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The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Archives for Tamela Hancock Murray » Page 4

Tamela Hancock Murray

God’s Unique Provision

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 10, 2022
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Years ago, when I wrote books as work-for-hire projects, I joked with my husband, “I got another contract. Wonder which appliance will break down now?” The comment wasn’t entirely in jest. Proceeds from book contracts did indeed replace most of our kitchen appliances.

Writers usually think of God’s provision as receiving a new contract. But the Lord provides in other ways too. One example happened to me with my computer a few days ago.

We discovered we needed a new Internet router about the same time my computer died. Using my tablet, I searched online for remedies for my sputtering desktop. Every source declared that I could say goodbye forever. I shopped for a replacement.

I decided on a model priced at $1,400. After interviewing me, the computer representative over chat told me I didn’t need such an elaborate machine. An $800 computer would suit my needs. On paper, at least, she saved me $600. I’m accustomed to being upsold, so being told I could spend less felt like a treat. I planned to go to the store after the Verizon technician installed the new router.

Roll ahead two hours. To my delight, my trusty desktop fired up better than ever after we upgraded our Internet. This happened before I wasted an evening buying a computer I thought I needed but did not. Even better, I didn’t discard the old computer and then install a new one without realizing the machine I already owned could still serve me well. What a waste that would have been. I felt like I had an extra $1,400, or at least $800, in my pocket. We are in First World Problem territory here, but I couldn’t help but feel the Lord’s provision.

Of course, no one can pay a utility bill and buy groceries with money saved on paper. We need wages and contracts. But how many times has the Lord worked in your life to save you cash so that a small contract is enough or a delay in payment isn’t a tragedy?

Just think:

Does the old car keep running in spite of itself?

Is a needed item unexpectedly on sale?

Has a neighbor brought over a casserole just because?

Did you discover you owe less than anticipated for an item or service?

How about your health? If you can stay away from the doctor, your wallet will be thicker.

Earning money from writing is a challenge. With any lifestyle, preserving the funds you already have is an effective way toward joy and abundance. The Lord has us covered. Look, and you shall see.

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Category: The Writing Life

The Power of Discernment

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 28, 2022
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Some years ago, I overheard a clerk in a religious bookstore say to a customer, “These ideas are dangerous!” While I appreciate efforts to guide readers to helpful books, I don’t believe we as readers should live in fear of ideas. For instance, if I were gullible enough to agree with everything I read and see, I might be: Ingesting pills that supposedly contain vegetables and …

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Category: The Writing Life

The Most Common Grammar Errors I See

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 20, 2022
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Dear Tamela: Thank you for sending this brilliant, life-changing manuscript! I laughed. I cried. I sent a copy to my mother.  But alas, on page 214, we found one misuse of plural possessive. Instead of parents’, the author wrote parent’s. So we decline to publish this novel. Sincerely, Laughing and Crying Editor Wrote No One Ever! I open with this fictitious letter to emphasize that minor errors …

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Category: Grammar

Art and Soul

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon July 7, 2022
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My uncle, Eldridge Bagley, has made a living as a professional artist since the 1970s. His oil paintings emphasize mid-20th century life in rural Virginia and often depict our family members. Through hard work and perseverance, he discovered his audience and secured representation from prestigious art galleries, as well as appearing at engagements in such museums as The Corcoran in Washington, …

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Category: Personal

Query, Proposal, or Complete?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 29, 2022
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When seeking agency representation, how much information should you offer? Should you wade in with one toe, send enough information to tease the agent, or go all in with a proposal accompanied by a complete manuscript?  First, a note: Before deciding on any form of communication, please refer to the agent’s posted guidelines. While my office will respond to a quick question, such as “Do you …

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Category: Book Proposals

Your After-Conference Checklist

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 16, 2022
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Since the conference season is in full swing, you may have just returned from a beautiful event of learning and fellowship. Or you may be planning to go to a conference soon. With that in mind, consider a checklist of what to do upon your return. 1.) Rest. Give yourself at least a day after travel to refresh and relax. I realize very few authors take this advice, but I offer it all the same. …

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Category: Conferences

The Bronze Mirror

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 8, 2022
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I’m reading the HCSB Study Bible for Women with notes from Dorothy Kelley Patterson and Rhonda Harrington Kelley. The notes on Exodus 38:8 discuss how women donated bronze mirrors to build Temple basins for the priests. I thought, Bronze. That means they never saw themselves as we see ourselves. They only saw themselves through a yellow haze. I realize the Bible speaks of mirrors more than …

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Category: Craft, Inspiration

What to Sell?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 26, 2022
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Recently I had a conversation with a friend who shared this trick question: What do you sell to your customer? What they want or what they need? I answered, “Hopefully, both!” The answer? Neither. You sell them what you have. Aha! Now to connect this question to the art of writing: If you have an outstanding project but are hesitating to submit your work to our agency, don’t. Because the market …

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Category: The Writing Life

The Conference Appointment

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 18, 2022
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If you’re preparing to go to a writers conference, here are a few tips based on questions authors have asked over the years about agent and editor appointments: 1. What do I wear?  Each conference has its own personality. Visit the conference website to glean information concerning accommodations and weather. Comfortable, flattering clothes that show polish are available at different price …

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Category: Conferences

Communication Rules!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 5, 2022
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You’ve heard about high-maintenance authors. But what about your agent? You want a partner who will work with you but not interfere. Ideally, your agent is an experienced and enthusiastic friend who will give you tips and brainstorm how to create a more compelling story but not insist that her ideas are better or—Horrors!—try to rewrite your book. I always talk to my authors about the level of …

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Category: Communication
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