Edie Melson's Blog, page 183

Plan Your Social Media NOW for the Holidays

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I know it's just the beginning of November, but the holiday season is just around the season. It only takes a little advance planning to cut down on the marketing stress that can come during the holidays. Update ImagesThe first thing you want to look at your cover photo on the different platforms. Consider ways you could enhance it to give it a warm, holiday feel. 
There are several ways to create cover photos for your social media accounts: Canva, PicMonkey and iPiccy are my favorites. Here’s a screencast I shared, Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding Text to Images using PicMonkey.
The dimensions for cover images vary from network to network so be sure to do some research. 
Beyond changing the look of your platforms by changing your images, you’ll need to plan ahead for social media updates. And yes, I'm working on new holiday headers for all my pages.
Plan UpdatesLet’s face it, the holidays are fun, but they’re also hectic. By planning out some holiday updates in advance can save your sanity and keep the momentum going. Here are some ideas for fun social media updates:Share your favorite holiday recipe and ask your friends/followers to share theirs. Ask your followers to give you tips on sanity savers during the holidays.Share a crazy holiday faux pas and ask others to share theirs.Share some of your favorite holiday reads.Ask for decorating ideas.Share a holiday tradition and ask for others to chime in.Ask about favorite holiday movies.Share your favorite Christmas carol and ask your friends to share theirs.I think you get the idea.
Remember that by planning these in advance, you can have a list ready to go and not have to spend valuable time creating them.
Tips to Organize Updates & Get Them Ready to GoIt's as important to have the updates easy to access as it is to have them ready in advance. For me, I like to use a combination of ways to keep them organized. 
Set up a folder on your computer and label it holiday updates.Inside the folder, I have several subfolders: A Word document of text updates, complete with links if I want to send them to a specific blog or site.A Word document with quotes that I might want to use on a meme.A folder of images (make sure they're legal to use. If you're not sure here's a link to a blog post about finding legal images.) I think would make good memes.A folder of finished memes ready to share.A calendar/schedule for sharing the memes. This can be in a Word document, spreadsheet or another type of file.
Plan Blog PostsYou can also plan some blog posts in advance. The holidays are a good time to plan a giveaway. You could also plan a holiday cookie recipe exchange or one for a holiday potluck recipes.
Now it’s your turn, share some holiday conversation starters, and blog post ideas.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLEPlan Your Social media NOW for the Holidays - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
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.

