Mandela Recommends Dog Ear to Writers

"Dog Ear" spoke my language, says author Josette Mandela, who spoke at FCCW on Thursday, June 4th.

FCCW is blessed with many diverse writers.  Some always knew they  wanted to write, while others happened into writing.  Josette  Mandela is one of those writers that just happened into it.  She is  the author of Money is Freedom and Safety. Her book combines the  features of a workbook and works like a step by step guide on how to  get your financial house in order and have fun doing it.  She wrote  the book in just weeks, it just flowed out of her.  She wrote the  book freehand whenever she had the chance.  One time she was writing  in the repair shop while her car was being worked on.  The ease that  came with writing encouraged her to write another book.  This time  that plain white page seemed a little more daunting.

She shared her solutions for getting over writers block.  She  suggests going for a walk or really anything that will break your  routine and get your creative juices flowing.  Call that special  friend that always encourages you and stands by you no matter what.   Finally she said find your passion, the written word comes much  easier if you are passionate about what you are writing.

Josette explained how to get the most out of your walks;  observe your surroundings, you never know what unique information  you will discover from the simplest things.  She told a story about  this road she was traveling down.  The road had many different kinks  in the road, when she sat down to research why.  She discovered all  these kinks in the road turned out to be special places that the  builders decided not to pave over so instead they adjusted the road  to make room for the cemeteries and ancient places.  SO paying  attention to the littlest thing can bring out great inspirations for  stories.  Keep notebooks or a tape recorder with you all the time so  you can jot down ideas. After your walk take some quiet time to  meditate and let the information sit and sink in to see what God  will do with it.
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Another trick for Josette overcoming writers block is to have  an accountability partner.  This is that person that you can talk to  and they never have discouraging words.  Many of us have friends who  can inadvertently discourage us from writing.  These are the people  that will often tell you "You can't write a book"    "What makes you  think you can be a writer"  Sometimes these people can be close  family and friends.  Don't listen and don't hold it against them,  just realize that in life there is always opposition.  More  importantly DON"T TALK YOURSELF OUT OF WRITING THE BOOK!  We all  have our little voices that can discourage us from time to time.  So  choose your support partner wisely, this should be the person that  would go skydiving with you!  You must allow them to be honest and  inspire you, remember they care about you and are not correcting you  to discourage you but to help you improve!

 
Once you choose your support partner you should now set  goals.  You will never complete the book unless you set goals.   Josette uses Outlook, creates tasks and  blocks off time to keep  herself accountable.  This helps her meet her goal of sending her  support partner an email at the end of everyday to make sure she is  working on her goals.  After a while you will discipline yourself to  write.

Once you've started writing, the key to keep writing is to be  passionate about your subject.  If you are not passionate about your  subject you'll notice you have dozens of start ups and never get  them done. Ideas are not the problem, its our passion about the  ideas.  Today with the Internet the world is literally at your  finger tip.  You can do research and bring Japan into your living  room.  If you are looking for ideas you can use Google trends, research  what people are talking about.  If you have an idea you are  passionate about research what's been written about it and maybe  find a new perspective on it.

If you need more inspiration Josette recommends the Prosperity  Bible.  It is a collection of short stories from successful people  such as Napoleon Hill and Ben Franklin.  It will help you see what  other people have done to be successful or inspired.

Josette learned from her first book that print on demand offers  the best publishing option.  She used Dog Ear Publishing.  She found  them very easy and fun to work with.  Her background in computer  science did not offer her any direction when it came to getting  published.  She found Dog Ear Publishing talked in a language she  understood, were reasonably priced and offered many extra  specialized services.

Right now Josette is focusing on marketing her current book.   She has a website http://www.josettemandela.com/ and she blogs, http://www.suddenlysingleblog.com to  help get the word out. She always carries several copies with her and found  that she could sell books just talking to people at the airport.   She has received positive feedback about her book, from how easy it  is to read to it offers immediate results.

By Tracy Redman, FCCW Treasurer

Tosca Lee Researching Book Number Three

Tosca is the award-winning author responsible for two Christian Fiction books, Demon: A Memoir and Havah: The Story of Eve.

The members of FCCW were in awe last Thursday night as Tosca Lee shared her writing experience and expertise.  Tosca's first book, Demon, challenged some of the Christian community with its unsettling title and cover.  "I wanted it to gain attention," Tosca said.  "I wanted people to think when they saw it." Demon is the account of history before the earth’s creation to the present day, as narrated by a fallen angel.

