Edie Melson's Blog, page 228

For Writers: What – Because – But

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I used to struggle with GMC (goal, motivation & conflict). I loved the concept, and quickly jumped on the band wagon. I got the book  GMC: Goal Motivation and Conflict, by Debra Dixon . I devoured it. It was an easy read, since she uses movies as examples. 
I had no trouble following Dorothy's GMCs as she traversed Oz. Then I closed the book, made some GMC charts, and sat at my desk to put what I'd learned to use. And that's when I disconnected. 
Oh, the conflict part was easy. There's no mixing of signals on that. Anything that kept my protagonist from the goal is conflict. 
Even the goals weren't so hard, once someone explained the external goal is the character's story goal. That made sense. The internal goal took a little head-banging in the beginning, but I'd go back to the book until I got it.
By the way, in the class I took, Debra Dixon explained in Romance (the class was sponsored by a local RWA chapter) the goal is never to get married - or even fall in love. No, in romance, the heroine's goal should be the hero's conflict and vice versa. And it makes sense. I love things that make sense—I can understand them. And put them to use.
So, I had conflict and goal down, external at least. Internal was another story. Every time I tried to find the motivation, I listed another goal. I kept mixing those two things up. 
Being the persistent little scribe that I am, I took another class. This one was a month long, online, and taught by Laurie Schnebly Campbell. It's called  Plotting Via Motivation  and well worth your time. I'm sure I was her most thick-headed student. Every time I listed a motivation, she told me it was a goal. I'd write what I thought was a motivation. She'd tell me that's a goal.
Why was this so hard for me? Finally, she just started asking, "Why?" Ane: "Because she blah blah blah.Laurie: "Why?"Ane: Well, because she … more blah blah.Laurie: "Why?"
I wanted to reach through the computer screen and slap her! But finally, I hit it. My character's deepest core motivation. But was I going to have to go through that exercise with evert POV character for every book? Some of my books have three POV characters!
Then one of my critique partners Michelle Griep called for a brainstorm session. I'd shared all this with her and our other CP as soon as I'd learned it. They embraced it. But Michelle is a smart cookie. She changed those three little words to:
Wants, Because, ButWhoa! That boils all the fat out of that turkey. She was talking my language—simple. Yeah, I know what my character wants. And she wants it because (fill in the blank). But is easy. What stops her from getting it? 
Why didn't I think of that? So how do you manage to find the GMCs in your story? And if you want to borrow our WBBs, be our guest. Michelle gets the credit. 
TWEETABLESFor Writers: What – Because – But. #Writing Tips from @AneMulligan on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Goal, Motivation and Conflict for writers explained by @AneMulligan on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
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 Mary Martin in PETER PAN,she was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. She submerged herself in drama through high school and college. Years later, her two loves collided, and a bestselling, award-winning novelist emerged. She resides in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterestand The Write Conversation.

