Seven years ago my sister and I decided to go to Orlando and Disney World to celebrate my four year anniversary of being healed from Endometriosis. It was a wonderful sister trip and it was filled with so much laughter and fun that both of us refer to it as "the trip of laughter". We searched and found this amazingly cheap deal that included a stay at a beautiful new hotel site, tickets to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, and a day at Typhoon Lagoon. We giggled throughout our time in Epcot and the old Norway "scary ride" (and Emily's favorite $95 cookie), laughed hysterically throughout all of the rides in Magic Kingdom (including our 10 minute delay of getting stuck in "It's a Small World"), and raced around Typhoon Lagoon re-riding certain rides a hundred times like we were little kiddos.
Time in the parks and Disney was a beautiful celebration. A time to remember the hard and celebrate the miracle of healing that had taken place.
Over the past seven years and the last few years especially we would always talk about taking a sister weekend back in Orlando. When I was to weak to even walk down the hallway and my sister would spend her time off from work laying on my bed with me, brushing my hair we would talk about two things: being on the Amazing Race (please pick us CBS *smiles*) and returning to Disney. I don't know how many times my precious sister has said to me these past four years, "when you get better we will go celebrate in Disney". Many times I would be extremely sick and would weakly nod my head, hoping and believing that someday it might come true.
Disney for me has always been a magical place. It brings you out of your own world and reminds you of the joy and magic that exists in every day. Dreaming of celebrating in Disney has been a dream... a beautiful dream... until the Lord brought up an amazing opportunity.
This past fall an amazing opportunity arose to write about a Disney Cruise to the Caribbean. I prayed about it a ton, talked with my medical team in depth, and wondered at the timing. Emily and I had talked about going when I was healed... we hadn't really considered going as I was getting better. I have to admit that I hesitated. Many questions came to my mind and I wondered if this would be a wise thing for me and my health. I prayed a ton about it, consulted with those who love and know me best, and again my medical team.
The beautiful thing was that everyone thought that this was a great opportunity so I went ahead, signed up, and called my sister who jumped on board immediately. We were both over-the-moon excited and thrilled about what was to come in the following fall. I realized an important lesson last fall... there is beautiful hope in the waiting for the miracle to happen.
As difficult times throughout this past year happened, when serious and life-threatening issues with "Nick the PICC" took place, when I was incredibly sick throughout treatment, and when each of us were dealing with different types of stress, my sweet sister would say again and again... "I can't wait for the Disney Cruise".
And we kept dreaming and planning and praying and God in His amazing ways continued to throw out extra blessings, including free tickets into the park in exchange for me writing about our experiences and a lot of extra special things that have made this trip a trip to dream about.
As we approach this special trip I am reminded in a million little ways of the joy of dreaming and hoping and the magic of celebrating. Sometimes we celebrate big things (like the end of a treatment round) and sometimes we celebrate little things (like good days with #courtneytheportney). And sometimes... well sometimes we are blessed to celebrate life and love and the beautiful gift of love and family and friendship even when we are waiting for bigger celebrations.
Because we have definitely learned that with the Lord there is always beautiful gifts to celebrate.
As I look back on these pictures to seven years ago and think about what the last seven years have brought I am overwhelmed with the beauty and the gift of love. Love that seeps into the dark places of life and reminds us of joy. Love that curls up with you in bed when you are to weak and sick to leave. Love that overcomes the dark. Love that reminds us that today... the beautiful today... is a gift.
So in two weeks we will celebrate so many things, but mainly I can't wait to celebrate the gift of hope and the beautiful ways and gifts that are given throughout this journey.
A huge thanks to Disney World for the amazing opportunity to experience this trip. We are so looking forward to it!
Happy Wednesday friends! I am excited to link up with Mel, Shaeffer, and Shay for the "What's Up Wednesday" Link up! I have so enjoyed reading these ladies posts and am excited to join in! It is so fun to connect with so many other ladies who are doing this each month! I missed last month as we were busy celebrating my sister's engagement party and I was traveling out to Nebraska for the sweetest wedding ever so I am excited to be back this month!
What We're Eating this Week...
