Edie Melson's Blog, page 383

Is Social Media Really Worth the Effort?

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Social media. Often just the mention of this subject conjures up hours of time. First there’s the time it takes to hang out online, then the time it takes to figure out what to say, who to LIKE and which updates to comment on, share and even retweet.
All for what?
The chance that someone out there in cyberspace might actually—either now or sometime in the future—buy a book.
Or the fact that some editor and/or agent is going to judge the number of friends, followers and likes I have on my social media network.After all—I signed up to be a writer—not a sales person and/or marketer.
I’m sure you’re hoping I can either justify your opinion or make a legitimate case to change your mind and show you how easy and how much fun it is.
The hard truth is this: social media is hard work. It takes being intention and keeping your goal in mind.
I think the problem with most people is that they have the wrong goal in mind when they approach social media.
Social media isn’t advertising and, although we do have the possibility of reaching millions, it’s not mass marketing.
Social media is a way of connecting with people online—it’s this generation’s way of building meaningful relationships.
Beyond that, for writers, social media is a tool. It’s an important tool, but it’s one of many we use when we’re professional writers.
So what should our goals be when it comes to social media?  1. We want to connect with others online in a way that has meaning. It doesn’t have to become a deep friendship, but it should be a way to enrich one another’s lives.
2. We want to add value to the lives of those we connect with. This means we don’t want to just be part of the online noise, but actually make a contribution.
3. We want to find people we can encourage and who can (and will) encourage us. These people will help share your excitement when a book comes out, and they’ll also be there when things don’t go as planned.
4. We want to be authentic online. We want people to recognize us face-to-face, not just because our image looks like us, but because our updates and online interactions sound like us.
5. We want to have a positive impact on the world—online and offline. To do that, we need to be visible and able to be found.
6. We want to always put others ahead of ourselves. We do this because it’s the right thing to do, and because it helps prove that we’re not just here to get what we can from people and move on.
None of these 6 goals is directly related to selling books—but they can all impact our book sales. If all we’re trying to do is be online to garner huge numbers and sell a product, we’d be better off spending the money on direct advertising.
So what do I share online to accomplish these 6 goals? I have four specific types of updates I share.An inspiring and/or thought provoking quote or a Bible verse.Something humorous (because laughter is the best medicine and we really can’t have too many funny cat videos!)A question, usually thought provoking, but sometimes related to something I need an answer to.A link to something I’ve found valuable or interesting somewhere on the World Wide Web.
I definitely think social media is worthy it.
By being interested in the people I encounter through social media, I’ve managed to make lots of new friends and fun connections. I've also been blessed by the way those online support me and encourage me. I know I’d have missed out on so much, if all I’d been interested in was selling books or using those online to pad the numbers part of my platform.
Now it’s your time. What valuable connections and relationships have you found through social media. Or, if you disagree, I’d love to hear why. We can all learn from each other.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESIs #SocialMedia worth the effort or just a waste of time – expert @EdieMelson shares her thoughts (Click to Tweet)

#SocialMedia is valuable, if you take time to put others ahead of yourself – via @EdieMelson (Click to tweet)

So What does Writing Lead to?

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt


Just having a bit of fun here today. I read this quote and thought:  Where else does writing lead to?
Writing leads to … late nights and little sleep.
Writing leads to … the red pen. (I’m an editor. What did you expect?)
Writing leads to … a serious break with reality sometimes. (The voices in my head are talking louder than the real-live voices.)

In Your Words: Your turn. How would you fill in the blank? Writing leads to _______________________. Writers, tell us where you’ve ended up. And everyone else, tell us what you imagine — or what you’ve discovered by watching your writer-friends.
Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

TWEETABLE
So what does #writing lead to - thoughts from author @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’Words.

Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 1

by Vonda Skelton @VondaSkelton

Query letters. I hate them. You hate them. Everybody hates them. But the ability to write a good query letter can mean the difference between publication and rejection. 
Over the next two posts, I'll be sharing a five-step formula for writing query letters that will create interest and increase the chances of seeing your name in print. 
I’ll present a query letter study for a proposed article, but the basic concepts would work for a manuscript cover letter, too.The First ParagraphWhen I started out writing query letters, I always began by introducing myself. That might have worked just fine if my name had been Beth Moore or Anne Graham Lotz. But since my name carried no weight or recognition, I was simply wasting my time and most likely sealing the deal for my rejection. The truth is, the editor didn't want to know anything about me until he knew I could write.
In the same way that the opening paragraph of a book must grab the editor's attention, the opening paragraph of a query letter must do the same. One good way to do that is to begin with the first paragraph of your article. The goal is to show the editor that you can write an eye-catching hook and draw the reader in. Once I discovered this little tidbit, I experienced much more interest in my proposed articles.
Convince the editor you know the target audience.The Second ParagraphThe job of this paragraph is to convince him or her that your proposed article would be perfect for his magazine. Let him know you've studied the market guide by mentioning the target audience and his magazine's demographics. Be specific regarding the take-away you offer the reader. Study the guidelines first and then state your proposed word count. Whatever you do, don't offer to write a 2000-word article when his guidelines say they publish 500-word articles.
Offer to include sidebars. Editors are like everyone else--overworked and understaffed. By offering sidebars, you show that you're aware of the current trend in articles and that you're willing to do the extra work.
The Third ParagraphLet the editor know your planned sources. Most magazine articles reference experts or books or statistics. Your use of these sources will show that you're a professional and you're willing to do the research. You may have experienced something you'd like to share from your own life, but most often the editor will want more than your opinion or experience. She'll want input from experts. And don't worry if you don't have them lined up yet. The editor will simply want to know that you'll interview lawyers or doctors or cosmetologists with special training or interest in the subject you'll be covering.
You can find these experts in your own community, through internet searches, and through sites such as Profnet.com.
Okay, that covers the first three paragraphs--enough to get us started. Be sure to come back next week when we cover paragraphs four and five, as well as a list of query letter Do's and Don'ts. You won't want to miss it!
What’s been your best query letter strategy that’s helped you land assignments?  Be sure to leave your suggestions in the comments section below.

Don’t forget to join the conversation. Others can learn from you! 

TWEETABLES
Taking the Question our of Query Letters - via @VondaSkelton on @EdieMelson
(Click to Tweet)

Quality Query Letters can Lead to Lucrative #Writing Assignments - via @VondaSkelton on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Vonda Skelton is a speaker and the author of four books: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe and the 3-book Bitsy Burroughs mysteries for children 8-12 yo. She’s the founder and co-director of Christian Communicators Conference, offering speakers’ training and community for Christian women called to ministry. Vonda is a frequent instructor at writer’s conferences and keynotes at business, women’s, and associational events. You can find out more about Vonda, as well as writing opportunities and instruction at her writer’s blog, The Christian Writer’s Den at VondaSkelton.com.

One Writer's Salute to Librarians

by Warren Adler @WarrenAdler

From the moment I entered the hushed, sacred precinct of the Brownsville Children's Library in Brownsville, Brooklyn, back in the mid-1930s, I have been a passionate advocate of the public library.

My most profoundly joyous memory is walking through the crowded, noisy, aroma-filled atmosphere of Sutter Avenue, between rows of pushcarts selling anything edible and wearable, on my way to that vine-covered magic castle of books. It was like crossing a moat from the reality of a contemporary world of struggle and strife, to a paradise of storytelling, which opened infinite possibilities and aspirations in a young boy confronting a strange and scary future.

Most delectable was the homeward journey, back over the same route, but this time heavy with the anticipation of reading the books I was carrying in my arms. I lived with the illusion of stamped library cards piling up, until I had read every book in the library designated for my age group. I think I got pretty close.

