Author: selfpublishingadvisor

ABOUT WHAT TOUCHES US DEEPLY

In this 2014 season of Passover and Easter celebrations, I am excited about all the inspired and courageous people who have placed their Faith-thoughts (their hearts) on manuscript pages and released them into the world.  So it is that I am offering thoughts on writing—motivational/faith writing—from some of my favorite Authors.

Write/Speak from the “gut.”  John Eldredge (Wild at Heart) is an outside-the-box thinker who uses his extensive life experience as outdoorsman, philosopher and motivational speaker to create his books.  He understands the “male species” very well and encourages men to be “authentic,” step into their inner courageous-ness, fight the battles of life and live the adventure of their Faith.

Life is full of complicated relationships—write about them.  Max Lucado (Outlive Your Life) has a favorite quote: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”  His books can be found in both fiction and non-fiction aisles offering encouragement to folks who have tried to do everything and become overwhelmed.

Fiction author Francine Rivers (Her Mother’s Hope) produces incredible stories that read like real life—warts and all.  Whether set in the WWII era or American pioneer days, in Europe or California, the facts are meticulously researched allowing her to portray how “life” can seem to conspire against each character—and each must weigh the choices of living their way or finding God’s path.

True life experiences become legacy mentors—TELL THEM!  When I heard that Mary Beth Chapman wrote about her personal journey after the tragic death of her five-year old daughter, it touched my heart deeply.  In the writing, there is the re-living of each moment.  And, yet, so many the world over suffer that grief.  Her book, Choosing to SEE, is offered to those who not only have had such a loss, but to all of us who have felt the burdens of deep depression and critically challenged family relationships.

Author Don Piper (90 Minutes in Heaven) writes from the “other side” perspective.  His small Ford Escort was hit by a truck, completely crushing it and killing Don.  “That,” he says, “is where he took a detour he’d never forget.”  There may not be CSI Forensic evidence to prove his story, however, the hope it stirs in heart and mind is priceless.

Don’t forget to LOOK TO THE STARS!  Have you heard about the Rabbi from the Czech Republic, who is also a playwright and screenwriter?  Chaim Cigan has now added novel writing to his list of accomplishments, becoming one of the hottest new authors on the science fiction scene.   A man of “studies” and research, he has created a series that mixes politics and secret police with the Middle Ages, Moses and Jewish history, literally “taking readers” across continents and epochs!

SO, where does your passion lie?  Have you been complaining about the crisis circumstances seen around the globe?  Do you have an idea brewing in your imagination that could bring light and hope; or a true-life experience to tell that will show others how to survive?  THEN WRITE IT!  Get those words ON the manuscript pages and send them to your self-publisher…NOW!  There are readers out there who need to hold your books in their hands and hear what you have to say.

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

When meeting someone new—and hoping to establish a friendship—there are two topics of conversation that most people stay clear of: Politics and Religion.  Thank goodness, writers have no such boundary!  As of this blog entry, I have not yet had the pleasure of working with an author in the genre of World and/or National Politics.  However, I am very blessed to say that my life has been enriched by working with authors from the mission field, from pastors to world evangelists and prophets to next door neighbors who write about the legacy of their faith walk.  Yes, that has been a privilege and honor, indeed.

Through these faith-writing adventures, I’ve discovered that although the main subject matter may be controversial, the topic of “religion” and/or “faith” crosses over into multiple genres.  Fiction genres include: Action/Adventure, Family Sagas, Historical, Military/Espionage, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Westerns and Young Adult.  Non-Fiction genres include: Biography/Memoirs, Business/Economics, Cultural/Social Issues, Current Affairs, Military History, Humor, Medical, Parenting, Relationships, Science, Women’s Issues…and more.  There truly seems to be few genre limitations in this field of writing!  There are, however, a few TIPS that I’ve garnered and I am happy to pass these forward to you.

• Recognize that your reading audience may be smaller than those of mainstream authors. However, you may be the next Dan Brown (author of The Da Vinci Code) who stepped into view of readers of multiple genres (Mystery, Action/Adventure, Cultural/Social/Political, Thrillers, History, Relationships, Parenting, etc.). It is always valuable to consider your reading audience who are now able to find your book on the Internet as well as library and bookstore shelves.
• Human beings seek comfort, hope and strength within their understanding of God—who He is and their relationship to Him. Remember, you (the author) are also a seeker. The compassion with which you choose your words, create your characters and develop your writing will make a huge impact on readers—and on you. Billy Graham is an excellent example of a writer/speaker/evangelist who understands this concept, even to the point of addressing people’s love for their pets. “I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness [in Heaven],” he said. “If it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”
• Be respectful.  There are so many factors/influences involved and “faith” is so individually personal, that one author—addressing one element and/or storyline—cannot possibly address all the theological pieces. Stick to the theme you’ve been inspired to write about. If an author follows every “rabbit-trail” of thought that might connect to the main topic, readers will come away confused and disappointed. Respecting the time, heart and mind/intellect of your readers is greatly important.
• BE HONEST in the development of your writings. If you are creating a fiction/novel, know the motivation behind your character’s actions. If you’re writing a collection of essays on current affairs or military history, DO your research before adding your opinions on faith-in-action in the midst of those events. If your topic is about business and how “beliefs” shape policies and procedures, sit in on a college course of Business Ethics college and write the facts about what is being taught today vs what actually happens in the various businesses.

And, FEAR NOT Faith Writers!  The self-publishing industry is WIDE OPEN to accept your manuscripts and produce quality books for the reading world!

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.