A management consultant, Tosca was driving home one day when the idea for Demon came to her.  At the time, she planned to complete a book about a woman warrior.  Demon’s story, however, did not let her rest until she completed the work.  Writing passionately for three months, the book was finished but did not sell for five years until she rewrote what was essentially a monologue into more traditional narrative form.  This doubled the length of the book—and won her a multi-book deal from NavPress.

As Demon went to press, Tosca was immediately under time constraints to complete the second book.  After six months of research and another six of writing, she completed Havah.  "Heinous and grievous," Tosca informed us.  "The first draft is always heinous." Havah, a retelling of Eve’s story, required expansive research or order to provide the known details regarding life back then.

She is now preparing to write her third book.

Tosca, the runner-up for Mrs. USA in 1998, is extremely approachable and human!  She answered our questions and had us sitting on the edge of our seats for more.  Her intelligence and creativity are obvious and alluring.

Her advice to writers: approach agents or editors with a stunning query. 

By Cyndi Rice, FCCW VP of Education

Cudd Writes to Help You Sell Your Home

Chrissie Cudd encourages writers to write about things they know and do. This is just what she did with her latest book.

First Coast Christian Writers was honored to have speaker Crissie Cudd, accomplished Realtor® and author, during their weekly meeting on May 14^th, 2009. Her story presented the possibility of writing in our own areas of expertise for the benefit of others. For Crissie, this area is Real Estate. Though Crissie Cudd has worked in real estate for all of her adult life, she has been writing for even longer. Her first book, A Day in Outer Space, was written when she was only four.

As she grew up, her love of writing continued until, as a young mother, she wrote children’s stories for her own daughter. Later, while living in Naples, Florida, she also began writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper, which eventually led to writing well received articles in the same paper. Chances are good that you have read her real estate advice in the past, because she has published over a dozen articles for the internet’s “Total Real Estate Solutions”. Many of her high demand articles have been reprinted and are now posted all over the World Wide Web.

Little did Crissie know that the Real Estate market would take the terrible downturn it has taken over the past few years, and that it would become, for many, easier to sell a house in outer space than in today’s market. But, guess what – Crissie can sell, has sold and is selling houses, even now. There are secrets to selling in a tough market, and Crissie has revealed them in her latest book, Sell Your Home in a Tough Market Now. Sell now? That’s right – now. Like many other homeowners, I have personally wondered if now is a good time to sell, or if I should wait for a better day that might not come. Crissie has given me quite a sparkle of hope.

Originally intended to be an article, four months and many hours later the ‘article’ emerged as this timely book. The tried and true tips and professional advice presented in the book apply to every single economic level of housing sales in the current market, but will apply even if the market changes. How grateful we are to Crissie for sharing her interesting and encouraging story with us, and how thankful we are that she has taken the time to record such invaluable economic help. Sell Your Home in a Tough Market Now can be purchased at either Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.

Click here for Crissie's blog.

Click here for Crissie's website I Coach the Best.

By Claudia Barrington, FCCW Member

Thomason Encourages Writers to Get Feedback

Bruce Thomason’s career in law enforcement began as a dispatcher in 1967. 

In different jobs across three states there isn’t much that Bruce has not experienced--good and bad.  Yet, Bruce described the powerful feeling surrounding the privilege of serving citizens throughout his career.

Bruce’s first novel, Body Toll, is an action-packed cop thriller about a serial killer set in our very own oceanfront community of Jacksonville Beach.  Bruce shared that it took seven months to write the book.  Once Bruce began writing, ideas and stories from his lengthy career poured out more quickly than he could write, so he began recording his stories. 

Bruce shared his tips for both self publishing along and editing your manuscript.  While Bruce’s experience with self-publishing was a positive experience, he hopes to publish his next book with a major publisher. 

The single most important tip Bruce stressed to the group was to have a good editor.  Whether it’s a professional editor, friend or relative, it’s extremely important to receive straightforward constructive feedback.

Once you read, Body Toll you can look forward to reading Bruce’s second novel, The 6 O’clock Rule.

By Linda Harvey, FCCW Member

FCCW Members Spellbound by Chestnut & Son

Bobbie Jean Chestnut and her son Kent kept the FCCW members spellbound with their incredible story at the April 30th meeting.

Whew, how did I ever do it?─ might be a question we ask ourselves, after finishing a presentation for work, getting the kids to soccer practice on time and getting dinner on the table. The FCCW members learned soon enough, that these tasks pale in comparison to what Bobbie Jean Chestnut has faced in her life.

Bobbie’s book, “Whew How Did I Ever Do It?” is an autobiography that has the reader in a “page turner” mode. Raising four children, moving 20 times in 21 years as a military wife during the Vietnam war, facing a 9.2 earthquake while living in Alaska are just a few of her challenges.

