Edie Melson's Blog, page 381
April 7, 2015
One Writer's Thoughts on Writing Contests
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
It’s that time in the publishing year. Conference season is definitely upon us. Everywhere we turn on social media is an announcement of yet another conference and the attending contests that surround it. Sometimes the contests even appear without a conference, put on by groups and organizations.But you can feel the excitement in the air. Writers everywhere are honing manuscripts, blurbs, synopsis, and even one sheets in the hope that this is their chance to shine. There’s stress underlying the excitement. Each contest has an entry fee to consider, along with what happens to the winner’s manuscript.
We’re all researching those that judge the contests and asking for feedback on the amount and type of feed back received from past entrants. And although we’re all assuring each other—and ourselves—that our goal is good feedback and visibility. Secretly we want to do well.
After years in the publishing industry, on both sides of the contest door, I have a couple of theories about contests. I’m interested to see if you agree or disagree, or have other thoughts as well, so I’m hoping we’ll get a rousing discussion going.
First, no matter how hard the creators try, a writing contest will always be subjective. It’s just not like a footrace, there’s no camera at the finish line to capture who comes in first. Our industry—the craft of writing—is subjective. No matter how well something is written technically, if that innate spark of magical something isn’t there, it falls flat.
AND every single person’s definition of that certain something is different.
Second, the fact that a writing contest is subjective is a perfect representation of the publishing industry as a whole. Every time we send off a submission, it’s judged through several filters. It’s judged through the filter of what the publisher/editor/agent thinks will sell. It’s judged through their personal likes and dislikes, and it’s judged against other manuscripts available. These judgments rarely rely on things like misplaced commas or dangling participles, although bad grammar can wreck a manuscripts chance at times, it’s that gut reaction by the reader to what’s being read.Three, contests that are subjective are actually fair, because they expose us to real life as a working writer. It would be grossly unfair for a contest to be so set up to be nothing at all like the publishing industry. It would lead to false hopes and expectations, and ultimately shatter dreams. Working as a writer means learning to accept the good with the bad. It’s tough, but it’s the truth.
At this point I will confess that I’ve spent more than a few hours verbally abusing that certain judge who was wholly unreasonable in the feedback on one of my manuscripts. And it’s happened more than once—actually it’s happened the majority of times I’ve entered a manuscript. I’ve come to realize I really am a poor loser.
But the issue lies in these contests trying to be more fair by using a panel of judges instead of just one. Frequently there are three. And invariably, I’d get two high marks and one incredibly low one.
Finally one day my husband stopped me in my tracks. “You just got dumped on by the Russian judge,” he said. When I asked him to explain he reminded me of the years we spent watching the Olympics. Especially in the more creative sports like gymnastics, diving, and ice skating, the judging was done in the fairest possible way—with a panel of judges from the participating countries. Invariably, the one low score for my favorite US competitor would come from the cranky Russian judge.
It wasn’t fair, but it was just the way life worked.
So what is my point to all this? Contests are great. I love to enter them, and I especially love to win. But beyond that, my contest experience has prepared me for a publishing career in ways I never imagined.I learned how to move on when my work was unfairly judged.I learned that winning was based on subjective criteria.And most of all…I learned that ultimately winning, like publishing, is up to God. He chooses whom He will, when He will. My job is to keep writing and keep submitting—yet to contests and to publications and publishers both. I’m sowing the seeds, but God brings about the harvest.
Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on writing contests? Be sure to share them in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings, Edie
TWEETABLES
#Writing contests are subjective, @EdieMelson shares how that fact actually makes them fair (Click to Tweet)
One author weighs in with thoughts on #Writing contests - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
It’s that time in the publishing year. Conference season is definitely upon us. Everywhere we turn on social media is an announcement of yet another conference and the attending contests that surround it. Sometimes the contests even appear without a conference, put on by groups and organizations.But you can feel the excitement in the air. Writers everywhere are honing manuscripts, blurbs, synopsis, and even one sheets in the hope that this is their chance to shine. There’s stress underlying the excitement. Each contest has an entry fee to consider, along with what happens to the winner’s manuscript.We’re all researching those that judge the contests and asking for feedback on the amount and type of feed back received from past entrants. And although we’re all assuring each other—and ourselves—that our goal is good feedback and visibility. Secretly we want to do well.
After years in the publishing industry, on both sides of the contest door, I have a couple of theories about contests. I’m interested to see if you agree or disagree, or have other thoughts as well, so I’m hoping we’ll get a rousing discussion going.
First, no matter how hard the creators try, a writing contest will always be subjective. It’s just not like a footrace, there’s no camera at the finish line to capture who comes in first. Our industry—the craft of writing—is subjective. No matter how well something is written technically, if that innate spark of magical something isn’t there, it falls flat.
AND every single person’s definition of that certain something is different.
Second, the fact that a writing contest is subjective is a perfect representation of the publishing industry as a whole. Every time we send off a submission, it’s judged through several filters. It’s judged through the filter of what the publisher/editor/agent thinks will sell. It’s judged through their personal likes and dislikes, and it’s judged against other manuscripts available. These judgments rarely rely on things like misplaced commas or dangling participles, although bad grammar can wreck a manuscripts chance at times, it’s that gut reaction by the reader to what’s being read.Three, contests that are subjective are actually fair, because they expose us to real life as a working writer. It would be grossly unfair for a contest to be so set up to be nothing at all like the publishing industry. It would lead to false hopes and expectations, and ultimately shatter dreams. Working as a writer means learning to accept the good with the bad. It’s tough, but it’s the truth.
At this point I will confess that I’ve spent more than a few hours verbally abusing that certain judge who was wholly unreasonable in the feedback on one of my manuscripts. And it’s happened more than once—actually it’s happened the majority of times I’ve entered a manuscript. I’ve come to realize I really am a poor loser.But the issue lies in these contests trying to be more fair by using a panel of judges instead of just one. Frequently there are three. And invariably, I’d get two high marks and one incredibly low one.
Finally one day my husband stopped me in my tracks. “You just got dumped on by the Russian judge,” he said. When I asked him to explain he reminded me of the years we spent watching the Olympics. Especially in the more creative sports like gymnastics, diving, and ice skating, the judging was done in the fairest possible way—with a panel of judges from the participating countries. Invariably, the one low score for my favorite US competitor would come from the cranky Russian judge.
It wasn’t fair, but it was just the way life worked.
So what is my point to all this? Contests are great. I love to enter them, and I especially love to win. But beyond that, my contest experience has prepared me for a publishing career in ways I never imagined.I learned how to move on when my work was unfairly judged.I learned that winning was based on subjective criteria.And most of all…I learned that ultimately winning, like publishing, is up to God. He chooses whom He will, when He will. My job is to keep writing and keep submitting—yet to contests and to publications and publishers both. I’m sowing the seeds, but God brings about the harvest.
Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on writing contests? Be sure to share them in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings, Edie
TWEETABLES
#Writing contests are subjective, @EdieMelson shares how that fact actually makes them fair (Click to Tweet)
One author weighs in with thoughts on #Writing contests - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
April 6, 2015
Lacking Social Media Momentum? It Could be an All or Nothing Mindset
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Stop the destructive cycle of all or nothing social media.I’ve been teaching writers how to use social media to grow an online platform for years. I’ve developed this blog, spent years teaching at conferences, as well as consulting with groups and ministries.
Unfortunately, the one thing I see over and over again, is excited people who try to take everything I teach and apply it in a crazy-short amount of time.
In every class I teach, I warn against spending more than 30 minutes a day building an online platform, but I can’t seem to combat the rush of enthusiasm that infects some.
Then, these excited, energized folks become the victims of the destructive cycle of all or nothing social media. Today, I’d like to expand on this concept and explain what can happen if you find yourself caught in the whirlpool of this mindset. I’ll also offer some ways to help you regain your equilibrium.
Beware the trap of too much social media.Beware the Trap of Too MUCH Social MediaThis cycle usually begins when someone is trying to become comfortable with a new platform or way of approaching social media. They’ll spend hours on end, over the course of a few days, or for the hardier souls, the course of a few weeks. At first, the results multiply and that taste of victory spurs them to more intense work.
But true platform building with social media cannot be rushed.
Just like a builder must wait for a poured foundation to cure, social media interactions must be allowed room to breathe. Here are just a few reasons it takes time to gain traction:When we follow someone, it takes time for them to find that we followed them and follow us back.Not everyone is online at the same time. So a concentrated burst of updates within a few hours will net us fewer views than a few updates over the course of twenty-four hours.Everyone manages social media differently. I check my followers 2 – 3 times a week. That’s when I decide who to follow back and interact with on a deeper level.
Beyond the downside of the above-mentioned issues, there’s also the very real issue of burn-out. After that first heady rush of platform building victory, there’s very little movement on the momentum front and frustration begins to take over.
I see the mindset of: I invested all this time, and only have this to show for it.
Truthfully, if this poor soul had invested the same amount of time over several days and/or weeks, the growth would have been phenomenal.
Tips to stop the cycle.So how do we stop the cycle? 1. Set a time limit—and stick to it!2. Set goals—reasonable goals. 3. Take on a single platform at a time. Get started and established before tackling another.4. Use a scheduling program like Hootsuite or Buffer, to multiple your exposure and limit the time you spend.
One of the gems those successful with social media learn early one is that the when is almost always more important than the how much .
But isn’t there ANYTHING to do with all that excitement?Yes, actually there is. But be very careful not to spend too much time on even the tasks I’m about to mention. Burnout is still a very real side affect of even these jobs.
Things we can spend time on.Things We Can Spend Time On1. Composing your bio/about me section of each platform. These section is a key place others use to gage whether they want to interact with you. I simply cannot stress the importance of getting this right.
2. Check your consistency. Beyond getting it right, you also want your bio to be consistent from platform to platform. This can be tricky because the word count of your bio is different on each network. So you have to play around with it a bit.
3. Generating a good cover image for all your networks. Here’s a link to my Twitter homepage. You can see my cover image is my upcoming book. I use the same cover for all my networks.
4. Choosing a consistent avatar image for all your networks. My image isn’t exactly the same for every single network, but it’s very recognizable, even in the thumbnail size. That’s critical so people can connect with you in different places. They may discover you on Facebook, but they prefer to interact with people on Twitter, so they’ll search for you there. If you can’t be found, you’ve just lost a lot of potential interaction.
5. Research. Take a look at people who are where you want to be on a given platform. Study the way they interact. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead learn from those who are where you want to be.
Bottom LineThe biggest thing to remember is that when it comes to building a platform—just like anything else in life—you get what you put into it. There are no free rides or short cuts to building a solid online presence.
Now it’s your turn. Have you been bitten by the all or nothing cycle? How do you combat the temptation to spend too much time on social media?
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings, Edie
TWEETABLESLacking #SocialMedia momentum? It could be an all or nothingmindset - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Treating #socialmedia with an all or nothingmindset is counterproductive – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Stop the destructive cycle of all or nothing social media.I’ve been teaching writers how to use social media to grow an online platform for years. I’ve developed this blog, spent years teaching at conferences, as well as consulting with groups and ministries. Unfortunately, the one thing I see over and over again, is excited people who try to take everything I teach and apply it in a crazy-short amount of time.
In every class I teach, I warn against spending more than 30 minutes a day building an online platform, but I can’t seem to combat the rush of enthusiasm that infects some.
Then, these excited, energized folks become the victims of the destructive cycle of all or nothing social media. Today, I’d like to expand on this concept and explain what can happen if you find yourself caught in the whirlpool of this mindset. I’ll also offer some ways to help you regain your equilibrium.
Beware the trap of too much social media.Beware the Trap of Too MUCH Social MediaThis cycle usually begins when someone is trying to become comfortable with a new platform or way of approaching social media. They’ll spend hours on end, over the course of a few days, or for the hardier souls, the course of a few weeks. At first, the results multiply and that taste of victory spurs them to more intense work. But true platform building with social media cannot be rushed.
Just like a builder must wait for a poured foundation to cure, social media interactions must be allowed room to breathe. Here are just a few reasons it takes time to gain traction:When we follow someone, it takes time for them to find that we followed them and follow us back.Not everyone is online at the same time. So a concentrated burst of updates within a few hours will net us fewer views than a few updates over the course of twenty-four hours.Everyone manages social media differently. I check my followers 2 – 3 times a week. That’s when I decide who to follow back and interact with on a deeper level.
Beyond the downside of the above-mentioned issues, there’s also the very real issue of burn-out. After that first heady rush of platform building victory, there’s very little movement on the momentum front and frustration begins to take over.
I see the mindset of: I invested all this time, and only have this to show for it.
Truthfully, if this poor soul had invested the same amount of time over several days and/or weeks, the growth would have been phenomenal.
Tips to stop the cycle.So how do we stop the cycle? 1. Set a time limit—and stick to it!2. Set goals—reasonable goals. 3. Take on a single platform at a time. Get started and established before tackling another.4. Use a scheduling program like Hootsuite or Buffer, to multiple your exposure and limit the time you spend.One of the gems those successful with social media learn early one is that the when is almost always more important than the how much .
But isn’t there ANYTHING to do with all that excitement?Yes, actually there is. But be very careful not to spend too much time on even the tasks I’m about to mention. Burnout is still a very real side affect of even these jobs.
Things we can spend time on.Things We Can Spend Time On1. Composing your bio/about me section of each platform. These section is a key place others use to gage whether they want to interact with you. I simply cannot stress the importance of getting this right. 2. Check your consistency. Beyond getting it right, you also want your bio to be consistent from platform to platform. This can be tricky because the word count of your bio is different on each network. So you have to play around with it a bit.
