The advancements in technology and in culture have led many to ask the question, "Will there be books in the future?" This question is one that has brought fear and uncertainty for those in the book industry space. So are these fears warranted? Are we in the days of the last books? What future do books have? … Read More
An elevator pitch is a term given to any sales pitch that could, in theory, be delivered in the space of a short elevator ride. It is a fantasy scenario as you are never likely to be called to pitch your book in this way. However, the idea is that you might find yourself in the elevator with a Person of Interest who can’t, for those twenty or thirty seconds, escape or deflect your attention – so you can use that time to deliver a sales pitch so utterly compelling that that Person of Interest is drawn in and … Read More
The marathon is a long-distance race with an official distance of 42.195 kilometers (approximately 26 miles 385 yards), usually run as a road race. The first-ever marathon that was officially organized was held during the Athens Olympics in 1896. However, the original race is surrounded by legend that dates all the way back to 490 BC. According to legend, the Greek messenger Pheidippides had to run from the battlefield in Marathon all the way to Athens to announce the defeat of the Persians. The distance of this epic run was 25 miles and according to legend, as soon as … Read More
The New York Times reported that “only a small fraction of self-published authors sell enough books to make a living, and many are put off by the drudge work and endless self-promotion involved.” Writing your book is a great achievement, publishing it is enough work already but selling and distributing it? That’s where more work is needed. Why most Self-Published authors end up selling just but a few hundred copies of their book, is because of a misconception that the author’s work is to write and get published. No matter how great your book is, if you don’t get … Read More
Just like most Christians, I am an admirer of Apostle Paul – one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian church. Paul played a critical role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire. It is recorded that Paul started more than a dozen churches, and he’s considered the author of 13 books of the Bible – more than any other biblical writer. This is why he is often considered one of the most influential people in Christian history. Arguably, he had … Read More
I must confess that I am a recovering workaholic. While in the previous seasons of my life, this trait seemed so endearing and many praised me for how much I worked so hard. And I soaked in that glor… … Read More
The first two weeks of a writing class (or any other class) are the most critical in a writer’s book writing journey. This is the time to test your commitment to your newly set goals. Like any other goal, you will be tested one too many times to quit and maybe try another time. There isn’t really a better time to achieve your goals other than now. The challenges you are encountering today will probably be there tomorrow or other complex ones might crop up in the future. The future might be a better time anyway, but who knows. It’s … Read More
You have successfully self-published your book – congratulations! Despite the fact that writing a book and publishing it is such a milestone worth all celebrations, this only gets you to the door. There is so much more that is attached to the success of your book other than writing it well and publishing it professionally. After being so diligent and investing heavily (on time and money) on the first two steps (writing and publishing), the last thing you need is for your book to fail to reach your readers and to make no sales. Sales to friends and family … Read More
Having an appropriate bio as an author sends the right message to your readers and potential readers. The bio is the first introduction a reader has on you. People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter. 1. The first step is for you to identify your purpose and audience. This is important because it shapes the ‘how to’ write the bio. This includes your tone, language, and levels of formality. A bio can be funny, … Read More
Books often start with an introduction before getting into the detailed chapters of the book. This introductory chapter is usually between one to three pages long, and is meant to provide information on what the book is going to be about. It gives background information, talks about why the book is important and gives an overview of the contents. … Read More
Why are we writing? There are so many available writing classes for potential writers. The need to belong to a writing group ranges from one person to another. However, as Christian writers, our core should not be what or to whom we are writing. The foundational principle is that we are writing as a form of worship to God and service to the men and women that God has called us to. We have to rely on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to ensure that our message is based on what He wants our readers to hear according … Read More
At the mention of the term “single mom” (and nowadays “single dad”) most people see a mess. There is an image that society has painted about single moms and dads – like they have done the worst sin in society. Finding myself on my own as a single mom was not an easy transition; it didn’t matter the circumstances behind my status or what hardships or mistakes led me to my position in life. In many circumstances, life bogs single moms and dads down as they work hard to manage this (single parent) position as they make ends meet. https://youtu.be/nNiLK67mrOs?si=O_Qf90wSEw4_7r_R … Read More
Being in love alone is not enough to keep a marriage going, a reality that catches many couples by surprise. Here, we emphasise the importance of training and empowerment in making your marriage work, viewing it as the greatest institution established by God from the genesis of mankind. … Read More
When I started writing my four books several years ago (Back On My Feet, Jesus Killed My Business, A Girl’s Fathers and Too Busy to be Effective), I did not think much about been an effective Christian author. Being a Christian myself, I felt it was automatic that my content was Christian. This was until my husband shared with me a quote by Francine Rivers asking if ‘I am a Christian writer or a Christian who writes?’ The difference, as explained by Francine, a renowned American fiction author with Christian themes, is that a Christian who writes may weave Christian … Read More
From a 2020 new-year conversation with my two-decades’ best friend from high school, it dawned on me that parenting has come with extra gracing for me as it should for parents the world over. My bestie, in a WhatsApp chat commented that I am good with parenting my kids – and while it has not been easy at all, it made me reflect on parenting choices and tools I have used in my 17-years of parenting. https://youtu.be/nNiLK67mrOs?si=Aa2CCKlSg7p-_Rm6 In 2008, when my daughter was about 5 years old, I made a deliberate decision to learn more (through books and parents ahead of … Read More
Writing your book is a critical step towards getting published. Writing is the best way to share an idea or story that matters to you, while at the same time impacting the life of someone else. A simple book that you actually get to write is better than an awesome one that you dream of writing and is still in your head. Most people have a dream of writing a book but never realize it. This is why we are here today, now! To make sure that the book makes it out of your head into your word processor. … Read More
Here, we delve deep into the heart of parenting through the lens of faith, love, and Biblical wisdom. Let’s embark on this journey together, embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood with the Holy Spirit as our guide. … Read More