“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
-2 Timothy 1:7
jueves, 28 de febrero de 2008
A Great Article on the Writing Life
This week on the website The Master's Artist, Mary DeMuth wrote a fantastic article on how authors can avoid getting too caught up in the pursuit of money and financial success. This is so important. Anyone who works full-time as a freelance writer knows that it can be a tough business. I still don't make quite the same amount of money as I did when I worked full time for a ministry. But am I more joyful and fulfilled? Yes. Do I feel confident that I'm in the center of God's will for me? Definitely.
Check out Mary's article at aratus.typepad.com/tma/2008/02/chasing-the-mon.html.
Enjoy!
Check out Mary's article at aratus.typepad.com/tma/2008/02/chasing-the-mon.html.
Enjoy!
Today's Prayer
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14
Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
-Psalm 19:14
miércoles, 27 de febrero de 2008
Tell and Sell: Picking a Winning Book Idea
Check out the following great advice from Writers Online Workshops:
You've been thinking about and taking notes on a great book idea; perhaps you've begun researching the idea, too. But how do you know if the idea will appeal to an editor? As a writer, you must learn to subject your book idea(s) to the same rigorous examination a publisher thinking about investing in your idea would use. Your first step in creating a book proposal, therefore, is to ask yourself the same questions an editor would ask:
* Is this book needed? In broad terms, readers seek instruction, information and entertainment (and ideally some combination of all three). And within those areas, readers are interested in basic human issues: life; health; security (monetary, professional, societal, shelter-related, spiritual); prestige/status; sensual stimulation (food, music, physical activity, sports); mental stimulation; relaxation; and altruistic outlets.
* If the book is needed, can you quickly appeal to that need? In other words, will a reader be able to glance at the book and quickly realize, "I need that" or "I'm interested in that"? Finally, can you convince an editor of that at-a-glance need? To establish need, your book must demonstrate a clear subject "hook," which we'll discuss in more detail later in this workshop.
* How many people are interested in the topic? Does your idea appeal to a wide national or special-interest readership? The answers to these questions have two implications:
a) Should you write the book in the first place if the potential audience is only a few thousand? Can any publisher reach them? If this number is low, consider finding a way to broaden the book's scope or enhance its utility.
b) If the number is low because it's a specialized but passionate audience, you must look for a publisher who specializes in small-audience books, or books on your particular topic.
* Of the people interested in the topic, how many would naturally seek information about the topic in book form? For some topics, books provide a natural format—cookbooks, biographies and so on. For others, people might first turn to other information sources—television, in-person advice from clubs, etc. An even better way to phrase this question might be: How many people will think to walk into a bookstore or go to an online bookselling Web site to find a book on this subject?
* Is the advice and information you're offering best suited to print format in the first place?That is, should it be delivered as a book, or would it be better presented in an audiotape? A videotape? A Web site?
* Of the people interested in the topic in book form, how many would pay hard cash for the information? Good books have been turned down because similar information is readily available free in brochures, catalogs and other give-aways.
* Is the subject matter "big" enough to warrant full-length book treatment, or would it work better as an article or a booklet? For example, "30 New Ways to Cook Chicken" is a magazine article. The Complete Chicken Primer: 300 Ways to Cook Chicken is a book.
* Can the book be produced economically? For example, large-format, full-color hardcover books are expensive to produce. And books using spiral binding, fold-out charts or other unusual features come with high production price tags, too.
By answering these questions first for yourself and then for an editor, you will better be able to "picture" your project as a needed, compelling, potentially profitable book. And always remember that your book pitch and title must "TELL AND SELL."
You've been thinking about and taking notes on a great book idea; perhaps you've begun researching the idea, too. But how do you know if the idea will appeal to an editor? As a writer, you must learn to subject your book idea(s) to the same rigorous examination a publisher thinking about investing in your idea would use. Your first step in creating a book proposal, therefore, is to ask yourself the same questions an editor would ask:
* Is this book needed? In broad terms, readers seek instruction, information and entertainment (and ideally some combination of all three). And within those areas, readers are interested in basic human issues: life; health; security (monetary, professional, societal, shelter-related, spiritual); prestige/status; sensual stimulation (food, music, physical activity, sports); mental stimulation; relaxation; and altruistic outlets.
* If the book is needed, can you quickly appeal to that need? In other words, will a reader be able to glance at the book and quickly realize, "I need that" or "I'm interested in that"? Finally, can you convince an editor of that at-a-glance need? To establish need, your book must demonstrate a clear subject "hook," which we'll discuss in more detail later in this workshop.
* How many people are interested in the topic? Does your idea appeal to a wide national or special-interest readership? The answers to these questions have two implications:
a) Should you write the book in the first place if the potential audience is only a few thousand? Can any publisher reach them? If this number is low, consider finding a way to broaden the book's scope or enhance its utility.
b) If the number is low because it's a specialized but passionate audience, you must look for a publisher who specializes in small-audience books, or books on your particular topic.
