Ever feel that you aren’t making any progress in your writing journey? Have you experienced hitting a wall at times? Well, don’t worry because you are not alone.
In this episode, we cover several ways to be consistent in your writing progress and to celebrate each milestone. After all, God has called us to be faithful and consistent in the gifts that He has given us. Amen?
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” -1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel
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: www.BookWritingLab.com
Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation.I will be honored throughout the world.”
This iconic verse can be directed either to the enemies of God’s people or to God’s people themselves as we’ll take a look at. The verse implies a stoppage of fighting, raging, striving, or operating out of human strength alone and relaxing as we watch the Lord fight on our behalf.
God is essentially saying, “Lay down your arms and surrender. No more defensiveness or resistance to the plans I have…let ME be God.”
We’ll also refer to Exodus 14:10-14 and Isaiah 37:33-36 as we look at this concept of being or standing still.
If you’re experiencing resistance in your writing, you are not alone! You have an army of fellow Kingdom writers beside you and, most importantly, you have the God of the universe going before you to fight on your behalf!
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/
Marketing sometimes feels hard. I get it!
If you’re in a season where marketing feels like a “have to”, a dread or a burden this episode is for you.
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
A few things you'll learn:
✅ The one thing that helped Heather Erdmann finally finish her first draft so she was able to publish her first book (previously she got stuck and never finished more than a few pages).
✅ How MaryAnn Ward combined her passion for art and writing into an unexpected book that wasn’t even on her radar…and it has already sold more than 100 copies.
✅ The strategy that helped Lauren Darroch overcome “writer’s guilt” and finally start writing consistently. She’s more productive than ever, publishing book twins (two books at the same time) and is now working on her third one. WooHoo!
✅ Denise Goosby received strategy, focus, and her next steps from the Lord for her writing that made all the difference.
✅ Shelly Laroque published her second book and learned techniques that helped her complete her illustrations.
And more!
Support each of these authors by purchasing their books below.
Join our community of Kingdom Writers in our online membership, Christian Book Academy here: https://christianbookacademy.com
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/
It is the small, consistent habits over time that can change your life. Whether you want to improve your health, start a business or write a book, it takes intentionality with your habits.
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” – Galatians 6:9 NLT
Free WRITING WHEEL Download
Learn 5 proven writing strategies you can use today to get more writing done. Download it now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/writingwheel
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: www.BookWritingLab.com
Jesus Shows Up – A few post-resurrection sightings
Jesus spent 40 days on earth after His resurrection. During this time, He eased His followers’ doubts and gave them direction for the future.
Like those original followers, we as Kingdom Writers sometimes feel like we’ve missed something along the way. We had high hopes for books that are currently in a tomb. Might as well just go back to our day job and forget about this writing thing. It was a nice 3 years of adventure we can tell our grandkids about.
It’s precisely in those moments when Jesus shows up…
1.) Walk to Emmaus – “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.” Luke 24:21
“Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:31-32
Jesus wants to open our eyes and restore hope that has been lost in us. He wants our hearts to burn again and spill over into our writing.
2.) Mary Magdalene weeping at the tomb (John 20:11-18) – This woman who Jesus once cast 7 demons out of would become the first person the resurrected Jesus would encounter. In a culture that demeaned women, Jesus gives his first post-resurrection message to a woman before instructing her to share with his “brothers.” Jesus not only redeems our past failures but now instructs us to share his message of new life as Kingdom Writers.
3.) Breakfast with Peter (John 21) – The man who denied he knew Jesus three straight times is restored by the “Great Shepherd” and instructed to feed his sheep. (Read 1 Peter 5:1-4). This same Peter would contribute writings that find their way into the best-selling book of all time. This rough fisherman would pen words that God has used to strengthen and encourage followers of Jesus for nearly 2000 years. One breakfast with Jesus can change the trajectory of a life forever.
Jesus continues to show up today! Perhaps he’ll make an appearance to someone halfway around the world through your writings and mine.
Prayer
Your Writing Battle Plan
Powerful things happen when you integrate your faith with your writing, publishing, and marketing.
