I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God
so that you may know that you have eternal life. [1 John 5:13]

Friday, July 31, 2009

Books Are Magic at the Hanover Book Festival!

Come on out to visit me tomorrow at the Hanover Book Festival:

DIRECTIONS: Whichever direction you are traveling, you will want to eventually get onto 295. Both 64 and 95 can get you there.

When on 295, take the "Tappahannock" exit onto Rt. 360E;
Turn right at the first stoplight onto Bell Creek Rd.;
Go to the end of Bell Creek and continue STRAIGHT through the stoplight onto Brooking Way;
Turn right into the parking lot of the VFW.

I'll be at table #18!


Why should an author, or aspiring author, attend the Hanover Book Festival?
Great networking opportunity!
Forum for book sales and promotions
Workshops for Adult Writers
A Workshop for Teen Writers
Marketing opportunity for soon-to-be-published books
Door Prizes and Contests
Festival atmosphere providing an enjoyable day with other writers, publishers, agents... and readers!

(For a Schedule of Events, please click here.)


Blessings on your journey

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
101 Stories of Gratitude, Fortitude, and Silver Linings

This follow-on book to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People continues Chicken Soup for the Soul's focus on inspiration and hope in these difficult times. These inspirational stories remind us that each day holds something to be thankful for -- whether it is having the sun shine or having food on the table. Power outages and storms, health scares and illnesses, job woes and financial insecurities, housing challenges and family worries test us all. But there is always a silver lining. The simple pleasures of family, home, health, and inexpensive good times are described.

Find out all the details at Richmond Christians Who Write blog.


Blessings on your journey

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Where Books Are Sold

I read this information at
http://www.fundsforwriters.com



WHERE BOOKS ARE SOLD

RR Bowker reported at the most recent Book Expo where books were sold in 2008. The nonwriter assumes major bookstores carry the elephant's share of book sales, but not so.

(Data collected at www.anvilpub.com)

23% purchased through online purchase/e-commerce
22% sold through large chains (Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-a-Million)
22% through a variety of "Other outlets" which includes author
hand-to-hand sales, churches and other organizations, craft
fairs, speakers selling from the back of the auditorium, etc.
10% sold through book clubs
7% through independents
6% through mass merchandisers (Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart)
4% through warehouse clubs (Sam's, Costco, BJs)
2% through supermarket/grocery stores
1% each through discount stores, drug stores, religious bookstores
and book fairs

The first two didn't surprise me. But "other outlets" blew me away. That's sweaty, back-breaking self-promotion. Sales in a hodge-podge of venues can equal the sales in big boy bookstores. I'm blown away.

I've reached some conclusions.

1. Don't tell me a platform can't be lucrative. Don't tell me a
platform isn't absolutely necessary, either.

2. Face-time self-promotion is serious to a successful author.

3. Book fairs don't amount to many sales. Tells me to put more
time investment into online business or speaking.

4. Book clubs merit attention. All this talk about people reading
less doesn't apply here. These clubbers are serious buyers.

5. An online presence is mandatory. You better learn whatever you
don't understand about websites, blogs, social networking and
affiliate programs.



Please note: This newsletter is by paid subscription only. Teachers may duplicate for one classroom use only. Writers may duplicate for one writers group use only.

Please protect the fact this is a copyrighted and paid subscription. For subscription information, contact:

hope@fundsforwriters.com
http://www.fundsforwriters.com



Blessings on your journey.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Seven Techniques You Must Know To Get Editors To Notice Your Poetry

The Writer's Relief Staff has published Seven Techniques You Must Know To Get Editors To Notice Your Poetry

1-Skip the rhyme.
2-Keep it short.
3-Submit three to five poems per submission.
4-Avoid clichés.
5-Steer clear of one-word title
6-Use eye-catching titles.
7-Develop a strong bio

These are the bullets - but the entire post is well worth reading if you really want to get your poetry noticed. Stop by Writer's Relief today to read the full article.


Would you like a free Writer's Relief T-Shirt? Click Here for details.

If you would like to subscribe to Writer's Relief free email newsletter, click HERE.




Blessings on your journey.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Hope and Healing

Many thanks to Andrea for her rallying prayer warriors from around the world to intercede on our behalf!

Well, 3 days and much stress, worry and concern later, I brought Jim home this afternoon! He spent 13 hours in the ER before the cardiologist released him to a room in the Heart Pavilion. There was only one minor episode on Sunday night where the nurse gave Jim nitroglycerin because he complained of some rather painful pressure in his chest. Since then -- nothing!

