When we think of refreshment, we might think of ice cream, popsicles, or snow cones during the summer heat. Or perhaps some iced tea or lemonade on a sweltering day.
I would like us to think of our writing and the books we publish as another form of refreshment. Let’s look at a little verse tucked away in Proverbs to help add to this concept.
Proverbs 25:13 in various translations…
“Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.” – NLT
“Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.” – NIV
“Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.” – ESV
“Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!” – The Message
“Trustworthy Messengers”
“Faithful Messengers”
“Reliable Friends”
We would all agree that the more valuable an item or message is that’s being sent, the more refreshing its delivery. There’s a difference between waiting for an order of stickers compared to a $10,000 cashier’s check you’re expecting. In both examples, we are hoping for a trustworthy, faithful, and reliable delivery. But there’s a greater refreshment or gratefulness that takes place when the cashier’s check arrives safely.
But notice who is most refreshed in these verses – It’s the master or employer.
You and I have been given a valuable message to carry to a world that’s sweltering under a heavy burden. Not only will our words be a refreshment to those who read them…but also a refreshment to our Master upon their delivery.
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could spend more time doing what you love–writing–and less time worrying about promoting your work?
Today, Shelley talks about the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Email Marketing and how these two powerful tools can help you reach your readers more effectively, all while giving you more precious time to focus on your writing.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy herehttps://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/.
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here.
If you want to publish your book but are often held back by the daunting scope and cost of self-publishing, then multi-author book projects or anthologies might just be the solution you've been searching for.
Listen to this episode as Shelley talks about this exciting and innovative way to get your writing in front of new readers.
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here.
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
The 5-step method for editing, formatting, and designing a book cover so you can publish your Kindle eBook in as little as 30 days.
My go-to process for self-editing your manuscript (that writers rave about)
The formula I’ve used to easily price my books
The tools you can use to format your book (and who you can hire to do it for you)
The 5-minute hack to instantly know if your book cover will stop the scroll
Writing a book can sometimes feel like navigating a maze with no map. Whether you're feeling stuck or just seeking some fresh inspiration, using interviews can help you bring your book to life.
But how do you use interviews so that your words can reach a wider audience? Listen to this episode to find out.
Free: Writing Wheel
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here.
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here.
1 Chronicles 28
In this chapter, we see King David commissioning his son Solomon to build the Temple. This is a project David wanted to complete but God had other plans. Instead, David’s son would undertake the work of seeing it completed.
David had very specific things he wanted his son to think about and do…
V. 9 - “And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind…”
Everything would flow out of this intimacy with the Lord. Knowing God sets everything else in the right direction, including our writing that we undertake for the Lord.
V. 10 - “So take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.”
Our call to write words that outlive us should be taken seriously. Like David said to Solomon, Jesus tells us Kingdom writers to be strong and do the work.
V. 19 - “Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord.”
God has a specific plan for the books He is calling us to write. He will lead us one sentence at a time.
V. 20 - “Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”
This is similar to God telling Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land. In the same way, God tells us to be strong and courageous as Kingdom writers. He won’t forsake us. He will see to it that the work related to our books is finished correctly.
You and I have been commissioned by the King of kings to write books that impact others for His glory!
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here.
In this day and age of endless streams of information, we can find ourselves acquiring a lot of information without actually doing something. Today, Shelley talks about the power of taking action and making progress and how it can help you move forward in your writing.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here.
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here.
JOIN US: We are hosting a FREE one-day conference today, September 14th, 2023 to help you take the courageous step of sharing your story so you can bring your writing dreams to life and leave a lasting legacy.
Register for free here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/story/
The Power of Publishing Your Own Discovery Book
Instead of constantly selling your books and services in a discovery call, what if you could publish something on your own and use it to attract your target audience? Sounds great, right?
Listen to this episode as Shelley talks about this exciting and innovative way to connect with people.
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here.
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
The 5-step method for editing, formatting, and designing a book cover so you can publish your Kindle eBook in as little as 30 days.