3. Generating a good cover image for all your networks. Here’s a link to my Twitter homepage. You can see my cover image is my upcoming book. I use the same cover for all my networks.
4. Choosing a consistent avatar image for all your networks. My image isn’t exactly the same for every single network, but it’s very recognizable, even in the thumbnail size. That’s critical so people can connect with you in different places. They may discover you on Facebook, but they prefer to interact with people on Twitter, so they’ll search for you there. If you can’t be found, you’ve just lost a lot of potential interaction.
5. Research. Take a look at people who are where you want to be on a given platform. Study the way they interact. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead learn from those who are where you want to be.
Bottom LineThe biggest thing to remember is that when it comes to building a platform—just like anything else in life—you get what you put into it. There are no free rides or short cuts to building a solid online presence.
Now it’s your turn. Have you been bitten by the all or nothing cycle? How do you combat the temptation to spend too much time on social media?
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings, Edie
TWEETABLESLacking #SocialMedia momentum? It could be an all or nothingmindset - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Treating #socialmedia with an all or nothingmindset is counterproductive – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
April 5, 2015
The Aroma of Christ
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. II Corinthians 3:15
Travel back in time with me as we watch Joseph and Nicodemus take the body of Jesus from the cross that fateful Friday and prepare it for burial. It must have taken valuable time to convince Pilate to let them have Him, but they managed. Nicodemus carried seventy five pounds of myrrh and spices to prepare the body. It was an offering worthy of a king—a dead king.
Imagine the tears they shed as they silently and gently lowered his broken body to the ground. See the abuse He suffered at the hands of his accusers. The beatings rendered Him almost unrecognizable as the blood and filth poured from His body. Still they loved Him so much.
Time was running out before the Sabbath began. They didn’t have time to prepare His body like they wanted, like He deserved. But at least there was an unused tomb in the garden close by. They took Him there and lovingly prepared His body.
They tried to cover the stench of death with herbs and linen, but can you imagine the odor inside that dark, cramped tomb. The sickly sweet smell of myrrh combining with the overwhelming smell of blood and torture. As they worked, the smell must have seeped into their noses, hair and clothing, and when they left they took with them the odor of despair as they gathered with the others to celebrate an empty Sabbath.
Move ahead to Sunday morning, that very first Easter. Mary Magdalene has returned with the news that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. As the disciples race to the tomb a part of them must dread what they’ll find. But as John enters that resting place of the dead something besides Jesus’ body is missing.
In a place once redolent with the stink of death, there lies only the empty grave clothes and spices. Imagine the odor now—this place of death now carries the aroma of life.
Jesus led the way—He replaced the odor of death with the aroma of life. Now it’s up to us to let Him lead others down the same path through us.
The question is, does our life carry the stink of death or the fragrance of life everlasting?
Travel back in time with me as we watch Joseph and Nicodemus take the body of Jesus from the cross that fateful Friday and prepare it for burial. It must have taken valuable time to convince Pilate to let them have Him, but they managed. Nicodemus carried seventy five pounds of myrrh and spices to prepare the body. It was an offering worthy of a king—a dead king.Imagine the tears they shed as they silently and gently lowered his broken body to the ground. See the abuse He suffered at the hands of his accusers. The beatings rendered Him almost unrecognizable as the blood and filth poured from His body. Still they loved Him so much.
Time was running out before the Sabbath began. They didn’t have time to prepare His body like they wanted, like He deserved. But at least there was an unused tomb in the garden close by. They took Him there and lovingly prepared His body.
They tried to cover the stench of death with herbs and linen, but can you imagine the odor inside that dark, cramped tomb. The sickly sweet smell of myrrh combining with the overwhelming smell of blood and torture. As they worked, the smell must have seeped into their noses, hair and clothing, and when they left they took with them the odor of despair as they gathered with the others to celebrate an empty Sabbath.
Move ahead to Sunday morning, that very first Easter. Mary Magdalene has returned with the news that someone has stolen Jesus’ body. As the disciples race to the tomb a part of them must dread what they’ll find. But as John enters that resting place of the dead something besides Jesus’ body is missing.
In a place once redolent with the stink of death, there lies only the empty grave clothes and spices. Imagine the odor now—this place of death now carries the aroma of life.Jesus led the way—He replaced the odor of death with the aroma of life. Now it’s up to us to let Him lead others down the same path through us.
The question is, does our life carry the stink of death or the fragrance of life everlasting?
April 3, 2015
One Publisher is Helping Authors Sell Books by Thinking Outside the Box
by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007
Writers are expected to do more and more and more.In a world where publishers are consolidating and cutting costs, and writers are expected to perform many marketing and promotional activities, how will we find time to write?
If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. It’s a topic of discussion at every conference and writers meeting I’ve attended over the past few years. And it’s a valid question. Sales and marketing activities do take time—a lot. And not everyone can do them well.
Lighthouse Publishing of the CarolinasFortunately, there are people in the publishing world who care enough to think outside the box. One such professional is Eddie Jones, founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of theCarolinas. Using his life experiences, he’s developed a unique idea for helping writers and readers alike.
“My football career was cut short by Tupperware. Well, Tupperware and the fact that I was the smallest player on our junior varsity team.”
“For many years, I helped my mom bag salad crispers and Tupperware tumblers. Those nights with Mom prepared me for the adventure of launching a new way to sell books at a time when many publishers are shutting their doors. It’s called the LPC Ambassador program.”
Amazon killed the old way of selling books.“Let’s be honest: Amazon killed the old way of selling books. Not that long ago the big six book publishers, and by default, bookstores, played the role of kingmaker, but that’s changing. You only need to review the number of bookstores that have closed in the past few years and layoffs within the industry to see that bookselling the old way is in trouble. Publishers are still moving about the same number of books but it’s through Amazon.
That’s troubling to those of us who have witnessed the harsh stance Amazon has taken with some publishers.”
Jones explains that the LPC Ambassador program is an opportunity for select individuals to work at something they love—reading and recommending books. LPC Ambassadors are independent booksellers working from home, laptops, tablets, and smart phones.
“I admit, the concept of our LPC Ambassador program mirrors the success my Mom enjoyed with Tupperware. As a book party host you earn free books, gift cards, and money by inviting friends and family into your home to share the joy of reading. Our Ambassador book parties are fun and flexible, and a great way to earn some extra income. They get paid by selling books, not by purchasing products or recruiting friends.”
Ambassadors receive an LPC starter kit with selected books, training in social media platform building, client base development, and strategies for generating new sales. They also receive a personalized online storefront. Many Ambassadors begin taking orders within days of starting their business.
Books have the opportunity to bring friends & family together.“Books have the opportunity to bring friends and families together in ways other forms of entertainment do not. This is the true joy of in-home book parties. It’s a chance to increase the role books and reading play in our culture while making a difference in people’s lives.”
As writers, we know lots of readers. And many of them are looking for ways to add to the family income. The LPC Ambassador program is a great way to do this. For more information, go to http://www.lpcbooks.com/
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please make a comment below. And let’s keep the conversation going.
