New Christian Bookstore Open for Submissions

The New Christian Books Online Store is accepting submissions, enabling you to expand into a new sales venue in advance of the holiday buying season. The shop, run in affiliation with the John 3:16 Author Marketing Network, is managed by Author Marketing Network member Cheryl Rogers.

"It is my goal to make this a very large store where the authors and publishers of kingdom-building books can sell their books," says Cheryl, who also publishes the New Christian Books Online Magazine.

New Christian Books gives authors a unique opportunity to both publicize and sell their books on one site. Authors register for free and can submit pre- and post-release book announcements, plus excerpts. Books can be sold directly in the New Christian Books Online Store and through links to online booksellers Amazon and Smashwords.com. Authors can keep their names in front of readers by taking advantage of all three posting opportunities, commenting on other posts, and selling their book in the store.

The magazine was launched last March to accommodate reciprocal blogging agreements with fellow John 3:16 Author Marketing Network members. "My original blog started in 2007 was strictly focused on Bible-based living tips to support my devotions book, Fast Track to Victory, A Christian Guidebook," explains Cheryl. "The new magazine includes the Bible blog but also allows me to host blog tours, write about the exploding ebook industry, and share author marketing news."

Posts and products must be approved prior to becoming live. The site is run as a service to the Christian reading and writing communities and will generate revenues through book sales, advertising and potential optional services.

"It is my goal to provide a place where authors with a God-given message can get help publicizing and selling their book, for free," Cheryl explains. "I'm not a fan of book launches, so this is how I have chosen to offer help to fellow authors."

Here are some important things you should know if you want to sell your books in the New Christian Books Online Store:

* You can sell both print and digital books. YOU will be shipping the print books, so you must be available and able to ship when an order is placed. This avoids duplicating shipping charges and handling fees, keeps customer costs down and maximizes the amount you can collect from every sale. Digital books will be available for instant, secure downloading once payment has been made.

* You receive 65 percent of the sales revenue on your book, unless you refer that customer to the store. If you so you will receive an additional 15 percent, or a total of 80 percent.

* You must have the rights to enter into sales agreements before submitting your book. If you have relinquished this right to your publisher, you may want to send them to New Christian Books to submit the book for you. Or perhaps they will consider giving you rights to handle this store agreement since you are a network member.

* The store is set up in self-serve format, but there are instructions available after you register and log in. It uses Wordpress, so posting and product submission follows the basic blogging format.

* Sales are generated through an affiliate program, basically an online sales force who uses New Christian Book-provided sales banners and links to advertise the store through their websites and other means. You need to sign up for the affiliate program to collect your royalties and that means you will have access to the sales tools. You are not required to sell, but it would be great if you did.

"It is my belief that if everyone did just a little bit, posted a couple of banners, we would be able to create a substantial interest in this store," Cheryl says. "This should provide a new sales venue for Christian authors currently shut out of other stores because of unattractive consignment and return agreements, upfront costs, and monthly fees."

Radio Interview by Janet Eckles

Inspiration for women and moms about all issues.

"Motherhood Radio Talk” network:

www.toginet.com.

A Summer in Oakville, New Book, Launch Tuesday, September 20!

September 20, 2011 Press Release for the John 3:16 Marketing Network For Immediate Release John 3:16 Marketing Network Book Launch Tuesday, September 27,  2011 Amazon 24 hours ONLY Free e-gifts with purchase on launch day    A Summer in Oakville by Lisa Lickel and Shellie Neumeier   Set in Wisconsin, A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE is the story of a family reuniting to save the rural life they once cherished. One magical summer in fictional Oakville, Wisconsin, love finds its way through four entwined lives. Tessa's marriage hangs by a thread; her daughter, Lindsay, takes on the local town board and the developer who threatens to steal not only the farm but her heart. Tessa's widowed brother Art hasn't been home in twenty years; how can he send his out-of-control teenage son, Andy, to his aging parents? "We set out to tell the story of the changing landscape in rural Wisconsin," Lickel says. "We wanted to try something unique while using our individual strengths as authors. Shellie writes fiction for young adults, and I write older characters." "Our family, the Hasmers, could be anyone," Neumeier says. "They want to keep their heritage, while at the same time they struggle with the changing times. It's hard to make a living on a family-sized farm, and sometimes you have to make tough decisions."       "In our story, the adult siblings, Tessa and Art, have their own problems but come together in order to help their parents and their children," Lickel adds.       "Their children, Lindsay and Andy, are good kids who are also victims of the tough economic times and peer pressure today. But they have good hearts and learn from their grandparents' and parent's good family and faith values," Neumeier says. Black Lyon Publishing, LLC is an independently owned Oregon-based publishing house producing fiction titles in trade paperback and e-book formats, and the only Romance Writers of America recognized publisher in the state. Black Lyon titles are available at BlackLyonPublishing.com, local bookstores and most major online retailers.

