Edie Melson's Blog, page 177

Get Your Blog & Website Ready for the new Year

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
2021 is barreling toward us. With a difficult year behind us, and hardships still to come, I find myself in a period of introspection. Actually, it’s a good thing. It gives me a chance to look back over the past year and decide what worked and what didn’t. It also gives me a push toward trying something different.
Today I’d like to invite you to join me in one aspect of this journey and get your blog  & website ready for a great 2021. Click on your own site and look at it with these thoughts in mind. Here’s the checklist I use to evaluate my sites. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to fit your needs.
ChecklistMake sure your site hasn’t become too cluttered in the sidebar area, header and footer areas. Clean out any old links and add any you’ve been considering.Take a look at the position of your gadgets. Many times during the year I’ll add something and it will rearrange things. It’s important that you have your email and RSS signups are in a visible place so readers can subscribe easily. Also be sure to check all your links, especially for social media. Nothing’s more frustrating than a visitor trying to connect with you further and come up with a dead end. Also dead links will adversely affect your search engine ranking.Recheck your default font. Sometimes you’ll find you’ve drifted into a different one. Whatever font you use, make certain it’s easily readable…on all screens.Update your about me section on your site. Include the things that have happened over the past year in regard to publication, job changes, awards, and anything else applicable.If you have a calendar with your speaking engagements, update it as well.Also be sure to update any lists you have of other sites, like those for writers, photographers or others.\Now take out your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, e-reader, whatever) and make certain your site looks good on a smaller screen. This is vital because at least two-thirds of all visitors to your site will be looking at it from a mobile device and that number will continue to increase!Reassess what action you want your reader to take after viewing your blog. Maybe you want them to share your site with their friends/readers. Perhaps you’re selling a book. Even if it’s only to follow you on Twitter, make sure it’s easy for them to see what you want and then execute it!Update Your ScheduleThis is also a good time to look at your blog posting schedule and evaluate the popularity and efficiency of your different topics. You can do this by utilizing the stats section of your dashboard.First, look at the most popular posts of the past year. Do they fall into a specific category or theme? If this isn’t the main focus of your blog consider making it a bigger part of your posting schedule.Next look at the day of the week when you get your most hits. Does it correspond to your posting date or is it the following day? You may need to tweak when your email notification is sent out.Finally, Google the subject of those popular posts. Don’t plug in the exact title of those blogs, instead try a more generic subject search. The purpose of this is to see where within that search your blog entry is falling.We all benefit from a yearly checkup and our blog is no different. I’d love to hear how you use this time to get ready for the New Year ahead!
Don't forget to join the conversation!BlessingsEdie
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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.