Verti-coming and Verti-going

by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea


Have you ever had one of those world-tipping inner ear things? It’s about the worst kind of imbalance. It started small when it happened to me. My body kept trying to lean to one side. I felt like any minute somebody might come up behind me and try to stick a couple of sugar packets under my left foot. 
Then, as inner-ear malfunctions are wont to do, the thing accelerated and suddenly the world was very…how can I describe it? Very “Star Ship Enterprise.” The kind of Enterprise where some space anomaly has the ship flailing back and forth. I felt fine as long as I was lying down. But it was a busy season. I’d been meeting myself coming and going and lying down made me remember everything I needed to do.At one point I thought I could sneak up on a couple of to-do list items without my ears knowing. I was moving slowly, oh so slowly…when suddenly, “Red Alert!” Thrusters were off-line. It felt like I was boldly verti-going where no one has verti-gone before.
Fortunately I’m not a great housekeeper when I’m overly busy so there was a nice, soft pile of laundry in the floor. I crash-landed there, thinking how thankful I was that it was clean laundry and not dirty. I had several minutes of contemplative time, staring up at the ceiling, waiting for it to stop spinning and for the nausea to let up. In those moments, I decided that resting—even with a big to-do list—wasn’t such a bad thing.
I have to force myself regularly to reevaluate my busyness. To step back from it and really analyze it. Sometimes I do it by choice. Sometimes, I confess, the Lord compels me. At least once while lying in a pile of laundry. 
Balancing often requires more than just reorganizing a schedule. It’s requires making decisions about what God has called me to do and what He hasn’t. The truth is, the Lord will never call me to do anything he won’t give me enough time to do. The schedule becomes overwhelming when He gives me a to-do list, and then I add more to it myself. I end up with no balance, overdoing things that don’t matter and underdoing those that do. There aren’t enough sugar packets to fix that kind of imbalance.
When we’re persistently out of balance, we find ourselves vulnerable to burn-out, illness, depression—shields up, red alert! Stepping back and reevaluating doesn’t mean we put ourselves first. Actually, as we seek the Lord first, we find ourselves free to serve Him better, and to serve Him more carefully and intentionally. That’s exactly how we’re called to serve. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15-17, “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is,” (HCSB).
Sometimes wise-walking looks more like lying down—listening, seeking—even resting. Paying “careful attention” will keep us from stumbling out of the will of God.
So rather than having every moment filled with busyness, life is better when I seek Him first, and then just plain give Him space to work. Yes, “space.” All of it. Because that kind of space is the final, final frontier.
TWEETABLEVerti-coming and Verti-going - thoughts on rest in a busy season from @RhondaRhea on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Rhonda Rhea is a humor columnist for lots of great magazines, including HomeLife, Leading Hearts, The Pathway and more. She is the author of 10 nonfiction books, including How Many Lightbulbs Does It Take to Change a Person? and coauthors fiction with her daughter, Kaley Faith Rhea. She and her daughters host the TV show, That’s My Mom, for Christian Television Network’s KNLJ. Rhonda enjoys traveling the country speaking at all kinds of conferences and events. She and her pastor/hubs have five grown children and live in the St. Louis area.

Finding a Unique Way to Reach Your Readers

by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock

“Ping! Ping! Ping!”
While on vacation in Mexico, I was enjoying some much-needed time on the beach with my eyes closed, just soaking up the warmth of the sun and the smell of the ocean, and I heard a familiar sound. 
“Ping! Ping! Ping!”I knew immediately what that sound meant and what I would do! It was the metallic sound of the Popsicle man wheeling his cart down the beach and clicking his ring finger against the handle of his cart. I got my pesos and ran to get my favorite—a coconut Popsicle (I’ve never found these in the states).
As I was savoring my treat, I was thinking about this busy vendor. He, unlike some of his competitors, was always busy selling to a host of beachgoers. I got to thinking, why is he always busy and some of his competitors weren’t?
First, I have never been disappointed with my purchase from this vendor. It is always icy cold and tastes like the Caribbean. Second, he uses an interesting branding tool as he sells. He doesn’t bark about his wares. He doesn’t do any flashy advertising. He doesn’t even say a word to those he passes on the beach. He just does that simple, “Ping! Ping! Ping!”that lets me know he’s in my area. And he’s the only one who does it.
To be great at selling what we have to offer, we have to have a really good product. We have to deliver consistently on the customer experience by always living up to their expectation. And, perhaps just as important, we need to offer a unique call to action that our clients will hear through all the noise in the marketplace.
What are you doing that is your unique call to action? How can your clients hear your call even through the noise?
“Ping! Ping! Ping!”
TWEETABLEFinding a Unique Way to Reach Your Readers - @CathyFyock on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write as a business development strategy. She is the author of nine books, including her most recent with coauthor Lois Creamer, The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches. Since starting her business in 2014 she's helped more than 150 professionals become published authors. You can reach her at Cathy@CathyFyock.com.

