Edie Melson's Blog, page 45

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Forgetting the Why of Who We Are

by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor
They were children when they first met in Queens, New York—two young Jewish boys who discovered they sang well together. In fact, their harmonies were something to behold (if one can behold singing). Four years later, as teens, they formed a duo, calling themselves “Tom and Jerry.”
Most things like this—singing duos formed in elementary school that carry through high school—end as soon as rolled diplomas land in outstretched palms. But not so for these two. While in college, they kept at it, but accomplishing little.
Until, after six years, when they recognized a growing interest in folk music. First things first. They dropped their “stage name” and began to call themselves by their last names: Simon & Garfunkel. They released an album, and, as writers ourselves, we can imagine the excitement. But the record didn’t sell well. In fact, it sold only (about) 3,000 copies. Afterward, Paul (Simon) went to England to find work while Art (Garfunkel) stayed behind. Eventually, he rejoined his old pal and, after a while across the big pond, they returned to the States.
Their careers as musicians ran over rocky roads, but eventually the duo became one of the bestselling artists of the 1960s and ’70s. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to say that you never heard one of their lyrical creations. Their awards and accomplishments seemed to know no boundaries. 
Hitting the Road
I bet you’re wondering what this has to do with writing. Hold on. I’m getting there. 
The work of Simon & Garfunkel is among my most favorite. While I consider Art Garfunkel to have one of the most exceptional voices to ever hit vinyl, I also consider Paul Simon to be one of the greatest lyricists. If he writes it, I’ll listen to it. And, most likely, I’ll break it apart and study it. Many of his lines have brought me literally to tears. The man’s a genius.
Over the years, these two toured . . . and sang . . . and toured . . . and sang . . . and toured . . . 
Then, in 1969, Garfunkel decided to try out for a part in the movie, Catch-22. He landed the part and, one day—without his old singing buddy—flew from New York to Mexico to begin filming. Simon stayed behind to work on the music for their next (and last) album. In doing so, he penned a haunting melody of support for his lifetime friend. Sweetly, in the first stanza, he refers to Garfunkel as “Tom.”
And then comes this line: half of the time we’re gone, but we don’t know where and we don’t know where . . .
I’ve Been There
In the early years of my career as a writer and speaker, I often flew into my home-based airport (Orlando), stepped off the plane, walked through the airport, took the train to baggage claim, collected my luggage, went up the escalator to the “departure” level, checked my luggage, got a new ticket, went through security, and found my way to a new gate and a new plane which would take me to a new location. There were other times when I flew in late, then spent the night at a nearby hotel so I could catch an early-morning flight the next day (I live an hour from the airport). 
In those early years, I often kept a piece of paper with the name of the city or town I was in so that when I woke up, I’d remember.
Yeah, it was like that. 
So I understand the line from the song—and it’s one of those that makes me tear up.
It’s Just Too Easy
Now let me tell you why. It’s just too easy to get caught up in the work—the what and the where—and forget the why and the who. We have x-number of words to write today. Or this week. Or this month. We have podcasts to be a guest on. Radio shows. Book clubs. We have articles to pen. We have workshops to create. We have workshops to give. Keynotes to prepare. Keynotes to give. 
Contracts to fulfill. Marketing plans to create and execute. New ideas to formulate. 
Flights and car trips. Hotel rooms and guesthouses. 
Let’s not even get into (for many of us) the house to clean, the laundry to wash, dry, and put away, the dinners to shop for (and cook). And don’t I have children? Grandchildren? A spouse?
In the midst of all this, we hear a whisper. “I’m here,” He says. “I’m waiting for you. Wouldn’t you like to talk?” Sometimes a layer of dust might form on our Bibles. Or our spirit. 
It’s just too easy to get caught up in this business and forget the why. Why He called us. Why we even wanted to be called. It’s too easy to forget the Who.
So, I implore you . . . don’t forget. Or, if you have forgotten, stop. Redirect. Grow quiet and be with Him. Get back to the basics of who you are in Him and who He is in you. Ask Him to never let you get to the point (again) where you fail to stay focused on the most important thing. 
Always know who you are. Where you are. Why you do what you do when you’re there. 
And always remember who He is. Never fail to recognize His whisper.
But wait . . . there’s more . . . next month!
TWEETABLEDipping the Quill Deeper: Forgetting the Why of Who We Are - @EversonAuthor on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Eva Marie Everson is the CEO of Word Weavers International, the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, and the Director of Contests for Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. Her latest work, Ahoti: A Story of Tamar, co-written with Israeli bestselling author Miriam Feinberg Vamosh, released May 14, 2024 (Paraclete Press/Raven Fiction). For more information about Eva Marie, go to www.EvaMarieEversonAuthor.com.

