All the Money an Author Doesn't Make

I am writing this for those people who wonder (and ask me) how much money I make? Dan did our taxes today, so now I know. First, let me explain the reality of my profession.

People think having a book published is like winning the lottery. Now that my book is published, I'm living like this:

Au contraire mon ami.

Statistics vary but the following are safe estimates:

Three percent of writers see their book published, so in a way I have won the lottery. My published books number three.

The average book sells 90 copies. My books sold many more than 90 copies, so I am above average. In fact, I've hit some best-seller lists and had some second and third printings. Celebration time!

One percent of those three percent who publish earn enough money to support a family. Oops, I'm fading fast. I didn't make that glorious one percent, even if I lived in a third world country.

So the average and above average published author does not look like the woman above, but rather like the man below.

Rob Eager stated in a recent blog that a self-published book yields an average $5,000 income and a book published with a traditional publisher yields $10,000. Now we know why authors write more than one book a year, and, most likely, still can't support their family.

I hate disappointing my enthusiastic fans who are thrilled at my sudden wealth. Taxes don't lie. I figured out my income and I earn about 59 cents an hour. I use the term "earn" earnestly, because writing and speaking is hard work.

The question remains, is it worth the time, effort, and money I invest to write a book? Oh my YES! The royalty checks aren't much, but the emails from readers are priceless. The marriages saved, encouragement given, new lives committed to Christ, joy-filled hearts, and  splashes of serenity on readers who knew no hope until they read my books — well, how do you put a salary on those blessings?

So, what do you think? Are you surprised? You can take me off that pedestal now.

Writing Splashes of Serenity for not much money, but with plenty of joy!

Christian Authors, Shout Your Books From the Rooftops!

 Christian authors can be quiet about their books. Afterall, they don't want to appear boastful.

 I say, "Phooey!"

Secular books scream their slime while Christian authors whisper the Good News afraid they might appear arrogant or offend someone.

Remember God's Word to us in Romans 1:16,  "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."

My books contain the gospel. I am not ashamed. In fact, I feel disobedient if I don't shout about them.

 Donald Miller agrees with me in his blog, "Why I Self-Promote." You can read it here: http://storylineblog.com/2012/03/29/why-i-self-promote/

Boiling down his blog to one sentence:

 I self promote because my books help people.

Kudos to you, Donald Miller!!! I agree.

The differences between those who self-promote and those who don't seems to lie in who wrote your book. So, who did write your book? I didn't write mine. Only God could have written my three books. I don't have that ability.

Knowing that God wrote a book that will help people, how can I keep quiet? I will shout it from the rooftops.

I am not ashamed. I am commanded.

God gave me a mission and a passion and a platform.

 

None of this was my idea!

I encourage you to work wholeheartedly to promote the books God planned for you to write for His Kingdom.

Please Christian authors, shout your books from the rooftops!

Our books are splashes of serenity to a world that is drained,

It Takes A Village to Write A Book

It's a big day for me. We All Married Idiots sits on Amazon.com available for pre-orders. Today it hit me.  Yes indeed, this story which began over 40 years ago will be published. My heart sings with praise!

I thank God Who whispered to my heart during a sermon, What good are your writings doing in a file cabinet if no one reads them. Thank You for the amazing privilege it is to write and speak for You, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I thank my husband who always answers, "If this will help others, you have to share it" when I ask permission to reveal our personal lives. Thank you Dan for loving me and freeing me to be obedient to God's call on my life.

I thank my children. Joanna, Elizabeth, and Sam. What great kids and cheerleaders! They knew from our first days of ministry that obedience to God took precedence over their desires. Never rebelling, always loving and supporting and encouraging me to be all I could be for Christ.

I thank my grandchildren who are the delights of my life. Thank you especially to Garrett, who allows me to tell his stories so others can come to know Christ.

I thank my mother who drove her six children bananas by making us learn a new word every day. We teased her and called her Mary Webster while she searched the dictionary for the daily gem. The acorn didn't fall far, did it? Such an encourager at age 91 chastising me that I need to get back to the computer and write another book. Still trying to get me to do my homework.

I thank my dad who died before I ever wrote a book, but whose signature is on every page. One of the funniest and lovingest people I've ever known, he passed his laughter to the next generation.

I thank my prayer team. Like an army they go to war with every email request. My ministry is stronger because of them. If you would like to join that team, I'd welcome your support. Just let me know.

I thank Joyce Hart from Hartline Literary Agency who looked at my proposal, burst out laughing and said, "This will be published. I hope no one changes the name." Thanks for believing in me, Joyce, and signing me with Hartline. I am honored.

I thank Diana Flegal, my literary agent, who persevered and encouraged and persevered more until she found the right publisher for We All Married Idiots.

