When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart by Melinda Viergever Inman

Melinda Viergever Inman

When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

As far as we know, the election on November 8 will not end the world as we know it. Believers have been given far worse choices in elections in modern history and have survived far worse leaders in both ancient and modern times. Neither Hitler nor Nero is on the ballot. Thank God.

But the fact that the church survived under these notorious leaders should give us hope. Nero was Emperor of Rome as the New Testament was written and the fledgling church established. Yet all proceeded exactly as planned by a sovereign and merciful God.

Maybe our two reprehensible choices this election cycle will finally open our eyes to the fact that we are not saved by our politicians, nor can we ever be. Our political leaders will always be a disappointment, compared to the One who is to come. When Jesus returns His reign will be just, righteous, and holy. There will be nothing that will let us down. We won't have to settle for this, so we can have that.

In this messy election season, one of the nastiest we've ever seen, it has calmed and reassured me to focus on the goodness of a sovereign God. Last first Friday of the month, I wrote here about the intentionality of Christ as He aimed Himself toward the cross. My focus now is on the intentionality of God as He works His plan to bring about the second coming of His Son.

None of us know the day, but it will come. With just as much intentionality as was demonstrated when Jesus set His face to go toward Jerusalem and His death, He now orchestrates what must be in place politically and nationally in order to usher in His return. Our elected leader is but one piece in this puzzle. One event builds upon the next until The Day comes, whenever it is, in our lifetimes or much later.

Since Jesus ascended, all of earth's events have been coordinated to bring about the next part of God's plan, the culmination of our union with Christ forever. Thus, we pray for guidance as we make our choice this election season. We attempt to align ourselves with God's will. We write about our turmoil of mind and our indecision. Some may write to persuade others. Some will focus on turning us to the Lord. Our creative efforts may even halt briefly, so we can pray, think, and decide.

We question our leaders. We consult the Word of God. We consult our consciences. We do the deep internal work of realizing that there is no "right" choice, yet we must choose. We listen to God's Spirit and to one another.

Some of us may not vote, for our consciences will not allow it. Some may write in another name on the ballot. Some may choose from the four offered candidates. Each of us will try to be pleasing to God. This is good growth for the American church. God is not the God of only one political party. His kingdom is another kingdom, separate, pure, and righteous. As believers, we are His, and no others.

Seek the peace and prosperity of our nation as you vote. Trust a sovereign and good God to work all things together for the good of those who love Him, no matter who is elected or how earth shattering the election outcome feels. God is still in control, and He has a plan. It is well with our souls.

(Those of you reading this post via e-mail may need to open it in your browser in order to see the video included.)

  

Fallen

Fallen

Love takes action: The Creator God establishes the cosmos and shapes a man. Adam rises from the dust. Envious, the powerful angel Lucifer despises him. Oblivious to the threat, Adam is captivated by his strong, intuitive wife Eve. In the Garden of Eden, they enjoy abundant food, gorgeous vistas, and intriguing challenges, including their budding love and passion. They have it all!

But Lucifer’s deceptive brilliance tricks them into disobeying God. They eat the one forbidden fruit. Their innocence is shattered. Their unity with one another and with God is destroyed. Death will follow. Lucifer’s jealousy threatens mankind’s tenuous beginning. But God is merciful. What astonishing promise does He make? How will Adam and Eve survive—broken, shattered, and separated from God?

Melinda Viergever Inman was raised in a storytelling family. There her roots were sunk. During years of relocation, tragedy struck. Wounded and heartbroken, Melinda forsook her roots and ran from herself and from God. A journey of trial and heartache brought her home again. A prodigal now returned, she writes with passion, illustrating God's love for wounded people as He makes beauty from ashes. Fallen is her second novel; Refuge, the sequel, is her first. Melinda shepherds women in prison ministry and writes inspirational material at http://melindainman.com/blog/.  With her family she is involved with Mission India/RIMI, rescuing orphans and providing theological and job training for impoverished students.

Connections:

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melinda-V-Inman/189731601076470

Website: http://melindainman.com/   

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelindaVInman  

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/melindavinman/  

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MelindaViergeverInman/posts/p/pub

 

Do You Use Voxer? by Susan Tuttle

As a writer I’m always looking for useful apps that will help me in my writing career, so when a friend of mine told me about Voxer I decided to try it out. And I LOVE it. So I’m sharing it with you today.