Learn how to create your writing battle plan so you can move forward in God's call on your life to write in our Battle Plan All-Access Pass. You'll get 15 presentations plus 13 bonus trainings including our Priestly Pen bundle here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/battleplan/
One of the best ways to sell your book is to let your customers sell your book for you. Customer reviews and word-of-mouth referrals are powerful. Learn more in this episode of the podcast.
Next week we will publicly open the doors to Christian Book Academy. Something new we have launched is a success stories podcast which allows our members to share their results with you.
Listen to case studies and success stories from Christian Book Academy members here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/success-stories
Join our community of Kingdom Writers!
Get on the waitlist here: https://christianbookacademy.com
When it comes to self-publishing, is it possible to publish a quality book on a budget?
Yes, it is!
Here are 3 ways to consider…
1.) Hire the right people
Many companies will offer to publish your book for thousands of dollars. Typically it will cost $3000 - $10,000. When you remove the middleman and hire the right people directly, you can save thousands of dollars. Why not use some of the money you saved for other things like marketing your book once it’s published?
2.) Start small
Your main expense when self-publishing will be hiring a professional editor. Most editors charge by the word or by project. Therefore, when you publish a shorter book; your costs will be significantly less.
3.) Know where you can cut costs (and where you shouldn’t)
For example, one of the easiest ways to save money when publishing your book is with the formatting. However, you still want to use tools that are cost-effective and give you a final product you’re proud to share with the world.
Want to learn even more ways to self-publish on a budget (without compromising quality)?
If so, join my workshop, Procrastination to Publication here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/
You will get all the tools and recommendations you need to publish a short Kindle eBook on a budget and can apply what you learn right away.
In fact, I’m hosting a fun book cover reveal challenge inside the workshop right now. So make sure to join us and get your ticket here: https://procrastinationtopublication.com/
Self-publishing can be overwhelming and expensive. You've done some research and have been praying about the best way to publish your book.
However, you have some doubts and hesitations.
I’ve been there. We’ve all been there.
Don’t let paralysis of analysis keep your book as an unfinished project on your computer's hard drive or in your notebooks gathering dust. Instead, let’s breakthrough the myths that may be holding you back.
The truth is that self-published books can have the same quality as a book published with a traditional publisher. There are certain things you can do to make sure that when someone picks up your book they won’t know it has been independently published.
If you want to self-publish a book that has a quality interior design (on a budget), be sure to check out Dave Chesson’s presentation at our upcoming Kingdom Writers Conference!
The truth is that you can get a high-quality book self-published without breaking the bank.
Many writers get confused between self-publishing and vanity publishing.
Vanity publishing is when a small publisher agrees to publish your book at your cost. They typically charge thousands of dollars for this service. Plus, in order for you AND your publisher to make money, you have to price your book so high that it’s difficult to sell. It often gets priced right out of the market.
Professional editing will be one of your biggest costs with self-publishing. Therefore, if you want to learn 3 ways to cut costs with editing, be sure to check out Debra L. Butterfield’s presentation at our upcoming Kingdom Writers Conference!
Yes, writing a book can be overwhelming. I get it. There are so many details. However, what if you start with a short Kindle eBook?
A short book is easy for your readers to consume. Plus, it’s quicker to write! It’s a quick win and can help you build momentum for the next book. And when you publish as an eBook there are a lot less details to manage. You can always add other versions later.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of writing a short Kindle eBook (and the length I recommend), be sure to check out my presentation at our Kingdom Writers Conference.
Look back at the 3 myths we went over, choose the one that is currently affecting you the most, and take action on it!
And for a whole lot more help with self-publishing on a budget (without compromising quality), check out the FREE Kingdom Writers Conference, Count the Costs edition. We've got 8 seasoned writers and publishers lined up and ready to teach you everything from saving on book cover design to choosing the best formatting software.
Some speakers you might recognize include:
We kicked off yesterday, on Tuesday May 3rd and this is one event that you can't afford to miss. Click here to learn more: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
Can't wait to see you there!