I thank Eddie Jones from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, who read my manuscript, laughed and said, "I like your sense of humor." Thank you, Eddie, for your vision for this work and your diligence and long hours to make it the best book we could for the glory of God.

I thank the editors and beta readers and book designers and endorsers and proofreaders who all spent hours and days and weeks making We All Married Idiots shine! Some of us stayed up til the wee hours of the morning poring over book covers and sentence structures and the right words to put power into each sentence. Phew! I'm still tired thinking about this. What sacrifices you made for me. Thank you, dear friends.

I thank Montrose Christian Writer's Conference where I learned the process of getting published and how to write a proposal. There I met all those odd ducks that quack everytime I slack. You are all joy and laughter and fun and amazing blessings in my life.

I thank Pete and Krissi Castor who first believed I was a writer and published The Splashes of Serenity Bathtime books. Oh what a gift you were to me. Thank you for the absolutely beautiful hard-cover books you produced for the glory of God. He's still selling them and using them in people's lives. Fruit that has remained!

I thank my writer's groups in Rome and in Horseheads, NY. What an inspiration you all are to me as you spur me on to be the best writer God created me to be. Especially, I thank Diane Estrella and Lisa Buske who seem to drop everything they want in order to help me get what I want. You two are amazing blessings from God. One day we will celebrate your books!

I thank Barb Spurling my friend, website administrator, advisor, teacher, and go-to gal for the first five years of this ministry. Barb, I don't think it would have happened without you. You are another gift to me.

And now Mary Hess at www.MaryHess.com who designed this beautiful website helps me with every old-lady-trying-to-use-a-computer question. You've been a God send, Mary. Appreciate you so much.

Last, I thank God for his sense of humor. Some 40 years ago, during an argument with Dan, I thought, I must have been an idiot to marry that idiot. Bursting out laughing at the realization that I just called myself an idiot, I didn't realize that 40 years later a book would be born to encourage married couples. God truly does work all things out for good and according to His purposes. Even our arguments. That's a splash of serenity to me.

Thank you, readers. Oh yes, I must thank you readers. For without you, there would be no book.  Be blessed everyone as you read: We All Married Idiots: Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can. It is my joy to write it for you. May this book make marriages shine!

Why Writers Write?

Why do writers write? Good question. Certainly not for the money.  "There are easier ways to earn less than minimum wage," says my writer friend Kathi Macias.

So, we write because:

Writing soothes. When I get grumpy, my daughter teases me with, "Mom, would you please go write something!" She knows writing words on paper calms a spirit gone wild. Did you ever have to write 100 times, "I'll be a good girl today." I did.

Writing influences. Words have power to change someone's mind, to alter a wrong decision, to lead someone to God. In a world  filled with evil and sadness and pain, how can I keep silent about the Hope that heals hurts? Check your child's treasure box. If you ever wrote a letter telling them of your dreams for them, I bet it was a keeper.

Writing informs. Future generations will read what we write. I want to make sure my stories of God's power and faithfulness aren't buried with me. I once possessed my grandmother's journal telling of her faith in God. Her lips are silent, but her pen still speaks.

Writing obeys God.  In Psalm 102:18 God says to write this down, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord.

Writing improves the world. How? By telling the next generation of God's love for them.

Psalm 71:17-18 encourages me to write:  "O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do....Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me."

I write for God. I write for me. I hope I write for you. I know I write for them:

Perhaps you will consider writing too. Who does God want you to tell of the wonderful things He does? Please tell them, write them, show them. Future generations and a hurting world need to hear.

Will your words be the splash of serenity that changes the life of someone you love or the stranger you've never met? I hope so.

Feeling Like An Author—Whatever That Feels Like

Giving birth to my third child, I finally felt like a mother. I still didn't know what I was doing, but I had three little ones running around the house, which proved I knew how to produce.

Well, it's taken three books for me to feel like an author. My first book seemed like a fluke, but it's now in its third printing. My second book arrived unexpectedly. Now We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten things You Can releases next month. I don't know what I'm doing, but I feel like an author—whatever that feels like.

I'm not sure how an author is supposed to feel, but here are my feelings:

I feel responsibility to speak and write truth. Words influence and I am responsible to represent Christ and be like Christ in every area of my life.

I feel passionate about my Bible reading and prayer time because without this, I can do nothing.

I feel disciplined to exercise and eat right and sleep well so I can sustain the fast pace planned in the months ahead.

I feel trust that God Who gave me this book will give me the energy and wisdom to complete the tasks ahead.

I feel joy knowing that the words God placed in my heart will be read by strangers I could never have reached otherwise.

I feel festive. Writers spend months isolated in their little offices zoning in on the book they are writing. Now I want to celebrate!

