Edie Melson's Blog, page 64

Setting Goals for Our Writing Journey

by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767
As Christian authors, we are blessed with a unique opportunity to share our faith with the world. We can inspire and uplift our readers through our writing, providing them hope, guidance, and encouragement on their spiritual journey. However, achieving success as a Christian author is a challenging feat. It requires more than just talent and passion for writing. We need a clear understanding of our goals and a well-defined plan. 
This includes identifying our target audience, developing a solid brand, building a platform, and engaging with our readers through various channels. Additionally, we must be willing to continually grow and improve our craft, seeking out feedback and guidance and staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the publishing industry. With dedication, perseverance, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can achieve great success as writers and positively impact our readers’ lives.
Setting goals is a crucial aspect of our journey as authors. It not only helps us to stay focused but also keeps us motivated and accountable for our progress. As a Christian author, we can use our faith to lay a strong foundation for setting and achieving our goals. By aligning our goals with our Christian values, we can ensure our efforts are directed toward what matters. To help us in this regard, here are some tips to keep in mind while creating goals that are in line with our Christian values.
5 Things to Remember When Setting Goals for the Writing Journey
1. Seek guidance. When setting goals for ourselves, starting with a strong foundation is essential. One way to do this is by taking some time to pray and ask God for guidance. By doing so, we can invite His wisdom and direction into our lives and seek His will for the path we should follow. Whether seeking clarity on a specific goal or looking for general direction in life, prayer can be a powerful tool for gaining insight and inspiration. So before embarking on any new endeavor, let us always take the time to seek God's guidance and ask Him to show us the way forward.
2. Establish a clear vision. To set ourselves up for success, we must clearly define what we want to achieve. Once we comprehensively understand our end goal, we should write down our specific goals. These goals must be measurable and achievable to track our progress and stay motivated. Setting clear and attainable goals can increase our chances of success and allow us to focus on what matters most.
3. Align goals with our values. As Christian authors, we must align our goals. It’s also vital to ensure that our objectives are in harmony with our faith to share our message with the world effectively. This means that before embarking on any writing project, we should take the time to reflect on our values and beliefs and make sure that our goals are in line with them. By doing so, we can create content that resonates with our audience and positively impacts the world around us. Ultimately, as Christian authors, our writing should be guided by our faith and desire to make a difference in the lives of those who read our work.
4. Break down goals into smaller steps. When we set big goals for ourselves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. However, by breaking down those big goals into smaller, more manageable steps, we can make them more achievable. To do this, we need to create a detailed plan outlining specific actions to move closer to our goals. By breaking things down this way, we can feel more in control of our progress and motivated to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
5. Hold ourselves accountable. We must take responsibility for achieving our goals. This means setting clear objectives for ourselves and holding ourselves accountable to them. We should regularly check in with ourselves to evaluate our progress and determine whether we are on track to reaching our desired outcomes. By doing so, we can identify areas where we may need to adjust our approach or put in extra effort to stay on target. It’s equally important to celebrate our successes along the way. This helps to reinforce positive behavior and maintain our motivation to continue working towards our goals. We can learn from our failures by reflecting on what went wrong and using this information to improve our strategies. Adopting a growth mindset and viewing failures as opportunities for growth can turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success.
As writers, we possess the innate ability to achieve unprecedented success and leave an indelible mark on the world through our words. By channeling our creative potential into our literary endeavors and dedicating ourselves wholeheartedly to our craft, we can realize our true calling and make a meaningful contribution to society. Let’s strive relentlessly, with unwavering passion and steadfast dedication, to create works that inspire, motivate, and transform lives. Let’s unleash our full potential and reach the pinnacle of our literary journeys, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations.
TWEETABLESetting Goals for Our Writing Journey, insight from author @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.

