Advent Bible Study

In my post about National Bible Week, I mentioned briefly that I have signed up for a four-week Advent Bible study: Christmas Incarnation. The study starts this week, and I thought some of you might be interested.

We get so busy during the “holiday season” that sometimes the real meaning of Christmas gets lost or at least blurred. Churches that follow a seasonal liturgy set aside the four weeks leading up to Christmas as a time of preparation for the coming of Christ, with lessons and prayers designed to make us ready for His coming.

If you are a Christian, whether or not you attend a liturgical church, Advent is a good time to spend time in God’s Word. I would love to participate in activities at my own church, but since it’s physically difficult for me to get out, I’m thankful for the opportunity to study on the Internet. If you’re looking for an online study, I recommend the free JesusWalk Bible Study Series. If you sign up now, you can get all the lessons in the Advent series.

Advent begins on Sunday, December 2. May God richly bless you during the holy season.

Added 11/30/07: Christian author Christine Duncan has an Advent calendar on her Web site that links to a Scripture (a prophecy about the coming of Christ) for every day of Advent.

[tags]Bible Study, Advent, Christmas[/tags]

Authors on the Net: A Resource for Writers

Reaching the end of the manuscript isn’t the end of the writing, and getting the book published isn’t the end of the writer’s job, either.

Although it comes as a shock to many writers, marketing is the author’s job as well. Even very successful authors promote their books with booksignings and other promotional activities. Major publishers may allocate marketing funds for book tours and promotions by their top authors. However, even the big publishers don’t spend much money to promote titles by first-time or midlist (those with only average sales) authors. Authors who are self-published or published by small press are responsible for their own promotion.

Authors on the Net is a new free mastermind community for authors. Phil Davis of ZDocs, a digital printer with many self-publishing authors as customers, realized the challenge authors face in promoting their books and set out to find a way to help. Authors on the Net is the result.

The site is new and has only a few members at the moment, but I think there is potential for great benefits to authors. While there are sections on writing and publishing, the focus is on promotion, especially using Internet tools.

I’m so convinced that Authors on the Net can benefit authors, especially self-published and small press published authors, that I’m a site partner. I’ve already made my Self-Publishing Primer available, and I’ll be contributing additional articles on writing and editing as well as participating in the author forums.

You can join Authors on the Net for free and have access to videos and articles on blogging, creating a marketing plan, conducting a virtual book tour, using social networking to your advantage, getting your books listed and taking advantage of the promotional opportunities of Amazon.com and other online stores, and more. Online coaching will be available for a fee starting in a few weeks.

I think the networking available through the mastermind community and the author forums is one of the most valuable benefits of Authors on the Net. Members can ask questions of other community members (authors and industry professionals) and share what works for them - and what doesn’t. If two heads are better than one, many heads are better than two.

Everyone likes to be “on the ground floor” of a new opportunity. Usually we only recognize the value of the opportunity in retrospect. I can’t predict the future, but I’m betting that Authors on the Net will be a great opportunity for authors who want to promote their self-published and small press books.

Life of a Writer

I saw this on Diana Brandmeyer’s blog and had to share it.

[tags]life of a writer[/tags]

Seven Editing Tips for Professional and Nonprofessional Writers

Often, inexperienced writers believe they’ve finished the project when they type “the end.” They post the article, send the news release to the media, mail the complaint letter, or submit the manuscript to an editor. Then they discover a glaring error in the headline, a typo in the company name, an omitted word - or a number of more serious errors.

I won’t promise you’ll ever have a perfect manuscript. No matter how careful we are, mistakes happen. An error-free e-mail isn’t too difficult, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a 100,000 word book manuscript without a single mistake.

However, you can ensure your writing is as error-free and easy to read as possible, whether you’re a professional freelancer writing Web content for a client, an entrepreneur announcing business news in a press release, or a concerned citizen writing a letter to the editor.

