Archives for April 2017

Dark Friday

By Steve Laubeon April 14, 2017

Contemplate the sacrifice.

Contemplate the mystery.

While you contemplate, listen to this instrumental piece called “Gethsemane” from Jeff Johnson’s album “No Shadow of Turning.”

A new version of the piece can be found on Jeff’s album “Thin Places” You can listen to it at this link.

Then please listen to this classical song “Go to Dark Gethsemane” by John Montgomery. It is one of my favorite choral pieces. Performed by Choeur de chambre Exprime (if you received the blog in your email you’ll need to click through to the web site where the song is embedded using SoundCloud):

[A version of this blog was originally published on April 3, 2015]

Maundy Thursday

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 13, 2017

Today is Maundy Thursday, a special day during Passion Week. As you feel led, visit this passage regarding The Last Supper, and meditate upon it. I can never read this passage without thinking about how often I have disappointed Christ. And no matter how much I deny it, no matter how much I wish I were perfect, I am not. I will wretchedly and miserably betray Him again. And yet He forgives. I am …

Category: Theology

The Danger of Discouragement

By Karen Ballon April 12, 2017

Some days, I have to admit, it feels like I’ve been working and working, doing everything I’m supposed to, and yet, nothing ever changes—unless it’s for the worse. The struggles are still dragging me down. The sense that no matter what I do, nothing will change, weighs on my spirit. It’s days like that when the questions start… What’s wrong with me that I can’t get anywhere? How can I be losing …

Category: The Writing Life, TheologyTag: Discouragement, The Writing Life, Theology

“Response” Books

By Dan Balowon April 11, 2017

When considering a topic for your next book, I suggest you avoid a response to another message in the media, especially in another book. Publishers and readers love books which are fresh, containing original thinking, and are well written, creative, with an identifiable purpose, a strong message and usually not springing from what someone else wrote. I am not talking about “connection” books, such …

Category: Genre, TrendsTag: Trends

At What Point Would an Agent be Interested in an Indie Author?

By Steve Laubeon April 10, 2017

I am an indie author. I’ve written several novels, some of which have sold well and all of which have *at least* 4.7 stars. Is there a point at which an agent would want to talk to someone like me? When/why might I consider getting an agent? Thanks to Heather for the question! A number of factors play a role in answering this question. (Are you getting tired of my “it depends” answer to all your …

Category: Agents, Book Proposals, Indie, Pitching, Self-Publishing, The Publishing Life, The Writing LifeTag: Agents, Indie

Fun Fridays – April 7, 2017

By Steve Laubeon April 7, 2017

[Due to our servers going down a week ago Thursday, we are repeating last week’s Fun Friday so you can get it in your inbox. Enjoy!] Literally the most fun you’ll have all day. A meme to start. A video to bring it all home.

Category: Fun Fridays

Ignoring the Face of Fear

By Karen Ballon April 5, 2017

Fear. It’s there, whispering to you in the dark. Telling you you’re wasting your time, that you’ll never make it, that no one cares what you have to say. It eats at you when you try to write, telling you those words you just crafted are garbage. It crawls up your spine when you finally work up the courage to send out a proposal for review, telling you the only response you’ll get is rejection. Or …

Category: The Writing LifeTag: Fear, The Writing Life

Where Do You Find New Clients?

By Steve Laubeon April 3, 2017

“As an agent, what percentage of your new clients come from meetings at conferences vs. general email or postal proposals? Can you address the importance of conferences?” Thanks to Scott for the question. It is a good one. Another way to frame it is “Where do you find new clients? Blind submissions or conferences?” The answer, as always, is “It depends.” Meeting someone at a conference is a …

Category: Book Proposals, Christian Writers Institute, Conferences, ConventionsTag: Agency, book proposals, Christian Writers Institute, writers conferences