Shellie Neumeier  www.ShellieNeumeier.com Best-selling author Shellie Neumeier holds a degree in Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a minor in Psychology, Sociology and Social Studies. A devoted mother of four, Shellie previously worked on staff with Northbrook Church as the King's Kids ministry assistant (serving children in grades 2nd through 5th). She is an active member of SCBWI and ACFW as well as a contributing author for various blogs. Lisa Lickel www.LisaLickel.com   Multi-published author Lisa J. Lickel also enjoys writing and performing radio theater, short story-writing, and is an avid book reviewer and blogger. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and working with new writers. She is the editor of both Wisconsin Writers Association's Creative Wisconsin magazine and Written World Communication's OtherSheep Magazine. She lives in a hundred and sixty-year-old house in Wisconsin filled with books and dragons. Married to a high school biology teacher, she enjoys travel and quilting.  Check out A Summer in Oakville Facebook fan page: Click Here What Others Are Saying "A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE is a cleverly-composed novel that addresses issues from the past, affecting four characters' present-day lives. Shellie Neumeier and Lisa Lickel are a dynamic writing duo!" Andrea Boeshaar, author of Seasons of Redemption "Like quills of bittersweet devotion that pierce the heart, yet warm with the matchless comfort of forgiveness-A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE is a beautifully woven series of unforgettable novellas." Tessa Stockton, author of The Unforgivable "Four sweet novellas combine to tell the charming story of A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE in Oakville. Saving your heritage, forgiving the past, and uncovering years of family secrets are weaved through four very different romances to create a delightful read that I looked forward to coming back to each day. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy." Cherie Burbach, author of Internet Dating Is Not Like Ordering a Pizza and Working Writers "You'll be hooked from the first page of A SUMMER IN OAKVILLE. This novel grabs the senses and doesn't let go." Carolyn Howard-Johnson, multi award-winning novelist and poet   Instructor for the renowned UCLA Extension Writers' Program Author of the multi award-winning series of HowToDoItFrugally books: The Frugal Book Promoter The Frugal Editor The Great First Impression Book Proposal Great Little Last-Minute Edits

Sell More Books!: Book Marketing and Publishing for Low Profile and Debut Authors

It’s All in the Name

Sell More Books!: Book Marketing and Publishing for Low Profile and Debut Authors, Rethinking Book Publicity after the Digital Revolutions by J. Steve Miller, Blythe Daniel, Stephanie Richards and John Kremer

Book Review by Lorilyn Roberts

When I read the title, Sell More Books! I couldn’t imagine anything that would help ME to sell more books.  After all, I had done nearly everything that had been suggested by marketing gurus and experts. What else was there that I hadn’t already tried?


Originally my marketing plan consisted of a little bit of this and a little bit of that, hoping something might work. I was so afraid that if I didn’t try everything, the one thing I didn’t do would be the difference maker. Why I took this approach, I don’t know, except to acknowledge that marketing is far more overwhelming and complicated than writing a book. 

Oftentimes we are bombarded with a zillion suggestions from well-meaning marketing folks, and being the newbie that I was, I tried most of them. What I found, however, is that many of those highly touted things didn’t work (and don’t work for most new or low-profile authors). Do you really need a publicist, for instance? What about all those press releases that cost a lot of money? And drawing up a marketing plan? What would that consist of, anyway? Sell More Books! will help.

Once I began reading Sell More Books! I realized what I needed were not new methods or ideas but a strategy to help me evaluate what I had already done. And Sell More Books! did not disappoint. I never thought about incorporating what had worked into a marketing plan that would fit my needs and budget into the future. I think it’s just human nature, like a cow, to think the grass on the other side of the fence is greener. Whatever we haven’t done is what we think we need to do because somebody somewhere says so—and we think they know more than we do.

Sell More Books! made me realize I was not alone, but by following some common sense, inexpensive suggestions, I could resurrect my lagging sales and achieve better results. Simply put, I needed to look at those things that had worked and continue to pursue them. And lastly, but also very important, I was challenged not to sit on those ideas but to put them to good use. When you become discouraged, oftentimes the hardest part is just getting started again. And because Sell More Books! helped me to see the mistakes I had made, I felt I could trust Steve Miller on other aspects of marketing I wasn’t as sure about.

Not everybody sells tons of books from TV and radio appearances—really? I thought I was the only one. What worked for me, I found myself asking? What about all of those wonderful book reviews I have posted on Amazon and other websites? Why not get some more? After all, you can’t have too many.

These are just two ways to market out of dozens outlined in Sell More Books. The suggestions run the gamut for every type of book in print and every type of person. Yes, we are all different. Go with what works for you and throw out the rest. Don’t feel like your book is a failure if something worked for someone else but doesn’t work for you.

In addition, Steve Miller shares many stories from authors he has talked to first-hand regarding marketing—and has concluded, as I did, that many things are a waste of money. I wish I had read Sell More Books two years ago. I could have made better choices in marketing Children of Dreams, saving myself a lot of time, money, and discouragement.

Sell More Books is the best marketing book I have read. Buy yours today and don’t repeat the mistakes others have made. You will be encouraged to keep on keeping on in the difficult world of marketing.

Fit for Faith - 7 Weeks to Improved Spiritual & Physical Health

September 7, 2011 Press Release for the John 3:16 Marketing Network For Immediate Release John 3:16 Marketing Network Book Launch Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Amazon 24 hours ONLY Free e-gifts with purchase on launch day Fit for Faith - 7 weeks to Improved Spiritual & Physical Health by Kimberley J. Payne Do you want to feel better? This book is for every person who wants a balanced approach to health and weight  loss while improving his or her spiritual walk with God.