That love affair with libraries inspired a lifetime of heavy patronage in every part of the country I have lived. In my twelve-year stay in Jackson Hole, WY, I helped shepherd our lovely little library from a log cabin, into what is now one of the best modern libraries. I was enormously proud to serve as its president.

It was a real battle to create a modern library in Jackson Hole. The entrenched political hierarchy was against change, and it took an extraordinary amount of time and creative energy to convince those who held the purse strings that a library was no longer merely a place for books, but a community asset, a meeting place, and an intellectual center.
I have always been madly in love with librarians, a noble profession of dedication of the highest order. In my long career as an author, librarians have been integral to my writing process. They have provided assistance in research and additional support. Even something as basic as a Google search, while an essential tool for an author, is not as enjoyable and effective as working alongside a knowledgeable librarian.

Librarians also offer the public a fantastic filter and provide them with books that are the most meaningful to both the community as a whole, and to those dedicated readers, regardless of income, for whom the pursuit of entertainment, insight, and knowledge through books, is as essential as the air we breathe.

These extraordinarily dedicated librarians have faced enormous challenges of funding and priority resetting in the face of monumental change. But this is nothing new for public libraries. They have always confronted challenges, including disinterested knucklehead politicians who do not understand the inherent value of these indispensable institutions.

As a kind of commercial adjunct to public libraries, there were once convenient neighborhood lending libraries found mainly inside stores selling greeting cards, stationery, and other paper products. They carried books chosen mostly from bestseller lists, and rented them out to avid readers at a modest day rate.

My mother was addicted to such lending habits, and spent hours after her household chores reading. I would often find her, nose in a book, on a living room chair, deeply engrossed in such works of the imagination.
I applaud and celebrate reading fiction for pleasure, especially because of its importance as an activity in fostering an aware and civilized society. Authors, particularly novelists, are being economically squeezed as never before in our history. Believe me, it hurts to acknowledge this. In addition, there are too few filtering agents to assess the avalanche of novels coming into the pipeline. The traditional and respected evaluators of quality, like librarians, have largely disappeared, leaving behind a crowded turf of reviewers with varied sensitivities, tastes, and abilities who are trying valiantly to fill in the gaps.

While many of these reviewers are quite discerning, they are too fractionalized to offer a cohesive voice that can help propel an author towards the ultimate goal of discovery and, of course, book sales. Add to this obstacle a diminishing cadre of dedicated long form readers of literature, books that do not fit into any genre, the NOVEL. Note the caps.

Of course, I am oversimplifying. The novel is an art form, and the clichéd image of the starving artist applies. To many authors, writing novels is their oxygen, but even the act of creation implies the impulse of finding willing adherents, meaning readers.

Librarians serve as prime filters of edifying reading material for the people they serve. Taxpayers fund them to purchase the books for the people they serve. The public library is the one truly bright spot for writers who brave the trials and tribulations of the industry. When authors are forced to give their works away for nothing in the fierce battle for recognition, there is no economic benefit to the writer. Only purveyors get a most precious commodity, i.e. a name in their databank, and a potential consumer for other products they offer on sale.

The author's fiercest ally in the battle for human enlightenment is the librarian. I salute them all

I'd love to hear how librarians have helped you develop in your love of reading and writing. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
TWEETABLES
One Writer's Salute to Librarians - via @WarrenAdler on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

"The author's fierce ally in the battle for human enlightenment is the librarian" - @WarrenAdler (Click to Tweet)


