I'll get to the book stuff in just a second but first I must share a conversation that Brooke and I had this weekend- And for those of you not interested in book writing- can you weigh in on how you solve the emergency birthday gift dilemma? I obviously need help.
Brooke: "Mom do you have friend girl's birthday present- the party is today."
Me: Oh shoot a turkey and it's not even Thanksgiving, "Well, not exactly."
Brooke" "Mom! No gift?"
Me: Listen up Buster Brown it's not like I've been sitten' around this week pickin' at my feet okay? "I'm sorry sweetie- we'll figure something out."
Brooke: "Let's get her a Teddy Bear from the grocery store."
Me: "Now that would just be embarrassing Brooke. I mean friend girl would be shopping for cheetos this week and she and her mom would pass by the teddy bears conveniently placed with the kid snacks and we'd be busted. They'd be all like, 'Oh those TerKeursts buy their birthday gifts from the grocery. A classic sign of ultimate disorganization. Tsst. Tsst.' No, I have a Starbucks card in my purse- we can give her that."
Brooke: "She's 9! You don't give a 9 year old a Starbucks card."
Me: "I'd love to get a Starbucks card."
Brooke: "Yeah, but you're old."
Me: Back off sister- you're treading on shaky ground filled with cellulite and wrinkles. "Okay fine, well then take your young little self upstairs to your young little room and go grab one of your webkins that still has a tag on it. I can replace yours later."
Brooke: "Mine! Mine! I could never give one of MY webkins!"
Me: As she throws her head on the counter, I make a note that she has entirely too much stuff. No more stuff. For Pete's sake, who gets all emotional about stuff. (Ahem- camera Lysa.) Just say no. Yes, every trip to every store this week I will only speak one word to my kids--- NO! "Well then we can regift something you're not so attached to."
Brooke: "You mean give her something I haven't opened from my birthday party? Mom- if I haven't played with it, it's because it doesn't seem fun."
Me: "Friend Girl will love it."
Brooke: "No she won't."
Me: "Okay then you can't go to the party."
Brooke: "Fine- I'll give her the reject gift---whatever."
After the party----
Me: "So, did friend girl love the sparkly no purpose regift?"
Brooke: "Yeah! Friend Girl said--- 'How cool- don't you have one of these?' "
Me: Gulp.
Like I said--- I obviously need help.
Now for the book writing stuff---
Wow! Gals, I am absolutely blown away by your many great ideas for wonderful books. When you do get published, you have to promise to send me a copy~
So, here's what is in store for my book writing friends today. How do I write a book?
For me, it comes down to a numbers thing. A typical trade paper back book that I write is about 50,000 words. These books typically range between 50,000 to 75,000 words.
I like my readers to be able to read a whole chapter in one potty sitting- so mine are a little shorter. Do I know my audience or what? (Multi-tasking, bathroom hiding, need to feel like I accomplished something today- readers! I love them~)
Anyhow, if my book is going to be 50,000 words, then I will usually have 25 chapters. Which means I will write 2,000 words for each chapter- 1500 words will make up the text of the chapter and 500 words will be reserved for a Bible Study at the end of a chapter. So, if you do the math, 25 x 2000 = 50,000 words.
Now, some people like longer chapters so they may do 10 chapters with 5,000 words in each. If you do this, I would break the chapter up into sections with little subtitles throughout.
Either way, it is important to keep your chapter lengths consistent throughout.
Breaking it down to bite size pieces like this makes what seems like a daunting task, much more realistic and manageable. Much like a lot of life- right? Maybe I need to apply this principle to my birthday gift dilemma!
Hey, leave a comment today and I'll register you to win one of my books--- I'll let you pick which one. Sweet Blessings sisters!
Brooke: "Mom do you have friend girl's birthday present- the party is today."
Me: Oh shoot a turkey and it's not even Thanksgiving, "Well, not exactly."
Brooke" "Mom! No gift?"
Me: Listen up Buster Brown it's not like I've been sitten' around this week pickin' at my feet okay? "I'm sorry sweetie- we'll figure something out."
Brooke: "Let's get her a Teddy Bear from the grocery store."
Me: "Now that would just be embarrassing Brooke. I mean friend girl would be shopping for cheetos this week and she and her mom would pass by the teddy bears conveniently placed with the kid snacks and we'd be busted. They'd be all like, 'Oh those TerKeursts buy their birthday gifts from the grocery. A classic sign of ultimate disorganization. Tsst. Tsst.' No, I have a Starbucks card in my purse- we can give her that."
Brooke: "She's 9! You don't give a 9 year old a Starbucks card."
Me: "I'd love to get a Starbucks card."
Brooke: "Yeah, but you're old."