Adding Joy to Author Marketing

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting
For one craft book I wrote during COVID I made zoom calls with children to make the crafts with me. I included a young cousin being treated for leukemia. When we made a simple paper Easter basket she jumped for joy and laughed with glee. She decided to make them for every guest coming to her home for an upcoming celebration. She put a gift in each basket to surprise guests. Everyone smiled and laughed at the lovely baskets and the unexpected gifts. 
Sharing that story gives readers anticipation of joy that inspires a purchase. It's a great story to use in marketing that resonates with potential buyers because it uses story to show that the purchase can bring joy. Humans tend to feel first and then think, so it's important to engage readers with joy and other positive feelings to foster positive emotions about your book.
The joy you share in marketing engages readers and gives them a sense that they'll discover joy in your book. A study by Sonja Lyubomirsky concluded that 93% of Americans are on a quest to experience more joy in their lives. That's why some famous brands have used themes like, "I'm lovin' It" and "Joy will take you farther" and "open happiness." It's time to consider joy as a basic ingredient of promoting books.
Identify how you can link joy to your book or brand
That begins with tapping into the joy you experienced in writing and joy about the topic or take-away for the reader. Ask yourself a few questions that help focus on joy with your book:What in your words delights the reader or inspires them to recall good times or the joy of knowing God? What went wrong that became a bit comical? What story connected to the book or message can bring a smile or laugh? Did anything amazing happen while writing the book that brought you joy?What made people rejoice as you shared about the book during the writing process?How did launch team members express joy about the book?What experiences did readers share that expressed joy?
Share Joy While Marketing
Your tone and greeting, filled with joy, will also attract the readers. In a hurting world we can sprinkle in joy to lift spirits. Craft and look for stories that will bring smiles to add into the promotional posts.Post testimonials from readers on how the book solved a problem that brought joy.Share stories from readers and your experiences that connects to the book.Use positive images that bring smiles and chuckles.Create a downloadable benefit list to give customers of how to increase joy, hope, or love from the book.Think of a way to add the word joy to a slogan for your book.
Offering joy in a troubled world creates a sense of empathy with your audience and shows you care about their needs. That brings a sense that your book offers simple pleasures and a spark of fun. Sharing stories that express a good feeling and share your values connects with them.
For moms, I often open with a story about my youngest son:
I kissed my two-and-a-half-year-old son Daniel goodbye and watched as he turned to go off with his big sister. He wiped the kiss off his mouth and patted his chest. I sighed, thinking how he already felt too big to want my kisses. He twirled around and asked, "Do you know what I just did?" 
Kneeling down to his height I asked, "What did you do?"
He grinned and said, "I put your kiss in my heart. So if I feel sad and mad, I can take it out and I'll be ok."
Mom are with in feeling that little sadness turn to joy. I can follow it with how our little ones have a way of sprinkling joy into our lives and those are the types of stories I like to capture in my book.
Capture the Joy
Listen to your audience and their stories. Reflect on your own stories and what ones make you smile. Choose ways to capture and connect those stories to your book. I use the above story in a different way when I am marketing a Bible study, with connecting the end to how God feels when we put His word in our hearts, knowing it's there for when we need to uplift our emotions. That shares the promise of joy we get when we hold onto scriptures. If readers believe your book will show you understand them or will provide a promise that will bring joy, they will want your book.Help them connect to you as a person who has gone through similar experiences, and share what brought joy in those times.Make them laugh with sharing a funny mistake that ended with choosing joy in spite of the problem.Connect with a promise, such as a promise to listen better after sharing how miscommunication led to a mix-up or difficulty.
Listen up to what people say about your book that gladdened their heart and use those ideas to start your next joy marketing campaign.
TWEETABLEAdding Joy to Author Marketing, insight from author @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.

