Edie Melson's Blog, page 247

Prepare For Writing Conference Success

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

Writing conferences offer training to network opportunities, so prepare to gain the most out of attending one. Conferences became my launch pad to success and it can be that for you! Amazingly, these steps also help build your marketing skills  as you define ideas, pitch, and expand your network.1. Explore the conference web site and blogUse the conference website to learn about the faculty and courses offered. Explore each faculty member’s website (or their publishing house/business site) and social media (friend or follow them). If it includes the editor’s needs, that can help you match ideas with the right editor.            Fill out an index card for each faculty member and note what you’d love to ask the individual. Add any pitch to make to that person and why it fits that agency or publishing house. If the faculty is large, use colored index cards and choose a color for each genre or area of expertise.  Use the filled cards as a prayer list to pray for the faculty.  
Read the conference blog or social media posts and make note of people who  will conferees. If the person posts messages that interest you, or they write in your genre, friend the person and make plans to meet at the conference. With hundreds of attendees it’s hard to simply find someone at the conference, so setting a time and place to meet, so scheduling ahead or exchanging phone numbers and emails is the first step to building new friendships.            Glean other information from the blog: what to wear, notes about food, and even posts from faculty members to get to know them that lets you get to know them and prepare for appointments.
2. Golden Opportunities: Appointments with ExpertsPray, research, and figure out who you want to meet with at the conference. This can be a possible match to a publisher, an expert in your writing genre or area of need, or a publishing house you dream of writing for one day. Find out the rules of how to book appointments and follow them.            Once you know who you want to meet with, get out the index card (or make one) for that person and list topics you want to discuss and ideas to pitch. Bring it with you when you meet so you won’t forget.            Edie Melson wrote much more about these network opportunities so checkout that post too.https://www.blueridgeconference.com/onsite-networking-at-a-writing-conference/#more-5042
3. Catalogue IdeasYou might have a gazillion ideas, but that also makes it hard to recall a specific one in an instant. Or, you may be better at describing your idea on paper than rattling off elevator speeches. If so, create a catalogue of your book and article ideas. 
I did this for one of my first conferences, handed a copy of pages to an editor at my fifteen-minute appointment and started pitching the book on my heart. The editor stopped me, and said, “That doesn’t fits our current needs, but tell me more about this .” He pointed to one of the ideas I had listed.            Separate your ideas by genre and readership. I create separate pages for children’s books, women’s NF, devotionals, articles by readership, and other categories. For any idea already developed as a proposal, bring a copy or have it easily accessible in your laptop. This method makes it easy to turn to the right page when I meet with an editor or and find we have some common share with a reader when we find common interests.
Also, catalogue marketing plans and unique promotional ideas for each book.
4. Network With Everyone You MeetPrepare to expand your network as you meet new people, reconnect with friends, and get plugged in to the writing and publishing industry. You never know what doors will open from connections. At my first writer’s conference I sat beside another newbie. We shared our dreams and publishing hopes. When a publisher not at the  gave him a contract, he referred them to me in response to a need the editor mentioned. That led to a number of contracts and I still write for that publishing house.            Pack business cards. Design ones that include a photo since it’s easier to recall someone when there’s a picture with the name. Include your brand or statement of what you want to give readers.            Add an app to your smart phone that reads and sorts business cards into categories you create, such as camcard.com (get the free version). That makes it easier to follow up.            Connect via social media with people you meet. It helps you stay connected in the coming year. Post on their page or message them to follow up.            5. Set Conference GoalsSet a few obtainable goals and sprinkle in some dreams. This can include finding a critique partner, making new writer friends, or pitching to at least two agents/editors. 
Include goals of what you hope to learn from each class. That helps you ask questions if your topic wasn’t covered. Classes are limited in time and the faculty tries to choose the most popular of needed point to cover. They are  happy to answer questions and want to meet your needs, but cannot read your mind.
Another goal might be to discover new resources that will help you in your writing journey. That means asking people what resources most help them.
Measurable goals move you forward!

