Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The John 3:16 Marketing Network Revolutionizes Christian Book Marketing
by Lorilyn Roberts
“Mommy, it’s UPS,” your daughter hollers from the other room.
You are glued to your chair captioning live television.
“Can you get it, honey?” you yell back.
The front door slams followed by the tearing of cardboard. Your heart thumps faster than it has in a long time. Your fingers sweat on the stenograph machine as you write 260 words per minute. Your body succumbs to a supernova hot flash as you wait…and wait a few more seconds.
“Mommy, it’s your book, and it’s beautiful.”
But you must finish captioning until the next commercial break. Finally, the talking heads stop and you turn around, and there it is—your daughter hands you your labor of love. You forget the late nights working instead of sleeping, the fast food at McDonald’s to save time cooking, and the piled up laundry in the closet.
What is it like to hold your book for the first time and flip through the pages? If you are a published author, you know. You feel like you just gave birth—indeed, you have.
A month later, the excitement wanes as you see your rankings plummet, you have run out of people you know who want to buy your book, and you can’t afford to give away any more copies.
Now what? The hard work of marketing begins. You must stretch your horizon further than you could possibly imagine. You discover that while writing a book is hard, marketing is even harder. Should you invest the little money you have left to hire a publicist, or pay for a professional email campaign? Should you skimp on the money and just lick lots of stamps for library mailings—or what about the big bucks for radio and TV appearances? You mange to drum up a few public appearances close by and sell quite a few books in the process, but you can’t travel far because you need that day job to pay your bills.
If any of this sounds familiar, know you are not alone. Most of us have tried some if not all of these things and probably dozens more.
But one day my floundering marketing efforts took me on a different path. I was listening to a one-hour marketing seminar by Steve Harrison with guest speaker Peggy McColl about how to become a best-selling author on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
And my dream was born. I said to myself, “I can do this.” As I was contemplating how to begin, God refined my dream by giving me a vision beyond anything I could have imagined. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that God was leading me to try something new—something which had never been done in marketing. Why not have a network of Christian authors to help each other launch books? Why not try to make best-sellers of as many books with a Christian worldview as possible?
But dreams don’t happen without a lot of hard work; and to make it a reality, I needed authors who were willing “to give it a go.”
I wrote a series of articles and contacted Christian authors on Facebook and other social networking sites. Slowly, I built a base of somewhat skeptical but entrepreneurial-type authors. Two months later, in October of 2010, we went live with the John 3:16 Marketing Network and launched our first book, I’m a Keeper, by Ray Lincoln, to best-seller status in multiple categories.
Thanks to Lorilyn and all our fellow writers, this network has grown significantly. I agree with Mary Jo that our Network will affect the future of Christian publishing. I personally am very grateful for all your helpful advice, prayers and just good ‘virtual’ company.
Fr Serafim – author, Carnival
Although the Network was in its infancy when we did our launch, I am sure that it was a significant part of our success with hitting Bestseller in 5 Amazon.com categories. The people who we are connecting with are becoming friends even though we have never met face-to-face. I firmly believe this group can have a great impact on the Christian book market.
Ray Lincoln – author, I’m a Keeper
The John 3:16 Book Marketing Network has been a God catalyst for so many talented authors here. I have not had the opportunity to enjoy the book launch benefits as mine is already in print (2009) – but I have made some wonderful contacts here and you have blessed me with your unwavering devotion to this group and its success. Your heavenly concept for this network has certainly been a blessing to so many – you are loved much Lorilyn!
Deborah McCarragher – author, Mission Possible
Apart from achieving #1 best-seller status for my small press novel, Wounded Spirits, the John 3:16 Network has given me peace of mind. As I sit down to work on my next proposal, I have total confidence in writing that I can reach thousands during my marketing campaign. It just doesn’t get much better than that.”
April Gardner – author, Wounded Spirits
“The John 3:16 Network has helped me not only achieve best-seller status on Amazon.com with my second book, Heal the Wounded, but also garnered renewed interest in my debut novel, Shoot the Wounded, that it soared to a #1 ranking on Amazon.ca (Canada), only days after my book launch of HTW!”
Lynn Dove – author, Shoot the Wounded and Heal the Wounded
I didn’t have to face the release day of my first novel alone. As a novice, I feared everything. Would the book be well received? Would it be purchased? Would anyone care? With the John 3:16 network, I knew people cared. They took time out of their day to tweet or post for me–someone they barely knew. They offered gifts in support. Amazing! Because of this generous network, my launch became a day that warmed my heart and reminded me that we serve a God who has a precious plan for us all.
Shellie Neumeier – author, Driven and The Wishing Ring
John 3:16 means support for myself as a new author. It has also been a tool to testify for Christ. I have a carousel of books from John 3:16 authors on my blog. I change them every 3 or 4 days. I pull up the John 3:16 page and go down the list of authors, searching on amazon.com by author name. Then I put one of their books on the carousel. Anyone who accesses my blog will see a carousel of books by John 3:16 authors. This is a very quick way to show that a group of Christian authors has banned together for the cause of Christ.
Theresa Franklin – author, A Sunny Tomorrow, release date March 12, 2011
Having the connection with fellow authors in John 316 gave me the confidence to pursue marketing with more passion, knowing I have the support of such loving friends.
But what I value most is Lorilyn’s willingness to go out of her way to help us out. Her constant support as she brings new ideas, offers new outlets, and points to specific marketing paths.
Thank you so much, Lorilyn!
Janet Perez Eckles – author, Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow
What John316 has meant to me has been a renewal in my draggin’ career. While
I haven’t gotten a new contract, I have made some pretty neat contacts and
met some lovely people. I’ve learned a lot about effective marketing at
online retailers and feel like I’ve been helpful in encouraging and
promoting and using my growing skills with other members of the group.
Lisa Lickel – author, Meander Scar
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 two hundred 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 John 3:16 Marketing; 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’s manifested here almost daily is life giving. And to be connected to bestselling 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 have. Right now, I’m a little skeptical that it can work for me and I’m frightened that it might. Sometimes 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 time as this.
Bernard Boulton – author, Do You Wanna be Made Whole?
I have been blessed by reading the emails and seeing how helpful everyone is to one another.