You will discover how easy it is to: Become more physically active Use the clear advice on goal-planning and exercise guidelines to set up a program for active living.  Apply the plan to your health through a home fitness test and three easy-to-follow strength training programs.  Improve your prayer life. Learn the basics to get you started. Follow simple steps to an active prayer life. Make healthy eating a habit Learn the secrets of eating well. Discover nutrition guidelines and hands-on, action-oriented strategies. Read and study the Bible Rely more on God to help you make changes in your lifestyle.  Learn simple Bible study strategies to apply to your day. Stretch your body Find out about proper flexibility exercises and tips on stretching.  Then apply them to your daily health routine. Write a journal entry Discover a new way to express yourself and communicate with God on a more intimate level.  Dispel common myths Learn the facts surrounding more than 40 health and fitness myths. This program has shown people how to improve physical and spiritual health. You can improve your health too! This book unites physical health and spiritual health through a 7-week program for weight loss and to develop a deeper relationship with God. It is a reference on cardiovascular exercise, strength training, prayer, healthy eating, Bible study, flexibility exercise and journal writing.      What Others Are Saying    "If there are books you must have at all times, this is sure to be one of them, not as a casual read but as a guide to achieving spiritual and physical well being and a ready reckoner for maintenance at the end of the seven week programme. " Y. P. Wright, Author "Fit for Faith inspired me on many levels. I have incorporated many of Kim's practical suggestions into my own life routine. I especially liked the honesty of her faith in the "Reflection" portions. Her interactions with God are as natural as they are supernatural - very refreshing. This workbook is a great catalyst to recharging one's life." Rev. R. Keyzers, Minister "This program was not only a lot of fun, it was supportive and very well put together. This time I met my usual roadblocks with ease and satisfaction." J. Lancaster, Therapist "In Fit for Faith, Kimberley Payne offered me no quick fixes or tricks for weight loss. Instead, this program caused me to consider my lifestyle and apply godly principles, nutritional wisdom and scriptural guidance to achieve my goals. Fit for Faith gave me the freedom to experience the joy of a healthier and more spiritually fit life." G. Belec Freelance Writer, Children's Author & Private Tutor "It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Kimberley's programs. Kimberley clearly demonstrated her skill in motivating people, encouraging participation and always leading by example. Kimberley has the ability to make fitness programs both fun and educational." C. Wakeford, Owner Wakeford & Associates "This program is so much more than just exercise. It's giving me the tools I need to enrich my life and my energy level." M. Condon, Health Canada "Most people come to lose weight, but they go away with so much more. It's a real ministry in people's lives." N. Nelder, Pastor's wife "I find that writing down how much and what exercise I am doing is helpful and motivating. It is helping me to be more conscious of what I am eating. I am also more conscious about asking God for strength and focus and this of course can only be good. I am seeing slow, small progress." S. Stinson, participant                     Health/Diet/Christian Living         About the Author:                  Kimberley J. Payne is a motivational speaker, writer and author. Through her work, Kimberley inspires people to live happier, healthier lives that glorify God. Kimberley is a former Certified Personal Trainer and has worked for 10 years counselling individuals on weight control, stress management, self-esteem improvement and overall wellness. She enjoys recreational activities with her husband and two children in Ontario, Canada. Whether you are trying to lose weight or improve your spiritual life, you will refer to this program again and again. This book will empower you to be a healthier, happier you. You can visit Kimberley's website at Kimberleypayne.com

Testimonial From Janet Perez Eckles

Check out this very kind testimonial from Janet Perez Eckles and her successful Amazon Best Seller book launch. I saw her book reach as high as #274 in overall books (out of 8 million books that's not too shabby :)) @ approx. 10:30 p.m. PST on the evening of her launch. I am very proud of her and her creative work on this launch!

"We cheered, we were amazed when my book Simply Salsa reached #1 in the Spirituality category on Amazon.com. But the journey wasn't simple. We had to be on our knees, asking for prayer, direction as we sought the knowledge of those who had walked on that path before. That's when Scott Shafer came along. His expertise, his knowledge, amazing support, his detailed crafting of the landing page, his coaching and patience in addition to his prayers were tools that God used to bring such stunning success. Scott's genuine commitment to help is a gem for any author. Because he took care of the details, I was able to concentrate on other aspects of the launch. He was a valuable partner in the project, which merits the highest recommendations. More questions: Contact me: janet@simplysalsathebook.com"

Book Launch for Letters to God: NOVEMBER 8th

I hope by now all of you know that I have postoponed the book launch for Letters to God, on a Prodigal Son to Nov. 8th. This was at the request of my new publisher. Please mark your calenders if you are going to participate. I emailed everyone a personal invitation this summer, except for a few new members.

Plese feel free to partcipate. November is going to a busy book launch month, so it would be wise to gear up now. I could still use a few more participants. Please leave your name in the comments below. Also, thank you for your prayers. Satan doesn't like that I'm exposing his tactics of addiction and my husband and I have been under attack. So once again remember TUES, NOVEMBER 8TH LETTERS TO GOD, ON A PRODIGAL SON BOOK LAUNCH.

