Build Your Brand with Articles

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“Tell me about your book,” said the first person I met at the writers’ group meeting.

“I don’t write books. I write articles,” I said. I stopped myself before I preached him a sermon. Most unpublished writers want to write a book. But, think about it. To assume that you can start your publishing career with a book is like taking an entry-level job in a corporation and expecting to start as the CEO. Climbing the ladder of success involves taking your turn on the bottom rungs as you ascend to the top.

Get your name in print with articles and other short pieces first. If you write enough of them on one topic, you might have enough material for a book. A good example of this is Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress’ book, Taking Back Christmas. Writing articles, you can establish yourself as an expert on a topic. Readers, and therefore editors, will be more interested in your eventual book after you’ve established your reputation.

There are a number of advantages to writing articles instead of books:

  • Articles are short, so they don’t take so much time to create. You can experiment with various topics while you decide what you want to specialize in.
  • You are more likely to get a short piece published. Once you build your article portfolio, you will have credits to show potential publishers of your book.
  • Articles can be sold more than once. As long as you don’t sell all rights, you can sell unlimited reprints of every article you write.

Don’t give up on your book idea. Just take your time developing your material and your platform. That’s the recipe for publishing success.

How-to’s for Article Writers:

Terry Whalin’s article writing page

“Success with Writing Articles” on agent Chip MacGregor’s Blog

My review of two books on article writing

Article Writing Tutorial

Get Published with Devotionals

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Are you wondering where to start in your quest to get published? Maybe you’ve had work published but are looking for another genre. Consider writing and submitting devotionals to build your portfolio of published work. Prepare yourself by following these three steps.

  • For the definitive article on why you should consider writing devotionals, visit the Florida Christian Writers Conference blog and read what Mary Lou Redding, editorial director of Upper Room has to say.
  • Read my “How to Write Devotionals” article, which includes links to other how-to articles.
  • Write and submit. Choose your target publications. Follow the guidelines. If your denomination publishes a devotional magazine, start with that one. The Secret Place and Upper Room are great for unpublished writers. Download a PDF handout from my devotional writing workshop here. It includes links to online and print devotional publications, plus links to other how-to information.

Need More Information?

Mary Lou Redding’s 8-Point How-to List on Writing Devotionals on Susan Titus Osborn’s blog

Kim Sheard’s “Writing and Selling Devotionals” on Writers’ Weekly

See Upper Room daily devotional online here. Or, subscribe to daily e-mail devotional (same as print edition) at this link.

 

Interviewing Method (or Madness)

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Morguefile: http://mrg.bz/1CPiNL

As a writer for a local lifestyle magazine, I thoroughly enjoy writing a personal profile for each issue. For these articles, we choose an older adult (over-50 and usually retired) who is active in community or church or who has an interesting hobby. Here’s my method for interviewing seniors (but it works for any age group).

Prepare

  • Make an appointment (and be on time for it). Tell your subject how long you expect the interview to last.
  • If you’ll be taking pictures, tell him or her so that they can be prepared for it both physically and mentally.
  • Research your subject ahead of time so that you can have a specific slant in mind for your article. I often talk to their friends and family to get ideas before the interview.
  • Develop questions to start the conversation, but don’t let your prepared questions limit your interview.
  • Plan to record it. You’ll have the recording to back up your note-taking as you write the article. Always ask the subject’s permission to record before turning the machine on.
  • Prepare your equipment. Be sure your camera and tape recorder have good batteries and are working properly.

Be Aware

  • Some seniors have vision, hearing, or mobility challenges. Physical disabilities are not always obvious, so be sensitive to any challenges that arise. Almost all seniors have some hearing loss, though, so speak distinctly and face the person when you talk.
  • Seniors can be shy about talking about themselves. Often they’ll talk about their family. I try to steer the conversation to his or her activities and interests.
  • Some subjects will not be shy at all. In fact, you may have difficulty keeping on-topic because, once the subject gets started, he realizes he really does have an interesting story.
  • Seniors often want to talk about their faith. My magazine welcomes such material, but some publications do not. Since I also write for the Christian market, I sometimes use my seniors’ faith stories in articles for Christian publications.
  • Some seniors are writers themselves. If you discover a hidden talent, encourage it. I’ve helped some of my interview subjects get stories published in our magazine.