Me: Back off sister- you're treading on shaky ground filled with cellulite and wrinkles. "Okay fine, well then take your young little self upstairs to your young little room and go grab one of your webkins that still has a tag on it. I can replace yours later."
Brooke: "Mine! Mine! I could never give one of MY webkins!"
Me: As she throws her head on the counter, I make a note that she has entirely too much stuff. No more stuff. For Pete's sake, who gets all emotional about stuff. (Ahem- camera Lysa.) Just say no. Yes, every trip to every store this week I will only speak one word to my kids--- NO! "Well then we can regift something you're not so attached to."
Brooke: "You mean give her something I haven't opened from my birthday party? Mom- if I haven't played with it, it's because it doesn't seem fun."
Me: "Friend Girl will love it."
Brooke: "No she won't."
Me: "Okay then you can't go to the party."
Brooke: "Fine- I'll give her the reject gift---whatever."
After the party----
Me: "So, did friend girl love the sparkly no purpose regift?"
Brooke: "Yeah! Friend Girl said--- 'How cool- don't you have one of these?' "
Me: Gulp.
Like I said--- I obviously need help.
Now for the book writing stuff---
Wow! Gals, I am absolutely blown away by your many great ideas for wonderful books. When you do get published, you have to promise to send me a copy~
So, here's what is in store for my book writing friends today. How do I write a book?
For me, it comes down to a numbers thing. A typical trade paper back book that I write is about 50,000 words. These books typically range between 50,000 to 75,000 words.
I like my readers to be able to read a whole chapter in one potty sitting- so mine are a little shorter. Do I know my audience or what? (Multi-tasking, bathroom hiding, need to feel like I accomplished something today- readers! I love them~)
Anyhow, if my book is going to be 50,000 words, then I will usually have 25 chapters. Which means I will write 2,000 words for each chapter- 1500 words will make up the text of the chapter and 500 words will be reserved for a Bible Study at the end of a chapter. So, if you do the math, 25 x 2000 = 50,000 words.
Now, some people like longer chapters so they may do 10 chapters with 5,000 words in each. If you do this, I would break the chapter up into sections with little subtitles throughout.
Either way, it is important to keep your chapter lengths consistent throughout.
Breaking it down to bite size pieces like this makes what seems like a daunting task, much more realistic and manageable. Much like a lot of life- right? Maybe I need to apply this principle to my birthday gift dilemma!
Hey, leave a comment today and I'll register you to win one of my books--- I'll let you pick which one. Sweet Blessings sisters!
93 Comments:
Lysa,
Thanks so much for the encouragement and direction you are giving us writers. It is a blessing to be 'mentored' by you. Thank you for your faithfulness in reaching out to so many and being an open book of how Jesus is working in your life. Blessings!
I second that!
Thanks for breaking down the numbers... this is usually where I begin to feel overwhelmed! The bite-size pieces DO seem more manageable...
I love being Mom to two girls! They have such creativity when it comes to gifting! Not exactly sure where my youngest got it from but she is truly happy with 'whatever'! It doesn't matter to her, if you thought enough of her to get a gift, that is awesome! Yep, still learning life lessons from the next generation!
Hi Lysa
You are teaching your daughter very good "life lessons" with the gifting. Sometimes as a mom you have to come up with quick fixes especially when they spring "I just have to have a birthday gift for friend girl by this afternoon!!!"
Have a happy day
As for emergency gifts... a former neighbor of mine would pick up small sized toys, CD's, books, when they would go on sale at Target or Walmart and had a closet or section of a closet designated as the gift area. When an invitation was received (or remembered at the last minute) she and her kids would go to the gift closet. Giving credit where credit may be due I always thought that was a terrific idea... however, I also thought she had too much time on her hands!! :0)
WE regifted a Webkinz with the tag still on last Saturday!!! Of course, I had to go buy a replacement very soon after as those a hot item around here.
Thanks for breaking the book down. That is helpful.
Janel
Thanks for the writing tips of the day . . . and your daughter's friend girl story.
I am cracking up at your conversation with your daughter. I love the whole idea of re-gifting, because it seems I can never remember I need a gift for someone when I am out shopping and I despise running out the day of the party to get something quick.
Thanks for the giggle this morning with my cup of tea before I head out the door for our ladies bibile study.
And thanks for sharing about the process of writing a book.
Oh my, you made me laugh today. And honestly, I will never look at one of your books in the same way again!
Thank you for your enjoyable blog posts. I agree with you, women are so busy these days, and when we sit down to read (with the few short minutes we can escape) the short chapters is ideal. And of course, the most important, bible study for application at the end is a must! Thanks for sharing your tips, you're a blessing.
Glad to hear Brooke survived the whole regifting fiasco. I have a friend who buys tons of little girl gifts at the beginning of the year and she is prepared all year...not me. I'm usually rushing off to the store midday and letting the gift magically appear in my daughter's locker by the end of the school day!