Raspberries. More Raspberries. And yes, more Raspberries. *smiles* So basically, as y'all know I spend every single day working to improve my immune system through the food that I eat, drinking tons of water, and the supplements that I take. I truly believe that working on building my immune system is just as important as all of the treatment I do to beat Lyme Disease. A couple of months ago I shared in my Thursday Health Thoughts post the 10 Amazing Health Benefits of Raspberries and I am definitely seeing some of these things truly play out in my own body . I try to eat Raspberries all year long, but there is something about the beautiful and fresh Raspberries at the Market during this summer season that is absolutely yummy (and yes, I am trying to hold on to summer as long as possible! *smiles*). Needless to say my mixed berry morning smoothies are pretty much raspberry smoothies right now. *smiles*
What I'm Reminiscing About...
My sister and my "sister weekend" back in 2009 at Disney! We are heading back to Disney for a day at the parks and a short Disney cruise in two weeks and I am SO very excited! I keep looking through and thinking about our last trip and the fun we had and my little heart is over-the-moon excited about this upcoming trip! (Words can not express how grateful I am to those who made this trip possible, including Disney World. This trip is truly a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity that we will treasure.)
What I'm Loving...
Cool and soft summer evenings at the lake. August brings the most beautiful sunsets and sometimes the softest ones and both are absolutely gorgeous. I am trying to grasp every single moment that we have left here before we leave camp.
What I've Been Up To...
As y'all know this past week has been a whirlwind of activity with the December Caravan Book Release. I have truly been so overwhelmed and blown away by the incredibly kind support and words about this book. Thank you so much for all of your love about this project! (If you are interested in purchasing December Caravan you can find it where books are sold and on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. If you are interested in bulk/group discount orders you can find out more information HERE.)
What I'm Dreading...
Let's be honest... this treatment round has been extremely difficult and when I return from the cruise in two weeks it will kick up an even higher level! I would covet prayers for this as I am going into some of the most intense weeks and months of my life. Would you also continue to pray that all of the finances to come in for this treatment round? As I mentioned before this treatment round is extremely expensive (about $30,000 a month) and we are trusting the Lord for His provision. If you are interested in helping out financially you can find my "go fund me page" HERE.
What I'm Working on...
Lots of new items for the shop including this adorable Kate Spade Emma journal! You can check out the shop HERE!
What I'm Excited About...
In addition to an incredible sister weekend the Lord has provided an amazing opportunity to spend time with these sweet friends! My little heart is over-the-moon excited and God is so good to provide this time!
What I'm Watching/Reading...
Last year when I shared the 5 books that have impacted my life the most I was quick to list this precious book, Evidence Not Seen. This book tells the story of Darlene who was a young newlywed in the pre-World War II era and her experience as a missionary in the jungles of New Guinea and then her four years in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. The title of this book is perfect because she truly is honest in her experience of the way that the Lord often appeared silent but His hand was continuously orchestrating protection over her each and every day, providing "evidence not seen". There are so many nuggets of truth and encouragement that I have walked away from after reading this book and I have made it a tradition to read this book once a year in the Spring or Summer and am just finishing it up again. Each time I do I am struck again by this woman's faith in God despite her horrific circumstances. You can read more of my thoughts about this book HERE if you are interested!
What I'm Listening to...
A couple of years ago this song was on repeat every morning and I have had it back listening to it again almost every morning and evening. I definitely have used this as the prayer of my heart these past few weeks and this summer and plan to as we enter this fall. If you are tired and weary or feel like you have been forgotten by the Lord this song is for you.
What I'm Wearing...
Let's be real... I have been in comfy comfy clothes most of the last few weeks treatment but am so excited for the upcoming trip and lots of fun outfits and cute cruise wear!
What I'm looking Forward to Next Month...
DISNEY TRIP. TWO MORE WEEKS. CAN NOT WAIT.
I would love to know your answers to these questions friends! Share your thoughts below in the comments!! *smiles* Happy Wednesday!
In light of recent developments involving Joseph Duggar and Ruth Wissmann and Hannah Wissmann Duggar’s connection to the family, this post has been removed as part of an effort to thoughtfully steward the content shared here.
Happy Monday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! Today I wanted to share about a question that I have received a lot of emails about. I have received many emails asking if you can receive a discount for bulk/group orders of December Caravan for those of you who are interested in using the book for Bible Studies, Book Clubs, College Groups, Ladies Retreats, etc. The answer is yes!