TWEETABLES
How One Publisher is Helping Authors Sell Books by Thinking Outside the Box - via @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)
A new way to sell books from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas - @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)
Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.
When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.
“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”
Writers are expected to do more and more and more.In a world where publishers are consolidating and cutting costs, and writers are expected to perform many marketing and promotional activities, how will we find time to write?If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. It’s a topic of discussion at every conference and writers meeting I’ve attended over the past few years. And it’s a valid question. Sales and marketing activities do take time—a lot. And not everyone can do them well.
Lighthouse Publishing of the CarolinasFortunately, there are people in the publishing world who care enough to think outside the box. One such professional is Eddie Jones, founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of theCarolinas. Using his life experiences, he’s developed a unique idea for helping writers and readers alike.“My football career was cut short by Tupperware. Well, Tupperware and the fact that I was the smallest player on our junior varsity team.”
“For many years, I helped my mom bag salad crispers and Tupperware tumblers. Those nights with Mom prepared me for the adventure of launching a new way to sell books at a time when many publishers are shutting their doors. It’s called the LPC Ambassador program.”
Amazon killed the old way of selling books.“Let’s be honest: Amazon killed the old way of selling books. Not that long ago the big six book publishers, and by default, bookstores, played the role of kingmaker, but that’s changing. You only need to review the number of bookstores that have closed in the past few years and layoffs within the industry to see that bookselling the old way is in trouble. Publishers are still moving about the same number of books but it’s through Amazon. That’s troubling to those of us who have witnessed the harsh stance Amazon has taken with some publishers.”
Jones explains that the LPC Ambassador program is an opportunity for select individuals to work at something they love—reading and recommending books. LPC Ambassadors are independent booksellers working from home, laptops, tablets, and smart phones. “I admit, the concept of our LPC Ambassador program mirrors the success my Mom enjoyed with Tupperware. As a book party host you earn free books, gift cards, and money by inviting friends and family into your home to share the joy of reading. Our Ambassador book parties are fun and flexible, and a great way to earn some extra income. They get paid by selling books, not by purchasing products or recruiting friends.”
Ambassadors receive an LPC starter kit with selected books, training in social media platform building, client base development, and strategies for generating new sales. They also receive a personalized online storefront. Many Ambassadors begin taking orders within days of starting their business.
Books have the opportunity to bring friends & family together.“Books have the opportunity to bring friends and families together in ways other forms of entertainment do not. This is the true joy of in-home book parties. It’s a chance to increase the role books and reading play in our culture while making a difference in people’s lives.”As writers, we know lots of readers. And many of them are looking for ways to add to the family income. The LPC Ambassador program is a great way to do this. For more information, go to http://www.lpcbooks.com/
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please make a comment below. And let’s keep the conversation going.
TWEETABLES
How One Publisher is Helping Authors Sell Books by Thinking Outside the Box - via @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)
A new way to sell books from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas - @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)
Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.
“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”
April 2, 2015
Bird by Bird, a Classic Writing Book that every Writer should Read
by Lynn H Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn
Do you have a list of classics you’ve never read? You know, the ones you intended to read, but somehow they slipped through the literary cracks?
Now you’re all grown up and when people talk about these books you nod in agreement, because EVERYONE knows how awesome that book is.
But the truth is, YOU DON’T because you haven’t read it. And whenever anyone brings it up you remind yourself—again—that you’ve got to read that book just so you won’t feel like the only forty-year-old who hasn’t read To Kill A Mockingbird. (Hangs head in shame)
That’s how I’ve been feeling about Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
When I first started writing, I poured over “best books on writing” lists and
Bird by Bird
made so many appearances that it should have gone straight to the top of the pile. But for some reason my local library doesn’t carry it and then, well, I really don’t know what happened.
Bottom line, I hadn’t read it.
Until now.
As crazy as this may seem, I’m glad I waited.
The way she talks about jealousy, or the mood swings she experiences after sending off her manuscript, or the way she feels about people who leave a negative review of her books, or the way she talks to herself while she’s trying to draft a new story… If I’d read it a few years ago, I might have thought that she was being a bit over-the-top in some of her descriptions.
Instead, I found myself nodding in agreement, snorting with laughter, and frequently stunned that someone had so articulately and accurately defined my own bizarre and mercurial emotions about this beautiful and painful road I’m on.
While there is great writing advice in Bird by Bird , it’s more a book on how to survive being a writer than it is a book on how to write.
At this stage in the publication game, that’s exactly what I needed it to be.
What classic writing book have you discovered—or rediscovered? Share it in the comments section below.
And don't forget to join the conversation!Lynn
**Bird by Bird is sarcastic, irreverent, and sprinkled with the occasional expletive. If those things bother you, you should probably leave this one on the shelf.
TWEETABLES
There are many classic #Writing books, @LynnHBlackburn shares one of her new favorites (Click to Tweet)
A classic #writing book every author should read - via @LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after at http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com.
Do you have a list of classics you’ve never read? You know, the ones you intended to read, but somehow they slipped through the literary cracks?Now you’re all grown up and when people talk about these books you nod in agreement, because EVERYONE knows how awesome that book is.
But the truth is, YOU DON’T because you haven’t read it. And whenever anyone brings it up you remind yourself—again—that you’ve got to read that book just so you won’t feel like the only forty-year-old who hasn’t read To Kill A Mockingbird. (Hangs head in shame)
That’s how I’ve been feeling about Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
When I first started writing, I poured over “best books on writing” lists and
Bird by Bird
made so many appearances that it should have gone straight to the top of the pile. But for some reason my local library doesn’t carry it and then, well, I really don’t know what happened.Bottom line, I hadn’t read it.
Until now.
As crazy as this may seem, I’m glad I waited.
The way she talks about jealousy, or the mood swings she experiences after sending off her manuscript, or the way she feels about people who leave a negative review of her books, or the way she talks to herself while she’s trying to draft a new story… If I’d read it a few years ago, I might have thought that she was being a bit over-the-top in some of her descriptions.
Instead, I found myself nodding in agreement, snorting with laughter, and frequently stunned that someone had so articulately and accurately defined my own bizarre and mercurial emotions about this beautiful and painful road I’m on. While there is great writing advice in Bird by Bird , it’s more a book on how to survive being a writer than it is a book on how to write.
At this stage in the publication game, that’s exactly what I needed it to be.
What classic writing book have you discovered—or rediscovered? Share it in the comments section below.
And don't forget to join the conversation!Lynn
**Bird by Bird is sarcastic, irreverent, and sprinkled with the occasional expletive. If those things bother you, you should probably leave this one on the shelf.
TWEETABLES
There are many classic #Writing books, @LynnHBlackburn shares one of her new favorites (Click to Tweet)
A classic #writing book every author should read - via @LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after at http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com.