This Writing Journey

By Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2
This writing journey. This vexing, exhilarating, maddening, fulfilling writing journey that keeps us awake at night, plunges us into the depths of despair, and launches us to places we never dreamed we’d go, oh the glory. And the agony. And the joy.It befuddles and besots, tortures and teases. When it beckons us with winsome eyes, we cuddle it like a puppy. But when that same puppy leaves a puddle on our carpet, we rue the day we ever invited it into our lives.
We swear we’ll never again open our computers—until the fuzzy fur ball tugs on the pant leg of our mind, shakes it a few times, and invites us to play. Somehow, despite our resolve, it charms us into rolling around on the floor with it. Again and again.
Some days we nurse puncture wounds of disappointment and discouragement and wonder why we adopted the puppy in the first place. We’d been warned it could bite us. But we watched others who enjoyed its company, allowed it to enrich their families, and used it as a way to connect with others, and we drew near. Fearful yet hopeful. Fascinated yet cautious.
When it’s good, it is very, very good, and when it’s bad, it’s rotten. Rejection letters, edits, and critiques, like middle of the night feedings and bathroom runs weary us and erode our writing self-esteem. Kind comments, emails of thanks, and requests to reprint, like grateful licks and wagging tails, shore up our resolve. And when the royalty check appears in the mailbox, the house explodes with tongue-lolling yips of joy, a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication.
We remember God’s challenge: “He who has been given a trust must prove faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2) and press on.
Whether you’re bottle feeding a puppy writing life, obedience training a half-grown dog, or socializing a pet that everyone loves, be not weary in doing good, for you will reap a harvest if you don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).
The Lord who created puppies and writers has promised. 
TWEETABLEThoughts on This Writing Journey from @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher is the editor of  Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books.  Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women won the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is due out in the spring of 2020.A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog,  Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter(@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest(Hungry for God).

Writers Facing Criticism

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. Psalm 13:18 NLT
One of the hardest things for a writer to learn is to receiving criticism and correction. Unfortunately, some never do.James Scott Bell refers to it as growing a rhino skin. Jerry B. Jenkins advises authors to develop a thick skin. 
This doesn’t mean we make ourselves immune to criticism.
It means we make the time to develop the attitude of receiving criticism without personalizing it. We look at criticism and correction as ways to improve our work.
The first step is to realize our work can be improved. If we fail to acknowledge this, we are heading to poverty and disgrace. And we are dishonoring our God who called us to write in the first place.
God doesn’t give us the words. He gives us the inspiration. We give him our obedience and our talent. Part of our obedience is to learn the craft and to work to make our writing the best it can be. 
This means being open to changing it. Not just our own tweaking, either. We need to show our work to others for constructive and useful feedback.
We need to learn to accept correction. When I began this crazy journey of writing, I had to learn to swallow my pride and my ego. And I needed to learn to overcome my fear: fear of rejection, of failure, of being ridiculed for even thinking I could write.
God led me to the right early critiquers, people who knew how to give correction with an eye to improving.
My advice: Seek the perspective of different eyes reading our words, of offering suggestions to make it better. We don’t have to apply every suggestion. Learn to discern what’s valid and what isn’t.  
Pray and trust God to lead us to the right critiquers for us: those who have our best interests at heart, those who want to help us grow as writers.
How has having others give feedback improved your writing?
TWEETABLES"God doesn't give us the words—He gives us the inspiration." -Henry McLaughlin, @riverbendsagas, on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
One of the hardest things for writers is facing criticism - thoughts from author 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.