Consider This … When Coming Up with Character Traits for Characters in Your Novel

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan
The blog title caught my eye. It mentioned introverts and HSPs. I am definitely not an introvert, although the longer I write, I find I'm taking on some introverted characteristics—or is it because I prefer to be with my characters? But I digress. 
I'm not a Millennial or a member of the X, Y, or Z generations (I see they are starting the alphabet over again with Alpha Generation. That gave me a good giggle), so the acronym HSP was foreign to me. I think I'd seen once before but I couldn't recall the meaning. This time, I Googled it: Highly Sensitive Person.
Ooooh. That is not on my Character Traits list! (I shared that list in April in The Characters We Write Must Have Traits, Habits, and Flaws ) If you copied my list, make sure you add this one.) 
No more rabbit trails. HSP really grabbed my attention, and I knew I had to give a character that trait. It would walk hand-in-hand with one of the 8 Basic Lies our characters believe —in particular It's All My Fault.
Can you see it? This character usually strives for respect and validation. They carry a lot of guilt for things the perceive to be their fault. They always believe if they had done things differently, the outcome would not be a disaster.
If another character says the event was not a success, the HSP character would immediately think the remark was aimed at them—even if it wasn't. That's their mindset. It's a terrific trait to give a character, although I think it would work best for a secondary character. I can envision the POV character dealing with it—might could be fun.
Because I'm such a proponent of the character lie, I'm going to update the characteristics of each one. That will be another blog post.
So, what is another good trait you have used for a character? How did it play into your story?
TWEETABLE Consider This … When Coming Up with Character Traits for Characters in Your Novel - @AneMulligan on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet) 
Ane Mulligan lives life from a director’s chair, both in theatre and at her desk creating novels. Entranced with story by age three, at five she saw PETER PAN onstage and was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. One day, her passions collided, and an award-winning, bestselling novelist emerged. She believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups and lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, The Write Conversation, and Blue Ridge Conference Blog.

A Prayer to Encourage Writers

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam
Christian writers know they should pray each time they sit down to write. Often, they do. Yet sometimes they rush to get into their work because of looming deadlines. I’m going to do something different today. Rather than remind you to pray, or give you ten bullet points of what to pray—which both are fantastic, by the way—I’m going to offer up a prayer to encourage writers. 
A couple months ago I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. In many conversations there and now back at home, I’ve heard comments and seen weary bodies who are discouraged. I had conferees admit to me they felt it was time to give up or they believe they misunderstood the nudge when they felt God called them to write. Far too many were questioning their calling. 
If any of the scenarios below resonate with you, instead of telling you to pray about it, which you should, I’m going to join you in praying. Will you pray this prayer with me? Not only for yourself, but would you think of a writer or writers who could use a dose of encouragement regarding their writing?
Father God, 
I thank you for the writers I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with whom you’ve placed in my life. Many who have taught me, redirected my thoughts and encouraged me. I even thank you for those you’ve given to me that will give me a what for when I need it—and I admit, I need it more than I should!
For the writer who feels discouraged, I ask you to encourage them and give them a sign to keep going. Show them what they can learn from the proposal which wasn’t chosen. For those seeking a writing partner or critique group, help them find those so to not walk this writing journey alone. Bring to their mind ways to move past the discouragement and an eagerness to do the next project with renewed enthusiasm. 
Where a writer may doubt if they should continue to write, refresh their memory to the moment they knew you had called them to be a writer. Speak into their life in a way they will know, without a doubt, it is you reminding them you called them and will equip them for the writing pieces you want to use their voice to spread your message through. 
Lord, for the new writers, guide them to the folks they need to come along side of them to aid in the writing process. You’ve gifted teachers, speakers and more to breathe into new writers. The wisdom is rich from those who’ve walked the writing journey before us. Many of these people are so willing to reach back a hand and help someone behind them inch forward—thank you for them. 
When a writer feels like an imposter, bring to their mind your words that you created them and they are fearfully and wonderfully made. They are not a mistake nor are they not good enough. They’re not like the other author because you already made one of those, you don’t need another one. Who they are, how they write, their journey in writing is as you have created them and how their personal journey should be. 
Father, I thank you for each of the writers who will read this prayer. I ask that you meet them where they are right now in their writing life and renew their love for writing words you’ve given them. Please take my words to encourage your writers, and bless their work. 
In Jesus name, Amen. 
Thank you for the opportunity to pray for you and your writing life. May my words in this prayer be an encouragement to you. 
What about you? What would you add to this prayer for fellow writers? Please share your thoughts below—let’s talk about it. 
TWEETABLEA Prayer to Encourage Writers from @TickledPinkTam on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and give them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out! A writer of Romance—with a splash of sass. She’s also The Launch Team Geek helping authors launch their books and also a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors. Don't miss her recent book, LAUNCH THAT BOOK, just released in November. 
Her work was also published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. She’s also the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. She’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, MBT Monday Devotions, The Write Editing and more. Connect with Tammy at HTTPS://WWW.TAMMYKARASEK.COM.