TWEETABLES
Prepare for #Writing Conference Success - tips from @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

5 Tips to make your next #writing conference a success - @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-five books for women, children, and families. Her newest book, The Gift of Bread: Recipes for the Heart and the Table reflects her passion for bread and growing up helping at her grandparent’s restaurant. 
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, The Kid’s Ark, and BCM International. Connect with Karen on Twitter @KarenHWhiting Pinterest KarenWhiting FB KarenHWhiting

We’re All Members of a Single Body

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Have you ever worked on a project with a team and slowly took charge of the project?Or do you feel overwhelmed and unneeded when someone is a stronger personality and they take over? To be honest, I have felt both sides of this issue. And I was wrong.  
Let me explain. 
            And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NASB
As the scripture above states, as believers, we are called to be one body. That means we need to work in unison together. I didn’t always do that. Sometimes I was run over by a stronger personality who took charge. Other times, I was that stronger person. Definitely not a fact I’m proud of. We need to not only work together but also have peace in our hearts and be thankful for the opportunity.
With most projects, someone does need to be in charge. After all, if the team is all Queen bees with no worker bees, how will anything get done? If we are not the one in charge for a specific project, then we need to be able to work together and be at peace about it. Even though the person in charge may not be willing to let others assist them, we need to do our best to serve alongside of them. Without grumbling or criticizing their work.
When we think about all the various parts of the human body, each has a unique responsibility to work in conjunction with the other parts. When all parts are working together, the body works smoothly. When there is an issue with a body part, or it is missing, it becomes more difficult to accomplish certain tasks. Often, those other parts of the body have to work harder or compensate for the nonworking body. 
Such is the same in the body of Christ. We can’t all sing in the choir, who will rock the babies? We can’t all teach, who will be the students? We can’t all be missionaries in foreign lands, who will minister to the people around us here in our communities? 
The point is, we need to stop feeling like we have nothing to offer or the opposite of that – we can do it all by ourselves. Every part of the body of Christ is needed for specific purposes. Whether we’re called to leadership or be that worker bee – we need to serve with a peaceful and thankful heart. 
Does this apply to writing? It sure does. As writers, we’re aware that we spend much of our writing journey alone tapping away on our keyboards. But the path to publication is far from staying hidden behind that screen. We need and must be out in the community of writers. To do so is like being part of a bigger team. Being part of this team can take work. Some of us are extroverts (raising both hands over here!) and some are not. Extroverts like me can sometimes take over with our enthusiasm leaving the introverts where they like to be—behind the scenes, or in their rooms!
Those of us who are quick to lead a conversation at a writers’ conference need to remember and notice those more reserved around us. We need to gently, without embarrassment, pull the reserved ones into the conversation. This is being part of the team and realizing that this circle didn’t gather just for you, but for each other. 
We are in full swing for the 2019 Conference year. There’ll be many opportunities for us to be on this writing team at these events. Let’s try to remember while we’re at the conference to meet other writers and possibly pitch our book proposal, all the folks around us are there to do the same. Reach out and encourage those around you. Cheer for one another. Stop and pray in a hallway where you see someone who has just received a rejection regarding their work—or are nervous to go in to pitch that work.
We’re in this together, no matter whose name is on the cover of the book. We, as Christian writers, do need and want to see God’s name glorified through our words. Let’s strive to be a good, working body part of the writing team or community.
What about you? Will you choose to accept that you are important to the body? And will you have a thankful heart for the opportunity to serve together on this writing journey? 
TWEETABLEWe're all members of a single body - @TickledPinkTam on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
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 member of My Book Therapy/Novel Academy. She’s the Blog Coordinator/Editor for Florida Christian Writers Conference. She was a contributor in the 2018 Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. She’s been a contributor to several other blogs.

Connect with Tammy on her blog, http://www.tammykarasek.com, through Twitter and Facebook.