I feel different. Writing two books on marriage has made me a more loving and understanding wife. The quality of our marriage skyrocketed.

I feel thankful. I'm in awe of God, Who called me to this ministry and Who teaches me so I can teach others.

I feel obedient to God's call to write and speak. There were other important ways to spend my days, but I said no to them and yes to God. 

I feel blessed by so many friends who pray for me and encourage me on this journey. I thank God for YOU! One of those friends sent me this passage. I love her for it. Sort of sums it all up:

"Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me." Psalm 71:18 (NLT)

I feel blessed that the God Who allowed me to get old and gray has not abandoned me. He allows me to proclaim His power to a new generation as I write of God's mighty miracles to all who come after me.


Splashes of Serenity and Joy to you today,

Elaine

Help for Hurting Marriages

Asked many times how I became an author, I trust the blog posts over the last months told my story.

Next month my third book will be released. Why did I write another marriage book? Well, my readers requested it. Crying for help, they asked me to go deeper into the subject of marriage.

I have a passion for the preservation of marriage. My heart aches for fractured families and the effects broken and battle-scarred homes have on children. If We All Married Idiots: Three Things You Will Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can saves one family from the pain of divorce, then I have met my goal.

We All Married Idiots has 13 chapters with discussion questions and application suggestions at the end of each chapter. You'll laugh and cry and be convicted. Hopefully you'll realize your marriage is worth fighting for, and your honey isn't really an idiot afterall.

Thanks for going on this journey with me. The process of writing splashes me with serenity. I hope you jump into my books, feel refreshed, and receive a splash of new perspective on a draining day.

 Anyone have a question about my writing journey or parenting or marrying? I'd be happy to try to answer.

From File Drawer to Book Store—My Writing Journey Continues

So, how did my first book go from a file drawer to a bookstore?

In earlier blogposts I share how God called me to write Cleanse My Heart: Bathtime Meditations for Moms. Rejected by four publishers, I placed that manuscript back into my file drawer. Content that I had obeyed God, I laid it to rest. But, God is in the resurrection business and He had other plans.

My friend Kelly Molinet visited one day. Kelly and I cried, prayed, and shared life together when her son, Liam, was born with Cystic Fibrosis. I wrote this dear victorious mother's story in Cleanse My Heart.

"Would you like to read what I wrote about Liam?" I asked her. She did. She liked it. A published author herself, she asked, "Why haven't you sent this to my publisher?"

So, I did. I sent Cleanse My Heart to Green Key Books. Within a few months, a contract arrived in my mailbox.

When a contract is signed, the author gives the publisher rights to your words. Which means, they can do with them whatever they please. Cleanse My Heart could have become a comic book.

Green Key didn't give me a comic book, but a beautiful hard cover gift book. Other authors tell me a first-time unknown author would never get a hard-cover book. That never happens. Well, with God all things are possible. And God was in this book from its conception.

But wait! What happened to Cleanse My Heart? The publisher also has the right to rename your book. Green Key renamed mine Sink or Swim (S.O.S.): Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms. I'm glad they asked my opinion and that I stated, "I think Sink or Swim sounds too severe. Can we change it?" Pete and Krissi Castor at Green Key Books were willing, but wanted to keep the S.O.S.

I put my thinking cap and prayer hat on and within seconds, God whispered, Splashes of Serenity. I've been splashes of serenity ever since. I love it. A breath of fresh air! A ray of sunshine! A splash of serenity!

What joy to have my first reflection be "No Room in the Tub for Me!" A story written in my bathtub the night before my baby left for college. How appropriate for this drained mom.

Within months Splashes of Serenity (S.O.S.): Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms  sold thousands and a second printing was ordered. It is now in a third printing. Mothers around the world have been blessed and encouraged by this book. If you'd like an autographed copy, you can order it at my bookstore (see tab above) or contact me at SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com.

So, what did you learn from this post?

Well, that God's plan for your book won't be thwarted even when you put it where no man can find it.

A publisher can make a comic book from your words if he wants to, but a publisher desires to give you the best-selling product they can afford.

A publisher has the final say on the title, but most publishers will listen to your heart and consider your thoughts.

One day your wildest dreams could come true and people will line up at your Barnes & Noble book signing. Who knew? Not me. Only God had this plan. My job was to obey. I'm so glad I did.

Hoping this was a splash of serenity and an encouragement to you,

Elaine

The Blessings of Writing and Leaving a Legacy

I hit the "send" button. My book, We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can, is in the hands of dear Anna, who is incorporating 30 pages of edits into the manuscript and making it all into a book we hope will impact lives.

Today, I rest and recover and reflect, thankful for all who prayed and encouraged and sacrificed. Was it worth it? Oh, yes! This letter from my 7-year old granddaughter tells it all.