Show you care.

  • If the interviewee wants to see the article before it’s published, I always agree. But, if they don’t ask, I don’t offer.
  • Obtain multiple copies of the published article for your subject. They’ll enjoy sharing their temporary celebrity status with family and friends.
  • Make contact with your subject periodically for a possible follow-up story. My publication does a recap issue about every three years in which we go back to our interviewees and get an update.

Interviewing seniors can be a challenge, but it is never boring. After all, today’s seniors survived World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, not to mention the Culture Wars. Their life stories contain lessons for their contemporaries and the younger generation that will be lost if they are not told now. I am honored to be part of that effort, and I encourage other writers to be part of it, too.

More Interview How-to Articles:

How To Write a Profile or Interview-based Article

How to Write a Profile Story

 

Is It Time to Quit?

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Morguefile: http://mrg.bz/VZI37P

January is the time for planning for the new year, isn’t it? This year, I just can’t get motivated to plan anything. After all, many of the things I planned for 2011 did not pan out. I’m having a conversation with myself that I’ve had before. It goes something like this.

I’m done. Giving up, dropping out, moving on. Really—I quit. On one hand, I have a pile of rejections staring me in the face. On the other hand, I am not paid much for writing that is accepted. This writing gig is too much work for too little reward.

If I do not call myself a writer, I will not have stacks and stacks of books and magazines all over my home. I will not need to spend money on style manuals, memberships, subscriptions, or writers conferences. I will not have to spend time monitoring online writers’ groups or reading blogs about writers and writing. I will not feel obligated to attend writers’ group meetings or share my experiences with other writers. I can use my “office” space for another activity, something less frustrating and requiring less stuff. I will not carry around this load of guilt about not writing when I’m too tired or too busy to concentrate.

Whatever made me think I wanted to be writer anyway? Others told me I was good at it. People asked me to write things for them, telling me I had a gift. Through a series of “coincidences,” I attended a writers’ conference and caught the writing bug. I learned the ropes and began submitting my work. A surprising percentage of my first submissions were accepted. I found that I enjoy interviewing people and giving them a chance to tell their stories. People tell me that they are blessed by my work. Other writers say that I have been a source of encouragement for them.

If I stop calling myself a writer, I will lose contact with some very good people, and I will miss the opportunity to meet new writing friends. Who will help my interview subjects tell their stories and have their moment of fame? And—what about all the time and effort I have expended learning the writing ropes? I cannot just write it off as time wasted. And, most important—if I give up writing, I will no longer have the privilege of being a blessing and a source of encouragement to others.

On second thought, I became a writer by design and not by coincidence. I was called and equipped to write, not to measure the cost. No—I’m not done yet.

What about you? Do you find yourself wanting to give up? How do you get yourself going again?

Book Review: Unleash the Writer Within

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What better way to start the new year than with a new book about writing! I know, you might think you have more writing books than you need. But there’s always room for one more, especially if it’s offered by someone like master writer Cecil Murphey.

Unleash the Writer Within: The Essential Writers Companion is not a textbook, not a collection of how-to articles, nor is it a marketing guide. It’s a tutorial on discovering who you are as a writer so that you can better tell your unique story. You can be a master of writing techniques and marketing, but, unless your writing is authentic, it will fall flat with readers.

As stated in the promotional material, Unleash the Writer Within helps you:

  • Develop your voice and writing style.
  • Learn to write with heart.
  • Become authentic to your readers.
  • Grapple with the dreaded “Writer’s Block.”
  • Harness the inner critic (and a few outer ones too).
  • Expand your comfort zone.