* Of the people interested in the topic, how many would naturally seek information about the topic in book form? For some topics, books provide a natural format—cookbooks, biographies and so on. For others, people might first turn to other information sources—television, in-person advice from clubs, etc. An even better way to phrase this question might be: How many people will think to walk into a bookstore or go to an online bookselling Web site to find a book on this subject?
* Is the advice and information you're offering best suited to print format in the first place?That is, should it be delivered as a book, or would it be better presented in an audiotape? A videotape? A Web site?
* Of the people interested in the topic in book form, how many would pay hard cash for the information? Good books have been turned down because similar information is readily available free in brochures, catalogs and other give-aways.
* Is the subject matter "big" enough to warrant full-length book treatment, or would it work better as an article or a booklet? For example, "30 New Ways to Cook Chicken" is a magazine article. The Complete Chicken Primer: 300 Ways to Cook Chicken is a book.
* Can the book be produced economically? For example, large-format, full-color hardcover books are expensive to produce. And books using spiral binding, fold-out charts or other unusual features come with high production price tags, too.
By answering these questions first for yourself and then for an editor, you will better be able to "picture" your project as a needed, compelling, potentially profitable book. And always remember that your book pitch and title must "TELL AND SELL."
lunes, 25 de febrero de 2008
Be a Contribution
Yesterday, I was reading a passage in one of my favorite books, seeking inspiration for the flow devotional that I'm currently writing. As I skimmed back through The Art of Possibility, this amazing concept jumped out at me once more:
Don't fall into the trap of playing the success/failure game. Instead of telling yourself, "I failed on this project," ask yourself "How have I contributed to this project in a positive way? How can I be a contribution in my job, my relationships, and my interactions with people today?"
The author, Benjamin Zander (conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra), writes:
I grew up in a traditional Jewish household, which meant, apart from much warmth and chicken soup, an assumption that all the children would be successful. Each evening at the dinner table, for instance, with my parents seated at either end, and we four children between, my father would turn to my eldest brother and say, "What did you do today?" And my brother would describe, at considerable length, all the things he'd accomplished. Then my second brother would be asked the same question, and then my sister. By the time it came to me, I would be a nervous wreck, because usually I didn't feel that what I had done that day was very significant... I grew up with an undertow of anxiety that lasted into my middle age.
Later, I realized that the whole "achievement" thing was made up and that the game of success was just that - a game. I realized I could invent another game. I settled on a game called "I am a contribution." Unlike success and failure, contribution has no other side. It is not arrived at by comparison. I found that the fearful questions, "Is it enough?" and "Am I loved for who I am, or only for WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED?" could both be replaced by the joyful question, "How will I be a contribution today?"
Refocus your energies into looking over what you considered past failures and asking, "What did I contribute to that job or relationship or situation? How did I impact that person positively? What did I learn?"
If this post has helped change your thinking about a particular situation, or if you have comments, please post a comment here. Thank you!
Don't fall into the trap of playing the success/failure game. Instead of telling yourself, "I failed on this project," ask yourself "How have I contributed to this project in a positive way? How can I be a contribution in my job, my relationships, and my interactions with people today?"
The author, Benjamin Zander (conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra), writes:
I grew up in a traditional Jewish household, which meant, apart from much warmth and chicken soup, an assumption that all the children would be successful. Each evening at the dinner table, for instance, with my parents seated at either end, and we four children between, my father would turn to my eldest brother and say, "What did you do today?" And my brother would describe, at considerable length, all the things he'd accomplished. Then my second brother would be asked the same question, and then my sister. By the time it came to me, I would be a nervous wreck, because usually I didn't feel that what I had done that day was very significant... I grew up with an undertow of anxiety that lasted into my middle age.
Later, I realized that the whole "achievement" thing was made up and that the game of success was just that - a game. I realized I could invent another game. I settled on a game called "I am a contribution." Unlike success and failure, contribution has no other side. It is not arrived at by comparison. I found that the fearful questions, "Is it enough?" and "Am I loved for who I am, or only for WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED?" could both be replaced by the joyful question, "How will I be a contribution today?"
Refocus your energies into looking over what you considered past failures and asking, "What did I contribute to that job or relationship or situation? How did I impact that person positively? What did I learn?"
If this post has helped change your thinking about a particular situation, or if you have comments, please post a comment here. Thank you!
viernes, 22 de febrero de 2008
More Free Books!
Here are a few more of the free books I'll be giving away for the February-March Fiction Fest! Please be sure to forward this to your friends and family members so they can win a free book!
-One True Thing by Anna Quindlen
-Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
-Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
-Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
-The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve
-Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
-The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Please post a comment here or e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com if you would like to win one of these free books. Let me know your address and the book you'd like to win. Thank you!
