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The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Dark Friday

By Steve Laubeon April 18, 2025
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I wrote this piece several years ago and thought it appropriate to post every year on Dark Friday.

Take Me, Break Me
(a prayer)
by Steve Laube

Take my eyes, Lord.
Strike me blind.

* * *

Then heal me, Lord,
That I may see with Your eyes.

 

Take my hands, Lord.
Crush every bone.

* * *

Then heal me, Lord,
That I may touch with Your tenderness.

 

Take my ears, Lord.
Deafen me.

* * *

Then heal me, Lord,
That I may hear with Your sensitivity.

 

Take my feet, Lord.
Amputate without hesitation.

* * *

Then heal me, Lord,
That I may walk only on Your path.

 

Take my tongue, Lord.
Sever it.

* * *

Then heal me, Lord,
That I speak only with Your words.

 

Take my life, Lord.
End it
Please.

* * *

Then resurrect me, Lord,
That I may have life only in You.

 

Hear my prayer.

 

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Category: Personal, TheologyTag: Dark Friday, Theology

The Right Conference for Me?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon April 16, 2025
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I joke that if I didn’t like my husband, I could arrange to be away at writers conferences 90% of the time. The truth is, Christian publishing blesses industry professionals with many excellent opportunities, including classes, worship, professional speakers, the chance to meet top agents, editors, and writers, along with mentorships and fellowship, to name a few. Each conference is unique and …

Read moreThe Right Conference for Me?
Category: Conferences

Binge Watching versus Binge Reading

By Steve Laubeon April 14, 2025
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A lot of people take advantage of their entertainment streaming services to binge-watch multiple episodes of a particular TV show in one sitting. How long would it take to spend the same amount of time reading … the Bible? A few years ago, Crossway.org published an article titled “You Have More Time for Bible Reading Than You Think.” The results are rather interesting. (The chart …

Read moreBinge Watching versus Binge Reading
Category: Reading

Fun Fridays – April 11, 2025

By Steve Laubeon April 11, 2025
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Some fun with classical music today! Enjoy the virtuosity, once the musicians begin playing, and the shenanigans surrounding it all.

Read moreFun Fridays – April 11, 2025
Category: Fun Fridays

Every Christian Book Is About Easter

By Dan Balowon April 10, 2025
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As we near Holy Week, I know the assertion that every Christian book is about Easter won’t change anything in publishing. The seasonal best-seller lists, bookseller promotions, online keyword searches, and publishers require marketing hooks to advertise. But let’s face it: All Christian books are really about Easter Sunday morning. Christian books all have a key pivot point of their message in the …

Read moreEvery Christian Book Is About Easter
Category: The Publishing Life, Theology

Mastering Subtext in Fiction, Part 2: Subtext in Dialogue

By Lynette Easonon April 9, 2025
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Let’s dig a little deeper into how subtext in dialogue works and what it looks like. In the previous post, I talked about how people rarely say exactly what they mean—especially when under stress or in a sticky situation—or maybe when the truth would hurt someone’s feelings. We dodge, deflect, soften our words, or hide our true feelings behind sarcasm or politeness. Great fictional dialogue works …

Read moreMastering Subtext in Fiction, Part 2: Subtext in Dialogue
Category: Craft, Writing Craft

How to Write Your Novel From the Middle With James Scott Bell

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on April 8, 2025
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  Are you starting your book in the wrong place? I’m not referring to giving too much backstory. I mean, are you starting your story in the wrong place? Pantsers often start at the beginning and just let the story unfold. Plotters often want to outline the entire story from beginning to end before they write the first page. But what would happen if you started writing your book from the …

Read moreHow to Write Your Novel From the Middle With James Scott Bell
Category: Craft, The Writing Life, Writing CraftTag: Writing Craft

Houston, We Have a Problem

By Steve Laubeon April 7, 2025
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This week marks the 55th anniversary of the launch of the infamous Apollo 13 mission to the moon (April 11, 1970). Two days after the launch, an oxygen tank exploded, jeopardizing the lives of the astronauts and scrapping the mission. Their ingenious solutions and subsequent safe return on April 17 were later portrayed in the award-winning 1995 film Apollo 13. I couldn’t help but think that the …

Read moreHouston, We Have a Problem
Category: Book Business, Marketing, The Publishing LifeTag: Problems, publishing, The Publishing Life

Fun Fridays – April 4, 2025

By Steve Laubeon April 4, 2025
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What an amazing invention! I love the battery life and the ability to scan through the content quickly. Incredibly portable and even shareable. I wish I had thought of it. Even better? I don’t have to rely on Amazon to deliver it by drone. The bookbook™!

Read moreFun Fridays – April 4, 2025
Category: Fun Fridays

A Writer’s Prayer on Beginning a New Project

By Bob Hostetleron April 2, 2025
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Abba, Father, thank you for the work you have given me to do, for what I am about to write. I begin in fear and trembling, not at all sure that I can start well, let alone finish well. But your grace is sufficient for me, in writing as in all of life, for your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Take my weakness, all of it. I give it to you. Take my strength, what little I have. Take my mind, …

Read moreA Writer’s Prayer on Beginning a New Project
Category: The Writing Life, Theology
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