Daniel, the Thankful Prophet

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10).
Pray to anyone except the king, and you will be thrown to the lions.
Write for anyone except the King, and you may well be thrown to the lions also.I have seen lions in the wild, up close. Asleep, they appear lazy and uninterested in me. But awake, springing alert on lean, sinewy legs, stretching their regal heads to the sky with a deafening roar, they are nothing less than absolutely terrifying.
My years in Africa among lions invade my dreams. I sometimes dream of lions lurking, quietly sneaking around my garden. I wake up in a cold sweat, relieved I am in a house with secure walls and locked doors.
Daniel received news that his life was at risk because of the faith he practiced. If he continued his daily habit of thanksgiving prayer, he would be sentenced to a painful death in the jaws of roaring, tearing, lions.
I find his response shocking. Determined. Completely calm. Inspiring. Utterly courageous and full of faith. 
I want to be like Daniel.
He Went Home to his Upstairs Room
We know from the Biblical narrative of Daniel’s life he was a man surrounded by faithful friends. But I see no evidence in this passage that he ran to his friends to dissect the decree and strategize how to face the consequences. Instead, he withdrew into solitude, the quiet place where he always retreated alone with his God. This was Daniel’s first reaction to a government decree that threatened to destroy his life and religious liberty.
He Prayed, Giving Thanks to God, Just as he had Done Before
Dropping to his knees, like always, Daniel gave thanks to God. 
Just as he had done every single day for years. 
To the birds on the rooftop, the neighbors watching surreptitiously from behind their laundry next door, Daniel was doing what he always did. No sign of having received bad news.
I wonder what he gave thanks for?
Some years before, as recorded in Daniel 2, after famously interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he prayed a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving for wisdom and understanding. Today, in light of the latest kingdom drama, Daniel sank to his knees fully aware of the greatness of his God and the power of God to deliver him in any circumstance.
This is probably why the next day when Daniel was dragged away and thrown to the lions, the current king remembered Daniel’s reputation as a man of great faith who served a great God. As Daniel descended to the darkness of the pit, he was followed by the king’s words, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16)
Apparently, the king couldn’t sleep for thinking about Daniel’s plight. At the first light of dawn, he rushed to the pit to check on him. Sure enough, Daniel had survived and gave God all the glory.
In the end, the very ones who accused Daniel were the ones devoured by lions.
How must we live today, writer? The lions are roaring, hungry. People of faith are under scrutiny. How we respond in the privacy of our upper room will make all the difference in the outcome. 
Before we speak to others through our pen, let us withdraw alone with God. May we fall to our knees and give Him thanks for all He is. 
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things. He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. He shuts the mouths of lions. Through us, God chooses to reveal to the world that He is the living God and he endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed; his dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves.
How great is our God and worthy to be praised! 
This litany of thanksgiving was all taken from Daniel’s story: Daniel 2:19-23, 6:21-22, 26.
Lord, thank you for giving wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Make me your instrument today. Amen.
TWEETABLEDaniel, the Thankful Prophet - @AudreyCFrank on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Audrey Frank is an author, speaker, and storyteller. The stories she shares are brave and true. They give voice to those whose words are silenced by shame, the hard things in life that don’t make sense, and the losses that leave us wondering if we will survive. Audrey and her family have spent over twenty years living and working among different cultures and world views, and she has found that God’s story of redemption spans every geography and culture. He is the God of Instead, giving honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, hope instead of despair. Although she has three different degrees in communication and intercultural studies, Audrey’s greatest credential is that she is known and loved by the One who made her.
Audrey is the author of Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World (Harvest House Publishers), an outpouring of Audrey’s heart to introduce others to the God of Instead. Shame is not unique to the developing world, the plight of the women behind veils, young girls trafficked across borders; shame is lurking in hearts everywhere. Through powerful stories from women around the world, Covered Glory illuminates the power of the Gospel to remove shame, giving honor instead. Available at favorite booksellers: Barnes & Noble , Books A Million, Amazon.
You can also find Audrey at www.audreyfrank.com, as well as on Twitter and Facebook

A Lesson in Faith From the Headless Horseman

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

The heart is more deceitful than anything else, 
and incurable—who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9
Now that fall is fully upon us, everywhere we look evidence of the season jumps out at us. The trees have donned their colorful best and pumpkins are sprouting grins on every front porch. Halloween candy is littering the aisles at grocery store and kiddos are planning costumes. Along with this, some classics have also come back to haunt us—from It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.It’s that classic book by Washington Irving which has caught my mind’s eye this year—or more specifically a character within the book. As I was watching a rerun of Disney’s version, I was struck by how I resemble the Headless Horseman when it comes to faith. 

The truth is, sustaining faith is based on facts NOT feelings. And when I follow what feels right, I lose touch with the head of my faith.
As I write out that thought I have to stop and—even though I know it’s true—I stare at it and consider it yet again. I’m so connected with my feelings—with my heart—it seems wrong not to weight the entire formula with emotion. It’s something I struggle with. I guess I truly am a product of my generation.Do what feels good.Follow your heart.Get in touch with your feelings.Each of those statements have a certain validity—for specific situations. But they are NOT things on which to base your life. Because, ultimately, they are in direct conflict with Scripture.
God is a God of concrete facts. He is the head of my faith. And THAT’S the strong foundation I'm choosing to build my life on.
FACT ONEGod is ALWAYS true to His word.
MythI don’t always feel the assurance that it’s true. Some days I stumble, I make wrong choices. I’m overwhelmed with guilt. I don’t feel like I’m part of the family.
TruthGod’s promise of salvation doesn’t rest in me. It’s predicated by HIS goodness and mercy.
FACT TWOGod loves me . . . no matter what.
MythI’m often unlovable. Don’t believe me? Just ask my family. I’m not perfect and I seem intent in proving that on a daily—sometimes hourly—basis.
TruthGod’s love isn’t dependent on my actions. He loves me for reasons I can’t quite comprehend. Because He created me, because He knows my potential, because He has named me, because He loves me.
FACT THREEGod works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.
MythJust look around. The world is in a mess. Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to bad people.
TruthNarrow your focus. Taken case by case we can see hints of this truth. But the ultimate truth is that the end isn’t here yet. We can’t know how God ties up all the threads and finishes off the tapestry.
So again I say, Faith is based on fact not feelings. This time the words come with confidence and with gratitude. I am a woman swayed by emotion—often lured down the wrong path by following my deceitful heart.
When I’m swayed by those emotions, I can end up like the headless horseman, cutting down people on all sides as I flounder through life blinded by following my heart without the knowledge of Christ.
God is solid beyond the momentary whims of feelings. His truth is certain, enduring for eternity. 
TWEETABLEA Lesson in Faith From the Headless Horseman - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
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.