Nine Ideas for Scripture-Related Memes

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28
I want to make them, but I easily run out of ideas. Do you?
They’re beautiful and inspiring. Colorful and carefully worded. Memes. A surprisingly needed tool in the writer’s arsenal.  
Our writing isn’t just for books and blogs. We can share tiny snippets of our writing on memes. Those perfect, eye-catching pictures are just waiting for our words to be added to them. We can share our memes on social media and on our blogs. They capture the readers’ attention and impart some nugget of encouragement or wisdom. The best wisdom we can share comes from Scripture itself. Did you know there are over 31,000 verses in the Bible? We are never going to run out of material that we can share from God’s Word, but how can we narrow down what verses we want to share week to week? How can we talk about Scripture in the tiny amount of space that fits on a meme? 
Although I was once at a loss for what to put on memes after years of making them, I’ve thought of nine ideas to narrow down the possibilities. Concentrate your efforts to encourage others and promote your writing by using one or all of the following. 
Your favorite Bible versesI can easily find my favorite verses by looking for what has been boxed, starred, and “hearted” in my Bible. (Yes, I draw hearts next to Scripture.) We also have those verses tucked away in our hearts that can never be forgotten. When we share those, others can tuck them in their hearts too. 
Topical Bible versesTake a month to share verses on a topic that’s precious to you, a topic like joy, peace, or forgiveness. Every week share a meme with a related Bible verse on it. If you do this regularly, people may follow your social media pages to see the topics and verses you pick. 
Always put the translation! We aren’t used to writing that down when we record verses in our spiritual journals, but it’s an excellent practice for the rest of our writing and on social media. Putting the appropriate acronym (NKJV, NASB, NIV, etc.) in a small font on a meme will give due credit as we share Scripture and help our audience to know where to find the exact wording of the verse. 
Bible verses from your pastor’s sermonsI enjoy listening to Dr. David Jeremiah online, and a verse from his sermons usually becomes my “Victory Verse of the Week” on Facebook and Twitter. As you listen to pastors and Bible teachers, stay alert for verses that would work for memes.  
The comforting words of JesusNeed I say more? Jesus often comforted the crowds and His disciples with truths that chase away anxiety and fear, and usher in His peace. Our memes can become conduits of peace and comfort to others. 
The “go get ‘em” verses in the Bible Perseverance, victory, grace, and hope—we need these each day. Take a treasure hunt through Scripture, and write down the Bible references for verses that inspire us to make a difference and serve God’s purposes on earth no matter what. 
Quotes from your bookAre you writing a book that uses Scripture to inspire and encourage? Pick some quotes to share on memes, and give people a taste of what’s to come in your work in progress. If you mention the title of your book on the meme and it’s not published yet, be sure to put “forthcoming” next to the title. Or you can share quotes that will make them want to check out your book if it’s already published. 
Quotes from your blog postsI discovered after years of writing that I can quote from my blog posts just like I can from my books. And it worked! A few days after a post has gone live, I have shared a quote on Twitter, and it has received likes and shares. Try it sometime, also sharing the picture from your blog post and a link to the post itself, and see if this helps drive traffic to your post days after it has been live. 
Application from your favorite Bible storiesThink of your favorite Bible stories, and write down takeaway for each one. Narrow that application down to one sentence per story. Put the sentence on a meme, and in parenthesis put the Bible passage that it’s based on. Share these to encourage people and to promote the relevance of Scripture to everyday life. 
Devotional thoughts around ninety words or lessShare a snippet of inspiration such as a prayer, thoughts about Scripture, or a short poem. Varying the types of quotes you put on memes can generate interest in your social media pages and bring people back for more. Share from the heart. See what I did with a sheet music graphic on the Lighthouse Bible Studies Facebook page. 
What are your top three favorite ideas of the ones listed above? Tell us below, and join the conversation. 

TWEETABLE
Nine Ideas for Scripture-related Memes - @KatyKauffman28 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Using memes to share Scripture is fun and easy - tips from @KatyKauffman28 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Katy Kauffman finds herself writing about life’s spiritual battles more than anything else. She is an award-winning author, an editor of  Refresh Bible Study Magazine , and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations. Her compilation, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character, was a 2019 Selah Awards finalist and Director’s Choice finalist. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, the Arise Dailyblog, PursueMagazine.net, and two blogs on writing. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best donuts. Connect with her at her blog,  The Scrapbooked Bible Study , and on Facebookand Twitter.