Writing, Reflecting, and Thanking

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod
He told them to give thanks . . . and they listened. 
The day was the Monday before our Thanksgiving break at school. The Upper School principal planned to deliver the chapel sermon. The kids had heard him speak many times during the school year, but usually to correct them about some naughty behavior, not share a sermon. 
He pointed us to a familiar psalm, where David thanked the Lord and instructed others to do the same, and then gave us three directives: have an attitude of gratitude, be faithful to be happy, and be thankful always. He finished with a unique twist. 
He called us teachers to the front, gave us a pad of sticky notes, and told us to distribute three each to the students during the next class period. Then, he instructed the students to write thanks to three different people on the notes and place the notes on the person’s classroom or office door. He wanted to see sticky notes all over the school. 
I did not return to the middle school hallway for two more periods, but when I did, I saw the students had listened. Notes lavished all the teachers’ doors, mine included. Sticky notes hung from the exit signs and adhered to almost every locker. I read some of them, but I read all of them on my door. As always, the words of thanks encouraged me. 
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34 NLT).
King David had previously tried bringing the Ark of the Covenant (the symbol of God’s presence) to the Tabernacle—their worship house. But he failed to follow God’s instructions for moving it and paid the price. His next attempt proved successful. Then, he appointed Levites to lead the people in worship, which entailed thanking God. 
We usually think of Thanksgiving as the time to focus on thanking God, but the New Year provides an excellent time to reflect on the previous year and thank God for providing us with writing opportunities. I doubt any of us got more than we wanted—and some didn’t get as many as they wished. But they came—although in different forms. Devotions. Articles. Newspaper pieces. Books. Novellas. Short stories. Perhaps audibly at first through Christmas stories to our grandchildren or other stories to strangers or friends. 
Giving thanks when things go our way is easy, but we often forget to thank God because . . . well . . . things are going our way. Doing it when life tosses us around a little proves more challenging. Such as the writing opportunity we had to turn down because life got in the way. The Grim Reaper reaped. Aging parents aged. Rebellious children rebelled. Sickness sauntered in. Cancer cropped up. 
We don’t have to thank God for the troubling circumstances, but we should always thank him, regardless of our situation. No matter how bad things are, they could be worse. Believers have a hope that unbelievers don’t: we know the God who orchestrates our circumstances and can instantly change them. 
Thanking God is spiritually healthy. Being jealous of opportunities other writers have that we don’t isn’t. Thanking helps maintain our perspective of who we are and who God is. It reminds us that most people have far less than we do, even if we think we have little. We may not have gotten the book contract or secured the agent, but we have running water, modern conveniences, and our senses. 
We don’t have to influence millions with our writing or secure every opportunity we query—a basketful of play toys doesn’t necessarily equal happiness and peace. God will send the writing opportunities he wants us to have this New Year—and those will be enough. 
What are some writing opportunities for which you can thank God?
TWEETABLEWriting, Reflecting, and Thanking, insight from author 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.

Writers, Embrace the Imperfections in the New Year

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt
My new year is starting out like all other new years—with me getting the date wrong. More than once, I wrote 2023 and then had to scratch it out and write 2024. Worse yet was when I tried to turn the “3” into a “4,” making a numerical mess. Then there was the morning I spent a few minutes correcting several days’ worth of dates in two different journals—my prayer journal and one where I write out scripture verses.
Sigh.
Maybe you’re familiar with the quote by novelist L.M. Montgomery of Anne of Green Gables fame: “Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
That’s how we all approach a new year: with hope, high expectations, and happiness that there are no mistakes in it … yet. No disappointments … yet. No setbacks … yet. 
Then we woke up on the first day of January and we found that—REALITY CHECK—the lives we were living in our brand-new year were the same lives we were living in that not-so-distant last year. 
New calendar—same challenges. That manuscript you didn’t finish in 2023? Still not finished. The reply you were waiting for from that editor or agent? Still waiting.The muddled middle of your work in progress? Still a jumble of chapters waiting to be put in order. Personal struggles that competed with your writing goals? Still requiring your time, attention, and prayers. 
What’s the point of celebrating a new year anyway if nothing changes?
Ah. There’s the point. 
Change. 
What can we change?
When we can’t change our circumstances, we can change our ourselves—our perspective, our attitude—one choice, one thought at a time.
It’s not about pace, it’s about intention.
We’ve got an entire year ahead of us. We’ll encounter success and sadness and mistakes and chances to cheer one another along and reasons to tell God thank you and tears and always, always the unexpected. 
One truth to cling to as we progress through this year? Psalm 139:5 (NASB): You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
How comforting to embrace the certainty that God has “enclosed” us—secured us—by going ahead of us into the great unknown of this year. That He also follows us as we move through each day. 
What truths are you taking into this imperfect year to help you celebrate your successes and conquer your challenges?
TWEETABLEWriters, Embrace the Imperfections in the New Year, Insight from author @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, released June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Get Unstuck with Your Writing by Walking It Out!