-One True Thing by Anna Quindlen
-Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
-Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
-Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
-The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve
-Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
-The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Please post a comment here or e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com if you would like to win one of these free books. Let me know your address and the book you'd like to win. Thank you!
martes, 12 de febrero de 2008
Intercultural Marriage Banquet and Forum
Hello, Friends! We appreciate the support and prayers you've shown as we've developed this site to minister to intercultural couples. We're so thankful for the myriad of ways God has blessed this ministry and expanded its boundaries. Our intercultural marriage book, with the working title Taking the Leap, is under consideration by a major Christian publisher, and we're thrilled.
In order to broaden the reach of our ministry, share the biblical and practical principles that we've learned, and spread the word about our book and our ministry, we plan to host an intercultural marriage banquet and forum soon. At the banquet, we will enjoy dinner as we share our own marriage tips, glean your personal stories and the advice you'd like to share with other intercultural couples, and just celebrate our unique marriage partnerships as we spend time with friends new and old.
If you're in an intercultural marriage in the DFW area and would like to attend, please let us know. Also, please spread the word to other intercultural couples who may be interested. If you know of couples who would like to be contacted about the forum, I (Marla) will be happy to contact them. Please post a comment below or e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!
In order to broaden the reach of our ministry, share the biblical and practical principles that we've learned, and spread the word about our book and our ministry, we plan to host an intercultural marriage banquet and forum soon. At the banquet, we will enjoy dinner as we share our own marriage tips, glean your personal stories and the advice you'd like to share with other intercultural couples, and just celebrate our unique marriage partnerships as we spend time with friends new and old.
If you're in an intercultural marriage in the DFW area and would like to attend, please let us know. Also, please spread the word to other intercultural couples who may be interested. If you know of couples who would like to be contacted about the forum, I (Marla) will be happy to contact them. Please post a comment below or e-mail me at marla_alupoaicei@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!
January's Winners!
Congrats to the winners of Leap of Faith's January book drawing! They are:
James L., winner of God's Message for Each Day.
Julie H., winner of Sense and Sensibility.
Rebecca F., winner of Middle East Meltdown.
Katie J., winner of Faith Tango.
Becca T., winner of Growing Deep in the Christian Life.
Congrats! Please send me your addresses, and I will mail you your FREE BOOKS! Thank you for entering, and don't forget to enter the February Fiction Fest!
James L., winner of God's Message for Each Day.
Julie H., winner of Sense and Sensibility.
Rebecca F., winner of Middle East Meltdown.
Katie J., winner of Faith Tango.
Becca T., winner of Growing Deep in the Christian Life.
Congrats! Please send me your addresses, and I will mail you your FREE BOOKS! Thank you for entering, and don't forget to enter the February Fiction Fest!
sábado, 2 de febrero de 2008
Tips for New Authors
Author Mary DeMuth recently posted some fantastic tips and advice for those wanting to break into the publishing industry. Check out her wise words below:
Recently I received an email from a long lost acquaintance who decided it was time to write a book. He asked me if I could give him contacts in the publishing industry, including my agent. In his letter, he proved he didn't know anything about this crazy publishing industry, so I sent him my standard 'Dear New Writer' letter and haven't heard back.
The truth is, this writing gig is not easy. It's not as simple as asking a friend in the industry to put in a good word for you. It's tedious and time consuming.
My friend's words got me thinking. How would someone know if they were ready for the bigtime? Is there a magical way of discovering when one is ready to find an agent? Curious? Read the checklist below to see if you're ready.
Here’s a checklist for those of you who are wondering if you’re ready for an agent:
I have attended a conference (local is fine) and received feedback from someone in the industry. (And if that feedback is negative, I’ve learned to thicken my skin and change what needs to be changed.)
I have found a critique group (online or in my city). I’ve submitted several things to be critiqued and have learned to take criticism in a constructive, productive way.
I have learned (trained myself) to make deadlines. (If you haven’t done this, give yourself a deadline today. Say, “I will write three query letters” or something like that “by January 25th.” Then meet that deadline. Make another. Meet it.)
I have mastered the art of query letter writing. (Here’s a tutorial: marydemuth.com/media/QueriesNow.pdf)
I have published several magazine articles on the local level, and perhaps a few on the national level.
If I write fiction, I will have completely finished my novel and had it critiqued (or even paid for a critique).
If I write nonfiction, I will have finished my proposal and three chapters until they shine like a new copper penny. (I have a tutorial for that on my website here: marydemuth.com/store.php)
I have learned the industry well. I am well-versed in Sally Stuart’s Market Guide. Purchase it here: amazon.com/Christian-Writers-Market-Guide-2008/dp/1400074614/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200157442&sr=8-1 .
I have a body of work that’s been recognized (either by being published, or garnering awards).