Meet the Author Lorilyn Roberts: “I Always Wanted to be a Writer”

Meet the Author Lorilyn Roberts: “I Always Wanted to be a Writer”

Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta Buy TUESDAY, Get free egifts

Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, a Book Review

by Lorilyn Roberts

Janet Eckles lost her eyesight at thirty, became the victim of an unfaithful husband, and endured the horrendous murder of her precious 19-year-old son. Who could endure all of that and not be bitter, angry, and hopeless? How could a loving God allow this to happen?

In Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta, Janet Eckles shares her very personal story and tackles these probing questions—and many more that we have all asked when going through unimaginable crises. With Biblical insight, rare sensitivity, appropriate humor and Latino wit, Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta will help you to know God’s perfect love in the quagmire of tragic circumstances. 

Some of my favorite quotes included: 

“But amigas, joy has nothing to do with a trouble-free life. Joy has everything to do with the absence of fear.”

“In all areas of life, unfairness abounds. And justice may be blind. But injustice allows us to discover the beauty of forgiveness.”

“No amount of fear can increase our bank accounts, and no amount of losses can decrease God’s provision.”

“Those bumps aren’t all bad. If they jostle us, that means we’re moving ahead. And we’re not broken down on the side of the road of grief.”

“And with the same strength we use to remove the cheese stuck at the bottom of the tamale casserole, we must scrape away the “loves” that give us a false sense of purpose and satisfaction.”

Are you a woman who longs for a deeper relationship with God? Are you a desperate wife who has been spurned, suffering in silence, or groping through the nightmare of abandonment? Are you reeling from the bruises of broken dreams, shattered goals, financial ruin, or strained family relationships? Are you on the road of dead ends, confusion, and personal mistakes?  Have you dug your own grave of despair? Is hopelessness your middle name?

Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear at God’s Fiesta will help you to learn the power of forgiveness and the secret to being made whole. Janet Eckles, through her physical blindness, has given those of us who see an uncanny spiritual vision into God’s redemptive love in a fallen world.

John 3:16 Marketing Manual, How to Launch a Christian Best Seller Book

NOW AVAILABLE!

Get your copy of the John 3:16 Marketing Manual, How to Launch a Christian Best Seller Book, at this link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/72306



You will need this book to tell you all about the concept, how the Network works, how to set up your forum settings, links to all parts of the Network, how to use Amazon to market your book, and how to launch a best-seller book.

Christian Authors Featured in Blog Tours

Several Christian authors who are part of the John 3:16 Author Marketing Network are being featured in blog tours this summer. Learn more about the authors and their books by checking out the following blog links:


Ashley Wintters, http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com;

Amanda Stephan, http://www.thepriceoftrust.com;

Rose McCauley, http://www.rosemccauley.blogspot.com;

Lisa Lickel, http://livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com;

Tracy Krauss, http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com;

Sid Frost, http://christianbookmobile.blogspot.com;

Bernard Boulton, http://www.bernardboulton.com;

Eddie Snipes,http://www.eddiesnipes.com.


Tom Blubaugh, tomblubaugh.blogspot.com;

Anita Estes, http://anita-thoughtsonchristianity.blogspot.com;

Theresa Franklin, http://www.theresa-lifesjourney.blogspot.com;

Paulette Harper Johnson, http://www.pauletteharper.blogspot.com and http://www.pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com;

Marcia Laycock, http://www.writer-lee.blogspot.com; and

Lorilyn Roberts, http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com

Cheryl Rogers, http://www.songsfromtheword.com/NewChristianBooks.

Book Launch of Montezuma's Revenge by Linda Weaver Clark

In celebration of our country’s “Freedom” and my Official Book Launch for Montezuma Intrigue, I’m having a Book Give-Away from June 27 – July 7: Win a mystery/adventure novel with a touch of romance, at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com/.


Adventure...Suspense...Romance...Intrigue...Humor! The search for Montezuma's treasure, mysterious events, family secrets, and a good-looking rogue!




When a leather parchment of Montezuma’s map is found in great-grandfather Evans’ old chest, April and the twins know this summer is going to be a memorable one. The girls want to search for it but their father is against it for some mysterious reason. With Julia’s help, she and the girls convince John to go on a treasure hunt. Is Montezuma’s treasure a legend or reality? Whatever the case, John insists on keeping their little treasure hunt a secret. If certain people find out about it, the family could be in danger.

But that’s not all! I have more gifts for you! I will be having a drawing for 2 children’s books: The Magic Word by Sherrill S. Cannon and The Donkey and the King by Lorilyn Roberts. If you have already bought Montezuma Intrigue, I will email you 4 free e-books (pdf):

1. The Treasure of Isian by Serena Clarke. This is a fantasy/adventure novel with a touch of romance. This story is full of intrigue as you watch Garin and Elani search for the treasure of Isian.

2. Reflections of the Heart, which has 13 chapters of inspirational writings such as: The secret of Happiness, Laughter is the Best Medicine, Parenthood – A Great Responsibility, Equal Partners in Marriage, and Music Soothes the Soul.

3. Writing Your Family Legacy, in which I teach you how to write your family history or autobiography. I travel all over the U.S., teaching this class.