But Bobbie’s biggest challenge came to her on Valentine’s Day in 1965, when her son Kent was born. Kent was born premature with no arms, and no legs. He was not expected to live more than 24 hours. He survived. The recommendation was to place him in a facility. But Bobbie wouldn’t hear of it. As she said, “If your healthy child suddenly became handicapped from an accident, would you send your child away?”

Bobbie treated Kent like the rest of her children. She fought with teachers and principals to help him succeed and became an advocate for the disabled. Today, Kent is 44 years old, living independently, working and writing a book of his own.

Kent calls his mom, his hero. He stated, “You should embrace who you are. God has given each of us a purpose to be here.” Kent talked about being treated normally by his siblings. He never really felt different, which is a true testament to his mom, as she treated him the same as the other children. Both mother and son attest, that God has a way of sending people to you when you are in need. “God gives us strength to go through it,” Bobbie explained. She learned early on to swallow her pride and accept help.

On the writing process, Bobbie explains to listen to your inner voice to write, and then do it! No more talking, just do it, write (right) from the heart. Write what you know.

Listening to Bobbie and Kent was inspirational, to say the least. It was an education in love, patience, humility, strength and determination. One of Bobbie’s favorites, Philippians 4:11 states, ‘Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have found in whatsoever state I am, therewith, to be content.’

Proceeds from the book are slated to go toward a wheelchair van for Kent. To order your copy of Bobbie’s book go to: www.Amazon.com

www.Target.com

www.BarnesandNoble.com

You may e-mail Bobbie at:

bchestnut@tds.net

By Linda Feist, FCCW member

Tory Wilcox is busy in the writer’s kitchen!

Don’t be surprised if on your way to breakfast, at an Original House of Pancakes restaurant, you spot an advertisement in the window for the book:

The First Pancake
A Recipe for Delectable Life Transitions
By Tory G. Wilcox.

This was just one example of promotion and publicity Tory so enthusiastically shared with us at the FCCW meeting. Tory spoke from soup to nuts, so to speak, about the writing and publishing process.

Tory Wilcox is a psychotherapist, coach and author. Her book, The First Pancake, provides guidance to those undergoing a life transition using an original understandable pancake metaphor that normalizes the transition process and enables you to strive for more delectable pancakes.

Through Tory’s experience, of writing and publishing her book, she offered the group a concise and highly creative outline, titled “How to Make a Pancake; A Recipe for Success.”

Tory took us through several steps, directing and focusing on why one writes. Do you write to?

• Leave a legacy
• Help others
• Establish expertise
• Be part of a platform

“In asking yourself the question; Why is writing important to me?” Tory explains, “You will come closer to understanding your vision.”

Tory also reiterated more than once, that the most important component in the writing process is to realize and set your goals. A few examples of Tory’s outline:

• What are your goals or vision?
• Who is your target audience?
• What is your genre?
• What makes your book unique?
• Do you have time and money to market and publicize your book?
• Do you want to use editorial services?
• How many books do you hope to sell?

The group learned of several publishing options, as Tory was gracious enough to help us move forward through her experience. With passion and excitement, Tory shared her recipe for writing. Ready…set…bake!

You may reach Tory Wilcox at:

www.torywilcox.com

By Linda Feist, FCCW Member

Gunter Motivates Writers to Chase Dreams

First Coast Christian Writer’s Group had the privilege of meeting Almon Gunter, Author of the book Focus on the Final Seconds.

Focus on the Final Seconds, has received 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. Almon considers himself a “country boy” and advises anyone who writes, to write however you talk.

“To have what you want you create it.” Almon ran for Florida State University until the age of 22, when he entered the corporate world, for 6 years. He then quit his job to chase his dream. At the ages of 29 and 33 he became the 13^th fastest runner in the world, when competing in the Olympics.

Almon is passionate about everything he does. He wrote his book in 30 days, and says that your best writing comes when you do not understand your writing.

Almon also does motivational speaking, mostly in very large corporations, and runs several sports training camps for youth.

On February 18, 1988 he started his company, and his first client was CSX Transportation. Quitting his job at Barnett Bank, he did not turn back, and began achieving for himself. He cautioned us to be aware of family and friends that may say what we were seeking after could not be done. “Don’t waste energy on “downers”.” He goes on to say, “Friends that are not in from the beginning cannot get in at the end.”

Almon truly is a motivator, and is an inspiration to listen to!

To learn more about Almon, check out his website at:
www.guntergunterinc.com.

