Suellen | christianbloggersinternational.com

Leave a Legacy – Write Your Book

Starting your book can be a big deal. In fact it is a big deal. What you have to say is important.

And leaving your messages in a hands-on touchable form can be very significant.

Several years ago my husband and I purchased a house which had been in his family for over 130 years. A couple of generations earlier, the owners had been some aunts who were college professors. They never married. Their entire lives were given to teaching at a small, liberal arts college.

The two ladies were avid readers and life-long learners – and there was plenty of evidence to prove it. Every room in the house had bookcases loaded with books and magazines. In the attic and in upper regions of the packed closets were boxes of research and papers.

On several lazy afternoons I found myself upstairs in “Aunt Bess’s” old bedroom, rummaging through some of the boxes. My favorites were the many letters and cards they had received in the late 1800’s and ealy 1900’s.

The handwriting on each letter was like a work of art. You could see where the pen had been freshly dipped into the ink, and dripped on the paper. Every card was like a masterpiece of calligraphy.

But the most important part to me was what they said. The messages concernng the growth of the town and the college. The inquiries about other professors and their importance to the region.

The letters which were the most valuable were those which expressed special thoughts concerning Jesus, the strength of the church, or problems of the nation or region. Those were the ones which reflected the pulse of the times.

Some of the letters were written on a typewriter, but all of them were on paper. Physical copies which could be stored and handed down from generation to generation.

Fast forward a century, and paper is sometimes thought of as obsolete. We repeatedly opt into online statements and receipts. We buy digital books and magazines. We communicate with email or texts.

All of that is terrific. It’s much faster and easier.

But wouldn’t it be nice to leave someting tangible for your descendants? Wouldn’t your grandchildren like to know what you have to say? (Especially when they are older). Wouldn’t future generations like to have something they can hold in their hands? Something which relays your thoughts in this day and age? Something which describes the psychology of this specific time in the earth?

Digital methods are wonderful for quick and easy communication, but those messages won’t last forever. They always require special equipment – whether phones, tablets, or computers – to acess them. And as devices gain in sophistication, old files are not always obtainable.

So back to the value of books.

If Aunt Bess’s letters had been digital, they would have been long gone. I never would have been able to read and enjoy them.

As you are making a decision about writing your book, these are things to consider. You want to leave something that is lasting. And tangible. And transferrable from generation to generation.

Your book may be your autobiography, ideas for raising your children, or lessons from the Bible – with your special emphases. The very fact that you are putting on paper ideas which can be passed on from generation to generation is a very significant thing.

So let me encourage you.

If you have thought about writing a book, then do it. The next posts will be about tips for making it happen. With a few techniques – and tricks – you will be well on your way to having something to pass on to your grandchildren.

So Where Do I Start?

Now I know how it is. Your next thoughts will be how in the world do I get started? Very often we have many ideas floating in our heads in a disorganized fashion.

How do I get these thoughts into some sort of coherent form? What do I really want to say? Are these ideas important enough for anyone to want to read them?

The answers come one item at a time. When you write a book, you are beginning a journey, and you take it one step at a time. That’s how it’s done.

So take a deep breath. Relax. And begin to define your goals.

Who are you writing for? Your family? Women? Men? What ages are you trying to impact?

What do you want to accomplish with your book? Is it for education? Inspiration? Humor?

If you will spend some quality time in this early planning stage, your writing will be much easier. You will be able to stay focused as you complete your writing.

For additional ideas about this early planning stage, grab a free copy of my E-book, Want to Write a Book? Engage Your Mind.

You may grab your free copy HERE.

In the Meantime, Keep on Soaring,

Are You Living from the Sidelines?

by Suellen | Meeting the Challenges

Are you living from the sidelines? So many people are doing just that – without even realizing it.

When I was a child, my piano lessons were very important to me. And as each year drew to a close, the Piano Recital was the grand finale. So we gathered in the large auditorium with our families and friends assembled to cheer us on.