Jim has had what one of the technicians at the hospital dubbed "the million dollar workup"!!! In other words, they did just about every logical test they could do without him undergoing any invasive procedures. (We're pretty sure that tech isn't too far off on the cost, either!:-)

The doctors are baffled because every test was negative -- multiple blood work-ups, chest x-ray, echo-cardiogram, ultrasound, stress test, full body scan, upper G.I. & esophageal something - all negative. And yet, on two occasions when he experienced chest pain/pressure, he responded to nitroglycerin.

We tend to believe that the prayers of the faithful led God to heal him. That is our ardent hope and the hope that we cling to. God is so good to have placed so many faithful prayer warriors in our lives -- and around the world! We felt your prayers and love every moment during our ordeal and thank you more than we can ever express.

We do ask for continued prayer that Jim not experience any more episodes like this.

I don't think all of it has really hit me yet, but I am certain in the days and weeks ahead there will be much about which to write and share.


Until then, blessings on your journey.

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16 NKJV)

"pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NKJV)

Sunday, July 19, 2009

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST


Hi, my name is Andrea from Arise 2 Write and All Gods Creatures. I am a friend of Mary's.


Mary called last night to ask for prayer. Her husband Jim was admitted to the hospital shortly after 3:00 A.M. Saturday morning with a Cardiac Episode. He is stable, now. He will have more tests done on Monday morning.


Both Mary and Jim are prayer warriors and believe in the power of prayer. Please storm the heavens on their behalf.


Please visit Edie at Rich gifts to pick up a button to place on your sidebar to pray for Jim. Edie is a dear friend, too. Edie graciously made this button without being asked. Thank you, Edie!
Please leave a message for Mary. Let her know you are praying for her.


In HIS grip,


Andrea

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

4th Annual Hanover Book Festival

This will be an exciting day for authors, would-be writers, seasoned writers and families in the area!

Tanya Blowe and I will share a table to sell our respective books. Tanya is an amazing person! She exemplifies entrepreneurship AND generosity of spirit!

We met at a Christian Writer's conference in Virginia Beach about 2 years ago. I bought her poetry book and we began to chat about our respective books. The scripture verse upon which she based her title is the same one I used for my book title! When I found out she lived in Richmond . . . well the rest, as they say, is history.

She's been a mentor and advisor and has become a dear friend. She has become a member of Richmond Christians Who Write so I get to see her more often than previously. I'm thrilled we will be sharing a table at this book festival and will have time to chat and plan and dream together.

Click on the picture above to go to the site for detailed information. Entertainment for kids, a writing workshop for teens, and so much more will on hand on August 1. I hope to see you there!


Blessings on your journey

Sunday, July 12, 2009

RCWW July Meeting - Richmond, VA

TWO SESSIONS ON JULY 19:

2:45 to 3:45: Martha Young:
"Grammar and Writing"

4:00 TO 5:00: Martha Young:
“A Hands-on Session”

Speaker Bio:

Martha Young works for the English Language Program at VCU and is both a Teacher Mentor Coordinator and language teacher frequently teaching Writing. She has been in English As a Second Language with an MA TESL for more than 15 years. Prior to that she was in Elementary Education.

Mrs. Young has lived in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kentucky, Bermuda, Washington DC and Thailand. She has traveled to Hong Kong, China, Cambodia, Macau, Ireland, England, Spain, France, Germany, Austria and most recently to Turkey. When not moving or traveling, Martha delights in learning from the international students at VCU, in poetry that's accessible, and talking about international politics and religion Her other interests include her 2 children and their interests, cooking good food, conflict analysis and resolution, music and neuro-linguistics.

Stop by the RCWW blog to learn about their calendar for the remainder of 2009 and some great writing contests and resources for writers.

Blessings on your journey

Friday, July 3, 2009

2009 Writer's Digest Conference: The Business of Getting Published

Registration is now open for the 2009 Writer's Digest Conference: The Business of Getting Published.

See below for important rate information and then click the register button to get started! The registration rate includes conference sessions, Poetry Slam and a one-on-one critique of your work

(Please Note: The only way to register for this event is online.)

2009 Registration Prices
Regular Registration: $395

For registration and details click HERE.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO WritersMarket.com, CLICK HERE

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Winner of Defying Autism - Joanne Sher!


Whoo Hoo! Joanne Sher @ An Open Book won the free copy of Defying Autism by Karen Mayer Cunningham!

Joanne is a great encourager and wonderful bloggy friend! I hope you'll stop by her blog today for Word-filled Wednesday. You will be truly blessed.

Check back often for more book reviews and other fun writing-related posts.

Have a blessed day and Keep Writing!