April 1, 2015
Calendar Days—April's Crazy Holidays & Special Occasions—Idea Starters for Writers
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
It’s time again for Calendar Days. These are just fun to read. They’re also a great way to jumpstart our creativity when looking for ideas for articles and blog posts. They’re also a fun writing prompt idea.
In addition, calendar days are great conversation starters for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, especially when two contrasting holidays fall on the same date. Here are some that tickled my funny bone this month:
April 6, International Pillow Fight Day and Plan Your Epitaph Day—obviously these people are serious about their pillow fights!Also, 7 is sending a good message—World Health Day and No Housework Day. I definitely think they’re onto something. LOL!Finally, I think April 30 is sending us mixed messages. It’s Hairstyle Appreciation Day and National Honesty Day. Mixing those two could get someone in trouble.
April Holidays, Special Days & Downright Crazy Days
April is National Humor Month!April is:National Humor MonthInternational Guitar MonthKeep America Beautiful MonthLawn & Garden MonthNational Poetry MonthNational Pecan MonthNational Welding MonthRecords & Information Management MonthStress Awareness MonthSexual Assault Awareness Month
Weekly Celebrations:Week 1 Read a Road Map WeekWeek 1 Library WeekWeek 2 Garden WeekWeek 3 Organize Your Files WeekWeek 3 Medical Labs WeekWeek 4 Administrative Assistants WeekWeek 4 National Karaoke Week
Daily Celebrations:
April 1, April Fools DayApril 1 Sourdough Bread DayApril 1 International Tatting DayApril 1 April Fools DayApril 1 International Fun at Work Day
April 2 National Peanut & Jelly DayApril 2 Children’s Book DayApril 2 Reconciliation Day
April 3 Tweed DayApril 3 Fish Fingers & Custard DayApril 3 Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day
April 4 School Librarian DayApril 4 Vitamin C DayApril 4 Tell a Lie DayApril 4 Hug a Newsman DayApril 4 Walk Around Things Day
April 5 EasterApril 5 Go for Broke Day
April 6 Plan Your Epitaph DayApril 6 Sorry Charlie DayApril 6 International Pillow Fight Day
April 7 World Health DayApril 7 No Housework DayApril 7 Caramel Popcorn Day
April 8 is Draw a Picture of a Bird DayApril 8 Draw a Picture of a Bird DayApril 8 All is Ours Day
April 9 Winston Churchill DayApril 9 Name Yourself DayApril 9 Be kind to Lawyers Day
April 10 Sibling DayApril 10 Golfer’s Day
April 11 Eight Track Tape DayApril 11 Barbershop quartet DayApril 11 National Submarine Day
April 12 Grilled Cheese Sandwich DayApril 12 Big Wind DayApril 12 Russian Cosmonaut DayApril 12 Walk on Your Wild Side Day
April 13 Scrabble DayApril 13 Thomas Jefferson Day
April 14 Look up at the Sky DayApril 14 Reach as High as You Can DayApril 14 National Pecan DayApril 14 Ex Spouse DayApril 14 International Moment of Laughter Day
April 15 That Sucks DayApril 15 Titanic Remembrance DayApril 15 Patriot’s Day (third Monday of the month)April 15 Rubber Eraser Day
April 16 National Eggs Benedict DayApril 16 National Librarian DayApril 16 National Stress Awareness Day
April 17 is Ford Mustang DayApril 17 Ford Mustang DayApril 17 Blah, Blah, Blah DayApril 17 Pet Owners Independence DayApril 17 National Cheese Ball Day
April 18 Amateur Radio DayApril 18 Newspaper Columnist DayApril 18 International Juggler’s DayApril 18 National High Five Day
April 19 National Garlic DayApril 19 DNA Day
April 20 Volunteer Recognition DayApril 20 Look Alike Day
April 21 Kindergarten Day
April 22 Jelly Bean DayApril 22 Girl Scout Leader DayApril 22 Earth Day
April 23 is World Laboratory DayApril 23 Talk Like Shakespeare DayApril 23 Lover’s DayApril 23 Take a Chance DayApril 23 World Laboratory DayApril 23 National Zucchini Bread Day
April 24 Pig in a Blanket DayApril 24 Executive Admin’s Day (Secretary’s Day)
April 25 Hug a Plumber DayApril 25 East Meets West DayApril 25 Take Your Daughter to Work (4th Thursday)April 25 World Penguin Day
April 26 Pretzel DayApril 26 Hug an Australian DayApril 26 Richter Scale Day
April 27 is Morse Code DayApril 27 Babe Ruth DayApril 27 Morse Code DayApril 27 National Prime Rib DayApril 27 Tell a Story Day
April 28 Workers’ Memorial DayApril 28 International Astronomy DayApril 28 Great Poetry Ready DayApril 28 Kiss Your Mate Day
April 29 Dance DayApril 29 Greenery DayApril 29 National Shrimp Scampi Day
April 30 Hairstyle Appreciation Day
April 30 National Honesty Day
TWEETABLESUse April's crazy holidays to get the #socialmedia conversation started & spark writing ideas - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don't get caught without an idea, use the calendar to #write #blog posts & articles - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
It’s time again for Calendar Days. These are just fun to read. They’re also a great way to jumpstart our creativity when looking for ideas for articles and blog posts. They’re also a fun writing prompt idea. In addition, calendar days are great conversation starters for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, especially when two contrasting holidays fall on the same date. Here are some that tickled my funny bone this month:
April 6, International Pillow Fight Day and Plan Your Epitaph Day—obviously these people are serious about their pillow fights!Also, 7 is sending a good message—World Health Day and No Housework Day. I definitely think they’re onto something. LOL!Finally, I think April 30 is sending us mixed messages. It’s Hairstyle Appreciation Day and National Honesty Day. Mixing those two could get someone in trouble.