1 Thessalonians 3:9-11
Ezekiel 22:30
As Kingdom Writers, we can be people God uses to help fill in the gaps (as Paul says) and also stand in the gap (Ezekiel) in order to help repair a wall of righteousness and plead on behalf of others.
Our books and other writings are ways God brings us to others in order to encourage and edify their faith. Just as Paul’s letters were carried to believers all over the region, our books can be carried around the world in order to help fill in the gaps that people have in their faith and answer questions others may be wrestling with.
Count the Costs
Self-Publishing a Book Can Be Overwhelming and Expensive.
You've done a lot of research and have been praying about the best way to publish your book
Introducing our KINGDOM WRITERS CONFERENCE
Count the Costs Edition. A FREE Conference to Help You Self-Publish on a Budget (without compromising quality) 8 seasoned writers and publishers will teach you strategies and practical tips so you can learn how to save money when self-publishing your book. Learn more here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/
This is how I typically do prioritize my marketing tasks, but it will be different for each of you.
My first priority:
My next thought process:
Also:
Finally:
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
Publishing is a very vulnerable process, isn’t it? You are putting your heart and soul onto paper for the whole world to see. How do you deal with the fear that comes with publishing? Learn a few ways to reframe it in this episode.
Links mentioned:
Conquer the fear of sharing your story: https://www.trainingauthors.com/conquer-fear/
Download Your FREE 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/
In this episode, you will learn several ideas for setting up systems and learning what works best for you in your writing process.
Links mentioned:
Video on how to organize your computer files: https://www.facebook.com/christianbookacademy/videos/848819582302598/
Writing Wheel free eBook: https://trainingauthors.com/writingwheel/
Move Forward in God’s Call to Write
If you don’t have a copy yet, get your copy of our new book Kingdom Writers so that you can move forward in God’s call to write in your life here: https://trainingauthors.com/book
We typically recommend giving yourself 90 days for each stage of the Kingdom Writers Path at the most.
However, we’ve had members publish a book within a month of joining Christian Book Academy. For example, Jennifer Nelson published a book 10 days after enrolling in our membership.
It depends on the time you have to invest and the scope of your book project.
If you take at least 90 days on each stage it would look something like this...
This means you can get your book published in 9 months.
Join Our Community of Kingdom Writers
Get on the waitlist for Christian Book Academy here: https://christianbookacademy.com
Many of you have visited the Redwood National Park in northern California. Shelley & I visited that area a few years ago. I remember walking through forests with lush ferns among these gentle giants in all their majesty. Imagine the Creator of those trees!
-Redwoods can grow as tall as 400 feet
-The oldest redwood is thought to be over 3200 years old and is known as the “President”
-Some are wide enough for a car to drive through
-Roots only go about 7-8 feet deep but can be spread out over 100 feet
-Redwood roots are intertwined with other redwoods which allows them to remain stable even through strong storms. I see Christian Book Academy like a gentle redwood forest where our roots intertwine with one another.
-A redwood cone can produce 150-250 seeds, each seed being only the size of a tomato seed. That’s about the size of the head of a matchstick
Our books also begin with a seed idea. That seed is then watered by God and it continues to grow into something we could have hardly imagined.
Redwoods are rugged trees. Some have deep grooves in the bark, some have been struck by lightning, some partially burned by fire, some blown over by winds. Kingdom Writers are a rugged breed as we can all attest to. Many of us have been battered by various elements and yet we still stand tall with the Lord’s strength.
“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” – 1 Peter 1:7 NLT
Among these redwood forests are also trees that have toppled over due to old age. These trees are ideal for kids and adults alike to jump up and play on. Many of these toppled trees also have new trees growing out from the middle where it might be hollowed out. These dead trees are still giving life to young trees! There will be a time when each of us topple over but we can continue giving life through our books and writings.
“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 NLT
Finally, a single lone redwood tree is quite impressive by itself but a forest of these giants is spectacular. Similarly, a lone Christian writer can produce impressive stuff but it’s a beautiful thing to be part of a forest of Kingdom Writers with all of our diversity, styles and varying backgrounds. We can lean on one another as the storms of life hit. Consider CBA to be a Kingdom Writers redwood forest where we cause others to look up and give glory to our great God!
