Categories
Blogging Basics

How to Write Your 1st Blog Post

A welcome post is a pinned post on your blog that appears first in your entry feed. But let’s leave the technical side of the question for later, it’s the easiest one here. The most important and complex part is the ideological component because a welcome post is a blogger’s calling card.

How to make the most of the opportunity and simply and succinctly tell readers about yourself, your blog, and interest the reader? In this post, we look at how to write the perfect welcome post, based on analyzed publications from custom writing Write My Essays.

Show yourself as an author

An author’s personality is the most valuable thing in a blog. That’s why we start our welcome post by talking about ourselves.

Tell us about who you are in plain and simple language, as briefly as possible. What is your name, or who do you want people to call you? You are free to withhold your age and personal information. If you are a themed blogger or a profession-related blogger, include your education and what you do.

Write about your award-winning authorship or involvement in meaningful writing programs or courses. For example, provide links to your books if you are a published author. One more thing is if you’re not hiding from your readers – add your favorite photo in the welcome post.

Introduce your blog

The second important part of the welcome post is the presentation of the blog. Essentially, you need to answer two questions: what is your blog about, and what is its format?

Do this, literally, in one sentence – make it short and to the point. If you’re struggling to articulate your blog in one sentence, think about whether readers will be able to make sense of extensive content. That’s a reason to think about a serious overhaul of your blog and its concept.

Show the reader the most interesting things

Introduce the reader to the rubrics of your blog. It is the headings, not the thousand-and-one links to everything you think is most interesting. Describe each of them briefly, in one or two sentences. Do not put hundreds of links to individual entries, as just a few people will scroll through a long page – give a link to the tag, which will combine the posts in the headings. Put the title of the rubric in bold, and link it to the tag.

Options for contact

Describe the rules by which you can be contacted. For example: for cooperation questions, write to official emails; for other questions, write in person, and so on.

You may also give links to social networks and services, in which you as a user are presented. Do not give links to resources where you are not active.

Common mistakes when writing a welcome post

Sometimes a welcome post needs to get the desired response. One of these mistakes was made in the content writing.

  • Lots of facts in one post – the reader gets lost in the abundance of information and doesn’t remember anything. Decide what you are writing the post for. If you are telling a personal story – write about the fundamental facts in general terms, and vice versa – do not go into the biography when describing.
  • There are a lot of narrow professional terms in your post – these words are incomprehensible to ordinary users, so they will not read your post. There’s nothing wrong with terms, and sometimes you can’t do without them – let’s say when writing a post about medicine or law. Remember to explain difficult words simply and briefly and don’t make them the main focus of the publication.
  • Your publication has no structure – if you write about yourself first, don’t finish the thought and jump to services, then go back to the story, the reader will be confused by your thoughts and will probably leave the page. Decide what to write about at the beginning, what to write about in the middle, and how to end the post. Stick to that logic, and the text will be coherent and clear.

Final thoughts

            All in all, the welcome blog post is the fundamental part that defines further blog success. This is your chance to present your personality, your sphere of activity, and your offer as a blogger. A well-written welcome post tells your story in a way that is accessible and interesting to users and increases the credibility of the blog and the product you’re selling.

Nancy P. Howard has been working as a journalist at the online magazine in London for a year. She is also a professional writer in such topics as blogging, IT, and digital marketing. She loves travelling, photography and is always welcome to meet new people.

Categories
Marketing Sense

Yay or Nay: Should Your Blog Be on a Separate Website?

If your website is on Domain A’s URL (web address) and your blog is on Domain B’s URL, the Google police are not going to come get you. Hooray! But let’s back up a step. Is it wise to have two websites? Consider the following facts.

(NOTE: If you’re using a free website service, ignore Point 2B below.)

Point 1

Think of your website as your digital home…where anyone who wants to know about you or your message can find info about both in one place.

If you have two digital homes (one with your website and one with your blog) seekers will have to (or feel they have to) visit both locations to fully grasp who you are, who you serve, and so on.

How often do you visit two websites to learn about the same person or ministry? I’m guessing your answer is, “Rarely.”

Point 2A

Two websites (even if one’s your blog) cost twice as much, because digitally, they’re separate entities. Both will need to be hosted, maintained, protected, and so on, which requires cold hard cash or its equivalent.

If your blog is on your main website (as a separate, designated area instead of as a separate website), you’ll only pay for one of everything.

