We are each designed for a unique and divine purpose. Live yours!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me.

Isaiah 61:1-3

1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
Because the LORD has anointed me
To bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives
And freedom to prisoners;
2To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
3Togrant those who mourn in Zion,
Giving them a garland instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting
So they will be called oaks of righteousness,
The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified
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I am feeling renewed at this moment. Since I am entering a new level of commitment and conviction about my writing, I decided to begin a new theme for my blog. I will now be posting an ongoing accounting of my writing activities to share with readers.

I have been taking the ‘easy way’ out over the past months by not committing to a regular routine – either of prayer or of writing. This afternoon I was fully convicted and the Spirit infused my heart with a peace and love that is only possible after repentance.

I am filled to overflowing at this moment. I honestly don’t think I can take in more morsel of information – useful and valuable or otherwise!

Our first presenter at the August meeting of Richmond Christians Who Write was Michelle Johnson. She recently self-published a book of poetry that was 24 years “in development.” I pray that my “development” time is not that long, though I am now committed to God’s timing and not my own on when my first book will be published.

Michelle gave us the gift of many words to pray over and about.

Recognize. Realize. Recognize and realize our gift as writers. [Matthew 25:15-30 (parable of the one, five and ten talents)].

God has given us the gift of writing and expects us to use it to touch others. Write because God needs your words to touch a specific person – now or in the future.

Gift. A gift is a special favor by God. God expects us to multiply the gift.

Passion. Passion keeps us motivated no matter what kind of day we are having.

Zeal. Zeal is the unflagging devotion to a cause.

Purpose. What is your desired result (of your writing)?

Our purpose has an eternal effect on the earth.

You want people to be able to touch heaven through reading your words.

There is a demand on our gift – spirit, soul, body.

Michelle: There is one spirit but there are many administrations.
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” [1 Corinthians 12:11]

Michelle: Gird up your mind.
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;” [1 Peter 1:13]

Stop asking, “Is it good enough?”

There is greatness in us that often others cannot see (including ourselves).
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Linda Pate was our second speaker. Her message was powerful in different ways. She is a woman on a mission – one ordained by God – and she is going full steam ahead. This woman isn’t moving marbles – she’s moving boulders!!!

She is the owner of Precious Memories bookstore and also mentors self-published authors in marketing their books.

The title/theme of her presentation today was O U T! (As in OUT of “the box”)

Thinking points:

*What new strategies have you developed?
*“It’s never enough.” (Advertise, Advertise, Advertise)
*Start a Podcast/Satellite Radio
*Send a copy of your manuscript to the local newspaper.
*Assemble a Media Kit to include:
-professional photo
-biography
-copy of book
-copy of press release
*Answer the questions:
-What is your unique and/or valuable treasure? (In other words, why should Linda sell (or anyone buy) MY book?)
-What am I saying that “they” haven’t heard before?
-What is my writing style?

*The cover “sells” the book – or at least gets someone to pick it up and open it. On the back of the book, include a synopsis of the book

*Develop a Business Plan
*Develop a Strategic Plan }Write them down and refer to them often!
*Develop a Marketing Plan
-How many books do I want to sell in 3 mos., 6 mos., 1 year?
–Think in terms of 20,000- 30,000
-How am I going to track sales?
-What is my target market/demographic?
-How will I fund my business?

Linda: He orders my steps.
“A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?” [Proverbs 20:24]

Think outside the box.

Do the unordinary.

“Those who can see the invisible can accomplish the impossible.”

Shoutlife.com – Christian “Myspace”

Fridays at 7 pm – lovebroadcasting.net – Linda’s satellite radio show


Saturday, September 13, 9-1 p.m. – self-publishing workshop at Precious Memories – Cost is $20.00 (food included)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing this.