Learn Your Blogging ABCs and Connect with Your Audience

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Blogging is a great way to connect with your readers, build your platform and hone your writing skills. But like anything valuable, it takes effort to learn to do it effectively. Today I wanted to find a fun way to share some blogging basics. 
My ABCs of Blogging.
A is for Accountability: If we want people to read our blog regularly, our readers should be able to expect us to post regularly. 
B is for Basics: Whatever you’re doing, make it excellent. That means take time to check for typos and readability, in your posts. Also be sure you’re using giving accurate links. There’s nothing more frustrating than clicking on a link that takes you nowhere.
C is for Connections: Think of your blog as a place where your audience can drop by and have a metaphorical cup of coffee with you. It’s a place for you to connect with on a deeper level. Answer comments and join the conversation. Blogging is not a synonym for lecturing.
D is for Discipline: When you begin a blog, you make a commitment to your audience. You want them to show up regularly and they expect the same for you. They won’t expect perfection—after all life happens to all of us—but they will expect discipline from you.
E is for Energy: Make sure your posts are full of energy. Use active verbs, vibrant descriptions and always end with a call to action. The action could be as simple as joining the conversation or as challenging as changing the world.
F is for Focus: You cannot be everything to everybody. Pick a focus for your site, but don’t be afraid to refine it based on what you hear from your audience. 
G is for Google: Do your homework and know what it takes to rank high in the search engines. This means you need to know about SEO (SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION), as well as HOW TO LABEL AND TAG YOUR BLOG CORRECTLY. And always remember it isn’t content that’s king, it’s GOOD content that rules.
H is for Hearing: Pay close attention to the comments your audience leaves. You’ll find great ideas for future blogs, as well as find out what your audience is interested in. Also keep tabs on your analytics. Knowing which posts are your most popular will go a long way to helping you determine the focus for you blog.
I is for Image: There’s a reason behind the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Use images to illustrate every post and to break up the text so it’s easier to read.
J is for Jump Break: This little tool can help your blog load faster and your email notifications run smoother. Not sure what I’m talking about? Here’s a post I wrote that give you EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JUMP BREAKS. 
K is for Keeping On: Building an audience for your blog takes time . . . and diligence. Don’t give up too soon. Here’s WHAT TO REASONABLY EXPECT FOR BLOG GROWTH. 
L is for Links: Social Media Links, that is. If someone takes time to visit your blog, make sure they can connect with you on social media as well. Have all your social media links in an easy to see place on your blog header or sidebar. 
M is for Mobile: Make sure your blog is easy to read on a mobile device and/or tablet. This isn’t just about how it looks, but also the length of posts, size of the text, etc. 
N is for Numbers: Remember your worth—and your blog’s worth— is NOT determined by the number of people who visit.
O is for Opportunity: Your blog will provide you with wonderful opportunities you could never imagine. 
P is for Passion: You may be able to write about something you’re not passionate about for a month or two. But after that, I guarantee you’ll be miserable. So pick something you’re passionate about as a focus for your site.
Q is for Question: Always end your post with a question (or at least a call to action) to help get the conversation started. 
R is for Reputation: In this business (publishing and blogging) reputation is everything. Develop a reputation for excellence and you’ll never lack for work—or for an audience!
S is for Subscribers: Make sure you have a way for people to subscribe to your blog through email and through RSS. 
T is for Titles: Don’t neglect the titles you choose for your blog posts. Social media is a no man’s land without context. A good rule is to look at your title and ask if someone would know what your post was about just by reading the title. 
U is for Understand: Take time to understand the culture of the online universe. This includes etiquette, as well as expectations. 
V is for Value: Give your audience something of value every single time you post. No one has time to waste and your audience is no exception.
W is for Weight: Don’t overload any part of your blog. Keep your sidebars trim and uncluttered. Don’t have too many links within a blog post. The ideal is no more than two to three per 500 words. If you encourage people to click away more than a couple of times, statistics prove they won’t come back. But most of all, don’t weigh down your posts with unnecessary words. Wordiness is never a good thing for a writer, but it’s absolute death to a blogger.
X is for Examine: I try to evaluate my blog two to three times a year. I take a look at my most popular posts, as well as the ones that garnered the most comments. I also try to look at it like a first-time visitor would. Is it easy to navigate? Do the page tab titles make sense? Are my social media links all working correctly. 
Y is for Yellow: Not as in cowardly, but the color yellow. Avoid it when you blog. It’s the most unpopular color for use on a blog. It’s also the hardest to see and has the largest variation over devices. 
Z is for Zoom In: When you pick a topic for a blog post, zoom in. Don’t try to cover too much at once. Stay laser-focused. Beyond that, zoom in on your word count. Blog posts are almost always shorter than print articles. It’s the nature of the medium. 
These are my top tips. I’d love to hear some of yours! Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLELearn Your Blogging ABCs and Connect with Your Audience - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.

