Christian Writer's, Come Out of the Closet!
It’s Your Time To Shine!
They overcame him by the blood
of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Rev. 12:11
The literary world is being bombarded with sub-par reading materials. There are currently
millions of titles in circulation; however only a small percentage of that circulation offers literature that enriches lives
and glorifies God. Erotica and false doctrine disguised as self help and inspirational reading have flooded the shelves of
bookstores and online shopping carts; yet truly edifying reading materials remain in comparative obscurity.
Here is where you come in. You've
got a story. You know you do. You experienced something that only God could have brought you through. The very air was sucked
out of your lungs, you felt as if your heart would burst through your chest. You thought "Surely this thing is going to kill
me." But God...
You're gifted. Your thing, and the way you do it, comes
to you as second nature. You have it, others marvel at it, they want it and seek after you
for it.
You're knowledgeable. You possess
information that has the potential to save time, money or possibly even lives.
You my friend, are an author in the
raw! Your soul stirring "how-I-got-over story", one of a kind talent, or innovative
ideas which are safely tucked beneath layers of uncertainty and timidity could positively impact the world for generations
to come. In her book, It's Not About You Rebecca Florence Osaigbovo drives home the fact that God can use our tears,
trials and triumphs as opportunities to enrich the lives of others - while illuminating His glory.
At this point you're
probably thinking, "I don't have a clue about what it takes to write book." It doesn't matter because if God has implanted
a desire to write for Him within you, He will surely bring it to pass. Psalms 37:4 says Delight thyself in the Lord and He
shall give thee the desires of thine heart. If you say yes and commit yourself to doing His will, He will do the rest. You simply have to be present yourself as an empty vessel - willing to be filled with
His anointing and to be used for His glory.
A few years ago, I finally put
aside my fears and obeyed the Lord's call to become a writer. I began with nothing
more than a passion for Christ and the desire to write for Him. I made a lot of mistakes when I wrote my first book because
I wasn't better prepared. I groped and stumbled along with way and even now work daily at perfecting my craft. Fortunately,
the Lord placed wonderful role models and mentors in my path - particularly an earth angel named Pam Perry, Chief Visionary
of Ministry Marketing Solutions.
I believe there are many Christians
who would serve as scribes for Christ, if they only knew how to begin. If you're
a closet Christian writer, I'm urging you to come forth. Don't be afraid to enlarge. Don’t allow fear of the
unknown to keep you from fulfilling your purpose. If I'm talking to you, trust God and know that He will equip you with the
necessary tools and resources you need. He will inspire you through His anointing, He will teach you through His chosen vessels,
He will provide for you through His riches in Glory. You in turn will encourage,
admonish and yes teach through your writing.
Recommended Reading:
The Self-Publishing Manual by Dan Poynter -
Get and read this book FIRST, even if you hadn't finished writing your book yet. It'll help you
decide whether or not you want to self-publish or pursue a publisher, and if you self-publish it tells you everything you
need to do, and in what order, in order to self-publish. I used this book when I initially self-published my first novel,
He's Fine...But is He Saved? Before I acquired a two-book deal with Kimani Press, which is a Harlequin imprint.
Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart -
This book lists all Christian
publishers, agents, and magazines who are looking for submission and it also gives their submission guidelines.
1001 Ways To Market Your Book by John Kremer -
He also has a newsletter for free tips to authors on www.JohnKremer.net
Recommended Links:
Book Marketing Assistance (for Christian books only):
www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com
Annual Conferences:
International Christian Retail Show www.ChristianRetailShow.com
Greater Philadelphia Writer's Conference www.WriteHisAnswer.com
Book Expo America (general market with a Christian section – largest book expo in the U.S.) www.BookExpoAmerica.com
Organizations:
American Christian Writers - Detroit Chapter - Contact: pamperry@ministrymarketingsolutions.com
American Christian Fiction Writers www.ACFW.com (They also have an annual conference)