The Keeper of Dreams

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan
Have you ever traced God's hand through your life? 
When I did, I found the most amazing thread. It began long before I was born. On one side of my adopted-family tree, it began with my grandparents. From New Jersey, my grandfather, who was a jeweler for Tiffany's, decided to go to Alaska and be an assayer. 
My grandmother, who pregnant with my mother, was quite sick. In Seattle, she refused to go any further. So, they settled near Puget Sound, where my grandfather started his own fishing lure company and became a legendary fisherman. My mother grew up on Beacon Hill.
On my dad's side of the family, his parents lived in the tiny town of Castlewood, SD, where my grandfather was the sheriff (late 1800s style). Daddy was a graduate of the University of Minnesota's first aeronautic engineering class. After he graduated in 1935, he went to Seattle, where the aircraft industry and Boeing were booming. He met my mother in Seattle and they married in 1939 and moved to Inglewood, California.
Back in the Dakotas, there was a young girl and her family. In 1943, her father had died, so she and her mother and siblings moved to Seattle. There, in 1946 she met a young soldier, home from the war. He took advantage of a young, naïve girl who fell in love.
When she discovered she was pregnant, she went to his work to tell him, but there was no one who worked there by that name. She never saw him again. Back then, nice girls didn't get pregnant before they were married. Unable to tell her family, she fled to Southern California, where her older brother was a Naval officer. She gave birth to a little girl on January 5, 1947, and placed her for adoption.
By now, you know where this story is going. I was that baby girl. But God orchestrated so many events to bring my birthmother into proximity with the man and woman he wanted to raise me. My parents adopted a boy and me; my brother is nearly four years older. We were great friends, but I always wanted a sister. I prayed and prayed for a sister.
Fast forward to 1999, with mom in the throes of Alzheimer's, I received a letter from Daddy. In it, were my adoption papers. And I discovered I have sisters! You can read the whole story on my website. I had only asked for one, but God gave me five—four of whom I’ve gotten to know well, and we built a loving, lasting relationship. 
Are you the keeper of your character's dreams?
My point for telling you all this is that God is the Keeper of our dreams. Are you the keeper of your character's dreams? Do you make sure if one character's dream finds its way into the manuscript, it gets fulfilled, or if not, it's replaced by another dream? Their dreams are born out of their motivation, so it's vital they are fulfilled or changed in a natural way.
In the third book of my Georgia Magnolias series (By the Sweet Gum, 2022) the hero has a dream. He's tethered to it. His life revolves around it. My heroine is bound by duty, but she also has a dream of escaping from the mill town they are tied to. Being more of a seat-of-the-pants writer, things come up I don't expect. And when that happens, I have to make the corresponding changes. 
If I don't, my characters won't have their dreams fulfilled, and my readers won't be happy. I must remain a faithful keeper of dreams.
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Ane Mulligan has been a voracious reader ever since her mom instilled within her a love of reading at age three, escaping into worlds otherwise unknown. But when Ane saw PETER PAN on stage, she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. One day, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged. She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and The Write Conversation.

Enough, My One Word for 2021

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
The writer’s path is a journey of a lifetime—one fraught with discovery and discouragement. We can avoid some of its pitfalls if we define that path early on. Today, I want to share some insights into my writing journey and the markers I look for to help me stay at least in the vicinity of the path.
This time of year, between Christmas and New Year's, my thoughts turn backward. I use this time to evaluate the past year and prepare for the next one. I've given up New Year's Resolutions completely and find the freedom from those expectations (and failures) a major relief. 
In place of resolutions, I have implemented something else. I spend time looking back at my spiritual markers for the past year. I evaluate them individually—for my writing life—as well as for me spiritually.
This is particularly helpful, because staying on the writer's path is difficult because each of our paths are so unique and varied. In the past I've had trouble evaluating my progress because I was comparing my journey to someone else's. I’ve come up with some questions to help me process where I’ve been and where I’m headed. 
Questions to Get Me StartedWhat were some of my writing successes this past year? (Not necessarily the most lucrative, but the most rewarding) What were some of my writing setbacks this past year? What writing advice stands out in my mind because it seemed to have been aimed directly at me? What brought me the most joy? (Writing related) As I map out these spiritual markers, the path God has had me on becomes quite clear. And, by knowing where I've been, it becomes clearer where to go next. My One WordThe other thing I do this time of year is to choose my ONE WORD and SCRIPTURE for the next year. I've been choosing a Bible verse for the upcoming year since 1996, but I just started choosing a single word to go with it since 2012. My close writing friend Beth Vogt started me on it and the practice has proved invaluable.
This year, my one word, chose me. 
ENOUGH
In the picture at the top of the post you can see it inscribed on a necklace I've had for several years. I happened to be wearing it the day calamity struck, the day we lost our precious daughter-in-love, Katie. The tragedy of losing her left us reeling and the only thing we had to cling to was Jesus. (A Tribute to My Daughter-In-Law)
This was the year that I truly learned how Jesus really is enough. And I believe God wants me to move into 2021 with that experience firmly at the front of my life.
Along with the word, God impressed this Bible verse on my heart. 
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NLT).
Enough must pertain to everything in my life. And the experience I've had (and am still having) shows me that even in my publishing endeavors, Jesus is all that I need. 
I'd love for you to share your ONE WORD and/or Bible verse for the year, and hear some of your answers to these questions. 
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.