Ideas for Writing Devotions

by Crystal Bowman
Whether you write for children, teens, adults, fiction or nonfiction, most Christian writers have the opportunity to write a devotion. It may be for an online site, a magazine, a church event, contribution to a compilation of devotions, or your own book of devotions. And when it comes to writing a devotion—ideas are everywhere!
Here are a few examples from my personal experience:
Ah-ha Moments
When I was raising little ones, I always checked on them an hour or so after putting them to bed. One evening, as I peeked into my son’s bedroom, I noticed that I had forgotten to close the drapes. A full moon was right outside his window, casting a beam of light onto the bed where his little two-year-old body was sleeping peacefully. 
Psalm 121:5-6, (NIV) came to my mind: The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
I incorporated this sweet moment into a devotion for mothers of young children. 
Mistakes Happen
I could no longer ignore the three overripe bananas on my kitchen counter. I mashed them in a bowl and blended ingredients to make a loaf of banana bread. As the bread baked, a tantalizing aroma permeated the kitchen. When the timer buzzed, I opened the oven to find a flat lump of banana paste. After re-reading the recipe, I realized I had forgotten to add a teaspoon of baking powder. My efforts were useless, and the banana paste ended up in the trash. 
First Corinthians 13, the love chapter, reminds us that we can do many wonderful things, but if we do not have love, we accomplish nothing. Love is the key ingredient in serving others, just like baking powder is a key ingredient in banana bread. 
I wrote a devotion titled, “The Missing Ingredient.” 
Humble Yourself
One evening, after speaking at a mother-daughter banquet, I was encouraged by the long line of mothers, daughters, and grandmothers who wanted to purchase my books and have me sign them. “They loved me!” I thought as my head began to swell. When a young girl handed me a fistful of books, the woman behind her said, “I told her she could get whatever she wanted.” I smiled at the girl and said, “That must be your grandma.” The woman replied, “I’m her mother.” 
Proverbs 16:18 (NIRV) came to my mind: If you are proud, you will be destroyed. If you are proud, you will fall.
I wrote a devotion titled, “That Must Be Your Grandma.” 
A God Moment
My mother lived to be 97 years old. In her final years, she used a walker to keep her from falling. One morning as she sat in her chair writing in her journal, her pen ran out of ink. Without thinking, she walked to the next room to get a pen from her desk. When she realized she had forgotten to use her walker, she froze, not knowing what to do. It would be hours before someone came to check on her. So she reached her hand toward the ceiling and prayed, “Dear God, please walk me back to my chair.” She then felt a warm, strong hand hold her hand to guide her safely back to her chair. 
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV) says, For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
This story turned into a devotion for Arise Daily.
In Conclusion
Writing devotions provides an opportunity for writers to apply spiritual truths to everyday life, and to share that truth with others. When we observe the world around us and allow the Holy Spirit to speak into our hearts and minds, we can hold onto God’s hand as he guides us on our writing journey. 
TWEETABLEIdeas for Writing Devotions from author Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Arise Daily, and Christian Children's Authors. She enjoys coaching children's writers as well as teaching at writers conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she likes going for walks and spending time with her huggable grandkids. She and her husband live in Michigan and Florida and try to avoid snowstorms.
WWW.CRYSTALBOWMAN.COMWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTAL.BOWMANWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTALJBOWMANWWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CRYSTALBOWMANAUTHOR

How to Conduct a Successful Book Launch

Edie here! Today I want to include a personal note about Susan's newest book, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully. It's such a wonderful resource, I'd love encourage each of you to take a look at it. You'll find more information about the book at the end of the post. Be sure to wish Susan CONGRATULATIONS on another wonderful book!