By Karen Godfrey, FCCW Member

Elsheimer Urges Artists to Answer Creative Call

The delightful and funny author, speaker, musician and artist Janice Elsheimer treated the members of FCCW to a deliciously engaging evening during their April 9th weekly meeting.

Her words were a feast of encouragement not only for those who wonder if they are artists, but also for those who do acknowledge their creative gifting but so far haven’t understood that it is an actual calling. An artist can be one that paints with colors or words or musical notes or plants or any of a hundred other mediums, but because she was speaking to a group of writers, the reality that Yes, I am a writer, was permanently impressed on the pavement of our minds.

Janice taught us that those endowed with creative gifts are especially connected to the heart of God – God the Creator, and that for these gifts we are responsible to Him. They are meant to be cultivated and executed not only for us, but through us for the sake of the world. Janice also presented the fact that artistic gifting usually partners with the gifts of teaching, wisdom, and prophesy.

We were privileged to not only view firsthand but also to hear a short excerpt from her 1973 ‘hippie’ journal with a peace sign on the cover. As she read the entry aloud, it was easy to see that the energetic and adventuresome woman she is today is the same adventurous and energetic young person who recorded in that notebook. The final words of her entry were “Truck on!” We all laughed. She encouraged us to keep a journal as well, and recommended that we write in it for only 20 minutes a day. “Not ‘I have to journal for 20 minutes’, but rather, ‘I will only journal for 20 minutes’. She assured, “If you journal, you’re a writer”.

She encouraged us to be avid readers in our individual genres, and to remember that though everything we write may not be classified as a ‘Christian” project, nevertheless it will be informed by our worldview. Her attractive personality enhanced her words, causing them to be unforgettable. In fact, I can still hear her admonishing us to be proud of publishing success “not because, I’m all that, but because He’s all that!” Amen!

As a child, Janice, like many of us, wasn’t encouraged to pursue a career in the arts, though that’s what God had placed within her. Her parents, like many, believed her creative gifts were hobbies rather than possible career paths. (This blogger can certainly relate.) But God is sovereign, His gifts and callings are irrevocable, and He promises to fulfill His purposes for each of us. Janice has certainly proved His faithfulness. Today she is not only educator and teacher, avid gardener and accomplished musician, but also the author of three published books which include Grounded in the Garden, Word Weavers, and the best seller entitled The Creative Call.

The Creative Call was originally written for creatively gifted students that needed direction, but has become the attentive and nurturing parent that many Christian ‘would be’ artists desperately need. God is using this book to ‘fill up that which is lacking in the (creative portion) of the Body of Christ’. There is nothing else like it available. Earlier in her life she had looked hard for a book that would minister to her as a Christian artist, and couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for, so, she wrote it herself. Today Christian artists in many fields are thankful that she heard the creative call.

As the meeting ended, I wished I could just take Janice home for encouragement and clarity whenever I needed it, so I bought The Creative Call. After I returned home, I read the first two sections of my newly signed book, and was awed at the wisdom and skill in which the nutritious words were presented. I even cried a little as some of those words reached deeper than is humanly possible. Anyone who is hungry can feast on the words of wisdom that Janice has obediently transcribed for us, for she preserved within the pages nutrients we will need in order to reach our full stature.

Thank you, Janice, for your obedience in feeding the sheep. Keep on truckin’ sister!

By Claudia Barrington, FCCW Member

Resnick Urges Writers to Use Their Gift

When people use the word author, it is assumed that writing books is the person's livelihood. Hal Resnick, an author of five books, sees writing more as the natural extension of his work!

He used three different means of publishing, he expounded on the pros and cons of each method.

McGraw Hill contacted Hal while he was a professor at Temple University.  They asked him to write an education series to inspire middle school students into careers in Engineering and Construction. This added to his credibility as a writer but was also a marketing tool he could use when promoting his consulting business.  As writers, big name publishing companies are the Holy Grail of success.  It is a coveted position to be sought after by one of these companies.  Aside from the up shot of adding credibility, working big name publishing companies is not the satisfying experience one would think. The writer is no longer the Integral component of the process. It is now in an assembly line  though red tape and equipment which will eventually lead to a book.

The second method was when he was contacted to write a book to help kids with the metric system.  Here he needed the book to be a camera ready copy.  He turned the book in to a math publishing company. The book was published within three months and he never heard about it again.

The third way was self-publishing or the print on demand, such as LuLu.  This option is readily available to all writers.  With this method you pay a small fee, you receive your ISBN numbers, some connections to websites and other services a writer may need. a nominal fee is than charged for the book to go to print.  You set the sale price, pay the fee and viola you can have as many books as you want printed. Books are only printed when paid orders are received - and can be printed in batches of one! Hard cover books cost more than paperback and will take a few weeks longer to publish.