Your Writing Battle Plan
Powerful things happen when you integrate your faith with your writing, publishing, and marketing.
Learn how to create your writing battle plan so you can move forward in God's call on your life to write in our Battle Plan All-Access Pass. You'll get 15 presentations plus 13 bonus trainings including our Priestly Pen bundle here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/battleplan/
There are three types of book marketing you can do.
1. Free organic marketing (usually takes longer and requires more time)
2. Paid ads (for authors the best platform is Amazon Ads but still requires a learning curve)
3. Partner marketing through strategic relationships (very powerful but requires connecting with others in your niche or those who already have a platform similar to your target audience)
Free Organic Marketing:
Content marketing, social media, etc. The pro is that it’s FREE. The con is that it takes more time.
Amazon ads:
Amazon ads do take time and a learning curve. But with persistence, they can be very effective. We've done very well with ads for my book Broken Crayons Still Color.
Partner Marketing:
I share 11 ideas for partner marketing in this video. You can watch it here: https://trainingauthors.com/get/email-list/
27 Book Marketing Ideas
Download our free PDF with 27 different ideas to market your book here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/ideas/
There are advantages to both traditional publishing and self-publishing. I personally have chosen self-publishing (independent publishing) and love it! However, it’s not always the best fit for everyone.
Here are some benefits to consider: https://www.trainingauthors.com/the-benefits-of-independent-publishing-self-publishing/
If you want to go down the path of self-publishing, I’m your girl and can help you every step of the way. If you want to traditionally publish, you will need to create a book proposal and pitch it to publishers and/or find an agent to help you.
Publishing Map
Download our free publishing map and video explaining the self-publishing process here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/publishing-map
When you have multiple book ideas, how do you decide which book to write first?
Here are a few questions to ask:
Move Forward in God’s Call to Write
If you don’t have a copy yet, get your copy of our new book Kingdom Writers so that you can move forward in God’s call to write in your life here: https://trainingauthors.com/book
Psalm 127:1-2 - “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.”
Our workaholic society tells us to push and strain and strive in order to accomplish our goals. Many books have been written with this method…but at what cost and for what benefit? We also see many in the world today trying to protect all of the work they’ve accomplished in their own human strength. If we’re honest, we’ve all done this as if everything depends on us alone.
It’s interesting to note that this Psalm is written by Solomon who wrote most of Proverbs, many of which instruct us to not be lazy and to work hard. Here, he’s looking at the issue of going it alone without including God in the picture.
Whether it’s building houses or writing books, both are acceptable enterprises. They serve an important purpose. Our motives behind these things are equally important. Are we doing these things for our own glory or God’s glory? Ultimately, this is why we call ourselves Kingdom Writers. We’re all about building His Kingdom, not some monument unto ourselves.
God makes no distinctions between the sacred and secular - Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”
God is interested in ALL of our work including all the words we write. Our books will have more substance when we partner with God, just as families will have more substance in their relationships when they build their home with the Lord.
Regarding houses, they are viewed as a symbol of status. We can easily desire to have a huge, extravagant house in order to look good and be approved of by others. This kind of thing can also happen with our books. We can create something that comes off as polished and shiny in order to seek status. We can place our security in this status which is here today and gone tomorrow.
Why is our work wasted? It’s wasted when we trade the eternal for the temporal
Your Writing Battle Plan
Powerful things happen when you integrate your faith with your writing, publishing, and marketing.
Learn how to create your writing battle plan so you can move forward in God's call on your life to write in our Battle Plan All-Access Pass. You'll get 15 presentations plus 13 bonus trainings including our Priestly Pen bundle here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/battleplan/
Right now, our doors to Christian Book Academy are open. WooHoo! 🥳
Christian Book Academy is an online membership where we 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 us here: https://christianbookacademy.com/
You can still get a copy of our new book, Kingdom Writers, here: https://trainingauthors.com/book
And enjoy this excerpt from our War Room prayer meeting call with our Christian Book Academy members in January. We pray it blesses you!