Decked out in my formal best, I waited for my name to come up on the program. I would sit, supposedly listening to the others, but totally distracted from the music being presented. I was waiting for my time to come. That’s what I was there for. My performance.

When we got closer to our moment and our group finally went back stage, it would have taken the National Guard to keep us from running and playing as we waited. We definitely weren’t listening to the others, we were waiting for our moment.

I’m sure that if you played sports, you would have similar recollections. When the game was on, you were there to do your part. Of course, you pulled for the team, but you wanted to be in the game.

Why do we as adults develop a bleachers mentality?

So what happened to us? As children we longed to be in the game. Why do we as adults develop a bleachers mentality? Maybe put-downs or discouragements, maybe setting goals so high that only supermen could have accomplished them. For whatever reason, as adults we are different.

This bleachers mentality causes us to sit on the sidelines and watch. No longer do we want to be in the game, but we live from the sidelines. As a result, we cheer for our football team, and if they win, we think we have won. If they lose, it’s as though we personally have failed.

Then we turn on TV and watch our favorite news program or some reality show. Later we pick up the latest magazine and discover who is in crisis, but also, who is buying the most expensive cars, or having the most elegant wedding, or which business mogul is making the most money.

We are watching from the sidelines. We are not really in the game.

Even in the church this mentality exists. We watch celebrity teachers, and love the big accomplishments of big ministries. We often sit on the sidelines and think that’s what it is all about. We were there or we heard the teaching on TV, so that was our part. But do we do what we learned?

Or as writers, speakers, and entrepreneurs, we listen to the latest webinar, and somehow we think that listening was enough. We trick ourselves into thinking that we have accomplished great things by our learning. We are living from the sidelines.

I say, No longer!

I know that God gave me this life, and I want to live it in an active, robust way.

I don’t want to live from the sidelines. I know that God gave me this life, and I want to live it in an active, robust way. I want to fulfill all that He has for me.

Of course, I have received lots of inspiration and understanding from big ministries and successful instructors. But the important thing is not what I heard, it’s what I did with what I heard. How has the instruction impacted what I do with my life?

We have an uncanny way of tricking ourselves.

Bill Phillips, the famous Body For Life fitness expert, has an interesting take on this phenomenon. He became amazed at the numbers of out-of-shape people who would approach him and thank him for his books. They didn’t seem to realize that he would notice that they weren’t implementing what he advised. So he came up with a challenge to toss to his students.

Now he tells them to Face the Abyss

And what is the abyss? It’s that infinite chasm between knowing and doing. It’s a great gulley that is hard to cross.

As Mr. Phillips explains it, when he instructs them, people are motivated. They begin to envision glamorous pictures of their new bodies and their incredible energy. So they learn some more…Then they learn some more…They may purchase some gym equipment and even a new jogging outfit.

They may try a little, but many people never benefit from his program, even though it could be the most successful one they have ever tried.

They won’t face the abyss – that great chasm – which requires that we take action when we know what to do. They listen and learn, but they never follow through with action.

So what abyss are you facing? And why don’t you just leap over it? Or at least build a bridge across it one step at a time?

There are many reasons that we as adults fail to be doers. Sometimes it’s fear of failure. Sometimes it’s not recognizing our potential. Sometimes it’s just procrastination or laziness. Or lack of vision – that burning desire.

Are You doing what you know to do?

In the next few weeks, I am going to be elaborating on some of these hindrances.

In the meantime, take some time to think about your personal mission. Are you doing what you know to do? Are you following through with your plans for action?

Be honest with yourself. How much are you implementing?

I have done some soul-searching and I have made a decision. I refuse to sit in the bleachers of my life. No longer will I just be on the sidelines watching others perform. I am determined to get into the game and fulfill the purpose God has for me.

I will face the abyss and take action. I will do what I know to do. I will take those necessary steps to make it happen.