Gracie writes,

"Grandma,

... You mean alot to me! I would give you 3 wishes if I could. Thank you for teaching me how to write a book, now I can pass it down to my kids when I grow up!

Love,

Gracie & family"

Reminds me of why we sacrifice hours and days and years to write. This is why: "Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord." Psalm 102:18

Has God placed a book in your heart? Write it down so future generations can praise the Lord. Be that Splash of Serenity in their lives.

Thanking God for words and books and friends and granddaughters who will create future generations to praise the Lord!

Elaine

Writing Friends are Cheerleaders on Your Way To Publication

"Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does." Psalm 96:3

Diane Estrella read these verses to our writing group last night and encouraged us that we aren't just to write. We are to "Publish."

Writer's groups will encourage you on your publishing road. Often called critique groups—I prefer calling my group "writers" because critique sounds too, well, critical.

Here's how the one I attend works: We meet once a month. Every participant is given 15 minutes to do whatever they wish. Some ask writing questions or share something they've learned. Most bring a writing project they are working on, distribute copies to everyone, read it, and listen while the rest of us give praise and suggest ways to improve what was read.

Having other eyes read what you wrote reveals mistakes you've missed. My 3rd book, We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can, has been read and critiqued about 20 times. I'm in the final edits and still finding errors we all missed. It's critical to have your manuscript critiqued by others before you send it to a publisher and many more times before it is published. Typos, unclear sentences, bad grammar, etc., can distract your reader from the message you are hoping they receive.

When writers gather there is so much laughter and creativity and energy in one room, it is invigorating. Wish I had pictures of my writing friends in Horseheads, NY, where I lived when my first book was published. They are treasures who walked an amazing journey with me, cheering me on. When my husband's job required we move, every person in the Horseheads' group was a published writer.

When we moved to Rome, NY, one of my first priorities was finding writers to meet with monthly. The Lord sent me amazing, gifted, loving encouragers for my journey to book three:

Here are some random shots and fun from last night's writing group:

On the right is the lovely Diane Estrella. I call her God's gift sent to me. We actually met on facebook. She is a blogger extaordinaire at www.DianeEstrella.com. Diane is writing a series of children's books that are sensational.

On the left is Paula Davis—a woman with Godly wisdom, she keeps us centered on Christ. I don't know if she wants this shared, but publicity is good, Paula. She completed a touching book of Christmas advent devotionals she hopes to be published soon. Her blog is www.PaulaDavispeace.com

On the right is the energetic and full-of-Christ and full-of-fun Lisa Buske. Lisa and I connected the moment we met at the Upstate NY Christian Writer's Gathering. Her book, Where's Heidi? The Search Begins, tells the story of her sister Heidi's abduction and the work God did in her life through the pain. Where's Heidi? is being considered by several publishers. She is a fabulous speaker and writer and advocate for missing children. Visit her website for more information at www.LisaBuske.weebly.com.

On the left is Melissa Rottenberry--a poet whose writings touch hearts. Since coming to our writer's group, she has been published in a Christian periodical.

In the middle is Jody Zilske. An English professor who dots our i's and crosses our t's, Jody is one of the best writers I have ever read. When reading her work, I am in awe and sense I am in the presence of one of the greatest. Literally, it's like C.S. Lewis is sitting in the room. She writes for children and for adults and everyone in between. Prolific? She defines that word. You can "like" Jody's facebook page, Deep Calls to Deep.

On the right is Amy Quonce whose book Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives With A Special Needs Child, was published in December 2011. She has a painful and joyful story that the world needs to read. Check out her website at www.windingroadbook.weebly.com.

Of course, we couldn't end our delightful evening without a Bananagrams game. As Jody said while we met, "Oh, isn't it fun to play with words!" That's what writer's do. We play with words. It is fun.

May God splash some serenity on your writing as you publish His glorious deeds!

Elaine

The Dreaded "R" Word—Rejection. My Writing Journey--Part 5

Rejected—my manuscript slipped back into the file to be read another day—over my dead body, literally.

Too many gifted writers give up too soon because they fear rejection. They write, are rejected, and then give up. Words that could change someone's life and sentences that God wants someone to read—are stuffed in a drawer never to see or be the light.

You don't write a book so that no one will every read it. If you want to be published I urge you to accept rejection, keep polishing your manuscript, and keep submitting to publishers.

Writing books and writing conferences will help you along your way. A book you should read and keep as a reference is Dave Fessenden's, From Concept to Contract.

Last week, I was honored to be the guest blogger on Dave Fessenden's blog, http://www.fromconcepttocontract.com I wrote the following about that dreaded "R" word—Rejection:

It's a fact, as a writer, you will be rejected—not everyone will like your writing. Why? Well, because readers are all different. A writing style that entices one publisher will not appeal to another.