My go-to process for self-editing your manuscript (that writers rave about)
The formula I’ve used to easily price my books
The tools you can use to format your book (and who you can hire to do it for you)
The 5-minute hack to instantly know if your book cover will stop the scroll
JOIN US: We are hosting a FREE one-day conference on September 14th, 2023 to help you take the courageous step of sharing your story so you can bring your writing dreams to life and leave a lasting legacy.
Register for free here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/story/
Writing Emotionally Painful Topics
Today, we're diving into something that every Kingdom Writer faces at some point - writing emotionally painful topics. How do you do it with grace and empathy and what are the strategies to help you write better? Listen to this episode to find out.
Free: Writing Wheel
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here.
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here.
JOIN US: We are hosting a FREE one-day conference on September 14th, 2023 to help you take the courageous step of sharing your story so you can bring your writing dreams to life and leave a lasting legacy.
Register for free here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/story/
Prayer and Fasting for Your Future Readers
In this episode, we're diving into an often overlooked but powerful aspect of the writing journey - prayer and fasting. As authors, we invest countless hours honing our writing skills, but what if we dedicated 10% of that time to prayer? Join us as Shelley talks about how prayer and fasting can positively impact your writing and connect you with your future readers in even greater ways.
When we read the story of the wedding at Cana and Jesus turning water into wine (John 2:1-11) we see several characters we can identify with.
Mary shows us to expect Jesus to do big things, but not to tell Him how to do them
The servants show us to obey Jesus without question and to the “brim”, and to enjoy being part of the miracle
The bridegroom shows us that Jesus loves to save the day and give extravagant gifts
The master of the feast shows us that Jesus saves the best for last
The disciples show us that this miracle was for real
Regarding the servants filling the 6 stone pots to the brim, Charles Spurgeon said this is the pattern for our faith and obedience…
“When you are bidden to believe in him, believe in him up to the brim. When you are told to love him, love him up to the brim. When you are commanded to serve him, serve him up to the brim.”
We can add, when you are called to write words that glorify God, write those words up to the brim.
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here.
Today, we talk about a gem that many writers tend to overlook but can be a powerful tool to reach new readers: strategic partnerships with local businesses to boost book sales.
Listen as Shelley talks about the benefits of this strategy and how you can turn this simple method as part of your marketing asset as a writer.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here.
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here.
Writing can be a fulfilling process, but it can also be challenging, especially when stress and anxiety creep in. In this episode, Shelley talks about the benefits of box breathing, how it helps to take control of our focus and creative flow, and the practical ways to implement it into your writing routine.
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here.
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
The 5-step method for editing, formatting, and designing a book cover so you can publish your Kindle eBook in as little as 30 days.
My go-to process for self-editing your manuscript (that writers rave about)
The formula I’ve used to easily price my books
The tools you can use to format your book (and who you can hire to do it for you)
The 5-minute hack to instantly know if your book cover will stop the scroll
In this episode, we dive into a crucial step in the writing process - gathering your writing materials. Shelley talks about the value of exploring various sources to help you lay a strong foundation for your books.
Free: Writing Wheel
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here.
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here.
“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” - Psalm 22:3 (NLT)
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” - Psalm 22:3 (KJV)
The Hebrew word for “inhabitest” is yawshab which means “to sit”
The thought here is that God dwells and reveals Himself where His people praise Him
One Japanese translation of this verse reads, “When God’s people praise Him, He brings a big chair and sits there.”
“Praise creates a dwelling place for God in man’s present situation.” - Jack Hayford
Before each writing session, we can lift up praises to our God and prepare a place for Him to sit next to us and guide our writing. Allow God to inhabit every aspect of your writing today.
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here.
JOIN US: We are hosting a FREE one-day conference today, July 20th, 2023 to help you unlock the full potential of your writing with the transformative power of prayer so that God can use your words to impact lives for eternity.
