Steps to a Writer's Marketing Plan

Angie: Please welcome Chip MacGregor, my guest today :-) I've asked him to share how to help writers reach their goals and dreams in publication...

Chip MacGregor:
I had a chance to sit down with a marketing specialist the recent ACFW conference. This wasn't just a publicist who knows a bit about the industry, but a marketing consultant who works with some top companies (Apple, Disney, HP, etc) to design their marketing plans. His name is Jim, and he's got a proven track record of success. I told him, "I have the privilege of working with some great authors, who create wonderful books, but it often feels like the publishers seem to do the least they can when it comes to marketing a book." Then I went on to explain the frustrations for an author trying to create a marketing plan when he or she is not actually trained in doing marketing.

Jim's response: "I think every entrepreneurial writer can learn to do more effective marketing." While he admitted that some will come to it more naturally than others, he also noted that there were certain steps everyone should think through in order to create a full-blown marketing plan. When I asked him what those steps would be, here's what he said (and he gave me permission to share this with you)...

STEP ONE: Do a business review of your writing and career.

Jim suggested each author write down the strengths and weaknesses of their work, think through their audience, and make a careful analysis of what your marketing capabilities are. (It's probably realistic to think you can create a blog...it's probably not realistic to think you're going to be buying full-page ads in USA Today.)

But this part was helpful, because he said the author should also do an analysis of the publisher --
What do they do well?
What do they do poorly?
What do you want to let them do?
What do you need to take away and have someone else do?
What are their covers like?
How good is their pricing?
How good is their distribution?
Is the sales force on board with your books?
What are the trends in the industry -- toward your work or away from it?

Jim feels we need to do a complete competitive review, in order to recognize how our books are going to do in today's market, with today's competition. And he said the most important part of this is a clear understanding of our own marketing capacities.
What do you like to do in marketing?
What do you do well?
What seems to work for you?
What is unique?
How many people are on your database?
How many names and emails and addresses have you captured?
How many people visit your site?
How are you in contact with your readers?
"It does not good for an author to say she wants to connect with 100,000 people," Jim told me, "if she only has 200 names in her database."

STEP TWO: List your roadblocks and your resources.
In other words, what are the problems you're facing, and what are the opportunities you have? Write them down, so you can identify them. It does an author no good to say there are "a million opportunities" if, in fact, you can't identify what those opportunities actually are.
Is the roadblock a lack of money?
A lack of names?
A lack of exposure?
A lack of time?
A lack of media?
A lack of originality?
Too much competition?

Jim explained to me that a good business review will make clear what the roadblocks are. He also noted that an even-handed review of your resources will help you form the basis of your marketing plan.

STEP THREE: Set a sales goal.
You may laugh at this, but it's a reasonable to think that an author can set a sales goal. It certainly would help you determine things like your budget and your time investment if you knew you were going to sell a certain number of copies. So this will mean talking to your editor (or having me talk to the editor) in order to see what the publisher's sales goal is for your book. This step, in Jim's words, is "critical -- it sets the tone for the entire marketing campaign."

STEP FOUR: Clarify your target markets and marketing objectives.
In other words, determine who you're going to sell your book to, where and when you'll contact them, and how you'll reach them. Then clearly state what behaviors you want from the target markets. The big picture here is that you'll be setting up quantifiable goals -- which activities will sell books, and how many they'll sell. (And at this point, I'll admit that I have never done this. I don't know that this was a new thought for me, but it would certainly be a scary step for me to take.)

STEP FIVE: Plan your overall strategies.
After you've defined your target markets and established your objectives, you begin to think about positioning -- "creating the desired perception of your book with the target markets relative to the competition." Jim stressed that this step cannot be skipped -- it provides overall direction for the specific strategies. (And he had a LOT more to say about marketing strategies...but I'll wait for another newsletter to share all of that.)

STEP SIX: Set your communication goals.
At this point an author writes down what he or she wants the target market awareness and attitude to be. It gives you a way to provide direction for each marketing tool.

STEP SEVEN: Develop tactical marketing tools.
This is where you think about branding, packaging, pricing, events, media, promotion, advertising, and publicity vehicles. Most of us START here -- but the marketing guru says this comes near the END of the planning process.

