Author, Rachael M. Colby
The Heart of the Interview
Permissions, Please
Some publishers require authors to provide written permission from interviewees or those they quote or write about. It’s wise to protect yourself rather than risk delayed or denied publication or a lawsuit because you don’t have written (or recorded audio) permission.
Before you host an interview, confirm that potential guests have consent to share and that you have permission to publish from any entities with jurisdiction over them. If they mention anyone, including family, verify they have the right to share and can also back up their statements. You don’t want to interview a wonderful guest and then get denied permission to publish.
It’s easier and less time-consuming to ask for signed consent before an interview or at its conclusion rather than later. The longer we wait, the higher the chances of an interviewee being unable to be reached or becoming hesitant, especially if they don’t remember everything they said.
Since I started researching my book, four of my interviewees have died.
Wellness for Writers
Finding Inspiration Through Exercise and Movement
As writers, we spend long hours sitting at our desks, letting our minds do the heavy lifting in pursuit of the perfect words. While chasing our creative flow, we often neglect one of the most powerful tools for cultivating our craft—physical exercise.
Movement is just as essential to our profession as writing itself. Physical exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it’s about creating balance,
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Author, Gwendolyn O. Burton
Business Tips for Writers
Speaking and Your Potent PowerPoint
Initially, I was hesitant to incorporate PowerPoint into my speaking presentations. The thought of it being a distraction and the complexity of the technology intimidated me. To this sixty-seven-year-old with technophobia, the controls of PowerPoint seemed as complex as those on the U.S. Space Shuttle. However, my perspective changed, and I want to share this journey with you to reassure you that anyone can overcome these initial fears.
In July 2022, I attended a talk by fellow author and friend Pete Cruz to support his newly released memoir, No Tears for Dad. Pete’s talk included a PowerPoint presentation with colorful photos and a moving video. I was captivated. Since then, I’ve been doing every talk using PowerPoint.
As a seasoned independent filmmaker, my goal has always been to entertain and uplift my viewing audience. I realized that incorporating video clips from my award-winning films and the photos from my unique social media posts into a PowerPoint presentation could significantly enhance the entertainment value of my talks. This realization was exciting and intriguing, as it opened a whole new world of possibilities for my presentations.
Without panicking, I pressed the button to create my first PowerPoint. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I took one step at a time and found the learning curve surprisingly manageable. This experience reassured me that anyone, regardless of age or tech savvy, can master this powerful tool.
The first film of my PowerPoint presentation is a speaking reel, a tool often overlooked by authors. My three-minute reel includes highlights of me interviewing celebrities on camera, doing stand-up comedy, making exclusive points in front of hundreds, and getting standing ovations after inspiring the audience. It’s a game-changer when trying to secure a gig. After viewing my reel, attendees know they should include a speaking reel in their marketing arsenal.
I snap photos and overlay inspirational and comical catchphrases that I compose for my distinctive social media posts. I consistently remain aware of my surroundings and take attention-grabbing photos. One night, I was walking through the downtown square and noticed the moon hovering just above a reaching statue I was passing. I snapped the picture, and later that night, I added the catchphrase, “If a statue can reach for the stars, imagine what you can do.” That post attracted forty-five hundred viewers.
“Letters From Love’s Battlefi eld”— editor, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes I recently had the opportunity to edit the book “Letters From Love’s Battlefield” by Kathryn M. Lackey, a powerful exploration of love, betrayal, and redemption. The book delves into Kathryn’s journey dealing with her ex-spouse’s addictions and eventual tragic death. Through heartfelt letters and reflections, Kathryn shares her emotional struggles and the difficult path toward healing and finding redemption. It’s a raw and honest account of facing the complexities of love and the painful aftermath of betrayal, making it a compelling and profoundly moving read.
https://bit.ly/4eEEH1j
“A Thousand Little Moments” —editor, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
Last year, I had the privilege of editing the book “A Thousand Little Moments” by James Dickson, a pastor renowned for his insightfulness. This practical and wisdom-packed book offers a deep exploration of grace-shaped parenting, making it a valuable resource for parents, from newborns to grown children, at any stage of their parenting journey. Dickson’s book provides valuable insights and practical advice that resonate with parents’ daily experiences, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to enrich their parenting skills with grace and wisdom.
https://bit.ly/3zHLrfs
Author, Chris Hennessy
Author, Chuck Carr
Encouragement From the Pit
Can God Lead Me Through Dry Times?