How to Conduct a Successful Book Launch by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga
Last month my newest book, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully released. Today it has over fifty Amazon reviews and ranks in five Amazon bestseller categories. I’m excited to share the strategies that helped me achieve this success so you can launch your book successfully, too. 
The Gold Rule for Book Launch: Give to Receive
“Do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). I’ve probably written over 300 Amazon book reviews. When I write book reviews for others, I purchase the e-book because it’s less expensive. I peruse the entire book on my Kindle app because this ensures the author is paid for each page read. At the end of the Kindle app, I write a review, which automatically goes to both, Amazon and Goodreads. You get the two for one deal. After I’ve written a review and received the confirmation email from Amazon, I forward the email to the author to show my support. And I let them know that I’ve written a review for both sites.
With this book launch, I had over a dozen people write book reviews for my book without even being on my launch team. What goes around, comes around. So the first thing to do to have a successful book launch is write book reviews for others without expecting anything in return. 
Build Your Launch Team
To ensure a successful book launch, try to have at least 100 people on your book launch team. From my experience, about 50 percent of your team will write a review. For my previous book, thirty-five out of seventy-five team members wrote a review. To build a large team, tap into your network of friends, family, church members, book club friends, and old study group members. Of course I asked all those who are in my Word Weavers Christian Writers Group. I ended up with 110 people on my team.
Minimal Email Communication 
Nobody likes being bombarded with emails. Once I established my launch team, I sent a clear and concise email about a month before the launch (see my email below), followed by two more emails—one on the launch day (to buy the book) and one the day after (to post social media graphics). This approach keeps your team informed without overwhelming them. Here is my first email to my team: 
Friends!
THANK YOU for helping me launch my book, 12 Ways to Age Gracefully. 
I have three quick tasks for you:1. PLEASE REPLY TO THIS EMAIL—To confirm you received it.2. DOWNLOAD THE BOOK—Please download an advanced review copy of the book at (BookFunnel Link). Begin reading and marking your favorite parts so you can prepare an Amazon book review to submit after you purchase the book.3. MARK YOUR CALENDAR—Please purchase 12 Ways to Age Gracefully on the release day, May 28 at https://www.amazon.com/12-Ways-Age-Gracefully-Younger/dp/1563096862/. (I will remind you.) 
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THE BOOK BEFORE THIS DATE. If we all purchase the book on the same day, the book can be on Amazon's Top 100 bestseller list! I cannot thank you enough for helping me! 
Blessings, Susan Neal
That was it. The instructions were simple, short, and clear. Members can peruse the email and understand what to do with one glance. I feel as though this technique is a fresh approach, which I would prefer. 
I keep track of who wrote a book review. Two months after the book's release, I send a gentle reminder to those who haven’t yet written a review, as they agreed to do when joining the team.
Timing the Book Purchase
I did not ask my launch team to purchase my book prior to the launch date. That is because only books purchased within a week before your release goes towards your Amazon book ranking. Why would I want everyone to buy my book two months before its release and all those sales wouldn’t go towards my ranking? That doesn’t make sense to me. 
Strategic Categories and Keyword Selection
Months before your launch, be strategic about choosing your Amazon book categories and keywords. Determining your book’s best categories can significantly improve your book’s viability. Choosing highly searched keywords helps readers find your book because it is more likely to populate on the search feed when your book contains a keyword that an Amazon reader is searching for. It takes time and training to figure out a book’s categories and keywords. Many times, publishers appreciate an author performing this analysis for their book. I know mine did. If you want to figure out your book’s categories and keywords, take my course, Determine Your Book’s Most Strategic Categories and Strongest Keywords, at CIPA.Podia.com.
Amazon Ads
Start your Amazon ads shortly after your launch when sales and ranking begin to decline. Yes, you share your profits with Amazon, but this investment increases visibility and sales. As we know, this business is not about making money, but about reaching others to further the kingdom of God. 
Marketing Efforts
Begin your marketing months prior to your books release. Five months prior to my book’s release I contacted a couple television stations. Both stations set up interviews with me during a timeframe when I was planning to be in their area, as I was speaking at a conference nearby. I also contacted other television stations I had met when attending the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention several months prior to my books release. If you want to attend NRB to obtain a year’s worth of media interviews, sign up to attend with the Christian Indie Publishing Association at https://christianpublishers.net/trade-shows/.
One of them scheduled an interview with me. I had two live television interviews the week after my book’s release. After each television interview, I sent an Edible Arrangement to them. Since I write about healthy living, sending a fruit arrangement works well with my branding, and it also helps the TV station remember me. 
Two months prior to my book’s release, I started being interviewed on radio and podcast shows. Most of the shows were able to schedule around my book’s release date or shortly thereafter. I also wrote magazine articles. One article was published the month after my book released and it had over 400,000 subscribers. 
Book Blogger Campaigns 
In my publishing contract, I negotiated for Amazon ads and a book blogging tour. My publisher arranged a Just Reads tour starting on the release day, which significantly boosted my book’s social media presence. I also paid for a Celebrate Lit blog tour a month later, giving my book a fresh wave of attention and sales. The 14 Day Celebration Tour reaches over 700,000 views. CAN/CIPA (Christian Authors Network/Christian Indie Publishing Association) members receive a discount on this tour. 
Through enhancing book sales you activate the Amazon algorithm so they will show the book to more people if your marketing efforts are productive, especially if you run Amazon ads. If your book is selling well, Amazon is going to show it to more people through your ads. 
Retail Promotion 
Christian Authors Network (an association for traditionally published authors) offers numerous promotional opportunities for their members. I did all of them, including: More To Life Magazine article about a topic in my new release.Did You Know? article in Munce’s More To Life newsletter about tips and trivia about my new release.Book review blog on the Christian Authors Network website and Facebook page.Fascinating Friday blog about the behind-the-scenes tidbits about my new release. 
Additionally, I have a book signing at the Christian Product Expo Apps and Autograph book signing event where over 100 retail store owners or managers come to visit with the author and get a signed copy of their book. If the book sells promptly, they may order more books for their store. In the past, my book sales always increased after attending the CPE. 
At this point, I am very pleased with the success of my book launch. Podcasts, blogs, and articles are going live. I’ve done my work. I’m taking a short break before diving back into marketing. I hope these tips provide valuable insights for launching your book successfully.
TWEETABLEHow to Conduct a Successful Book Launch from @SusanNealYoga on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
12 Ways to Age Gracefully: How to Look and Feel Youngerby Susan U. NealEmbrace the Youthful Spirit at Any Age As you face the mirror each day, do you meet an older version of yourself? It’s a familiar journey, one where we acknowledge that we’re not as young as we once were, yet not quite ready to embrace being old. But what if there was a way to traverse this path with grace and vitality? The good news is you can slow down time. By making the right choices, you can look and feel younger. You don’t have to spend a fortune on products either; simply learn and implement the tools needed to move gracefully and joyfully through your senior years. By making simple lifestyle changes, you’ll look and feel better. Discover how to choose vitality over disease; joy over depression; youthfulness over listlessness. 12 Ways to Age Gracefully will empower you to: * boost your energy levels, * improve senior brain health, *learn how to feel better about yourself, *develop better stress management, and *fulfill your God-appointed purpose with renewed vigor. What path will you choose? Discover the secrets to not just feeling better but also looking fantastic as you do so!
Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS: Susan’s mission is to improve the health of the body of Christ. She has her RN and MBA degrees, as well as a master’s in health science. She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHwith the American Association of Christian Counselors. She published five books, the Selah award winner 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE FOR 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, HEALTHY LIVING JOURNAL, SCRIPTURE YOGAa #1 Amazon best-selling yoga book, and YOGA FOR BEGINNERSwhich ranked #3. She published two sets of Christian Yoga Card Decks and two Christian Yoga DVDs that are available at CHRISTINAYOGA.COM. Her digital product HOW TO PREVENT, IMPROVE, AND REVERSE ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA is a great resource. To learn more about Susan visit her website SUSANUNEAL.COM You can also connect with Susan on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.

