July 26-29 I directed the 34th and last Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. It was exhausting yet energizing to be with over 250 conferees and faculty who are seeking to “write, edit, and publish His answer.”
As I opened my online Bible this morning, I was drawn to this verse:
I will praise you everywhere around the world,
in every nation. ~ Psalm 108:3 TLB
Wow! Today it really is possible for the words God calls us to write to reach around the world.
Friends, I want to challenge and encourage you not to miss the opportunities Father is giving us.
- Are you writing a nonfiction book? You don’t need to wait until your manuscript is finished and published to blog excerpts from it. In fact, a blog can become the foundation for what later becomes a book.
- Are you writing a novel? Stretch your writing skills by writing short stories for magazines or to serialize on your blog.
- Are you journaling? Share what Father is teaching you in a blog.
Yes, even though I don’t blog as frequently as I’d like to, I am excited about the opportunities a blog provides for our words to literally reach around the world.
If what you have written is longer than the 300-500 words that is best for a blog, then I encourage you to ask Father if He wants you to go indie with a print-on-demand book and eBook. You do not need to invest thousands of dollars. A wealth of how-to information is available, and Father will provide a team of people to help you if you’ll ask Him.
Traditional publishing is, of course, an option for some. But realize that many publishers work only with literary agents. It takes time to land an agent and for the agent to land a publisher. And then it’s likely to be two years before your book is in print.
I’m not certain we have time to wait. We dare not assume that the doors to print and distribute Christian literature or to freely share our faith on the Internet will always be open.
Now you have every grace and blessing;
every spiritual gift and power for doing his will
are yours during this time of waiting
for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:7 TLB
Friends, let’s work while it is yet day, for the night comes when no one can work (John 9:4).
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Check out my “Growing Your Writing Ministry” seminar on CD or MP3. And be watching for “Write His Answer” events in the Philly area and beyond as Father transforms the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference into more frequent and affordable learning opportunities. If you missed our last conference, CDs are available or the entire conference of over 100 sessions can be ordered as MP3 files for only $77. Click here for order form.
Write His Answer 
Thank you, Marlene, for a renewed spirit to get my blog launched even if it is not where I want it to be. I’ve worked on it over three years now with a lovely young woman helping me. Last summer, I claimed my domain name (I have a “.com”!!!) I had plans bigger than God’s, I believe, so I’m going to lower my expectations…at least for the present…and get it out there to touch a weary world (from my commissioning verse in Is. 50:4). Your post confirmed the message I thought I heard over the past few weeks prior to and at the Montrose writers conference. Look for me soon @ legaciesletloose.com! 🙂
Thank you, Marlene, for this reminder that we need to be sending His word around the world with our writing. That is why I created the workshop on “Extending Your Ministry through Writing: You Can Be a Missionary from Your Home.” We can reach the world for Christ if we focus on new and innovative technology that is available. I am thankful that Christ to the World Ministries is taking the WORD to more than 50 countries through radio broadcast. If there is anyone reading this blog who would like to join in that ministry and have your words translated into 32 languages and broadcast around the world, please contact me at annknowles03@aol.com God bless you for all you are doing to send the Light into the darkness. We cannot all go, but many of us can send the light.
Marlene, Thank you for this article and your continued leadership in the Christian writing community. What a fantastic conference last week in Philly. You are appreciated and to be honored for your perseverance and impact.