Helping Authors Understand Marketing

by Karen H. Whiting @KarenHWhiting

We all know the purpose of marketing is to reach customers in a way that motivates them to buy. Behind that basic concept there are many theories. I have no degree in marketing but have read many books and studied various theories that can apply t books. I want to share a few theories and how they work for authors. Let’s look at a few books and the theories they present.

Find Rest in God

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

I wish I could say my soul is perfectly content—that I have the kind of soul-rest that comes from God. Or that I don’t have stress or impatience in my life and I quietly wait as I let God handle everything. But I’m a stubborn only child and often behave like a toddler ready to strike into a full-blown tantrum. I like to do things “by myself.” What the toddler is usually trying to say is I don’t need you, I can handle this on my own. Have you ever felt this way?

Are You Speaking Strong Words or Weak Words to Yourself?

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

My youngest daughter started college a few weeks ago and she’s excited to be playing volleyball at the collegiate level. We were talking about her being on the team, and she shared how the coaches are encouraging them to think strong words about themselves, not weak words. 

Co-Writing with the Holy Spirit

Edie here. Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to our newest regular columnist, Joshua Masters. I've known Josh for several years and I'm so excited he's going to be sharing his heart and his insight with all of us regularly! Give him a warm TWC welcome.

by Joshua Masters @JoshuaJMasters

If the genre we write has the word Christian in front of it, we should approach every project as a collaboration, a partnership where we’re the junior partner. 

The best-selling author of all time has invited us to join Him on His latest writing endeavor. No author has had a greater impact on the world or sold more books than the Holy Spirit. He need not include us in His work, but He enjoys mentoring and building a relationship with other writers. It’s a journey of deep relationship and learning as He guides us in the calling He’s given us.

Write Where God Leads You

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Why did I say yes to this assignment, I thought as I drove to the high school in my hometown. Armed with notebook, several pens, and my camera, I trudged into the auditorium. Already on stage sat a dozen or more fourth through eighth grade youngsters. 

Can these kids please not be as smart as the last ones? Two years ago, I’d covered the same event and those darn smart children spelled for hours and hours. 

A Debut Author’s Book Launch Primer

Edie here. Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to an author I met at a recent Christian book show. He writes for my publisher—Bold Vision Books—and I got an advance copy of his book and I LOVE it. I asked if he'd be willing to share some of the insight he's gained here on The Write Conversation and he said yes. So be sure to give him a warm TWC welcome!

A Debut Author’s Book Launch Primer

by David J. Marsh @MarshJDavid

First there’s the book. You’ve proofread your book so many times your latest idea of medieval torture is to read it again. You’ve read an advance reader copy and more changes have been identified—even as you’re sending copies out to influencers and your launch team. A release date has been set and the writerly truth rings true: no one ever finishes a book, they simply stop working on it.

The Value of Writing Friends

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Every career has the obvious—work peers. We travel to our offices sharing space with our coworkers eight plus hours a day. These people become our extended family. It’s easy to become part of their lives because we hear their daily struggles, joys, and adventures.