A Case for Journaling for Writers (and everyone else)

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

It was one of those rainy days of the soul, when a cup of tea and a book seemed to be the protocol of choice. Dragging myself to my library, I scanned the shelf reserved for unread books—stories that waited to spirit me away from the present into a better place. Adventures that would take my mind off myself and maybe, just maybe, would bring light to a dark day. At once my eyes fell on two leather-bound journals that had been mistakenly placed there. Their mysterious presence beckoned. Like the delight of finding an unopened gift, I drew them from the shelf and opened first one and then the other, scanning the beginning page of each for a date.  They were written my me three and four years ago. Not so terribly long ago, but a period in my life holding a lifetime of sadness. After setting my tea on the side table, I molded my body into the soft cushions of a chair while I read. 
Through tear-stained pages, I was transported like a time-machine back to when I first noticed symptoms of my husband’s illness. I spent the entire morning reading and re-living the most horrible of times. My writing described desperation, fear, and anxiety as I wandered through a foreign world trying to find my way. Why did this happen? How did it happen? What do I do? With each question, my needs eventually became apparent. 
Then, something happened. I witnessed on those pages the loving hand of Jesus, as He took the highest of mountains and leveled them so that I could navigate. He gave answers to my burning need. He sent people who gave wise counsel. Those who confirmed decisions I was afraid to make. He provided wisdom beyond my understanding. 
He performed these miracles in the most amazing of ways. He showed me truth by indirect communication—allowing me toexperienceHis truth, rather than to spoon feed me knowledge that would be like seed sown on rocky soil. He let me see and feel the need. Be completely engaged in the frailty of the situation. And then He lead me along the correct path, allowing me to respond with a depth of understanding that would not have been possible any other way. 
It was past lunch when I finished reading. I laid the books aside and pondered that journey of four years ago. In my journals, I was unable to adequately express my needs, so I wrote my feelings. By expressing my feelings, I uncovered false thinking and need. Then God showed truth. 
These steps to experiencing truth also hold true in our writing. CS Lewis was a master at it. In the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, Lewis torments the reader by showing the children’s hopeless situation. We become more than an observer. We jump through the wardrobe with them. We lash out at Edmund for his folly. We experience the children’s desperation as the White Witch seems to be winning. Then Aslan gives truth. We weep when he saves Narnia the only way he can, by his sacrifice. We grieve as we experience what seems like evil’s victory. Then, Aslan rises again, and we know. Evil cannot be permanently eradicated by the deeds of humans. Its demise can only occur by the sacrifice of Someone holy who dies on behalf of our sins. Then rises again so that, by believing in Him, we can be given eternal life. The emotions that brought us to that place of darkness and despair are eradicated by experiencing truth. The words have power because they bring change. 
We are called to be writer’s in dark and evil times, where evil is disguised as truth and good portrayed as evil. Debate rarely produces change. However, by bringing our readers on a journey of discovery and allowing them to experience need by connecting to emotion, truth shines forth and changes hearts. We can continue to personally experience this phenomenon by journaling. 
I journal every day. Not words that I would one day leave behind as the legacy of a wise and strong woman. Instead, I shamelessly admit feelings that describe moments in time when I was broken, needy, and defenseless—times when only Jesus could bring life. But first I had to see my need, and only then could I experienceHis power at work in my life. 
I encourage you to give it a try. Something happens when we’re honest. When we move away from our brand and become who we really are. For it is then we allow an opening for the Holy Spirit to “restore what the cankerworm has eaten.” It is then that our stories go deep to the hearts of our readers.
TWEETABLEA Case for Journaling for Writers (and everyone else) - @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.

Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask—I'm Ready for the Big Time!

by Traci Tyne Hilton @TraciTyneHilton

#5 in a series where I answer questions I suspect you are asking

Indie Author:How do I get a traditional publisher to buy the book I indie published? It’s awesome and I could really use the bookshelf space I’d get from going trad. Also, how much money should I ask for when they offer me the deal?First, congratulations on publishing your book! That’s wonderful! I will assume you published it yourself because this was something you were excited to try. If so, then don’t throw in the towel by giving it to some publisher. Especially not if all you really want is a little help selling it in bookstores.
Of course, the main reason not to go selling it to a trad publisher is because they don’t want it. Not unless it has sales so great you’d be crazy to sell it.

Has it sold a million copies for you? If so, you’ve made like two-million dollars. :D If it has made you two-million dollars, walk into any bookstore and ask to speak to the manager. They’ll get your book on their shelves, I promise.

You haven’t made a million dollars? But it is a brilliant book? Honestly, I believe you. It’s just not taking off, despite following all of the advice in my other posts, and you are sure that a trad deal would really change things.