April Holidays, Special Days & Downright Crazy Days
April is National Humor Month!April is:National Humor MonthInternational Guitar MonthKeep America Beautiful MonthLawn & Garden MonthNational Poetry MonthNational Pecan MonthNational Welding MonthRecords & Information Management MonthStress Awareness MonthSexual Assault Awareness MonthWeekly Celebrations:Week 1 Read a Road Map WeekWeek 1 Library WeekWeek 2 Garden WeekWeek 3 Organize Your Files WeekWeek 3 Medical Labs WeekWeek 4 Administrative Assistants WeekWeek 4 National Karaoke Week
Daily Celebrations:
April 1, April Fools DayApril 1 Sourdough Bread DayApril 1 International Tatting DayApril 1 April Fools DayApril 1 International Fun at Work DayApril 2 National Peanut & Jelly DayApril 2 Children’s Book DayApril 2 Reconciliation Day
April 3 Tweed DayApril 3 Fish Fingers & Custard DayApril 3 Don’t Go to Work Unless it’s Fun Day
April 4 School Librarian DayApril 4 Vitamin C DayApril 4 Tell a Lie DayApril 4 Hug a Newsman DayApril 4 Walk Around Things Day
April 5 EasterApril 5 Go for Broke Day
April 6 Plan Your Epitaph DayApril 6 Sorry Charlie DayApril 6 International Pillow Fight Day
April 7 World Health DayApril 7 No Housework DayApril 7 Caramel Popcorn Day
April 8 is Draw a Picture of a Bird DayApril 8 Draw a Picture of a Bird DayApril 8 All is Ours DayApril 9 Winston Churchill DayApril 9 Name Yourself DayApril 9 Be kind to Lawyers Day
April 10 Sibling DayApril 10 Golfer’s Day
April 11 Eight Track Tape DayApril 11 Barbershop quartet DayApril 11 National Submarine Day
April 12 Grilled Cheese Sandwich DayApril 12 Big Wind DayApril 12 Russian Cosmonaut DayApril 12 Walk on Your Wild Side Day
April 13 Scrabble DayApril 13 Thomas Jefferson Day
April 14 Look up at the Sky DayApril 14 Reach as High as You Can DayApril 14 National Pecan DayApril 14 Ex Spouse DayApril 14 International Moment of Laughter Day
April 15 That Sucks DayApril 15 Titanic Remembrance DayApril 15 Patriot’s Day (third Monday of the month)April 15 Rubber Eraser Day
April 16 National Eggs Benedict DayApril 16 National Librarian DayApril 16 National Stress Awareness Day
April 17 is Ford Mustang DayApril 17 Ford Mustang DayApril 17 Blah, Blah, Blah DayApril 17 Pet Owners Independence DayApril 17 National Cheese Ball DayApril 18 Amateur Radio DayApril 18 Newspaper Columnist DayApril 18 International Juggler’s DayApril 18 National High Five Day
April 19 National Garlic DayApril 19 DNA Day
April 20 Volunteer Recognition DayApril 20 Look Alike Day
April 21 Kindergarten Day
April 22 Jelly Bean DayApril 22 Girl Scout Leader DayApril 22 Earth Day
April 23 is World Laboratory DayApril 23 Talk Like Shakespeare DayApril 23 Lover’s DayApril 23 Take a Chance DayApril 23 World Laboratory DayApril 23 National Zucchini Bread DayApril 24 Pig in a Blanket DayApril 24 Executive Admin’s Day (Secretary’s Day)
April 25 Hug a Plumber DayApril 25 East Meets West DayApril 25 Take Your Daughter to Work (4th Thursday)April 25 World Penguin Day
April 26 Pretzel DayApril 26 Hug an Australian DayApril 26 Richter Scale Day
April 27 is Morse Code DayApril 27 Babe Ruth DayApril 27 Morse Code DayApril 27 National Prime Rib DayApril 27 Tell a Story DayApril 28 Workers’ Memorial DayApril 28 International Astronomy DayApril 28 Great Poetry Ready DayApril 28 Kiss Your Mate Day
April 29 Dance DayApril 29 Greenery DayApril 29 National Shrimp Scampi Day
April 30 Hairstyle Appreciation Day
April 30 National Honesty Day
TWEETABLESUse April's crazy holidays to get the #socialmedia conversation started & spark writing ideas - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don't get caught without an idea, use the calendar to #write #blog posts & articles - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
March 31, 2015
Tips for Finding the Right Writers Group for You
by Beth Ann Farley
Tips for finding the right writers groupWriters need writers! We need to share our ideas over our hot cup of coffee or tea. What do we do when we do not have the help and support of other writers? Where can we find a good writers group?
When I moved, I had to leave my old writers group. It was difficult for me because I trusted them with my poorly written articles. I could trust them to be gentle with me as I was with them.
We not only drooled over each others’ words, but we shared personal journeys as well. We became a writing family.
A writers group is so much more than sharing ideas and critiquing each other’s work. A close writers group is where a writer and author can engage in honest critical feedback. A writers group is a source of support and encouragement. Every writer knows that in the beginning of his or her writing journey, there are more rejections than acceptances. We need like-minded people to hold us up when we have been rejected over and over, as well as, rejoice with us when we’ve sold an article or even signed a book contract.I lack this connection. I lack the help of other writers, but more importantly, I miss the support and friendship of other writers. When we join forces with other writers, we talk a language that no one else can understand. We talk plots, stories, punctuation, spelling, grammar, characters, rhymes, publishers, editors and research.
Will any 'ole group do?
Should we join any 'ole writers group?
Should we be picky?
Are all writers groups the same?
I began the hunt for my perfect group. Being so new to this very small town, I searched and searched until I finally found one. It was a mixed age of female writers who meet right at the library in town and the time slot was perfect.
However, when I went to the first meeting, I found out that I had to apply on line and submit some writing samples. They would vote as a group if I was to be accepted or not. There were annual dues to pay as well. Because I was desperate, I followed their instructions. I hurried home, submitted two of my previously published articles, only to have a rejection in my “in” box the next day. I was not accepted into their group. I was crushed.
This experience made me take a step back and really think about what I was looking for in a writers group. Did I just want a group of warm bodies or did I want more than that?
Ideas for when looking for a writers group.How can we find a writers group that’s going to meet our needs? While continuing my search of that perfect writers group, I spent some time pondering what I needed and wanted. Here are some of my ideas:If you are a mystery writer, joining a research writers group is not a fit.If you are a non-fiction writer, joining a romance writers group is not a fit.If you are a poetry writer, a science fiction writers group would not work.Do you want to pay dues? Some groups charge.Do you want to be interviewed to join? Some have a certain criteria in order to join.Do you want men and women present?Do you want to be with young or old writers or a variety of age?
I was so excited to be with warm bodies that I thought they shared the same drive to write. I was wrong. You see, I have been commissioned to write to encourage people. This group was a local, liberal, female, historical writers group. I am sure they are a wonderful group of ladies and have written some fabulous material; but the door was shut and not only shut by them but by God as well.
So, I got to thinking, maybe I should start my own group?
When a writers group does not fit and you are tired of searching, have you considered starting your own group?
Where would you begin? Here again are some of my tips to consider.Try to advertise. Put flyers around town or a short ad in the local paper. You also, can post on social media including Craig’s List. Maybe you can put up flyers at your church if you want a Christian writers group?Where to meet? Why not at a local coffee shop? Local coffee shops love your business and are usually pretty open to having your group use their facility. Maybe you can try your church? I’ve worked in a library for years that hosted writers groups, so why not contact your local public library?Goals: Don’t forget to write the goals of the group you want to start. My perfect group would consist of Christian and or spiritual authors that would want to meet one day a week for an hour or two. In my perfect group, I would not charge any dues but would set guidelines. My guidelines would be simple. Do not steal the ideas of other members and be kind in criticizing.
Right now, I continue to write from my little counter-top and continue to search for writers groups. I am praying about starting my own as well. I am not sure of the direction I will go, but one thing I do know, the local, liberal warm body group was not a fit for me.
How about you? Do you belong to a writers group? If so, did you have any expectations?