It happened to me. In 30 minutes I had two appointments with two different publishers. One read my work, put the paper down, and said she couldn't read it. That was not my hoped-for response. Fifteen minutes later a different publisher read the same words and said "This is great! I'd love to publish it."

Rejection is a part of the writing life. Please realize you are not alone. Perhaps these facts from Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul will encourage you:

Dr. Seuss' book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was rejected by 27 publishers before Vanguard Press accepted it. It sold six million copies.

Pearl Buck's The Good Earth was rejected 14 times and went on to win a Pulitzer Prize.

Mary Higgins Clark was rejected 40 times before selling her first story. More than 30 million copies of her books are in print.

John Grisham's first novel, A Time to Kill, was turned down by 15 publishers and 30 agents. More than 60 million of his books are in print.

Star Wars was rejected by every movie studio in Hollywood before 20th Century Fox finally produced it.

Rudyard Kipling received the following rejection from the San Francisco Examiner: "I'm sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language."

What lesson can a writer learn from this? Don't give up. Keep writing. Keep learning. Keep submitting your work.

It's sad when the work of a gifted writer goes unpublished because they can't handle the rejection. Keep your eyes fixed on the One Who received the ultimate rejection. Jesus died for you. I hope you write for Him.

Today I blogged about the rejection. Tomorrow I'll share how my first book went from being a concept to being a contract. Woo Hoo!!!

May God bless your writing with Splashes of Serenity!

Elaine

Write What You are Passionate About--My Writing Journey, Part 3

Part 3 of my writing journey continues with this wanna-be-obedient-to-God writer enthralled by the speakers at Montrose Christian Writer's Conference.

Two dozen devotions in hand with no idea how or if they will become a book, I listened intently to each presenter.

"Write what you are passionate about." the author/teacher at Montrose said.

Ha! I'm passionate about a lot of things. Let's see. I'm passionate about my bath, I chuckled out loud at my own silliness. More seriously, I realized, I'm passionate about being a mom! And so I wrote, Splashes of Serenity: Bathtime Reflections for Drained Moms

Oh, if only it was that easy. The book came four years later, but that first writing seminar is where the direction came for my first book.

My advice to you: Write what you are passionate about. It worked for me and, I hope, it will keep you from hitting your own head hoping words and illustrations and titles fall into your brain. If you are passionate about a subject, that's what God has for you to write.

Most writers don't leave their first writer's conference with a book contract in hand. Publishers want to see your writing in print other places before they'll risk printing the book of an unknown writer. You need to start building a resume.

At Montrose Christian Writer's Conference, and most other writing conferences, attendees are granted 15 minute appointments with authors, editors, agents, and publishers of their choosing. These people will read your work and give you their professional opinion. A word of encouragement: Not all publishers will like what you write. So, if one publisher isn't positive about your writing, don't give up because of one opinion.

That first conference, I was too intimidated to meet with a publisher, but I did want someone to read my devotions and tell me honestly whether I could write or not. In the gazebo, I met with Gloria Clover who published a compilation of devotionals in her books, Penned From the Heart.

So nervous, I handed my work to Gloria. Quietly, she read a few, looked up and said, "How many of these can I have? I want to put them in my book." My heart stopped--at least it felt like it.

I was now a published writer. For the next two years my devotionals appeared in Penned From the Heart. My resume building had begun.

What did I learn that can help you?

~~Write what you are passionate about.

~~Begin building a resume by being published in a smaller market.

~~Learn how to write a book proposal and a query letter.

~~Attend a writer's conference where you will learn the business and meet people who will help you on your writing way.

I left Montrose resolved to return the following year with a book proposal and a manuscript of bathtime devotions for mothers. Stay tuned for more tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I suggest a hot bath so you can soak all this in. It worked for me!

Elaine

Called to Write, But How Do I Become Published?

Good morning friends. This blog post is a continuation from yesterday's post as I continue to share how I became a published author. Enjoy!

God called me to write a book. So, I wrote. Not certain what I was to write--I just wrote. As my writing progressed, it seemed that short stories and devotional writing were what flowed best from my heart to my pen.

If you want to be a writer, you need to write--a lot. It is a craft that improves with practice. A newpaper columnist advised me to write every day. I told him I didn't have time to write every day. He said, "Do you have an hour? Then write for an hour." I took up his challenge.

People prayed for me as I shared with them that God called me to write a book. If you are a Christian writer, please surround yourself with people who will pray for you. Writing is a hard, lonely business. You may lose friends who don't understand that you need to sit at your desk and write instead of join them for coffee. That was sometimes painful. I am thankful for friends who understood and prayed.

