Category Archives: GENERAL INTEREST

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My 10 Favorite Writing & Publishing Experts (thus far)

Writers have to Start Somewhere. Resources Matter a Great Deal

Writing e-blogs and e-sources abound. A writer must begin to differentiate between the various writing and publishing bloggers and businesses.  I began to acquaint myself with who offers what. Here is what I do. I look for quality and practical use and excellence in content and services. I receive these posts in my email inbox as a way to keep me current and for ease-ablity .  I follow blogs I enjoy because of what they offer me: the writer’s style, topics, and goodies they offer that I can purchase to use in my own writing.  It is in my best interest to peruse these blogs because they offer me substantial information that will keep me on track as a writer. I don’t want to waste my time on rabbit trails. It also helps me with efficient use of time.

My Ten Favorite Writing & Publishing Experts:

  1. Rachelle Gardner, Literary Agent at Books &Such–blogs about books, Author, How Do I Decide? Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing (A Field Guide for Authors). www.rachellegardner.com– All about writing well, due diligence, and writing conundrums, some content specific to Christian genre
  2. Joel Friedlander,The Book Designer—practical advice to help Self-Publishers build better books, www.thebookdesigner.com, – All about format, design, and implementation of excellence in book creation, development, & marketing. Author,  A Self-Publisher’s Companion. He has longevity in the book designing field (he knows what is most likely to sell)
  3. Shelley Hitz & Heather Hart, The Writing Coach–training Authors for Success, self-publishing coaches and authors, www.selfpublishing coach, www.trainingauthors.com, www.BodyandSoulPublishing.com – About training authors for success, self-publishing and book marketing know-how, leans toward Christian genre. Author, Self-Publishing Books 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing Your Book in Multiple Formats
  4. Michael Hyatt, Intentional Leadership—leading with purpose, personal productivity, book publishing,and social media. Bestselling Author  Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, www.michaelhyatt.com– All about platform building i.e. personal development, leadership, productivity, platform, and publishing. He has a wide variety of topics and longevity in the author/writing field.
  5. D’Vorah Lansky, Marketing Wizard—book marketing made easy, www.bookmarketingmadeeasy.com, Bestselling Author, “Book Marketing Made Easy” & Book Marketing Made Easy: Simple Strategies for Selling Your Nonfiction Book Online and 21 Ways to Launch a Successful Virtual Book Tour– All about building a business with your book(s) by using effective marketing strategies
  6. Dr. Jeanette Cates, Internet Strategist for Small Business, small business strategist, www.jeanettecates.com, Author, Sell More Books As A Teleseminar Guest: Marketing Your Book 60 Minutes At A Time and several more books on book marketing and online business.
  7. Jeff Goins, On Writing, Ideas, and Making a Difference, blogger, speaker, and author, You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)  www.goinswriter.com
  8. Mary DeMuth, Live Uncaged— Christian speaker, author, and writing coach, www.marydemuth.com, Author,  Spiritual books–The Wall Around Your Heart: How Jesus Heals You When Others Hurt You and  Not Marked: Finding Hope and Healing after Sexual Abuse and many more books
  9. Dan O’Brien, Amalgam Consulting––local author and entrepreneur, Northern California literary and publishing consulting business at http://amalgamconsulting.com/, www.thedanobrienproject.blogspot.com/ Author, Publish Your Dreams and many more books.
  10. Deb Brammer, Discover New Worlds—Christian writer, author, missionary, and blogger (with tips for writers), www.debbrammer.com, Author, nonfiction Edges of Truth: The Mary Weaver Story and other spiritual books and writings.

Writing business blogs (I consistently read) will have specific components and commonalities:

  1. Blogs will contain current information that serve my writing interests
  2. Blogs will offer quality writing materials or services for the novice writer and author packaged in a user-friendly format
  3. Bloggers will share their expertise to teach what will improve your business while also highlighting pitfalls to avoid
  4. Bloggers who create interest through on-going mobility with exposure to new trends, ideas, and writing solutions
  5. Bloggers who respect other people in the writing field and give credit where credit is due

THE HERMIT BIRD’S SONG: Echoes of Heaven on Earth by A Hermit Monk of New Clairvaux (Abbey of New Clairvaux, 2006)

 It’s not often that one reads a book by a hermit monk. I purchased this book from the book store at the Abbey of New Clairvaux in Vina, California. It is a delightful read for the person who enjoys meditative writings. Reflective prayers and poetry, many in haiku style, are written like a prayer journal with 114 separate entries. The author uses expressive language to highlight the beauty of what it is to live in close relationship with the Divine. The content includes references to many spiritual concepts: the Incarnation, the Holy Trinity, the love of God, and what it means to have a heart for God.

One of the mysteries that people debate, what it is to talk with God in an interactive voice, is presented in the form of a prayer written directly to God. We are allowed a few glimpses into the monk’s thought life. I enjoyed reading these reflections in the evening as a way to end my day on a positive note. It was comforting and a blessing. I am not of the Catholic tradition, but it didn’t matter.

The Hermit Monk’s perceptions enhanced the book’s message. Bits of the Hermit Monk’s life and history are included. He was a theology student at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky during the time of Thomas Merton’s hermitage. If you have read Seven Storey Mountain or other of Merton’s writings, that little fact is interesting to ponder.