Have you ever started a writers group? If so, how did you get it jump started? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
TWEETABLES
NOTE: Click to Tweet is being glitchy. You can just copy and paste the updates into Hootsuite or directly into social media. Tips for finding the right Writers Group for you - via Beth Ann Farley on @EdieMelson http://bit.ly/1G26VzD #write
As writers we're stronger together, tips for finding a group - via Beth Ann Farley on @EdieMelsonhttp://bit.ly/1G26VzD #write
Beth Ann Farley lives in Brunswick, Maine. She has written for www.bookfun.org.,Toot n’ Town USA, Landline, Teachers in Focus, Horse & Roider, Mature Years, and Indian Life Magazines. She has also had her Sunday School Material published by Standard Publishing as well as Wesleyan Publishing. Her poetry has been featured in Sweet Freedom written by Jennifer Slattery. She has been a guest blogger on thewriteconversation@blogspot.com by Edie Melson and Poppy Smith’s Inspiring Women to Thrive blog. Beth is a co-host on Living by Grace, a Facebook Community as well as Taking it to the Streets, a homeless shelter in Omaha, NE.
Beth enjoys reading, writing in her journal, swimming, walking her little peek-a-poo named Peek-a-Chew and engaging in Women’s groups with a good cup of coffee. She has a huge compassion for the elderly and spends time with them when possible.
Tips for finding the right writers groupWriters need writers! We need to share our ideas over our hot cup of coffee or tea. What do we do when we do not have the help and support of other writers? Where can we find a good writers group?When I moved, I had to leave my old writers group. It was difficult for me because I trusted them with my poorly written articles. I could trust them to be gentle with me as I was with them.
We not only drooled over each others’ words, but we shared personal journeys as well. We became a writing family.
A writers group is so much more than sharing ideas and critiquing each other’s work. A close writers group is where a writer and author can engage in honest critical feedback. A writers group is a source of support and encouragement. Every writer knows that in the beginning of his or her writing journey, there are more rejections than acceptances. We need like-minded people to hold us up when we have been rejected over and over, as well as, rejoice with us when we’ve sold an article or even signed a book contract.I lack this connection. I lack the help of other writers, but more importantly, I miss the support and friendship of other writers. When we join forces with other writers, we talk a language that no one else can understand. We talk plots, stories, punctuation, spelling, grammar, characters, rhymes, publishers, editors and research.
Will any 'ole group do?
Should we join any 'ole writers group?
Should we be picky?
Are all writers groups the same?
I began the hunt for my perfect group. Being so new to this very small town, I searched and searched until I finally found one. It was a mixed age of female writers who meet right at the library in town and the time slot was perfect.
However, when I went to the first meeting, I found out that I had to apply on line and submit some writing samples. They would vote as a group if I was to be accepted or not. There were annual dues to pay as well. Because I was desperate, I followed their instructions. I hurried home, submitted two of my previously published articles, only to have a rejection in my “in” box the next day. I was not accepted into their group. I was crushed.
This experience made me take a step back and really think about what I was looking for in a writers group. Did I just want a group of warm bodies or did I want more than that?
Ideas for when looking for a writers group.How can we find a writers group that’s going to meet our needs? While continuing my search of that perfect writers group, I spent some time pondering what I needed and wanted. Here are some of my ideas:If you are a mystery writer, joining a research writers group is not a fit.If you are a non-fiction writer, joining a romance writers group is not a fit.If you are a poetry writer, a science fiction writers group would not work.Do you want to pay dues? Some groups charge.Do you want to be interviewed to join? Some have a certain criteria in order to join.Do you want men and women present?Do you want to be with young or old writers or a variety of age?I was so excited to be with warm bodies that I thought they shared the same drive to write. I was wrong. You see, I have been commissioned to write to encourage people. This group was a local, liberal, female, historical writers group. I am sure they are a wonderful group of ladies and have written some fabulous material; but the door was shut and not only shut by them but by God as well.
So, I got to thinking, maybe I should start my own group?
When a writers group does not fit and you are tired of searching, have you considered starting your own group?
Where would you begin? Here again are some of my tips to consider.Try to advertise. Put flyers around town or a short ad in the local paper. You also, can post on social media including Craig’s List. Maybe you can put up flyers at your church if you want a Christian writers group?Where to meet? Why not at a local coffee shop? Local coffee shops love your business and are usually pretty open to having your group use their facility. Maybe you can try your church? I’ve worked in a library for years that hosted writers groups, so why not contact your local public library?Goals: Don’t forget to write the goals of the group you want to start. My perfect group would consist of Christian and or spiritual authors that would want to meet one day a week for an hour or two. In my perfect group, I would not charge any dues but would set guidelines. My guidelines would be simple. Do not steal the ideas of other members and be kind in criticizing.
Right now, I continue to write from my little counter-top and continue to search for writers groups. I am praying about starting my own as well. I am not sure of the direction I will go, but one thing I do know, the local, liberal warm body group was not a fit for me.
How about you? Do you belong to a writers group? If so, did you have any expectations?
Have you ever started a writers group? If so, how did you get it jump started? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
TWEETABLES
NOTE: Click to Tweet is being glitchy. You can just copy and paste the updates into Hootsuite or directly into social media. Tips for finding the right Writers Group for you - via Beth Ann Farley on @EdieMelson http://bit.ly/1G26VzD #write
As writers we're stronger together, tips for finding a group - via Beth Ann Farley on @EdieMelsonhttp://bit.ly/1G26VzD #write
Beth Ann Farley lives in Brunswick, Maine. She has written for www.bookfun.org.,Toot n’ Town USA, Landline, Teachers in Focus, Horse & Roider, Mature Years, and Indian Life Magazines. She has also had her Sunday School Material published by Standard Publishing as well as Wesleyan Publishing. Her poetry has been featured in Sweet Freedom written by Jennifer Slattery. She has been a guest blogger on thewriteconversation@blogspot.com by Edie Melson and Poppy Smith’s Inspiring Women to Thrive blog. Beth is a co-host on Living by Grace, a Facebook Community as well as Taking it to the Streets, a homeless shelter in Omaha, NE.Beth enjoys reading, writing in her journal, swimming, walking her little peek-a-poo named Peek-a-Chew and engaging in Women’s groups with a good cup of coffee. She has a huge compassion for the elderly and spends time with them when possible.
March 30, 2015
Where to Find Free Images Online to Use in Blogging & Social Media
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
As bloggers, we all need images to illustrate our posts. There are many ways to get these images. There are also a lot of pitfalls if you accidently download an image that has copyright constraints. Doing a search for free images won’t necessarily net you the results you need.
It’s our responsibility to know the Creative Commons License of any image we use. Today, I’m going to break it down for you.
The first—and safest—method of obtaining images for your posts is to take them yourselves. I never go anywhere without my smart phone and frequently have my camera in tow. I’ve learned to look for common illustrated things I need. Like a path, an obstacle, or even a gate.