So, there I was with a stack of writing and no idea what to do next. I wasn't concerned about publishing it. I felt God would open that door when the time was right. He did just that.

In those days, Dan and I were leading marriage retreats at Montrose Bible Conference in Montrose, PA. Arriving for the conference, I spotted the brochure advertising the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference. Who ever heard of a conference for writers? Well, God did and He led me to this lovely place overflowing with creative minds, publishers, agents, and invaluable teaching.

Having no idea what was ahead, not knowing what to bring, the following summer I returned to Montrose armed with a stack of my devotional writings.

What a beautiful place and a worthwhile conference. I attended what I called the Getting Published 101 daily class where I learned the ins and outs of publishing and how to write a book proposal to send to publishers.

This year Montrose Christian Writers Conference will be July 22-27, 2012. More information can be found at http://www.montrosebible.org/writers.

The number one writing tip I give a writer is to go to a writer's conference. You'll meet people who become treasures of advice and love and encouragement as your journey continues.

In my opinion, if you are serious about your writing career, you need to write, you may need to give up some pleasures so you have time to write, it is good to have people support you in prayer, and going to a writer's conference is essential.

Tomorrow, I'll share more about what happened at Montrose.

Hoping these writing and publishing tips lead you to splash into the writing pool. Enjoy the swim! It's worth it.

Splashes of Serenity,

Elaine

God's Call to Write

Many desire to write a book. Not me. It wasn't on my radar or my "to do" list. Writing takes discipline and many hours staring at a computer screen. I liked partying with people and I hoped to never own a computer.

In my wildest thoughts, I never envisioned that one day I'd be signing books at Barnes & Nobel. But God had a plan for me that I had never imagined.

For most of my adult life, I enjoyed writing in my journals. I wrote about my life, my thoughts, my faith, my family, and all things I wanted my grandchildren to know after I was dead. Placing those journals in my file cabinet, I had one hope: One day when I am gone, my family will find them and learn about my life. But God had other plans for them.

One Sunday I went to church. Well, actually, I go to church every Sunday. This Sunday my husband preached on the parable of the talents. In that parable God is angry with the lazy servant for burying his talent. To my surprise (perhaps "to my horror" is more accurate), God spoke to my heart during that service. He said, "What good are those writings doing buried in your file cabinet if no one reads them?"

I knew God was calling me to write. But I didn't have a clue how to write a book or how to get it published.

Do you? Is God calling you to write? If so, check back for more of this story in my next blog.

Hoping you have a splash of serenity from God as He reveals to you His plan for your life. I hope you are listening!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...'" Jeremiah 29:11

Be blessed,
Elaine

Thanksgiving Day! Poem by my Granddaughter, Gracie

A writer reads books and observes life and writes about it. My Granddaughter, Gracie, seven years old, wrote this Thanksgiving poem on Thanksgiving Eve:

Thanksgiving Day!

It is Thanksgiving Day.
Grandma and Mommy bake the corn casserole for our fine feast.
My Aunt gave the good turkey who was on a farm.
And now the turkey is as bald as can be.
My mom eyes the boxes as she looks for yummy treats
For this fine Thanksgiving Day!!!

by Gracie Price ~ seven years old.

My grandchildren are all here! I'm surrounded with splashes of joy and wonder on this fine Thanksgiving Day!

Be blessed,

Elaine

There's More to Writing a Book Than Writing a Book

With a HUGE sigh, "The End!" is typed. The last page is done. Your book is finished. You laugh, you jump up and down, and then you cry from exhaustion and exhilaration.

Then you wait. And wait. And wait some more. Centuries later an e-mail arrives from your agent with the subject, "Congratulations!" In awe of this hard-worked-for moment, it sinks in that a publishing contract is on its way.

The contract signed, sealed, and sent back to the publisher it all hits you again as you realize typing "The End" was only the beginning.

So, you pray and pray and pray some more asking God for direction and strength and wisdom and an absolutely pure heart as you begin thinking about the dreaded M word--Marketing!

I'm told that writing is 90 percent marketing and 10 percent writing. So, let the marketing begin! Batter's up! I'm ready to round the publishing plate and place my book, We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can in front of many eyes.

How? Well, here's just the beginning:

Seek endorsers and reviewers. God amazed me and gave me well-respected and well-known authors agreeing to endorse my book. Thank you God and friends!

Write a hook for the back cover that a reader can't resist.

Work with the publisher to design the cover.

Work with the publisher to produce a book trailer.

Plan a blog tour. Still working on this. Anyone out there have a blog and want to know why I wrote We All Married Idiots? I'll make your audience laugh--promise. Or, maybe cry. But that's good for ratings too!

Plan a facebook release party. This should be fun! Will you please come?

