Sidebar/Referrals/Market Research/Devo/Recipe

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, discusses what belongs on the sidebar of a blog. This is Part 6. I think I need to go back and read the other 5 posts.

2.  California governor, Jerry Brown, signed a bill ordering faith-based pregnancy centers to refer women for abortions. Check out this article.

3.  Penny Sansevieri guest posts at Writers in the Storm about How to Create a Book that Sells and a Marketing Plan that works (every time).  Yeah, that title grabbed me as well. She gives some great tips on researching your market.

4.  Dena Netherton shares 3 Thoughts on "Little Zeke's Gift." This boy has a unique ministry that he faithfully exercises.

5.  I confess my idea of making cranberry sauce is to open a can and empty the contents into a pretty serving dish. For those of you who are more into homemade, you might like this recipe from Allrecipes.com.

Writers:  Whether you're published or pre-published, did you research the market prior to writing your book? Please share.

Readers:  What special dishes do you make at Thanksgiving? If you'd like feel free to share a recipe in the comments.

Photo Credit:  Keira Bishop

 1.  Sierra Godfrey posts at Writers In The Storm about promotional items for authors. She discusses giveaway items, setting up a booth at book fairs or other venues.

2.  Positive Writer talks about keeping others from sabotaging your work.

3.  WND reports on the second state to resist the militarization of local police forces. Law enforcement agencies are using federal grants to buy heavy-duty military equipment.

4.  Are you in a quandary between traditional publishing and Indie? Barbara Hartzler guest posts at Elaine Stock's blog on 5 Reasons Why I Decided NOT to Choose Between Them.

Writers:  Do you share your work with others or hold it close until it's in publishable condition? Please share.

Readers:  Do you read Indie books? Please share.

Photo Credit:  creactions

Pitch/Rescue/Blog/Devos

1. With conference season upon us, crafting a dynamite elevator pitch may make the difference between a request for a full or partial proposal and being sent home empty handed. Writers In The Storm give excellent instructions on how to produce a great one or two sentence pitch.

2.  Fox News star, Greta Van Susteran, goes all out to rescue Christians - She notes that her parents' generation said they didn't know what was happening to the Jews. Our generation cannot use that excuse. We see the evidence every day on the news and through the Internet. Check out this insightful article.

3.  Do you want people to find your blog? Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives valuable information on how to find labels and tags that will make the search engines sit up and take notice.

4.  Susan Panzica, at Eternity Cafe, wrote an insightful post on How Can I Know God's Will? I think you'll find it helpful.

5.  Marja Meijers, at Fresh Insights On Ancient Truths, talks about restored relationships.

Writers:  Do you have a one or two sentence pitch for your manuscript? Please share any tips you have on producing one.

Readers:  If you blog, what kinds of tags and labels do you use?

Photo Credit:  ilco

Backpacks, News, Gifts, Tips, and Questions

1. Do you tap into the invisible, but very real, emotional backpack your characters carry? Robin LeFevers posts on this fascinating subject at Writer Unboxed.  

2.  World Net Daily reports that smuggling Bibles now carries the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. I'll let you draw your own conclusions. In my estimation, this highlights the precious freedom we have and the need to protect it.

3.  Dena Netherton posted about a special gift we can give those around us: The Listening Gift. Although shared just before Christmas, it's something we can offer year round.

4.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives valuable tips on how to ensure a happy book signing.

5.  Karen Lange, at Write Now, asks, "Why do you blog?"

Writers and Readers: If you blog, why do you blog? I blog because I enjoy the interaction with people and have made some strong friendships.

Photo Credit:  marcacrea

The Loss of The Tree of Hope

News Flash

Jonathan Cahn reveals the Tree of Hope at the site of 9/11 died this past spring and was removed. It represented the last Harbinger (warning) in the Isaiah prophecy.

Check it out: http://www.wnd.com/2014/08/harbinger-author-says-loss-of-tree-of-hope-a-warning