Edie here. Today you are in for a wonderful treat! We have bestselling author and fitness guru with us today, sharing her tricks for battling creative fatigue! Be sure to give her a warm TWC welcome!

Get Unstuck with Your Writing by Walking it Out!by Rebecca J. Clark @RebeccaJClark
Growing up, I hated any form of exercise, even leisurely walking, unless that leisurely walk took me to the ice cream store or Starbucks. Or both. 
I started walking when my kids were small because if I put them in the stroller and gave them a lollipop (I know—bad, bad mommy), they wouldn’t scream or otherwise make my nerves go taut as a violin string for at least 20 minutes. I knew for at least 20 minutes every morning I would have peace and quiet, time to gather my frazzled thoughts. Soon, those walks became addictive. Sometimes, I went for two walks a day. Sometimes even three, depending on whether or not The Toddlers felt like napping.
I soon learned another benefit of daily walking. It was a great way to work out the kinks in my WIP. Almost like magic, for the scene I was having so much trouble with, the one that had me staring at the blinking cursor until I could see it in my sleep, the solution would pop into my head. Oftentimes, my mind would be overflowing with so many great ideas, I’d extend the walk (with more lollipops) until I couldn’t wait to get home and onto the computer (after The Toddlers were napping, of course).
Creativity guru Julia Cameron urges all of us artsy fartsy types to take daily walks to restore our spirit and nourish our creativity. In her book, Walking in this World, she says, “The truth is that walking holds our solutions.” Before the walk, we’re stuck. After the walk, we’re miraculously unstuck. 
Walking clears your head and focuses your thinking, it pulls your awareness away from relentless mind chatter to the gentle rhythm of the walk. The repetitiveness of each step after step gradually brings you into an almost meditative, deeper state. And this deeper state is where your creative mind is free to let go, to explore the possibilities and all the “what if’s.” This is when the magic happens.
It’s no secret that exercise and creativity go hand in hand. Stephen King is known to be an avid walker (unfortunately, he didn’t have eyes in the back of his head when he was hit by that car…). Henry David Thoreau wrote a book about it. And St. Augustine said, Solvitur ambulando—“it is solved by walking.” The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.”
Great minds, great walkers.
I’m not telling you to go out there and walk as fast as you can until you’re all hot and sweaty and cursing my name. I’m talking slow and leisurely, people. Easy does it. Nourish that inner muse, don’t give it a heart attack.
Next time you’re stuck with your writing, instead of beating the tar out of your computer, calling your muse foul names, or scarfing a bag of Hershey’s Kisses, trying going for a walk instead. Your muse—not to mention your waistline—will thank you.
TWEETABLEGet Unstuck with Your Writing by Walking It Out - insight from author @RebeccaJClark on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Rebecca J. Clark (Becky) is a USA Today best-selling romance author, and has also been a personal fitness instructor and class instructor for the past 22 years. She’s trained hundreds of clients over the years, from retired ballerinas and professional bodybuilders, to 97-year-old great-great grandmas. But the majority of her clients are just regular people who want to feel better, have more energy, and improve their mobility and flexibility. Her favorite classes to teach are Pilates and yoga. Check out http://authorfitness.com for more information.
When she’s not helping people improve their fitness, she’s writing and reading romance novels. She loves the feeling she gets after reading a great romance--just for that moment, everything is alright in the world. You can learn more about her writing and her books at http://RebeccaJClark.com.
Becky makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of 36 years and a cat who was probably a serial killer in its past life. Her biggest joy is her toddler granddaughter (plus a grandson due Spring 2023) who lives just down the road. In her free time, Becky enjoys reading, watching Criminal Minds reruns on TV, and doing absolutely nothing.