Maybe you are right, but the sad thing is, traditional publishers don’t want books that are already published. It’s not a wise financial move for them.

But that doesn’t mean bookstores are closed to you.

Create a one sheet for your book that has the cover, the blurb, an endorsement and contact information. Stick your business card in a copy of your book. Now take a stack of those and go visit every single small, independently owned bookstore that you can. Drive as far as you need to for as long as you need to. Be friendly, professional, and polite. Try and talk to the owner. Be ready to explain why your book is a good fit with their store. Someone will find shelf space for your books.
I know you wanted to be in Barnes and Noble, but you know what? Not even all of the traditionally published books get to be in Barnes and Noble. So, try this and see what happens. I think, if you stick to it with the passion it took to write the book in the first place you will find bookshelf space for your title.

But…a publisher has already contacted me! What do I do? How much do I ask for?

You know what? This has happened three times to me. Three times I’ve been approached by publishers—and one of those times was for a book that had already been published. I didn’t take the offers for a variety of reasons. If you want to take the offer, don’t negotiate it yourself. Spend an afternoon googling literary agents. Find the one who represents what you write. Find their contact information. Send them an email explaining that you already have a contract offer and you need help with it. Tell them everything you can about the offer, 
including who is offering it. If this deal is worth pursuing, I promise you will hear back from the agent.

TWEETABLES
Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask - I'm Ready for the Big Time! @TraciTyneHilton on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

What comes next for Indie Authors? @TraciTyneHilton shares good news on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Other Posts in This Series
Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask—What If I Can't Do It? (Part 1)
Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask—Aren’t All Indie Books Bad? (Part 2)
Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask—But Everyone Else is Cheating, Why Can’t I? (Part 3) 


Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask—Help Pirates! (Part 4)Answers to Some of the Questions Authors Ask—I'm Ready for the Big Time! (Part 5)
Traci Tyne Hilton is the author of The Plain Jane Mysteries, The Mitzy Neuhaus Mysteries and the Tillgiven RomanticMysteries. Traci has a degree in history from Portland State University and still lives in the rainiest part of the Pacific Northwest with her husband the mandolin playing funeral director, two busy kids, and their dogs, Dr. Watson and Archie Goodwin.

More of Traci’s work can be found at www.tracihilton.com

Fall in Love With Social Media - 11 Things to Love

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


Let’s face it, social media takes a lot of hard knocks and gathers a good bit of bad press. 
I know I’m guilty of thinking only about the drudgery of doing it, even as I acknowledge the necessity. 
But just like almost anything we have to do—or even love to do—there are good parts and bad parts.
Today we’re going to concentrate on the good parts!


2. I can help others without having to be in person or even on the telephone. I can offer assistance through a comment, a prayer, a practical link, many of the ways I could before, but without the barrier of location.
3. It gives me a wider perspective. I live in the south, in the United States. Without the benefit of social media, this would give me a fairly specific definition of what normal looks like. But now I have friends and connections all over the country and even the world. Those connections have broadened my horizons and influenced the way I see things.
4. I can get my message out faster. If I have something I want to share, I can do so almost immediately—with little or no time-lag.
5. I can connect with others regardless of location. I think we forget what a benefit this is. I know it’s helped me reconnect with old friends, stay in touch with new ones, and even develop relationships with people whom I might never have met in person.
6. It makes me deliberate about reaching out beyond my inner circle. Social media is a world that grows with momentum. If I’m consistent and diligent about connecting every week, my circle widens. If I don’t, it shrinks. This make me conscious of the need to reach out. Since I’m an introvert, this is good for me. It’s also an attitude that has bled over into my physical community.
7. I have learned to clarify and shorten my message. There are good and bad things about living in a world of soundbites. One of the good things is that it has forced me to drill down to the core of who I am and how I want to present myself. This makes my presence on social media more effective, but it also makes my in-person presence better.
8. I have a new skill set and it’s made me more confident. Doing social media well requires a big jump in skills. By learning all these things, I’ve proven to myself that I’m not too old—or stupid, or lazy, or ______—to grow as a person and as a writer.
9. It has made me more respectful of others. I’d like to think I was already respectful, but I know that wasn’t true in every area of my life. By watching the negative behavior of others, it’s made me more mindful that I need to follow the golden rule and treat others the way I’d like to be treated—online and off.
10. My definition of community has grown. I grew up believing that my community consisted of those who were physically nearby. Now I know better. My community consists of those with whom I share life, sometimes in person, sometimes online.
11. I have found a new aspect of the ministry God has given me. Many of us feel that God has whispered a unique purpose for our lives to us. With the advent of social media, that purpose has deepened. Where once He could use me to reach a small group in my community, now He can use me to reach the world. Yes, I know God could reach the world through one insignificant person without social media, but I also know that He’s using it in a powerful way.
I know we could (and often do) go on and on about how social media is a drag. But it isn’t it nice to spend a little time focusing instead on how it’s a blessing? I’d love to know what you’ve found positive in your time on social media. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
And don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESFall in Love with #SocialMedia - 11 Things to Love - from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