S.E. Gregg – author, The Christian Olympics, and many others
John 316 has meant not being alone. Writing is a lonely business but even when you ‘meet’ people they don’t necessarily believe anywhere close to the same things that you do. This group is a group of believers that uplift each other and support each other. To lose the lonely feeling all I have to do is log on and look at my email and there have been things going on with the group to catch up on or prayer requests. It is just wonderful to know that I have that support group behind me for when I want to talk, need prayer, have something to share, or when I do a launch in the future. Thank you, Lorilyn, for introducing all of us
Ashley Wintters – author, Shadows From the Past and Shadows of Suspicion
The John 3:16 Network has been fantastic in so many ways. First, through the expertise and guidance of those ‘in the know’, my book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER reached best-seller status on Amazon.ca in the romance contemporary category, and stayed there for three days. This is something I never would have been able to achieve without the network. Secondly, this network is very supportive in more ways than just marketing. When like-minded people of faith gather together, a sense of mutual support and concern builds. I am thankful for that. John 3:16 was truly inspired and I thank Lorilyn Roberts for taking her vision and making it a reality.
Tracy
Writing and marketing our works can be a lonely enterprise, but it doesn’t have to be. The John 3:16 Marketing Network enables me to gather wisdom from many authors who’ve been there and done that. Thus, I save time, money and frustration by crowdsourcing issues rather than depending upon my limited experiences. Solomon advised us that success and victory result from consulting many counselors. This network gives me an easy way to access these counselors.
Steve Miller – author, Enjoy Your Money! How to Make It, Save It, Invest It and Give It
In the lonely world of writing, this network has provided encouragement, information and friendship with writers of many different genres. At a time of great changes in publishing when many are turned away from publication because the bigger companies are “full for the year”, John 3:16 offers a variety of choices for authors to learn about non-traditional venues of seeing their writing in print and available to be read by others. It can give hope when others only discourage.
Elaine Cooper – author, The Road to Deer Run
The John 3:16 Marketing Network has helped me a lot with my book launch by giving me a lot of exposure. Even if I didn’t make best-seller status first round, I managed to sell a few books.
The John 3:16 Network has taught me a lot about the Kindle market and other technical issues with Amazon. I have come to know other authors’ work and feel really blessed in reading their books. I was also able to get help in finding the right person in regards to the making of the video of my book and finding somebody to help me with my drawing. The interview with Donald Parker was amazing. Most importantly, the encouragement, mutual support, and guidance from everybody has been tremendous.
Sana
If you are interested in becoming part of the John 3:16 Marketing Network, please visit our informational page at: http://www.lorilynroberts.com/john_3_16_marketing_network.html
Lorilyn Roberts
Children of Dreams
The Donkey and the King
http://lorilynroberts.com/
http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/llwroberts
http://john316mn.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Christian-Book-Launches-John-316-Marketing-Network/145412252147289
This article orignally appeared on the Reflections in Hindsight blog at http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/market-mondays-networking-is-vital/
Your doorbell rings.
“Mommy, it’s UPS,” your daughter hollers from the other room.
You are glued to your chair captioning live television.
“Can you get it, honey?” you yell back.
The front door slams followed by the tearing of cardboard. Your heart thumps faster than it has in a long time. Your fingers sweat on the stenograph machine as you write 260 words per minute. Your body succumbs to a supernova hot flash as you wait…and wait a few more seconds.
“Mommy, it’s your book, and it’s beautiful.”
But you must finish captioning until the next commercial break. Finally, the talking heads stop and you turn around, and there it is—your daughter hands you your labor of love. You forget the late nights working instead of sleeping, the fast food at McDonald’s to save time cooking, and the piled up laundry in the closet.
What is it like to hold your book for the first time and flip through the pages? If you are a published author, you know. You feel like you just gave birth—indeed, you have.
You send out a flurry of copies to your family, friends, and share your excitement with everyone with whom you come into contact. You learn how to check your rankings on Amazon and discover your book is rated in the top twenty in two subcategories. You wonder when you will get your first royalty check; and how many books have you sold in the first two weeks anyway?
A month later, the excitement wanes as you see your rankings plummet, you have run out of people you know who want to buy your book, and you can’t afford to give away any more copies.
Now what? The hard work of marketing begins. You must stretch your horizon further than you could possibly imagine. You discover that while writing a book is hard, marketing is even harder. Should you invest the little money you have left to hire a publicist, or pay for a professional email campaign? Should you skimp on the money and just lick lots of stamps for library mailings—or what about the big bucks for radio and TV appearances? You mange to drum up a few public appearances close by and sell quite a few books in the process, but you can’t travel far because you need that day job to pay your bills.
If any of this sounds familiar, know you are not alone. Most of us have tried some if not all of these things and probably dozens more.
But one day my floundering marketing efforts took me on a different path. I was listening to a one-hour marketing seminar by Steve Harrison with guest speaker Peggy McColl about how to become a best-selling author on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
And my dream was born. I said to myself, “I can do this.” As I was contemplating how to begin, God refined my dream by giving me a vision beyond anything I could have imagined. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that God was leading me to try something new—something which had never been done in marketing. Why not have a network of Christian authors to help each other launch books? Why not try to make best-sellers of as many books with a Christian worldview as possible?
But dreams don’t happen without a lot of hard work; and to make it a reality, I needed authors who were willing “to give it a go.”
I wrote a series of articles and contacted Christian authors on Facebook and other social networking sites. Slowly, I built a base of somewhat skeptical but entrepreneurial-type authors. Two months later, in October of 2010, we went live with the John 3:16 Marketing Network and launched our first book, I’m a Keeper, by Ray Lincoln, to best-seller status in multiple categories.
Since that time, I have been blessed to meet on our forum some of the most caring, dynamic, hard-working, educated, and talented authors in the industry. I wanted to share some of their unedited comments and hope that you, too, if you are a Christian author, will catch a glimpse of the potential we have to impact and revolutionize the very underpinnings of internet book marketing.
Fr Serafim – author, Carnival
Although the Network was in its infancy when we did our launch, I am sure that it was a significant part of our success with hitting Bestseller in 5 Amazon.com categories. The people who we are connecting with are becoming friends even though we have never met face-to-face. I firmly believe this group can have a great impact on the Christian book market.
Ray Lincoln – author, I’m a Keeper
The John 3:16 Book Marketing Network has been a God catalyst for so many talented authors here. I have not had the opportunity to enjoy the book launch benefits as mine is already in print (2009) – but I have made some wonderful contacts here and you have blessed me with your unwavering devotion to this group and its success. Your heavenly concept for this network has certainly been a blessing to so many – you are loved much Lorilyn!
Deborah McCarragher – author, Mission Possible
Apart from achieving #1 best-seller status for my small press novel, Wounded Spirits, the John 3:16 Network has given me peace of mind. As I sit down to work on my next proposal, I have total confidence in writing that I can reach thousands during my marketing campaign. It just doesn’t get much better than that.”
April Gardner – author, Wounded Spirits
“The John 3:16 Network has helped me not only achieve best-seller status on Amazon.com with my second book, Heal the Wounded, but also garnered renewed interest in my debut novel, Shoot the Wounded, that it soared to a #1 ranking on Amazon.ca (Canada), only days after my book launch of HTW!”
