Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing. Show all posts
Since I started writing on this little space in January 2013 (you can read my very first post HERE which just makes me smile), the world of blogging (or as I affectionately call it), "bloggy world" has changed significantly. At the time in 2013 many blogs that I followed and connected with were writing to share their personal lives with readers... a way to connect outside the world that we each lived in. Everyday stories mixed with tips and ideas about how to live fully abounded and it was a sweet time to join "bloggy world". In the midst of so many amazing bloggers and authors who were pouring their hearts out I felt immediately embraced into the "blogging club" and think back to precious friendships (that have sweetly continued) to this day.
For me personally I started this blog as a way to reach out from beyond my bedridden existence at the time (due to illness) and as a simple way to keep friends, family, and loved ones informed of what was going on with my confusing health story (which ironically was only going to get more complicated in the months to come). When I started writing in January 2013 I did not know that I was dealing with Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease, Skin Cancer, or a myriad of other health issues.
In a twist of irony, I didn't even really write about my health issues on the blog (except for some very general terms) until March 25th, 2013- in very brief details. At the time I did so only because there was a rumor going around that I had Cancer and wasn't sharing my diagnosis out of concern for my former students. At that time I was still a full month away from my diagnosis of Skin Cancer and was not aware of that component of my health journey.
I recently spent some time re-reading back through those first few months of the blog. I remember beyond my words that I was writing the tears behind the scenes, the extreme daily pain that I was in, the intense stomach issues that left me spending any free time away from my bed on the bathroom floor, the lack of support from the medical community, the inability to walk without help, the questions, the confusion, the questions in my faith, the loss of friends and independence, the fear, the unknown, and a desperate yearning to reach out and to grab life despite all of these things.
At the same time there was a beauty to that time period that is impossible to explain unless you have walked through a complete crisis in your life. The complete resoluteness of knowing what you believe, why you believe it, and knowing that despite all circumstantial evidence to the contrary your faith remains in tact. That you can say without hesitancy ... "and if not... he is still good". It is a coming to the end of yourself... the end of what you envision for your life to be and coming to a peace and acceptance of the ways and walls of God.
This has been a road that I never would have asked to walk. Yes, there was and still are deep questions about the future with certain areas of my health and there is a deep sadness after "losing" so many precious years to Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease. I put the word "losing" in parentheses because I have realized that while I used to think that I was losing my thirties (what some have called "the best years of your life") nothing is lost when it is in the hands of our all loving God. I think back to what I wrote in 2013 about learning to be faithful in this new assignment of sickness... and what I have learned is that God has been faithful despite all of my times of unfaithfulness.
The story... I have learned is not about me... but is once again about Him. Some have asked what this looks like for this new season- and how my health is... and right now I am working on writing more about that ... but wanted to share a deep moment of gratitude for your support, your love, and the community that has been built over all of these years here at Caravan Sonnet.
As this blog has changed and morphed into what it is now I remain so grateful for your love and blessing and support along the way. Over the course of these last six years I have grown as a person and a woman. It is not only in the outward areas of writing books, founding Twenty History Lane, and starting two shops (December Caravan and December Lane), but in the deeper aspects of life-by processing in this space through a variety of topics that include life, faith, and love.
I don't think that you can write in a space for six years and it not change you. Being sick and fighting for my life has taught me to go beyond the surface and to understand a persons story - their history and who they are and the journey that has brought them to the place in life where our lives are intersecting.
The same is true for this place on the blog- and how I share the travel aspect -the history and the story behind a place and a building- the stories here are significant too. In many ways it feels like the blog is coming into a new season in a deep full circle way. Some people say this type of blogging has gone away but I see every single day that it is very much alive in beautiful ways.
Along with this has come a new season and change in the blog design (very overdue in some ways I am sure *smiles*). I thought it would be fun to take a look back for a minute...
This picture above was from one of my earliest edition designs (actually it was its third approach at that point)... fun and creative design tabs at the top and creative fonts... bloggy world was just starting to change with these fun additions and I had purchased this design from a friend off of Etsy (she no longer sells designs) and I was so thrilled with it. *smiles* I purchased that design in 2013 and kept that design through 2014 in the summer when I purchased my next design off of Etsy...