Point 2B

Unless you’re using a free hosting and maintenance service, which makes point #2A moot, yet still helpful when making future website decisions.

Point 3

Two websites–whether free or paid– confuse readers accustomed to finding blogs as part of a main site via that site’s URL (web address) by default.

They’ll have to remember to visit your blog’s address for new, fresh articles and your website’s address for the more permanent content such as your mission statement, about page, and the like.

Point 4

Maintaining your website and blog (on two digital “homes”) adds an extra burden to your marketing. How so? Every promotion must include not just your main website’s URL but your blog’s as well, with an explanation about which is which. More potential confusion.

Reader confusion is not good.

“But,” you might say, “that’s not a problem for me. My regular readers know how to find my stuff.” True. But in order to reach new readers–and we ALL want new readers, right?–it’s our responsibility to help people who don’t already know us…find us. Online. Easily. Oh.

Point 5

It’s very important not to have duplicate content on two websites, even if they’re both yours. Experts disagree about the importance of this point. Do your research and decide for yourself.

Point 6

Your Google rank is a real thing. We could both spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to understand SEO. Let’s not do that today.

Instead, let’s talk about incoming links (made when a “BIG DOG” links from their website to yours). This is different from an outgoing link (made when you link from your website to another website, BIG DOG or not).

Why are incoming links so much more valuable? Because the BIG DOG / important person / well-known influencer is a proven entity. They have an established audience made up of loyal fans. They’ve already paid their dues, SEO-wise.

If Martha Stewart, Elon Musk, or a highly regarded leader in your field links to your website, your life could potentially change overnight. That’s not the goal of this article, but it’s a great way to show why incoming links are more valuable.

Imagine turning that around, where you or I link to such a person. Not the same effect, according to Google. So, while it’s good to use outgoing links, they don’t pack the punch that incoming links from important people do. (Google decides who those important people are; we have no voice in the matter.)

Point #7

Let’s imagine you have two sites, using one for your official website and the other for your blog. Incoming links begin pointing toward your sites. Hooray again!

But if those links don’t point to the same site–your website or blog–their power will be diluted, weakening their impact. The link-er gets to choose which site to point their link toward.

Far better to have one site so that ALL the SEO “juice” is given to one site and not randomly split between the two.

Point 8

If you chose two sites long ago and are well established, leave things as they are until, and if, Christ leads you to make a change.

Point 9

Creating your first website is SO exciting! In no time, we hope, the world will be our oyster. But it doesn’t usually happen that way.

There’s lots to learn, including marketing strategy.

But rest easy. As a Christian communicator, God is watching over you, guiding you forward, drawing your audience to you as you serve them in His name.

He doesn’t expect you, me, or anyone else to know everything.

He is our good God, yes?

With His help, you can do this!

Patricia Durgin

Patricia Durgin is an Online Marketing Coach and Facebook Live Expert. She trains Christian writers and speakers exclusively, helping them develop their messaging, marketing funnels, conversational emails, and Facebook Live programs. Patricia hosted 505 (60-minute) Facebook Live programs from 2018-2020. That program is on indefinite hiatus. She’s also a regular faculty member at Christian writers and speakers conferences around the country.

Website: marketersonamission.com
Facebook: MarketersOnAMission

Categories
Blogging Basics

Hone Your Craft With A Blogging Challenge

Have you ever participated in a writer’s challenge? Did you know there are writing challenges for bloggers? Here’s how I made this discovery.

I participated in the National Novel Writing Month 2019 (NaNoWriMo). This challenge is open to all writers and happens once a year in November. The premise is to write daily and produce a fifty-thousand-word novel in thirty days. It was a last-minute decision to participate, and I chose to utilize the challenge to write the first draft for my new book, The Handshake.

There are benefits of taking part in a challenge like this one.

  • Developing A Daily Writing Habit

Committing to writing every day helps you carve out time to hone your craft. For my first NaNoWriMo, I opened my laptop after my husband and son were fast asleep. There were a few nights; I was so tired, I typed with my eyes closed and then reviewed what I wrote. It went surprisingly well. During that first challenge, I created my soon to be released devotional called Triumphing Through Your Trials: Devotions of Miracles, Faith & Prayer.