1. Write first, edit later. I’ve known people who have been working on a manuscript for years and haven’t got past chapter 1 because they continue to edit, revise, rewrite, trying to get those pages perfect before moving on. Although some writers do work best if they edit as they write, most are more creative and effective if they get their thoughts down first before trying to edit.
2. Take a break. After you’ve been wrestling with text for hours (or longer), you tend to lose your perspective.You think you’re editing, but you’re really reading what you meant - what you thought you wrote rather than what you actually wrote. If you put the piece aside for a while (the longer the document, the longer the break), you’ll return with fresh eyes and a fresh viewpoint and do a better job of editing.
3. Edit in stages. How many stages you need will depend on the length, complexity, and importance of the document. An essay for a college entrance application will need a lot more editing than a short memo to your staff. For a major project, read the entire document first. You may discover that you need to move a section or add or delete material. After you’re satisfied with the structure, go back through the document as many times as needed. Edit for content - sentence structure, word choices, clarity. Then proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You can use spell check and grammar check in your word processing program as a guide, but don’t rely on the recommendations. The programs know rules but not context. You can easily turn the right word into the wrong one by accepting the program’s suggestions.
4. Watch for your own pet problems. Most writers have words they overuse and mistakes they make often. I just finished reading a book in which the author used the word instantly on almost every page. Instead of adding to the story, instantly became an annoying intrusion. My big bugaboo is leaving out words. Almost everything I write is missing several words in the first draft. There are many grammar resources online. One of my favorites is The Elements of Style, a classic that’s still helpful after almost a hundred years. Another excellent resource, Guide to Grammar and Writing, has lists of “confusable” words to help you decide whether to use it’s or its, accept or except, advice or advise, then or than. Look for your own bad habits and make sure you correct those errors.
5. Repeat the process of editing, setting the work aside, and editing again as often as needed. You may not need to go through the complete cycle for a short, informal document, but you will probably go through it dozens of times for a book-length manuscript. Mix editing on screen with editing in print; errors show up more readily in print than on screen for many people.
6. Read the work aloud. When you think your work is perfect, try reading it out loud. Chances are you’ll stumble over sentences that read fine in print or on the screen but are awkward or confusing. I discover those missing words that I automatically inserted when I read on the screen. Some writers like to read backwards, but I don’t find that helpful. Use what works for you.
7. Get another opinion from someone you trust. When you’re working on a book, a manual for your company, a paper that will determine whether you are accepted into college or earn your degree - anything of high importance, ask someone else to edit the document after you’ve finished self-editing. Don’t ask your spouse or mother, though; they’ll probably tell you it’s wonderful. A teacher may be excellent for spelling, grammar, and punctuation, but a reader of the genre may be better to point out loose ends you need to tie up in a mystery novel. Someone who isn’t familiar with the subject matter may be helpful for a how-to article; if he understands your explanation, other readers probably will also. On the other hand, sometimes an expert in the subject is best to ensure that your information is accurate. You can join a critique group to get feedback from other writers. A professional editor can help you with grammar as well as with content. I encourage my clients to have several advance readers for their books (and used several advance readers for my own novel). The more eyes and perspectives you get on your work, the more likely it will be the best you can make it.

This may seem like a lot of work - and it is - but if you don’t edit your work … again and again, your brilliant advice or your exciting story will never have the impact you want on your readers. Writing the first draft is only the first step - editing your work finishes the job.

This post is an entry in Litemind’s Lists Group Writing Project. The post was submitted too late to be included in the group writing project.

Related Posts:
About Critique Groups
Beware of the Wrong Critique Groups
The First Draft: Pure Green Dreck
Editing: Turning Dreck into Prose
Ten Tips for Self-Editing
Working with a Professional Editor (2-part series)

[tags]editing, group writing project[/tags]

What Will the Kindle Do for the E-Publishing Industry?

If you pay any attention at to what’s happening in the world of books and publishing, you’ve heard about Kindle: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device.

I’ve read a number of articles, watched the videos, and read reviews; however, I haven’t actually tried the Kindle. Several e-authors I know have ordered the device, and I’m waiting to hear their experiences.

 

 Based on what I’ve seen, there are many things to like:

• the convenient size and light weight
• the keyboard that makes searching easier than other e-book readers
• the ability to download books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs directly to the device by wireless connection
• the apparently easy-to-read screen (I say apparently because I’ve only seen the online demo and not the actual device)
• the advertised long battery life (though I have heard reports that the battery life isn’t always as advertised)
• the ability to change the font size in a wide range (very important to me as I need a large font to read)
• the ability to read personal documents (such as Word files)

There are also some things not to like:

