Question about publishing

[razzelflabben]

Hello! I am coming to the conclusion that I need to thank you more often. Glory to God who introduced us. Wow LORD! I'm impressed.

In clipping the quote, don't think I didn't like the whole thing. I did. In order to keep the flow of ideas clear as to which part of your post I'm adding to, this seemed necessary. Your original question was about publishing. I want to tie in what you just wrote to the issue of publishing a work such as you and I endeavor to do.

What is a colloquialism that is said when someone doesn't believe something? They say, 'I don't buy it." The market place being a collection of individuals casting their economic votes the way they FEEL like creates the impression that there isn't a strong response to the Bible Studies. But wait, there's more.

The delight that you have in discussing and considering spiritual realities comes from a certain place in your being. I would guess that your library in your home has at least ten books and/or studies devoted to God. You have 'bought into this'. Truth be told, probably a great deal more than ten books on your shelf are about and for God.

There is a certain level of involvement that happens when we pull out our wallet or debit card and make a purchase. God doesn't want our money.. it's simply a leading indicator of whether the heart is involved or not. Alright, proceeding logically from a purchase, let's talk about the other roadblock here.

If people buy these studies and make the investment of time to actually read them (which is a whole other question), then the majority of them stick whatever words we say in their mind. They feel informed. They are not, though, empowered. The power in the words of God only is released when it is accepted (received) (believed) by the heart. And the heart wants what the heart wants. There's not really any logic there to appeal to.

To get to this point, let's go through the obstacle course again in summary.
-->A person has to have an curiosity in spiritual realities.
-->Then the person has to break the inertia with their favorite distractions to rise up and meet that interest.
-->The material that we have gathered and organized has to be within reach (either online or in a bookstore)
-->This person has to physically see the study(either online or in a bookstore)
-->A purchase has to happen.
-->The material has to be read.
-->Any Blind Spots have to be addressed.
-->The concepts have to be received in the heart.

We could despair at this point where it not for the ministry of the Spirit and the power of the Gospel. In Isaiah 46:10, God says, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

I would mention the other issue that tends to happen. People decline to enter the Presence of God. They want proxies. When God spoke to the entire assembly of Israel, here is what the people said about the experience. Exodus 20:18-19

When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

For those of us who have spent time in God's intimate space, we have the respect of holiness to curb our thoughts, desires and behavior. We know what it is like to have to re-enter God's intimate space aware of our failings pleading the Blood of Jesus over our lives. For those who want to maintain the distance to have the (ridiculous) plausible deniability, they want to have the mere words themselves without the mountain in smoke, the thunder and lightning or the fear.

wise wise words...a couple of things, 1. we lost most of our library years ago, and have only a handful of books. Of which I have read even fewer. I am a contradiction of sorts, for example, I hate to read, actually kind of despise it, yet I love to write. Which is why I rarely study anything but the actual scriptures. It is not uncommon for me to look into 700-900 passages a week. I love the word of God and am dedicated to learning all I can about the God of the bible not the God that man tells me He is. I have had this passion for almost 50 years now, a drive to be ever closer to my Lord and King. That being said, 2. do you know Keith Greene? He was a musician back oh in the 70's and 80s. Powerful and wonderful man of God. He produced albums and started a "communal living" type camp of sorts where people could come and hear more about God (don't think far out hippie, much more biblical than that) anyway, people would come and contribute so they had albums, tacts, etc. that they would ship to people. I heard an interview once in which they were talking about Keith and how he would walk into the office, pick up the shipping list and just start praying for each person on that list. Well, the real thing about his ministry that struck a cord with me, was that he didn't sell anything. He told you what was a fair price, but anyone who couldn't afford it, would be shipped the product free of charge no questions asked. My husband and I decided long ago that that was how we wanted to operate the ministry side of what we were doing. If you have money and want to pay, if you want to donate whatever amount God lays on your heart that is fine, but never, ever, under any circumstance want the material and refuse to let us know simply because you don't have money to pay for it.