Lynn Dove – author, Shoot the Wounded and Heal the Wounded
I didn’t have to face the release day of my first novel alone. As a novice, I feared everything. Would the book be well received? Would it be purchased? Would anyone care? With the John 3:16 network, I knew people cared. They took time out of their day to tweet or post for me–someone they barely knew. They offered gifts in support. Amazing! Because of this generous network, my launch became a day that warmed my heart and reminded me that we serve a God who has a precious plan for us all.
Shellie Neumeier – author, Driven and The Wishing Ring
John 3:16 means support for myself as a new author. It has also been a tool to testify for Christ. I have a carousel of books from John 3:16 authors on my blog. I change them every 3 or 4 days. I pull up the John 3:16 page and go down the list of authors, searching on amazon.com by author name. Then I put one of their books on the carousel. Anyone who accesses my blog will see a carousel of books by John 3:16 authors. This is a very quick way to show that a group of Christian authors has banned together for the cause of Christ.
Theresa Franklin – author, A Sunny Tomorrow, release date March 12, 2011
Having the connection with fellow authors in John 316 gave me the confidence to pursue marketing with more passion, knowing I have the support of such loving friends.
But what I value most is Lorilyn’s willingness to go out of her way to help us out. Her constant support as she brings new ideas, offers new outlets, and points to specific marketing paths.
Thank you so much, Lorilyn!
Janet Perez Eckles – author, Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow
What John316 has meant to me has been a renewal in my draggin’ career. While
I haven’t gotten a new contract, I have made some pretty neat contacts and
met some lovely people. I’ve learned a lot about effective marketing at
online retailers and feel like I’ve been helpful in encouraging and
promoting and using my growing skills with other members of the group.
Lisa Lickel – author, Meander Scar
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 two hundred 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 John 3:16 Marketing; 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’s manifested here almost daily is life giving. And to be connected to bestselling 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 have. Right now, I’m a little skeptical that it can work for me and I’m frightened that it might. Sometimes 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 time as this.
Bernard Boulton – author, Do You Wanna be Made Whole?
I have been blessed by reading the emails and seeing how helpful everyone is to one another.
S.E. Gregg – author, The Christian Olympics, and many others
John 316 has meant not being alone. Writing is a lonely business but even when you ‘meet’ people they don’t necessarily believe anywhere close to the same things that you do. This group is a group of believers that uplift each other and support each other. To lose the lonely feeling all I have to do is log on and look at my email and there have been things going on with the group to catch up on or prayer requests. It is just wonderful to know that I have that support group behind me for when I want to talk, need prayer, have something to share, or when I do a launch in the future. Thank you, Lorilyn, for introducing all of us
Ashley Wintters – author, Shadows From the Past and Shadows of Suspicion
The John 3:16 Network has been fantastic in so many ways. First, through the expertise and guidance of those ‘in the know’, my book MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER reached best-seller status on Amazon.ca in the romance contemporary category, and stayed there for three days. This is something I never would have been able to achieve without the network. Secondly, this network is very supportive in more ways than just marketing. When like-minded people of faith gather together, a sense of mutual support and concern builds. I am thankful for that. John 3:16 was truly inspired and I thank Lorilyn Roberts for taking her vision and making it a reality.
Writing and marketing our works can be a lonely enterprise, but it doesn’t have to be. The John 3:16 Marketing Network enables me to gather wisdom from many authors who’ve been there and done that. Thus, I save time, money and frustration by crowdsourcing issues rather than depending upon my limited experiences. Solomon advised us that success and victory result from consulting many counselors. This network gives me an easy way to access these counselors.
Steve Miller – author, Enjoy Your Money! How to Make It, Save It, Invest It and Give It
In the lonely world of writing, this network has provided encouragement, information and friendship with writers of many different genres. At a time of great changes in publishing when many are turned away from publication because the bigger companies are “full for the year”, John 3:16 offers a variety of choices for authors to learn about non-traditional venues of seeing their writing in print and available to be read by others. It can give hope when others only discourage.
Elaine Cooper – author, The Road to Deer Run
The John 3:16 Marketing Network has helped me a lot with my book launch by giving me a lot of exposure. Even if I didn’t make best-seller status first round, I managed to sell a few books.
The John 3:16 Network has taught me a lot about the Kindle market and other technical issues with Amazon. I have come to know other authors’ work and feel really blessed in reading their books. I was also able to get help in finding the right person in regards to the making of the video of my book and finding somebody to help me with my drawing. The interview with Donald Parker was amazing. Most importantly, the encouragement, mutual support, and guidance from everybody has been tremendous.
If you are interested in becoming part of the John 3:16 Marketing Network, please visit our informational page at: http://www.lorilynroberts.com/john_3_16_marketing_network.html
Lorilyn Roberts
Children of Dreams
The Donkey and the King
http://lorilynroberts.com/
http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/llwroberts
http://john316mn.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Christian-Book-Launches-John-316-Marketing-Network/145412252147289
This article orignally appeared on the Reflections in Hindsight blog at http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/market-mondays-networking-is-vital/
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Finest Example of Launching Christian Books in the World
The John 3:16 Marketing Network
The Finest Example of Launching Christian Books in the World
Q&A with Lorilyn Roberts
I started the John 3:16 Network last summer and am excited about what God is doing. I will share some Q&A here to help your readers learn more about the network and answer some questions that I have addressed at various times.
Question: What is the John 3:16 Marketing Network?
Answer: The John 3:16 Marketing Network is a network of Christian authors from all over the world who have united for a common purpose: To help Christian authors launch books on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The launches last for twenty-four hours, and during that time, authors in the network post tweets and Facebook announcements, host interviews of the launching author, post blogs about the upcoming book, and send emails to opt-in lists.
Oftentimes there are free e-gifts available to those who buy the book on launch day. We’ve had several authors to reach best-seller status at Amazon, and even those who didn’t still received a lot of publicity and exposure for their book.
Question: I don’t have a blog/website, don’t use Twitter, and don’t care for Facebook, but can I still be in the network? I have a book coming out that I need help promoting.
Answer: You must have an active blog or website to be a member of the John 3:16 Marketing Network. The reasons relate to the type of social marketing and network promotion we do for Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
You will need a blog/website to help others if you wish to be a blog host for a launch.
It shows you have enough knowledge to do very basic internet marketing.
The John 3:16 Marketing Network is not designed to do the hard work of marketing your book for you. Those who have enjoyed the network the most and have achieved best-seller status made the most of the internet for promoting their book on launch day. We have around eighty-five authors now, and if even half of the authors help on a launch, I would imagine we are reaching close to five hundred thousand people. As we grow, I look forward to reaching a million people on launches and boosting rankings even higher in subcategories. An author can also use sources outside the network to launch a book, increasing his exposure.