STEP EIGHT: Set a budget, a calendar, and an analysis.
Determine an amount of money you're going to invest in your book, then an amount of time you're going to invest. In other words, don't just rely on the publisher for this. Then do an analysis -- ask yourself if you go through with the plan, do you stand a good chance of earning that money back?

STEP NINE: Work the plan.
Now that you've done all the basic planning, you get to do the work. This is where you start working through all those steps you set up in your plan.

STEP TEN: Evaluate.
Once you've worked through it all, go back and do an evaluation.
What worked?
What didn't?
What can you take and repeat on your next book?
Ask questions and write down some clear answers. Be honest with yourself about the results.

There you have it -- an expert's thoughts on how to create a marketing plan for your book. So we’re trying to help maximize this information by hosting a “Fiction Marketing Seminar.” This will be a two-day event, taking place in Dallas (Nov 20-21) and Indianapolis (Dec 4-5). It’s just for novelists, especially for those with a novel coming out in the next year or so.

For more information, go to our website: www.themasterseminars.com .
Would love to have you join us.

Chip MacGregor
MacGregor Literary

The Familiar Stranger by Christina Berry

An ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) friend of mine has a new book out. I met Christina a few years ago and have always been impressed with her relationship to her mom and her beautiful spirit. When I heard she had this book out, I asked if I could post it to let people know because I am so proud of Christina's push to achieve her dream of being a published writer. Additionally, she took a chance that many writers won't. She entered the Genesis contest with ACFW. It's a contest intended to help writers grow and get their work in front of editors and agents. Scary to let a book go when it is so personal. But Christina did it and won 2nd place in the 2008 contest. It goes to show that great writing is rewarded by being published. Be like Christina and take a chance on your dreams.
Angie

Christina Berry's new book, The Familiar Stranger...

The Familiar Stranger (Moody Publishers, 2009)
Craig Littleton's decision to end his marriage would shock his wife, Denise . . . if she knew what he was up to. When an accident lands Craig in the ICU, with fuzzy memories of his own life and plans, Denise rushes to his side, ready to care for him.

They embark on a quest to help Craig remember who he is and, in the process, discover dark secrets. An affair? An emptied bank account? A hidden identity? An illegitimate child?

But what will she do when she realizes he's not the man she thought he was? Is this trauma a blessing in disguise, a chance for a fresh start? Or will his secrets destroy the life they built together?


What People Are Saying about The Familiar Stranger
2nd Place Winner of the 2008 ACFW Genesis (Contemporary Category)

The Familiar Stranger is a great ride. From the opening page to the very last I had to know more. Christina Berry’s original voice and her ability to raise uncertainty drive the reader forward to a surprising ending. A wonderful first book!
~Bonnie Leon, author of the Sydney Cove series

Christina Berry is a woman who really understands how men think. The Familiar Stranger had me from the very first sentence, and it kept me flipping pages right through to the end. It’s a terrific debut novel and I’ll be watching eagerly for her next one.
~Randy Ingermanson, Christy award-winning author of Oxygen

The Familiar Stranger crackles with energy and intrigue. The characters gripped me; the situation haunted me. I didn’t want to put it down.
~Jill Elizabeth Nelson, author of the To Catch a Thief series

Christina Berry writes with language that stimulates the senses while challenging our thoughts. She ties mystery with inspiration giving us good stories well told.
~Jane Kirkpatrick, author of All Together in One Place, A Clearing in the Wild, and A Name of Her Own

Christina Berry’s stories are wonderfully told, rich in detail, exact in dialogue, and exciting from the moment you begin reading!
~Eva Marie Everson, author of The Potluck Club series

As readers discover Christina’s writing and realize how friendly and approachable she is, they won’t be disappointed.
~Donna Fleisher, author of the Homeland Heroes series

A real page-turner with several unexpected twists and turns. A great debut novel by Christina Berry! I look forward to more from her!
~Author Deborah Raney, 4 1/2 stars on cbd.com

An interview with the author of Rain Dance, Joy DeKok

Angie: Oh my goodness, I am thrilled to present this interview between me (Angie) and Joy DeKok, author of Rain Dance. She is definitely a Courageous Beauty! Remember I'll be doing a month long interview series starting Nov. 1st with women who are Courageous Beauties, not because of their title, but because of the contribution to society and some amazing stories of overcoming obstacles to gain confidence. Joy shares her struggle with a devastating issue and how to shines in the victory of infertility. Please enjoy!