Become a Mentally Strong Writer with These 7 Tips

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Pursuing the craft of writing as a calling and/or a career can be an incredibly rewarding path through life. It can also be equally difficult. When we create something and then offer it up to the world, we open ourselves up to criticism and judgement. The painful things said about what we write is an inescapable part of being a writer. 
Navigating a world filled with criticism can be exhausting—if we’re not prepared. That’s what this post is about—strengthening our minds in regard to our writing. 
7 Tips to Become a Mentally Strong Writer
1. Know why you write. For me it’s two-fold. First, I write because that’s the way God designed me to process the world. When I write out my difficulties or questions, I find answers. Second, I write because I believe there was a moment in time when God called me to write for Him. To me, that means using my writing to honor Him and bless others. 
2. Pray regularly. This leads to my ONE and only hard-and-fast-rule-of-writing. Always pray before your fingers hit the keys, pick up a pen or even touch the text pad. In the world today our words go farther and faster than we ever imagined would be possible. That makes it even more critical that those words should first be submitted to God before we send them out.
3. Keep your defense close at hand. As a believer who writes, the only critique that should matter is what God says about my writing. So I keep a list of Bible verses that I’ve claimed in regard to my writing close at hand. Here are three of my favorites:Therefore, this is what the Lord says: “If you return, then I will restore you— You will stand before Me; And if you extract the precious from the worthless, You will become My spokesman. They, for their part, may turn to you, But as for you, you are not to turn to them. Jeremiah 15:19 NASBNow faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIVFor the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Romans 11:29 Amplified Bible
4. Resolve to consider. When I hear something difficult about what I’ve written, my first instinct is to leap to defense. I’ve learned that a better response—and one that reduces my stress level—is to consider what being said. I can ultimately reject it, but if I consider it, I can pull anything valuable out of the criticism without discarding it in anger.
5. Enlist a community of other writers. It’s almost impossible to do this writing life alone. My writing friends understand a difficult day at the keyboard, a bad review, and the ultimate joy of publication. My other friends, who don’t write, celebrate with me and are great encouragers, but they do not know the path I walk.
6. Stay humble and acknowledge there are always things that must be learned. When I was a young (in experience years) writer, I thought those far ahead of me had actually arrived. Now I know there is never such a thing as having arrived as a writer. When we commit to being a writer we commit to a life of learning. And often times lifelong re-learning. The world is changing and even experienced writers are constantly readjusting. Being careful to live through each situation as someone ready to be taught, instead of someone who knows the answer will save a huge amount of heartache.
7. Decide now who gets to speak truth in regard to writing. There are always plenty of people ready to tell you who, what, when, where, why and how to do what you do. Some of the advice will be good and some…well…not so good. Instead of treating everything as truth, decide those few you’ll accept advice from. This doesn’t mean you’ll dismiss everyone else, just weigh what you hear from anyone outside your trusted guard.
Bottom LineBe equipping ourselves as writers we will be able to stand when life gets hard. We will also have some side benefits. 
Along with the strength comes:Assurance. Not really assurance in myself, but in God and the fact that He is directing my steps. More than that, I know for certain that if I get off the track, He will gently guide me back where I should be.Peace. By developing this strength, I can have peace when the difficult words come. I know where to go for truth and how to reject the lies. Joy. All of this brings me the ability to experience incredibly joy in the gift of writing God has given me.
Now it's your turn. What would you add to my list to help us become mentally strong writers? Remember, we're all stronger together, so don't hesitate to share! 
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.