I refuse to live from the sidelines.

I hope you’ll join me. We can do this.

Blessings, and May Your Journey Be Forever Upward.

Christian Bloggers International (https://OurCBI.com)
Taking Your Message to the World through Books, Blogs, Podcasts and More.

P.S. James 1:22-25 Don’t merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word and does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently at the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do. (NIV)

Overcoming Writer’s Block

by Suellen | Uncategorized, Writing Tips

Has this ever happened to you?You’re all excited about writing an article, report, or book. You open up a fresh document on your computer. You type in your file name, maybe a title, maybe even a few sentences.

But then it feels like your brain shuts down. Suddenly you find yourself just staring at a nearly blank screen. The words don’t come.

Uh oh, you have writer’s block.

If you do any writing at all, you’ll probably experience writer’s block from time to time.

Here’s how to overcome it…

Of course, prayer is always the first order of business. Relax and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and remind you of what He wants to say.

Then here are some additional practical tips.

Get Inspired

Sometimes you get stuck simply because you’re tired of looking at the same four walls, the same computer screen, etc. It helps if you can do something to kick start your creativity and give your brain a change of scenery. For example:

Put on music that inspires you.
Get out of your usual office and go someplace completely different, like a park or a coffee shop.
Spend 15-30 minutes doing something different, such as exercising (which will make you feel better).

Copy a Good Piece of Text

This is a way to force your brain to get in the “groove” of writing well. Simply take a passage from one of your favorite authors and start copying it by hand. You can also copy poetry, good sales letters, or anything else that’s well-written.

Naturally, you’re not using this content for anything. You’re just jump starting your own creative process by really thinking about someone else’s well-written piece.

Write Anything That Comes to Mind

Another way to get over writer’s block is to just start writing anything that pops into your head. If you have to write about this week’s grocery list, fine.

If you have to start off writing, “I don’t know what to write” two dozen times across the top of the page, fine. But the point is, just get your fingers moving across the keyboard. After about 20 minutes, your mental “log jam” should be broken up and your creativity released.

Create a Piece About Something Else Entirely

Sometimes it helps to write about something else that isn’t even remotely related to the thing that you need to write about.

So if you need to write an article about Christian Living, you can start by writing an article about how to tie your shoes. Or if you need to create a knowing who you are in Christ, then write a story about how you met your significant other.

Again, this is just a way to loosen up your creativity and get those fingers moving across the keyboard. Once you turn to the piece you do need to write, it will likely go much more smoothly.

Start in the Middle

Have you ever noticed that the introduction is often the hardest part to write? That’s because you use it to give a sneak peek at what the rest of the article, report or ebook is about. But if you haven’t yet written the rest of the content piece, then it’s easy to get stuck on the introduction.

The solution is simple: Start in the middle.

Just skip the intro and go straight to the next paragraph or the first chapter. Then you can do the introduction last, which makes it much easier since now you know exactly what all topics you covered in the rest of the piece.

In sum…

Every writer gets the dreaded writer’s block from time to time. However, don’t let it slow you down.

Next time your brain is moving like molasses, just use the tips above to jump start the creative process!

Connect With Your Audience

by Suellen | Writing Tips

Let’s be honest. Have you ever noticed that a lot of Christian writing is actually fairly boring?

Yet even if everyone else is creating dry, mediocre content, you don’t have to. You can determine that what you say will be interesting as well as informative.

And one way to do that is to really connect with your audience.

So how do you create this connection between your words and the hearts and souls of your audience?

let me share a couple of tips…

Tell Stories

Stories are good ways to connect with your readers, because a story tends to help you form that emotional connection. It helps the reader identify with you. And a story is much more memorable than simply telling a reader what to do.

You can write this story about you or someone else. Either way, however, the story will be more impactful if the main character is very similar to your readers.