It doesn’t take long to notice when a drought occurs. Plants, animals, and people all suffer when the land becomes dry. Everything changes when the rain stops, as the availability of water is paramount.
Sometimes, we experience other types of droughts in life emotional, spiritual, and mental. During these times, we may feel empty, worn, and depleted, often exhibiting a lack of gumption, focus, and energy. If our droughts get severe, the mere mention of “hope” can make us aware of how little hope we hold.
During one of my droughts, I worked diligently on my writing but struggled to catch a creative streak. I searched for inspiration yet had none for those who read my words. When the droughts come, and our internal well feels dry, there’s not much to pass on to others. I took a break from social media for this exact reason.
The Writer’s Pastor
Get Off the Spiritual Bypass
When headed to the other side of Atlanta, we chose to go straight through the city’s heart instead of taking the loop around. Unfortunately, we ended up stalled for hours in construction and congestion. The bypass would have been easier and quicker.
Like on the highway, we’re often tempted to choose a convenient bypass around our emotional difficulties. As writers, we must be careful not to encourage a spiritual bypass for our readers.
John Welwood coined the phrase spiritual bypassing to describe a process he saw in his Buddhist community.
“Although most of us were sincerely trying to work on ourselves,” he writes, “I noticed a widespread tendency to use spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep or avoid facing unresolved emotional issues, psychological wounds, and unfinished developmental tasks.”
What’s suitable for Buddhists seems ideal for Christians, predominantly Christian writers.
Author, Rodney Combs, Ph.D.
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The Heart of Blog�ing
Putting Your Readers First: The Key to Successful Blog Writing
Although blogging has existed for decades, I used to think it was a fad. Who would want to read a random write-up? When it became trendy, I struggled to decide what I should be blogging about. Who cares about what I think? However, the advertisements on my social media feed caught my attention, promising bloggers vast fortunes.
Like millions of content creators, I purchased a course and then another, thinking that blogging could help me pay off the balance of our mortgage. Why not try? After all, I don’t need millions; I only need a side stream of income.
When our son was getting married, I delved into wedding blogging. Since I’m involved in the planning, why not share all my wisdom with the world? I dove into content creation, searches for images, keywords, SEO optimization, and affiliate links. It was a fun venture, but I soon learned the blogging business is a lot of work.
I watched my traffic grow, diligently posting twice a week. When the curve in my analytics portal flattened, I added a third post. This project started to take over my life. The fun was gone once I discovered the need for backlinks and the list of complicated ways of acquiring them.
Over time, while seated at my desk staring at the latest data, I would sense a tug at my heart. What’s God trying to tell me? Then, one morning, at the top of the stairs leading to my office, I heard a very clear command, not with my ears but within my heart. It was simple. God said, “Stop.”
The desire to write another post evaporated as if invisible scissors cut the strings I had so firmly held onto. That day, I looked at my screen and prayed for direction. What did God mean? Should I stop writing? I shook my head. Of course, I needed to write. It’s a vital part of who I am. However, I also needed to listen to what God wanted me to do with this precious gift of words.
We all know God is faithful, yet it often shocks me how much He cares.
Writing online had been a part of my repertoire for a long time, aside from romantic suspense, romance, humor, and
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Author, Helena Smrcek
women's fiction—I can’t help it. I love them all. Why choose only one delicious chocolate truffle from an entire box of assortments? My newest love is dual-time historical fiction. And here is where this article about blogging comes full circle.