4. The Donkey and the King by Lorilyn Roberts, a beautifully illustrated children’s book about a donkey named Baruch who longs for an easier life beyond the stable.

More Thoughts on Creative Writing - Freedom of Chaos

by Lorilyn Roberts

We want freedom in writing within a framework of orderliness. A house can have many different looks, but without a solid foundation, it won’t stand. I home school my younger daughter Joy and the first chapter in her English book is about how to construct a sentence. The topic is covered in detail, beginning with the definition

of a subject and a predicate.


The foundation of a good story must have good sentence structure. The sentences need to be woven together to form a well-written paragraph with a main idea. The paragraphs build over a page, and eventually the pages come together to make chapters. An entire book emerges from one sentence. But if you don’t have structure, usually built from the skeleton of good grammar and an outline, you will end up with chaos.


God is a God of order. But we don’t need to be legalistic or rigid. Once we understand structure, we have the freedom to build on that structure and create fabulous stories.

The Art of Conflict in Writing Conflict

 

The Art of Conflict in Writing Conflict

By Lorilyn Roberts

I should be an expert in writing conflict. After all, I was on the debate team in high school, and a seventh grade boy wrote in my yearbook, "You would argue with a sign post if you could." I've had my share of personal conflict--family problems, ex-husband, relationship disappointments, and yes, my own report card of failures.

As if that wasn't enough, I've had a first-class seat to some of the most spectacular conflicts on the planet. I worked for twenty years as a court reporter. The adversarial nature of the job left me exhausted. I would sit at my stenograph machine for long hours each day, between attorneys and hostile witnesses, recording the barrage of questions about lost reputations, cheating husbands, financial ruin, and hearts broken--high-powered lawyers bent on winning at all cost.

Conflict raged within me as I hated being at the center of it all. The louder they argued, the more nervous I became. Please don't ask me to read this back. It's hard to write well when everyone is yelling at each other. If I could count the number of strokes hit on my stenograph machine, the amount would not be measurable. Conflict abounds and sometimes borders on murder in a courtroom, where truth isn't always the ultimate goal. Because experience and memories shape our worldview, to this day I cringe at the thought of going back to that life--please God, never again. I don't want that conflict.

Today I work as a broadcast captioner for television and write as little news as possible. Very few upbeat stories get reported and I have grown weary of captioning sensational beats about kidnapped children, victims of abuse, Washington bureaucracy, and a world at war--at the gas pump, in the Middle East, and a host of ideologies that scare me. I cherish my freedom and don't want it taken from me. (Yes, I do feel much of what I love about my country is eroding). But most of all, I hate captioning tragedies that could have been avoided. Life can be very depressing and steeped in conflict.

As much as I hate conflict, as an author, how do I use it in fiction? Or do I even want to create painful conflict for my protagonist? Do I shy away from building a story that needs high-stakes conflict to create a fabulous, climatic ending? Or can I use conflict to remind me of a nobler purpose in God's eternal plan?

Put into the context of life, is there a reason behind the conflict which we encounter every single waking moment of our lives? Is it not the result of the stinking sin in myself and others? How do I resolve this paradox in my writing?

Fortunately, as writers, we have the freedom to go where our heart and art takes us. Unless I write poetry, however, I won't have a story without conflict. Acknowledging that the dénouement is what makes a story remarkable, I can set the scene for redemption before I begin the first page.

In the 1990's, Hollywood released a lot of box-office films that had downer endings; the bad guy won, the problem wasn't resolved the way I wanted, or the main character died. I quit going to the movies.

My mantra now is I refuse to write, read, or see movies where there is no redemption. If I feel stuck without a good moral choice in life, I will search for it. God can bring redemption out of the worst possible circumstance. There is good in the world if we look for it.

In writing a great book, there should be something in the dénouement that causes the reader to grapple with the story's action-idea. The unraveling of the conflict must result in a satisfying conclusion.  I don't want the reader to feel as though he has been cheated by mediocre creativity or immorality that wins.

While our stories imitate life, the climax needs to reach a higher level of "being." When I read a story, give me more. Give me excitement worth remembering, knowledge extraordinaire, and thought-provoking ideas. I want to relate to a protagonist that overcomes incredible odds and wins. Beauty, love, peace--we are not sufficiently redeemed to appreciate this trilogy of goodness in all its meaning, but because writing imitates life, we can catch glimpses of it in a redemptive ending.

As an author, my passion is to bring a "taste of heaven" to this earthly kingdom inhabited by kings and peasants, and all of us in between. That means what I write must linger. I must create meaningful connections in the reader's mind after his eyes have read the last page. I wield incredible power--to bless or curse. As a Christian, I want to captivate the reader with words that are uplifting, powerful, thought-provoking, and life-changing. That might seem impossible, but the greatest stories ever written have those qualities; unique characters engaged in mortal conflict, either internal, physical, or both.

I write where my heart takes me, digging into my past, and seeing what God stirs up from within. I write for myself first and then for others. It's up to each of us to decide how we use the "rules of writing," acknowledging that those words will live on long after we are gone--for good or evil. History is replete with both.

I can't dilute the plot to avoid conflict. I want redemption to reign supreme in the last chapter. I must weave the nature of fallen man into the story through conflict, knowing that I have the answers that a sinful world craves. I can do it subtly or not so subtly, but if I compromise on either, I will weaken the story that God has given me. Great conflict deserves great redemption.