For those that are interested in this it will be done directly through me (through PayPal or another payment arrangement). For groups that order at least 10 books the books will be a discount of a little over 20% for each book and will be $11 each instead of the $13.99 and will receive two free copies for leaders. For groups that order more than 50 books each book will be discounted more than 25% and will be $10 each with 5 free leaders copies. If you are looking at a group discount more than 50 books please feel free to email me and I will be happy to discuss additional discounts.
My ultimate goal and prayer of my heart with this book is that this book would encourage the hearts of those who read it and I hope by offering a small discount to groups that this will provide an extra blessing to different groups. I have also received several emails asking if the book is used in a group setting would I be available to come and visit the group and my answer is I would love to try to. I would love to speak with you more about these questions so please feel free to email me and I would love to chat with you!
I am so excited to share with y'all new items that have been added to the shop today!
Y'all know that one of the shop's main staples is the altered journals that my shop offers and I am so excited to share that there have been lots of sweet new journals added to my shop!
These adorable new journals are so fun and are a wonderful gift for yourself or an affordable way to bless a loved ones birthday or to simply send as a present to someone!
If you are wanting to check out the shop you can click HERE! Thank you so much for your continued support of my shop!
Happy Saturday sweet friends!
As I went to bed last night I was truly overwhelmed.
Overwhelmed by the kindness, support, and love of so many people that made yesterday very special. Thank you so much for your support on this book launch day. Thank you for spreading the word about December Caravan. Thank you for all of the love and sweet words about this little book.
Thank you to my AMAZING parents who have cheered me on in this endeavor, for my sister, for my book launch team that went WAY ABOVE AND BEYOND to help spread the word. Thank you to each of you who texted and called yesterday and to those who sent messages.
Thank you to my dear friend Katie who woke up at midnight (and stayed up most of the night) to be ready to post the first review! Thank you to my sweet friend Ali, from Be the Light Photography for surprising me with amazing professional photos of December Caravan. Thank you to so many of you for purchasing the book today and for those who wrote reviews.
Thank you to so many of you that connected me today with people who were interested in bulk sales of December Caravan for Bible Studies, MOPS groups, college Bible studies, etc.
Thank you to those of you that have inquired about the possibility of me coming to speak at an event. I am truly speechless.
The list truly goes on and on. I am overwhelmed and so grateful for each of you and all of your prayers for this project. God has been so good. Thank you for praying for today and for this little book for the future. I continue to pray that the Lord will use it to encourage those who are hurting and brokenhearted and those who have lost hope. Thank you again dear friends.
Thank you so much!
KNOXVILLE AUTHOR PLANTS HOPE AMID TRIALS WITH RELATIONSHIP, DISEASE IN NEW BOOK
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Author Rebecca VanDeMark announces the nationwide release of her inspiring new memoir, “December Caravan.”
“December Caravan” is a collection of personal short stories, encouragement and inspiration on the concept of hope and an ever-present God despite difficult circumstances.
Throughout the book, VanDeMark shares stories from her life, specifically over a five-year period that started in 2008, when her world crumbled after her fiancé walked out on their relationship and their wedding, which was to take place a few months later. Within the next months and years, VanDeMark experienced extremely difficult circumstances of loss, including finding out that her health was deteriorating due to advanced late-stage Lyme disease and cancer.
“December Caravan” tells the stories of trials and hope despite many difficult situations. The author shares her foundation of hope for those who are hurting and the beautiful knowledge of learning the Lord’s constant love despite heartbreak and loss. This book will encourage readers to run back to the heart of God and to find hope and joy in his Word.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.
VanDeMark is a writer, speaker and blogger, who loves Jesus, life and the miracle of hope. She is the founder of Grace Engaged, a ministry for High School women and Lyme Caravan Foundation, an organization that provides support for those with Lyme Disease. VanDeMark also owns a handmade company which donates a portion of all its proceeds to charity. VanDeMark holds degrees from Cedarville University and Regent University and a graduate certificate from American University. Before fighting health issues, she worked in Washington, D.C. with two nonprofit organizations and later taught high school history and Bible classes for seven years. VanDeMark loves celebrating the beauty of the ordinary each day as she fights advanced Lyme disease and cancer in addition to other health issues.
It is HERE!! TODAY December Caravan RELEASED!!!! AHHH!!!
Today, I rejoice greatly in all that the Lord has done. Truly it is the Lord that has brought this project to this point and this book release. I have been waiting and praying about this day for many years and specifically months now and I am so delighted to share with y'all that December Caravan is officially HERE.