Question: Does everybody who submits their name to join the John 3:16 Marketing Network get accepted into the network?
Answer: Even assuming a person meets all the criteria as listed on the submission page, no. As time has passed, I have become more selective. For instance, early on, if someone didn’t leave all his information, which is basically, his name, website/blog, and email, if I had his email, I would follow up in an email and ask him for his full name or blog.
I don’t do that anymore. If an applicant can’t follow the directions on how to apply, I would rather he not join. The rules are specific about how to launch a book to best-seller status, and if an author can’t follow the rules about how to join, he won’t be able to follow the rules for hosting a launch.
Before I approve a person on the John 3:16 Marketing Network, I always check out his or her blog/website. If I see something that raises a question mark in my mind, I don’t go any further in the application process. I also only let in about three or four authors per week. It is very time consuming because there are several steps in the process, and since I am doing this at no charge, I only have a limited amount of time each week to devote to new members.
Question: What is the John 3:16 Marketing Network like on a day-to-day basis?
We have a Facebook page that is used basically to announce books on launch day and as publicity for the network. People find us there and become a fan, but that does not make a person a member of the network. The Facebook page is only a tiny fragment of the big picture.
We have a blog for launching books, a page where many of the books written by our authors are listed for purchase, an introduction page for new members, and we are fixing to launch a resource page of available services offered by authors within the network.
The most important part of the network is our Yahoo Forum, which is by invite only. You can’t be a member of the forum unless you are in the John 3:16 Marketing Network. We have a very verbose group on the forum. It is not unusual to have between fifty and one hundred email postings each day.
Question: What is my role (Lorilyn Roberts) in the John 3:16 Marketing Network?
I admit everybody into the network. I verify all the launch dates and launches to make sure each author is ready/prepared to launch and is not in conflict with anyone else’s launch. I provide an important document explaining how to host a professional launch based on the Peggy McColl Best-Seller Program. (We also have made some modifications to that program to suit our network). I answer a lot of individual emails from members and oversee the general running of the network. It is a labor of love.
I had no idea when I began this network, which I felt led by God to form, that it would be so successful. I have touched a felt-need in the Christian arena of authors and marketing. We have a connectedness and sharing among like-minded individuals. We make no distinction between self-published, POD published, or mainline published. It doesn’t come up in conversation on the forum, as I have seen on other forums, because nobody cares.
There is a camaraderie and feeling of good will that must be akin to what existed in the early church. We truly have something special here. As with any group, however, it is not for everyone. You must have at least some familiarity with how to post on Facebook, twitter, blog, et cetera, or be willing to learn without complaining; you must be willing to follow the instructions on how to launch a best-seller and be willing to be edified—we want everyone to succeed; and you must be willing to give of yourself to help others on launches or give an e-gift for those who have landing pages. The landing pages have been fabulously successful in helping authors to achieve best-seller status. You will learn what that is when you join the John 3:16 Marketing Network.
As far as I know, we have done something that has never been done—united Christian authors from all over the world in one network representing every way a book can be published. On book launches, we all join together and cheer each other on through announcements of various kinds, helping each author to achieve that coveted best-seller status. 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
This has been reprinted from the Reflections in Hindsight blog from Monday, April, 11, 2011.
http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/2011/04/11/market-mondays-networking-is-vital/#comment-1382
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Get "I Called Him Dancer" on Tuesday and Receive Free E-Gifts!
When people see a breathtaking performance, it looks like natural, raw talent. The truth is, behind the performer is a long road filled with struggle, pain, and hardship. In front of every winner is a mountain of failure they must first climb and conquer. The greater the mountain, the sweeter the taste of success. Michael Camp was an award winning dancer.
For a moment, Michael danced on top of the world, but one bad choice turned his life upside down. The once promising Broadway star now washes windows for tips and lives among the homeless. When his former dance partner recognizes him behind the fray of whiskers, shame drives him away from her. Angry at God and the world, the Dancer refuses to allow anyone into his life.
Beyond his short-lived success, stands a valley of despair with terrain so rugged, his very life will hang in the balances. If he survives, the mountain awaits. It has been said, unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, it cannot blossom into life. Can Michael Camp trust enough to die, when life seems out of reach?
When everything is stripped away, three things remain: faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love. I Called Him Dancer is a story about how one woman’s enduring faith and unconditional love drives her to reach out to a homeless man who has given up on life.
What readers are saying:
This book is a page turner from cover to cover, Eddie makes you feel like you actually know the characters in his book. - B. Tillman, OR.
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Almost too good to put into words. ...you'll find yourself saying, "Just one more chapter". K. McNabney, IL
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This book is a must read. Through this book the reader will learn about true love and the power it holds. T. Franklin, TX
---
I loved this book from cover to cover, the author makes you feel like you actually
know the characters in his book. T. Webster, VA
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Results From Amazon BestSeller List #2 Position in Dreams! What Every Dream Means
Hi Everyone! A VERY special Thank You to all of you who participated in the Launch of What Every Dream Means on Tue. April 5, 2011. You all made such a difference!! Here is a screen shot at the #2 position from Amazon at 11:00 p.m. By the way, the book continues to rank in the top 20 (anywhere from #8 - #14 is what I have seen) today which would suggest that there is activity today as well.
Scott M. Shafer
Best Selling Author of What Every Dream Means
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Amazon Best Seller Launch ~ What Every Dream Means
Tired of the gimmicks when it comes to the meaning of dream symbols? Get your copy of What Every Dream Means by Scott M. Shafer. Find the truth of the meaning of your dreams and settle for nothing less! Get immediate access to valuable Free Bonus Gifts with each purchase.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Lorilyn Roberts: Interview by Christian Author Scott M. Shafer Abou...
Lorilyn Roberts: Interview by Christian Author Scott M. Shafer Abou...: "Today I am running an interview by Scott Shafer about his new book, What Every Dream Means. I am intrigued by What Every Dream Means ..."
Monday, March 28, 2011
Book Launch ~ Tue. April 5th ~ What Every Dream Means
I wanted to announce my upcoming book launch taking place on Tue. April 5th (that's one week from now approx.) for those of you who would like to participate. The goal of the launch is to reach the Amazon Best Seller List and partners are the key! Please email me if you are interested: Scott@WhatEveryDreamMeans.com.