Use Your Travel Experience to Transform Your Writing and Inspire Your Creativity

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767
When people travel, they often use their experiences for transformative creative inspiration. But is this realistic for writers? Is keeping a writing routine while exploring new places, vacationing solo, or with friends and family feasible? Two of my favorite things to do are travel and writing. I’ve found utilizing the following six tips helpful in keeping up with my writing routine.
6 Things to Do While Traveling to Keep Up Your Writing Routine
1. Goal-setting: I usually take my planner with me on most trips. Each day, I map out realistic goals based on what time I have available and set a commitment to write at a certain time. During my writing time, I commit to what I believe is achievable, whether it’s a word count, several pages, or a specific piece I plan to finish. Whatever goal I set, I try not to make it overwhelming. 2. Take pictures: This may seem like a no-brainer, but capturing the visual aesthetics of the places we visit is a practical way to recollect vivid details and emotions.3. Utilize Technology: I invested in a more compact travel laptop than the one I have for daily use. I also travel with my smartphone, a notebook, and a pen. However, I’ve seen other writers use their tablets and iPads.4. Take advantage of downtime: Sometimes, unexpected periods of downtime, like delays, occur while traveling. However, we can also use our time on planes, trains, or vehicles as we travel to and from our destinations. I’ve found that reading while traveling heightens my enjoyment of books. Reading also inspires us and helps us become better writers.5. Adapt: While traveling is generally enjoyable, unexpected things can happen. The same applies to our writing routines. Not everything always goes as planned, so it’s important to be flexible and open-minded.6. Observe local ambiance: Something about visiting a new country or place renews us. Take in all the sights and smells of different adventures while traveling. Often, a mountain retreat, a sandy beach, or a café in London breathes fresh perspective into our writing. Allow unique spaces to develop our focus.
As writers, we may not get to travel around the world, but we certainly can visit a new town, coffee shop, library, or park. Whether we’re enjoying a staycation or traveling to another state or country, the new experiences that come from traveling should enhance the creative writing process. Remember these tips––Set aside dedicated time for writing each day, even while traveling. Keep a journal to record experiences and ideas on the go. Find inspiration from new places and cultures during travels. Use travel downtime for writing, such as during flights or train rides. Seek out writing spots in different destinations, like local cafes or parks. Balance exploration and relaxation to avoid burnout while maintaining a writing schedule.
Embrace the journey and let travel inspire your writing!
TWEETABLEUse Your Travel Experience to Transform Your Writing and Inspire Your Creativity from @KHutch0767 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),
AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.
Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations.
She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.

Principles for Book Marketing

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines marketing as “the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.”
Let's consider how we can apply them to marketing our books, webinars, and courses from a Christian perspective. The marketing world looks first at 4 principles of marketing as product, price, place, and promotion. What then are the principles of our writing?
Product for us is our book, but really it is the purpose behind the book, the message we want to share with readers. Underlying our writing is God's Word, the most treasured product. 
The Word of the Lord is worth more than gold, even more than much fine gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey straight from the comb. Psalm 19:10 NLV
Through our writing we want readers to find eternal purpose, the real product we offer.
Price of our books are in dollars but what we offer is priceless. We need to invest time and often money into producing the books. We want to be sure there's value for readers in the purchase. 
For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Luke 14:28
We need to consider the cost to make it and the value we offer so people will buy it. We need to develop books that are worth it for the reader with great action steps and takeaways. We need to design books and invest time in what will make a difference in lives. We need readers to want to recommend the book and buy copies as gifts. That means planning well, knowing the progression of the book's concept, and weaving in the message so it is clear and engaging.
Place refers to distributions, strategies, and ways to reach our target audience, our readers. Peter realized while in Joppa (Jaffa) healing a Jewish woman Dorcas that God was calling him to more places. His dream while there showed him a new view of what is clean and opened his eyes and heart to go to Caesarea when Cornelius asked for him to come. He met this gentile and saw his faith and that of his friends. That opened the door for Peter to go on to Antioch and preach to gentiles. We cannot limit the place or the ways we engage readers, for the call is too great.
But just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
For us place and distribution channels are the opportunities God gives us whether online or in person or through publishers. 
Promotion involves many tactics including sales, advertising, events, marketing channels, and even opportunities for presales. Jesus showed us the focus on reaching our audince matters when he said, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” [Luke 4:43].
When we are called to write we are also called to promote what we write. Paul never passed up an opportunity and never held back from fear. Many people asked if I was afraid to go to Israel when the Ministry of Tourism chose me as one of four journalists they took for a tour of the Holy Land. I was not afraid and explained that I would not turn down an opportunity God gave me and that I trust any outcome and safety to Him.
We must believe the message and product God inspired us to create is worth all effort to promote it. 
For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 2:17
We must apply ourselves to promote matching the available methods with our talents and choose what will work best for us and our audience.
Three More Book Marketing Principles
Beyond the four main principles, are three more labeled people, process, and packaging or physical evidence.People and that means developing real connections both with our supporters, those helping on the publishing side, and our readers. Process or Positioning which involves the delivery, added value, and service. That's seen in Paul where he positioned himself by a statue of an unknown god as the place to deliver the message of the real God they could know. That's offering freebies of value so people will want more and engaging online to serve readers.Physical evidence or packaging is the evidence we offer of business cards, tip sheets, and more that reveals or advertises the product whether it be a physical or eBook, online course or webinar, or coaching. They need something to make them visible to readers.
Embrace the principles that will inspire you to write and market your best. Remember the real product is God's Word and eternal life. For that we should never be ashamed to promote. Instead we should be eager to share the words God called us to write as the product that in reality shares God's love.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:17
TWEETABLEPrinciples for Book Marketing from expert @KarenHWhiting on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Karen Whiting (WWW.KARENWHITING.COM) is an international speaker, former television host of Puppets on Parade, certified writing and marketing coach, and award-winning author of twenty-seven books for women, children, and families. Her newest book, The Gift of Bread: Recipes for the Heart and the Table reflects her passion for bread and growing up helping at her grandparent’s restaurant. Check out her newest book Growing a Mother’s Heart: Devotions of Faith, Hope, and Love from Mothers Past, Present, and Future. It's full of heartwarming and teary-eyed stories of moms.
Karen has a heart to grow tomorrow’s wholesome families today. She has written more than eight hundred articles for more than sixty publications and loves to let creativity splash over the pages of what she writes. She writes for Crosswalk. Connect with Karen on Twitter @KarenHWhiting Pinterest KarenWhiting FB KarenHWhiting.