17 Scary Things About Social Media

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

It's October and in honor of Halloween, I just couldn't resist a tongue-in-cheek post about something scary. After spending the fall traveling and teaching social media I have plenty of fears to share. Lest you think this is me pointing fingers, let me reassure you. EVERY single one of the things listed has been something I've done/struggled with at some point. And these are helpful tips about social media for writers.Remember, none of us is born knowing how to do this stuff. So lets laugh at our phobias together!
17 Scariest Things About Social Media
1. Having to have a picture taken to use as an avatar. Someone please reassure me that I'm not the only person who hates having her picture taken!
2. Trying to figure out the point of Twitter. HINT: Use Hootsuite. The columns can help you pull out what's relevant. Otherwise you're stuck trying to pull something meaningful from the home feed.
3. The pressure of taking beautiful pictures for Instagram. I'm an amateur photographer, but at times it feels like so much pressure to make sure something is Instagram-worthy. 
4. Working to make my social media names match across platforms. Okay, this one wasn't much of an issue for me - except for the fact that my memory is bad. For a while I was using Edie Melson and Edie G Melson. 
5. Receiving friend requests on Facebook. Have you seen some of the creepers that hang out on FB? They are sometimes the stuff of nightmares! LOL!
6. Refusing friend requests on Facebook. No not the creepers from #5. The ones I feel guilty and agonize over are those where we have lots of friends in common, but I don't actually know them. I've learned the hard way to say no to requests from people I don't know.
7. Political rants. 'nuff said
8. Taking a FB quiz and discovering your steampunk name is  Dame Beatrice Kettlebottom.  Seriously. It was a huge disappointment and definitely something I did NOT share on FB.
9. Discovering my life isn't beautiful enough to be on Pinterest. Where do these people find the time—not to mention the money to do this stuff???
10. Finding out Facebook is changing their Edgerank algorithm yet again. It seems like they have a think tank whose only goal is to think of as many ways as possible to sabotage our efforts?
11. Realizing you used the word your instead of you're in a grammar rant. I really try to avoid posing when I'm frustrated. This is the reason why. 
12. Posting a beautiful meme with the perfect quote and discovering you’ve got the attribution wrong. Yep, it happened to me. All I can say is be sure to check and double-check who said what you're sharing.
13. Sharing a light-hearted update and getting angry and/or weird comments. When this happens I can't decide if what I said was unclear or the people commenting are just a little dense.
14. Learning how to use hashtags. Now that I know how, they're great. But learning the best ways took time.
15. Anything to do with snap chat. If someone says Snap Chat to me, I mentally stuff my fingers in my ears and try to ignore anything that's said.
18. Trying to Find the Time to actually DO social media. My schedule is slammed full and some days it seems I can't add one more thing.

17. The scariest thing ever with social media is refusing to do it and missing out on a book contract because you have no platform! 
I lost a book contract in the mid-nineties because I didn't have a platform. That's one of the reasons I made sure it would never happen again. But truthfully, I hear stories about this happening on a weekly basis.
This is my list. What scares you the most about social media. Leave your answers in the comments section below!
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLE17 Scary Things About Social Media - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
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 Power of Writing Book Reviews