A Big Thank You to those of you who have committed to the launch and will be posting, blogging, emailing, interviewing etc. etc. Your support is priceless! The Landing Page will be live soon and all partners will be listed on a separate page with links to web sites and blogs. For those giving Bonus Gifts descriptions of you and your Bonus Gift will be listed on the Landing Page itself. Also, please pray if you are so inclined. I am concentrated on praying for the success of the partners as well as the whole campaign itself with all the final details and preparation to come together this week (including all technology issues). Anyway as we get closer to launch time I will communicate more with you!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Launch of Roman Carnival by Serafin Gascoigne
Today I would like to introduce a fascinating author who writes books for young adults. Meet Serafin Gascoigne as he talks about his life and the launch of his new book, TODAY -- ROMAN CARNIVAL.
To order and get a free evaluation of your web site by a certified consultant, go to http://creativecopy.us/event22.html
Question by Lorilyn Roberts: I recently listened to an interview by you where you talked about your varied background which helps you to create memorable stories for Young Adults. Can you share some of that with us today?
Answer: I have been a professional musician, an army medic, an intelligence analyst, teacher and computer training consultant on three continents, and finally a pastor/priest here in the U.S.
I worked for British Intelligence in Berlin during the Cold War. This gave me exposure to the Russian language and Christians who had taken refuge in the West, but who nonetheless went through very difficult times when the Soviet army took Berlin. Their stories, in many instances miraculous, set the scene for my future writing. When Russia became open once more, I traveled to Siberia and other places in Russia.
Later I taught in an inner-city school where seventy percent of the students were from the West Indies. I lived in Ladbroke Square, the location of ROMAN CARNIVAL, a few doors away from the Home Secretary and the film star, Kenneth Moore, and John Cleese of Monty Python fame. I used to see them shopping from time to time.
Question by Lorilyn: I am always interested in whether fiction authors write by "the seat of their pants" or if they outline and develop the plot and then write. How do you come up with your fascinating story lines?
Answer: I develop my characters first and then find a story for them. I usually work out a draft outline which I never stick to! The stories seem to write themselves. I enjoy researching background, looking for unusual details. Did you know that the Romans worshipped the wrong god or that Nero did not play the fiddle (or mandolin) while Rome was burning?
I found some interesting menus such as dormice dipped in honey. Lots of facts that I hope will capture the interest of young readers.
Question by Lorilyn Roberts: Which leads to my next question: Tell us a little bit about your new novel ROMAN CARNIVAL.
Answer: The discovery of an ancient Temple of Mithras causes great excitement among the residents of Ladbroke Square, London. At the suggestion of the curator of the British Museum, the residents decide to hold a Roman Carnival, complete with fancy dress, refreshments, tours and speeches. However, unknown to the large crowd gathered for the Carnival, there are “ravens,” Roman assassins from 65 AD.
Intent on invading 20th century London, the Romans, members of the cult of Mithras, are thwarted in their attempt by two school boys, Anthony Archer and Hector Carter. As the drama unfolds, Hector is mistaken for a runaway boy soldier, while Anthony is thought to be Artemius, a high-ranking member of the cult of Mithras.
Mistaken identity or not, these boys begin to play a vital role in defeating the cosmic forces that have entered their time and reality through the Temple of Mithras. A mysterious figure, the watcher Nikomedes, confirms that this is their destiny; it is part of their ancestral breath. Only Anthony and Hector are capable of sealing the conduit between past and present. How are they to do this? Nikomedes says that they will know what to do when the time comes.
Unlikely heroes in a battle with cosmic evil, the boys work as a duo, displaying common sense and courage in the face of many unexpected dangers. Their only weapons against this invasion are their simplicity, honesty, and their ancestral link to the past. Hector's good and easy-going nature, loyalty to a friend, and courage play an important role in the drama. Anthony is not particularly courageous but together with Hector, he shines as a natural leader in times of danger.
This is a fast-paced historical/fantasy, combining Cockney humor and suspense.
Question by Lorilyn Roberts: With your background you could write for any genera. Why did you choose to write Young Adult books?
Answer: I enjoy reading children’s literature and simply enjoy writing for young readers. I believe that it is important to communicate Christian values through fantasy and for teens through the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. ROMAN CARNIVAL is written for a secular audience but the underlying theme is Christian.
I am concerned that many authors of fantasy dwell on masochistic, sadistic, and psychotic role models. Roman Carnival is no moralistic tale, but a scary, fast-paced, time-shift adventure. It's not for the timid.
The underlying metaphysic is that we inherit not only the physical characteristics of our parents, but a part of their spirit too. This is a surprise element in the story.
Thank you, Serafim Gascoigne, for sharing with us your passion for writing for Young Adults. I can’t wait to get a copy of ROMAN CARNIVAL for my 12-year-old daughter who loves Christian fantasy.
Be sure to order ROMAN CARNIVAL on Tuesday, March 22, from Amazon.com at the link: http://creativecopy.us/event22.html
To order and get a free evaluation of your web site by a certified consultant, go to http://creativecopy.us/event22.html
Question by Lorilyn Roberts: I recently listened to an interview by you where you talked about your varied background which helps you to create memorable stories for Young Adults. Can you share some of that with us today?
Answer: I have been a professional musician, an army medic, an intelligence analyst, teacher and computer training consultant on three continents, and finally a pastor/priest here in the U.S.
I worked for British Intelligence in Berlin during the Cold War. This gave me exposure to the Russian language and Christians who had taken refuge in the West, but who nonetheless went through very difficult times when the Soviet army took Berlin. Their stories, in many instances miraculous, set the scene for my future writing. When Russia became open once more, I traveled to Siberia and other places in Russia.
Later I taught in an inner-city school where seventy percent of the students were from the West Indies. I lived in Ladbroke Square, the location of ROMAN CARNIVAL, a few doors away from the Home Secretary and the film star, Kenneth Moore, and John Cleese of Monty Python fame. I used to see them shopping from time to time.
Question by Lorilyn: I am always interested in whether fiction authors write by "the seat of their pants" or if they outline and develop the plot and then write. How do you come up with your fascinating story lines?
Answer: I develop my characters first and then find a story for them. I usually work out a draft outline which I never stick to! The stories seem to write themselves. I enjoy researching background, looking for unusual details. Did you know that the Romans worshipped the wrong god or that Nero did not play the fiddle (or mandolin) while Rome was burning?
I found some interesting menus such as dormice dipped in honey. Lots of facts that I hope will capture the interest of young readers.
Question by Lorilyn Roberts: Which leads to my next question: Tell us a little bit about your new novel ROMAN CARNIVAL.
Answer: The discovery of an ancient Temple of Mithras causes great excitement among the residents of Ladbroke Square, London. At the suggestion of the curator of the British Museum, the residents decide to hold a Roman Carnival, complete with fancy dress, refreshments, tours and speeches. However, unknown to the large crowd gathered for the Carnival, there are “ravens,” Roman assassins from 65 AD.