8 Things Every Writer Should Know About Using Footnotes

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

Who loves to write but finds documentation a bit challenging? 
Hey, I’m raising my hand here. However, because I do love to introduce my readers to other wise people, I will probably forever be tracking down quotes and their citations. As I’m working on final edits for my 15thnon-fiction book, I am yet again polishing up all the documentation. My biggest word of advice is do not wait until you’ve written the entire book in order to start looking up your footnote information. Do the hard work from the very beginning and that will make the entire process run smoothly. 8 Tips for Non-fiction CitationsAs you are reading, online surfing, and researching, be sure to record citations for every possible collection of words you might use in future writings. Believe me, you will be glad you did!There are many quotes from famous people which have made it into common use. However, it is your job as an author to track down the verity of such words. Also, your publisher will want a citation from the primary source, not just other people quoting it on their blog, Goodreads, or Wikipedia.Be aware that if you mention someone’s name and what they said in a conversation, you may be responsible to email them that part of your manuscript and get permission from them for it to be published.Remember that ‘fair use’ can vary depending on how long the entire work is from which you are quoting. If you are quoting a large amount of words from a short article, that may not constitute ‘fair use’ though the same amount of words might work if it were from a full-length book. Your publisher will guide you on all matters of ‘fair use.’Hang on to the books you have used for research at least until final edits are firm. Sometimes the author will be asked to submit photos of the actual quote showing the page number, the cover page, and the copyright page. If you borrow or use library books, take these photos before you return them, just in case. Do you want to quote a poem or a portion of a poem? In most cases, you will need to pay for that privilege and often it is the author, not the publisher who must cover this. I was more than happy to pay to use Amy Carmichael’s poetry in many of my own books. Lyrics to songs are often financially prohibitive, so you may want to summarize the main idea of favorite verses in your own words. Often hymn lyrics are in public domain, and can be used without payment.Go over all your citations several times before you submit your manuscript to your publisher. Yes, your editors will also be meticulous in evaluating your work, but you are a professional and must always present well-documented projects. 
I hope this will prove helpful in all your writing endeavors. Keep reading. Keep writing. Just make sure to always give credit to the original author of shared words.

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For Writers: those Pesky Footnotes - tips from @LucindaSMcDowel on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while  “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.”  A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning  Dwelling Places  (2017 Christian Retailing BEST Award for Devotional),  Ordinary Graces   (2018 Selah Finalist),  Live These Words , and  Refresh!  Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog and (in)courage. Whether co-directing   “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,”   pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.EncouragingWords.net/ 
Follow Lucinda on Twitter: @LucindaSMcDowel

Marketing to Reach Families

by Karen H. Whiting @KarenHWhiting


We always want to target out audience in our marketing. That means understanding the needs and motivations of those readers. This is true when the books are focused on helping families thrive and equipping parents. Parents are the big buyers in books for children and families. Grandparents are secondary buyers. 
Technology changes so fast that marketing to this tech savvy group is like trying to hit a moving target. Yet, what remains is that parents buy what they need and believe is best for their children. They want to raise children who will succeed, enjoy life, and build a strong faith. They want to raise children who will remain close to them and overcome challenges. Offering to fill those needs must translate in the marketing.Understand the Audience’s Motivations to BuyParents what books that make their life easier and that will save them time or energy. They want a quick response if they engage with the author on social media and recommendations sway them in their purchases. That’s why reviews and testimonies remain important. These are clues on how to market.
Show BenefitsCreate signage for events and posts that highlight solutions offered and how the book can impact their children. “Cultivate a servant heart’ or “Nurture your child’s faith’ inspire parents to check out your faith-based books.
Expand this with reviews and testimonies from readers. That helps show the authenticity of your words. Share your own experiences and how you applied the principles and book concept with your own family.
Share the Bonding and FunParents want close families. Expressing how a book can be a great family read that brings laughter and builds memories grabs their attention. Let them know the pages connect to imagination, adventure, and laughter. The book might be a nonfiction that includes activities and games, or it might be a fiction book to read aloud that touches hearts with endearing characters that weave their way into daily family conversations. 
Highlight Solutions OfferedLet parents know how the book brings up problems and solutions they can apply in daily life. Let them know if it addresses bullying, character growth, or deepening faith that will make a difference in their children’s lives.
The solutions might come out in a character’s reaction or in hands-on activities and discussion, of through sharing how Bible people resolved similar problems. Finding effective solutions for basic problems of motivating children to behave well, communicate effectively, and overcome daily difficulties are common in every generation. 
Reach the ParentsBe part of groups online and guest post on parenting blogs to get the word out on your book. Create videos to share your ideas and encourage parents with methods that work. Follow popular parent blogs and join online parenting and homeschool groups. Add comments when appropriate so people will notice you and want to follow you.
Garner ReviewsSince parents want to hear how the book has impacted lives, work at getting reviews and testimonies. Add a note to your books asking for comments, start a launch team to promote the book where team members will write and share reviews.
Interview parents who use your books and post the videos or words on your website. Create memes from photos parents share that show them using your book. Ask people to post to Goodreads and sites parents go to for recommendations.
The Real Reason People Will BuyKnow what big question your book answers. This is where the real marketing hook can be created. I wrote a family devotional for families called to serve. It includes a weekly story of a family with a member who serves as a firefighter, law enforcement worker, active duty military, EMT, disaster relief worker, missionary, or volunteer. That’s great for families with such people in their lives, but the real question it answers is “How can I develop a servant heart in my children?” That’s the Christian desire of many parents and key to why they will want the book.
Ask readers and yourself what is the big question the book addresses? Then create signage and posts that share how the book will provide that answer and help parents cultivate that desired outcome in their children.
Your strategy in marketing to parents should be finding ways to help them realize the value of the book you wrote.
What book have you recommended lately? What do you do to help readers find value in your books?