Today is the day we are launching our new book, Kingdom Writers. WooHoo!
Get your copy today at an early-bird price (plus all the bonuses) here:
https://trainingauthors.com/book
This book has been in the works for over 2.5 years. We have been praying for you and believe it will help you move forward in your call to write.
Here’s what a few writers are saying…
“If you are a Christian and feel called to write a book, but maybe you're intimidated by the process, this book by Shelley and CJ Hitz was written for you. God is a God of story, and He has given us each a story to tell; some people are called to put that story in writing for the world to experience with us. Be encouraged with the practical tips in this book, by Shelley's own story, and also by the stories of other authors who have been in your shoes whom God has helped follow His plan for their lives.”
- Katie Erickson, Editor, Designer, Author
Kingdom Writers was written to inspire you to share your story. Everyone matters and everyone has a story to tell. God has brought you through many circumstances of life that could be a help or blessing for someone to learn they can make it too. There is no limit to what God can do and this book will provide you with practical tips, encouragement and inspire you to seek God to show you His calling on your life that can be a blessing to others.
Lana Wynn Scroggins, PhD, author
Get your copy today at an early-bird price (plus all the bonuses) here:
In Luke 1:5-38 we see two different people visited by the angel Gabriel. Each was presented with something impossible which would be accomplished by God. One was a priest who had an extensive religious experience. The other was a teenage girl who had very little life experience, let alone religious experience.
Ironically, it was the one with extensive religious experience who didn’t believe the angel’s words while the teenage girl believed the impossible.
How about you and I? If we’re honest, we’ve all identified with Zechariah’s response when faced with the impossible. Do we really believe God can birth books through our lives that many times feel barren of words?
Like Mary, may we find ourselves saying, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” (Luke 1:38)
Your Writing Battle Plan
Powerful things happen when you integrate your faith with your writing, publishing, and marketing.
Learn how to create your writing battle plan so you can move forward in God's call on your life to write in our Battle Plan All-Access Pass. You'll get 15 presentations plus 13 bonus trainings including our Priestly Pen bundle here: https://kingdomwritersconference.com/battleplan/
Get access now here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/secret/
It’s hard to believe it, but…
…CJ and I just finished our 70th book.
It’s called, “Kingdom Writers” and it’s been in the works for almost 2.5 years so it’s soooo good to finally be birthing it into the world. Yay!
Are you in the process of writing, publishing or marketing your book?
If so, you’ll want to make sure you get a copy of this book.
It officially launches on February 1st with an early bird discount and special launch bonuses. So stay tuned. This is going to be fun!
An Out of the Box Book Launch
For this book, we decided to do something different. We’ve never done this kind of book launch before.
First of all, we created a secret book launch party via a private podcast where you can listen to an excerpt of the book, get behind the scenes tips, and lessons learned.
I haven’t seen anyone do this for a book launch yet and am excited to share this with you.
If you want access to our secret book launch party podcast, Sign up here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/secret/
Waiting for you today inside the podcast is the episode with the introduction chapter from the book. Plus, you’ll get another episode sharing how authors can use a private podcast feed to market and launch your books. I have several ideas for you.
This is content that you won’t get anywhere else from me. 🙌🏻
So make sure to go sign up for our secret book launch party podcast and start listening to the first couple of episodes.
And be looking for information on our book launch on February 1st. You won’t want to miss this.
Publishing a new book never gets old. Does it? This book has been in the works for about 2.5 years and it’s finally coming to fruition. I’ll share more about this process and why it took us so long in an upcoming email.
Click here to join our secret book launch party podcast here: https://www.trainingauthors.com/secret/
It's going to be fun!
The goal of a media kit is to have one place where people can find your information. This can be used for guest blog posts, podcast interviews, speaking engagements, etc.
When the media calls and/or when opportunities open up…will you be ready?
Enjoy this short episode that is an excerpt from a recent Media Kit Workshop we hosted for Christian Book Academy members.
As a member, you get access to our Media Kit template and checklist. Get on our waiting list here: https://christianbookacademy.com
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