Warren Adler is best known for The War of the Roses, his masterpiece fictionalization of a macabre divorce turned into the Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated dark comedy hit starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. Adler's international hit stage adaptation of the novel will premiere on Broadway in 2015-2016. Adler has also optioned and sold film rights for a number of his works including Random Hearts (starring Harrison Ford and Kristen Scott Thomas) and The Sunset Gang (produced by Linda Lavin for PBS' American Playhouse series starring Jerry Stiller, Uta Hagen, Harold Gould and Doris Roberts). In recent development are the Broadway Production of The War of the Roses, to be produced by Jay and Cindy Gutterman, The War of the Roses - The Children (Grey Eagle Films and Permut Presentations), a feature film adaptation of the sequel to Adler's iconic divorce story, Target Churchill (Grey Eagle Films and Solution Entertainment),Mourning Glory, to be adapted by Karen Leigh Hopkins, and Capitol Crimes (Grey Eagle Films and Sennet Entertainment), a television series based on his Fiona Fitzgerald mystery series. Warren Adler's newest thriller, Treadmill, is officially available.

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

I’ve been nominated for the Sisterhood of World Bloggers Award by a writing friend, Elizabeth Van Tassel. 
Elizabeth and I met at ACFW last year and hang out on a lot of the same blogs. I was pleasantly surprised to find an email in my inbox yesterday saying she had nominated me.
I love the way Elizabeth shares life with her readers by bringing spiritual insight to every day experiences. You should check out her blog at Elizabeth Van Tassel 
There are some rules with this nomination. 
The Rules1. Thank the blogger who nominated you, linking back to their site.2. Put the Award logo on your blog.3. Answer the ten questions sent to you.4. Make up ten new questions for your nominees to answer.5. Nominate five blogs.
Thank you for nominating me, Elizabeth. I’m honored and very humbled. Here are Elisabeth’s questions, along with my thoughts.
The Questions1. What first inspired you to write, and what keeps you writing on the tough days?I’m one of those nerd-writers who’s been penning stories since I could hold a crayon. I’ve actually tried to quit a couple of times, but I think I’d have an easier time giving up breathing. Writing is how I process life. I keep going on the tough days because I know this is what I’m called and equipped to do. I remind myself it’s not about me, but about using the gifts God has given me.
2. Each of you is a visionary in your own right. What breathes new life into your work and helps you create innovative ways to inspire others?I don’t know about the visionary part, but thank you! I stay inspired by continuing to read widely and deeply. I also am part of a small, close-knit group of writers who challenge me to think out of the box by their own creativity and encouragement.
3. How do you hope to grow in the next five years? What new direction do you see your work and writing taking?I have such a long way to go. I’m continuing to hone all aspects of my writing skills. I’m hopeful that—in addition to my nonfiction writing—you’ll see several novels from me in the next few years.
4. What piece of advice was the most helpful for you early in your career? How has it been a linchpin, or key area of focus, for you and helped you stay true to yourself or your calling?I think one of the most valuable pieces of advice was to be brave. Don’t be afraid to try new things. A lot of my favorite writing has come from trying things that were outside my comfort zone. I think that keeps me growing and keeps me focused on God’s strength instead of my own.
5. What advice should you have never listened to early on? How did you grow from the experience?Write what you know. I think better advice is to write what we’re passionate about learning. In this digital age, there’s not much that we can’t learn by research. So there’s no excuse to only write what we’re familiar with.
6. If you could spend a day with a character from any novel or biography you’ve read, who would it be and what would you do together?I’ve always been fascinated with Isaac Asimov’s detective series with earthman Elijah Baley and his robot partner, R. Daneel Olivaw. I’d love to hang out with both of these characters and maybe try my hand at solving a mystery or two with them.
7. Name five things in your writing “bucket” list that you hope to accomplish some day.Walk into any bookstore and see my books on the shelf.Co-author a book with one of my writing buddies.Have a New York Times bestseller.Write a science fiction series.Have a movie made from one of my novels.
8. If you could write fiction, what five locations would you put in your books and why?My locations are all science fiction related:In the clouds, in alternative-history Victorian England, distant planets.
9. Who are the people in your life that keep you going and encourage you to press on?Definitely my husband and my sons. They are incredibly supportive and so are my writing buddies.
10. How has writing changed your life?It’s made me more courageous, strengthened my faith, and introduced me to some incredible people.
I’m nominating:Mary Denman: I’m always encouraged by her transparency, and by her photography tips!
Beth Vogt: I love quotes, just like Beth. She’s also a photographer and I love the way she pares quotes with her images.
Lori Roeleveld: Her blog, Deeper with Jesus in Rhode Island is where I go for depth. She’s an incredible writer.
Vonda Skelton: This is one lady who constantly gives back to the writing and speaking community. She’s my oldest writing friend and I’m always inspired by her site.
Fay Lamb: Fay is an accomplished writer and professional editor. I learn so much from her site!
Here are my questions for my nomineesWhy did you start writing?What novel(s) has influenced you the most and why?What’s been the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?What’s been the worst piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?What people in the industry have helped you the most in your writing endeavors?What is the hardest part of writing for you?When did you first call yourself a writer?How has your writing life been different than you imaged?What is your favorite place to write?How do you reward yourself when you accomplish a writing goal?I've allowed myself to be put on the spot with these questions, now it's your turn. I challenge you to pick a question or two and answer it in the comments section below.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie

Throw Out the Crutches When You Write

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

I buggered up my knee. It wasn't one of my more graceful moments and of all things, I let the competitive side of me win. "Let Grace have the chair. You don't need to win the game."
But noooo! I made a dash for sole surviving chair. It was between Grace and me . . . Grace won. Me, well, I caught my boot on the carpet, sailed into the air, and landed like a half-ton of bricks on my knees. Short version: torn ligament, broken patella. Yep, I needed crutches. I declined them and decided to push through, and find better ways to walk and strengthen my knee.
Early in my writing career, I had writing crutches . . .  words that, though they sounded really spiffy, were a lazy form of writing. I needed to push past them to improve. They were words that sounded well placed but as time and experience taught, proved to make my writing stilted and wordy. I learned not to write to impress, rather write to improve.
Don't let adverbs weigh down your writing.Adverbs like actually, literally, basically, soon began to weigh down my work. These words do nothing for your sentence other than add to the word count and lessen the strength of the sentence.
Actually, she should have never gone with Joe to the market, can be improved by saying what is important. She shouldn't have gone with Joe to the market. A vast improvement in sentence value - yes?
Literally is a word we tend to use figuratively. Which, by the way is an adverb used correctly.I literally jumped out of my skin.The truth is - I have yet to leave my skin crumbled in a pile on the floor where I literally, jumped out.  I jumped out of my skin.
These pesky LY words do have a purpose, but we sometimes allow them to be the catch all or the crutch that prevents us from stretching our writing wings and developing our ability to write descriptively. There is a time and a place for these adverbs. Study and learn when and how to use them to your benefit rather than your demise.
Follow these tips to strengthen your writing legs . . . and toss the crutches:
1. Sentences like:Basically, I can guide them down without written directions.
Actually, she traveled alone.
However, I must seek other opinion.
Are stronger without the adverb.I can guide them without written directions.
She traveled alone.
I must seek other opinion.
2. Practice your writing skills. Dig deeper for a stronger, more descriptive way to write.Go from this:
Fiercely, the pot lid shook as the water inside rose to a boil. Sweet memories gingerly floated in her mind of her momma. The water bubbled violently, popping onto her skin and burning her. Maddie closed her eyes, intentionally taking in a long breath and holding the scent of coffee in her lungs. Expectantly, bad memories seeped in from the past. Memories of a simpler time. Memories when things were better.
To this:The lid of a brass pot popped up and down. Coffee bubbled and spit around its edges. Pictures of her mother slaving over a hot stove flashed through her mind. Splatters of hot liquid tingled against her skin. Maddie closed her eyes, tilted her nose upward, and took in a slow, intentional breath. Her lungs filled with the scent of coffee. Her mouth filled with saliva, and the bittersweet smell dragged back memories of a time past.  A time when life was simple.  A time when . . . well, a better time.
3. Learn and accept there are always better words.Keep a teachable spirit and never marry your words. There is always room for improvement. Always a better description or a clearer sentence.
4. Practice, practice, practice self-editing.Spend time sharpening these skills and you'll be astounded at the improvement in your writing.
Writing is a process. One that requires continued study. Throw out the crutches and grasp hold of the determination to push through. You'll be glad you did.