Thank you for all of your prayers, all of your love, and all of your support of this book. Thank you to my incredible book launch team for ALL of your amazing work in getting this book to this point. You all are incredibly.
Thank you so much again for your support of this project. I am TRULY blessed by each of you!
PS. Yesterday, I shared a short video of a few pictures from that beautiful, messy, hard, difficult, fun, wonderful, awful, fantastic, and most precious year that encompasses the first several chapters of the book and was the foundation for the past several years. The year that I grew up a lot. The year that everything changed. The year that extreme grace was shown. The year that I laughed way more than I cried. The year that I fell more in love with the Lord. You can find the video HERE and you can read more on my blog post from yesterday (where the video is also included) by clicking HERE.
One more thing- some of you have so kindly asked how you can help spread the word about the release of December Caravan. Last week I wrote a post entitled 12 Ways to help Your Friend's Book Release which you can find HERE.
Thank you again for rejoicing with me in this amazing day! You can purchase December Caravan where books are sold, including Amazon by clicking HERE.
Three years ago (almost exactly to the date) I wrote a post sharing the news about a difficult and serious infection that I had developed that landed me in the hospital plus I was finally cleared to share the exciting news that I had signed a book contract with Tate Publishing.
I can still remember signing the contract, feeling so sick, and laughing a bit that after so many years of praying for a season of writing ministry to be opened that this was the timing that the Lord had. It seemed (to me) that a different season- one of perfect health - would be much better. But as I have learned again and again on this journey the Lord's plans and ways are different and better than we could ever have imagined.
Eight years ago on this date (it was a Friday) I was finishing up teacher in-service, preparing my room, getting last minute lesson plans finalized, copying syllabi, and finalizing decorating my classroom. (If you are a former student, then the last one is probably making y'all laugh. You know how I loved my room to be decorated. *smiles* And Jen, you are probably giggling remembering that we were also trying to safety proof the room. *smiles*) I remember pausing somewhere in the morning and looking out the huge wall-to-wall picture windows that my school room had and wondering what the year ahead would bring. I had absolutely no idea how my life would be shattered and how I would spend the year not ministering as much as I thought I would but being ministered to and deeply loved by my school community and the graduating class of 2009. While I think of many of my students often and spend time praying for them, these past few weeks, and especially today I have welled up with tears so many times as I realize the story could have been so very different if I hadn't been the recipient of such extreme love by so many people that year. People that consistently and courageously and compassionately shared God's love in a million practical and gracious ways.
God, in His infinite and amazing kindness continues to weave a story of love around our brokenhearted times. His mercy is never ending and compassion knows no limits. So today I wanted to share a few glimpses of some old pictures ... a look back in pictures from a year that is the foundation of the book... and a time when there might have only been tears was covered with the precious reminder that God was ever-present in the dark.
In looking ahead to the release of December Caravan tomorrow (ahhhh!!) I thought it would be fun to share a short video of a few pictures from that beautiful, messy, hard, difficult, fun, wonderful, awful, fantastic, and most precious year. The year that I grew up a lot. The year that everything changed. The year that extreme grace was shown. The year that I laughed way more than I cried. The year that I fell more in love with the Lord.
To the WCA class of 2009, thank you. Your love, your encouragement, and your selfless care for me will always be remembered with humility. You brought laughter when there would have been tears and a precious reminder that God was ever-present in the dark
and to the WCA community who showed me what community rooted in God’s love and grace looks like… it was a piece of Heaven I will cherish forever.
While there are so many precious moments that I have no pictures of, and so many amazing people who are not shown in this video, I hope that what you see is the joy of being reminded that there is always hope in the dark night of suffering and pain because of an ever-present God. The video has a song that has extreme sentimental value... just one small gesture of love from students whom I am honored to call friends... looking for music that was not a country break up song for their teacher. Unfortunately I played it a thousand times over they year and they probably never listened to it again. *smiles*
P.S. Some of you have so kindly asked how you can help spread the word about the release of December Caravan. Last week I wrote a post entitled 12 Ways to help Your Friend's Book Release which you can find HERE. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
I am so excited to share with y'all new items that have been added to the shop this past week!
Y'all know that one of the shop's main staples is the altered journals that the shop offers and I am so excited to share that there have been lots of adorable new journals added to the shop!