 

Voxer is basically a mash-up of a walkie-talkie and voicemail. You press a button and start talking. If the person you’re speaking to is there, you move back and forth in your conversation as if you were holding a walkie-talkie. If they’re not there, the message will save for them to play when they have a moment. You don’t need to walk around holding the phone to your ear. No dialing and waiting for voicemail to pick up. And much easier than tiring your thumbs writing a lengthy text. Just simple convenience.

 

How does that help a writer, you ask? Simple.

1. Brainstorming: I’ve had many brainstorming sessions with writer friends using this app. Either we chat back and forth as we work through their plot, or they send an idea for their storyline and I get back to them when I can. That’s part of the beauty of this app…they can quickly shoot me the question the moment it hits them, and I can answer when I’m able.

2. Encouragement: Writing can be a lonely affair. And as a writer, I often have fellow writers on my heart. This app has allowed me to shoot them a quick message and pray over them, encourage them, or share something funny. Sure. Texts do the same thing. But sometimes it’s nice to hear someone’s voice as you go through your day—and I don’t even have to make their phone ring. It’s simply recorded for them to play when they have a moment.

3. SOS Calls:  We all have those moments. We’re in the midst of writing a story. The flow is good. Words are flying. But something in your story needs addressing. Not enough to stop you, but enough to tie up precious brain space. Voxing comes in handy in these moments. You can toss the question or problem to a friend without disrupting either one of you. Then pick it apart later when you both have the time.

 

It might seem like a short list, but Voxer has dramatically changed how I interact with my writer friends. Emailing never seemed fast enough, and many times what I wanted to pass on was far too long to text. However, it was often not pressing enough to warrant a phone call. This has found a happy middle ground for communication, and it’s one I have every intention of continuing to use. 

 

If you’re not on Voxer yet, it’s a free app and I highly recommend it to you and your writing communityJ

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter. 

Social Media, Marketing & Branding Part 3 The Experts Weigh in on Social Media, Marketing & Branding by Edie Melson and DiAnn Mills

Today ends the three-part marketing series from authors DiAnn Mills and Edie Melson. I know it's been helpful to me and I hope you, too. If you have not read Part 1 and Part 2, please go back and check them out. -- Sandy

This post is from both of us. We decided to take specific questions and concerns and amplify them a little more.

Why bother with social media and marketing when I don’t have a product yet?

DiAnn: Social media begins with a writer who is passionate about sharing her expertise with others. It’s not a buy-me mindset but a how-can-I-help-you attitude. As a Christian, I view social media as a ministry. Begin building your platform now so when you have a product, your audience will be excited. If you don’t have a platform and audience, you don’t have anyone to help or market.

Edie: I agree. Social media is all about bringing value to those you interact with. It’s an extension of who you are in person. You are valuable to those around you now, there’s no reason to think you don’t have interesting things to share on social media.

 

What’s your favorite social media tip for building Twitter?

Edie: I love to mine the followers of those who follow me. I find a similar account to the audience I’m trying to reach – for example DiAnn Mills. Then I visit her profile and click on the list of those who follow her. This gives me a fresh list of people who are active on social media and have interests similar to those I’m sharing.

DiAnn: I use ManageFlitter.com This allows me to manage who I follow according to personal and professional interests. Another advantage is I can unfollow those who are not posting or following me back.

How does branding feed into social media?

DiAnn: Remember the cowboys who branded cattle? This not only allowed the rancher to keep track of his stock, but it also allowed him to develop fine herds of cattle. His brand became his name, and he was known for his excellent stock. The same thing applies to writers. We will be branded by those who read our books and our social media posts. It’s to our advantage to develop our own brand and allow our audience to know we offer quality information.

Edie: Totally agree. However, don’t just think about the narrow topic of one of your books. Think bigger. For example, if you write Biblical fiction, consider sharing info about Biblical archeology or informative reviews about movies that come from a Biblical base.

Do I need a personal profile and a professional/author Facebook Page? Why and/or Why not?

Edie: For a long time I’ve let my professional author page lie dormant because I was unable to get any traction on it. I primarily use my personal profile to interact with my readers and other writers. I have all my posts set to Public, and this allows anyone to see those posts and interact with them. HOWEVER: I am extremely careful about accepting friend requests from people I don’t know. Because my posts are public, I don’t have to grant them Friend status for them to interact. If someone sends me a friend request and I don’t accept it, they automatically become a follower and can see my public posts. They cannot post to my wall, only comment on the public posts that are already there. And although we are only allowed 5000 Friends on a personal profile, we may have an infinite number of Followers.