What have you done to toss out your writing crutches? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

TWEETABLES
Throw out the crutches when you #write - wise advice from author @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

We all use them - #writing crutches - author @CindyDevoted shares ways to get rid of them on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)


Cindy Sproles is an author and popular speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions ministries and managing editor of Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Cindy is the executive editor of www.christiandevotions.us and www.inspireafire.com. She teaches at writers conferences nationwide and directs The Asheville Christian Writers Conference - Writers Boot Camp. 
She is the author of two devotionals, He Said, She Said - Learning to Live aLife of Passion and New Sheets - Thirty Days to Refine You into theWoman You Can Be. Cindy's debut fiction novel, Mercy's Rain, is available at major retailers. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com and book her for your next conference or ladies retreat. Also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

3 Reasons Twitter and Writers are a Perfect Match

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I remember the first time I ventured onto twitter. It’s an intimidating site, full of unfamiliar terms and strange rules. Beyond that, the more people I followed, the more confusing the newsfeed became. To my untrained eye, all those 140 character bursts were just disjointed and disconnected chaos.
I really didn’t understand how anyone could get anything good out of this network.
Luckily for me, I didn’t give up. I kept digging for articles to help me understand the value of Twitter. And that’s when I began to unravel the Twitter chaos. As I became more familiar with this alien landscape, I began to appreciate why Twitter and writers are a perfect match.1. It respects our time. Interacting in 140 character bursts keeps conversations focused and moving quickly.
2. It helps us write tight. If you’ve spent any time at all studying writing, you’ve heard the advice to write tight. This means eliminating unnecessary words.
3. It’s a networking superconductor. There is no social media platform out there that is better at allowing us to find connections with like-minded people.
How Connections are MadeSo how do we tap into that networking superconductor? First, lets back up and evaluate the reason we’re all working at building an online presence. We are looking to deepen existing relationships and build new ones. But building new ones can be difficult if the only people we interact with are those we already know, either online or in person.
We can get a little bit of exposure to new folks through introductions from our existing connections, but that’s a time consuming way to go about it.
Twitter offers a better way—hashtags.
What if there was a way for someone to search a given social media network by topic and find new, interesting people to interact with? That would be a great way to grow our connections.
THAT, in the simplest of terms, is the purpose behind hashtags.
If I do a search on twitter for the popular writing hashtag #amwriting, I’m instantly able to discover people that I’d never have known existed.
AND if I include the hashtag #amwriting in one of my tweets, people who are searching for writers can find me, even if they’ve never heard of me from anyone before.
When you compose a social media update that includes one or two hashtags that summarize the topic, you are giving folks a way to find you.
For example, I’m working on a new series of Steampunk novels. Because of that, targeting a specific type of reader—one who reads Steampunk. I find those readers within the larger group of people who read science fiction (ABA – secular) or speculative fiction (CBA – Christian).
Here’s a sample tweet I might send out, targeted at those specific readers: 
Step-by-step instructions to help you turn a plain top hat into a #Steampunk masterpiece! Via @EdieMelson http://bit.ly/HoGs3w #Specfic
Let’s break down how I composed this update. I know that the Steampunk community loves to create costumes. So I’m giving them information they’d find useful and interesting.I used #Steampunk so that anyone searching Twitter for others who are interested in this genre can find me.I also included @EdieMelson, because on Twitter, that is a clickable link that takes them directly to my Twitter page.Finally I used #specfic, because that’s the hashtag for speculative fiction to pull in readers who might find this interesting.If I was targeting the general market reader, instead of #specfic, I would have used #scifi.
NOTE: Use # (hashtags) to denote a subject, and use @ (at sign) to denote a person or organization. With organizations, you’ll find some that hashtag their names and others use the @ sign.
Twitter isn’t the only social media network that has hashtags. You can use hashtags in the same manner on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. There may be other networks that also use them, but those are the main ones.
Hashtag EtiquetteTry to never use more than three hashtags in any one tweet. If you can make it two that’s even better. Otherwise you end up looking like a used car sales man. If you’re trying to reach more groups, schedule multiple tweets, at different times, about the same subject and target your groups two at a time.
Always research your hashtag before you use it. Never assume it’s the correct one. For example, I was targeting military families with tweets about my devotional for military families and I thought #military would be the logical hashtag. No, turns out that hashtag is frequently used by those trying to date someone in the military. Not really the demographic I was trying to reach. The hashtag I wanted was #militaryfamily and #deployment. The best place to research hashtags is also the easiest, just type it into Google or the search engine of your choice.
Now it’s your turn to ask me any Twitter questions you have. Or share how Twitter has helped you make more connections. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments sections below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLES3 Reasons Twitter & Writers are a Perfect Match – via #SocialMediaexpert @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Don’t ignore a powerful part of your online presence,Twitter – via #SocialMedia expert @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Created to be You