How to Maximize Book Readings and Signings

by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock
You’re invited to a book reading or signing. What’s your strategy to maximize book sales? 
First, a reading should never be just you talking or reading. Ask questions. Get your audience involved and engaged. What issues does your topic touch upon? What are the points of disagreement or opportunities for sharing different perspectives? If you're just reading or lecturing, you won't make many sales.
Hold the book and read from it. Be specific when you read a story or excerpt. Say, “As you’ll find on page 47 . . . “ to show the value!
Next, offer something in addition to your book that you might give away. Bookmarks. A checklist. A template. A meme. You get the idea. This allows them to approach you and engage in a conversation, making it more likely to sell books.
Analyze your numbers. When I’m speaking and selling, I generally can sell 10 to 20% of the room. Take just the books you need plus a few more. 
Offer a special price to incent buyers. I often offer a deal, since my cost per book is much less because I'm self-published.
Get the names and contact information for those who do attend so that you can build your tribe. Offer something of value in exchange for their contact info (for example, a checklist, template, or meme). Then connect with them regularly and encourage them to subscribe to your blog or newsletter.
TWEETABLEHow to Maximize Book Readings and Signings - @CathyFyock on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write a book as a business development strategy. Since starting her business as a book coach in 2014, she has helped more than 160 professionals become published authors. Her most recent book is The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches. She can be reached at cathy@cathyfyock.com or 502-445-6539.

Something for Writers to Marvel at this Christmas

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHater2
Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother, asked a question I often ask in my journey as a Christian writer: 
“But why is this granted to me?”
Elizabeth asked Mary this when Mary entered her home. Both women were pregnant. Elizabeth carried John, the herald who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Mary sheltered the Messiah deep within her.
When Mary entered the house, John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb.
“Why is this granted to me,” Elizabeth marveled, “that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
Elizabeth recognized the profound honor that had been granted to her—to be in the presence of the woman who carried her Savior—the Savior of the world.
I’ll have to wait till heaven to meet Elizabeth, but, like her, I often marvel at the grace God has granted to me.
I marvel at the grace He extended to me when He called me to salvation. Paul articulated it beautifully when he said, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). 
I did nothing to earn God’s favor, nor do I deserve anything from Him but wrath. But He had mercy on me and called me to Himself. 
Why is this granted to me?
I marvel, too, at the grace God extended to me when He called me to write. Of all the professions in the world, He allows me to craft words, and sentences, and paragraphs, and blog posts, and devotions, and articles, and books that point people to Him. 
I’m not a theologian. I don’t have a doctoral degree in biblical studies. I haven’t been to seminary or even Christian college. I’m a retired homeschool mom with a degree in Dental Hygiene. But I love God and His Word, and I want others to know and love Him, too. 
Why is this granted to me?
Finally, I marvel at the grace God extended to me when He placed me into a community of writers who glorify God through our writing. Instead of calling me into the secular world where competition rules and writers keep their best information, techniques, and contacts to themselves, God called me into a family dedicated to helping each other succeed. They share their insight, knowledge, and experience. They connect me with those who can help me take the next step in my writing journey. They critique my writing, encourage me when I want to quit, and pray for me. 
Why is this granted to me?
As Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant. . . . For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).
Today, on this blessed Christmas morn, celebrate the gift of your salvation. Praise God for the privilege of writing for Him. Thank Him for calling you into the family of Christian writers. 
And marvel at His goodness to you.
Now it’s your turn. What are you marveling at today? Leave a comment and join the conversation.
TWEETABLESomething for Writers to Marvel at this Christmas - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher loves God even more than she loves chocolate—and that’s a lot. Since He called her to Himself at age 18, she’s been on a relentless journey to know and love Him more. Her deepest desire is for others to join her on the journey. As an author, blogger, and women’s ministry speaker, she writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. She’s written three devotional books, including Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, and Hungry for God…Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter (@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