How does conflict work in writing? The conflict must propel the story forward and relate in some way to the protagonist's nearly unreachable goal. There must be clear turning points (three-act structure works well), and there should be a main goal and at least one minor goal. Often the minor goal relates to character development (so the protagonist can reach his main goal).

With "up" endings, the protagonist wildly succeeds and goes through a metamorphosis in the process. He is not the same at the end as he was in the beginning. Despite his character flaws and numerous obstacles, he overcomes the odds and achieves his dream or even something better. Surprise endings are always the best

I have wondered if there is a higher standard for writing novels than the Aristotle tradition of dealing with conflict, but for a different reason. I want to write great stories in heaven, and in heaven, there is no conflict. What shall I write? Maybe I will become a poet. If you are one of those saints, pursue your calling with passion; keep writing those beautiful sonnets and songs. When my world becomes steeped in shadows, I turn to the Psalms and relish those soothing words of comfort and security.

In the Bible, Jesus knew the evil tentacles of life would strangle his listeners if they succumbed to their base nature, so he told amazing, redemptive stories, steeped in conflict, to reveal profound truths. If I follow that example, perhaps I can conquer my inner conflict of wanting to avoid conflict and write a great redemptive story--which must abound in conflict to end in perfect redemption. 

An original skit encouraging youngsters to seek God and stay connected to his word is now available at New Christian Books Online Magazine. Called "I Can See God's Word," the skit is derived from the story of the name. It is intended to be used by church and youth groups.

"It is my desire to encourage young people to realize the importance of having a relationship with God," says author Cheryl Rogers. "This story is especially important because it teaches, in a fun way, that Jesus is the Word of God. And Jesus is our Savior. So we need to spend time with him reading and studying his Word."

"I Can See God's Word" is about a young man named Jake who is discovered cheating at school. In the ensuing crisis, Jake pulls out the old worn Bible left to him by his grandpa five years ago. Jake learns the importance of studying the Bible and helping God to help us change.

The skit can be performed with a cast of seven, four chairs, a Bible and a math book, if available. Two roles are non-speaking, another - the grandpa - speaks from behind stage in an old man's voice. The target audience is middle through high schoolers who are to be encouraged to seek God and get serious about their relationship with him.

The skit was adapted from the story "I Can See God's Word," which is part of Cheryl's new book, the I Can See Christian Storybook Treasury. This unique book contains a collection of stories targeting toddlers through teens. Each story deals with the increasingly complex issues of faith that arise as a child grows.

The skit is available for free at http://www.songsfromtheword.com/NewChristianBooks/?p=1518

Why Should I Stay a Member of the John 316 Marketing Network After I Have Launched My Book? Part 6 of 6, John 3:16 Marketing Network

Why Should I Stay a Member of the John 316 Marketing Network After I Have Launched My Book?

Part Six of Six

John 3:16 Marketing Network

By Lorilyn Roberts

Why Should I Stay A Member of the John 316 Marketing Network After I have Launched My Book? Everyone will ask themselves this question following a launch. A few have left, but most have stayed. Why? I think the following comment from Bernard Boulton, a member of the John 3:16 Marketing Network, will help to answer that question.


Last year was my first full year after I released my first novel in December 2009. My promotional plan was to sell thousands of books and the only way I knew to do this was to travel and organize events that people would come to and buy my book.

After visiting seven cities from February to November I decided that that was not the best way to promote my novel. I did sell 200 copies but the cost to travel left me far behind the profit ratio. I did have a lot of fun meeting different people but I didn't reach my objective.

At the leading of the Holy Spirit I took the month of December to look back over my year and devise a plan on how I would promote and sell books. The plan I produced was to seek education from those who could teach me how to increase my sales without increasing my travels in 2011. I asked the Holy Spirit to send me a teacher that could mentor me and teach me how to reach my goal for 2011. His answer to my prayer was Lorilyn Roberts and the John 3:16 Marketing Network, but I have received so much more, which is the way that God operates.

From the first I have loved the energy in this group. The sense of purpose and the unity that is manifested here almost daily is life-giving. And to be connected to best-selling authors is phenomenal! I'm going to release my second book in a few months and I hope that I can be as successful using Lorilyn's program as the rest of you.

Right now I'm a little skeptical that it can work for me, and I'm frightened that it might. Sometime the smell of success gets to me like that. I can keep going but I'll stop now. I love all of you and I love being a part of this dynamic expression of genuine fellowship and partnership.

To God be the glory for sending Lorilyn for such a times as this.

Bernard Boulton - author

Do You Wanna be Made Whole?

Tuesday, May 24, will be our LAUNCH DAY on the membership drive. If you summit your application to join at http://www.lorilynroberts.com/john_3_16_marketing_network.html

On Tuesday, May 24th, you will be able to download free e-gifts offered by some of our authors. The only requirements are: You believe in John 3:16 and you have a blog or website.

As part of the membership drive, our member authors are hosting a blog tour featuring eight of our John 3:16 Network authors.

Today we will meet three authors, Lorilyn Roberts, D. McCarragher, and JD Holiday.