TWEETABLES
Marketing to Reach Families - @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Marketing Tips to Help Authors Reach Families - @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Don't miss Karen's Latest Book!
52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to ServeGod has called us all to serve the people around us, no matter what our careers or callings are. How can you help your children understanding God's call to serve and share his love in fun and meaningful ways?Enjoy having 52 weekly devotions packed with engaging stories, hands-on activities, memory verses, and relevant discussion questions for families called to serve on the mission field, in the military, law enforcement, at church, and more! Flexibly designed for families with busy schedules, the easy-to-read 52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve is the perfect way to involve your whole family for fun and memorable moments while building a personal connection with God!52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve has an easy-to-follow format with short Scripture readings and quick devotion to build foundations of faith through family interactions. Includes optional hands-on activities and chat prompts help parents carry the thoughts throughout the week to intentionally focus on Jesus in daily life. It's the perfect way to get your whole family together for fun and memorable moments while building a personal connection with God!

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

Truth in Love

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

When we say we are speaking truth in love we need to pause and think that through. Are we really, speaking truth? Are we really speaking in love? Scripture does teach us that in order to have unity in the Body of Christ, this is what we must do:Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
The above scripture is giving us the perfect example—Christ. When we do speak truth to someone with love in our reasoning, then it shows our maturity in our faith walk. We show that our concern is out of love, not of criticism or judgment. 
Often, however, people use this scripture as permission to say what they feel and put this phrase over it as if it makes it okay. They may think they are speaking truth over someone, but in actuality they are doing nothing more than giving their opinions or passing judgment. 
This can be very dangerous and possibly a road not easily traveled for all involved. Feelings are hurt, tempers flare and relationships can be injured or even severed. Others stuck in the middle witnessing the exchange can be put into a position they should not have to be in. 
When judgmental words are spoken without facts, this would not be truth in love, just an uneducated opinion. And more often than not, an unsolicited comment. On the flip side of that is when something should be said, the scripture below is very clear—a wise heart guides the mouth and promotes instruction. Take the time to gather the facts before presenting the case.
A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:23-24 (NIV)
Writing is the same. Words said cannot be undone. This reminds me of a Sunday School lesson I taught years ago. The concept wasn’t mine—so I don’t take credit for that—but the impact it had on me as an adult was huge. I thought my fifth and sixth grade girls would be able to understand it. Speaking words is similar to pushing toothpaste out of the tube. Once the paste comes out, it can’t be put back in no matter how hard you try. If you change your mind, it’s too late. Just like words, written or spoken. Once they are out, they can’t be taken back. 
Yes, apologies can be offered and forgiveness can be asked for, but the words are forever out there. Forgiveness can be given, but it’s not always easy to forget. And once said, the damage is done. 
My suggestion is that all of us would be slow to speak or write. That we would think our words through. With our writing, over and above a proofreading for grammatical errors, what is the message I’m extending to my readers? In speaking face to face, if we feel the need to say something to someone, pray over it first asking God to show you the appropriate words and time to do so. And in front of others is never the best time. 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)
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You’ll find Tammy seeing humor and causing laughter in every aspect of life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, is the driving force of her passion to always encourage others and give them The Reason to smile. She’s been married to her college sweetheart, Larry, for 37 years, a mom to their grown daughter, Kristen, and wrapped around the paw of a little dog named Hattie. Born and raised in Ohio, her family now resides in South Carolina. She is the President of Word Weavers Upstate SC, member of ACFW and My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. She’s the Blog Editor for Word Weavers International. A Conference Assistant for Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. A monthly contributor for The Write Conversation. A contributor in the 2018 Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. Also a regular contributor to several other blogs. 
Connect with Tammy: Blog:http://www.tammykarasek.com  Email: tickledpinktammy@gmail.com