These adorable new journals are so fun and are a wonderful gift for yourself or an affordable way to bless a loved ones birthday or to simply send as a little present to someone!
There are different options of different types of journals and many other new items! 
If you are wanting to check out the shop you can click HERE! Thank you so much for your continued support of my shop!
Happy Saturday sweet friends!
1. Pre-Order their Book or Purchase their Book on the Day it Comes Out.
This might be silly to even suggest but the reality is that many author's closest contacts won't think to purchase the book. This might be because they have heard almost every word and version of the book before it has even gone to print (*smiles*) but the reality is that for whatever reason many close family members and friends won't actually purchase a copy. Take the time to complete this simple step and this will be a huge support to your friend!
Consider pre-ordering the book or at least mark your calendar to purchase the book the day it comes out. Both of these types of things help to generate traffic to the book and help the ranking of a book which in turn helps generate more traffic. Of course - it NEVER hurts to purchase a book at anytime! *smiles* Want to go an extra mile? Purchase a copy for someone outside your family and send it to them!
2. Write a Review
Just purchasing the book and reading it is a wonderful gift to your friend but what would help them even more is if you would take the time to write a review of the book (Amazon, BN.com, and Goodreads)! It can be all the same review- and it doesn't have to be long at all! Most new (and seasoned) authors (even those who are using a traditional publishing house) do not have a huge marketing campaign budget for their books. Due to this they are doing all of the marketing themselves with a little help from their publishing company.
Your words and testimony about their book will speak volumes to many people who aren't familiar with your friends' work! One of the largest pieces of help for me in selling my book, "Praying through Lyme Disease" has been the generous and gracious reviews that I have gotten. I have received several emails from people saying that the whole reason they purchased the book was because of the reviews! So take the time to write a review! I can guarantee that your friend has a goal of at least 20 reviews per book so pass the word to your friends and ask them to write reviews for your friend also! It will only take you a few minutes but will be of lasting help to your friend! A review also helps with ranking so write reviews!!
3. Reserve a copy at the library.
I learned this tip just a little bit ago but it is a great one! If all copies are reserved from a library before the book is released, the system notes the popularity of the title and marks the book as "order more".
4. Request the Book in Local Bookstores
Taking the time to say to a local (or national bookstore branch): "I am looking for __________ and can't find it. Do you have a copy of ______________?" is priceless. If enough people request a title, bookstores note this and there is a good chance they may order a few to have on the shelves! (At home? You can even call your local bookstores to request this and help your friend!)
Is the book already carried by your local bookstore? Still take the time to speak with a bookstore customer service clerk about the book. The hope and goal here is that if several people do this the employee starts to take notice of the title and is more apt to pick it up, read it, recommend it, or even place it creatively in the bookstore.
This might be silly to even suggest but the reality is that many author's closest contacts won't think to purchase the book. This might be because they have heard almost every word and version of the book before it has even gone to print (*smiles*) but the reality is that for whatever reason many close family members and friends won't actually purchase a copy. Take the time to complete this simple step and this will be a huge support to your friend!
Consider pre-ordering the book or at least mark your calendar to purchase the book the day it comes out. Both of these types of things help to generate traffic to the book and help the ranking of a book which in turn helps generate more traffic. Of course - it NEVER hurts to purchase a book at anytime! *smiles* Want to go an extra mile? Purchase a copy for someone outside your family and send it to them!
2. Write a Review
Just purchasing the book and reading it is a wonderful gift to your friend but what would help them even more is if you would take the time to write a review of the book (Amazon, BN.com, and Goodreads)! It can be all the same review- and it doesn't have to be long at all! Most new (and seasoned) authors (even those who are using a traditional publishing house) do not have a huge marketing campaign budget for their books. Due to this they are doing all of the marketing themselves with a little help from their publishing company.
Your words and testimony about their book will speak volumes to many people who aren't familiar with your friends' work! One of the largest pieces of help for me in selling my book, "Praying through Lyme Disease" has been the generous and gracious reviews that I have gotten. I have received several emails from people saying that the whole reason they purchased the book was because of the reviews! So take the time to write a review! I can guarantee that your friend has a goal of at least 20 reviews per book so pass the word to your friends and ask them to write reviews for your friend also! It will only take you a few minutes but will be of lasting help to your friend! A review also helps with ranking so write reviews!!