It’s not all bad— @EdieMelson shares 11 GOOD things about #socialmedia (Click to Tweet)

PSL - Publishing As a Second Language – Networking Defined

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden


The Oxford Dictionaries define “networking” as “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.” What a perfect definition for writers!
If you are just starting out, you may be wondering why writers even need to think about networking. Isn’t the important thing that we learn how to write, create excellent manuscripts, then share them with the public to help change their lives?That is true. It’s the last phrase in which networking becomes so important. We need help in getting our words out there. We are not in this alone. We’re part of a team in the publishing industry where our job is to provide material. There are others whose jobs are to know the markets inside and out and advise us where we can find a good fit.
Just the thought of networking may be daunting in the beginning of your writing career. After all, some of the people you need to know are famous, others are super successful in their writing, still others are publishers, editors, and agents. But with just a few pointers, you can be well on your way to becoming an excellent marketer.
Go to the Right Places
Yes, you can do some networking from your home office but the best advice I can give you about networking is to get out there. Go where you can meet people face-to-face. You become more memorable when they can put a face with your name. This is a good reason to include your picture on your business cards. Even after you have returned home, your face is still connected to your name.
Writers Conferences
Many writers conferences exist today as a gathering place for writers and editors and publishers. There are all sizes, focuses, and prices. Find one near you that fits what you are looking for. Check out who will be there and make sure if you are pitching a specific genre there will be people there who publish that genre. That being said, I have never attended a conference of any kind that I didn’t learn a lot and make great connections, even if I wasn’t pitching anything. Conferences offer workshops, critiques, meetings with professional writers, editors and publishers, and so much more. 
Make sure you arrive at a writers conference armed with lots of business cards. Make sure your contact information is correct and up to date. Don’t be shy. Hand them out to everyone you meet with, eat lunch with, sit beside in workshops, etc. Likewise, collect cards from every one you meet. Make notes on the card if the person has a specialty you might someday write about and need an expert. File the cards as soon as you get home. Many systems exist that will help you keep your cards in an easily retrievable format.
If you are looking for a conference in the near future, I’d like to invite you personally to the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, March 1-2, at First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. It’s so affordable and not too late to register. There is still room for you. More than two dozen professional writers, editors, publishers, and writing coaches will be on hand to help and encourage you. The website for this conference is www.fbs.org/writers and we would love to see you there.
Other conference this spring include the Asheville Christian Writers Conference, Florida Christian Writers Conference, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, and more. Do a search for the type of conference you are looking for and you won’t be disappointed.
Retreats
A current trend in the writing world is the appearance of many writing retreats. Retreats are smaller gatherings and many include hands-on time to write. Faculties are smaller and it is a good time to build relationships with others. Retreats are often shorter and occur over a weekend. Still great networking opportunities.
Seminars
Often libraries or universities invite authors to come speak to the community. While there may be limited time to network with the keynote speaker, these meetings present a time for fellowship and networking with those in your immediate area.
Writers Groups
Almost every community has a writers group. Seek out those in your community who are writers and who can help you learn the business of writing. A group can encourage you, help edit your work, and brainstorm with you. If you can’t find a group in your area, there are online groups as well.
Remember when you attend an event, makes notes of any comments made by editors and professionals. Write a thank you note which just extends your networking and continues to build your relationships.
From Home
If you aren’t able to travel to a conference, retreat, or seminar, you can do a lot of networking at home. Join writers Facebook groups and comment often. Listen to what others are saying and good markets to write for.
When you see an article written by a professional writer, send an email to let them know you liked it. Look for any opportunity to continue to build a relationship that began at a conference or online. 
Networking does take work and you must be diligent about keeping relationships fresh and strong. But it will pay off as you network with others to help each other find markets for your writing, discover new markets to write for, or build confidence for navigating the publishing world.
TWEETABLESPSL - Publishing as a Second Language - Networking Defined from author @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Networking is as critical for writers as for other professionals - tips from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Linda Gilden loves networking with those in the writing industry. Her contacts and long-standing relationships with others continues to encourage her. Linda is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Linda recently releasedArticles, Articles, Articles! and is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and 18 books including the new LINKED Quick Guides for Personalities. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com