By Kathy Neely @NeelyKneely3628
There are two things I do when choosing a book to read—I read the book blurb and check the reviews. My preferred venues for reading and posting reviews are Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble. If a book has fewer than ten, the sampling is too small to be significant. Statisticians would consider that to be an inadequate sample size resulting in unreliable feedback. The larger the sample, the more dependable the feedback. Therefore, your review is crucial to providing readers with accurate information. One of the most powerful tools a writer can gather is positive reviews. Those are like nuggets of gold.
Consider this data. Note—this is not hard research, just my ambling through the internet to obtain information.Length of time an author spends writing a novel – approximately one year. Length of time a reader takes to complete a novel – approximately 14 hours. Length of time it takes to write and post a review – approximately 5 minutes.When I was an elementary principal, I received many gifts from students and parents. While this was fun and appreciated, the absolute best thing a parent could send was a note of appreciation. That always left me with a smile. 
Your positive review is a note of appreciation. I urge you to say thank you to your favored authors by posting one. 
Here are a few tips about writing reviews. Select your stars. Five stars means you highly recommend this book. Four stars says it’s a good book. Three stars tells me it’s just OK. If we are going to rely on reviews, they need to be accurate. I personally choose to never leave a negative review. If I can’t give a book at least three stars, I won’t review it. That’s my preference, but you may choose differently. Even a negative review can be written with kindness. Amazon will denote a review as a ‘verified purchase’ if you’ve obtained a copy from them. That’s always a good thing to see. Regardless of where you obtain your copy, speak in a professional tone. Avoid use of the author’s first name only. That sounds like a friend or relative reviewed it. Use the full name or the last name only. (NOTE: Books are the only merchandise where Amazon allows a review if not purchased from them. You can borrow a book from a library or friend and still leave an Amazon review. HOWEVER, you must have spent at least $50 on Amazon in the past year for Amazon to allow a review.)Provide a sentence or two about the plot or theme, but don’t disclose the ending or any surprise elements. Mention the main character by name. Discuss the author’s use of character development. Include anything notable—humor, suspense, inspiration.End with your reaction to the novel. Double check your grammar and spelling. If it’s poorly written, readers may disregard it. Once again, let me remind you of the time frames noted above. An author will work for approximately one year to provide you with about 14 hours of reading pleasure. Don’t allow a wonderful book to go unnoticed when five minutes of your time could make a difference. Your review is like that note of appreciation. It will leave them with a smile. 
I’d love to hear from you. 
TWEETABLEThe Power of Writing Book Reviews - Kathy Neely @NeelyKneely3628 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Kathleen Neely resides in Greenville, SC with her husband, two cats, and one dog. She is a retired elementary principal, and enjoys time with family, visiting her two grandsons, traveling, and reading. 
She is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes and The Least of These. Kathleen won second place in a short story contest through ACFW-VA for her short story “The Missing Piece” and an honorable mention for her story “The Dance”. Both were published in a Christmas anthology. Her novel, The Least of These, was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through ALMOST AN AUTHOR. She has numerous devotions published through CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONS. 
Kathleen continues to speak to students about writing and publication processes. She is a member of Association of Christian Fiction Writers. WEBSITE – www.KathleenNeely.com FACEBOOK – www.facebook.com/kathy.neely.98TWITTER - https://twitter.com/NeelyKneely3628
INSTAGRAM – www.Instagram.com/KathleenNeelyAuthor