Writing and publishing books are Hal's way of giving back to the world.  He is very knowledgeable and meticulous.  He owns his own consulting business and recently published Energizing Workplace Performance. He writes articles for Jacksonville Business Journal and sends out a monthly e-newsletter. He can be contacted at http://www.worksystems.com/

His final words of advice;"Do it! Don't be afraid. It is a gift to others and yourself"

By Tracy Redman, FCCW Treasurer

Watkins Writes for "People With Abilities"

Tonight Vicky Duffer Watkins provided illuminating insights about “why that lady in the wheelchair is smiling.”  As an active member of Jax FOB and Mandarin Toastmasters clubs and an on-line columnist for the Florida Times-Union, Vicky shared three special insights.  They included her worst fear, how to get articles published and samples of her work.

Most people’s number one fear is public speaking, but at one time Vicky’s worst fear was dying.  That was before she began her spiritual walk with the Lord.  Vicky shared how she is not afraid to die; rather she has chosen salvation and walks with the Lord.  Her spirituality shines in her writing.

Vicky’s initial aspiration was to write a great American novel.  She now rights about real situations that happen to real people.  In her on-line column titled “People with Abilities,” Vicky writes about the experiences of people with disabilities.  Her articles have also been published in several magazines.

Vicky’s words of advice to aspiring authors are to “make it meaningful.”  Her person writing goal is to increase her on-line readership and write more articles.  Her secret to successful writing is to pray first!

See Vicky’s FL Times-Union column at: http://jacksonville.com/interact/blog/people_with_abilities

By Linda Harvey, FCCW Member

Webster Gives Insight Into Publishing

Gerard D. Webster’s new book In-Sight came out in December. In-Sight is about fall, forgiveness, and redemption.  It is for anyone who believes that a Higher Power has a hand in destiny.

On March 19, 2009, First Coast Christian Writer's member, Jerry Webster, shared his experiences in writing a novel with the First Coast Christian Writer’s Group. 

He began by telling the group, “Experience is what you get right after you needed it.”  He went on to explain that we all bring our experiences to our writing.  He said that writing a novel is like going through pregnancy:

• Conception:  First you have the seed of an idea.
• Growth Stage:  You start in an outline form and put words to it.  The characters begin to take over the story.
• Giving Birth:  Finally the time comes when you share your writing with others.
• Radical Surgery:  Re-write based on the input of others.
• Owning Your Baby: Your book is finished.

Then the real work begins.  You look for an agent and a publisher. 

Publishing the book is not the end of the story.  You have to market the book to the world.

Jerry’s book can be found at http://outskirtspress.com/insight or on www.Amazon.com

By Cheryle Touchton, FCCW Member

Touchton's Ministry Hits Thousands Monthly

Cheryle Touchton is a writer, a traveling missionary, and a successful businesswoman.
 
Her nickname is the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady because she travels about the country talking to people about Jesus while handing out quarters.  After retiring from a successful business career in technology, she went full-time into Christian ministry as a missionary, motivational speaker, and a writer.  She has published two books: A Pocketful of Quarters: 5 Steps to Loving God, and Pocketful of Christmas: Having a Purpose Filled Advent.

Cheryle explains The Secret To Writing as the same secret to any other successful venture.  The key is the ancient Jewish greatest commandment - the Sh'ma - "Love God with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."  To that she adds the second greatest commandment from the New Testament: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  Love is the key to writing.  She states that God has given us secret Wisdom with which we can actively participate--IF we love Him.

She set out 5 steps to accomplish this:
1. Follow God - mind to mind.
2. Please God - heart to heart.
3. Embrace God - soul to soul.
4. Serve God - strength by Strength
5. Love God's children - neighbor to neighbor.


To enlarge our writing capacity, she challenged each person to seek the answers to several questions: 

• What do you know?  What do you care about? 
• What is your "edge" and what does it mean?
• What delights you?
• What life experiences do you bring to writing? 
• Why do you write?

Cheryle's talk was jam-packed with helpful information to both aspiring and published writers; but her talk encompassed much more than just writing.  It's evident that she "walks the walk."  She spends 2 to 4 months a year on the road, dispensing quarters and Christian love to anyone she meets.  She also has a blog detailing her journeys and recieves 20,000 hits a week on her website.  To learn more about her writing and her ministry, visit her website: www.pocketfullofchange.org.

by Gerard Webster, FCCW Member