Christmas Remembered

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas
As the day of Jesus’ birth draws closer, I’m reminiscing more and more. I’m not sure how accurate the memories are but they’re bringing back feelings of warmth and some head-shaking reminders as well.
When our first child, Sean, was born, we decided that, from then on, Christmas Day would be at our house. I remembered my childhood Christmases and being dragged from relative to relative, leaving my new toys at home. I wasn’t going to do that to our kids. And it worked out pretty well. My parents came over for breakfast and my wife’s parents came for dinner.
One Christmas, when Sean was a precocious eighteen months old, talking constantly and as mobile as a hamster on steroids, my father came over early to watch him while my wife and I went to church. Dad, who was a great cook, also said he would start breakfast. 
We came home to find Dad hard at work in the kitchen. And we found Sean plopped in his car seat in the living room. 
These were the days when car seats weren’t the massive safety contraptions we have now. They were simple vinyl seats on an aluminum frame that hung over the back of the seat and had a thin plastic belt to supposedly hold the child in place. They were designed so the kid could see out the windshield.
Dad had hung the car seat over the back of one of the living room chairs. Sean was quite content in the seat, watching his Poppy, maneuvering the plastic steering wheel that snapped onto the frame, and tapping the plastic horn that didn’t work because he had worn it out. 
I looked at Dad. Dad looked at me and shrugged. “He wouldn't stay out of my way.”
Another thing Dad did was to have toys at his house that matched toys our kids had at home. One was the Inch Worm, a riding toy kids would bounce on to make it move and with each move the thing made a loud click.
When visiting his house one day, one of the boys climbed on Dad’s version of the Inch Worm. The thing moved but didn’t make a sound. I said to Dad, “It’s broken.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. “I didn’t put the clicker in. I didn’t want to hear that noise every time it moved.” He stared at me and grinned. “Don’t tell me. You actually put the clicker in?” He laughed. “You’re your mother’s son.”
Dad and Sean are both in heaven now and I’m sure they’re having a great time together and probably driving St. Peter nuts.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
TWEETABLEChristmas Remembered - thoughts from Henry McLaughlin, @RiverBendSagas on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest.
Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 
Connect with Henry on his BLOG, TWITTER and FACEBOOK.

Writer, Christmas wasn’t Created for Stress

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writer, please don’t open the unwanted Christmas gift of stress. The black paper and black bow with an attaching-grabbing tag, Open Me First will spoil your celebration. You’ll recognize the items inside:
Writer, cut short any family or friend events. You have too much work to do.Writer, stress is your friend. If you aren’t stressed, you aren’t valued.Writer, no need for last-minute shopping. Family and friends understand you’re too busy to remember them at Christmas.Writer, remember your favorite Christmas character is Scrooge. He got it right/write.Writer, if you’re planning to attend midnight church services on Christmas Eve, cancel it. You should be writing.Writer, here’s permission to spend one hour with Christmas festivities. Then back to work.Writer, you may need to eat junk food and forego exercise. Not enough time.Unfortunately, I know writers who open this gift before Christmas and practice it year-round. 
But NOT you!
You are among wise writers who respect the season. This gift is wrapped in colors of love, peace, and contain wisdom:Wise writers believe Christmas wasn’t created for stress.Wise writers enjoy a time of relaxationWise writers practice the art of priorities: God, family, friends, and work in that order.Wise writers plan for holidays and special events throughout the year.Wise writers employ time management techniques to meet deadlines.Wise writers enlist an accountability partner to help each other journey through the exciting and meaningful days of Christmas.Wise writers insist upon balance, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Wise writers value healthy bodies by eating nutritionally sound and exercising regularly.Wise writers look forward to the holidays no matter what is going on in their lives.Wise writers treasure the gift of wisdom.Which gift will you open this year?
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DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 
She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com