If I write nonfiction, I have a good, solid platform. (If you don’t know what this means, you’re not ready for an agent.)
I’ve established a readership online through a blog or website. I have a significant online presence.
I have read over five books on the craft of writing.
I am not naïve about the fiscal workings of the business. (I have a cursory understanding about advances, royalties, rights, copyrights, and how authors get paid.)
I am not delusional, thinking my first book will hit it big and land me on Oprah.
I am teachable.
I am not a one-book wonder. I have a good listing of book ideas.
I understand the concept of branding.
I have started to develop friendships within the writing community.
Someone in the industry has said that my writing is ready for publication (and he/she’s not related to me).
I write every day.
I have not despised writing in obscurity.
I value BOC time (bottom on chair).
I set word count or page goals and meet them.
I sense God pushing me in this direction.
I have integrity.
I am low maintenance.
I value professionalism. I am willing to make strategic investments in my career. (Professional photo and business card, website that doesn’t look slapped together, etc.)
If you can say yes to most of the things on this list, chances are you’re ready to start thinking about an agent. The best way to meet an agent is in person at a conference. But if that won’t work, do your research and start submitting. A word of caution: DO NOT SUBMIT unless you are completely sure what you’ve written is fresh, stellar and breathtaking. Agents are longing for excellent writers who have surprising, world-altering ideas. Work-work-work until your book is that. Study the market to make sure your idea is different.
You can find more writer and networking helps at relevantblog.blogspot.com or marydemuth.com.
Recently I received an email from a long lost acquaintance who decided it was time to write a book. He asked me if I could give him contacts in the publishing industry, including my agent. In his letter, he proved he didn't know anything about this crazy publishing industry, so I sent him my standard 'Dear New Writer' letter and haven't heard back.
The truth is, this writing gig is not easy. It's not as simple as asking a friend in the industry to put in a good word for you. It's tedious and time consuming.
My friend's words got me thinking. How would someone know if they were ready for the bigtime? Is there a magical way of discovering when one is ready to find an agent? Curious? Read the checklist below to see if you're ready.
Here’s a checklist for those of you who are wondering if you’re ready for an agent:
I have attended a conference (local is fine) and received feedback from someone in the industry. (And if that feedback is negative, I’ve learned to thicken my skin and change what needs to be changed.)
I have found a critique group (online or in my city). I’ve submitted several things to be critiqued and have learned to take criticism in a constructive, productive way.
I have learned (trained myself) to make deadlines. (If you haven’t done this, give yourself a deadline today. Say, “I will write three query letters” or something like that “by January 25th.” Then meet that deadline. Make another. Meet it.)
I have mastered the art of query letter writing. (Here’s a tutorial: marydemuth.com/media/QueriesNow.pdf)
I have published several magazine articles on the local level, and perhaps a few on the national level.
If I write fiction, I will have completely finished my novel and had it critiqued (or even paid for a critique).
If I write nonfiction, I will have finished my proposal and three chapters until they shine like a new copper penny. (I have a tutorial for that on my website here: marydemuth.com/store.php)
I have learned the industry well. I am well-versed in Sally Stuart’s Market Guide. Purchase it here: amazon.com/Christian-Writers-Market-Guide-2008/dp/1400074614/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200157442&sr=8-1 .
I have a body of work that’s been recognized (either by being published, or garnering awards).
If I write nonfiction, I have a good, solid platform. (If you don’t know what this means, you’re not ready for an agent.)
I’ve established a readership online through a blog or website. I have a significant online presence.
I have read over five books on the craft of writing.
I am not naïve about the fiscal workings of the business. (I have a cursory understanding about advances, royalties, rights, copyrights, and how authors get paid.)
I am not delusional, thinking my first book will hit it big and land me on Oprah.
I am teachable.
I am not a one-book wonder. I have a good listing of book ideas.
I understand the concept of branding.
I have started to develop friendships within the writing community.
Someone in the industry has said that my writing is ready for publication (and he/she’s not related to me).
I write every day.
I have not despised writing in obscurity.
I value BOC time (bottom on chair).
I set word count or page goals and meet them.
I sense God pushing me in this direction.
I have integrity.
I am low maintenance.
I value professionalism. I am willing to make strategic investments in my career. (Professional photo and business card, website that doesn’t look slapped together, etc.)
If you can say yes to most of the things on this list, chances are you’re ready to start thinking about an agent. The best way to meet an agent is in person at a conference. But if that won’t work, do your research and start submitting. A word of caution: DO NOT SUBMIT unless you are completely sure what you’ve written is fresh, stellar and breathtaking. Agents are longing for excellent writers who have surprising, world-altering ideas. Work-work-work until your book is that. Study the market to make sure your idea is different.
You can find more writer and networking helps at relevantblog.blogspot.com or marydemuth.com.
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