Writing for Every Type of Reader

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

My mother is on the upside of 93-years-old. Weekly she reads two to three NOVELS. Not just short little novellas, but novels. Obviously, she loves reading. There’s no doubt it keeps her spry in her senior years. Her love of reading began to make me wonder exactly what draws her to read so intently.
It’s important to know there are two types of readers. Those who savor every word and those who read for the pure love of reading. The two vary greatly, so let's identify these reader types and what draws them into reading.Two Types of Readers
The Reader Who Savors Every Word These readers take their time reading a book. It’s not uncommon to find book pages dog eared, highlighted lines, or even notes jotted in the margins. The reader who savors the words generally has a large collection of books neatly stacked or stored in shelves and they rarely “lend” a book because they cherish every one. I would lay odds, they do not own a Kindle because they cherish the feel of a book. The scent of the pages, the texture of the paper, is all part of the reading experience.
The savorer readers a bit slower taking in every detail. They become invested in the characters and even mourn the end of story. Savorers love stories that end with meaning and force them to long for more of the story. They will remember every character, every turn, every moment of a story. These folks will write a review that is worthy of a Pulitzer.
The Reader Who Reads for the Pure Love of ReadingThese readers, read in the moment. They dig into a story, live it moment to moment, and when it’s done – they feel satisfied. Reading lovers live for stories that move quickly and fluently. Their joy is found in a sudden impactful story – books that they can’t seem to put down until the last page is turned. They devour book after book and go on the hunt for more. 
Reading lovers tear through a book, absorbing it quickly. When the story is done, these folks will decide: “Yes, I liked it” or “No, I didn’t.” That’s all they remember. They have no attachment to the characters and no expectation of a second in a series – only that they liked or disliked it.
The question becomes, how do we as writers, ping the desires of both types of readers? There is one thing both reader types have in common – like or dislike. It’s up to us to bring every paragraph to life and offer the reader of either sector, a pleasurable read.
Tips to Reach Both Types of ReadersPing the senses: The late Ron Benrey taught that when a writer can ping every sense: hearing, sight, taste, smell, and touch in every page of a book, be it non-fiction or fiction, then the reader is drawn in and made an active part of the work. When asked if you could really do this in non-fiction, Benrey laughed a hardy laugh, and said, “Of course. You just have to believe in the work you write and dig into the emotion of what you are teaching or sharing in non-fiction. Pinging the senses brings even the boring to life.” 
Move fluidly from chapter to chapter: Keep your chapters tight being sure you tie the end of one chapter to beginning of the next. It doesn’t have to be a continuation of the prior chapter, but it does need to have symmetry and balance. Those knee-jerk moments knock the reader out of what Benrey called the fictional bubble.When we yank a reader out of that “zone,” it’s hard to draw them back.
Don’t overwrite a scene: Readers want a scene that moves them seamlessly along side the characters. Too much detail is just as bad as not enough. Carefully access if you are giving the reader exactly what they need. Keep in mind that old writing rule, “if it doesn’t move the scene ahead, nix it.” When we overwrite a scene, readers grow bored or worse, a bit insulted that the writer assumed they were unable to draw a word picture in their head. Allow your reader the joy of just enough description to paint a great picture. Overwriting takes away the joy and turns it into hard work. 
Write believable characters: More times than not, slouchy characters drive readers to slam a book closed – even those who read just for the love of reading. Just because they read quickly and for the love of words, does not mean they don’t pay attention. They do, and they, like the savorers, want a story that has good meat in the characters. Those who savor the characters want to know what makes them tick. They want to understand them. They want to be their friends. Those who read for the love of it, want the same. They just don’t remember the details two weeks later. Write characters that are well rounded. Let readers know just enough about their internal desires to make them love them and let them see their faults as well as their good qualities. Showing faults brings a character into the realm of reality. Readers relate because they too have faults – they can sympathize.
Remember as you write, who your readers are. Make your book like a recipe of beef stew – adding tidbits of goodies that blend to make a tasty delight. Your readers become the seasoning of salt and pepper. Your job is to create a story your readers hunger for. You can’t please them all…maybe, maybe not, but I’m guessing when you mix it just right, you’ll come pretty close to the perfect stew.    
TWEETABLESWriting for every type of reader - tips from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
A writer's job is to create a story readers hunger for - tips from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at  www.cindysproles.com .  @cindydevoted