Develop a We All Married Idiots facebook page (for the release party and to interact with readers). Like Me! Like Me! Please!

Plan an in-house book release party. Refreshments served that won't be available at my facebook party. Sorry facebook friends.

Contact media for interviews. Two already contacted me! That was easy!

Write a press release.

Redesign both my website and my blog. Help needed here! Any volunteers?

Order book marks and postcards to send to every person I've ever smiled at my entire life. Oh yes, I've lived 12 places. That's a lot of smiles.

Read the three pages my agent sent me of things I need to do now that the contract is signed.

And last but not least, while the busyness of marketing is going on, God's been busy putting the next book idea in my head. It is time to start writing book number 4.

My mind is spinning because through it all I'm laughing, jumping up and down, and then crying in exhaustion and exhilaration! It really is a Splashes of Serenity kind of a feeling.

Thanks for hearing my heart. My only goal each day is to be in God's will and make Him smile at me. That's better than a publishing contract any day.

Love to all who pray for me and read my books! You're the best!

Elaine

Oh The Silly Places Books are Born!

Last night at my writer's group, we writers got a good laugh as we shared notes of the silly places we write our books.

Those who write know that God gives you great stories at the most inconvenient times--like in the middle of the night or in the middle of a shower!

One writer keeps her Ipad next to her bed, so she can write her thoughts without rising. If she gets out of bed, she knows it will be difficult to get back into sleep.

Personally, I keep a paper and pen by my bed for the same reason. But, I have been found writing in the wee hours when the house is still and God speaks to my mind, which is half asleep and empty of the distractions of sun-rise "to do" lists.

Another announced, "I write my books in the shower!" How does she do that without getting the paper wet? Well, she has a pad of paper and pen on the bathroom counter. Her best writing thoughts happen while she is showering, so she jumps out of the shower, writes them down, and jumps back into the shower hoping for more inspiration.

"I write in the shower too! I take bathtub crayons and write my thoughts on the shower wall. On one wall is my book, on the other I write the scripture I am memorizing that week" shared another writing friend. What a great idea! Fill those shower walls with scripture and bless others taking a shower. Plus, you might get some good editing done by fellow family showerers.

This all tickled me, especially since I write bath books and wrote many of my "Splashes of Serenity" reflections while resting in the tub. Hopefully, I didn't resemble the man in the picture, but I did relax in a bubbly brew with pad and pen in hand.

The bathtub--where writers go for inspiration and splashes of serenity. Who knows, there might be a good book in you just waiting for a water birth!

Splashes of Serenity on your day!

Elaine

Announcing the April 1, 2012 Birth of My Next Book!!!

"I can't believe you are sitting in my living room in your pajamas negotiating a book contract with your agent!" My daughter-in-law's reaction to the call telling me a publisher was sending a contract for my next book made us both laugh. Woo Hoo! If I had known, I would have dressed for the occasion.

Celebrate and pray with me as we plan the April 1 release of We All Married Idiots: Three Things You'll Never Change About Your Marriage and Ten Things You Can.

Martin Luther said, "If you want to change the world, pick up your pen." My prayer is that the words from my pen will change marriages and, thus, change the world. Afterall, that is why I write.

Have you considered picking up a pen? Perhaps you like the world the way it is, but I doubt it.

Thank you, everyone, for your daily encouragement to me. You are splashes of serenity to my soul!

Elaine

Why Do I Write?

My head is spinning, my heart is soaring, my spirit is thankful. Here are some of the splashes of serenity God gave me at last week's Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference.

1. A conferee said, "My child has Downs Syndrome. You wouldn't believe the discouraging things people have said to me. I read your book and thought, This author gets it. She understands. Your 'Drained Moms' book gave me hope and I just want to thank you." We both cried and hugged and I prayed for her child and for her.

2. Another conferee caught up with me in the cafeteria saying, "I gave your book for 'Drained Wives' to my niece who was leaving her husband. She read your book and decided to stay with her husband. Hallelujah and thank you!" I couldn't even eat my lunch after that splash!

3. Four publishers are interested in publishing my next book. If you are led, please pray for me and the publishers to know God's will. Thank you.

Why do I write? I write to change lives and lead people to their only hope--Jesus Christ. Last week God confirmed my call to write His Answer. Perhaps God is calling you? Is he? Let me know. I'll pray for you.

Thanking God for my readers--the sweetest splashes of serenity of all.

Elaine

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Eighty percent of people suffer from stage fright. Why? Well, perhaps because "We get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths..." James 3:2 (The Message). I laugh when I read that verse. God knows us so well.

I was one of those 80 percent. Going to a PTA meeting where I might be asked my opinion brought on anxiety attacks. I physically could not open my mouth. Those who know me now, find that hard to believe!