One of the things that is holding up the ministry books is this desire to share the word of God no matter if someone can pay or not. You see, self publishing means there are unique problems with giving books away, but so are there unique problems with traditional publishing. The novels are a way of making money so that we can give away the study books to any and all who desire to know God more intimately as they study His word.

As we all know, advertising isn't free, so how will they find out about the books once we publish and how will we publish to maximize the need to make them available to everyone, etc. are just some of the unique questions we face as we pursue this calling God has placed on our lives.

 

[razzelflabben]

In PDF format my novel is 337 pages. If I recall correctly, Kindle formatted it into 500+ pages.

Anything powerful can be polarizing. Powerful fiction is no exception. On Amazon, you will find reviews of my book that are polar opposites - from hatred, name calling and disdain to high praise. I am happy to have "offended" some. At least I have taken a stand.

this thread isn't here for promotion, but I would love to check out your book, personally hate to read so not sure I would buy it but would love to see what you are doing.

 

[Mudinyeri]

this thread isn't here for promotion, but I would love to check out your book, personally hate to read so not sure I would buy it but would love to see what you are doing.

I've very specifically avoided promotion in this thread. If you're interested in knowing more, PM me.

 

[razzelflabben]

I've very specifically avoided promotion in this thread. If you're interested in knowing more, PM me.

I greatly appreciate that, pming now

 

[Farine]

In PDF format my novel is 337 pages. If I recall correctly, Kindle formatted it into 500+ pages.

Anything powerful can be polarizing. Powerful fiction is no exception. On Amazon, you will find reviews of my book that are polar opposites - from hatred, name calling and disdain to high praise. I am happy to have "offended" some. At least I have taken a stand.

I'm glad you are adding your perspective to this discussion. It's not like I don't write fiction now and then. I can relate to what you are offering and it's valuable. With many people having a love of reading and disposable income, the question is not whether there are readers who would enjoy what is offered but where are they? My teen daughters wrote some fan fiction. They had a great time. I was surprised that they got over a thousand people reading it. One based it in Narnia and the other in the Harry Potter realm. People like reading even if it's sort of out there. Connecting the dots where the writer finds his or her audience is key. Somewhere along the way, it's good to get paid.

There are a lot of books that are focused on the art of writing. What are some books that you like to recommend?

 

[Farine]

I am a contradiction of sorts, for example, I hate to read, actually kind of despise it, yet I love to write. Which is why I rarely study anything but the actual scriptures. It is not uncommon for me to look into 700-900 passages a week. I love the word of God..

The point of our conversations is that I have yet to find a point I disagree with you about. However the Spirit is leading you, why argue with success? It may very well be that your 50 year passion for finding the author of the Bible is how you will always minister to others.

I do read other books which are commentaries or meant to open one's understanding about the Bible. C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity was helpful. The question is whether the Spirit is involved whether it's the Bible or something that people wrote.

Job 12:11 Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?

For example, this is something the Chicago Pastor A.W. Tozer wrote from "The Pursuit of God":
Men have now by nature no peace within their hearts, for God is crowned there no longer, but there in the moral dusk stubborn and aggressive usurpers fight among themselves for first place on the throne. This is not a mere metaphor, but an accurate analysis of our real spiritual trouble. There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess. It covets “things” with a deep and fierce passion. The pronouns “my” and “mine” look
innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better than a thousand volumes of theology could do.

I'm not trying to sneak some prose past you despite your constant success in following the Lord as you described. I'm trying to show you how God is leading me. I heard the Spirit in these words and felt the conviction in my life to deal with this possessive urge. I believe we are also relying on the Spirit to confirm the truth in our writing in the same manner to our readers.

You wrote, " That being said, 2. do you know Keith Greene? He was a musician back oh in the 70's and 80s. ... I heard an interview once about Keith... he didn't sell anything.... My husband and I decided long ago that that was how we wanted to operate the ministry side of what we were doing. "

I've heard it said that one cannot pursue significance directly, but must be acquired through contribution. The appreciation of your contribution becomes promotion to others.

