and hot. Seasons. 
Attributing the changing of the seasons merely to natural law causes us to miss a more important aspect: the sovereignty of God. Natural laws only work because God established them. And while He can operate outside of them—after all, He is God—He usually chooses to show His power through their consistency. The changing of the seasons being one way. 
I love the changing of the seasons—especially the change from summer to fall. But I’ve gone through many changes I didn’t care for. Changes that disrupted…changes that took me to different places—such as the one the hummingbirds undertake. People have left me as the hummingbirds will. They moved. I moved. They died. Death is the hardest change to endure, but the break-up of a family follows closely behind. 
Although the changes of life take us in many directions, those who follow Christ have one constant to anticipate: a new heaven and a new earth. All roads will one day come back together there. The changing will become changeless. I look forward to perfect atmospheric conditions, perfect relationships, perfect bodies, and perfect actions. But until then, I plan to enjoy…perhaps endure…the changes God sends my way. Will you? 
TWEETABLEGod in the Seasons - encouragement from Martin Wiles, @LinesFromGod on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Martin Wiles is the founder of Love Lines from God (www.lovelinesfromgod.com) and serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions, Senior Editor for Inspire a Fire, and Proof Editor for Courier Publishing. He has authored six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, A Whisper in the Woods: Quiet Escapes in a Busy World, released in December 2019. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, author, and pastor.

Choosing to be a Flexible Writer

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt
As 2020 wound down, I discovered a quote by motivational coach Tony Robbins: “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”
Rather than making a list of New Year’s resolutions, I prefer to choose One Word to focus on each year. But there are still specific personal, professional, and spiritual goals I pray about and plan for in the coming months that help me achieve my writing dreams.
However, after I’ve detailed my plans, I can often hold onto the what, the how, and the when with a clenched fist. 
Do me a favor: clench your fist and count to ten.
There’s a lot of tension in a clenched fist, isn’t there? 
The reality of tension in our lives directs us back to Robbins’s recommendation to be both committed and flexible. When we insist our goals only be achieved by following step A, then step B, then step C, we’re not magically guaranteeing success for ourselves – but we are guaranteeing stress. 
This year as we decide what we want to accomplish, let’s choose to be flexible how we’re going to make things happen. 
But how can we be flexible writers?
I’m so glad you asked! (I know, I know, I asked the question. But stay with me, okay?)
Here are three tips to foster mental flexibility:
1. Read. This is easy, right? We’re told to read to be better writers, and yet sometimes in the pursuit of our publication dreams, we shove aside pleasure reading. Did you know reading can also can interrupt negative (think stressed-out) thought patterns? The next time you’re in a funk because life isn’t going the way you planned, take a break, pick up a book, and read! 2. Journal. Yes, writing cultivates mental flexibility. But I’m not talking about writing to meet your publishing deadline or to untangle the muddled middle of your Work in Progress (WIP). Think more stream of conscious writing. Write what comes to mind: dialogue or a poem or a memory – and don’t let your internal editor criticize what goes on the page. Consider ending on a positive note by saying what you’re thankful for.3. Exercise. We can be all about keeping our bottoms-in-our-chairs when we’re chasing a certain word count or when our muses are singing. But we also know pushing away from the computers and moving is good for us physically. Exercise also helps us stay adaptable mentally and emotionally as we destress by walking or running on the treadmill or participating in a Pilates class or lifting weights. There you have it: three ways to increase your mental flexibility. Which one will you try?
TWEETABLE3 Tips to Help You Choose to be a Flexible Writer - @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, The Best We’ve Been, the final book in Beth’s Thatcher Sisters Series with Tyndale House Publishers, releasers May 2020. Other books in the women’s fiction series include Things I Never Told You, which won the 2019 AWSA Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year, and Moments We Forget. Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.