Lorilyn Roberts is the founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network and is the author of two books, The Donkey and the King and Children of Dreams.

The Author Jeopardy Question to win Lorilyn's book Children of Dreams during the Facebook Event on Tuesday (today), May 24, 8-9pm, will come from this question:

                           

Question: Where have you felt closest to God?

Lorilyn Roberts: I have scuba dived all over the world-the Red Sea, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Caribbean. Thirty minutes from my home in sunny Central Florida, dozens of cold, clear, springs bubble up and lure divers from all over the country to dive in the caves.

On many of these dives, particularly in the Red Sea, away from the noise and distractions of a busy life, I have been overcome with the immense beauty and vastness of the world beneath the ocean. On one particular night dive in the Florida Keys many years ago, my dive buddy and I were at about seventy-five feet, which is rather deep for a night dive.  We were diving off a shipwreck, and when I shone my underwater light on the rustic red side of a sunken boat, I discovered a brown caterpillar-like creature with tons of legs. He was edging his way along at a rather slow pace. I probably stunned him by the intrusion of my bright light in what was otherwise total blackness.

As I floated beside the ship and examined the peculiar worm, I wondered why, in the middle of the vast Atlanta Ocean, I would stumble upon this rather ugly creature.

Asking questions of seeming insignificance can lead to discussions with latent deeper meaning. Why did God create me? Are the things we stumble upon in life purely by chance?

I am convinced I am here for such a time as this (and so are you). The books we write bear witness to the lives God has given us, from comedy to romance to tragedy. We feel God's pleasure in the stories that touch us deeply, whether written by us or others. On that night dive way back long ago, when I was much younger and fitter, it is not surprising that God used a worm to reveal something about His nature-I have never forgotten it some twenty years later.

There is also a story in the Bible about a worm that God used in a powerful way. In the book of Jonah in the Old Testament, God sent Jonah to warn the people of the city of Nineveh to repent of their ways. After being eaten by the whale, Jonah traveled to the wicked city and did as God had asked him. But when God didn't destroy the city and spared the inhabitants, Jonah brooded over God's mercy to Israel's enemies. Then God supplied a plant to give Jonah shade as he sat angry in the hot noonday sun. The next day, however, God provided a worm to eat the plant.

Sometimes life seems like that. I can't figure it out. But diving into the depths of the ocean for me is like diving into the depths of God's love. I see His creativity in the world of worms, garden eels, and sea urchins; manta rays that glide over the sea wall, nurse sharks that hide under rocky ledges, and barracuda that amass in the hundreds. God's underwater paradise gives me hope that harmony with the world through Him is possible. I may not understand it all, but I don't have to. Perhaps God just wants me to enjoy the journey more and channel His creativity that I so much love into my soul.

As my kids get older, I look forward to once again putting on the weight belt, BC, tank, and octopus. I always enjoyed spitting into my face mask to clean it (after all, how many times in life is that acceptable behavior); and, of course, getting that last strand of hair out of the mask so as not to burn my eyes with seeping saltwater. I can't wait to push in that regulator button and hear the compressed air spew out (pretty important down there to be able to breathe) and I will waddle like a duck in all my gear to the back of the boat and wait my turn (imagining I look better than I feel with  the cumbersome tank on my back).

I will make sure I remember all those hand signals (the out-of-air one might come in handy) and, hopefully, heave off the back of the boat in a spectacular somersault. The rising bubbles as I sink and the sound of the regulator imitating my breathing will bring me back to my favorite pastime. I will be wooed once more to enjoy God's presence in a fabulous world of unparalleled beauty. And for a brief moment, nothing else will matter.

Our second author today that I want to introduce is Deborah McCarragher. I read Deborah's book, Mission Possible, which is full of Biblical insights on the value and holiness of marriage. At a time when traditional marriage is under attack, this book is refreshing and a welcomed reminder of how beautiful a Godly marriage is.

                                          

The Author Jeopardy Question to win D. McCarragher book, Mission Possible,  during the Facebook Party on Tuesday, May 24, 8-9pm EST, will come from our discussion below:

Deborah's mission is to encourage women through Scripture to believe in God's Word, to transform their husbands by challenging women to minister to their spouses in a way that glorifies God. The author's candid approach makes this book an easy read, and compels the reader to join her in her quest to reach her husband for Christ. Alabaster Box Publishing's motto is: Books to stir your mind & stretch your Soul!

Her primary goal is to share her personal testimony with others while bringing hope and practical help through her books.

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to stand in the gap for your mate's soul. Mission Possible  is a powerful tool for any woman who is married to a man who does not share her passion for Jesus. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for her spouse and their future together. You can influence your home for Christ even within a spiritually mismatched marriage.       

Question: What is your favorite book besides the Bible?

Deborah McCarragher: My favorite book is The Pilgrim's Progress  because when I was a new Christian, someone in my Sunday school class told me about the book and encouraged me to read it. I was fascinated by the story. I was intrigued by the allegorical meaning of the characters and their purpose in the overall plot of the book. Christian gave me a picture of perseverance in the face of difficulty and how life as a believer had struggles and triumphs. It revealed to me that we have Supernatural help available to us, and that the Word of God gave great strength and guidance. The Celestial City presented by John Bunyan as a serene and beautiful destination for the weary Christian has always given me hope and confidence to press on to my eternal home with persistence. And to behold my Savior Jesus will be the greatest gift I could receive.