I didn't remark about it, but I did read about your health condition(s). It's clear that you are working within certain limitations. That's okay. God is not limited. Being a writer is possible as long as you can push the send button on your email account. As far as the social interaction part of promotion is involved, I've been introduced to certain people through a prompting in my spirit. Sincerely, would God gift you with the power of revelation, install the soul of a poet, organize all those matters in your mind and at the final step, fail to get you to that darkened world so in need of the light you carry.

For those in your church who were set a glow by the Bible Study, I hope that some of them linger and make themselves useful to you. We are not writing in true isolation. Neither are we succeeding in isolation. We are meant to interact and produce fruit in union with other people. If your group is serving themselves from the buffet of your gifts but not available to you in return, there's a problem there...

 

[razzelflabben]

The point of our conversations is that I have yet to find a point I disagree with you about. However the Spirit is leading you, why argue with success? It may very well be that your 50 year passion for finding the author of the Bible is how you will always minister to others.

I do read other books which are commentaries or meant to open one's understanding about the Bible. C.S. Lewis' Mere Christianity was helpful. The question is whether the Spirit is involved whether it's the Bible or something that people wrote.

Job 12:11 Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?

For example, this is something the Chicago Pastor A.W. Tozer wrote from "The Pursuit of God":
Men have now by nature no peace within their hearts, for God is crowned there no longer, but there in the moral dusk stubborn and aggressive usurpers fight among themselves for first place on the throne. This is not a mere metaphor, but an accurate analysis of our real spiritual trouble. There is within the human heart a tough fibrous root of fallen life whose nature is to possess, always to possess. It covets “things” with a deep and fierce passion. The pronouns “my” and “mine” look
innocent enough in print, but their constant and universal use is significant. They express the real nature of the old Adamic man better than a thousand volumes of theology could do.

I'm not trying to sneak some prose past you despite your constant success in following the Lord as you described. I'm trying to show you how God is leading me. I heard the Spirit in these words and felt the conviction in my life to deal with this possessive urge. I believe we are also relying on the Spirit to confirm the truth in our writing in the same manner to our readers.

You wrote, " That being said, 2. do you know Keith Greene? He was a musician back oh in the 70's and 80s. ... I heard an interview once about Keith... he didn't sell anything.... My husband and I decided long ago that that was how we wanted to operate the ministry side of what we were doing. "

I've heard it said that one cannot pursue significance directly, but must be acquired through contribution. The appreciation of your contribution becomes promotion to others.

I didn't remark about it, but I did read about your health condition(s). It's clear that you are working within certain limitations. That's okay. God is not limited. Being a writer is possible as long as you can push the send button on your email account. As far as the social interaction part of promotion is involved, I've been introduced to certain people through a prompting in my spirit. Sincerely, would God gift you with the power of revelation, install the soul of a poet, organize all those matters in your mind and at the final step, fail to get you to that darkened world so in need of the light you carry.

For those in your church who were set a glow by the Bible Study, I hope that some of them linger and make themselves useful to you. We are not writing in true isolation. Neither are we succeeding in isolation. We are meant to interact and produce fruit in union with other people. If your group is serving themselves from the buffet of your gifts but not available to you in return, there's a problem there...

I know and appreciate that this post is an encouragement. That being said, I also "feel" like there is something in it that is "uncomfortable" (seeking proper words and failing) therefore, I will refrain from posting responses for a season. Of late, I have been told to be quiet so much that I have become paranoid of saying anything. I kind of let go when you and I started talking and just enjoyed where the conversation took us. But now, I am wondering if I spoke too much, if I should have held my tongue more and so, I will hold my tongue for a season, I will during that season enjoy your encouragement and thank God for bringing us together. Thanks you, you have been a true blessing.

 

[Farine]

I know and appreciate that this post is an encouragement. That being said, I also "feel" like there is something in it that is "uncomfortable" (seeking proper words and failing) therefore, I will refrain from posting responses for a season. Of late, I have been told to be quiet so much that I have become paranoid of saying anything. I kind of let go when you and I started talking and just enjoyed where the conversation took us. But now, I am wondering if I spoke too much, if I should have held my tongue more and so, I will hold my tongue for a season, I will during that season enjoy your encouragement and thank God for bringing us together. Thanks you, you have been a true blessing.