Plans (Instead of Resolutions) for the Writer in 2024

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
I’ve never been a fan of the word “resolution,” but I think that’s because my New Year’s Resolutions were typically awash before I finished sweeping up the confetti. Did you make resolutions for the new year? I prefer to make “plans,” for my writing life, my family life, and my spiritual growth. I bathe my plans in prayer, before, during, and after. Most importantly, I am committed to altering any plans when I recognize my thoughts don’t line up with God’s plans for me, because as we know, His plans are way better than anything I could ever dream. 
I also don’t do well with a “resolution” for an entire year. I like to think about writing goals in smaller increments. I jot down my goals, but I revisit them at the beginning of each month and alter, update, pat myself on the back gently, or strike completely from the list.
Fortunately, the Bible has much to say about “making plans.” I plan to write these verses in my paper calendar, one verse at the top of each month, as a reminder to keep following my writing dreams, one plan, one step at a time, with God leading the way. Won’t you join me? (The verses below are shared in the ESV translation, but pick your favorite version and transcribe God’s Word on the pages of your calendar.) 
12 Bible Verses for Writers in 2024
* Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. 
* Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
* Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. 
* Proverbs 19:21 – Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
* Proverbs 15:22 – Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 
* Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 
* Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
* Psalm 20:4 – May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! 
* Philippians 2:13 – For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 
* Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. 
* Psalm 33:11 – The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
* Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 
How do you feel about resolutions? What writing plans do you have for 2024? Share your thoughts below and let’s encourage each other for the best year ever.
TWEETABLEPlans (Instead of Resolutions) for the Writer in 2024 from author @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Julie’s excited about the new year and looks forward to whatever God has in store for 2024. She’s the author of Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime and is excited that a bilingual version is also now available. She’s also the author of Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers.

Tips for Writers: How to Conduct an Interview

by Linda Gilden @LINDAGILDEN

One of the greatest tools writers have in their tool kits is the interview. You do not necessarily have to do an hour-long interview to receive great benefit to your articles. Quotes from individuals strengthen your points and let your readers know that even if you are not an expert on the subject you know people who are well-versed and you work hard to make the connection.
5 Reasons Interviews Make Articles Stronger 
The opinion of someone else validates your subject and adds value to the material. Interviewing someone who is knowledgeable in your subject broadens the scope of your reach and helps more people personally identify with your subject.An expert brings extra meaning to your article and gives credibility to your subject. Even if your article is not an academic one, having a quote from an expert lets the reader know that there is deeper knowledge to be had if they want to pursue it.Quotes show how your subject can be applied to daily life. If you are writing an article on building a house, yet you have never built a house, having a quote or a sidebar from a builder will bring the human element into your writing. Likewise, if you are writing on running marathons and have never run one, seek out a marathon runner who cannot only read your article and verify key elements, but he or she can also provide firsthand experience to illustrate your points.Often when you interview someone for a quote to go in an article, you find an aspect of the subject that you didn’t even think to include. So, talking to others helps you strengthen your outline and not leave out important parts.Those you include in your article will become enthusiastic marketers for your work.
Even if you only contact someone for a quote, remember your manners and be respectful of their time. Be sure to write a thank you note. Send them a copy of the published article and let them know where they can get copies or find it online.