When the Writing Plate Fills

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8 NLT)!
My wife and I faced a summer of three, but three at a time was all Meme and Pop could handle. However, we had to handle them quickly because things would soon change. 
The first three were grandboys who belonged to our daughter and son-in-law—ages eleven, nine, and three. What Meme was thinking when she said, “Let’s take them to the free movie,” I’m not certain. The older two, sure. But the three-year-old? After all, I was on a three-month vacation from teaching middle-school rug rats. I wasn’t seeking summer persecution. 
But I relented. Meme does most of the tending anyway. We had seen the movie before, but who doesn’t enjoy a movie, popcorn, and drink (or Icee) on a hot summer day? I was just glad she didn’t invite another of the grandboys. 
One week later, we did the three-thing again—this time with two of our daughter’s boys and one of our son’s. Now we had an eleven-year-old and two nine-year-olds. And we weren’t merely going down the road to the theater. Meme suggested taking them to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to see the Pirate’s Voyage show—a four-hour drive one way plus an overnight stay. 
We had seen the show before and knew these three would love it. They did. We topped off our dinner theater with a trip to one of the local ice cream shops. Did I mention that all these boys are hyperactive? We sugared them up and then waited for their energy to drain and their eyes to close. 
God has blessed Michelle and me with seven grandchildren—all boys. Boys tax the nerves and exhaust Memes and Pops, but my wife and I love them all. The day may come when they don’t want to hang around with us anymore, but we don’t mind the full plate now. 
Meme hadn’t lost her mind with her two summer-of-three trips, but our summer plate was filling quickly. My plate would fill even more. Michelle was scheduled for rotator cuff surgery the following week and wanted to enjoy the fun before then. I did, too. 
In addition to tending to three aging parents, I would care for a largely incapacitated wife for the remainder of my summer vacation—not to mention doing ALL the things around the house that Michelle typically does. This was in addition to fulfilling my writing and editing responsibilities, marketing a recently released book, and hoping to prepare another book for release before summer’s end. Additionally, I had a Sunday school curriculum to write for Warner Press and a PEN (Professional Editor’s Network) class on grammar basics to teach. 
Sometimes, the Lord’s goodness fills our plate to overflowing. Then, what do we do? We can ponder whether God has sent all these wonderful writing opportunities, or we can take more practical steps. Perhaps the acronym SORT will help. 
SAY NO
Because God sends us opportunities, it doesn’t necessarily mean he wants us to accept them all. He may be testing our discernment to say yes to the most important and no to the least important. 
ORGANIZE
I always spent my afternoons and evenings of the first two days of each college semester pouring over my syllabi, gasping at the writing assignments, and putting them in order by the due dates. Then, I got to work—good advice, too, when our writing plates fill up and overflow. 
REACH
Reach to God in prayer. Every writing opportunity we have should be bathed in this—before it arrives, as we’re writing it, and after it’s published. 
TRUST
We want God to direct our writing to those who need the words he entrusted us. And if we write with the right motives, we can trust him to do that.
TWEETABLEWhen the Writing Plate Fills from Martin Wiles (@LinesFromGod) on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Martin Wiles is the founder of Love Lines from God (WWW.LOVELINESFROMGOD.COM) and serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions and Directing Editor for VineWords. He has authored six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, DON'T JUST LIVE...REALLY LIVE, debuted in October of 2021. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, author, and pastor.