Dipping the Quill Deeper—Sitting Alone, With God

by Eva Marie Everson @EvaMarieEverson
I sit down alone,Only God is here;In his presence I open,I read his books;And what I thus learn,I teach. ~~ John Wesley
I recently went away for five days to study God’s Word and to write on a particular focus concerning it, all of which will assemble to be, I hope, my next work of nonfiction. For the better part of each day, I sat with four large books open—three versions of the Bible and one Bible commentary—a yellow-paged, lined legal pad, a pencil, and two pens. I’m not sure why I felt the need for two pens; I just did.
On the fifth day, when I returned home, I commented to my husband that, if I could figure out a way to make a living at it, I believe I would spend the remainder of my days reading and studying God’s Word. Not only do I find the history of it interesting, but also the language, the stories, the truths, the lessons, the inspiration. I cannot point to one thing about it that I love more than the others because all the precious parts form one treasured whole. It is, without a doubt, the single most important book ever collaborated on, ever pieced together, ever printed. “There is no other book as important,” the Reverend Billy Graham once said, “because it is God’s Word—God’s message—to you and to all humanity.”
Reading it, understanding it, and teaching it—whether at the Bible study I’ve conducted for more than 25 years, in a church setting, at a women’s retreat, or within the words and pages of my own work—is critical to me. To my walk withChrist and to my growth in Christ. 
Within those sacred pages, the apostle James wrote: Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1, NIV) As a speaker and most especially as a writer, these words catch and hold my attention. They remind me of the responsibility I have, especially as a Christian writer, that the words I present onto the page are woven together with the thread of not only the truth but also of The Truth. 
So often, as a fiction writer, I hear people say, “I don’t read fiction because it is just made up lies.” Perhaps, but these words bring to mind the scripture from Mark that says, “He [Jesus] taught them many things by parables.” 
Parables are “made up stories.” There was no sower, no lamp on a stand, no prodigal son . . . and so on. Being preached at the people in Jesus’ day didn’t need. Hearing the truth, they did. And the truth came through these works of fiction from the creative mind of the Creator. 
In these times of my studying God’s Word and commentaries, jotting down notes, and then transferring all that to a Word (pardon the pun) doc, I also became keenly aware of the presence of God beside me. I was conscious of the fact that I was not and am not alone nor do I work alone. This, again, brings about a keen sense of responsibility. 
I am also not alone in this. For those of us who write with a greater sense of purpose—the call of God in our hearts to bring truth to a hurting world—we are both privileged and under a great obligation. We will be held accountable. 
But we are not alone.
TWEETABLEDipping the Quill Deeper—Sitting Alone, With God - @EvaMarieEverson on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Eva Marie Everson is the president of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, and a frequent speaker at writers retreats across the United States. Her 40th title, DUST, a novel, will release in early March 2021.