3. Reserve a copy at the library.
I learned this tip just a little bit ago but it is a great one! If all copies are reserved from a library before the book is released, the system notes the popularity of the title and marks the book as "order more".
4. Request the Book in Local Bookstores
Taking the time to say to a local (or national bookstore branch): "I am looking for __________ and can't find it. Do you have a copy of ______________?" is priceless. If enough people request a title, bookstores note this and there is a good chance they may order a few to have on the shelves! (At home? You can even call your local bookstores to request this and help your friend!)
Is the book already carried by your local bookstore? Still take the time to speak with a bookstore customer service clerk about the book. The hope and goal here is that if several people do this the employee starts to take notice of the title and is more apt to pick it up, read it, recommend it, or even place it creatively in the bookstore.
5. Think Outside the Box and Share Connections
Chances are, you know someone who could use the book that your friend has published even if it doesn't directly relate to you. Purchase the book and send your friend a copy! Think outside the box and think of the people in your life that you know that you could connect your author friend or their book with.
One dear friend just purchased a couple of Praying through Lyme Disease books and told me that she donated it to her community center and her church in honor of Lyme Disease awareness month. I literally had tears. It was the best gift and I felt so honored in this month that is dedicated to my disease.
Chances are, you know someone who could use the book that your friend has published even if it doesn't directly relate to you. Purchase the book and send your friend a copy! Think outside the box and think of the people in your life that you know that you could connect your author friend or their book with.
One dear friend just purchased a couple of Praying through Lyme Disease books and told me that she donated it to her community center and her church in honor of Lyme Disease awareness month. I literally had tears. It was the best gift and I felt so honored in this month that is dedicated to my disease.
6. Share Their Business Card
Most authors, including myself, have a business card that we hope will help us spread the word about our books. If you don't feel comfortable passing on the book to a variety of places perhaps you would feel comfortable with passing out your friends business card? Contact them and ask them for a bunch of business cards that you can have on hand to help spread the word about their projects! Live in a different city, state, or country then your friend? EVEN BETTER!! You will be helping them with marketing even more!!
Most authors, including myself, have a business card that we hope will help us spread the word about our books. If you don't feel comfortable passing on the book to a variety of places perhaps you would feel comfortable with passing out your friends business card? Contact them and ask them for a bunch of business cards that you can have on hand to help spread the word about their projects! Live in a different city, state, or country then your friend? EVEN BETTER!! You will be helping them with marketing even more!!
7. Talk About Their Book on Social Media
Share, share, and share some more about your friends projects on various social media forums. It will be such a blessing to them!! Ask your friend if they have a hashtag for their specific books and use that in your social media comments. Volunteer to "social media love" your friends work! They will be so grateful!
Want to go the extra mile? Take a picture with your friends book! People love seeing friends they know with their own copy of the book.
Share, share, and share some more about your friends projects on various social media forums. It will be such a blessing to them!! Ask your friend if they have a hashtag for their specific books and use that in your social media comments. Volunteer to "social media love" your friends work! They will be so grateful!
Want to go the extra mile? Take a picture with your friends book! People love seeing friends they know with their own copy of the book.
8. Word of Mouth Recommendation and Book Club Recommendation
Talk about your friends book to people you know. Many people purchase books solely based on a friends recommendation and many book clubs decide on books based on what people are talking about. Never doubt the power of your words to help spread the word about a new book. (Using December Caravan or one of my other books in your book club this year? I would be happy to send you some extra goodies for your group. Email me and I will be happy to chat with you in further detail!)
Talk about your friends book to people you know. Many people purchase books solely based on a friends recommendation and many book clubs decide on books based on what people are talking about. Never doubt the power of your words to help spread the word about a new book. (Using December Caravan or one of my other books in your book club this year? I would be happy to send you some extra goodies for your group. Email me and I will be happy to chat with you in further detail!)
9. Invite Your Friend To Share About Their Book (or their story)
Work at a school? Maybe the book doesn't fit into the topic that you teach or the school age kiddos but your friend could share about the writing process or about publishing a book or maybe their personal story or a variety of other things. Work at a Christian School? Is your school looking for a chapel speaker? Consider your friend! Work at an office? Maybe your office is looking for a once a month lunch speaker. Suggest your friend! Work at a Church? Invite your friend to your Bible study to have them share their story or to your church for a ladies luncheon. Work at a bookstore? Have them in for a book signing! Stay at home mom who attends a mom meeting? Ask your friend to come in and share about their book.