Angie: Where did you get the idea to tackle both infertility and abortion in the same book?
http://www.raindancebook.com

Joy: The idea came to me in a rush while cleaning house - complete with both characters and circumstances intact. It was like the old song - love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage - this novel would be imcomplete without them both.

Angie: How do you feel women's friendships affect women's mental health?

Joy: Girlfriends are essential to our mental health. My most trusted friends know me inside out and love me anyway. We don't have to agree and in fact have found our differences strengthen our relationships. They also keep me honest - they know when I'm faking it and call me on it - gently. You know how it is - you meet for coffee or lunch and everyone asks, "How are you?" In that slightly higher voice you say, "Great. How are you?" The women at the table who know me best, raise their eyebrows and I know we're going to get to the heart of my issue very soon. I love that about them!

Angie: Who do you admire career-wise? and why?

Joy: My publisher, Joan Shoup. She is taking brave risks to publish books she believes in with all her heart. Every step she takes is one of faith and based on integrity. She's also smart and funny.

Angie: Why do you feel women are driven to make choices like a child or a career?

Joy: Sadly, when the focus is that success equals things and that it must come early in life, women who are driven to succed feel they must choose. Whatever doesn't fit the plan, has to go. I wonder how it might be if we taught the women in our circles of influence they can design their own blueprint for their lives - define success their way - if they'd make different choices. Society says this is what they're telling them, but it's not. If you want to be a lawyer, doctor, news anchor, or even a writer, you're told this is the mold - fit into it or you lose.

The truth is, there are a lot of women out there throwing out the old mold and finding ways to be mothers and impact the world in their chosen careers as well. These are not Enjoli women - these are women who have combined their passions and define success not only by a paycheck, but by a level of personal satisfaction that meets their personal standards and often includes unplanned motherhood.

Angie: Why do women experience depression after abortion?

Joy: I'm not an expert, however I can tell you what friends have told me. Deep in their hearts they knew they were ending far more than a "problem" and were removing more than a blob of tissue. This knowledge and the actual procedure, plus hormonal changes, has a natural result: depression. Here the combination of the mental, physical, emotional, and for some spiritual crisis leads the whole woman into a deep-seated depresson. Some also suggest the fact they are encouraged not to grieve their decision contribute to their depression.

Angie: What are the symptoms of Post Abortion Syndrome?
It's very similar to Post Tramatic Stress Syndrome. Sydna Moss explains it in detail here. http://postabortionsyndrome.org/, Please see Synda's website.

Angie: Where can a woman go if she is experiencing depression due to Post Abortive Syndrome?

Joy: An excellent resource for women is Healing Hearts International. This organization has women all over the world ready to counsel other post-abortive women. http://www.healinghearts.org/index.php

Sydna Moss has an excellent book on the topic - Her Choice to Heal is published by Cook and available online for $9.99. That's a start.

Some local crisis pregnancy centers also provide support for these precious women - however it's difficult for them to go "public" so the above resources might be the best place to start.

Angie: Where can a woman go who is experiencing depression due to infertility?

Joy: There is an online magazine called Stepping Stones that is one option. http://www.bethany.org/step

Jennifer Saake also wrote a wonderful book on the topic: http://www.hannahshopebook.com/

The truth is, pastors and counselors need to read these books and they need to talk to people like me - old enough to have healed from most of the hurts although I confess, the sting of being no one's grandma hit home recently and I realized as with all of life's "chronic" conditions, this is one of the hurts that keeps on giving. If there's a woman (say in her 40s or 50s) you know who has experienced infertility, ask her is she is willing to talk to younger women about their journey. Or, they can email me at joydekok@pitel.net. I encourage professional counseling, but also contact with someone who has walked the path.

Angie: What are some good responses when people are inconsiderate about infertility issues?

Joy: It took me a long to have the courage to say the following things. . .
For example when told I wasn't given children because God knew I'd be a bad mother, I learned to say, "Do you really believe that?" They would say, "Well, yes, don't you?" This was my opportunity to ask gently if they knew any woman who was sinless and still conceived. I kept my voice gentle and quiet - no sarcasam - I knew the answer and when asked - so did they. While I wish I could say it always ended pleasantly - it didn't. But, most of the time, an apology was given to me and accepted with a hug.