by Sarah Van Diest
As my thoughts meandered around this past month, they took an odd turn. It’s not that this kind of thing doesn’t go on in my mind all the time, because frankly it does, but it usually doesn’t make its way to paper. The level of “spiritual insight” may be lacking, at least in the up-front reading of it, and I’m not going to force any great pearls of wisdom to be born from this non-oyster. The only thing I will say is that God has implanted in each of us a creative and unique spirit. The beauty, splendor and majesty of our Father is revealed when we allow our individuality to show; when His workmanship stands in the sun and reflects Him to those who would see.  
As a writer and editor, my mind needs to be “on,” but sometimes I can’t seem to find that button. Perhaps you can relate. This is what flumped out of me one day this month as I fumbled around trying to find the ON button.
Productivity: a Tramp
So Productivity was there for a moment, but now it eludes me as if I never really held it in my hands at all. As if it allowed me to think I knew its name and held its leash; that my commands were its desire. What a rascally, wily thing it is lulling me into a sleepy sense of submission to its whims instead of my own.
Out it goes across the path into the woods. I saw its tail brush the bark of that tree there in the shade. The warm comfort of my seat feels pricked with uneasiness as I move from it and out the door. My shoes are wrong. Slippers. The common footwear of the writer in winter. Goulashes are much wetter and better fitted for the task at hand. Oh, but the time it takes to prepare for such a hunt is miserably gargantuan with all the stuff of proper suiting goes. But hang it on and don it well for into the woods the chase will go. It always goes in there.
Like the time it found a hole. How droll it thought itself to hide and obfuscate in leaves and mud and shadow of the deep parts of my mind, chuckling in its rhythmic breathing all the while believing I never go there anymore. But that’s exactly where I chose to look this lucky time of mine. It was in that crouching and sneaking under the low branches of memories dusty and damp that I first knew I was on the right track. That tramp. There in the corner of the eye of that thought was the slightest glint of shimmer. And too, embedded in the soggy breeze was a scent I knew full well and so out I reached my hand and yanked and grabbed. My fist was bound around the tail I said I saw today and so I pulled and loaded up my arms with all the fluff and snarls and charms of it. I brought it home with me and cooked it up for supper. Ha! Productivity, I am thy master!
That’s the song I sang that day in a nasally sort of rhyme and slanky beat of nothing more than captured thoughts boiled up and served. It has a way of creeping out of the pot and sliding across the floor out the door to its place of freedom once more. It does that. That tramp. So on the path again to seek and find, to hope and hop along the hidden trails of inner thoughts. All of its usual places of shaded spaces it isn’t or it wasn’t. Today it must have reinvigorated energies that give it gusto and cover its tracks. The search is long and long and lengthy and the footprints I see are all my own. In circles I spin and sit down again, but not in my chair this time, in mud.
Cold and slippery dark soil and leaves and goes the light from my thoughts. Where else to look? Down and on the ground is where my eyes turn around and peer up to see the filtering of the day falling through the tumbles of limbs and layers; light. Suctioned up to higher elevations I stand; my feet find their footing underneath. And in my muddy hand I feel a soft and furry friend holding tight… to me. So home we go together this time through the paths of thoughts and mind to find my chair and write the story of finding Productivity; my tramp.
I did find the ON button that day. Yay! But I suppose my point in sharing this with you is first to empathize, because I know I’m not alone in this struggle of trying to be productive, even sometimes feeling like my identity is entwined with it instead of with who my Father tells me I am, but also to encourage you to share what goes on in your mind. It’s okay if it doesn’t sound like everyone else. In fact, I hope it doesn’t. You are unique. God’s one and only you. There is such joy in His heart and in your soul when you walk in that truth. I praise Him for who He has made me to be, and who He has made you to be. Be encouraged today to let others see you.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10).
Sarah has worked in Christian publishing since 2005 as both and editor and an agent. 
Currently, she works with her husband, David, in their agency, the Van Diest Literary Agency. Writing is a growing passion for her as she hopes to bring hope to hurting hearts.