Each of the 27 chapters is based on an aphorism about writing. For example, the first chapter explores “I write to find out who I am.” Murphey shares his experience helping others answer the question: “Why do you write?” By the time I reached the end of the book, I think Murphey answered every question I’ve ever asked myself about writing. From writer’s block to finding and expanding your comfort zone, Murphey covers it all.

Unleash the Writer Within is brand-new. In fact, there are no online reviews yet. You can sample the first couple of chapters at this link. I recommend that you get your copy right away. I predict that you will get a lot out of the first reading, but I also think you will want to revisit parts of it often. So, start your new year by inviting Cecil Murphey to walk with you your writing journey this year.

Buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link: Unleash the Writer Within, or buy direct from the publisher.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from author Cecil Murphey without any strings attached. I was not required to publish any review at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A New Year’s Prayer

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Free image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

January 1, 1886

O God of Creation, Providence, and Grace, I thank Thee for the endowments of my creation, and for the Providence that has preserved my life and provided me with food and raiment, and for the Grace which has redeemed my soul from sin and death. I thank Thee for all the blessings, mercies, and privileges I have enjoyed during the past year.

I repent before Thee for all my sins and foibles, failings and shortcomings, for Jesus’ sake. Forgive me for all that I have done wrong.

I pray for grace this year, that it my abound in me much more than sin has abounded, that I may have more zeal and knowledge, and usefulness this year, than I have in the past, and that this may be the best year of my life, that if my health fail this year, may I be resigned to Thy will; and if I should fall by death this year, that Thou will take me to thyself in peace for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

— Rev. Thomas Leachman Boswell, Journal Entry, (age 70)

Writers, never doubt the value of your journal. Rev. Boswell, a circuit-riding Methodist preacher, was my great-great grandfather. He was self-educated, having spend only three months in school, yet he became a respected theologian and pastor. He was first person to preach on the street corner in Paducah, KY, where Broadway United Methodist Church stands today. This prayer is transcribed from his handwritten journal. His sermon notes and journals are a wonderful heritage for my family. Consider leaving such a legacy for yours.

Photo (by Salvatore Vuono) acknowledgment: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659

Year-End Inspiration from Writers

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Image courtesy of dream designs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

 

2011 is almost gone! That means it’s time to review our accomplishments and the major events of the year. This year, I find myself wondering why I am so driven to write. I’ve had little time and many interruptions in 2011.

When I get discouraged about writing, I often search the Web for quotes by other writers. Sometimes these quotes make me laugh, reminding me not to take myself so seriously. But, mostly, they make me realize that everyone has their doubts and that it’s not supposed to be easy. The following quotes have been meaningful to me over the past few months.

  • I am a writer because writing is the thing I do best. —Flannery O’Connor
  • Writing is hard work and bad for the health. —E. B. White
  • When I was writing pretty poor poetry, this girl with midnight black hair told me to go on. —Carl Sandburg
  • In my writing, as much as I could, I tried to find the good, and praise it. —Alex Haley
  • Fiction has a unique role in conveying Truth. In fact, only fiction that is Truth with a capital T is worthwhile. —Jerry B. Jenkins
  • Writing is no trouble: you just jot down ideas as they occur to you. The jotting is simplicity itself - it is the occurring which is difficult. —Stephen Leacock

Have you found amusement or encouragement in the words of other writers? Share them by commenting on this post. Be sure to give a link to your source.

Happy New Year!

A Christmas Gift for Everyone

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Morguefile image: http://mrg.bz/2LxcNQ

This devotional appears in Hometown Magazine, December/January, 2011-12.

Read Luke 2:8-15

Key Verse: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)

My 93-year-old friend shared a Christmas memory with me recently. She told me she grew up on a farm with a large family. When Christmas rolled around each year, they celebrated, but they didn’t have many gifts. One year, relatives spent Christmas with them. “Christmas Eve, I peeked and saw a doll under the tree. But, I knew it wasn’t for me, ” she said. To this day, she doesn’t know why that made her so sad, but her disappointment was real and lasting.