Intent on invading 20th century London, the Romans, members of the cult of Mithras, are thwarted in their attempt by two school boys, Anthony Archer and Hector Carter. As the drama unfolds, Hector is mistaken for a runaway boy soldier, while Anthony is thought to be Artemius, a high-ranking member of the cult of Mithras.
Mistaken identity or not, these boys begin to play a vital role in defeating the cosmic forces that have entered their time and reality through the Temple of Mithras. A mysterious figure, the watcher Nikomedes, confirms that this is their destiny; it is part of their ancestral breath. Only Anthony and Hector are capable of sealing the conduit between past and present. How are they to do this? Nikomedes says that they will know what to do when the time comes.
Unlikely heroes in a battle with cosmic evil, the boys work as a duo, displaying common sense and courage in the face of many unexpected dangers. Their only weapons against this invasion are their simplicity, honesty, and their ancestral link to the past. Hector's good and easy-going nature, loyalty to a friend, and courage play an important role in the drama. Anthony is not particularly courageous but together with Hector, he shines as a natural leader in times of danger.
This is a fast-paced historical/fantasy, combining Cockney humor and suspense.
Question by Lorilyn Roberts: With your background you could write for any genera. Why did you choose to write Young Adult books?
Answer: I enjoy reading children’s literature and simply enjoy writing for young readers. I believe that it is important to communicate Christian values through fantasy and for teens through the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. ROMAN CARNIVAL is written for a secular audience but the underlying theme is Christian.
I am concerned that many authors of fantasy dwell on masochistic, sadistic, and psychotic role models. Roman Carnival is no moralistic tale, but a scary, fast-paced, time-shift adventure. It's not for the timid.
The underlying metaphysic is that we inherit not only the physical characteristics of our parents, but a part of their spirit too. This is a surprise element in the story.
Thank you, Serafim Gascoigne, for sharing with us your passion for writing for Young Adults. I can’t wait to get a copy of ROMAN CARNIVAL for my 12-year-old daughter who loves Christian fantasy.
Be sure to order ROMAN CARNIVAL on Tuesday, March 22, from Amazon.com at the link: http://creativecopy.us/event22.html
Friday, March 18, 2011
Info about the RESOURCE PAGE - PLEASE READ
Hi, Everybody,
Just a quick reminder if you have a service in the following areas that you provide, we would like to post a blurb about it on the new
Just a quick reminder if you have a service in the following areas that you provide, we would like to post a blurb about it on the new
resource page
on the John 3:16 Blog.
Keep it to 75 words and email to Sana at sana.edoja@hotmail.com.
We can break down the categories into:
editing
video
covers
ebooks
websites/blogs
other
We will also have a category for recommended resources. Please provide the
We can break down the categories into:
editing
video
covers
ebooks
websites/blogs
other
We will also have a category for recommended resources. Please provide the
name/website
with your
name/website
so if somone wants to talk to you about your experience, he knows who to contact.
Cut-off will be next Monday, March 21, so if you want to contribute, get it to Sana by then.
****
Today it is the last day of forwarding your information to me so I can pass it on to Lisa for posting on the blog.
Blessings,
sana
Cut-off will be next Monday, March 21, so if you want to contribute, get it to Sana by then.
****
Today it is the last day of forwarding your information to me so I can pass it on to Lisa for posting on the blog.
Blessings,
sana
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Internet Book Marketing -- Jumpstart Your Campaign!
Updated June 21, 2013
FREE Power Point Presentation for Internet Book Marketing #authors #writers #John316Author @John316Network http://t.co/h8H27DXGt3
— Lorilyn Roberts (@LorilynRoberts) June 21, 2013
Monday, March 7, 2011
Don't Miss This Exciting New Book, The Road to Deer Run, by Elaine Cooper
by Award-winning Author Elaine Cooper
The year is 1777 and the colonies of America are at war with England
Received Honorable Mention in the Romance category at the 2011 Los Angeles
Winner of "Best Romantic Excerpt" in the Clash of the Titles contest, Feb 2011.
What Are Reviewers Saying about “The Road to Deer Run”?
“A heartwarming love story, sensitively written and a well-researched bit of American history. The book has a solid faith-based perspective that sets it apart.”
— Jean LemMom, former Editor, Better Homes & Gardens Magazine
“A captivating tale of love, honor, redemption, and patriotism….Cooper breathes life into her characters and their world in an entertaining way with generous details and facts.”
— Wanda Ventling, Editor in Chief, Life: Beautiful Magazine
“With subplots as appealing as the main story, the book is well researched, well written, and well worth the purchase price. Ready for the sequel.”
— Kirkus Discoveries Reviews
To read more about The Road to Deer Run, visit http://amzn.to/gnPwoF, but wait till Tuesday to purchase. We want to help Elaine reach best-seller status on Amazon during her offical book launch!
Author Biography
Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Massachusetts but now lives in the Midwest with her husband Steve, her three dogs and one huge cat. She has two married sons and triplet grandbabies, who are often referred to (by her) as “the most beautiful grandbabies in the world.” Elaine’s only daughter Bethany
A retired registered nurse, Elaine has been a magazine freelance writer for many years, and is a regular contributor to a blog on the Midwest called The Barn Door (www.thebarndoor.net) and a blog on Christian living called Reflections In Hindsight (ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com) She is also the author of her debut novel called “The Road to Deer Run” and is currently writing the sequel.
Elaine Cooper can be reached on FaceBook
or visit her website at:
DeerRunBooks.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Amazon launch of Stacy Padula's book, When Darkness Tries to Hide
Today marks the release of Stacy Padula’s latest novel, When Darkness Tries to Hide.
As a special promotion, today’s buyers will get free gifts & a chance to win Boston Red Sox tickets, gift certificates, & other prizes for each copy of When Darkness Tries to Hide that they purchase.
For details on the book, launch, and promotions please visit:
http://montgomerylake.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/mlh2-launch-info.pdf
Enjoy this interview with Stacy Padula:
Author of When Darkness Tries to Hide and The Right Person
Q: How did you become interested in writing?
A: I wrote my first book when I was in Kindergarten; it was a short story about a puppy. Then my writing just continued…I wrote books all through elementary school and continued beyond. I finished my first draft of When Darkness Tries to Hide when I was 15 years old. I had read a lot of different books while growing up that had been about high school. When I entered high school I was completely shocked by what was going on around me! It was nothing like Sweet Valley High or the Babysitters Club. There was an abundance of backbiting, backstabbing, substance abuse, and kids just being mean to each other. I felt that there needed to be a realistic book series out there for kids to read so that they could be prepared for the social battles of high school. So, I wrote The Right Person, which is the first book in the Montgomery Lake High series. I fell in love with my characters, and the subject matters, so I decided to write a sequel (which is now When Darkness Tries to Hide). I have recently finished the 5th book in the series, and I plan to keep writing as long as I am able to!