• the cost of the device ($399 - some reading devices are available for less than $150)
• the relatively high cost of many of the available e-books ($9.99 for bestsellers, less expensive than some other e-books from major publishers but more expensive than the $5-$6 usually charged by e-publishers)
• the cost to download content other than e-books
• the inability to transfer personal documents directly from a computer to the device and (Updated 11/26/07: I have been informed you can transfer documents directly by USB) the cost involved in e-mailing the documents to the device if they have to be converted to the right format

And there is at least one thing that I can’t decide whether to like or not:

• the lack of a backlight (this makes the screen easier to read in bright light but doesn’t allow for reading in the dark, as other e-book reading devices)

My eBookwise reader still works great though I wish it had a larger font option - the largest font is barely readable for me. I’m not in the market now, but when I’m ready for a new e-book reader, I’ll look seriously at the Kindle.

For the immediate future, I’m encouraging my clients (and my publisher) to make books available in the Kindle format.

All of my likes and dislikes are subject to change when I actually try the device, but what I really like about the Kindle is the attention it is bringing to e-books. I believe that Amazon.com getting involved in the industry and Jeff Bezos personally promoting the product will have a positive impact on the future of e-publishing. No, I don’t expect e-books to replace print books soon (or ever, for that matter), but I do think many people who haven’t considered e-books will take a closer look because of all the attention the Kindle is getting.

More information and opinions on the Kindle:
Amazon Affiliates Burned at the Stake by Kindle? by Andy Beard
Amazon Kindle by Mark Shead at Productivity 501
Amazon Kindle is finally here by Raz at Eco-Libris
Amazon’s Next of Kindle: new eBook device debuts by Jeff Gomez at Print Is Dead
Amazon-sized egos? Kindle reader to shun IDPF e-book standard? And, yes, the ugly box is the FINAL design by David Rothman at Publishers Weekly
Ding, Dong the Book is Dead? by Gina Conroy at Writer Interrupted
First Look: Amazon’s Kindle Reader: The Gap Between Description and The Device by Joseph Weisenthal at PaidContent.org
The Future of Reading by Steven Levy at Newsweek (November 26th edition)
Huh? The Kindle e-reader ISN’T ugly? So says Steve Levy, author of Newsweek puff piece—in response to my Publishers Weekly blog by David Rothman at Teleread
Kindle eBook Pricing by Joe Wikert at Publishing 2020 Blog
Kindle owner’s report by David Rothman at Teleread
Ugly Is the New Cute by Ellen Hage at Tech from an E-Booker’s Viewpoint

Added 11/25/07:
Video: Benjamin Higginbotham of Technology Evangelist compares Kindle with Sony and Iliad readers

Added 11/26/07:
Video: Robert Scoble critiques the flaws of the Kindle

Related Posts:
E-Books (4 part series)

Giving Thanks

I give thanks for my many blessings, including my family, my church family, my blog family, and the privilege of earning a living doing what I love.

MOST gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew; We yield thee unfeigned thanks and praise for the return of seed-time and harvest, for the increase of the ground and the gathering in of the fruits thereof, and for all the other blessings of thy merciful providence bestowed upon this nation and people. And, we beseech thee, give us a just sense of these great mercies; such as may appear in our lives by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen.

(from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer)

A Psalm of Thanksgiving: Psalm 100

O BE joyful in the LORD, all ye lands: serve the LORD with gladness, and come before his presence with a song.
Be ye sure that the LORD he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name.
For the LORD is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth from generation to generation.

I’m an Angel … or at Least I Play One at Teapot Heaven

Updated 2/14/08: Teapot Heaven & Gifts has gone out of business - NOT because of my blogging.
—- 

I’m having fun with a new project. I’m working with Teapot Heaven & Gifts - the cutest little gift shop this side of heaven - on its Web site.

As part of the project, I’m writing a blog - Heavenly Advice from the Teapot Angel. I get to dispense advice on gifts, giving, and tea. Of course, I’m no expert in gifts and teas, but the ladies in the shop give me great information.

One of the neatest features of Teapot Heaven is Paula, your personal shopper. The virtual store has only a fraction of the shop’s inventory listed so shoppers can e-mail or phone the shop to ask about specific items.

But for people who don’t like to shop or who find it hard to find the right gift, the store offers Teapot Heaven Select Gifts. Select a gift by price and recipient (personal gift for a man or woman or a corporate gift), share as much information as you like about the recipient’s likes and dislikes, and leave the choice of gift to Paula, your personal shopper. Paula has a knack for selecting just the right gift, and I have a feeling this is going to be a popular item with men.