Again, the topic might not exactly fit but your friend would love the opportunity to get their name out there and to share a little bit about their book, writing, or their heart.Most authors, including myself, are trying to start a speaking ministry and are trying to book different types of speaking engagements. I know most authors, myself included, would be so grateful for any thoughts or invitations. (And DO NOT let distance deter you. You may be on the other side of the world but I know so many authors, including myself that would love to travel to come and speak. Authors and speakers will travel anywhere to talk.)
Work at a school? Maybe the book doesn't fit into the topic that you teach or the school age kiddos but your friend could share about the writing process or about publishing a book or maybe their personal story or a variety of other things. Work at a Christian School? Is your school looking for a chapel speaker? Consider your friend! Work at an office? Maybe your office is looking for a once a month lunch speaker. Suggest your friend! Work at a Church? Invite your friend to your Bible study to have them share their story or to your church for a ladies luncheon. Work at a bookstore? Have them in for a book signing! Stay at home mom who attends a mom meeting? Ask your friend to come in and share about their book.
Again, the topic might not exactly fit but your friend would love the opportunity to get their name out there and to share a little bit about their book, writing, or their heart.Most authors, including myself, are trying to start a speaking ministry and are trying to book different types of speaking engagements. I know most authors, myself included, would be so grateful for any thoughts or invitations. (And DO NOT let distance deter you. You may be on the other side of the world but I know so many authors, including myself that would love to travel to come and speak. Authors and speakers will travel anywhere to talk.)
10. Share Your Connections for Where They Are Traveling.
Perhaps your friend is traveling for business, pleasure, or personal reasons. Do you have connections in the area that they are traveling? Share their information and the resources with them! I know that I am always looking to connect with people in upstate NY/Vermont and the south (both places where I spend 1/2 of the year) and in San Francisco (where my medical team is at). I have always been so overwhelmed by the generous connections people share whenever I am traveling.
Perhaps your friend is traveling for business, pleasure, or personal reasons. Do you have connections in the area that they are traveling? Share their information and the resources with them! I know that I am always looking to connect with people in upstate NY/Vermont and the south (both places where I spend 1/2 of the year) and in San Francisco (where my medical team is at). I have always been so overwhelmed by the generous connections people share whenever I am traveling.
11. Host a Book Party.
Similar to the various parties that exist (i.e. makeup, jewelry, etc.) consider hosting a "book signing party" and have your friend as the key star. This will encourage people to purchase your friends book, interact with them, and get to know more people! (Don't let distance deter you- you can always host a book party online!)
Similar to the various parties that exist (i.e. makeup, jewelry, etc.) consider hosting a "book signing party" and have your friend as the key star. This will encourage people to purchase your friends book, interact with them, and get to know more people! (Don't let distance deter you- you can always host a book party online!)
So, if you're hosting an online book party or virtual author Q&A, make sure all participants have access to reliable internet providers so the experience runs smoothly. This is especially helpful if your friend is doing a live reading, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, or answering audience questions in real time.
12. Give the Gift of Donating Books to Those Who May Not Have a Chance to Afford it Otherwise.
Want to bless someone with your friends book who may not ever have another chance to read it? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your church library? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your doctor's office (if the book relates to medical information like my Lyme books) or to the local hospital library. Purchase an inspirational book for the homeless shelter. Purchase an encouraging book for your domestic violence center. Think outside the box and it will not only benefit your author friend but have ripple effects in your community.
Want to bless someone with your friends book who may not ever have another chance to read it? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your church library? Maybe you could gift a copy of a book to your doctor's office (if the book relates to medical information like my Lyme books) or to the local hospital library. Purchase an inspirational book for the homeless shelter. Purchase an encouraging book for your domestic violence center. Think outside the box and it will not only benefit your author friend but have ripple effects in your community.
Along with this topic I want to say how grateful I am for y'alls help in the things I mentioned above. As I am dealing with health issues it is not always the easiest for me to make these connections and I so appreciate any and all help. If you ever want to chat about any of the above things I have mentioned please feel free to email me!
Thank you so much for your help with this journey! I appreciate your help and know that all indie authors do!!
Thank you so much for your help with this journey! I appreciate your help and know that all indie authors do!!
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