When asked if I have a family, I'm quick to introduce my husband to them if he's there. If not, I say, "I am the wife of Jon and auntie to dozens." Some pursue and want to know about my children. Because they asked, I answer, "I was unable to have children, but have the great joy of delighting in our nieces, nephews, and the children of our friends."

Then, I'm quick to ask about them because they are suddenly uncomfortable. When I can switch the conversation back to them, we're good. Later, after they've digested my life circumstance, we can talk about it more.

Angie: What are common mistakes people make/say to women experiencing infertility?

Joy: "Practice makes perfect." Not always and this cliched answer is a regular for couples desiring children. If someone is brave enough to admit they want children and have not been successful, this answer as well as Bible verses, don't help and in fact damage the hearts so willing to trust you with their secret. A better response is, "How can I pray for you?" or "If you ever just want to talk, please call me."

Then, just let them talk. They don't want you to fix them or their situtation - they just need to talk. By listening and nodding you validate them. Generally, we've also heard all the Bible verses about this and we don't need to hear them taken out of context again. Just listen - with your whole heart.

Be gracious if as you share labor and delivery stories we leave the room and join the guys. We understand the importance of you sharing these "war" stories, however, we will always be bystanders in these often long conversations.

Don't assume adoption is God's call for every couple. Know that the couples in your life may have attemtped adoption and have experienced the implosion of a mother who at the last moment changes her mind. We are afraid to tell these things, because if we do, and things go the other way, we're in for a barrage of more advice we simply don't need. We may also not adopt in direct obedience to God. We are intune to His calling on our lives - we know what He wants for us and we are doing our best to obey.

Angie: Could you offer some advice to people who may not understand how to offer compassion to a woman who is infertile?

Joy; Most people have the opposite problem - they are able to have children and worry about unplanned conceptions. Infertility for some reason, scares people. It can also make them uncomfortable when they do become pregnant - they often feel guilty for being so blessed. Please try to understand - we don't want you to not be pregnant because we aren't. We celebrate your pregnancy even as it stings our hearts. We don't want your child - to be honest, until we decide on adoption we only want our own.

Infertile couples are in an extremely tender place. I beg anyone who knows someone in this situation, your acceptance is so needed. Your TLC may bring tears - they are grieving the death of a dream they were sure was vital to their lives. These dreams die hard. Let us hold your babies, but don't expect us to be nursery workers.

Trust us to pray for your children and even be friends with your children - we are not competitors for their hearts - we support you and respect you. When you have lunch with us, we want to hear about your children, but we also want to know how you are as women . . . how are you and Jesus doing? You and your man? We enjoy children and their impact in our lives - let us talk about them now and then. My friends listen to my current Grace and Connor stories - it's their way of including me in their journey as mothers and grandmothers - I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this!

You might notice in my responses, I'm protective of both post-abortive women and women who cannot have children of their own. In my 20's walking this path alone, I was devestated. In my 50's I'm determined to love and nuture these women - sort of be their unofficial "auntie" the way Corrie Ten Boom was to the world at large.

I've only hinted at this in other interivews, but this morning while cleaning house, I sensed God calling me to put aside the novel I've been working on and begin part two of Jonica and Stacie's story - their journey into mid-life. It's called Sun Dance. Like Rain Dance, the girls are talking and this part of the journey is ready to be written. It is time. I will begin very soon.

Angie: I am delighted to have had the opportunity to interview Joy today. If you'd like a copy of her book, Rain Dance, please visit here.

http://www.raindancebook.com

Author Bio: Joy and her husband Jon live on 35 acres of woods and fields. They enjoy exploring their land either on foot or riding their John Deere Gator. Joy is the author of five published books, speaks nationally, and is an author coach. (www.gettingitwrite.net) A few of Joy's favorite things include: dinners out and long talks with her husband, snuggling with their dogs, Sophie & Tucker, reading all kinds of books, lunch with friends, and hot coffee.

The Fence My Father Built by Linda S. Clare

Angie's Take: Muri is every modern woman these days. I identified with her struggle, desire to understand her family, and provide for her children. I've driven through the area of the country the story is set in so I could visualize the setting. Loved that! Muri is a broken vessel who learns to live the life God gifts her. In the story, her father has already passed from liver disease caused by alcohol. I lost a dear friend a few years ago to the same thing. We'd grown up together and his mother took me in when my mother was in the hospital for 2 1/2 months. This book treats the addicted human being that God loves with love. Rare, and an important step of forgiveness so hard for those not addicted to embrace. I loved the interesting characters and their descriptions. Beautiful book!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Fence My Father Built
Abingdon Press (October 2009)
by
Linda S. Clare


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Linda S. Clare is an award-winning coauthor of three books, including Lost Boys and the Moms Who Love Them (with Melody Carlson and Heather Kopp), Revealed: Spiritual Reality in a Makeover World, and Making Peace with a Dangerous God (with Kristen Johnson Ingram). She has also published many essays, stories, and poems in publications including The Christian Reader, The Denver Post, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Linda grew up in a part of Arizona, where the dirt is as red as it is in Central Oregon. She graduated summa cum laude in Art Education from Arizona State University and taught in public and private schools. She has taught college-level creative writing classes for seven years, and edits and mentors writers. She also is a frequent writing conference presenter and church retreat leader. She and her husband of thirty-one years have four grown children, including a set of twins. They live in Eugene, Oregon, with their five wayward cats: Oliver, Xena the Warrior Kitty, Paladine, Melchior, and Mamma Mia!

ABOUT THE BOOK

When legally separated Muri Pond, a librarian, hauls her kids, teenager Nova and eleven year-old Truman, out to the tiny town of Murkee, Oregon, where her father, Joe Pond lived and died, she's confronted by a neighbor's harassment over water rights and Joe's legacy: a fence made from old oven doors.

The fence and accompanying house trailer horrify rebellious Nova, who runs away to the drug-infested streets of Seattle. Muri searches for her daughter and for something to believe in, all the while trying to save her inheritance from the conniving neighbor who calls her dad Chief Joseph.

Along with Joe's sister, Aunt Lutie, and the Red Rock Tabernacle Ladies, Muri must rediscover the faith her alcoholic dad never abandoned in order to reclaim her own spiritual path.

Watch the trailer:




If you would like to read the first chapter of The Fence My Father Built , go HERE

Pearl Girls: Encountering grit, experiencing grace

Angie: Stories you need to read told by women whose writing uplifts and inspires you. Each one a few minutes to enrich a moment, a day, and open doors to healing and growth. I love this book because it layers significance into the pages and beyond into the real world through the 100% of the royalties going to support women's safety and building a well in Uganda. Significant because personal growth = powerful living! When we lead lives that use our brokenness to help others, we are living out God's grace and purpose. It's in that grace and purpose that we are most fulfilled. Please buy this book, enjoy the true stories from women you'll admire, and be a part of a significant cause to better the lives of women and children.

Get your copy here.

Pearl Girls from Michael J Garvey on Vimeo

Connecting Hearts and Souls to Impact the World.

100% of the royalties go directly to two charities:
WINGS (women in need growing stronger). The proceeds will help fund a Safe House in the Chicago suburbs. It costs $50 a night to provide safe shelter for a woman and her children. During this economy, WINGS is receiving even more phone calls for a safe place to stay. Already, the Pearl Girls have provided 60 nights with the advance royalties. www.wingsprogram.com

Hands of Hope. The proceeds will help build wells in Uganda for school children. Can you imagine a child at school without a water fountain in the hallway where he or she can grab a quick sip of water in between classes on a hot day? These children have to drink from puddles and other water sources which carry diseases and parasites. It costs $12,000 to build a well in Uganda. Already, the Pearl Girls have provided funds to build ¼ of a well. www.handsofhopeonline.org

A note from Margaret McSweeney:
Inspired by the many women who opened their lives and shared their stories in Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace, we have created sister site, Post-a-Pearl. A place to continue the connection and encouragement the book began. I hope you will take the opportunity to connect through the Post-a-Pearl site. Please post your own Pearl story and reach out to share your own story with others. Collaborating is an important purpose of Pearl Girls. We connect to make a difference in the world.

Amethyst-The self care reminder

I took most of today off. For those that know me, I probably blew off a few socks, lol.

I've worked way too many days straight including editing in the car on our 8 hour drive to, and again from, Seattle for business meetings.

I shut down my computer about 1 a.m. --2 hours outside of Missoula-- and didn't open it up again until almost 9 p.m. tonight.

Yes, there is work waiting. Editing, a few articles due, business discussions on email. But mental and emotional exhaustion took their toll. It was time for a break.

I felt a bit guilty. Then I remembered writing the chapter on self-care in Battle Your Pirates and Win! Here I was teaching people to take care of themselves and I hadn't been doing it!

So I stopped feeling guilty and decided to be honest. I needed a break. In fact, I'm only on for a short time tonight because I'm going to do the unheard of...go to bed early!

I hear you gasping, lol. Wait until you hear that I'm staying off the computer most of the day tomorrow too!

Double gasp :-D

I'll be back on late tomorrow night, but I'm going to take that much needed rest away from the computer screen, writing, and all the other computer activities long enough to rest my brain.

What have you done to care for your sense of well-being lately?

Angie
The pendant above is one of the pieces that helps support the Sanctuary of Hope Homes-a Hope's Promise Orphan Ministry to Kenyan orphans from the Mathare Slum. You can learn more about this amethyst pendant at www.MyGemofWisdom.com

Dealing With Fear

I'm sharing with you today a gem of wisdom- the snowflake obsidian. I use it in lesson 4 of my online class, Battle Your Pirates and Win! to help people take an abstract concept to the concrete.

Did you know God uses gemstones in both the old and new testaments to help us remember special events, who or what to pray for, and as memory anchors? Yes-he uses rocks to anchor what he wants us to remember! I found this out while studying in the scriptures to answer some of my own questions. The altars, Aaron's breastpiece, the foundations of heaven, boundary lines, and special memorials are a few of the ways God uses his creativity with gemstones and ordinary rocks.

If a rock signifies courage, it has to be the snowflake obsidian.

Short excerpt from Battle Your Pirates and Win!
Snowflakes bursting against a night sky—the perfect description the snowflake obsidian’s white splash on gray rock. Sometimes the flakes overlap and create patches of snow. It’s a natural glass sculpture that looks like an artist intended to create one-of-a-kind abstract pieces. Obsidian comes from deep within the volcano to the top crust. As it cools more quickly, the composition is finer than the water filled and slower deep cooling magma that becomes granite. One thing to fear about any obsidian is the sharpness, particularly for the unaware. It can cut skin easily. The danger is real.

Ponder Point: Psalm 32:8 (NLT)
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

So what are we afraid of if the Lord is guiding us along the best path?

Read the scripture out loud and then follow with this:
This obsidian represents courage as it bursts forth from deep within me. I will use the sharp edges of my fear to sculpt this unique gem of wisdom.


Angie
The photo here is of the snowflake obsidian pendant available at www.MyGemofWisdom.com and this line of jewelry helps support 2 orphan homes in Kenya. More information available on MyGemofWisdom.com

Question for blog followers and readers

Today I would like to know if there are people who are having a hard time opening or loading this blog. I've heard that from time to time. It's happening to my aunt. So I wanted to check in and see if any of you have also had difficulty.

If you have, please try to leave a comment with any info you might understand. I wonder if it is a type of computer or a type of internet connection. And if either, what they might have in common so I can either correct on my end or help people who need something corrected on their end.

If not, let me know too please. This will help me understand if it is a large scale or small scale problem.

If you cannot leave a comment, please email me at angela (at) my gem of wisdom (dot) com so I can be up on what's happening and get a webmaster in to help me if needed. The email address is separated on purpose to stop spam attacks.

Thank you so much for taking a moment out of your busy days to help me out. I want to provide the best and most comfortable experience on this blog :-)
Angie

Thou Shalt Not Covet Guest Post by L. Diane Wolfe

Thou Shalt Not Covet

God provided the Ten Commandments as boundaries for our life. We are safe and in God’s grace when we remain within those perimeters. However, what happens when we knowingly break one of those Commandments? What happens to our life when we break the tenth and final rule?

My latest book, The Circle of Friends, Book IV…Mike, presents such a scenario.

When the story begins, Mike is in his final semester at Georgia Tech and living off campus with two friends, Matt and Sarah. Matt is a fellow teammate and his best friend, and Mike adores his roommate’s wife, Sarah. However, his feelings for Matt’s wife go beyond friendship. Before the couple married, Mike realized he loved Sarah. He has been forthcoming and honest with Matt, who trusts that Mike will never act upon his feelings, but his desire remains.

Mike is fighting many battles. Guilt from a past situation has caused him to act cautious with girlfriends. As his love for Sarah grows, he also finds himself struggling with physical frustrations. Fearful he will act upon those lustful impulses, Mike withdraws completely from other women. This in turn causes him to fixate on Sarah even more. The cycle of guilt becomes endless for Mike and he feels trapped.

The real source of Mike’s misery can be found in his desire for Sarah. He wants what he cannot obtain. He has broken the tenth Commandment and covets his friend’s wife. “You must not be envious of your neighbor’s house, or want to sleep with his wife…” Exodus 20:17. Mike values his Christian beliefs and understands his desire is wrong. This knowledge does not stop his feelings, though, and he is consumed with guilt.

God does not want us filled with guilt or envy. Those feelings inhibit our growth. We are unable to move forward in our Christian walk when such things devour our hearts. Guilt and envy prevent us from connecting with God and His people. We are literally cut off from the body of Christ.

How do we escape such a self-created prison?

First, we must recognize that we have a problem with sin. Then we must act by asking God to forgive us and seek His assistance to remove those feelings from our heart. Once we have truly surrendered to His will, God will show us other opportunities in our life. He will reveal something greater than what we coveted.

Lest you are still worrying about Mike and his dilemma… He eventually asks God to free him from his lustful desires, and God reveals the path He intended for Mike to take. And what he originally desired pales in comparison.

But that is a whole different chapter!


L. Diane Wolfe, professional speaker & author
www.thecircleoffriends.net
www.spunkonastick.net



THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS
BOOK IV … MIKE
BY L. DIANE WOLFE

A prisoner of guilt for so long…

Mike Taylor is the epitome of stability. His family is proud of his academic and athletic achievements at Georgia Tech, and despite the temptations of college life, he has maintained his moral standards.

Yet beneath the peaceful surface, Mike is consumed with guilt, fearing condemnation and rejection. A former girlfriend’s abortion and the intense love he feels for his roommate’s wife constantly remind Mike of his failures. Unable to forget and full of shame, he refuses to forgive himself.

When Danielle enters his life, he realizes he can no longer hide the past. Will she be able to reach him or is Mike past the point of redemption?

Release date: October 6, 2009
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 300 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-4-3 / 0-9816210-4-X
Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. www.dancinglemurpress.com


“Book IV…Mike is such a powerful, engrossing, incredible, beautiful novel. But it still manages to be light hearted, funny and heart felt. There is real emotion and real people in these pages…”
- The Book Pedler

“Book IV will grab you where you live, and will not leave you disappointed.”
-Michael Douglas

“MIKE is an engaging story of friendship, love and overcoming guilt caused by past mistakes. A well-written work, Ms. Wolfe has a storytelling style that captivates.”
- Susan Eileen Walker, author of ‘The Secret of the Dance’

“I highly recommend your books to both young and old-'er'. It's inspiring how these young adults support one another, but that's what friendship is about at any age!”
- Darlene Wofford, author of ‘Edgewise’

Author Bio: Described as “encouragement personified”, L. Diane Wolfe’s five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles. Known as “Spunk On A Stick” to her fans, Wolfe is also a professional speaker. Originally from Oregon, she now resides in North Carolina. “With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!”


Interact with Diane at these sites:
The Circle of Friends
Diane’s Blog
Spunk on A Stick

Book IV online-
Amazon
B&N -
The Circle of Friends

Book I
Book II
Book III

Joining Good Causes

At one of the many Jadyn Fred Foundation fundraisers. My husband and I support this organization regularly with our time, talents, and when possible our funds too. We believe parents and children need to be able to afford to not only get to medical treatments but also have a parent with them. The enormous costs not covered by insurance often drive parents to extremes. We have heard of parents that have to choose between staying with a child in the hospital or losing the job that helps pay for the medical care. The Jadyn Fred Foundation helps families pay for expenses not covered by insurance.

For Mike and I, that means a mommy and daddy don't have to sleep in the car because they can't pay for a motel or leave a baby behind and go to work, or even choose between groceries and medicine. We have been called to be a part of this ministry. As long as we understand the call to continue, we will spend our time supporting this cause.

But what about ALL those other causes? Aren't they good? Don't we need to support good causes?

A relevant topic for people in this world. As a writer/speaker who needs to be continuously creating a platform, I'm on a lot of social networks and places I can be genuine while getting my name and work out in the big wide world.

But this brings up a subject that is a bit scary for everyone. That's the issue of all the causes in the world. For one person, they are overwhelming. Too much.

As the publicity officer for American Christian Fiction Writers, I get tons of causes sent to me. I have to choose what is right for this position that I do for ACFW. It's being aware of the opportunity to share ACFW, not support every other cause on earth. I have a specific job and function. That goes for being a woman who is a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, and in ministry. I have specific duties in my life and a way of life to maintain that is balanced and healthy for me and my family.

So I'd like to suggest that God placed you all in your position as well. If the cause, network, or other situation is one that allows you to be genuinely who you are, do what you do, and you feel called by the Lord to join--then do.

But just because a cause, invitation, group, social network, or other opportunity is good-even great, doesn't mean it is your calling or responsibility to be a part of it.

Think about the uniqueness God created in you. Honor that uniqueness as a writer and/or individual living out God's plan for your life. You don't have to be in or support every cause out there. God created someone to be called to it already. You just have to be obedient to be in and support the cause God made you for.

Be uniquely you, write or work uniquely from your perspective, and join those things God lays on your heart only.

Come visit me at www.MyGemofWisdom.com and see the causes I support and believe in.

Post a comment and please share the causes that burn in your heart with me.

Extraordinary: The life you were meant to live

Angie's Take:
The author hooked me on page 3. Why? Because John Bevere opened up my idea of being made in the image of God. I actually responded to what I was reading as if I were talking to John.

I said, "So you mean that since God is extraordinary and He made me in His image that I can't be anything but extraordinary?" I finished that page and had my answer. "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature..."

WOW! If I am a reflection of God then it's like He's looking in a mirror. What stares back at Him? His own reflection. This book is one that helps us to understand what it means to be God's reflection.

Angie

Summary:

Grace brings believers into relationship with God. But many Christians don’t understand that grace is also the power source for incredible joy, success, and peace in life. In Extraordinary, John Bevere presents a logical, compelling, and deeply inspiring case straight from Scripture for living a life far above “the ordinary.”
Published by WaterBrook Multnomah

Author Bio:

John Bevere is an internationally popular conference speaker, teacher, and author of bestsellers, including The Bait of Satan, Drawing Near, and Driven by Eternity. His award-winning curriculum and books have been translated in over sixty languages and his weekly television program, The Messenger, is broadcast around the world. John and his wife, Lisa—also a bestselling author and speaker—reside with their family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit his ministry website at
www.messengerinternational.org.

Start-American Heart Association Heart Walk

What's a fun thing to do on your day off? Walking with friends to help others. The Mrs. International Pageant System and the American Heart Association have partnered so that all the state and national queens support the Heart Walk and the Go Red For Women campaigns. How awesome that they've married the programs for married women to promote in their communities!


This is the RSVP representatives from the Missoula Aging Services.




U of MT dancer and musician. Can you tell which is which ;-)




I met Ms. North America Galaxy 2009 at the Heart Walk. The ladies with us at the START line are from the Montana Rail Link walking team for Heart Walk.



Check it out...the U of M resident hall assistants all joined the Heart Walk.




Even the men's and women's basketball teams showed up to walk the 3 miles for the American Heart Association Heart Walk! I was so pleased to meet them and have fun with Ms. North America Galaxy too!

I met a new friend and sister-queen, walked with people I admire, and enjoyed great exercise!

Do you like the idea of group fund raiser walks?

Coaching Testimonials for Angie's Services.

Please feel free to post testimonials if you've used my services. I highly appreciate it! If you do, I will use them on my website and in materials to market my coaching services.

Thank you!
Angie