This one I really loved and it was a delightful design to grow and change with as the blog started to change. The girl that designed it was so sweet and helpful and although she doesn't do design work anymore I am grateful for her time and help. I kept this design for the next 4 and 1/2 years...
And the design worked well... but moving into this new season with some exciting new changes coming up I knew it was time to make the change... and I am so grateful for Eve's work in designing this beautiful space and helping me to see the vision come to be. If you are looking for a gorgeous and professional design I can't recommend her shop enough. Eve has now designed both Twenty History Lane's website and made the custom changes for Caravan Sonnet. She is professional, extremely generous, and patient beyond words. She helps you create those custom websites that you dream of as an entrepreneur but that you can't necessarily afford. Without sacrificing quality she allows you to build the dream site you are wanting. I can't recommend working with her enough - you can find her shop HERE.
As I move forward friends I just want to say thank you for following along, for joining this community, and for all of your love and support over these last six years. This community has been a huge blessing and built into my life in rich and deep ways. Thank you friends- I can't wait to continue this journey with you!
"Father used to say, you see a man drowning, you must try to save him even if you don't know how to swim."
//Irena Sendler//
Someone recently asked me why I am in a Master's of Holocaust Studies program and why I am writing a series for teens that is set during the Holocaust. My answer is simple...the quote above, resounding in my heart and mind...
so on this day and each day we remember and will never forget, continuing to tell the stories and truth to future generations.
"To forget the Holocaust is to kill twice."
Someone recently asked me why I am in a Master's of Holocaust Studies program and why I am writing a series for teens that is set during the Holocaust. My answer is simple...the quote above, resounding in my heart and mind...
so on this day and each day we remember and will never forget, continuing to tell the stories and truth to future generations.
"To forget the Holocaust is to kill twice."
//Elie Wiesel//
Good morning friends!! I am so excited to share with y'all the final cover design for When Hope Restores (the 2nd edition of "Path of Hope") that will release THIS Thursday- October 4th! This 2nd edition of "Path of Hope" has been expanded and updated (and with a new name!)! I am excited for these changes that keep the original content yet add to the book some exciting extra details.
I am truly so overwhelmed & humbled by the beautiful support & reviews that this book receives. It is hard to believe that there are more than 10,000 copies of this book in print (in both the English and other translations). It truly overwhelms my heart.
Looking for my other Lyme Disease books? You can click on the links below!
I am truly so overwhelmed & humbled by the beautiful support & reviews that this book receives. It is hard to believe that there are more than 10,000 copies of this book in print (in both the English and other translations). It truly overwhelms my heart.
Looking for my other Lyme Disease books? You can click on the links below!
* Praying through Lyme Disease has also been translated into Polish and Spanish. If you would like more information on these resources please feel free to email me at:
rebeccaannvandemark@gmail.com
I am SO incredibly blessed by each of you. Thank you so much for your support of all of my writing & books! I have heard it said that writing can be a lonely journey, but it is the farthest thing I have ever felt due to each of you! I am so incredibly grateful. Thank you for everything! I hope you have a wonderful day!
rebeccaannvandemark@gmail.com
I am SO incredibly blessed by each of you. Thank you so much for your support of all of my writing & books! I have heard it said that writing can be a lonely journey, but it is the farthest thing I have ever felt due to each of you! I am so incredibly grateful. Thank you for everything! I hope you have a wonderful day!
1. Pre-Order their Book or Purchase their Book on the Day it Comes Out... or whenever! *smiles*
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!
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!
Many times authors have chosen to use amazon ads for authors (which is highly effective) and by pre-ordering you help others take note of the book.
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.
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!)
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!!
If you are looking for other posts that I have done on writing and publishing tips you can find them HERE or in the links below:
Updated March 2019: At this time "When the Alphabet Runs Green" book project is on hold. More details will be forthcoming in the months ahead and I appreciate your patience with this change!
In the meantime, thank you so much for all of your continued support of ALL of my writing and books! If you are interested in reading one of my books and leaving an honest review please contact me for a free book!