  • Meeting Other Participating Writers

Writing is such a solitary craft. It’s you, your computer, and a cup of your favorite beverage. Your pet may stroll in while you’re creating that perfect sentence, but otherwise, you are alone. In most writing challenges you have the opportunity to meet other writers, often through a Facebook group. You can post questions, celebrate word count successes, and exchange writing tips.

  • Working With A Deadline

Knowing other participants are writing during the same time is motivating. A little voice will say, “Get your words in today.” Like a magnet, I’m drawn to my computer to meet the challenge knowing my fellow writers are also honing their craft during this limited time.

Working with a deadline encourages you to get words on the page. Editing can come later, but there is no editing if there are no words.

At first, I wanted to use NaNoWriMo to write one blog a day. This would create a series of blogs I could use for future posting. No more last minute, what am I going to post writing frenzies. However, with the novel-writing challenge, I could not be sure to find other bloggers like myself. Thus began the search for a blogging challenge.

  • Jeff Goins Blog Challenge

Jeff Goins is the author of Real Artists Don’t Starve, and You Are A Writer. Time Magazine voted his blog as one of the top 50 of 2008. While this free challenge doesn’t have a deadline like NaNoWriMo does, Jeff Goins offers the opportunity to learn the craft of blogging and connect you with other bloggers through a Facebook page.

  • The Ultimate Blog Challenge

Paul Taubman is an international Speaker, Presenter, and Trainer focusing on website strategy and marketing online. His blog challenge is offered once a quarter. For 30 days, he will email a daily topic to use as inspiration for your blog. Then you will post your created blog in the Facebook group and tweet it using #blogboost. The website shares the next challenge will be January 2020.

  • The 21-Day Blog Writing Challenge 2020

This new 21-day blog challenge is designed to help practice the craft of blogging by focusing on content and creating a treasure trove of future blog posts. A daily blog tip will be posted in a dedicated Facebook group, as well as sharing excerpts of your blog on Twitter with the following hashtag: #bloggerchallenge. The Facebook group is free and open to join now. The 21-day blog challenge will be hosted by yours truly and starts on January 1st, 2020.

If you have taken part in a blogging challenge, comment below. If you would like to try it out, join one of the challenges above, and watch your creativity soar and hone your craft.

Evelyn Mann is a mother of a miracle and her story has been featured on WFLA Channel 8, Fox35 Orlando, Inspirational Radio and the Catholic News Agency. A special interview with her son on the Facebook Page, Special Books by Special Kids, has received 1.4M views. Along with giving Samuel lots of hugs and kisses, Evelyn enjoys hot tea, sushi and writing. Visit her at miraclemann.com.

Categories
Guest post archive

Three Hard Lessons I Learned Writing Nonfiction-David Brannock

Which is easier: fiction or nonfiction? It depends … on who you ask and when you ask them.

Today I’m learning about characters, dialogue, and plot to create my first screenplay. But five years ago, fiction appealed to me as much as a creepy clown beckoning me into the woods. The “what if?” possibilities stretched before me like the toothpaste aisle at Walmart. #Overwhelmed

In 2012 I left the pastoral ministry to write a nonfiction book. Sermons, reports, and newsletters trained me to communicate about real things, factual events. Last spring on CreateSpace, I released Choose: Fulfill Your Created Purpose for high school graduates.

Over the past five years, I’ve learned three hard lessons writing nonfiction.

  1. Some nonfiction should be shared NOW.

“Now” means after the work has been appropriately revised, critiqued, and/or edited.

What if I get rejected? Welcome to the club. But the only way our words can change lives is to risk sending them into the world. If you need a nudge to submit your work, have you heard encouragement like this?

  • “You can’t hit a home run from the dugout.”
  • “You can’t grow a garden with unplanted seeds.”
  • “You can’t walk on water if you don’t get out of the boat.”

They don’t pay if my work is accepted. Income is nice, but to learn the craft and establish myself as a serious writer, I had to accept a number of free opportunities for publication. This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Three popular options:

  • Blogs (your own site and guest posts for other blogs)
  • Compilations (such as Bible studies or Christmas stories)
  • Devotions (such as Christian Devotions Ministries)
  1. Some nonfiction should be shared NOT YET.

“Not yet” implies a season of discernment before a decision later.

If we birth our manuscript prematurely, we can count on low sales and bad reviews. Editors are our friends. They’ll help us develop our “baby” until it’s ready for delivery.