Parting From Our Characters Is Such Sweet Sorrow

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

In Shakespeare’s illustrious play, Romeo and Juliet, he pens these words as Juliet bids goodbye to her lover Romeo, “Sweet, so would I, yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good night. Good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow.”Juliet’s iconic line shows that parting hurts so much, it actually intensifies her feelings for her beloved, for she knows that when she sees him again, her love for him will be even deeper. To enjoy the taste of food, one must hunger. To be really happy, one must experience deep sadness. Such is the premise of Juliet’s declaration.
I can somewhat relate. After completing my first novel, I experienced a keen sense of sadness at my characters’s departure from my life. As their stories collided with my own, we forged a relationship that had deep abiding roots. The hours, days, months, and years we toiled, cried, grew, learned, and rejoiced together unearthed truths in us that would follow us all our days. Except I am real and they are not. Or are they? 
While my characters were not bound in a body of flesh, they do have a soul. They think, they feel, and they filled my world with theirs. Finally saying goodbye was both exhilarating (my story had finally climaxed) and sad. Their presence would no longer illuminate my day.  But, change my world? My perspective? Yes.
The first time I had such an experience with reading fiction was in 1990 when my husband presented me with The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. The novel showcased the connection between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, parents and children, friends and lovers, and had the ability to penetrate deep into my own insecurities. Many of Ms. Pilcher’s characters were wrought with greed and egotism, contrasted by their wise and loving mother who only wanted a little of their time. Each emotional scene had ripples that followed into the next, drawing me into a story world that challenged me to introspection.
After many days of marathon reading, I completed the 530-page novel, amazed at what I had discovered about myself through Ms. Pilcher’s story of Penelope, an aged mother who desired that her adult children journey with her to her childhood home by the sea—a place that held memories of joy and where love blossomed and tragedy had yet to occur. It was only through Penelope’s emerging friendship with her young handyman and his girlfriend that she was able to make the trip that allowed her to recapture the past, if only briefly. It was two stranger’s kind hearts that responded where her children would not.
Each of Ms. Pilcher’s characters were blatant in their flaws. My internal condemnation of them persisted throughout the read. Until the end, when I closed the book and pondered how their adherence to philosophies contrary to the consecrated life in Jesus became the catalyst that sealed their fate. I also realized that I could see a little of myself in each of them. A shocker to be sure.
Fiction can be a force in our lives that prompts self-examination from which comes self-correction. As characters jump from the pages, their stories always evoke an emotional response to the reader. Penelope’s journey for me was like a retreat far from my world where her story was able to permeate a place in my life—a dashed hope that had been buried but revealed through story. 
The written word has the power to burrow deep into our psyche and change perspective. We have the ability to love deeper, forgive more easily, and let go of besetting fears that had unknowingly plagued us. When we have read or written that last page and closed the book, we can say with Juliet, “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” knowing also that we are better for having been in their world.

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Parting From Our Characters Is Such Sweet Sorrow - @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.