Wow, I'm feeling my age all of a sudden. Yesterday a high school senior had not a clue who The Partridge Family was when I told him his show choir costume looked just like David Cassidy's and now this morning I read about a webkin and have not a clue. Around here 9 year olds ENJOY Starbuck's a lot! And she wasn't even grossed at feet pickin. :)
I love your honesty! It has encouraged me to be more honest in my church setting, where most of us are not honest, and show what we want people to see! I am going to try to slowly break this road we are on, and be honest!
Thanks for the encouragement!
Shannon
So funny about the gift. But, I can soooo see myself doing that same thing..gulp!
Just saw your name on the back of a book that I started reading before Christmas and want to start reading again. I was like, hey! I know her! (well, kinda) :)
Re-gifting....hum, LOVE IT! (Unless the gift had some major significance or something)
I even have a space in my laundry room with a basket of things that the kids, dh, or I have received that we already have or didn't really need. This box is ready at a moment's notice when one of those "oh mom, I forgot...moments".
Now to the books...great idea! It seems to be that when preparing to write or writing a book there are so many hurdles and one of them is how long, how many chapters, etc. I have a much better understanding now and I will now (so I can remember it) call in chunks of chapters.
Thanks again for the tips and for coming over to visit in Mel's World for a bit!
Take Care,
Melissa
well, here is what i do- at christas my boys get so many things that i usually put some in a closet for a later date. since they forget about it sometimes when the unexpected party comes up i'll tell them i have some things in the closet that might be good. it works. and sometimes if i catch something really on sale for one party i might go ahead and get another for next time (with boys they pretty much all like the same things). i also liked your idea of regifting and is a great idea if the kids can grasp the meaning behind it. :)
Happy Tuesday!
Ok..so does the book giveaway apply to those that aren't writers too?? ;-) ;-) just teasing..
I think my daughter would be willing to give some of her things away to a friend like that. I don't know if I would be as willing though. Could you not get to a store before the party? Or was she giving it to her at school?? I have not done this, but I have friens that do this..When they see things on sale that could be used as an emergency gift, they buy it. Keep a box in your attic or tucked away in a closet that has emergency gifts in it or it even can be used for rewards for your own children. Target has great things in their Dollar Spot. I think I probably need to do this myself..I need rewards for my kids and its much easier to actually have them already, then forget to get something next time I'm at the store!
Happy regifting!!
Blessings~ Alyce
Wow! I had no idea so much thought went into breaking up chapters so that I can feel like I have accomplished more than folding clothes and wiping cute little tooshies in my day! Thanks! I need a little positive reinforcement!
I think I am going to head to my bathroom and do a little reading right now. Oh...never mind, someone's yelling "Mommy!" Maybe later. :)
Love, Kimberly (daughter of a regifter, now carrying on the family tradition) :)
Greetings Lysa!
Thank you SOOOOOOOO much for your advice on writing books. Breaking it down does make it seem much more doable. As one of our fellow "bloggers" above said, just thinking about 50,000 words is overwhelming, but the number break-down does make it all look better!
I do want to thank you again for your sense of humor, honesty and encouragement! God is doing WONDERFUL things through you. Thank you for being obedient to Him.
Have a blessed day!
Lara <><
I'm feeling really bad for the poor little bear in the grocery store sitting on the shelf everyday saying YooHoo Here I Am Pick Me. Every day people passing him by because he's not good enough because of where he comes from. Hey I feel a book coming on!
Very cute story. Sometimes I wish I could just be a fly on the wall at your house. My life is so dull in comparison. Its so much fun to read you first thing in the morning. I walk around with a smile on my face all day thinking about some of your family escapes.
Thanks Lysa, Great pointers today. My chapters are pretty lopsided so it looks like my assignment for this afternoon is to start cutting.
I am going to have to share this with my sister. She's the budding writer in the family. Me, I like to read. And win free books :)
Ha ha ha! I don't judge a book by it's cover, but if it is bathroom readable! When writing our ministry newsletter, that is my standard. Is this bathroom friendly!
This is fun info!
I think I will have to add another morning routine challenge...Read Lysa's blog. I am trying to be faithful in reading the Bible first thing (instead of looking over personal emails)and I have recently gone back to looking at Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Your blog is just the extra I need in the morning...especially after staying up all night with my youngest (stomach flu).
Blessings and strength in the Lord to you. I love writing, even if it is never to a big audience. The Lord has chosen a few to reach the big audiences and we are so blessed He has chosen you for the task.
*****Put me in the drawing******
Sandy...mom to seven and wife to one for 21 years.