If there are parts of your conversation you aren’t able to use for this article, file it away to use another time for a different article. Never throw anything away because you never know when you may have an opportunity to use it!

Tips for a Good Interview
Do your homework before you go. Don’t ask your subject something you could have read in the newspaper!Arrive with key questions you would like answered.Record your conversation (with permission) so you can make sure your quotes are correct.If you ask for an hour of time, stay true to that. Do NOT go over the amount of time you ask for.Be sure to write a thank you note to your subject. Once the article is printed, send another short note with a copy of the article.
TWEETABLETips for Writers: How to Conduct an Interview from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Linda Gilden is an experienced, bestselling writer, speaker, award-winning editor, marketer, and speaking coach, ghostwriter, and writing coach. Author of 40 books and 2,000+ magazine articles, Linda appreciates a great story. She believes with our stories, we can change the world one word at a time and loves to encourage others to do that through writing coaching and personal tutoring. Her newest book was released in November: TRADING SHADOWS: EXCHANGING A LIFE OF SECRETS, FEAR, AND DOUBT FOR A LIFE OF FREEDOM WITH THE ALMIGHTY.

Take on the New Year of Writing by Walking in Jesus’ Footprints

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted
The end of the year tends to bring about a slump for most writers. We’ve worked crafting novels, stories, teaching materials, and articles all year. When the end of the year comes, we’re spent. Now, writers are looking at a new year ahead, and honestly, I get it. Putting the bum in the chair to work grows a little hard.
Don’t feel bad. It happens to us all. The way our industry works, we never seem to see a clear finish to the year. Projects are still rolling full steam; editing continues, and deadlines don’t change. We never seem to clip off December 31 and recognize January 1 as a new beginning.
It’s easy to grow weary, and as much as I want to say it, I’m not going to insist you continue writing daily. Instead, I’m going to recommend you give yourself a full weekend for renewal. Let’s do that by following the example of Jesus.
Numerous times, scripture tells us that Jesus went off alone. We aren’t sure all He did during those times, but we know that much of that time was spent in prayer. He talked with His Father. Jesus faced great stress daily. He knew He was not only battling to teach a new way but that He was also battling time—aka, in writing terms, deadlines. 
Writers tend to tell their peers to “keep writing” even when things are difficult. And I do agree with this when it’s kept in the context of our work. It’s easy to throw our hands up and quit when things aren’t going our way. When rejections pour in, or the hope of publication seems so distant, quitting seems the easiest way out. We become like mad kids on the playground who never win the race or are always chosen last. These are the times I say, keep on writing. When we give into frustration or failure, we stop growing and learning. So, in this case, I say, buck up and keep writing.
However, being spent is different, and it’s important that we look back on the life of Jesus and see that He afforded Himself times of renewal. We don’t know what Jesus prayed or did when He went off alone, but I can only imagine some of His prayers were of frustration, hurt, and physical times of exhaustion. Then there was that timeline, the deadline, that hovered over Jesus daily. Jesus went to His Father in prayer, and there He found the needed strength to move ahead—to meet the necessary goals before His deadline ran out.
There will be times when, as a writer, you are exhausted. You’ve given and given of yourself until it seems there are no more words. That’s why I used the word, spent. These are the times that you give yourself permission to close the door to your office and walk away for a day or two. Find that quiet place where you can meditate, pray, and seek after God. After all, He is seeking you. This is the time when you cry out, Abba Father, where are You in all of this? What are you trying to teach me? I can make this promise with full assurance. He will answer. 
Sometimes, our grip is so tight around the work that we say, “I’ve prayed and prayed about this,” only to realize that rather than allowing God to break the silence, you’re spending your time trying to break it for Him. “Maybe God is telling me no.” I say, maybe God is just saying, let it go, and I will answer when the time is right. A friend told me that sometimes we become so bent on the answer we want that the answer we need is posted on a billboard, and we just don’t see it.
My point is that renewal means letting go of the old and putting on the new. Wow, sounds like Ephesians 4, when Paul tells the people to take off the old and put on the new attitude.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
So, when you are spent, let go. Step away for a day or two and seek Him. After all, you do call yourself a Christian writer—right? If so, fall back on your Father. He’s great at the trust game. Catches you every time.
When you give yourself a couple of days to seek Him, then clarity returns. You may not have all the answers, and I doubt God is saying, “Stop writing.” I think it would be more like,
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 NIV
You are not immune to the frustrations of the world. Instead, those frustrations and insecurities become arrows in the quiver that you can pull out and fire onto the page. Those emotions and situations make good fodder for your work—great life lessons.
The point is, when you feel spent, follow in the steps of Jesus. Retreat to a quiet place and pray. Talk to God. Ask for a “new” attitude and “new” perspective, and don’t wimp out by putting words in God’s mouth. Be quiet and listen. Be still and know.
Then, place your hand on the office doorknob and turn it. Walk in. Sit down, put on a new attitude, and write. When you do, God will move in amazing ways because you are now in a place of submission. He can now work in you and through you because you’ve stepped out of the way.
You are a writer. Called by the Father. Gifted by Him. There are words you have not yet found, but you will when you allow Him to guide the pen. Rest in Him.
TWEETABLETake on the New Year of Writing by Walking in Jesus’ Footprints from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and she is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and WWW.CHRISTIANDEVOTIONS.US, as well as WWW.INSPIREAFIRE.COM. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at WWW.CINDYSPROLES.COM or www.wramsforwriters.com.

