Let's talk about Marketing
SATURDAY, november 2, 10 AM - NOON
Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff
In the Barn (2nd building on the right)
If there's one topic that generally unsettles writers, it's marketing. But, like we tell children: no vegetables, no dessert. Let's face that helping of vegetables together this Saturday and see if we can make marketing a little more palatable. Pasquale Russo will join me and share from his writing background.
Members, please bring work for critique, as per the guidelines on our website.
October's Focus Point
Choose your Verb
Verb: a word used to show action
Writers know the difference between active
and passive verbs. We choose active verbs in our writing because they’re strong,
whereas passive verbs are weak. Though our readers may not realize it, their
pleasure in our writing is increased by our careful choice of active verbs.
We have the same choices in the act of
writing – are we active or passive?
- I’m thinking about an idea for a novel -or- I’m making
notes/writing an outline for a novel.
- I have so much to learn about my topic -or- I’m researching
my topic, one aspect at a time.
- Someday I’m going to write a devotional book on this theme
-or- I’m writing rough drafts of devotionals that will become my first
devotional book.
- Since blogging is a first step for an author, I set one up and,
when I’m ready, I’ll start posting -or- I’m writing three posts to publish on
my blog.
- I’m considering a book about _______ -or- Every week I write
a few pages in my book.
Good intentions, careful lists, and
distinct goals make me feel I’m doing something, but in reality, little
is being accomplished. James understood the discrepancy between active and
passive living. In James 1:22 he wrote,
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
He knew that mental exercise was not enough, physical
effort is also required in our Christian walk.
Let’s choose action rather than
passivity in our writing as well as in our living. This does not disparage allowing
our work to simmer, or waiting for the proper timing, or recognizing seasons of
life. But, if God has put something in our hearts, it’s not enough to
think about it—we need to be proactive. Every baby step is a step forward.
What verb describes your writing
activity? I hope it’s one of these: researching, outlining, querying, rough drafting, editing, submitting, SMART goal
setting, marketing, etc. Wherever your writing is, let it be described with an
action verb.
Take-home thought: No one will benefit from the inspired
thoughts in your mind. Take steps to get them out there. Write.