I just found your blog and am loving it - it usually brings a laugh to my day (a very good thing with 4 kids under the age of 4 in the house!)
Now don't you wish you had gone for the teddy bear? Hugs! Shari
We just had a very similar conversation about birthday party gifts.
BTW, I love your blog!
-Charlotte
Okay, Lysa...I'm so very glad to know that someone else has sarcastic remarks flash through their mind, but politely say something else instead. :) :) As for the last minute gift thing, if I find something "hot" or "on sale" I usually pick up a duplicate and put it in the gift box. I don't buy a lot mind you, or I'd have a box of "not-so-hot-now" gifts stored in a box in the attic; however, I've found that this method has saved me from some pickles I've let myself get into.
Now for the writing. I'm super glad you addressed the whole numbers thing. That's a tremendous help in sorting out the who, what, when, where, and why of getting started. I like the short chapter idea as I like little nuggets or bite size pieces of truth to ponder before moving on to the next truth. This forum is such an awesome thing! THANKS so much for remembering your promise to help out those who were once in your shoes.
Last night I received my package of materials that I ordered from Proverbs 31 Ministries...inside was your book "When Women Say Yes to God." The first thing I noticed was how your chapters were short and easy to digest. How interesting that you address that very thing in this blog?! Coolness!
Prayers and Blessings!
Rebecca
The gifting area has been an area where God has really been working on me. My wonderful husband will usually be the one who ends up taking my girls to pick out birthday presents. He usually has a limit of $5 and let's my girls pick. I am usually horrified at the cheap thing that he comes home with. I am embarrassed and sometimes even explain to the friend's mother that my husband picked it out (bless his heart). I will at least put it in a nice gift bag to pretty it up a little bit. But, God showed me two things. First, I was not honoring my husband at all in my attitude or my actions. He is trying to ultimately take care of our finances and please God above the birthday family. Second, the kid ALWAYS LOVES the present. Every time! I mean, what is really most important? That I don't FEEL embarrassed? Or that I honor my husband and God? In fact, at Christmas, he gave someone a present in a Wal-mart bag (I had to fight to bite my tongue)! But, did that person care? Not a bit! My husband always tells me that we shouldn't wait for someone's birthday or a special occasion to show them how much we care about them. We should show them everyday. Anyway, God has really taught me so much in the gifting area that I hope I will pass along to my kids and to others.
Good morning Lysa. Thanks for starting yet another day for me with a good laugh. I loved your comment about how you keep your chapters short so your readers can finish in a potty sitting. I actually laughed so hard that I knocked my phone over on my desk and it spilled my mug of hot tea!! Oh, my spirit feels so light. Keep up the good work. God Bless!
In Christ
Something I used to do was whenever I'd be out and about shopping, if I saw something that was a really good deal, I might buy it. I'd have a special box or something at home that I'd put these good deals in. This would be a "goodie" box that I could pull from if I needed a quick gift for someone. It really helps when you're in a quick pinch like you found yourself in.
Hope that helps!
Karen
www.homesteadblogger.com/tagblog
www.homeschoolblogger.com/salt
I "recycled" a gift I'd been given to a friend of my girls. They told her that it had been my present but that I did not like it. I was SOOOO embarrased!! You just cannot trust your children especially six and a half year olds!!
Lysa, I'm really enjoying wrtiting my blog but just wondered if you could give me some tips, please, on how to get people reading it.I'm getting quite frustrated. I've let a few people know about it and am leaving comments on others blogs. Is it just a case of time or should I be more pro-active?
Hey, Thanks for stopping by and not being upset that I'm such a great big copycat. A girl with limited resources has to promote her business somehow. Have a great day.
Missy
A fellow compulsive re-gifter
Funny stuff! As the mom of boys, gifting is not quite so...shall we say...dramatic? We give cash. Or, if we actually do a little advance planning, a gift card. Not Starbucks, but Blockbuster or Wal Mart. We're creative like that.
And thanks for crunching the numbers; who knew writing held so much arithmetic? :-)
Well, let's see. 1527 words written. 50,000 goal. That makes only 48,473 to go! I'm well on my way! (Argh - I really need to dedicate more time to writing! Maybe I'll use that extra time on the potty.)
Lysa,
You inspire me in so many ways. Today your inspiration leads me to want to sit down and begin that book I never had time to write but whose ideas swirl in my head. Thanks for your inspiration and your Godly example.
Laurayne
Lysa,
You made me feel normal as just this Sunday we had the same scenario at out home! We re-gifted a book that my daughter had been given for Christmas. I rehearsed over and over before she went to the party..."Now promise me, you will NOT tell her this was yours! We will replace yours as soon as I am out shopping again. It is brand new, just like if we bought it today." (Which is true because we had to hunt for it as sometime on Christmas Day it was shoved under the living room chair!) It needed some dusting, but we were good to go!
So thank-you for that laugh and that reassurance that I am not alone!
Oh, I do (when I am organized!) have a tub that I keep things I have bought on sale/clearance in, just for emergencies...but it was all "baby" gift stuff this time so it didn't help me!
Thanks for the way you minister with your words...How God has used your books to grow me!
My daughter and I always re-gift. She is constantly getting gifts she doesn't like or want and so am I. Well except for this past Christmas--I got that Starbuck's gift card!! WHOO HOO won't be re-gifting it.
Anyway, Jaime would just rewrap a gift that she had....journals, Barbie's, Barbie clothes, games, make-up bags, toe socks, hair accessories, t-shirts, etc. Usually when I am out shopping and see something that a family member or friend might like, I'd go ahead and get it. Then we just put it in a box in the closet and when party time rolls around, select a gift and wrap it.
Lysa, Thanks for your tips on writing. That is where I seem to get lost; knowing how many words to write to fill up a book. Your advice is "priceless"!.
Speaking of reading in the potty, I do that.....alot! I even write in there occasionally! Is that bad? Anyway, at least I can (sometimes) get a moment or two by myself in there.
Oh, the joys of mommyhood!
Blessings,
Starr
PS: Still waiting for ya to visit my blog, girl! That would make my day!
http://www.freewebs.com/books-go-round
Love the regift story:) I would have jumped at the chance to rid our house of one their Webkinz - those things multiply when you're not looking! Don't know if I have a book in me or not but I am finding your discussion really interesting!
Ha ha-- I usually put $5 in a card when i forgot to get a present. Lame, I know!
~Leslie
I think you should start a gift box and then pick up things that are on sale your kids might want to give their friends for parties. Works for me and keeps me from impulse buying for too expensive gifts at birthday time.
I guess I never thought about the breakdown on the words/pages of a book. Very interesting!
Hmmm, so the book we are trying to win, would that be a new book or a regifted potty-read book? :-) LOL
I love your posts and your authenticity. Such fun to read. You are a treasure!
And I love the whole book nuts-and-bolts information! And remember in high school when we counted and stretched to right those 500 word assignments?!
Uh, that would be we would WRITE those 500 word assignments! I should edit my own stuff! :-O
It is such a joy to know my "mothering" is not so unfamiliar with your incident this morning!! Darn those last minute birthdays!
Thank you for the helpful information as I pray about this topic and I cannot EVER own enough books! If I should win, I will use it as a drawing at our next 'Women of Grace' Bible study in February. The topic is developing your love relationship with Jesus in your quiet times.
Your a blessing!
In His Graces~Pamela
For the last minute bday I usually go for the gift card:Target, Build-a-Bear, Barnes and Noble, etc. Most can be found at my grocery stores and the kids around me like to shop for themselves. Especially my own!
Lysa,
Thank You for the writer info. Im been so excited about these last few days on your blog and all the info to think about and of course pray about.
Im not sure if your daughters friend is a close friend or not, but what i have done is in the back of my day timer I have listed everyones name and birth date and i look at that at 1st of the month, (including my daughters friends) that would be a huge chore for you considering you have 5 kids and i only have one 12yr. But i keep track of her friends birthdays also for my own reasons because my daughter is known to pull last minute stuff on me all the time.
Just a thought.
Have a wonderful day.
Debra
I would love to win your book! I enjoy your blog!
"I like my readers to be able to read a whole chapter in one potty sitting- so mine are a little shorter. Do I know my audience or what? (Multi-tasking, bathroom hiding, need to feel like I accomplished something today- readers! I love them~)"
I am laughing so hard right now! YOU have pegged me, girlfriend! And how dare you ask a child to give up their webkinz! Isn't that considered to be child abuse or something?
Anyways, I love your blog and I am so bookmarking you! Have an awesome day!
Lysa,
Loved your post today, but I am scratching my head wondering what you are beating yourself up about with the regifting. Brooke didn't enjoy the gift and has gotten rid of some of that "too much" stuff while birthday girl is happy with her gift. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Would love to write a book, but don't think I'll ever really do it. I am enjoying reading all of your pratical advice and everyone's comments. Maybe I'll get motivated.
Lysa, Thank you so much for your very speedy and helpful reply. I really appreciate your comments. They have spurred me on!
Love Rachel.
Hi Lysa,
Would love to win one of your books..I do have "Who Holds the Key to Your Heart" and also your Christmas conference 3-tape message which is excellent! good story on re-gifting, I keep a dresser drawer in a spare room full of things to re-gift or good deals like at Bath & Body Works 75% for lotions etc. to have in hand for birthdays,etc.
Blessings,
Kelly
You are so funny!! Thanks for the laugh!