When my husband entered the ministry, all of that changed. Our first church asked me to speak at their Mother/Daughter banquet. I had never spoken in public--ever. 330 women were in the audience. That is 660 eyes looking at me and 660 ears listening to me. Panic!

My sweet mother-in-law settled me down with the words, "Remember, every person out there loves you." I calmed my nerves with her words and my thoughts that every person out there is thanking God they aren't the person holding this microphone.

My mother-in-law was correct. They laughed at my jokes and wiped their tears right on cue. The night was life-changing for me. I've been speaking ever since and loving it!

This week at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference I have the joy of teaching, "A Writer Speaks." My seminar handouts and a CD of "A Writer Speaks" is available to purchase. If interested, please e-mail me at SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com. Cost is $5 plus $2.50 S&H.

If you are asked to speak (and most of us will be), remember that every person out there loves you. And if they don't; well, God loves you, and He already knows we get it wrong nearly every time we open our mouths. LOL! He can help us get over those jitters as we trust Him to get it right in people's hearts.

Thanks for your prayers for me this week. I'll be meeting with publishers and editors and hoping for a bite on my next book.

You are a splash of serenity and a huge encouragement in my life,

Elaine

Getting a Book Published 101

Every writer dreams of a book signing at Barnes & Nobel with strangers standing in line for an autographed copy. Please don't wake me up! Today you sit at a computer with an idea in hopes that one day you'll sit in a book store signing your book? How do you get from here to there? I've blogged about this before, so check my previous posts. Today I give some more thoughts because last week I was asked twice, "How do I get my book published?"

1. Go to a Writer's Conference. They are all over the USA, so google and find the one that best meets your needs.

2. Learn how to write a query letter and a book proposal. The best place to learn this is guess where? Right! A Writer's Conference. You can also learn this online. www.MichaelHyatt.com is a great resource for learning the publishing business.

3. Get an agent. How? Go to a writer's conference or mail your query and your proposal to an agent. But, at a writer's conference the agent meets you face to face, realizes you aren't a serial killer, and your opportunities for a contract increase. Plus, attending a writer's conference demonstrates your commitment to invest in your career. Red flag any agent who wants you to pay them. A legitimate agent receives a percentage of your advance and your royalties. They receive nothing until they sell your book to a publisher. If an agent asks for money upfront, please flee.

4. Get published in a magazine or in a book compilation. Book publishers want to see some sort of resume. Start with articles. How do you do that? Well, you'll never guess. I sold my first article to "Salvation Army War Cry" and had 8 small devotionals published in Penned From the Heart
when I met the editors at Montrose Christian Writer's Conference. Am I making a point?

5. Obtain a copy of "Writer's Market." This is a thick book published each year with lists of magazines, book publishers, and other markets where you can sell your writing. All libraries should have it, so take a look.

6. Read, read, read. Read books in your genre. Read books on writing. Two books I try to read every year are: "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser, and "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White. "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott and "Run With the Horses" by Eugene H. Peterson are great encouragers to writers--and we all need encouraging. This is not an easy business.

7. Write, write, write. Write everyday and, thereby, hone your craft. You don't have time? Do you have an hour? Write an hour a day. Or, write a page a day. The average book has 120 pages. Your first draft is finished in 120 days if you write only one page a day.

8. Develop a platform. Publishers want writers who can sell their product. Start speaking on the subject of your book. Blog. Create a website. Become an expert in social networking. Just today I listened to a radio interview, made a comment on facebook about the interview, and the person being interviewed wrote back asking to interview me. Networking sells books. Publishers like authors who can sell books.

9. Educate yourself. The internet is filled with tips for writers. I try to read something every day that will make me a better writer.

10. Join a Writer's Group. The creative energy in a room full of writers is contagious. They will see things in your writing that you missed. I blogged about this previously.

"Marketing Your Ministry" and "A Writer Speaks" are two classes I teach at writer's conferences. For $5 each plus $2.50 shipping, I'll send you a CD and email you the notes that went with the class. That could be your first step in educating yourself. Comment below or send an email to SplashesofSerenity@yahoo.com if you would like to purchase a CD.

Remember, writing is not about ego. Writing is a calling. If God wants your book in print, it will happen. Our job is to do it as unto the Lord and put forth our best writing and the greatest product so lives will be transformed.

Enjoy your journey! It's hard work. Some days are discouraging. But, the first e-mail that arrives saying your book changed a life makes it all worth it. I hope to see you at Barnes & Noble--I'll be first in line!

Any questions? Please ask. I'd love to help you.

I'm also interested in any books you've read that have helped you become a better writer. Let me know please.

That's my Splash of Serenity for writers today.

Elaine