Register for free here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/prayer/
Praying for Ideas Inspired by God
Today, we talk about the transformative power of inviting God into our writing. By connecting with God to elevate your creativity, aligning your words with His purposes, you are creating something that has a lasting impact for eternity.
But what exactly are God ideas? And how does it differ from the good ones? Listen to this episode to find out.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here.
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here.
JOIN US: We are hosting a FREE one-day conference on July 20th, 2023 to help you unlock the full potential of your writing with the transformative power of prayer so that God can use your words to impact lives for eternity.
Register for free here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/prayer/
The Power of Building Your Team
As authors, it's easy to fall into the trap of doing everything on our own, but today we'll discover the power of building your team and how it can transform your journey in independent publishing.
Remember, you don't have to go it alone. By surrounding yourself with talented individuals who share your passion, you can create a book that truly shines.
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here.
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
The 5-step method for editing, formatting, and designing a book cover so you can publish your Kindle eBook in as little as 30 days.
My go-to process for self-editing your manuscript (that writers rave about)
The formula I’ve used to easily price my books
The tools you can use to format your book (and who you can hire to do it for you)
The 5-minute hack to instantly know if your book cover will stop the scroll
JOIN US: We are hosting a FREE one-day conference on July 20th, 2023 to help you unlock the full potential of your writing with the transformative power of prayer so that God can use your words to impact lives for eternity.
Register for free here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/prayer/
Overcoming Fear of Rejection
In today's episode, we delve into a topic that every author can relate to: the fear of rejection. Join us as we explore strategies and insights on how to overcome this fear and transform it into a powerful tool for growth and success in your writing journey.
Nika Maples is The Author's Coach, helping writers live a beautiful and balanced life as an author. She is a former Texas Teacher of the Year and the author of six books, including Page One to Page Done, a Step-By-Step Plan to Write, Publish, and Market Your Amazing Book.
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here.
Your Book on Paper in Just 90-Minutes
Are you ready to get your book onto paper without the frustration of getting stuck or dealing with writers’ block?
Get your book out of your head and onto paper by the end of this 90-minute workshop using our 3 simple book writing formulas here.
How will you know and discover your target audience? In this episode, our special guest, Anne Watson, talks about the importance of knowing your audience and how you can help them through your own medium of communication.
Anne Watson is a business strategy coach and the host of the Swayology podcast. She helps coaches and communicators think like a business so they can inspire like a boss by getting crystal clear about their niche and creating a transformational offer that gets results. She currently lives in the Dallas, Texas area.
Connect with Anne and find out more here.
Why? 3 Possible Reasons We Experience Spiritual & Writing Drought
1.) We disobey God…An example from the Israelites – Deuteronomy 28:22-23 – “The Lord will strike you with wasting diseases, fever, and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, and with blight and mildew. These disasters will pursue you until you die. The skies above will be as unyielding as bronze, and the earth beneath will be as hard as iron.”
2.) We may be lacking nourishment in God’s Word and prayer – Psalm 63:1 – “O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.”
3.) We might be going from one season to another – 1 Kings 17:5-9 – “So Elijah did as the Lord told him and camped beside Kerith Brook, east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land. Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”
Elijah was being prepared for his grand showdown with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel.
• 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 Talking to King Solomon – “At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
• Acts 3:19-20 (The Message) - “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you, and send you the Messiah he prepared for you, namely, Jesus”
See the pictures CJ referenced here: https://apnews.com/article/california-reservoir-levels-winter-storms-da455706e614b95fb49d98a211f788d3
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
Are you experiencing a slump in your book sales this season? Don’t get discouraged and don’t panic because you are not alone in this battle.
In this episode, Shelley talks about the importance of having a community and accountability to help you during this season.
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
Book Marketing Templates to Save You Time and Money
You’ve got a book you’re proud of. Now you’re looking for a simpler way to get it into the hands of more readers. One way you can do that is through social media. It's free to use...however, it can also take up a lot of your time.
Good news!