Which could take a while. At my first writers’ conference in 2013, the first several pages of my 65,000 word draft on clergy burnout was critiqued. The raw candor began:

At 12:01 p.m. on June 20, 2012, I walked out on the bride of Christ. I still loved Jesus with everything I had. But I was through taking care of his demanding bride. I was tired of her turning me and others off with her unattractive behavior. I was done. No more trying to meet the endless needs of his self-centered church.

The feedback? “It felt like the opening of Saving Private Ryan. Keep writing through the pain. But don’t publish until you move beyond the pain, so you can temper your hurt with hope for the reader.”

Continue healing until you can discuss awful experiences with objectivity. Readers don’t want to wallow in our trauma. They seek solutions and redemption for their pain. When we can offer a way forward, readers will embrace the help.

Today, much of my rant on clergy burnout remains where it belongs: in a file. I may or may not stare it in the face again someday. Yet I did use parts of that draft in Choose. Those areas were ready to help my target audience.

  1. Some nonfiction should be shared NEVER.

“Never” involves topics best treated as free therapy – thus kept confidential – since words can’t be erased once they’re online or in print.

Are the people who hurt us still alive? The long-term cost may not justify the short-term satisfaction of paying back a harmful character. Unlike a novelist, we can’t disguise the real-life model for our villain by changing their name, gender, and occupation.

If strong emotions bubble up while we write, use the keyboard to release the molten lava. Don’t hold back. Let it rip! Rain fire and brimstone on that stinky dog who treated us like a fire hydrant. Justice feels wonderful! Then, take a deep breath … exhale slowly … and press DELETE.

Three of the hardest lessons I learned about writing nonfiction reflect the importance of timing: (1) Now. (2) Not yet. (3) Never. May we choose wisely.

David Brannock is a clear writer and speaker who loves using analogies and teaching new perspectives. He previously worked as a CPA, instructor, and pastor. David’s current projects involve writing drama for stage and screen. Visit him at DavidBrannock.com.

 

 

Categories
Tour Uncategorized

Blog Tour- Morgan L. Busse

morgan-busse-NLR-5

What is the title of your latest book, Morgan?

Tainted.

Please give us an overview.

What Happens When Your Soul Dies?
Kat Bloodmayne is one of the first women chosen to attend the Tower Academy of Sciences. But she carries a secret: she can twist the natural laws of life. She has no idea where this ability came from, only that every time she loses control and unleashes this power, it kills a part of her soul. If she doesn’t find a cure soon, her soul will die and she will become something else entirely.
After a devastating personal loss, Stephen Grey leaves the World City Police Force to become a bounty hunter. He believes in justice and will stop at nothing to ensure criminals are caught and locked up. However, when Kat Bloodmayne shows up in his office seeking his help, his world is turned upside down.
Together they search World City and beyond for a doctor who can cure Kat. But what they discover on the way goes beyond science and into the dark sphere of magic.
Book one of The Soul Chronicles series.

Why do you write what you do?: I love to tell stories and through those stories, I want to touch my readers’ hearts. I want to remind them that even though this world is broken, and sometimes it seems like the darkness around us is overwhelming, we are not alone. God is with us, and He will never leave us. That is why I write.

What are you currently working on?: I am working on the edits for Awakened, book 2 of my steampunk series, The Soul Chronicles.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?: Well, considering there are few steampunk books to begin with, and even fewer Christian steampunk, there are not a lot of books to compare Tainted with. And now I can hear someone asking what exactly is steampunk?
Steampunk is a fusion of our history (usually the Victorian Era or the Wild West) and fantasy/science fiction/or both. Some examples of Steampunk would be Jules Vernes or the movie Wild West. A story with a historical and speculative feel where the technology is advanced for that period of time and runs on steam. That’s steampunk.
Now how my steampunk differs from others is that instead of the usual inventor character, my character is a scientist. But her problem has to do with her soul, and no amount of science can help her, only God can.


How does your writing process work?: I’m a plotter. I start planning my stories out years in advance, keeping all my ideas in a folder on my computer. Then, when I’m ready to start writing, I get out my storyboard (a large corkboard) and I plan out the story by writing down all the ideas I’ve collected on 3×5 cards. For about a week I think through my story and figure out how everything fits together, what are the major plot twists, and how does the story end.
After I am done, I have my entire story outlined on my storyboard, and this becomes my map once I start writing. For the most part, I stick to my plot.
As far as writing the story, it takes me 6-9 months to write the rough draft, writing 1k words every day, 4 days a week. But I finish with a pretty clean manuscript that just needs a little more deepening and then off it goes to my editor!  