Rebecca's Lyme Disease Books:
// When Truth Refreshes //
Rebecca's Lyme Disease Books (Other Language Translations):
*Praying through Lyme Disease has also been translated into Polish, French, German, Arabic, along with several other translations. If you would like more information on these resources until they become available for purchase on Amazon, please let me know by emailing me at: caravansonnet@gmail.com. Thank you for your interest!*
National Novel Writing Month and Partnering with the Mighty Pens to Raise Money for the Malala Fund
November 4, 2017
Happy November friends and Happy National Novel Writing Month to so many of my fellow authors and writer friends who are working so hard this month to complete the novel that you have dreamed of writing!
This month I am so excited to share about partnering with a group called the Mighty Pens to help raise money for the Malala Fund! Our goal is to harness the passion of writers during the National Novel Writing Month to raise money for girls' education around the world!
What is the Malala Fund? Well the Malala Fund raises money for girls education around the world. It was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to preserving every girls right to 12 years of "free, safe, quality education". It was named after Malala Yousafzai who in 2012 was shot by a Taliban gunman in the head, neck, and shoulder. Malala had been an advocate for girls' right to education and was shot for her beliefs and because she wanted to learn. In 2014 Malala became the youngest ever Nobel Laureate. She continues to advocate for girls education.
Isn't that amazing? Malala has long been one of my heroes and I am so excited to partner with the Mighty Pens to help raise money for her organization!
So today friends I have something to ask you! You know how many runners will run a sponsored race for charity? I am doing the exact same thing this month- except with words. So instead of asking you to sponsor a mile for a race, I am asking for you to consider sponsoring the words that I write to be sponsored. I am hoping that you would sponsor me as I attempt to write my word count goal of 25000 words in the month of November. And don't worry- it doesn't have to be much! You could sponsor a dollar for every thousand words I write or a dollar for every 10,000 words or a dollar for the whole thing! Really this is up to you!
I am hoping to raise $250 by the end of the month to donate towards this project! Thank you so much for your consideration! You can find my donation page (along with updates that I will be doing) HERE! Thank you again so much for considering to partner with me this month! Off I go to write more words!! *smiles*
"One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world."
-Malala Yousafzai-
September Caravan: Embracing Grace and Mercy when Dreams are Delayed and Life is Different Than You Imagined (Releasing September 1st, 2018)
February 10, 2017
I shared yesterday on social media that the final signatures are finished and that I am so humbled and honored to announced that my upcoming book, September Caravan, will be released on September 1st, 2018. This book is my most personal yet...a collection of personal short stories (from 2012 to 2017), words of encouragement, and sweet inspiration on the concept of embracing grace and mercy when dreams are delayed and life is different than you imagined.
This book picks up where December Caravan left off and shares stories from my life as I learned to embrace the beauty of grace and mercy in the midst of loss of independence, long days in painful hospital testing, days of pain and sickness, deep loneliness, and finding joy despite having dreams delayed and life looking radically different than I could have ever imagined in my early thirties.
Here is a brief description from the back cover of the book:
“My journey started in the harsh winter months of December but really began in the simple changes of seasons in September. My book, December Caravan told the beginning of my story that started with my ex-fiance walking out on our engagement & ended in 2013 after my recent diagnosis of Advanced Late Stage Lyme Disease and Cancer among other illnesses. But the story had just begun, & I like many other people was about to learn the lesson of living where mercy beckons when life is brutal & harsh & learning to embrace grace when dreams are delayed & life is different than you imagined or hoped."
This concept of mercy beckoning will change the way that we live, approach our relationships with God, and the way that we grieve & rejoice. Mercy beckoning encourages us that there is beauty that is found & grace that will meet us in the most difficult of circumstances. In the midst of the broken, the messy, and the painful, God carries us & whispers to the weary spirit, gently reminding us that God’s grace is there when our dreams are delayed & life is different than you hoped or imagined.
Picking up where her well-loved book, December Caravan, left off, Rebecca shares stories from her life & learning to embrace the beauty of grace & mercy in the midst of loss of independence, long days in painful hospital testing, days of pain & sickness, deep loneliness, & finding joy despite having dreams being delayed & life looking radically different than she could have imagined in her early thirties. Rebecca shares the foundation of her hope gently reminding those who are desperately looking for encouragement and sharing the ways that mercy has beckoned to her broken heart these last several years. September Caravan will gently encourage you of the truth of learning to embrace grace when mercy beckons.