Tools for Writers & Speakers, How Writers & Speakers Can Use a Flip Chart Effectively

by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

How can writers flip the chart? Not their lid. If you have a breakout session or a small group discussion scheduled, you may want to use a flip chart. However, you want to do it with confidence and polish. 
The following tips will help you flip the chart. Not your lid.
Find an adjustable flip chart stand with a case.Compare price and quality of what’s available at both a teacher’s and an office supply store. Also look online.  
The case costs an additional amount of money, but you will find it helpful when you travel.
Adjust the height of the flip chart yourself.Once at an event, a person in the audience offered to help me set up for my presentation. I welcomed his offer. During my presentation, I tried to flip the page over and couldn’t reach to do it. I leaped into the air in vain. My helper was 6’8”. I’m 4’11”.  Since then, I adjust the height myself. 
Make sure the flip chart stand has wheels that lock.You can move the chart to the side when you don’t need it, and roll it back in the middle when you do.  With wheels that lock, you can avoid a run-away flip chart. In the movie, Run-Away Bride, Julia Roberts as that bride is one thing. A run-away flip chart is another. You don’t want it to ram into your audience. 
Buy a flip chart with lined paper.If your writing tends to go downhill, you’ll welcome the flip chart with lined paper. The lines will keep your writing level and help you print in a large font the group can read. I discovered it’s easier on lined paper to stay focused and fill in at the same time. I hope you do too.
Use a flip chart that comes with adhesive sheets. A flip chart with adhesive sheets allows you to keep filled in sheets visible. When you complete them, you can hang them on the wall.
You can also write one of your main points on a sheet and add feedback from the audience. Remove the adhesive sheet with ease from the flip chart and stick it to the wall. 
Have a roll of Scotch tape with you in case the adhesive backing wears out during your session. Find out ahead of time if the walls of the room are magnetic. If so, take a roll of magnetic tape with you and a small pair of scissors to cut the strips.
To wrap up, here are the main points again:Find an adjustable flip chart stand with a case.Adjust the height of the flip chart yourself.Make sure the flip chart stand has wheels that lock.Buy a flip chart with lined paper. Use a flip chart that comes with adhesive sheets. Follow these guidelines and you will flip the chart. Not your lid.
TWEETABLESTools for Writers & Speakers, How Writers & Speakers Can Use a Flip Chart Effectively - @YvonneOrtega1 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
How Writers Can Flip the Chart. Not Their Lid - @YvoneOrtega1 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Yvonne Ortega speaks with honesty and humor as she shares her life and struggles through presentations that help women find comfort, peace, and purpose. Her background as a licensed professional counselor gives her a unique perspective into the heart of women. Her counseling experiences in jails, prisons, and outpatient services add depth and humor to her presentations, as do her years of teaching mostly high school and college Spanish. Her presentations are interactive and down-to- earth with application for the audience from God’s Word and his promises. 
Yvonne is also a speaking and writing coach and the owner of Moving from Broken to Beautiful®, LLC. She is the author of four books: Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer, Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward, Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Forgiveness, and Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Grief. 
Yvonne is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), the Christian Authors Network (CAN), the National Speakers Association (NSA), and Toastmasters International. 