 Morgan L. Busse writes fantasy and steampunk for the adult market. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series, including Daughter of Light, Christy, and Carol Award finalist. Morgan lives on the West Coast with her husband and four children. You can find out more about Morgan at www.morganlbusse.com

Social Media and Blog: Website: www.morganlbusse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morganlbusseauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorganLBusse (@MorganLBusse)
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morganlbusse
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827587.Morgan_L_Busse
My books: http://www.enclavepublishing.com/authors/morgan-busse/
tainted

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Tainted-Soul-Chronicles-Book-1/dp/1621840670/ref

 

Categories
Platform and Branding

Does a writer really need a self-hosted website, or is a free site good enough?

One of the cornerstones of an author’s platform is a personal website or blog. (Because these terms are used interchangeably, I’ll use “website.”) After all, this is the only place online that’s all about you, and is the best place for readers and publishing professionals to get to know you. Consider your website as your online business card.

Most writers start out with a free website through WordPress.com or Blogspot.com. Those are both great options because you can learn helpful skills such as how to

  1. use a text editor (most of which have a similar feel to composing an email),
  2. incorporate graphics and visual elements,
  3. tag or label your posts for SEO (Search Engine Optimization),
  4. schedule posts, and
  5. build a list of subscribers and followers.

Other benefits include

  • no annual fees,
  • no need to worry about technical details such as backups and updates, and
  • the potential for added visibility if your host features free sites.

Many writers maintain free websites for years with no problems. Maybe they’re established in the industry and their blog is just an online playground. Or maybe they’re savvy and backup copies of all their posts and images. Free websites are fine as long as we understand the limitations:

  1. restrictions for the overall look and feel of your website (customizations, themes, plugins, layouts, gadgets, etc.),
  2. limited storage,
  3. monetization controlled by the host, and the worst:
  4. the host owns and controls your website.

Angry Executive ShoutingAnd the host can take down your free website at a moment’s notice.

If your site is reported as “objectionable content” or someone somewhere thinks it violates the company’s Terms of Service, they will act first and ask questions later, leaving you to deal with the fallout.

Self-hosted websites, particularly those using WordPress, have thousands of customization options, many of them free or inexpensive. You can buy additional space when you need it and you have more options for monetization.

Hosting packages range from $5 monthly (and you do all the backend work) to managed hosting* options (and they handle all the technical details).

Whatever your budget, consider your website as an investment in your writing career. Be informed about your options and create an online home represents you well and shares your message.

*Check out hosting by Fistbump Media, one of our advertisers. They offer managed hosting options especially for writers and bloggers.

Shareables:

self hosted vs free website - Susan Stilwell

[bctt tweet=”A #writer website is an online business card. Who should own it? @a3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Self-hosted vs free website – which is best for a #writer? @a3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”A #writer website is an investment. What is the risk? @susanrstilwell @a3forme ” via=”no”]

Photo Credits
Angry executive image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net ImageryMajestic

Categories
Tour

Blog Tour Stop – Bob Hostetler

[author title=”Bob Hostetler” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Screen-Shot-2015-07-18-at-12.48.28-PM.png”]Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, blogger, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and the novel, The Bone Box, have sold millions of copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife Robin have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given them five beautiful grandchildren. [/author]

What is the title of your latest book?

THE RED LETTER PRAYER LIFE (17 Words from Jesus to Inspire Practical, Purposeful, Powerful Prayer)

Tell us more about your book:

If anyone exemplifies the blessed life, it is Jesus. Though he never owned a home or car, and never held season tickets for his favorite baseball team (the Cincinnati Reds, in case you were wondering), he lived a singular life. A rich life. A healing life. A life filled with laughter and song. A life that exuded beauty and blessing.

But how did Jesus live such a life? How did he get those riches? He accessed those blessings in the same way we can–through prayer. And he told us how, in great but simple detail. In fact, his secret can be tapped in just seventeen words, words like “Our” and “Give” and “Your,” words that will take you on an unforgettable journey to a more fulfilling prayer life than you ever hoped for or imagined.

Why do you write what you do?