10 Ways to Show Character Growth and Change in Your Novel

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Suspense and thriller novels are filled with strong characters who initiate gripping action that propels toward an unpredictable climax. Readers enjoy the breathless moments, the ticking clock, and the race to end or prevent a crime. They long to form a sympathetic bond with the character right from the first line.Writers create their stories with the idea of building anxiety and uncertainty of what’s to happen. But what a reader loves is watching a favorite character transform into a stronger person. Especially the character who has shown heroic traits while overcoming a psychological issue. And those mental stalkings can be anything from guilt, shame, anger, regret, loneliness, lack of confidence, and a host of other issues.
The key word here is “heart” because that’s where reconstruction of the soul takes place. When a protagonist slams against a wall, either literally or mentally, the rebuilding of the inner person takes place through actions and reactions. The physical goal is impossible to reach without the character first overcoming the monster within.
The process demands writers spin out of the tell zone and zoom into the show zone. So what are ways we writers can show our characters have moved up a notch in the world of morals or spiritual growth? 
Here are ten suggestions that will help endear that character to your reader.
1. Show a real character. Assign the character credible strengths and weaknesses, goals and flaws, personality and quirks. A hero or heroine must leap tall buildings in a single bound—and also leap from the page with unusual traits that excite the reader. We are all three dimensional creatures who experience life with a variety of external and internal actions and reactions.
2. Show a character with a vital goal or problem. Embark the character on a journey to reach an objective. The goal or problem must be one that only your character can solve. Have him make a commitment to see the critical situation to the end, forcing him to learn new and difficult skills.
3. Show a character facing his worst fear. Your character can’t change and grow into a better person until he seizes control of what internally stalks him. He may know his psychological problem or he may not, but by the end of the story, he must name the fear and make a decision to overcome it.
4. Show the character making tough choices. Our characters need to experience the consequences of their actions, either right or wrong. Right is a reward and often boring. Wrong is a surge of excitement for the reader. Force the character to choose between two rights or better yet between two wrongs.
5. Show the character losing something. The character has something valuable in his possession, and he may not realize it until it’s too late. This item is critical to his physical goal and is woven in his internal needs. He must have it or everything explodes into chaos.
6. Show the character in a stunning victory then steal it. The character works hard at obtaining something, then take it away. Better yet, toss him into a waterhole filled with hungry crocodiles. How does he react and respond to the loss and the danger facing him?
7. Show the character failing. Have the character run down false leads and realize a red herring then internalize his error. How does the reversal affect him?
8. Show the character’s emotions. The character needs to experience all seven of the universal emotions: anger, fear, sadness, surprise, happiness, disgust, contempt Tonya Reiman - http://www.tonyareiman.com/ His emotions are uniquely his: unpredictable and believable.
9. Show the character’s dialogue. When we desire something, it occupies our thoughts, words, and actions. Ensure the character’s dialogue is ambiguous of what he truly needs.
10. Show the character with symbols. The character attaches emotional qualities to tangible item(s). How do those items build him up or tear him down?
Character growth and change is not the same for every character. Some protagonists and antagonist will stay the same from the beginning of the story until the end. A character might worsen, as in an antagonist. But for the hero or heroine, the internal transformation must be clear and shown in ways that the reader has no doubt what has occurred. 
How do you show heroic qualities in your characters?
TWEETABLE10 Ways to Show Character Growth and Change in Your Novel - @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

Avoid All the Drama on Facebook with These Tips

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
This year has been a trying year for everyone on Facebook. From the political comments to bogus news traps, and even Christmas, I’m hearing reasons people are taking a break from this social network. But throwing the baby out with the bathwater may not be the best solution to this dilemma.It is possible to interact on Facebook and NOT be inundated with updates we don’t want to see.
Facebook works on their own Edgerank algorithm. This means that based on certain parameters, FB decides what you’ll see and what you want. But these parameters are influenced by our personal (or business) behavior, so we actually have a little more control than we may realize. Here are some habits you may want to develop to make your FB time a little less stressful.
How to Make Facebook Work for You
1. Be careful what you LIKE, COMMENT, and Share. As I said, our behavior weighs heavily into the algorithm. What that means is that FB is watching the things you LIKE (or dislike) Comment On and Share. For example, the more you engage on political updates, the more political updates you’ll see in your newsfeed. Refusing to engage won’t completely clear your newsfeed of a specific type of update, but it will greatly reduce the number you see.
2. Be wary of which links you click on. Don’t get caught by ads like “Celebrity X is no longer with us,” or other click bate. Even the name game links can add to number of junk updates that show up in your newsfeed.
3. Choose a list of SEE FIRST accounts that are trustworthy. Most of us remember the good ole days when we saw every update from our friends—in order—in our newsfeed. Those days are long gone, but there is new work-around that FB has made available. It’s called SEE FIRST. This works with people you are FRIENDS and with pages you LIKE.
To SEE FIRST a friend’s, go to his/her profile and click the small arrow beside FOLLOWING (under the cover image). You’ll see the option to SEE FIRST (see first image below).
This image is before you click See First


After you choose that box, it will show up as SEE FIRST instead of FOLLOWING on that person’s cover image (see second image below).
This image is after  you click SEE FIRST