DiAnn: I have both, and I post on both. Understand some of my followers subscribe to both pages, and that’s fine with me. I never word a post the same on each page, even if the core of my message is the same. Why, you ask? Because I want each friend and professional follower to know I care about them. Cutting and pasting the same message says, “You aren’t important as a unique follower.” No friend or professional follower deserves that treatment.

We’ve enjoyed being with Seriously Write for this series! Be sure to leave any questions you have in the comments section below and we’ll get back with you.

~~~~~

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall. 

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

 DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

*** 

Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s addressing parents, military families, readers of fiction, or writers. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books, including While My Child is Away and While My Soldier Serves, reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them during these difficult times.

In addition, as a respected expert in social media, Edie has the proven expertise to teach others how to plug in and reach their target audience without the restraint of physical boundaries. In her role as social media coach she’s worked with clients that range from authors and speakers to business and ministry leaders. Her bestselling eBook on this subject, has been updated, expanded and re-released as Connections: Social Media & Networking Techniques for Writers. 

As a respected blogger, her personal site, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s also a regular columnist on Guideposts.com, Just 18 Summers.com, and Putting on the New.com. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, the social media director for Southern Writers Magazine, the Senior Editor at Novel Rocket, and a long-time member of the Advance Speakers and Writers Association. 

Edie and her husband of 35+ years have raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina with their dog, Jake and cat, Emily Dickinson. You can connect with Edie through Twitter and Facebook.

Social Media, Marketing & Branding Basics Part 2, Marketing Your Novel by DiAnn Mills

DiAnn Mills

We're so excited to have Edie Melson and DiAnn Mills on Seriously Write with this three-day series. Be sure to read yesterday's post by Edie Melson and come back tomorrow for a post by both ladies called (appropriately), The Experts Weigh In. - Angie

We writers embrace words, brainstorming sessions, hours to write, and constructive criticism, but there is one aspect of the writer’s life that shakes us to our core.

Marketing and Promotion

The nightmare of our career.

We think we have the notion.

But can’t move past the fear. 

Okay, I’m not a poet. But I know you understand writers must market and promote their books. Our goal is to successfully place our novels into the hearts and hands of readers.

I’m a firm believer in organization, and when I write a novel, spreadsheets keep me rooted in reality.

A writer gets ahead of the marketing and promotion stress by developing a Timeline Task. This is an indicator of what needs to be accomplished approximately a year before a book is released.

12 months out:

• Contact online and print publications to arrange for ad and banner placement. Make sure they are in place for the month of the book release. 
• Recruit your Street Team. Reach out to prominent authors in your genre for possible endorsements. This allows the endorser to schedule reading the novel. 
• Write blogs that connect to the novel. Stockpile them—you will be glad later.

9 months out:

• Order bookmarks and postcards.
• Arrange guest blogs and calendar when they will appear. 
• Remember, these have already been written. 
• Arrange production of your book trailer.
• Arrange production of author interview video.
• Announce to Street Team and brainstorm promo ideas.

6 months out:

• Contact TV and radio stations for interviews. 
• Create contest ideas with giveaways.
• Goodreads: update bio, headshot, ask-the-author section, add new release to books, link to blog posts, update page, be active! https://www.goodreads.com/author/guidelines.
• Design secret Pinterest Boards. 
• Use postcards to notify libraries of new book.

3 months out:

• Mail ARCS
• Keep Dream Team posted.
• Confirm all blog spots, ads, banners etc.
• Seek events to speak and sign.
• Check that all online platforms and retail stores have updated bio and photo.
• Arrange launch party or signing for the big day.

6 weeks out:

• Mail author copies or e-copies of book to Street Team. 
• Mail author copies or e-copies of book to reviewers.
• Encourage pre-orders.
• Post book trailer and author interviews.

Book release:

• E-mail blast.
• Blogs appear.
• Constant presence on social media platforms.
• Thank those who have helped make the release a success.
• Small tokens of thanks sent.
• Contests announced.

Follow up:

• Keep the momentum going by sharing deleted scenes, research, character insight, and behind the scenes action.
• Party time!

If you’d like a copy of my Marketing Timeline, e-mail me at diann@diannmills.com.

How do you approach marketing and promotion for your book?

About the Author

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.


DEADLY ENCOUNTER
DEADLY ENCOUNTER Discussion Questions
Watch the trailer
Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.
Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.

Deadly Encounter is recommended for fans of the following:

• Christian Fiction
• Christian Mystery
• Romantic Suspense Books

If you enjoyed this novel, you may also be interested in the novella Trial By Fire!