Don't Let Silence Reign When You Can Add Your Voice to the Chorus

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

So often we let a lack of perfection keep us from adding our voice to the forest of song. I think it's time to join the chorus, how about you?


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 Conferences—Not Just for Pitching

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

I’ve just returned from the Florida Christian Writers Conference where I once again, learned many things.
One was the fact that new and seasoned writers have a misconception of the main reason for attending conferences. They think the most important reason is to pitch their work to agents and editors. While important, it’s not the main reason.
The most important reason to attend a conference is to network. I prefer to think of it as creating new, and nurturing established friendships. God considers relationships to be most important, especially the one with Him. He created us in His likeness, so building relationships with each other is the most important reason for everything.
Why, you may ask, is networking more important? Because we’re all human, and we prefer doing business with people we know and trust. That’s why focusing on friendships is most important. Ask any agent or editor, and they will tell you they give priority to writers they’ve met. Some won’t even consider submissions from writers they don’t know.
If we’ve established friendly relationships with agents and editors, they’ll be much more open to considering our work and helping us improve it. This, alone, is worth the price of admission. Having helped during the early stages, they look forward to seeing our results when it comes time to submit our work for their consideration.
There are many agents and editors whom I consider friends, and they have been very helpful with the progression of my novel. A novel I’ve only presented in concept, never formally. When they ask, I can’t yet tell them how it ends. But they’re all more than willing to help me with story, plot, and character ideas because they truly are interested in my success—and that of all writers. This is the result of my taking the time to befriend them. If my work is never accepted by them, I don’t care because they are my friends, and that’s more important to me.
Given the above, I think education is next in importance. As professional writers, it’s our responsibility to improve our craft as much as possible. Our readers expect a certain level of quality from us, and they anticipate improvement with each new offering. So we owe them the courtesy of becoming the best writers we can be. Yes, it’s hard, sometimes frustrating work, but the rewards are worth it.
If you just can’t get to a conference, I recommend using social media and blogs to develop relationships and hone your craft. This blog site is an excellent resource for connecting and learning. You connect by commenting or replying to them. And you learn from the posts. There are several other great writer, editor, and author sites that will serve your needs as well.

Whether you agree with me or not, or if you just have questions, please share your thoughts below. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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#Writing conference, they're not just for pitching - via @BDBrady007 on @EdieMelson (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.”