10 Tips to Help You Simplify Your Writing Life for the New Year

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
So often we make things harder than they have to be. Sometimes we do it because we’re used to doing things a certain way, or because it’s the only way we know how. But things change quickly these days, and it’s always a good thing to take a look at your routine with a fresh eye. 
Today I’m going to share some tips to streamline your writing life. Some you may already do, some you may not have ever considered. Just take a look at the list with an open mind and see if there’s anything on it that can make your life easier.
Simplify Your Writing Life for the New Year1. Take a look at your goals. It’s important to have goals—and it’s important to have written goals. It’s easy to just float along, taking things as they come. But when we do that, it’s hard to make progress—and it’s even harder to evaluate progress. Beyond that, there’s something almost magical about writing down your goals. Having them recorded somewhere gives them weight and makes it easier to make them a priority.
2. Evaluate how much time you’re spending on social media. If it’s more than thirty minutes a day, it’s time to re-evaluate. After thirty minutes, your return on investment takes a severe nosedive in the downward direction. 
3. Let go of your expectations. No this isn’t a contradiction of #1 above. There is a huge difference between goals and expectations. I bet if you’re honest with yourself you have quite a few expectations—from what you expect from yourself, to what you expect from others. For me, when I took a hard look, a lot of those expectations were totally unreasonable. So spend some time and take a hard look at your expectations. The ones that are reasonable, make into goals and priorities. The rest of them . . . well . . . just throw them away. 
4. Determine when, in a 24-hour period, you are most creative. Some of us are night people, some are morning people, and some of us work best in the afternoon. But we each have a specific time when the words and ideas tend to flow easier. Look at your internal clock and figure out when that time is. Then, guard it like you’re guarding gold. Really that’s what you’re doing. Our income and dreams are locked up tight with our ability to create. When we figure out the time that work best for creative work, it’s like someone has handed us pure gold.
5. Come up with a way to schedule your time. I know not everyone can have a detailed schedule. But truthfully, if you’re trying to carve out time to write (and who isn’t?), you need to schedule that time. There are lots of methods to help with time management. Do some research and find something that works for you.
6. Commit to quit talking negative to and about yourself. When someone bashes our ability and/or our manuscript, it takes time to recover. The same holds true when we do it to ourselves. 
7. Take care of yourself physically. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, and especially exercising. The sedentary lifestyle of a writer can quickly take its toll on us physically and mentally. Sure these things take time—often time we don’t feel we can spare. But even though this may seem counterintuitive, it will streamline your writing life. You can accomplish so much more when you are physically healthy and mentally alert.
8. Build in regular breaks. Especially when I’m on a deadline, I’ve found that taking regular breaks greatly improves my productivity. A good friend and spiritual mentor of mine Kent Pate has a saying, “Divert daily, withdraw weekly, abandon annually.”
9. Surround yourself with encouraging writers. You don’t just need encouraging friends, but also encouraging writers. We writers are an odd lot, and we need others around us who understand our thought process, our struggles and our quirky joys. These writers should be active and growing—not those who just talk about writing, but those who spend time writing.
10. Engage a prayer team. This may seem odd, especially if you’re fairly new to even calling yourself a writer, much less having something published. But the truth is, this life is hard. When we answer God’s call to step out and share His message, we’re going to encounter spiritual warfare. For that, you need people to pray for you. If you’re also building a ministry, trying to grow an income and/or beginning to speak, that’s even more of a reason to surround yourself with prayer. These folks don’t have to be writers, but they should have a connection to you. 
These are just some of the things that do to help my writing life stay manageable. I’m sure there are lots of other things that would help as well. Be sure to chime in with your suggestions in the comments section below. 
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 Instagram.