So if your readers are stay at home moms, then you’ll connect to them better if your story is about a stay at home mom who overcame some of the same problems she faces. A story which inspired you.

A story can also help to demonstrate to your readers that you really understand them and their problems. And when a reader feels like the author understands him, you can bet he’ll keep reading.

Create “Reader Oriented” Writing

Your readers have perhaps read plenty of articles, reports and ebooks on the same topic as the one you’re writing about. However, a lot of this content is “author oriented.” That means that it seems to be more about the author rather than the readers

Example: You might read a book about having a good marriage in which the author seems to boast repeatedly about his credentials or delve into personal stories that actually aren’t of interest or relevant to the reader.

One way to quickly check if your writing is author-oriented is to see how many times you’ve used words like “I” or “me” versus how often you use words like “you” and “yours.” You want to use more “you” writing, since this is reader-oriented writing.

Let me give you an example:

Author-oriented writing: “I’m going to tell you about how I lost weight.”
Reader-oriented writing: “You’re going to discover a weight-loss trick that’s worked for me – and it will work for you, too.”

Engage the Audience

If you’re writing a “how to” article, then it’s easy to fall into the familiar pattern of writing a straightforward article: “This is step 1… this is step 2…” Basically, it’s the same kind of article everyone else publishes.

Instead, engage your audience by freshening up your writing. This includes:

Adding in your own tips. In particular, include unique tips and tricks not found anywhere

Using stories to illustrate points. Be sure to engage all five of your reader’s senses to really bring him into your story.

Inserting examples to make things more clear. Just look at the way I gave an example of reader versus author-oriented writing above.

Including “spiced up” writing. For example, instead of merely describing someone as nervous, you could say “He was so jittery he could not stay in his chair.”

You’ve painted a picture in their minds which is always more impactful.

In sum…

You’re writing with a purpose, whether it’s to teach your readers something or just to develop a good relationship with them. However, these goals are possible only if your writing engages and connects with your audience.

Use these tips and watch your connections flourish!

Great Writing: Story Telling

by Suellen | Uncategorized

You know the old proverb that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” That is so true. People are visual, and because of that a picture – especially a picture explained in detail – will get points across better than lots and lots of talk.

That’s why Jesus used parables to deliver the truth. He was a master at the tool of story-telling.

So let’s take a look at how we can incorporate that tool into our writing.

Here’s why it works:

Stories make people pay attention. Indeed, people pay huge sums of money to read stories (novels) and watch them (movies).

Stories make people remember. If you want to teach something to someone, tell a story. That’s why the world’s most famous teaching tool, the Bible, is packed full of stories.

Stories tap into emotion. You can’t convince your readers to hear your advice until they feel something emotionally. So what better way to put them in the right emotional state than by telling them a story!

You can see the benefits. But maybe you’re wondering how this works for you.

Indeed, one of the best places to tell a story is on your blog. And that’s because it gives you the opportunity to really connect with your readers.

Here’s how to create a story-telling blog post…

Hook Your Readers Immediately

Forget about an article that starts by telling the readers what they’re going to learn. Instead, jump right into your story. And engage the reader’s senses whenever possible.

Example: Perhaps you’d start a Marriage-Help article like this: “Suzy felt hopelessness wash over her. Every Monday morning seemed to be the same. There were these issues between them that they just couldn’t seem to discuss. Their attitudes toward money. Their attitudes toward the children. They seemed to disagree on so much!”

Transition From Story to Facts and Benefits

Now you need to start tying your story into the points you wish to make.

So often people who face these hard times want to give up and think there is no hope for their marriage.

Yet you are armed with scriptures and wisdom from God about prayer and faith. You can use this story to share testimonies of people who have faced worse but who have trusted God and entered into a new era of excellence in their marriage.

Conclusion

The truth is, story-telling is just one way to turn your blog posts into great teaching moments – without being pedantic. When people engage in the pictures portrayed in these stories, they are able to see the hope offered them.