After much prayer, a marketing course, and endless book-marketing podcast episodes, the light came on. As an author, I understood my blog needed to be a direct line to my readers. While writing books allows me to explore deep themes and weave intricate stories, my blog offers a different kind of connection—a space to speak more personally and directly with the people I work so hard for, the ones reading my books.
I wrestled with a tendency to write for my fellow authors, as most of my friends love to create, just like me. Once again, I felt another heart tug. I sorted through the collection of my “banked” posts, which were ready to be scheduled. Perhaps I should design and pin a poster to the wall above my desk that reads “Think Readers.”
For the reformed me, blogging is more than sharing behind-thescenes moments or updates on my latest projects. It’s about creating dialogue around the themes that matter most to us—faith, hope, love, and resilience. I write with the hope that my words will inspire, encourage, and resonate with readers’ journeys wherever they are.
I need to constantly remind myself that readers’ comments, questions, and thoughts help me shape my stories. It’s a way to build community, share my reflections, and offer insights that brighten my readers’ day or help them see things from a fresh perspective.
As authors, we must remind ourselves that our blog is for the readers as we craft each new post. It’s a place to unite, grow in our faith, and share meaningful stories that lift our spirits. Writing for your readers isn’t a menial task. It’s a joy, a connection, and a ministry.
Author, Helena Smrcek
www.helenasmrcek.com
I was fascinated by writing from an early age. In high school, I faced unwanted attention from the Czechoslovakian Secret Police for my writing. Four years later, still in high school but in the US, I was a refugee struggling with English. Yet, I managed to get my first three articles published in The Mississauga News. In 1999, I wrote a string of one hundred articles. I also had the opportunity to work in television production and met influential authors who mentored and inspired me. In October 2011, I published “Kingdom Beyond Borders,” a collection of true refugee stories. I’ve spent fifteen years developing my storytelling skills and hope my stories deliver style, substance, and unforgettable characters.
Paul's Message Comes From Christ
I declare before God that what I am writing to you is not a lie.
Galatians 1:20 (NLT)
Likewise, every word we write to minister to our audience, of one or one million, should reflect Christ's message and His heart back to the reader.
Author,
Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
The Leadership Toolbox
Should We Use Our Influence To Push Political Agendas?
Recently, our daughter visited a church in another city. She returned from the service feeling discouraged and anxious. When my husband and I asked why she felt this way, she explained that she was spiritually manipulated instead of being spiritually uplifted. After talking with her more, she shared the distress she and her friend experienced after listening to a politically charged sermon where they were pressured into thinking they weren’t good Christians if they didn’t vote a certain way. As responsible parents, we assured her that despite whatever people may say, God doesn’t favor any political party, and being a good Christian isn’t determined by belonging to one party over another.
Christian writers are also given a unique platform to influence and inspire others. Our words have the power to shape perspectives, encourage hearts, and spread hope. However, in today’s politically charged climate, using our platforms to sway people’s political choices can be tempting. Also, bashing our political opponents in ways that are offensive to Godly character can be equally alluring. While engaging in political discourse is not inherently wrong, there’s a compelling case for prioritizing leading by example in our lives over using our influence to push political agendas.
1. Biblical Mandate: The Bible clearly calls us to be
About Cecil Murphey
Cecil Murphey is a bestselling author, ghostwriter, and writing mentor. Several of his books have been best sellers and continue to sell well, such as Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (1990) and Think Big (1992), and 90 Minutes in Heaven with Don Piper (2004). Two books have been made into films. His literary agent estimates that his books have sold more than 20,000,000 copies.
His website is www.cecilmurphey.com. His books are at www.bit.ly/3BktLqA and his newsletter is available at www.bit.ly/3zFfO68
Meet Cec's Assistant Twila Belk
Twila Belk—The Gotta Tell Somebody Gal—A writer and speaker who loves braggin' on God.
www.gottatellsomebody.com
Sign up for her monthly newsletter, The Twila Zone, and receive a free copy of "6 Ways to Faith-Up Your Days," at www.bit.ly/4gIJn7D
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