It is a funny thing to share your heart with the world through a book... and to be honest I probably would have removed some parts because they are so deeply personal. But I am learning in new ways how being vulnerable, showing the beautiful along with the messy, reflects the heart of Christ in ways that I could never have imagined. As we allow Jesus to step into our broken and messy pieces, He beautifully restores and redeems the things that we wish that we could forget or "erase" from our past. So returning to this time period in my life brings a soft smile to my face... and to my heart. A smile of a knowledge that comes with personally experiencing that the Lord works intricately and personally in the deepest lows and in the glorious highs... all remaining so faithful and so loving. He is so good.
If you would like to keep up with updates specific to this book please follow along at on my Instagram page which you can find HERE!
I am going to be announcing the opportunity to be apart of the book launch team next year and will continue to update and share other ways you can be a part of this special project on the blog and on IG!
Thank you so much for sharing in the joy of this exciting news! I hope you have a wonderful Friday and a wonderful weekend!
I am going to be announcing the opportunity to be apart of the book launch team next year and will continue to update and share other ways you can be a part of this special project on the blog and on IG!
Thank you so much for sharing in the joy of this exciting news! I hope you have a wonderful Friday and a wonderful weekend!
One of my goals for this year has been to place my books (specifically the independently published books) into different libraries around the world, making them easily available for people to read. Growing up, the library for me was a wonderful place to go. And let me be honest, I still adore libraries as y'all know. *smiles*
As an independent author it can be incredibly difficult to get your book into libraries for a number of reasons. As an independent author you can gain some access to libraries by making books available through major library distributors, but unfortunately this doesn't guarantee that your books will be purchased. As an independent author you have to work twice as hard to prove that you have a quality product that will fit into the collection of a library. You want to make sure that your independently published book looks professional and is well-written to be considered successful not only in self-publishing world, but in main-stream book circles.
Many indie authors assume that libraries will jump at the chance to receive a donation to their library, but this is unfortunately not the case. Libraries, like bookstores, are a business in many ways and they will want to stock the precious space that they have with books that their patrons will want to check out of the library. Just like a bookstore, libraries do not want books collecting dust on bookshelves. Indie authors will have to work extra hard to establish why their book deserves a place on the shelf, as there is a long-standing practice of many independent authors offering to donate all of their self-published books.
So how does an independent author get their books into libraries? Like with everything else with self-publishing and marketing it takes lots and lots and lots of work. If you are in this stage and continue to press forward and don't give up! Continue to work hard! I will be sharing in the next couple of weeks some tips on how to get your independently published book into libraries but today I am excited to share with y'all two libraries that put Praying through Lyme Disease into circulation in January.
I shared with my IG community that I was so honored and humbled when the Lake Placid Public Library accepted Praying through Lyme Disease. Y'all know how much I love Lake Placid in general and it was such a treat to travel there and meet the wonderful people who work at the library. The views from the 3-story library are gorgeous as they overlook Mirror Lake and the atmosphere was a sweet community atmosphere. And y'all, seriously, how adorable is this library???
I was also so humbled and honored when the Chazy Public Library put Praying through Lyme Disease in their circulation. It was such a gift to travel there and meet the wonderful Francie who runs this sweet library. When I went last Saturday I immediately felt that I had stepped back into my childhood. There were people enjoying browsing through the shelves, a father reading a book to his young daughter, and a sewing class taking place. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming. And y'all, seriously, how beautiful is the stone on this building that was built in 1807???
A huge thank you to both of these libraries who put Praying through Lyme Disease in circulation in January! I can't wait to share more library news with y'all in the coming months. If you know of a library that would be interested in one of my books will you please contact me and let me know? I am also very interested in getting my books into church, school, hospital, and university libraries so any tips, suggestions, or leads would be so appreciated!
Happy Friday friends! I hope that you had a wonderful week and that you have a wonderful weekend!
"From Hope Valley" devotional will now be released on February 10th! I can't wait to share more updates with y'all and also exciting news about the book in the coming weeks! If you would like more updates please come over and say hello at "From Hope Valley" IG feed! You can find it HERE! I would love to connect with you there!
We're thrilled to announce you can now sign up to be a part of the "From Hope Valley" book launch team!