If you don’t have an image of your own to use, you’ll need to look online for an image. Buying images can be expensive and, if you have a pop up Pinterest button on your blog, these images can get others into trouble. When you purchase an image, it’s only for your own use, and if someone else pins it, they are in violation of copyright.
Know Your Creative Commons Licenses My preference is to search for sites that offer Creative Commons Zero (CCO).This means that you can copy, modify, distribute and use the photos for free, including commercial products without asking permission from or providing attribution to the photographer and/or designer.
To read the definitions of all the different Creative Commons Licenses, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/.
These are the sites I use regularly that offer Creative Commons Zero (CCO)1. http://pixabay.com - This is one of my two favorite sites. It does require that you register or fill out a Captcha to download. I love the quality and the variety of images on this site.
2. http://www.pexels.com - This is the second of my favorite sites. It doesn’t require registration and is equally as easy to use.
3. The four sites below also have CCO licensed photos but are a little clunkier to use.http://stokpic.comhttp://www.splitshire.comhttp://bossfight.cohttps://stocksnap.ioOther OptionsThere are numerous other sites with free images that vary in their Creative Common Licenses. The problem with many is that the license is different for every image you choose. For me, that’s just too confusing. I also prefer to caption my images with something from the blog post, instead of an attribution. I don’t mind attributions at the end of the blog, but on the image will interfere with search engine rankings.
Once I have an image, then what?Once I download an image to use, I frequently like to modify it. I’ll either add text, or a filter, or even crop it to fit with what I need for that specific post. I have two sites that I like to use for that.
My favorite is www.Picmonkey.com. Another good site for manipulating images is www.Canva.com. Canva offers more options, but there’s a steeper learning curve. Canva also offers images, but you need to be careful to only create designs with the license that is applicable to your needs.
Using images for blogging and social media is a great way to increase shares, likes and overall interaction. But we must be careful to know what is legal to use online.
Now it’s your turn. What sites do you use for images and what questions do you have about finding and using images? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESNavigate the maze of finding images online for #blogging and#socialmedia with the help of @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don’t get caught using images illegally. Let#blogging & #socialmedia expert @EdieMelson help (Click to Tweet)
As bloggers, we all need images to illustrate our posts. There are many ways to get these images. There are also a lot of pitfalls if you accidently download an image that has copyright constraints. Doing a search for free images won’t necessarily net you the results you need. It’s our responsibility to know the Creative Commons License of any image we use. Today, I’m going to break it down for you.
The first—and safest—method of obtaining images for your posts is to take them yourselves. I never go anywhere without my smart phone and frequently have my camera in tow. I’ve learned to look for common illustrated things I need. Like a path, an obstacle, or even a gate.If you don’t have an image of your own to use, you’ll need to look online for an image. Buying images can be expensive and, if you have a pop up Pinterest button on your blog, these images can get others into trouble. When you purchase an image, it’s only for your own use, and if someone else pins it, they are in violation of copyright.
Know Your Creative Commons Licenses My preference is to search for sites that offer Creative Commons Zero (CCO).This means that you can copy, modify, distribute and use the photos for free, including commercial products without asking permission from or providing attribution to the photographer and/or designer.To read the definitions of all the different Creative Commons Licenses, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/.
These are the sites I use regularly that offer Creative Commons Zero (CCO)1. http://pixabay.com - This is one of my two favorite sites. It does require that you register or fill out a Captcha to download. I love the quality and the variety of images on this site.
2. http://www.pexels.com - This is the second of my favorite sites. It doesn’t require registration and is equally as easy to use.
3. The four sites below also have CCO licensed photos but are a little clunkier to use.http://stokpic.comhttp://www.splitshire.comhttp://bossfight.cohttps://stocksnap.ioOther OptionsThere are numerous other sites with free images that vary in their Creative Common Licenses. The problem with many is that the license is different for every image you choose. For me, that’s just too confusing. I also prefer to caption my images with something from the blog post, instead of an attribution. I don’t mind attributions at the end of the blog, but on the image will interfere with search engine rankings.
Once I have an image, then what?Once I download an image to use, I frequently like to modify it. I’ll either add text, or a filter, or even crop it to fit with what I need for that specific post. I have two sites that I like to use for that.My favorite is www.Picmonkey.com. Another good site for manipulating images is www.Canva.com. Canva offers more options, but there’s a steeper learning curve. Canva also offers images, but you need to be careful to only create designs with the license that is applicable to your needs.
Using images for blogging and social media is a great way to increase shares, likes and overall interaction. But we must be careful to know what is legal to use online.
Now it’s your turn. What sites do you use for images and what questions do you have about finding and using images? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESNavigate the maze of finding images online for #blogging and#socialmedia with the help of @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don’t get caught using images illegally. Let#blogging & #socialmedia expert @EdieMelson help (Click to Tweet)
March 29, 2015
Am I Carrying Baggage or Luggage?
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:30“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30I don’t know about you, but I have trouble forgiving myself. For some reason I expect a level of perfection from myself that I would never expect from someone else.
Because of this, I also struggle to accept God’s forgiveness.
Baggage gets heavy and holds us back.Somewhere deep inside is the fear that God has finally reached the limit of His patience with me and with my constant sin and shortcomings. Just writing this makes me shake my head because it’s so far from the truth. But I’m sad to say it’s something I struggle with.The result of this lack of forgiveness is that I carry a lot of baggage that I don’t need to. I’m weighed down with past sins that God has long since forgiven. I also carry the baggage of unconfessed sin because I’m fearful of returning to God over and over again asking forgiveness for the same thing.
At times, I add the baggage of my own refusal to forgive someone else. I hold on to the way they’ve hurt me and try to make it into some kind of armor against getting hurt again. But that’s not what it is. Unforgiveness is just more weight to carry.
That kind of weight can weigh a person down.
Baggage is something I need to get rid of. I need to drop it at the feet of Jesus and leave it there.
Luggage equips us for our travels.Luggage, on the other hand, is something that equips us for our travels. My luggage consists of the things that God has blessed me with. It also includes the lessons I’ve learned through the struggles and the triumphs of walking with God.It’s the Bible verses I’ve memorized.The praise songs that run through my mind.The stories I’ve heard about God’s faithfulness. Everyone needs some luggage to be equipped for the journey has God in store for us. The trick is to get rid of the baggage.
So today I ask you what I asked myself. Are you carrying baggage or luggage on your personal journey?
March 28, 2015
How Does Writing Make You Feel?
Last weekend I had the opportunity to be part of the faculty at Weekend with the Writers. There I got to meet Kristen Heitzmann, an amazing award-winning writer. I sat in on her class and found my passion for writing reignited. Here's one of the quotes that reminded me of exactly why I write.
Writing Draws from our Imaginations the filaments to spin a web that
Snares & Captivates - Kristen HeitzmannI'd love to know how you feel when you write.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
Writing Draws from our Imaginations the filaments to spin a web that Snares & Captivates - Kristen HeitzmannI'd love to know how you feel when you write.
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie
