Thinking About Writing a Book?

If you have been thinking about writing a book, now is the time to do something about it. This is the time to get serious about sharing your message with others. 

Other people can benefit from the information you share with them. There was a time when I was well-acquainted with the pain of divorce, trying to raise children on my own, wondering how to make ends meet each month. 

It seemed that stress and fear ruled my life. But eventually, I learned there is a way to live a more positive and fulfilling life. And I wanted to share with other women the things that helped me. Perhaps the three most meaningful lessons I learned during that time were: 

o  The power of the Almighty.
o  The power of writing your passion.
o  The power of journaling your thoughts. 

Taken together, these three points become powerful instruments in helping to gain perspective, peace, and hope. They can also help you discover or confirm your life's passion. That's why my book has a daily devotional (some people call them meditations), a Scripture verse, and a space for writing down (i.e., journaling) your insights and thoughts. 


NEXT TIME: The Power of the Almighty




Copyright © 2013 Barbara Hemming 




                                               

PUBLISH YOUR BOOK YOUR WAY NOW!

The next few posts will deal with self-publishing your book. 

 

If you're a writer, or have dreams of becoming one someday, chances are pretty good you've heard of the term "self-publishing." 

 

You may even know something about the publishing or self-publishing industry itself.  In the past, your self-publishing efforts may consist of printing 10 originals on your  home computer's laser jet printer.  Or your efforts may extend to establishing your own book publishing and distribution company.   

Or maybe you just want to write a book for yourself, as a legacy gift to your family, a memoir of specific events in your life or someone else's life, a collection of grandmother's quotes, or the next blockbuster book. 

I wrote "Bible Miracles:  32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today's Woman"  The title tells it all. 

Someone asked "why did you write a religious book, a devotional instead of a romance, mystery or other type of non-fiction book?  Something that would make a lot of money?" 

I say, money definitely has its rewards.  But, I'm hoping for "heavenly rewards" instead.

Writers write what's in their hearts.  Write what's in your heart, what you have a passion for, instead of trends.  Trends are here today and gone tomorrow….But your passion remains.   My passion is inspiration in all its forms, mainly for women but for men also.  So many women are walking around feeling inferior, stressed out, financially strapped, lonely, oppressed, depressed. 

 

I know because I was one of them.

More to come, next time.

Copyright 2013 Barbara Hemming

 

 

Don't Forget Mother's Day!

Recently, I was surprised to find out that the most profitable day of the year for florists is not Valentine's Day, but Mother's Day! 

Have a Happy Mother's Day.

Learn How to Self-Publish Your Book

Have you written a book or a memoir, but you're not sure how to get it published? 

Want to write a book but don't know how to start?  
 
Confused about the terms traditional publishing, self publishing, print-on-demand-publishing, and online publishing?

Then, meet me at Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort  Washington, MD 20744 on Thursday, May 23, 2013,from 1-3 P.M. and learn how to write and publish your book.  I will be discussing how I self-published my inspirational book, "Bible Miracles--32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today's Woman."  

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Of all the non-religious holidays, I think Mother's Day is the most emotional, most guilt-filled, and yet, the sweetest holiday of the year.  It's the most emotional because we attach a lot of emotion to our mothers and the way they raised us and how we, as mothers, raise our own children.  We deeply love our mothers and set them apart on a pedestal   We can sometimes be touched with guilt because no matter what we do or say, it seems as if it can never equate to the love she showered on us all those years.  As a babe in arms, she was our first true love.  Our love for her was achingly sweet.  And she loved us back with all the vigor she had!

All of us have or had a mother but not all of us knew our mother, for many different reasons.  No one can ever take the place of a mother.  It's fair to say that if we didn't know our mother, there were women who filled that role, at various times in our lives.  They could be a grandmother, stepmother, aunt, motherly friend, or teacher. 

We can give thanks to God for our mothers and mother-substitutes.  We can express our gratitude for what they taught us and the love they gave us.  Let's make time for them.  Tell and show them how much we really love them. 

LITERARY EXPLORATIONS May 23, 2013

UPCOMING EVENT |  BARBARA HEMMING 

You are invited to join me and a panel of additional authors for "Literary Explorations" at Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744 on Thursday, May 23, 2013, from 1-3 P.M.  I will be discussing self publishing and my book, "Bible Miracles--32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today's Woman."  

 If time permits, I would also like to offer free private consultations to any participant who wishes it.  Hope to see you there!

Christ's Nail Scarred Hands

We look at Christ's nail-scarred hands and wonder at the kind of love that endured such suffering for us.  Try as we might, we cannot fathom it.  Our puny minds grapple with why, and how, and what-if' and come up short.  We search the scriptures for greater understanding.  "But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities."  (Isaiah 53:5, KJV)  

We conclude it's impossible for us to love like that.  And we imagine what the world would be like had Christ chosen not to die for our sins.  What a horror the world would be if he had turned his back on humanity.  

It is because of us, the way we are--our selfishness, our greed, and all our other vices--that Christ died.  It's because of us that Jesus was crucified as a substitute for us. As we ponder this, we can only marvel and conclude "What love!" 

On the day we celebrate his resurrection from the grave, we think of those nail-scarred hands.  We rejoice at his loving sacrifice and triumph over the grave, and sing, "Jesus is alive.  Hallelujah!"

 

Have a joyous Easter!

New Book Reviews at "Good Words Bookshelf"

Check out my latest book reviews at "Good Words Bookshelf," the companion blog to this one.  Find it at http://goodwordsbookshelf.blogspot.com/ .  Send me a comment and let me know what you think.

Congratulations to Catholics on the New Pope

  Pope Francis has just been selected as the new Pope.  May we remember to pray for him, as the Bible instructs.  

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of  the truth."   1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

 

 

Let the Lord Lead

  Today's post is a re-post from Marlene Bagnall's blog.  It is an inspiring post, especially for me at this time when facing several important decisions about which direction to take concerning important events in my life.  We've all been there haven't we?  Trying to make right decisions, afraid to make the wrong decision...feeling that the consequences of any decision are so big that you can't make any decision.  I hope these good words that follow will inspire you as they did me. 

 

Marlene Bagnull, Director, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference mbagnull@aol.com writes:  

"Yesterday was one of those days when the process of planning two conferences seemed more than overwhelming and I found myself (yes, I was lost!) telling the Lord, 'I can't." (I never tell Him 'I won't.') Of course, as always, Father just wanted me to 'keep on asking.' He had led me to Matthew 7:7 that morning, and I had just reposted that verse on the Colorado and Philly conference Facebook pages. You know - one of those cut and pastes where you really don't read the copy.  

"Then, at the same time, Raena Rood posted an excerpt from my book, Write His Answer - A Bible Study for Christian Writers.

   "If a crisis of confidence is holding you back
    from the work you know you have been called to do,
    it's time to acknowledge that it's not self-confidence you need
    but God-confidence.
    It's time to learn what it means
    'to be a living demonstration of Christ's power,
    instead of showing off [your] own power and abilities' (2 Cor. 12:9 TLB).

"Don't you love it when Father gets your attention and speaks to you through His Word, the words of others, or even your own words! He knows. He cares. He is with me, and He is with you. And so this morning I'm choosing to re-'Commit everything . . . to the Lord. [I will] trust him to help [me] do it, and he will' (Psalm 37:5 TLB). The CEV reads, 'Let the LORD lead you [I will let the Lord lead me] and trust him to help.' Amen!"     (Used with permission)

 

That's it!  I had my answer.  I, too will let the Lord lead and trust Him to help me make the right decisions. 

Trusting in God

Isaiah 50:10

"Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant?   Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God."

Losing Charlie, the Dog

We just lost our beloved Shih Tzu, Charlie, last Tuesday.  Charlie was 13 years old and suffered from kidney disease.  We adopted Charlie 1.5 years ago from a relative's friend who was going into a nursing home and could not care for him any longer. 

I've had dogs most of my life, but Charlie was the sweetest and funniest dog I've ever had.  He loved to be scratched behind his ears.  Charlie even "purred" as he lay on the couch while being petted.  Sometimes, while standing, he'd swing his hips gently from side to side, gently hitting one side against against the furniture leg, ready to play.  But the funniest thing of all was when Charlie surprised us by dancing the cha-cha-cha with my daughter.  Did someone teach him that or was that just part of his wonderful nature?  We'll probably never know. 

In the end, despite continuous care and treatmentl, Charlie sucummed to kidney disease.  He had seven seizures in less than eight hours.  The vet said his kidneys had failed and there was no hope.  He was suffering so much.  It was time to let him go.  He died in my arms.

The pain is still fresh.  It has been really, really hard for us to lose Charlie.  He brought so much love and joy into our lives.  I hope he knows how much we still love him. 

God's Plans for Us

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
(ESV)

A Sure Hand in a Crisis

Psalm 9:9-10

 ^"The  Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

(ESV)

SPEAKING EVENT | Greater Mount Joy Church, Wash., DC

I will be speaking at Greater Mount Joy Church of Christ, Sunday September 16, 2012, 11:oo AM Service. The church is pastored by the Rev. Delores Allen. Location: 1619 Frankford Street, SE Washington, DC. (202) 678-0762. 

SUMMER 2011 — FREE BOOK CONTEST!

WIN FREE BOOKS!


Christian Author and freelance writer Barbara Hemming will release her new book, Bible Miracles: 32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today's Woman.


The Summer 2011 Free Book Contest is now open. Giving away 10 free copies of "Bible Miracles: 31 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today’s Woman"! Ten people will be randomly selected. Therefore the chances of winning this Christian devotional book are enhanced. Contest ends July 1st. For details, visit my blog at http://barbarahemming.com/

Barbara Hemming Publishes New Devotional Book

"Inspiration. We all need it. Without inspiration, we trudge along, numb with the sameness of yet another day, our spiritual knuckles dragging the ground. We need to be motivated to look beyond the dirty diapers and sullen teenagers to something greater than ourselves—to Someone Who can help to make this point in our lives gratifying! Bible Miracles: 32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today’s Woman does just that."

With those words from the back cover, Barbara Hemming sets the scene for her newest Christian devotional book, Bible Miracles: 32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today’s Woman. Written to encourage and inspire women to trust God in their daily lives, the book includes moving devotions, with journal prompts so women can journal insights from the Holy Spirit. This is a book that women will want to read again and again and to give to others as a gift.

For details on pre-ordering signed copies, email the Author at hemmisur@yahoo.com.

Announcing New Book Release!

Christian Author and freelance writer Barbara Hemming will release her new book, Bible Miracles: 32 Daily Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today's Woman.

"Women lead such hectic lives," Hemming said recently. "I wanted to encourage and inspire women in their daily activities and in their walk with the Lord. What better inspiration than the miracles from the Bible?"

This book is not an ebook. Rather, it is an expanded version of an ebook that is no longer available. It is a beautiful paperback book that women will want to read again and again and to give as a gift to others. I hope the book is an encouragement to all who read it, including men who have women in their lives.

In addition to warm devotions based on the miracles in the Bible, the book also contains journal prompts to encourage women to seek the Lord and record what the Holy Spirit is speaking to their hearts.

For details on pre-ordering signed copies, e-mail the Author at hemmisur@yahoo.com.

Generation Z is Waiting!

Move on over, Boomers. Outta the way, Generation X and Generation Y. Generation Z is waiting to take over--and they are in a hurry!

Over the weekend, I got a chance to spend some up-close time with one representative of this new generation, born between 1990 and 2009. From what I saw, I have two words to describe them: Smart and Proactive. Though we were meeting for the first time, I thought I'd have to spend some time putting this young child at ease. Not so. She immediately took a no-nonsense approach to the task at hand.

And what was the task at hand? To interview me in connection with the publication of my new book, Bible Miracles: 32 Devotions and Journal to Inspire Today's Woman. She came armed with her questions already written down. I found her interview to be thoughtful and probing. She asked many questions, including, "What is a freelance writer?" "What did you study in school to become an author?" "How can I prepare to become an author?"

And to think--she's only 9 years old!

I can hear your snorts and snickers all the way over here. You're probably thinking right about now that I'm such a pathetic writer that I had to settle for a 9-year old to interview me. Well, depending on how successful my book promotion is, you may be right. But here's the real reason for the interview. She's the niece of an acquaintance and is spending some time in this area for the summer. The auntie is tutoring her so she retains her skills over the summer (I admire that). She wanted her to meet an author in person, instead of just reading about them in her textbook.

Ta Da! That's where I fit in.

I have to say it was an honor and a joy for me to be able to touch the life of this young child even in such a minor way. I don't know if she will remember my name 20 years from now. But there's one thing I hope she does remember: that I took time out for her. I hope she remembers that. And I hope she turns around and tries to give an outstretched hand to those of the next generations coming behind her.

Intentionally taking the time to reach those that follow on after us....Those are good words no matter who we are.

Final Book Format Poll Results

Finally, the informal book format poll results are in.

The poll closed sometime ago, so it's too late now to try to enter it. When the poll was active, I asked you what book format you preferred for reading books. I blogged about it here as follows:

"What's all the buzz about the different formats for books? What's the best format to offer to book readers? As a writer, I need to know the answer, whether in the future I'll be providing copy for ink on paper, electronic readers, or computer screens, etc. It probably won't affect the content but it may determine how I decide to present the information and how you will receive it. So, I went searching for the answer and asked the question on a few of my networking sites, including this blog."

Results

The results for this informal poll are in. Here they are:

1. Traditional books
10 votes 66.6%
2. Ebooks (for electronic readers i.e., Kindle and the like)
3 votes 20.0%3.
3. Online (reading from the computer screen)
1 vote 6.6%
4. Audiobooks
1 vote 6.6%
5. PDF books
0 votes 0%
6. I don't read books
0 votes 0%

Numbers were rounded off.

Comments
Are you surprised? I thought more people would vote for ebooks. But what was even more interesting were the comments as to why readers voted the way they did.

--Most favored traditional books because of the "comfort factor" (ability to get comfortable with the book), for underlining, and making notes in the margins. They said they liked the covers, as well as the look and feel of paper books.

--Some said ebooks were more economical than traditional books, others said not so.

--Several said audio books were hard to focus on--their minds kept wandering.

--Others did not enjoy reading online and said PDF's cost more than books because they had to be printed out.

Most acknowledged that ebooks are the future but thought they would only get an electronic reader when they felt absolutely compelled to do so.

These poll results tell me that for the time being, a traditional paper book is preferred by the vast majority of my readers.

Many thanks to those who took part in this informal poll. It's been a lot of fun for me and an eye opener as well. I hope it has been for you also.