Q: What should people know about When Darkness Tries to Hide?
A: The book picks up two months after where The Right Person left off. There is a terrible storm that brings destruction to the town and into the lives of some of the characters. One of the characters, Andy, gets injured and another character, Jason, feels responsible. (Although no one knows at first exactly why Jason feels that way.) The story follows many characters reactions to the accident, and how everyone comes together to help Andy. Jason is the central focus of the story, and the transformation he goes through as a result of feeling responsible for what happened to Andy. The main point of the story is the battle between light and darkness, and how people often do not realize they are living a dark life because everyone around them is living the same way, until a ray of light shines in and breaks through the darkness.
Q: Have any experiences from your own life affected the storyline of the book?
A: I have not written about anything that has happened to me exactly, but everything in the books is based on things I have witnessed teenagers go through, or emotional/social/physical/spiritual battles that I have fought in my life. The books are filled with lessons I have learned from my own experiences, but I have woven those lessons into the completely fictitious world of Montgomery Lake High. It is my hope that teens and pre-teens can learn from these lessons and not go through as much pain as I had to in order to learn them!
Q: What is it like waiting for each book to be published?
A: It is exciting!! My next book, which will be published apart from the series as a novel, is called Montgomery's Masquerade: The Battle for Innocence. It is a prequel to the series that takes place when the main characters were in 7th grade. I just got it back from my editor, who is actually from Pearson Publishing, and I am excited to review her edits and send it along to my publisher, Strategic Book Group. They had read the rough copy earlier this month and accepted it. The whole process has many steps, and a lot of approvals that need to be signed off on. It is excited to see the internal layout of the book. I get to work with my publisher's book designers to bring the book up to the vision that I have for it. This, along with approving the front and back cover designs, is a very exciting part of the process. I always get butterflies in my stomach when I open up the first printed copy of each book. The process can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on many different circumstances. I enjoy being a part of the process. It is always a learning experience, and I find that very rewarding!
Q: Do you have a "life verse" that you have claimed? If so what is it and why is that verse so meaningful to you?
A: Psalm 84:11 has significant meaning to me. It states that God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. This verse is a reminder to me that anything that I pray for and do not receive is not really good for me, and that I only desire it because I have limited understanding of what is best for me. God knows what is best, and as long as I am walking with Him, He will not withhold anything good from me. So whenever God closes a door in my life, I recall Psalm 84:11 and find great comfort and peace within its promise.
Q: Who (or what) is your greatest encourager when you write and why?
A: I have a wonderful support system of family and friends who encourage me in my writing. What encourages me the most, though, is the world of Montgomery Lake High that exists within my mind. It is like God has put this world in my head, and these characters that are so real to me, and I write to express what is within me: a message of faith to reach out to the youth.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like your readers to know about you that would give us even more of a glimpse into your personality and passions?
A: “Passionate” would be the best word to describe me. When I'm into something, I'm into it with my whole heart. I love my life and think God has blessed me with the best friends, best dog, best job, and the best mother in the entire world. Writing is my favorite pastime. I have learned a lot about conquering fear this past year. The ocean moves me. I love North Carolina and feel like a part of my heart is there. I love to learn and figure out how things are connected. I see deeper meaning in everything. I believe love is the answer to life's toughest questions. I have "songs" with the majority of my friends and hope the lyrics always mean something to me. My faith is in Jesus Christ, and I'm in love with Him. I have a strange fetish for football movies. I am an avid skier. I have a lot of hope and believe nothing is impossible with God.
Please visit: http://montgomerylake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/mlh2-launch-info.pdf for more information on the Montgomery Lake High book series.
As a special promotion, today’s buyers will get free gifts & a chance to win Boston Red Sox tickets, gift certificates, & other prizes for each copy of When Darkness Tries to Hide that they purchase.
For details on the book, launch, and promotions please visit:
http://montgomerylake.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/mlh2-launch-info.pdf
Enjoy this interview with Stacy Padula:
Author of When Darkness Tries to Hide and The Right Person
Q: How did you become interested in writing?
A: I wrote my first book when I was in Kindergarten; it was a short story about a puppy. Then my writing just continued…I wrote books all through elementary school and continued beyond. I finished my first draft of When Darkness Tries to Hide when I was 15 years old. I had read a lot of different books while growing up that had been about high school. When I entered high school I was completely shocked by what was going on around me! It was nothing like Sweet Valley High or the Babysitters Club. There was an abundance of backbiting, backstabbing, substance abuse, and kids just being mean to each other. I felt that there needed to be a realistic book series out there for kids to read so that they could be prepared for the social battles of high school. So, I wrote The Right Person, which is the first book in the Montgomery Lake High series. I fell in love with my characters, and the subject matters, so I decided to write a sequel (which is now When Darkness Tries to Hide). I have recently finished the 5th book in the series, and I plan to keep writing as long as I am able to!
Q: What should people know about When Darkness Tries to Hide?
A: The book picks up two months after where The Right Person left off. There is a terrible storm that brings destruction to the town and into the lives of some of the characters. One of the characters, Andy, gets injured and another character, Jason, feels responsible. (Although no one knows at first exactly why Jason feels that way.) The story follows many characters reactions to the accident, and how everyone comes together to help Andy. Jason is the central focus of the story, and the transformation he goes through as a result of feeling responsible for what happened to Andy. The main point of the story is the battle between light and darkness, and how people often do not realize they are living a dark life because everyone around them is living the same way, until a ray of light shines in and breaks through the darkness.
Q: Have any experiences from your own life affected the storyline of the book?
A: I have not written about anything that has happened to me exactly, but everything in the books is based on things I have witnessed teenagers go through, or emotional/social/physical/spiritual battles that I have fought in my life. The books are filled with lessons I have learned from my own experiences, but I have woven those lessons into the completely fictitious world of Montgomery Lake High. It is my hope that teens and pre-teens can learn from these lessons and not go through as much pain as I had to in order to learn them!
Q: What is it like waiting for each book to be published?
A: It is exciting!! My next book, which will be published apart from the series as a novel, is called Montgomery's Masquerade: The Battle for Innocence. It is a prequel to the series that takes place when the main characters were in 7th grade. I just got it back from my editor, who is actually from Pearson Publishing, and I am excited to review her edits and send it along to my publisher, Strategic Book Group. They had read the rough copy earlier this month and accepted it. The whole process has many steps, and a lot of approvals that need to be signed off on. It is excited to see the internal layout of the book. I get to work with my publisher's book designers to bring the book up to the vision that I have for it. This, along with approving the front and back cover designs, is a very exciting part of the process. I always get butterflies in my stomach when I open up the first printed copy of each book. The process can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending on many different circumstances. I enjoy being a part of the process. It is always a learning experience, and I find that very rewarding!
Q: Do you have a "life verse" that you have claimed? If so what is it and why is that verse so meaningful to you?
A: Psalm 84:11 has significant meaning to me. It states that God withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. This verse is a reminder to me that anything that I pray for and do not receive is not really good for me, and that I only desire it because I have limited understanding of what is best for me. God knows what is best, and as long as I am walking with Him, He will not withhold anything good from me. So whenever God closes a door in my life, I recall Psalm 84:11 and find great comfort and peace within its promise.
Q: Who (or what) is your greatest encourager when you write and why?
A: I have a wonderful support system of family and friends who encourage me in my writing. What encourages me the most, though, is the world of Montgomery Lake High that exists within my mind. It is like God has put this world in my head, and these characters that are so real to me, and I write to express what is within me: a message of faith to reach out to the youth.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like your readers to know about you that would give us even more of a glimpse into your personality and passions?
A: “Passionate” would be the best word to describe me. When I'm into something, I'm into it with my whole heart. I love my life and think God has blessed me with the best friends, best dog, best job, and the best mother in the entire world. Writing is my favorite pastime. I have learned a lot about conquering fear this past year. The ocean moves me. I love North Carolina and feel like a part of my heart is there. I love to learn and figure out how things are connected. I see deeper meaning in everything. I believe love is the answer to life's toughest questions. I have "songs" with the majority of my friends and hope the lyrics always mean something to me. My faith is in Jesus Christ, and I'm in love with Him. I have a strange fetish for football movies. I am an avid skier. I have a lot of hope and believe nothing is impossible with God.
Please visit: http://montgomerylake.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/mlh2-launch-info.pdf for more information on the Montgomery Lake High book series.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
New Book Review of What Every Dream Means
WHAT EVERY DREAM MEANS by Scott M. Shafer
“What Every Dream Means” is not what I expected nor is its’ author Scott M Shafer. What I expected was a dream dictionary with commentary; it is not. I also expected an author who would give biblical interpretations to justify various statements wit
hout actually citing a particular verse; this was not the case. Incorporating personal experience, years of study and much prayer the author has put together a biblically based argument for the importance of understanding dreams as well as foundational information to do so.
hout actually citing a particular verse; this was not the case. Incorporating personal experience, years of study and much prayer the author has put together a biblically based argument for the importance of understanding dreams as well as foundational information to do so.The author, Scott M. Shafer, speaks at seminars, workshops and retreats as well as hosting private dream interpretation sessions. His website http://www.whateverydreammeans.com/introduces the viewer to the potential of dream interpretation by providing such workshops as: “Dreams and The Professional Community”.
Scott’s journey to understanding dreams began as a young man. In examining the significance of his own dreams he noticed a relationship between his conversations with God and the proliferation of dreams. This gave birth to years of study and as opportunities presented itself the interpretation of the dreams of others. Through experience he learned the importance of listening to the details of the dreamer as well as listening to the Holy Spirit. “What Every Dream Means” incorporates the knowledge of 20 plus years of studying dreams.
“Scott’s intention and purpose is to build knowledge into others in order for them to properly understand and interpret dreams.” (see: http://www.whateverydreammeans.com/ About the Author)
Though dreams have been around as long as mankind existed it is not a recognized “ministry” in most Christian churches. In discussing how people receive what he does Scott shared the following with me:
“…As a result they assume that it is New Age or occult based.I recall a pastor’s wife who came to a dream interpretation table in a bookstore where I was interpreting one evening. After to talking to her she admitted that she could not find answers to her dreams in the church and when she saw the interpretation table at the bookstore she thought or assumed it was New Age but she was desperate to find answers for her dreams. So she came to the table and immediately took the opportunity to share her dreams.I have another person, probably a well-meaning person; say to me recently that they thought what I did was ‘psychic’. Again I think the reason is that they have never been exposed to who I am and what I do and on the surface they are only familiar with what the New Age has become known for. “
Obviously there is a need for dream interpretation yet as with many areas of ministry the laborers are few. “What Every Dream Means” is a beginning. From the Introduction forward Mr. Shafer walks the reader through the dream process which does not begin with going to bed. There is a biblical basis for dreams and throughout the book there are both Old and New Testament references to corroborate various points.
The book is 159 pages full of much needed information. (Generally speaking; I hate reading the introduction to most books yet I found Scotts’ to be very thought provoking and a necessary read.) Chapter 1- “DREAM RECALL: Remembering Your Dreams”, has subchapters that include: Passivity Can I Really Change This?; “God Speaks in Dreams”: “The Night Season: Sleep Preparation”; and “Improving Memory”. Though chapter one could be a book by itself there are eleven subsequent chapters each building upon the other.
In preparation for dreaming Scott teaches the reader the importance of exercising his or her “memory muscle” by memorizing bible verses. When asked to suggest a few mentioned the Psalms of David and also Romans.
“Romans 12:1 reveals the light that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. As we meditate on this verse at night it will have a profound and deep influence on our conscience and gradually as we come to believe the verse it will set us free from any nagging sense of accusation, guilt or fear. Fear, stress, worry and guilt are some of the things that negatively affect the quality of our sleep at night and can erode our dreaming experience.”
Scott makes it clear in this book that God speaks to us in our dreams no matter who we are or what we believe:
“The things that I recommend about sleep preparation are not intended in any way to become ‘law’ or some kind of legalistic burden to people. I do believe it will enhance their sleep and dreaming experience but I am ultimately confident in the Sovereignty of God. When he wants to speak to us in a dream He will do it. There are examples of this kind of thing happening and being reported in the mission field. Muslims are reporting Jesus appearing to them in dreams and being converted by reason of their dreams.”
He, Scott, also makes it clear that there are no rules etched in stone as to how we are to interpret dreams. Which is why; I don’t use the dream book that I have.
“This is the genius of God that keeps us dependent of Him and His Spirit and not on some methodology of interpreting by knowing a list of symbol meanings from a dream dictionary.”
Each of us should have a personal relationship with Father God. Knowing that He speaks to us in various ways including dreams it is important that we know how to get the most out of our sleep. What is presented in “What Every Dream Means” is the compilations of biblical principles supported by scripture to help you interpret you own dreams as well as the dreams of others.In case you have not determined it yet: I am recommending you purchase this book. Review Written by Marsha L. Randolph
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