You’ll also notice that there’s a message under SEE FIRST that lets you jump to a list of all your friends and you can choose which to see first from there. CAVEAT: you are only allowed to see 30 accounts first, so choose wisely.
To SEE FIRST a professional page, go to that specific page and click the small arrow next to FOLLOWING and choose SEE FIRST. After you’ve clicked that, the following button will not say SEE FIRST, like on a personal profile (see image below). CAVEAT: from what I can tell, there’s no limit to the number of pages you can choose to SEE FIRST and they don’t figure into the 30 personal profiles you SEE FIRST. This image shows what SEE FIRST looks like on a professional page
4. Be careful About the updates you share. A lot of times we can post something that seems innocent, but can draw a firestorm of irritating and downright ugly comments. For me personally, I don’t every share anything political. EVER. And I stay away from controversial posts, like gay marriage, abortion, etc. I’ve done a lot of praying about this and I’d like to share my reasoning with you.
My FB profile is set to public. This means anyone and everyone can see it. These aren’t my close personal friends who already know my heart and my intentions, these are strangers who only have my picture and some random updates with which to judge my meaning and intent.
My personal friends and I can debate and disagree privately because we already have a foundation for our relationship. We have a level of trust and even more importantly—context—that makes sharing difficult things in a loving way possible. I can share things with them that could be considered inflammatory unless we shared that context. When I share controversial things on FB—with strangers and people who don’t know me well—it’s like standing on a street corner and screaming that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus and without Him we’re all going to hell. It may be truth, but it just sounds like hate and judgement. When it comes to sharing difficult truth, I don’t hold back with the people I know personally.
Bottom LineThe way we choose to interact on FB that is very personal, and I know some of you will disagree with the approach I've chosen. I’m fine with that. We each have to do what we feel is right. But know that if you choose to engage with controversial posts, your newsfeed may light up like World War 3.
I hope this post helps you engage on FB in a way that is less stressful. These are the things that I’ve found have a huge impact on what I see in my FB newsfeed. What have you found that helps you keep the rioters at bay on social media? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversationBlessings,
TWEETABLEAvoid all the Drama on Facebook with These Tips - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
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.

Why Write Fiction?

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan
Maggie’s husband died. The stock market crashed. Her little boy was kidnapped by his grandfather. How can she find the strength of faith to go on? 
That’s from my novel, In High Cotton. I drew on my life’s darkest moments for Maggie’s emotions. I interviewed friends for their hardest time of trusting God. A mother whose twenty-one-year-old son was leaving for a three-month missionarytour went fishing with his father a couple of hours, before he had to board his plane. He slipped on a rock, hit his head, and drowned in three inches of water. Where was God?Hindsight is 20/20
As each story unfolded, one thread was common to all. God showed up in the form of good friends to help them through. When we look back at our darkest times, we see how God brought people alongside us to help—to be our Aaron and hold up our arms, when we had no strength left.
What about your heart's desire?
We can trust God with our heart’s desire. All my life, I wanted sisters. My brother and I were both adopted. While our childhood was idyllic, for some reason, I longed for sisters. When I was sixty-two years old, I discovered my birth sisters. I won’t go into that whole story here. You can read it on my website. The point is God showed up. He was faithful with my dreams when I left them at His feet.
When my friend sees what came after her son died, she can praise God. At his funeral, fourteen teenagers gave their hearts to Jesus. Since then, scores have found God through her book—many more than would have been saved had he gone on that 3-month missionary trip.
Showing God in Fiction
People let down their guard when they think they're being entertained. We bring stories to life before their eyes. Then when they least expect it, our words reach out, touch hearts, and change lives.
In my story of Maggie, she didn’t see God stop the bad things. When she wondered where He was, she only needed to look at those “angels” closest to her. He surrounded her with four strong women to help her. 
That's why I write fiction.
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In High Cotton
Southern women may look as delicate as flowers, but there’s iron in their veins.
While the rest of the world has been roaring through the 1920s, times are hardscrabble in rural South Georgia. Widow Maggie Parker is barely surviving while raising her young son alone. Then as banks begin to fail, her father-in-law threatens to take her son and sell off her livelihood—the grocery store her husband left her. Can five Southern women band together, using their wisdom and wiles to stop him and survive the Great Depression?
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.