Happy New Year friends!!
25 Women will be selected from the applications to join the launch team on January 7th and the members will be notified via email by January 7th! This application timeframe is QUICK so apply today!
25 Women will be selected from the applications to join the launch team on January 7th and the members will be notified via email by January 7th! This application timeframe is QUICK so apply today!
Launch team members will receive exclusive access to a pre-release digital copy of "From Hope Valley" and will be invited to join our private facebook group.
*someone who enjoys reading books on faith
* someone that LOVES books
*someone that LOVES the TV series "When Calls the Heart"
* someone that LOVES books
*someone that LOVES the TV series "When Calls the Heart"
*someone that loves the internet and isn't afraid of social media
*someone who who is will to post about the book's release on their social media sites (and blog if applicable) and write a review on Amazon AND Goodreads
*Are you excited to read "From Hope Valley" and tell your friends about it?
*Do you like the TV Series "When Calls the Heart"?
*Are you fairly savy at Social Media?
*Do you have an active blog? Are you active on any social Media Account? Do you have another legit place of influence (Christian Ministry Director, Newsletter Editor, Group Leader, Site Manager, Youth Leader, Women's Ministry director, Sunday School teacher, Christian School Teacher, Teacher, etc.?)
IF YES to any of these questions than we would love for you to apply!!! (You can click HERE to do so!)
*your age (this is a book for women 16-100+)
*Your location- we are happy to send a digital copy of the book to anywhere in the world
*Your social media numbers
*Whether you are new to watching the show or have been watching it since it began
*Whether you are new to watching the show or have been watching it since it began
We are asking you to do FOUR things:
1. Read a portion or the entire early copy of the book.
2. Engage with your friends and followers online by posting about the book before, during, and after launch week (you will be provided with complimentary images, ideas, etc. on how to do this) (Launch Week is the week of February 1, 2017)
3. In your place of influence we require that you write a blog post, facebook post, social media post, etc. about the book. You will be provided with lots of pics, links, and goodies for this!
4. Post a review on Amazon AND on Goodreads during Launch Week (Launch Week is the week of February 1, 2017)
You will receive a free digital copy of the book that will provide you with a first look at the book and access to a private facebook group that will keep you updated on the activity and latest news around the book. This gives you an opportunity to get an inside look at marketing a book and being apart of the movement surrounding the book. There will also be some exciting opportunities and special surprises for the launch team to win free goodies!!
AND I will be forever grateful!!
AND I will be forever grateful!!
We have made joining and applying for the "From Hope Valley" book launch team SO simple. Simply fill out the application HERE!! (HURRY!!) Don't forget, if chosen you will receive an email on January 7th and be invited to join the facebook group on that day also!
Good Morning friends! I hope that y'all are having a wonderful day! This post today is for all of y'all who have taken the leap and completed one of the most difficult things- writing a book and self-publishing it. It takes an incredible amount of time, energy, and passion to accomplish this goal. I well understand the amount of yourself and your heart that you pour into this and once it is completed your job is only just beginning as you work to market your book!
I love supporting those who have worked hard on their dream so I created a "self-published books group board" on Pinterest where you can share all about your book! I would love to have you join! If you have self-published a book or an e-book please go HERE to find out how you can easily share about your book on Pinterest to gain more attention and freely spread the word about your book! I look forward to connecting with y'all more in this setting!
P.S.- Looking for tips on how to successfully self-publish your book? Join the Caravan Sonnet Insider email subscription (on the left!) to receive a FREE PDF of "10 Tips for Successfully Self-Publishing Your Book" (along with other fun surprises!)
AND
Stay tuned because in the next couple of weeks I am sharing about classes I will be offering this coming year, INCLUDING classes on marketing tips for self-published authors and many other exciting classes!
"I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head;
'There is no peace on earth,' I said,
For hate is strong and mocks the song
of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep;
God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
I am so touched and humbled to be sharing more of my heart over at Mundane Faithfulness on the topic of the famous Christmas Hymn, "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" and my prayers and hopes for these final days of preparation for Christmas. You can find the guest post HERE and I would love to know your thoughts on it.
Happy Tuesday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
Happy Tuesday friends! I hope that you have a wonderful day!
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