Remembering The Power Behind Our Written Words

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundation words, words to build a life on. Luke 6:46-47 (The Message)
I get a lot of joy from the blogs I follow. They give me energy when I’m down and life to an otherwise lackluster day. These are frequently written by people I’ve worked with or met at conferences or who’ve been in my classes. Be warned, if you’ve been one of my students, I do keep up with you.
Many have commented that they wonder how I keep up with so many. I readily admit I don’t read every blog, every day. If I did, I’d never get anything done.
But I do pay attention to the post titles and try to pay attention to that gentle tap on my spiritual shoulder when I need to stop and read one. It’s ALWAYS a blessing. God has spoken to me so clearly through so many of you. I wish I had the time to tell each of you in person how you’ve impacted my life. I know I could never adequately explain, so my prayer is that, in Heaven, you’ll get to see the result of your faithfulness.HOWEVER
That said, I also see a lot of stuff through social media. There are short updates, and advertisements of blogs I don’t follow. Sometimes I find a hidden gem, but more often than not, these blogs have the opposite affect on my spirit, leaving me enervated and sad.

So often these words are penned with ulterior motives that are less than uplifting. Yes, they may be trying to build up a point—but the result is tearing down a person in the process.
The contrast between these two types of written words have made me wonder about my own words. Am I exemplifying Jesus and bringing life with my words, or am I draining life from someone who is already hurting? 


I’m not talking about watering down the Truth of God’s Word. But I am talking about the motive behind my words. Do I quickly dash off something because I think someone needs to learn a lesson? Or maybe I  write something harsh because I, or someone I love, has been hurt?

No matter what, I'm learning that my words carry power—to hurt or heal.
In light of what I’ve seen, I’ll be choosing my words with more care, more love, and a heart of compassion.

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Remembering the power behind our written words - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Overcoming the Stress of Writing the First Draft

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt

“The first draft is just telling yourself the story.”Terry Pratchett (1948-2015), English fantasy author
We writers tend to stress about our first drafts. We overlook both the words “first” and “draft” and expect our preliminary take on our book to somehow appear on the page polished and perfect.
It’s not going to happen, friends. Every writer – fiction or non-fiction, pre-published or published, award-winning or not – produces a needs-to-be-rewritten first draft. 
Feel better yet?
If you don’t, read author Terry Pratchett’s words again: “The first draft is just telling yourself the story.” 
And then determine to remember his wise words the next time you’re writing a first draft.
As we sit down to write our first draft of our romance or steampunk or women’s fiction novel, we need to give ourselves the freedom to tell the story. This is also true if we’re writing a non-fiction book or a Bible study. We need to tell our internal editors to “shush!” and allow ourselves to rediscover this book we think we know so well. That’s what a first draft should be: an act of discovery.
Novelists, we may think we know what our stories are about when we’re finally ready to start writing. After all, we’ve taken the time to develop our characters. We’ve written a synopsis – maybe even a short synopsis and a long synopsis. We may have roughed out our chapters.
But let’s give our stories room to breathe as we write our first drafts. Let’s allow our characters to surprise us. Let’s permit our stories to change if they need to. Sometimes those unexpected changes are the best things that happen to our plotted-out beginnings or middles or endings.   
Non-fiction writers, we need to breathe, too, when we face our first draft. (I’ve written both non-fiction and fiction. I know stress accompanies both types of manuscripts.) 
Oftentimes, there’s a story woven through a nonfiction book. As it’s been said: Remember why you started. Let that truth – not perfection – fuel your first draft. 
Story is a powerful thing. The next time you’re stressing about your first draft, stop for a minute. Remember this is about telling yourself the story – not perfecting it. And then breathe and keep on writing.
TWEETABLESOvercoming the stress of #writing the first draft - @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
‘The first draft is just telling yourself the story.’ #quote by author Terry Pratchett via @bethvogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Award-winning author Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, Beth's first women's fiction novel with Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters Series, releases May 2019. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.