I wonder how many children, or adults for that matter, will be disappointed in their Christmas experience this year. Some people will get too many gifts while others will get none. If we will just remember why we observe Christmas in the first place, we’ll realize that the birth of Jesus was a gift for all the people (Luke 2:10). The gift of love and forgiveness is for every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. No one is left out. No one need be disappointed.

Prayer: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:14 (NIV). May we recognize and accept the gift of Jesus Christ this season. Amen.

Subscribers, share any Christmas devotionals that you may have online by commenting on this post and providing a link. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful Christmas.

Writing through Chaos

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Photo from Morguefile.com.

“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!” And I thought my life was already complicated. How can we keep our writing schedule through the chaos that’s coming our way this holiday season?

First, we need to understand the meaning of the word “chaos.” On Dictionary.com, I found the following three meanings:

  • A state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.
  • Any confused, disorderly mass.
  • The infinity of space or formless matter supposed to have preceded the existence of the ordered universe.

Next, we need to figure out how to deal with it. Our options are:

  • Function in spite of the chaos, which I think I’ve been doing fairly well. I compose articles in my head while driving, and I’ve been on the road a lot lately. Once I get a chance to sit down and key it in, the words just flow. When I can, I make a few notes in the small journal I carry with me.
  • Establish order in place of the chaos. My boss once introduced me as “Ms. Organization.” For things to get disorganized on my watch, the situation must be pretty bad. That’s why the very thought of chaos is negative to me. Looking at the second meaning of “chaos,” I realize that chaos is not all bad. It creates opportunity. Consider the chaos (void) before creation. God saw that His world was “formless and empty.” From that emptiness (chaos), God created all life, the entire natural order, as we know it today. We are made in God’s image; therefore, we have the ability to bring order out of chaos, to create something from nothing.

From now until it is time to “cook the goose,” let’s not let the chaos overpower us. Let’s be open to new ideas and opportunities that the chaos might bring.

Readers, how to you keep writing through the chaos in your life? Share your ideas by commenting on this post.

More Information:

Christmas Is Coming

Chaos Theory in Writing by Meredith Allen Conner

Photo credit: Morguefile.com

What If You Don’t Want to Write a Book?

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Todd Burpo did not want to write a book. He just wanted to get on with his life as a family man, pastor, business owner, and volunteer firefighter. It’s not like he needed anything else to do.

But, now he’s known as the author of Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. It’s the story of what happened to his son, Colton, who, at age four, suffered a ruptured appendix, infection, and surgery. He survived, but he says he went to heaven while he was in the hospital. The book has been on the New York Times best-seller list (paperback non-fiction) for 53 weeks as of November 30, 2011, and in the Number One spot for some time. On the hardcover non-fiction list (11-30-11), it ranks #24.

As Burpo said in an interview at Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference, sometimes your message is so powerful that you have no choice. Don Cady of Wesleyan Publishing House interviewed Burpo at one of the evening general sessions.

Burpo said that world’s need for his family’s message overruled all of the objections:

  • I don’t have time to write a book.
  • I don’t know how to get it published.
  • I don’t want to subject the family, especially young Colton, to the public scrutiny.

But, people kept telling him he should write a book. After months of prayer, Burpo gave God a suggestion. If he was supposed to publish Colton’s story, God would need to send the right people to help him.

It wasn’t long before he got a call from an agent wanting to represent him and help get a book written. If you know anything at all about the publishing industry, you know that this never happens. Not only did God send help, He sent the best. Lynn Vincent, accomplished ghostwriter helped get it written, and the one and only Thomas Nelson Publishers agreed to publish it. Talk about answer to prayer!

The family never expected their story to resonate the way it has. A children’s version of the book has recently been published. They’ve been interviewed on all the major TV shows. Theirs is indeed a powerful message, one the world is hungry for.

What about you? Do you want to write a book? Do you have a story you want to tell? Whatever your situation, be encouraged by the Burpo story. You may have a message the world needs, too.

Learn more: