Fan Club

With the help of my publisher, Tsaba House, I am in the process of forming a fan club for readers of my fiction. Upon first hearing that this was in the works, my mind went back to junior high when my friends and I were reading Tiger Beat Magazine and drooling over Donny Osmond, Shaun Cassidy, and my personal favorite, Robby Benson. Did you know he's a professor now at a school in South Carolina...I think? I am really showing my age here, huh? In case you have no idea who these people are, here's a hint: the 1970's.

But a fan club for little old me? Who would have thought it! I have acquired a faithful group of readers which continues to grow each day so I suppose a fan club isn't too arrogant. It's purpose is to keep readers informed of upcoming releases, my schedule of appearances, and to get the word out to new readers. So if you are interested in signing up in these early stages, you can go to my website, zip an email over to the marketing director at Tsaba House, or to my fan club president, Katrina Gibson.

If you're into SimCity, check out Katrina's website. Join the message board and let them know what you think.

By joining the club, you will have the opportunity to read advance copies of the books, get a heads up on new releases long before anyone else, and receive all kinds of discounts and other cool stuff. There will be perks for fan club members who recruit more members to the club, so send announcements to your friends who love Inspirational fiction. It's the fastest growing segment in the publishing industry and sure to get bigger every year.

Words of blessing

I had a great writing week last week, accumulating 25,000 words in my current WIP. If I could keep this up consistently, I could pump out a first draft in 30 days without thinking twice. Unfortunately life interferes, weeds take over my flower gardens and demand my attention, I get distracted, or I'm just plain lazy. There are so many factors in a successful writing career I need to work on: discipline, consistency, time management.

But what I really need to keep in mind is how those 25,000 words I pumped out last week will impact the world. Yes, I do think it those terms. I'm not writing fulltime for my own personal gain or gratification, although those are nice. I want my words to make a difference in someone's life. Mostly, I want my words to glorify the Father.

During my devotion time the other day, I read something that reminded me of this. From that revelation, I came up with this prayer that I am going to tape over my monitor so it will be on my mind every time I sit down to work.

Heavenly Father,
I pray that only positive, uplifting words of blessings come from my heart and my pen. Words that edify and make the heart sing; that complete and make whole. May I speak and write as You would, whether it be with meekness or boldness, may they be words from Your heart.
Amen

We might all be better off to keep this sentiment in mind as we go about our lives today. Not just writers or educators or speakers but all of us. We all impact someone else, even indirectly. Let us examine ourselves and the words out of our mouths.

Have a great week!
Teresa