Book Beginnings: A Different Dream for My Child

A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for Parents of Critically or Chronically Ill Children is Jolene Philo’s first book.  In this “Book Beginnings” preview, Jolene shares a taste of what promises to be an inspirational and perspective-changing look at this jouney.

When my editor emailed the final cover design for my book, A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for Parents of Critically or Chronically Ill Children. I opened it, and chills ran down my spine.

The picture of two hands, those of a parent and child, caused the first chill. For months, a similar image had flashed into my mind whenever I tried to picture the book’s cover. The second chill came when I realized the book title was intact. Because of its length, I expected it to be changed. But the designer arranged the title and subtitle so it flows beautifully.

The tiny teddy bear in the top, right corner of the cover made me gasp and brought on the third chill. The little bear was a dead ringer for the one our son received from a neighbor when, at almost three weeks old, he was released from neo-natal intensive care. The little brown bear had a red ribbon around its neck and music box key poking from its back. When our fragile baby, still recovering from surgery, lay in his infant carrier, we would wind the key and perch the bear in front of Allen. Read more

Figures of Speech: Handle with Care

I had to break away from reading an article a colleague wants me to edit to share this piece of timeless writing advice on the use of figures of speech:

“The simile is a common device and useful one, but similes coming in rapid fire, one right on top of another, are more distracting than illuminating. Readers need time to catch their breath: they can’t be expected to compare everything with something else, and not relief in sight.

When you use a metaphor, do not mix it up. That is, don’t start by calling something a swordfish and end by calling it an hourglass.”

Some of you may recall that these words of writing wisdom come from The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White.  In my opinion, every writer should own a copy, have it always handy, and review it often.  I have one at work, one at home, and the illustrated edition on order — it’s a gem full of writing-nutritious eye candy!

Mmm… I’ll have to think of a better metaphor.

Do you have some examples of good — and not so good — uses of figures of speech to share?

Lessons from the Littlest: Interview with Cherise Bopape

I can’t count the times the children in my life — my daughter, niece, or nephew — have amazed me over the years with their profound, childish candor. “I need to write that down,” I said many times.  But I rarely did until years later.  So when I learned that Cherise Bopape not only saves all the precious gems from the mouths of her children, but has written an entire devotional inspired by them, I knew I had to interview her and share her with all of you. Cherise is one amazing lady.  She has mastered the art of taking her life experiences — both painful and joyful — to bless others and glorify God.

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Ambushed by Grace: An Interview with Shelly Beach

In “Five Reasons to Unleashed the Servant Writer in You,” I suggested that tragedy, pain, or discouragement don’t have to be wasted years or detours.  They can be a source of hope and encouragement because these experiences give us the empathy and love to serve others who are experiencing similar circumstances.  That’s exactly what Shelly Beach has done with her latest book, Ambushed by Grace.  Writing from her own experience as a caregiver for parents with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s in her home, Shelly has written a practical book of hope and encouragement for those on the caregiving journey, a journey that can be laden with fear, anger, exhaustion, confusion, and every emotion imaginable.

I’m thrilled to bring you this exclusive interview with Shelly Beach, a kindred spirit who models for us the discipline of writing to serve — to bless others with the story and life experiences God has entrusted with us.  May this conversation inspire you to pick up her book and use it as a roadmap for the one you can write one day and as the perfect gift for the weary caregiver in your life. Read more

Imitating Ezra: Spiritually Preparing Myself to Serve Others

Editor’s Note: This is a guest article by Christian author and speaker, Kathy Howard, who challenges us with a timely message for every aspiring or seasoned author.

One of my heroes is a writer named Ezra, who lived about 450 years before the birth of Christ. The Bible describes this priest and scribe as a man who “had devoted himself to the study and observance of the law of the LORD and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10, NIV). Ezra passionately pursued God through the study and obedience of His Word. As he learned from God, Ezra then taught others and helped them apply God’s Word to their lives.

God has led me along a similar path. He gave me an insatiable desire to study His Word. As I study, His Word disciplines and refines me. God is faithfully shaping me into the woman He wants me to be. Meanwhile, He regularly brings teaching opportunities my way to share what He has taught me. Writing Bible studies allows me to teach the truth of God’s Word to a much larger classroom.

Why I Write

I usually write to meet specific needs in the church. For instance, a number of years ago, God began to bring adults to our church that had never studied the Bible before, but wanted to. I immediately found some material and began a short-term class. I soon realized that this material was insufficient to meet their needs. After teaching several of these classes, I began to write a curriculum specifically geared to this unique market. Read more

Author Beginnings: When God Plants a Dream

Editor’s Note: This is a guest article by award-winning Christian author and speaker, Dianne Neal Matthews.  Her passion for the dream God has planted in her heart and her obedience to pursue that dream will inspire you to continue your Servant Writer journey.

Ever since I picked up my first chunky pencil, I have adored the simple act of writing. My first-grade teacher told my parents that one day I would be an author. In fourth grade, the teacher saved time at the end of the day for a “reading” whenever someone told her that I had written a story. But as I moved toward my teen years, my self-confidence in all areas dissolved and I limited my writing efforts to school assignments.

Daydreams

Even though I minored in English in college, the idea of taking a creative writing course terrified me. What if I couldn’t come up with ideas to write about? How could I risk having work critiqued in class? I probably didn’t have any real talent anyway. So my creative writing was done in my head. It was safer that way. And I found pleasure in fantasizing about being a writer — sort of like pulling out a much-loved blanket when I needed comfort. As long as it remained just a dream, nothing could take it away from me. Read more

Book Beginnings from a “Confident” Adventurer

Editor’s Note: aspiring writers often want to know how a book begins in the mind of an author, how the idea develops, and how the book finally makes it to the reader. Pam Farrel, International speaker, relationship specialist, and author of over 28 books, contributes this article to answer these questions for aspiring authors and to extend an invitation to the upcoming launch of her latest book, Woman of Confidence: Step into God’s Adventure for Your Life. Keep reading and find out how you can enter for a chance to win a San Diego adventure.

The Inspiration for the Book

When a book begins in my heart, it is usually a result of a need I see when I am out living in the real world, ministering on the front lines or in the trenches of a counseling session or conference setting. For example, Woman of Confidence: Step into God’s Adventure for Your Life, my newest book, came after a series of events: Read more

Communicating the Vision: An Interview with Kathi Macias

Congratulations to our book winner, Joie Fields, and a big ”thank you” to Kathi Macias

Many up-and-coming writers believe that authors who have found a level of success in the publishing world are beyond reach because they are too busy doing what they, themselves, would love to be doing – writing.  With thirty books to her credit, Kathi Macias is everything but unapproachable.  She has a deep love for the written word, yes, but she is a true Servant Writer willing to share her experience and wisdom with others.

I was first introduced to Kathi last year when a friend gave me her book, The Train-of-Thought Writing-Method: Practical, User-Friendly Help for Beginning Writers. As a writing teacher, myself, I felt an immediate connection with someone who had clearly taken the time to communicate what so many attempt  to say, but in a creative and fresh new way.  I must confess that for a minute I was envious that I had not written such a book for my students.  Imagine my delight when my friend and Servant Writer, Dawn Wilson, connected us.  Seldom have I appreciated e-mail technology more than the afternoon Kathi and I exchanged several emails in preparation for our interview.  Although we have yet to meet face to face, I have been moved by her sweet spirit and willingness to share what she has learned with those  who are still on the journey toward print publication.

In this exclusive interview for WritingtoServe.net, Kathi Macias opens a window into the life of a full time Christian author Read more