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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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Home » Career » Page 2

Career

Writing History Too Soon

By Dan Balowon October 2, 2024
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Over six and a half years ago, I wrote a blog for this space on the necessity for authors to be students of history. Awareness of past events is important to determine a current context, a healthy perspective, and a sense of how things change (or not). Sometimes, the long-term implications of an event are quite different than initially thought.

Most of us can look back on life events with a different perspective today than when it happened months, years, or even decades earlier.

We all can see God’s hand in our lives, but it becomes more apparent as time passes. Things I thought at the time were negative with no redeeming purpose are now viewed as positive pivot points in my life. And some things considered positive and important disappeared into the fog of my past.

Even beyond personal experiences, many writers seek to chronicle events and assess their long-term meaning too early. Until time passes, any event’s true meaning is incomplete. And often, those perspectives, effects, and implications will continue to change as more water flows under the bridge.

This is especially true when someone wants to write their salvation story quickly. While this is a good thing to do so it isn’t forgotten, the story is incomplete until time passes. The writer should recognize this, set first impressions aside, and let time pass.

Let’s say a successful, prominent businessperson or celebrity reaches a fork in the road and recognizes the need for Christ in their life. They write their story, and we are encouraged that such an influential person is now a Christian; rightfully, we pray their influence for Christ expands.

However, as time passes, because there is more to their life than the pursuit of money and prominence, they are not considered as valuable by those around them; and much of their money, influence, and fame are taken away.

They sell their house and cars since they are unaffordable; then life’s normal trials and challenges take over, and they grow into a new reality and perspective of a maturing Christ-follower. Fast-forward twenty years, now working for a nonprofit for a tiny fraction of the money they were earning two decades earlier, they write their story.

What is different? My guess is they have a strong sense of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and daily presence. Despite their circumstances, their life is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, which grows with spiritual maturity. Now, as they reflect and write their story, it has much more depth and breadth.

I acknowledged Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord fifty years ago this week. That makes 18,250 mornings God showing himself faithful and merciful. I see things differently now than at the 365th-or 3,650th-morning mark.

Today, considering everything that’s happened since that day in October 1974, I can’t imagine thinking I had a complete picture so long ago when I don’t have one even now!

Rather than rushing to write about something quickly, give it time. It might get more interesting or completely different than you first thought.

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Category: Career, Personal, The Writing Life

When You Don’t Feel Like Writing

By Steve Laubeon September 23, 2024
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Multi-colored paperclips

“I don’t feel like writing today.” Ever said that to yourself? I’m saying it today. But if I followed through on the impulse, this page would be blank. Why You Won’t Write Today (1) Physical Illness can strike without warning. And some people suffer from chronic conditions. I have clients who pray for a “good” day so they can put a few words on the page. …

Read moreWhen You Don’t Feel Like Writing
Category: Career, Craft, The Writing LifeTag: Career, The Writing Life, Writing Craft

Self-Improvement for Writers: Setting Goals and Embracing Growth

By Megan Brownon August 29, 2024
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As writers, we often find ourselves deeply entrenched in our craft, focusing on penning the perfect prose or creating compelling narratives. However, one crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is self-improvement and planning to grow as a leader. Developing as a leader is essential for any writer because leadership involves the ability to influence and impact others positively. Whether you’re a …

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Category: Career

Christian Authors Are Special

By Dan Balowon August 28, 2024
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Since the author’s worldview and perspective are significant elements of a book’s content, whatever that worldview happens to be, books written by Christians are not like those written by those who are not. The core message of a book written by a Christ-follower is special. Their acknowledgment of Genesis chapters 1 and 3, and their belief that God sustains the world and has a plan for …

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Category: Career, Christian, Encouragement, Inspiration

Write Your Passion

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 21, 2024
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When authors approach me with several ideas, I enjoy hearing their thoughts. I appreciate the tremendous creativity that goes into developing many books. I always give authors with tons of ideas the same advice: Write your passion. What if the book of your heart has no chance of being sold to a publisher, though? Write it anyway. Write with abandon, for your eyes only. Then write the next book, …

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Category: Book Proposals, Career, Pitching

Answering “Where Should I Start?”

By Megan Brownon August 14, 2024
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For many aspiring Christian authors, the work of writing and publishing can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. With endless advice on structures, marketing strategies, and writing techniques, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Many times, new authors will ask me, “But where do I start?” Before diving into the nuts and bolts of the writing world, there’s a foundational step that …

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Category: Career, Encouragement, Faith, Get Published, Theology

New Book Proposal Course

By Steve Laubeon August 12, 2024
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I have some exciting news to share! The Christian Writers Institute has released an all-new edition of my “Elements of an Effective Book Proposal” course. Completely revised and expanded to provide even more value and insight. Why This Course Matters I have long taught that writing a book proposal is one of the most critical steps in securing a publishing deal. Whether you’re a …

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Category: Book Business, Book Proposals, Career, Get Published, Pitching, Platform, The Publishing Life, The Writing Life, Writing Craft

Publishing Success Can Be Fleeting

By Steve Laubeon July 29, 2024
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Can you name the USA national college football champion in 2019? Or name the winner of American Idol in 2022? What was the best-selling Christian novel in 2023? Or, even harder, name two of the top five top best-selling Christian nonfiction books of 2019, only five years ago. My point is that success is fleeting. On top today, forgotten tomorrow. But that depends on your definition of success, …

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Category: Book Business, CareerTag: Career, Success

The Power of a Referral

By Steve Laubeon July 22, 2024
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It was recently pointed out that a number of agencies will not accept unsolicited proposals. Instead they state, in their guidelines, that they only take proposals via referrals or from meeting someone at a writers conference. Our agency continues to keep the doors open to any and all who send material following our guidelines. It can be a challenge to read all the incoming proposals, but I prefer …

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Category: Book Business, Career, Marketing, Pitching, PlatformTag: Agents, Referrals

Define Success

By Steve Laubeon July 15, 2024
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Success. It is a word that has a “sweet smell” for some and is the “gold ring” of achievement for others. But in order to appreciate success, we must first define it. And there is the rub. Each one of us defines success differently, especially writers. Here are some definitions I’ve heard or seen: Getting an agent My first book contract Selling 20,000 copies of my …

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Category: Book Business, Career, MoneyTag: Career, Money, Success
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