You can get your social media posts for the next month done in just 90 minutes so that you can reach more readers with your book (without being pushy or salesy) in the Mini-Marketing Messages workshop here: https://minimarketingmessages.com
When you publish your Kindle book to Amazon, you get an option to enroll your book in the KDP Select Program. In this episode, Shelley breaks down the advantages and downsides of enrolling your book in KDP Select.
Promote Your Book Successfully with a 99 Cent Sale
Join our 99 Cent Book Launch Workshop on June 22nd where you will learn and get all the tools and resources you need to successfully launch your book.
You can join the workshop by signing up for Christian Book Academy. We are an online membership that help Christian writers of all genres, like you, write words that outlive you, self-publish books that fulfill your calling, and reach more readers with your message.
Whether you’re writing your first draft or you’re already on your way to publish and market your books, it’s important to remember that we are called to be stewards of the gifts God has given us.
Remember, when you answer the call to write, God can unlock words for you to share with the message He has placed within you.
Unlock Your Writing Now
Do you want to see what God will do as you show up and allow Him to flow through you? Join us as we start the Unlock Your Writing program this June! This is a 4-week program during the month of June 2023 to help you move forward in what God has called you to do.
This will help you make progress on your writing or on your marketing materials like blog posts, emails, social media posts, etc.
You can join the Unlock Your Writing Program by signing up for Christian Book Academy. We are an online membership that help Christian writers of all genres, like you, write words that outlive you, self-publish books that fulfill your calling, and reach more readers with your message.
Join CJ in this Mentoring Moment as we focus on the word “Retreat.”
A couple meanings of the word retreat include,
“A place of privacy or safety; refuge.”
“A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction.”
In Mark 6:30-32 (NIV) we read these words of Jesus,
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “COME WITH ME by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”
Jesus is inviting us to “come with Him” by ourselves to a quiet place. Of course, there are certainly times when we aim to get lots of writing done but there may be times during these virtual writing retreats when Jesus simply wants us to meet with Him and get on board with the things He desires to do in and through us.
The Power of Having a Weekly Business Meeting with God
Learn the simple steps you can take to implement a weekly business meeting with God. This is one of the most important actions you can take as a Christian writer to ask God for the strategies to write, publish, and market your books successfully.
Get access to the video and PDF download now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/businessmeeting/
Have you experienced pitching on podcasts and weren't able to get any yeses? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. But what do you do if that happens? Listen to this episode to find out.
Kim Stewart is a book marketing coach and host of the Book Marketing Mania podcast. She helps Christian nonfiction authors build their platforms and market their books on podcasts. When she's not strategizing with clients, you'll find her in Dallas enjoying time with her family, and indulging in coffee, caramel and Friends reruns.
Connect with her at https://kimstewartmarketing.com/
Free: 27 Book Marketing Ideas
You have finally written and published your book. Yay! Now, it’s time to market and promote it to reach more people and inspire lives.
Get instant access to our FREE PDF on 27 Book Marketing Ideas to help you with your book marketing strategy here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
As writers, we often have seasons of acceleration: doing a lot of behind-the scenes and preparation, and we need to rest.
In this episode, Shelley discusses the importance of rest in the writing process and knowing when it is the right time to rise again.
Download Your Publishing Map
If you want to write and publish a book but don't know where to start, this Publishing Map is for you. You will learn Shelley's 9 simple steps inside her publishing map that will help you gain clarity on your next steps.
Download it now for free here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map/
Join Our Procrastination to Publication Workshop
With our simple 5-step system, you’ll be able to self-publish a quality Kindle eBook (without breaking the bank) in as little as 30 days.
Here are a few of the topics we’ll cover:
The 5-step method for editing, formatting, and designing a book cover so you can publish your Kindle eBook in as little as 30 days.
My go-to process for self-editing your manuscript (that writers rave about)
The formula I’ve used to easily price my books
The tools you can use to format your book (and who you can hire to do it for you)
The 5-minute hack to instantly know if your book cover will stop the scroll
Get started now here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/