I write what I do for many reasons. First, I suppose, but not most importantly, I can’t NOT write. I was raised in a family of readers and writers, so it is a way of life with me. Or a compulsion.

Secondly, I write to fulfill my mission “To love God and make His love known.” It is a privilege to partner with Him in that great task.

Thirdly, I guess I can best express it in a short anecdote. More than twenty years ago, I received the gift of two full days of coaching from a literary agent and friend and coworker, who urged me to focus my writing on a single compelling message. Eventually, however, after we were both thoroughly frustrated, I had to admit, “I love God, I love the Bible, and I love words and writing. And I’ll write practically anything that expresses those loves.” So I’ve been a “generalist” ever since, and have been quite happy at it.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently–and constantly–working on several projects simultaneously. As a working writer, I almost always have something in galleys (to review), something in manuscript (to write), and something in development (to pitch). And, I journal and blog on a daily basis.

Right now, I’m reviewing and revising a coauthored nonfiction book project, while also writing and pitching a devotional book I’m very excited about.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?

I’ve been told by others that my work is a unique blend of humor, insight, and inspiration. I like to think they’re right. My most recent books, especially (such as Life Stinks…And Then You Die, The Red Letter Life, The Red Letter Prayer Life), reflect my strange (but delightful, I can hope) personality and loves for God, His Word, and the written word.

How does your writing process work?

My writing process is fairly simple and straightforward. I am usually at my desk by 9 every morning and work through until I’ve wrung every bit of life out of the muse by 5 or 6 in the afternoon, usually. I’ve learned, however, that my peak writing hours are 2-5 p.m., so I usually do office work (email, etc.) and edit or rewrite in the mornings, and writing fresh material in the afternoons.

You can find Bob Hosteler online at:

https://www.facebook.com/bob.hostetler.395
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBobHostetler


http://www.guideposts.org/users/bobhostetler
http://www.oneprayeraday.com

Home


http://travelsofhoss.blogspot.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzE1PKhgMT5VDR5IipSlMjw

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1630588512?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1630588512&linkCode=xm2&tag=bobhostecom-20

Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Hostetler/e/B000APBQOY/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1435846817&sr=1-2-ent

Categories
Tour

Blog Tour Stop – Lori Hatcher

[author title=”Lori Hatcher” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Lori-HatcherHeadshot.jpeg”]Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, and women’s ministry speaker. She’s the editor of South Carolina’s Reach Out, Columbia magazine, and has authored two devotional books, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women and Joy in the Journey – Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. A Toastmasters International Competent Communicator and Christian Communicators Graduate, she uses her speaking and writing ministry to help busy women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time. [/author]

What is the title of your latest book?

Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women

Tell us more about your book:

You want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, you just can’t make it happen. Between the demands of work, relationships, church and civic activities, and everything else that crowds your days, you’re hungry for God, but starving for time. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pour over Scripture. You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:
• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray?
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me?
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit?

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern-day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day.
Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you.

 Why do you write what you do?

Today’s women are running too hard, spread too thin, and trying to be all things to all people. In the busyness of life, time with God gets squeezed out. I write five-minute devotions to help women connect with God in the craziness of everyday life. Like a spiritual power bar, I hope my devotions provide solid biblical nutrition to get a busy woman through to the next spiritual meal.

What are you currently working on?:

I’m working on my next devotional book, Feeding Your Soul in a Drive Thru World.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?: My goal is to write like Jesus taught — by sharing everyday stories people can relate to, then connecting them with spiritual truths that can change a person’s life.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?

There are shelves of books about living a generous life. However, When More is Not Enough is different because it is practical, and it lays out start-this-very-second ideas which encourage families to take small steps in order to create big change in their lives.

How does your writing process work?

I start my day by spending time in God’s Word and prayer. I ask God to give me insight and show me where he is at work in the world. As I move through my day, I watch and think, trying to filter what I see through Scripture. Sometimes I laugh at what God uses to teach me a spiritual truth — one time he used a discarded cup on the side of the road to teach me about servanthood. Another time he used an old I Love Lucy episode to remind me how hopeless and overwhelming life without Christ is. There’s no telling what He’s going to use to make his point. I just try to keep my eyes and ears open.

You can find Amy L. Sullivan online at:

www.LoriHatcher.com
Twitter: @LoriHatcher2
Pinterest (Hungry for God) https://www.pinterest.com/hungryforgodsta/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HungryForGod

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1x39tq8