Lorilyn: And I echo a great AMEN to that.

Our third and final author on this blog tour is JD Holiday. JD Holiday is the author and illustrator of two children's books: Janoose the Goose, a beautifully illustrated children's picture book; and a chapter book for six to eight year olds, The Great Snowball Escape. A chapbook of her short stories, Trespasses, was published in 1994. JD has published many short stories in literary magazines and written numerous articles about creative writing. She is a member of The Society of Children's Writers and Illustrators, (SCBWI) and Small Publishers of North America, (SPAN.)

                                    

Janoose the Goose likes life in the barnyard very much. She is there visiting her cousin, Molly Duck, and her baby, DeeDee. Her vacation is over and Janoose must go home because there are no job openings on the farm.

When her flight home arrives, the fox has begun a crime spree. Though the farm animals had a farm watch program once, they were no good at it! Janoose is the only one who can stop him.
                                    

Read the question below and remember the answer for a chance to win a copy of this book. If you can type the fastest, you will surely win the book Janoose the Goose

Question: When did you meet your husband and how long have you been married?
JD Holiday: I've known my best friend and husband, Angelo since we were 15 and 16 years old. We are married 41 years.
This concludes our blog tour-be sure to go to Facebook tonight for our Facebook Event (May 24, 8-9pm EST).  You will have an opportunity to win eight free books. During that hour, we will have many members online to answer questions, and we will be offering some technical tips on how to do things that will help authors. These tutorials/tips will include:

How to upload a .jpeg to Facebook/blog

How to resize a .jpeg and load it Facebook/blog

How to copy and paste widgets on websites
How to set up a twitter account.

Knowing how to do these things will help you in your marketing efforts My sincere thanks to Amanda Stephan for putting these tutorials together.

For information on the John 3:16 Marketing Network and to submit an application to join, please visithttp://www.lorilynroberts.com/john_3_16_marketing_network.html.

Make sure you wait to Tuesday to submit an application to join so you can download several free eBooks.

My thanks to everyone who contributed in various ways to make this blog tour and Facebook Event possible. As with any endeavor, lots of people make things happen. The following authors below helped me to pull this off:

Sherrill Cannon, Paulette Harper, Jay Miller, Dr. Ray W. Lincoln, JD Holiday, Janet Eckles, Dr. Robert McGinnis, Elaine Marie Cooper, Elisa Maria Crites, Lynn Dove, Amanda Stephan, Deborah McCarragher, Shelley Hitz, Marcia Laycock, and Anne Patrick.

Below is a complete listing of all the articles and authors featured on the John 3:16 Marketing Network tour this week. The articles can be viewed at: http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com.

Featured Author: Jay Miller

Featured Book: Sal and Sally

Featured Author: Sherrill Cannon

Featured Book:  The Magic Word

Featured Article: Are There Secret Formulas or Short Cuts for Making the Best-Seller List on Amazon-Part One of Six on the John 3:16 Marketing Network
Featured Author: Dr. Ray W. Lincoln
Featured Book: Innerkinetics^TM
Featured Article: What it Takes to Have a Winning Team-Part Two of Six, John 3:16 Marketing Network
Featured Author: Dr. Robert McGinnis
Featured Book: Paradise is Where You Find it
Featured Article: Roaches That Eat Your Best-Seller Dreams-Part Three of Six, John 3:16 Marketing Network 
Featured Author:  Elaine Marie Cooper
Featured Book: The Road to Deer Run
Featured Article: What is a Book Launch Anyway-and Slowly, Please, I am New at All of This - Part Four, John 3:16 Marketing Network
Featured Author: Lynn Dove
Featured Book: Shoot the Wounded

Featured Article: Why Should I join the John 3:16 Marketing Network

Part Five of Six, John 3:16 Marketing Network

Featured Author: Lorilyn Roberts

Featured Book: Children of Dreams

Featured Author: Deborah McCarragher

Featured Book:  Mission Possible

Featured Author: JD Holliday

Featured Book: Janoose the Goose

Featured Article: Why Should I Stay A Member of the Network After I Launch My Book-Part Six of Six, John 3:16 Marketing Network

FINAL BIG EVENT
Tuesday Night, May 24, 8-9pm EST
Location: John 3:16 Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Book-Launches-John-316-Marketing-Network/145412252147289Featured event: learn marketing tips, win free books, meet some John 3:16 Authors, ask questions, join the John 3:16 Network and download fee e-gifts!

Final comments from Lorilyn Roberts

In the John 3:16 Marketing Network, we share our thoughts, insights, knowledge, blogs, successes, prayer requests, and dreams. What started out as a way for authors to launch books has become so much more. I am not sure where God will take it, but I am trusting Him for the future. As I love to say, the best is yet to come!

To visit our information page and submit an application go to:

http://www.lorilynroberts.com/john_3_16_marketing_network.html
Last day to join for a long time will be Friday, May 27^th.
DON'T FORGET THE FACEBOOK EVENT, Tuesday, May 24, 8-9pm, on the John 3:16 Marketing Network Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Book-Launches-John-316-Marketing-Network/145412252147289