I'm grateful to God for our conversation. Much earlier, I mentioned that we could pause this conversation. It's not something to feel bad about. You're kind in your choice of words. Let me know when you desire to resume, please.

 

[Mudinyeri]

There are a lot of books that are focused on the art of writing. What are some books that you like to recommend?

Books about the art of writing?

 

[Farine]

Books about the art of writing?

Yes. I liked "Thinking like your Editor" by Susan Rabiner and "Making the Perfect Pitch..." by Katherine Sands about Publishing
I liked the Writer's Digest Guide to Good Writing by the Editors of Writer's Digest" for writing
. I thought you might have others to suggest.

 

[Mudinyeri]

Yes. I liked "Thinking like your Editor" by Susan Rabiner and "Making the Perfect Pitch..." by Katherine Sands about Publishing
I liked the Writer's Digest Guide to Good Writing by the Editors of Writer's Digest" for writing
. I thought you might have others to suggest.

Well ... my undergraduate degree is in journalism so ... there were all those textbooks. Honestly, I haven't read anything about the "art of writing." I spent time working as an editor on contract with Que Publishing. So, I suppose thinking like an editor comes naturally.

If my teachers and professors are to be believed, I have always had a knack for writing - some might say a gift. I have honed the craft through practice but, beyond collegiate study, really haven't read much of what others think about writing.

 

[Farine]

Well ... my undergraduate degree is in journalism so ... there were all those textbooks. ....If my teachers and professors are to be believed, I have always had a knack for writing - some might say a gift...

I might have to check out some textbooks. It's not a bad idea at all. Part of my preparation is to raise the level of my writing. At the moment it's solidly 'good'. I'm not displeased with it or overly critical. But career success relies on getting through excellent on the way to outstanding. Before I release my work professionally, I want the finished product to hit a high mark of quality. I can't go back and to fix perceptions afterwards. As has been remarked, you never get a second chance at a first impression.

Past the process of writing and what you were kind to offer on marketing information, can I ask what you are doing now?

 

[Mudinyeri]

Past the process of writing and what you were kind to offer on marketing information, can I ask what you are doing now?

Sure. Just a couple comments first .... Personally, I believe one of the best ways to improve one's writing is to read quality works. An exercise that I stole from a college English class is to try to write in the style of another, well known, author. Read some Hemingway, for example, and then bang out a short story trying to emulate his style. This exercise will introduce all kinds of new tricks into your writing.

These days, I'm continuing down my entrepreneurial path. I grew up among entrepreneurs and my first "legitimate," tax paying business at the age of fourteen. I am now 51 and several businesses down the road. Currently, I own a general contracting company, a real estate investment company, a digital magazine, a emergency preparedness consulting & training company and am about to close on a transaction to acquire a security and surveillance equipment & services company. I'm also a small group leader in my church, sit on the boards of several non-profits ... and a number of other volunteer activities. Not much time for "serious" writing ....

 

[Farine]

...Not much time for "serious" writing ....

You ain't kidding! *blink* *blink* And you are talking to me? I'm glad I asked. Clearly, you have stellar time management skillz too. Yeah, I'm impressed....

As an owner of multiple businesses, I'm sure you have good people working for you to permit you to oversee entire work forces from that elevated position. This reminds me of the Centurion from the Gospels who understood authority from the inside perspective. Other than the publishing of your book which detailed a future dystopian reality, I'm sure that that writing knack or however you prefer to refer to it was given to you for a reason and a season. I could chuckle at the absurdity of fitting yet another ..

activity into your day...
From the few minutes of talking with you, I think you miss it.

Thank you. Thank you for taking time for this dialogue. Understanding your day in context, it's a real gift. If I could give you a gift in return from the insight God has provided, it would be to believe in the inheritance of the saints.
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
I can detail what a mature Believer would have in his tool box to deal with the sundry issues of life. That's what i want to do with my life: Make sure other Believers are fully equipped.

 

[Mudinyeri]

You're right. I do miss writing ... very much. There will come another season.