Find Writing Inspiration With the Grasp of His Hand

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank
The Lord spoke to me, like a firm grasp of the hand. Isaiah 8:11
How do you find inspiration for your writing?
Christian writers have an advantage in the inspiration department. We follow Jesus, the One who is called the Word. (John 1:1-3) * And He has given us His Word, the Bible, to guide our lives. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) *
Inspiration can become a habit. I find that regular, consistent time reading the Word builds the practice. As I read, a phrase or word will stand out to me like a firm grasp of the hand. It will not let me go until I have understood. In this way, the Lord speaks the words He wants me to give to others.
The strong Hand invites me to walk with Him. He has something to show me. I go with Him, and I see.
I see, I hear, and I write.
The strong Hand gives words for others and words for me. Sometimes, they are just for me.
He takes care of His word-stewards. At times we need a personal word, like a strong grasp of the hand, to reassure us that we are not alone sitting here in front of the keyboard at 4 am scribing what He speaks. He is with us. We are never alone with our words when we hold the strong hand of the One who is the Word.
Other times I need His firm grasp to help me be brave. To push past my fears. To make that commitment and write that book, to send that submission, to keep sending it until someone says yes, I will share your words with the world.
The words most worthy of sharing with the world are the ones that came to me like a firm grasp of the hand. Those inspired words have wings. They fly past failure, glide over guilt, soar over setbacks, and perch upon the promises of the One who gave them.
May you have such words this new year, dear writer. What words hold you like a firm grasp of the hand today? Write them.
Lord, help me build my inspiration habit this year, and may Your words come to me like a firm grasp of the hand. Amen.
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Audrey Frank is an author, speaker, and storyteller. The stories she shares are brave and true. They give voice to those whose words are silenced by shame, the hard things in life that don’t make sense, and the losses that leave us wondering if we will survive. Audrey and her family have spent over twenty years living and working among different cultures and world views, and she has found that God’s story of redemption spans every geography and culture. He is the God of Instead, giving honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, hope instead of despair. Although she has three different degrees in communication and intercultural studies, Audrey’s greatest credential is that she is known and loved by the One who made her.
Audrey is the author of Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World (Harvest House Publishers), an outpouring of Audrey’s heart to introduce others to the God of Instead. Shame is not unique to the developing world, the plight of the women behind veils, young girls trafficked across borders; shame is lurking in hearts everywhere. Through powerful stories from women around the world, Covered Glory illuminates the power of the Gospel to remove shame, giving honor instead. Available at favorite booksellers: BARNES & NOBLE, BOOKS A MILLION, AMAZON.