Forward Planning in Marketing and Writing

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting
We need to always think about future possibilities. In writing and getting contracts, this can mean developing an idea into a series or listening to needs around you and brainstorming ideas to full the needs. In marketing, it means building your platform continually and developing new marketing strategies. If you nurture ideas and contacts, you will move forward.
Future CastAs I received word from my editor after handing in my latest book manuscript, that she loved what I did, I jumped on the opportunity. I thanked her, bubbled about some of my marketing plans, and then chatted about future book possibilities in my mind that turned into another contract. I did this easily because I already had long range plans and ideas.
Before my next book releases, I start a spreadsheet with contacts and promotion ideas. Once I hand the completed manuscript to the editor, I start contacting podcast hosts, scheduling interviews. And create mems and blog post ideas. That’s being ready for the next step. 
Plan for Reaching Your DreamsWhen I started writing I only had one book in mind. Through prayer and wise advice from other authors, I realized I needed to know my passion and what God wanted me to share through words. Family trumped all else for me. So, I started submitting articles to family magazines and listing what topics to write about for current and future families, so I could impact the next generation of parents. That set my direction and goals and find my audience of people who wanted to grow their families.
Define your dreams. Brainstorm your passion, favorite genres, and possible topics or themes. In all you develop incorporate the dream. Follow writers who share your passion and find magazines, podcasts, social media groups who connect to that dream. Then you’ll be able to share ideas for articles and books when an editor expresses interest.
Take Advantage of Industry ChangesKeeping up with changes in magazine and book editors really helps. New editors often look for a new stable of writers. When you see a change and have written for that publisher or magazine, email and introduce yourself. Let them know what you’ve done and new ideas that might interest them
Watch for new social platforms of which ones are growing and which ones are waning in popularity as well as what’s hot such as stories, video, or other new type of posts. Follow popular writing groups and blogs to keep up with trends and changes.
When magazines change the size of what they print, or a publisher adds a new division, that’s the prime time to break in. Pitch an idea that will fit. I first broke into Focus on the Family’s magazine when they switched to a smaller size magazine. That meant they needed shorter articles and their backlog would no longer fit. I sold the first piece I submitted.
Utilize Social Media Connections Build your connections of target readers and influencers. Other authors are busy promoting their own books, so don’t rely on them as influencers. Connect to potential readers and tag them in your FB list or add them to a spread sheet. These followers are great to ask to be on you launch/street team or to invite to a special group.
Engage with those target followers. As you consider future book proposals start asking questions to gauge their interest and pinpoint their needs. That helps you write a better proposal and may inspire ideas for a series or other books. Invite them to sign up for your newsletter so you can grow your list.
Build Your Media DatabaseInterviews on podcasts, media, and print promote your book to different audiences so keep growing those contacts. I keep a spread sheet of those contacts that include the show’s name, host, email, address, phone number, and website. I continually add to those as I see where authors who write for the same audience get gust spots. I also search for other podcasts my audience follows and check out what they listen to regularly. I follow the one that might be a good match and then pitch my idea to be a guest when my book is about to release.
Schedule Time to SucceedFor any calling from God, we need to honor it. That applies to writing. So, before a new month or year begins, plan your future writing time. Let family and friends know the time is sacred. Always use that time to write, market, or study the markets. Also schedule and allocate funds for resources, training, conferences, and tools needed.
Prepare to AdaptBe ready for life’s interruptions, changes, and unexpected opportunities. We live in a real world. Reality may mean focusing on one area such as your social media or articles. Whatever you can do, do it well. I never expected that I’d be good at writing devotions, but one I knew that I found ways to match my ideas to different types of devotions. Being a TV host dropped in my lap, but I used that experience to develop media connections as a strong part of my marketing.
Once you are prepared and prayed up, move forward on your plans with confidence.
TWEETABLEForward Planning in Marketing and Writing - tips from @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

Writer, Christmas wasn’t Created for Stress

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Writer, please don’t open the unwanted Christmas gift of stress. The black paper and black bow with an attaching-grabbing tag, Open Me First will spoil your celebration. You’ll recognize the items inside:
Writer, cut short any family or friend events. You have too much work to do.Writer, stress is your friend. If you aren’t stressed, you aren’t valued.Writer, no need for last-minute shopping. Family and friends understand you’re too busy to remember them at Christmas.Writer, remember your favorite Christmas character is Scrooge. He got it right/write.Writer, if you’re planning to attend midnight church services on Christmas Eve, cancel it. You should be writing.Writer, here’s permission to spend one hour with Christmas festivities. Then back to work.Writer, you may need to eat junk food and forego exercise. Not enough time.Unfortunately, I know writers who open this gift before Christmas and practice it year-round. 
But NOT you!
You are among wise writers who respect the season. This gift is wrapped in colors of love, peace, and contain wisdom:Wise writers believe Christmas wasn’t created for stress.Wise writers enjoy a time of relaxationWise writers practice the art of priorities: God, family, friends, and work in that order.Wise writers plan for holidays and special events throughout the year.Wise writers employ time management techniques to meet deadlines.Wise writers enlist an accountability partner to help each other journey through the exciting and meaningful days of Christmas.Wise writers insist upon balance, not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Wise writers value healthy bodies by eating nutritionally sound and exercising regularly.Wise writers look forward to the holidays no matter what is going on in their lives.Wise writers treasure the gift of wisdom.Which gift will you open this year?
TWEETABLEWriter, Christmas Wasn't Created for Stress - @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. 
She is the director of the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, Mountainside Marketing Retreat, and Mountainside Novelist Retreat with social media specialist Edie Melson. Connect here: DiAnnMills.com