Also, thanks for the direction. The problem with great writers like yourself who make bathroom chapters, is that it's usually so good I don't realize I've sat on the toilet for an hour reading several chapters until someone starts pounding on the door to get in. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with those God has placed a desire in their heart to write.
Scary, but I believe God brings you to a place of readiness and when the confidence is placed in Him instead of self, it's amazing the doors that open up and how the fear diminishes.
Would love to add a book written by one of my favorite bloggers to my library!
Thanks Lysa!
Many Blessings & hugs~
Lelia
I loved the conversation with your daughter... and the chance to win one of your books!
Have you been in my bathroom????
I LOVE your blog! It always make me laugh! My sister just got me one of your books...about saying yes to God. We're heading out of vacation and it's packed!
Have a great day! :)
Too funny! See, I would've gone the grocery store - stuffed animal route, because who really cares if people know that's where your gift came from? Little girls LOVE stuffed animals!
Thanks for the breakdown of the book -- I love that you make it readable on the potty! I had come up with some devotions and put them on my site "Potty Prayers" but kinda fizzled out by the end of the year. I didn't make myself stick to my writing, or I could've done a few more a week.
Oh, and pick me! pick me! I would love to have any book you've written! I'm learning so much just from what you're sharing here :)
Lysa I hope you don't mind me leaving a second comment and using your forum to respond to Tam's message. Her name doesn't link to a blog or email.
But I just feel led to tell her how blown away I was by her comments. What a beautiful way to honor both God and her husband. The fact that the child always loves her husbands "less expensive" gift goes to show that when we honor God he makes straight our path. Thank you for reminding me what a gift really is.
Luanne
That is specifically the reason I have a gift box, and I don't even have kids yet! (scary)
I have the same last minute birthday gift issues at my house!I love the conversations of what you are thinking vs. what you are saying, I do the same with my family! When my teen girls were younger, I would stock up on the 88 cent nail polish, lip gloss, nail files, etc. at Walmart and keep them to make emergency gift bags for those forgotten parties!
Thanks for the book writing tips, breaking it down into small parts certainly makes it less overwhelming for me! Now to just get started writing...
I forgot to mention in my earlier post that I am also interested in editing and proofreading. I do many "free" gigs...you know, helping out my friends in need! But I would like to get into a "paying" gig sometime soon! If you could help with this, I would very much appreciate it! :)
Question: is there anyone else in this group whose hair stands on end when you find a mistake on a sign, menu, newsletter, poster, billboard, etc.? I've been known to make the correction on said item or even make a phone call correcting said item. Anal...I know! What I hate most??? When I make a mistake when I'm feverishly blogging or typing an email and forget to proofread my own work! hahaha I guess I'm looking at other people's grain of sand instead of the honkin' piece of lumber flowing from my own fingertips! :) Love ya!
Rebecca
This really is fascinating to me- even though I have no plans to write a book, I LOVE getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse! It makes sense that there is a formula, but I would not have guessed there was so much math.
Gifts- we do it all; regift, Target gift card, stash from sales. Typically if it is a last minute panic, we search out house for what can be given!
Thought of you today eating my chick-fil-a sandwich. ;)
I didn't get a chance to answer your question about what kind of book I'd like to write. I don't really have an idea that excites me enough to put the time and effort into it. My favorite idea at the moment is a collection of funny stories. Think Celia Rivenbark with a Biblical view of life. But then, that describes my blog and most of the others that I read (like your regifting story). God has given me the desire to write, but He's asking me to wait and practice before He brings me the idea.
I'd love to win one of your books. I just started reading your blog last week and I'm already hooked.
Sabrina
Reading your blog always tickles my funny bone! Love the regifting idea...might have to use that :)
Would love to win one of your books. THanks for the opportunity!
Blessings,
Lisa
Hmm...what to say. I appreciate the inside scoop! If I read right, you started speaking first THEN someone approached you to write a book? Or did you pitch it to someone yourself? Sounds way over my head...all of it though I feel like I'm heading in that direction. Someday.
Lysa, do you still have fears about writing or are you at the point now where you just do it?
Elaine
Hi Lysa,
We are definite regifters, here. Esp when the 12 yo dd gets a lovely plastic bead necklace making set that's clearly intended for someone more the age of her 4yo sister.
And NO, I am not reading your "Say Yes" book while hiding in the potty!!!!
Take care, J
Lysa,
Thanks so much for addressing this writing topic in your blog. I have wanted in the past to write, but this desire was rooted more in creating my own glory than in sharing God's glory. Now, as the mother of two, I am content to simply record the lessons that God is teaching me day by day. I hope that these will be useful to my children or to other moms someday.
I received When Women Say Yes to God over Christmas and have been so blessed by it. My mantra before I jump out of bed in the morning has been, "God, I want to see You today. I want to hear You today. I want to know You today. I choose to say, 'Yes!' to You today."
Lysa,
Thanks so much for addressing this writing topic in your blog. I have wanted in the past to write, but this desire was rooted more in creating my own glory than in sharing God's glory. Now, as the mother of two, I am content to simply record the lessons that God is teaching me day by day. I hope that these will be useful to my children or to other moms someday.
I received When Women Say Yes to God over Christmas and have been so blessed by it. My mantra before I jump out of bed in the morning has been, "God, I want to see You today. I want to hear You today. I want to know You today. I choose to say, 'Yes!' to You today."
Lysa,
Read your blog today and really appreciated the number breakdown. I immediately groaned however at the thought of counting all those words. I did some quick research and found exciting news. For those other newbies like me, you may want to check out the "Tools" icon on your word processing program. I just found on mine that if you highlight the selected text you wrote, then click on "Tools" and then click on "Word Count", you will find the number of words already counted for you. This may seem elementary to many of you, but I know I became excited to find this out.
Have a wonderful day.
LOL. You are such a funny woman. I can't wait to meet you. Birthday! Unlike Brooke, my children has no un-open toys. People stop inviting my children because we don't take them (long story). So, I can't help you. I need help myself. LOL.
Book? I would love to read all of your books. But, one is a good start.
Thanks for the number thing. Can I print it out and read them on paper? I like to read and meditate on instructions. Please, let me know: pastor-wife@hotmail.com.
How funny about the regifting! My hubby and I ran in to that this Christmas, but with his mother! We realized we had forgotten to get her one of the gifts we wanted and were short with her gifts! After a little scrounging under the tree through those leftover gifts that we still needed to mail out (yes, our mailed out gifts just went out this week!), we found the perfect thing for her! haha! Talk about fun! We have a good excuse this year though...first Christmas with a 4 month old! Now...if I could just learn how to explain all those other christmases that the same thing happened! LOL!
Lysa,
It's important to make a plan in bite size chunks. Thank you for showing us how!
A doable way to buy the endless list of gifts: the clearance isle has great gift sets available from the Christmas season. I found some cute ideas that girls love!
By the way, I'm still chuckling over the nameless dodad that sits around waiting for someone to pick it up and throw away. I step over lots of things left around by my family...then I break down and do it myself. But with a grin from your story!
I am enjoying your tidbits and sharing them with my husband. It has really spurred on some great conversations with him as wel as gotten him more motivated toward his book idea. Thank you very much.
enjoyed the regifting story. I know, I know, my days are coming, my daughter is only 3. Number 2 will be here in a few weeks. So I appreciate the thought you put into shorter chapters, because I love to read, and breaking it up like that helps us fellow moms!!
I just recently discovered your blog. It is so enjoyable! Love love love how you think of us women with the short chapters. Couldn't be more true!
I'm currently reading your book "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith." I so appreciate the short chapters because by the time I sit down to read, I have a very hard time keeping my eyes open. If I can look ahead and see a chapter ending soon, I can actually accomplish a goal of completing a chapter!!!
As for last minute gifts, I have this problem a lot, I usually give money inside a birthday card. I know it's not very personal but...
Enjoying your blog!
I'm impressed by the number of books you have written. God has definitely blessed you in this area :)
OK, to be completely honest, I am not posting my name here in any form in case friends or family read this! I put aside new gifts we receive that are re-gifting worthy. I keep them under our guest bed, which rarely gets used. I put a Post-It note on the gift saying who it was from so, if we re-gift it, we don't re-gift it in the same circle of family or friends. This avoids the "don't you have one of these?" moments! Thank you for your honesty! From: the Non-Brave Heart!
The book I'm writing (see comment on yesterday's blog) is for distractible people, so my chapters are really short. So it's very helpful for me to see how you break down the word count. As it stands, my book will have about 35 chapters, although that seems to change every time I rewrite the proposal.
I am sorry to say I just found your blog. I popped over from someone else sorry don't remember where I was. I have read Proverbs 31 devo's and even borrowed a couple. I work with incarcerated teenagers. Anyway loved the regifting story wish I had a tip to share. But it was delightful. Thank you for the writing tip too. I will add you to my favorites and visit often and I so hope I win a book! Blessings. My ministry blog is www.missionmakeover.typepad.com come by and visit!
Thank you SO VERY MUCH for your help and providing answers that some people wouldn't dare take the time to provide. You are indeed a blessing to me.
you encourage me to gather these thoughts rolling around in my head & heart!
Hi Lysa,
Thanks for your great advice. I have felt the Lord speaking to me about getting back to my writing so I have started with my blog. I would like to start working on a book soon, I have so much inside me to put down on paper, I am not sure where to start. I will keep praying for His guidance in that area. See you on February 2nd in Oshawa, Ontario!
I would love love love to win one of your books.
I have had the same conversation with my daughter over the years...the best idea I've heard of is having some gift cards kept on hand for occassions like these.
I can't believe you are going to be in Oshawa Ontario! That is where my parents live, sure wish I was there. I would love to attend!
Lysa~
What a treasure to have found your blog! Thank you for the great tips on writing! I am praying to be able to participate in the She Speaks Conference this summer!
I look forward to reading more of your posts...
blessings, mariel
growingingodliness.blogspot.com
Lysa,
I have had a dream forever to write a book but I seem to begin and stop, begin and stop, begin and stop. I feel like God has wanted me to use my life experiences in some way to show how He changed my life. There is so much there though, I just don't know how to begin. When there are so many subjects but yet I can't seem to find the words how do I write one book? God has brought me through generational sin, oppression, abuse of all kinds, choices from all of this, and still I can't seem to find the words. People keep telling me that when it's time they will come. I have tried to seperate it into smaller parts so it doesn't seem so big and yet I still can't make myself begin and not stop. What would be your advice to help me keep the writing going?
Thank you for devoting an entire week on your blog to tips for writers. It is great to hear your advice and the questions/comments from others. I am inspired! Michelle
Lysa, Thank you again for being willing to teach this community of new writers and dreamers in this amazing journey! I just want to tell you how much you inspire me. I've heard your testimony a couple of times, and am so moved how God used your brokenness to pull you closer to Him. I find myself wondering about the birth of your ministry: did you have a vision of what you wanted it to be? Or did God grow it bit by bit as He grew your faith and heart for Him? I am so grateful, however it happened! Bless you for being a woman who listened to God.
Laura
Ha! I'm just getting in under the wire!! 11:30pm. That counts! Anyway - thanks Lysa for breaking down the numbers. When I first read 50K words - I began to panic. But, chunking sounds like a great strategy! Thanks!
Sanya King
Lysa,
Your timing is perfect! Thirty days ago I signed a contract for my first book, Wake Up, Women: From Discovery to Recovery, A Guide to the Effects of Pornography on Families. The completed manuscript needs to be ready for the printer on or before April 15. It was a God's-timing-not-mine happening:)
When I attended the P31 She Speaks Conference last year I received valuable feedback from the attendees and faculty. What a wonderfully encouraging and inspirational event! Every woman in ministry should be there, whether a leader, writer, or speaker, currently or a wannabe.
Breaking the book into the number of pages per chapter, knowing your target audience, and developing an easily readable flow of the sections are helpful techniques for a writer. I appreciate your nuggets.
May God continue to richly bless you, your staff and your ministry. I am blessed to be a recipient of your heart and mission.
Love,
In Christ,
Judi Reid
womenofvalue@aol.com
Thanks for adding me to your list.
Thanks for crunching the numbers. That really helps in seeing how much material I would need to write to fill a standard book. How much does it slide down for a devotional book?
Very funny about the regifting! I try to stock up on few extra gifts from the craft store, Wal Mart, or CBD, so that all I have to do is shop our secret gift bin when I'm in a pinch. Boy, has that helped!
Blessings,
Elisa
Such a Sweet Blog!!!
My friend was telling me a Webkinz story just yesterday. She and her young son of eight went shopping together. He kept insisting that she buy a Webkinz for his friend. The little girl had her birthday a few weeks ago and of course Christmas is past so a gift? My friend was not getting it. "We can tell her that it is a late Christmas present, Mom!"
My friend does not spend money on a whim. She does not submit to her children's whims either (Joel is the youngest of nine children). She is amazing, I know!
She started to leave the store without making the purchase, then felt prompted to go back and purchase it.
They took the Webkinz by the little girl's house on the way home. They do not know the family very well, so the child was very surprised by their generous surprise gift. A sitter was watching her at the time of the delivery.
The little girl's mom called Joel's mom to tell her of the Lord's amazing work. Her daughter had received a Webkinz that she already had from someone for Christmas. They were going to return it. A situation arose where a child was in need of a gift and the little girl gave her Webkinz that was to be returned for one she did not have. Her mom explained that she could not get a different one then. The little girl just wanted to give. Joel brought her the newest one available! She did not have it yet. The little girl is four.
The Lord used Joel to bless that little girl for giving to someone in need. It was beautiful!
Are we at 50,000 words yet?
Thank you for the super advice, Lysa!
Hope to see you this summer!
Blessings!
I COMPLETELY understand the birthday/webkinz thing! I just wrote about webkinz and "too much stuff" in my post entitled "collect them all" on my Devotions blog. Too funny!
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