Letting Go of What If

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
“I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 NASB)
I’m a big one to visit the world of what if—especially when I’m grappling with major life changes. This past year, with the pandemic and shelter at home orders, has been particularly difficult for me. I’m finding myself returning again and again to the what-ifs of 2020. And just like a hall of mirrors gone wrong, all I see are reflections of what I expected and what didn’t happen. I had a lot of expectations wrapped up in this year. 
Our first two grandsons were born this year. We’re blessed beyond measure because both families live within a few short miles of us. This should have been a time of gathering together—strengthening family and friendships. Instead it was a time of watching my kids struggle to become new parents in isolation. 
Everything was different—from the baby showers to the births. All the physical gatherings were different—and sparse. Beyond that, there were only meetups, phone calls, Facetime and cell phone pictures. Not the way I ever envisioned welcoming my grandchildren into this world.
I found myself thinking again and again, this could have been such a great year if only…
Instead of focusing on all the good things of this year, I found myself rehearsing the unmet expectations and the things I didn’t get to experience. 
None of which was helpful in the least. 
The more I chose to dwell on what didn’t happen, the more depressed I became. Finally, during my quiet time one morning, God got my attention. He reminded me that He was in control of this year and He’d populated it with unbelievable blessings—which I was currently downplaying or ignoring altogether.
Both my daughters-in-law had healthy pregnancies with very few issues beyond the normal difficulties. Both grandsons were born healthy, with their fathers in attendance. And while we’ve practiced more safety issues than any other grandparents before this year, we’ve been included as an important part of both family groups. And these are just the tip of the blessing iceberg. 
I’m so grateful God is patient with me and redirected my mental path. 
I know I’m not a first-time visitor to this land of what-if-make-believe. I’ve visited this place many times during my life. Sometimes I’ve visited when I’ve lost someone I cared about, other times, it was a change in circumstances that caused my mental excursion. I’m far too familiar with the haunted valleys and maze of punishing practices. I recognize them for their futility, and yet it’s the first place I head when life turns upside down.
I am spending less time there, though. I’m quicker to recognize the dreary scenery and leave. But it’s taken years to understand that the path out of that place is a journey of faith. 
Life has taught me that faith has many different faces and applications. One of them is the ability to believe God is still in control—even when things turn out in a way we wish they hadn’t. So as I once again process the loss of life as I expected, I’m choosing to draw close to God, instead of spending time in the land of what if.
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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.

Thoughts on Vanity Publishing

by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock
It wasn’t that long ago that self-publishing was called vanity publishing. Authors who couldn’t find a publisher willing to put their books in print were thought of as vain if they stooped to paying for a publisher.But times have changed, and today it is nearly impossible for a new author to find a publisher unless he has thousands of social media followers, a huge tribe in her data base, or a calendar full of speaking engagements with audiences of targeted readers ready to buy books.
So today, many first-time authors decide to go the route of self- or hybrid-publishing using a fee-for-service model. Instead of receiving an advance against royalties, authors pay for editing and publishing services such as cover design, interior layout, copy editing and proofreading, legal registrations, and printing and distribution. 
Many authors are finding that self-publishing may actually put more money in their pockets in the long-term, especially if they are speaking, consulting, or coaching on the subject of their books. When self-published authors sell their books to clients or at speaking engagements, they receive the retail price of the book less printing costs. So, for a self-published author selling a book that retails for $20 and the printing costs $4, the author is realizing a $16 in profit (80%), while the traditionally published author only realizes a maximum of 50% profit.
Also, authors who want to use their book as a calling card will find that traditionally published books have a more expensive price tag. For example, self-published authors can generally buy their books at cost (say, $3 - 5), while traditionally published authors will pay 50% to buy their books, bringing that cost to $10 – 20, depending upon the selling price determined by the publisher.
Why do authors want to work with traditional publishers? Some authors believe that traditional publishers will actively market their books; however, most authors today will tell you that traditionally published books sell because authors do the work. The authors are paying for public relations out of their own pockets, are getting the speaking engagements through their own marketing efforts, and are working social media for the sales they generate.
Some think that the traditional publishing house has more prestige, more cache. So doesn’t that make traditional publishing the vanity publishing in today’s market?
TWEETABLEThoughts on Vanity Publishing - @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.