Meeting this Saturday

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.

Looking forward to seeing you there,
Barbara
barbarahigby.com

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.