The shop creates beautiful and unique gifts baskets as well. Photos of sample baskets are coming soon, but each basket is a custom creation so the delivered basket won’t look exactly like the picture. You won’t find cookie-cutter gift baskets that come off an assembly line. You will find original gifts that are lovingly crafted by the talented ladies of Teapot Heaven.

Stop by Heavenly Advice from the Teapot Angel to say hello. The geeks are putting the finishing touches on the site, including the comment function on the blog. If you encounter any problems, please let me know.

You can’t beat Teapot Heaven for Christmas gifts - personal and business. If you have a tea aficionado on your gift list, there’s no better place to find that special tea blend, a lovely teapot, or useful tea accessories.

I’m really enjoying my gig as the Teapot Angel!

[tags]Teapot Heaven & Gifts, Teapot Angel, gifts[/tags]

National Bible Week

Thanksgiving week has been recognized as National Bible Week since 1941.

Designed to raised the nation’s interest in the value and importance of reading the Bible, it is the perfect kick-off to the religious holiday season.

I read the Bible daily (well … almost daily, but if I miss a day, I try to catch up the next day). I also participate in Bible studies on a regular basis.

My church usually has one or more excellent studies in progress, but physical limitations make it difficult for me to attend in person so I participate in e-mail Bible studies from JesusWalk. I just finished a wonderful study of the Psalms, and I’ve signed up for a four-week Advent Bible study.

For Christians seeking to learn more of God’s Word, Advent is a wonderful time to read and study the Bible.

[tags]National Bible Week, Advent Bible study[/tags]

Books for Literacy

Imagine not being able to read. Reading brings me so much pleasure, it’s hard to imagine life without books and reading.

Yet, according to the National Right to Read Foundation, quoted on Education Portal:

• 42 million American adults can’t read at all; 50 million read at only fourth or fifth grade levels.
• The number of functionally illiterate adults increases by approximately 2.25 million each year.
• 20 percent of all graduating high school seniors are functionally illiterate.

My good friend, Beverly Hart, who has been involved in literacy in San Antonio, Texas, for more than twenty years, is soliciting donations of books for students in literacy programs.

The organization that I am with teaches adults to read. We have 17 classes in a number of churches all over town. Each class averages 22 people. The teachers (all volunteers) have decided to challenge our new readers to read books!

The challenge is for students to read one book each month. They must not only read the book, but also write a report on it! This is a tremendous step for so many. We want our learners to not only be able to read but also have the comprehension skills they need to advance in their jobs and their lives.

We are not asking the students to return the books. Many have never owned a book, and we would like for them to be able to keep them should they choose. I am sure that many will be returned for recycling to others; however, we still need lots of books!

I am writing today to ask for donations of books…any kind…for all ages…paperbacks, hard bound, whatever you have laying around that you have finished and would like to donate. This is going to be an ongoing book drive….so as you read and collect books you no longer want, please consider giving them to our learners. ALSO, please tell your family, friends and neighbors about this and maybe you can get books from them as well. It will be so much appreciated.

If you are anywhere near San Antonio and would like to donate some of the books overflowing your bookshelves, e-mail me so I can put you in contact with Beverly.

If it’s not feasible for you to donate to Beverly’s program, consider donating books to a literacy organization in your area.

Give the gift of reading by donating books for new readers.

[tags]literacy, books, reading[/tags]

Print is dead?

Joe Wikert, executive publisher at Wiley, recently interviewed Jeff Gomez, author of Print Is Dead: Books in our Digital Age. The book is also available in electronic format from Connect. To get an idea of the content, you can read excerpts - text and audio - online.

As an e-publishing fan and advocate, this interview captured my attention. If you’re interested in the future of publishing, I think you’ll find it interesting.

My favorite answer is this:

… what’s held back eBook adoption isn’t that they’re not enough like regular books, but rather it’s that they’re TOO much like them. We need electronic books to do things that regular books can’t do, and that includes thinks (sic) like search, hyperlinks and multimedia.

I prefer reading electronically, even if what I’m reading is just text. But I think e-books offer many opportunities “to do things that regular books can’t do.”

Related Posts:
E-Books (four part series)

[tags]Print Is Dead, Jeff Gomez, e-books[/tags]

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