manifold-grace

[manifold-grace]

Words to Write by Wednesday on Thursday: Don’t Let Social Media Ruin Your Presentation!

Kinda ironic to use social media as a cautionary tale, but it needs to be said! Before you hang up on me, let me be clear, social media has a language all its own - one that should not be used when you write your book!

Now, if you are writing YAF, or an urban tale, you would have to take liberties. Truthfully though, don’t drive your editor crazy using the uselessly abbreviated social media language in a book. Texting, tweeting, booking all force us to speak in this abbreviated fashion, maybe because our thumbs and fingers can’t take it. Maybe it has made us lazy but for those avenues - it’s okay!

I love that fb is the one place where I can write without capitalization, make up strange abbreviations that everyone seems to understand and lol or even better LOLOL!

When writing a book or formal document, however, we do not lol, ttyl or use memes, selfies, or smiley faces. We spell words out. We use standard capitalization. We spell words correctly and we actually use punctuation! A well placed comma can make all the difference in the world.

So while I understand how important it is to be socially relevant, I also understand how important it is to be understood and standard english, like taught in school, is by far the best way to make your point!

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: Spiritual and Inspirational Thoughts from the Heart

When was the last time you enjoyed good poetry? Well, here is an opportunity to do just that!  Spiritual and Inspirational Thoughts from the Heart will welcome you into an urban reality; one so honest it will make your chest ache. It is gritty and raw, yet loving and beautiful.

Author Patricia Ann tells stories with her prose and her poetry; stories of lonliness, of joy, of heartbreak, of revelation - of freedom. They come alive forcing you to remember or imagine; to release and rejoice; to be hungry and to be fed. Listen to this opening excerpt from “Yesterday”.

Yesterday I was lost, and my mind was distraught. My mind was in conflict with the day and time of the week. As I bathed at the city park at the drinking faucet, I heard a voice. A voice so loud it scared me and I fell. When I rose there was blood dripping from my forehead. While wiping my head with my sleeve, I saw a shadow. A man of many colors stood before me. He smiled as he spread his wings of colors and formed a rainbow. Through this rainbow I could see a pot of gold at the end.

At first I hesitated, I was scared of being sucked into this peculiar being. Then the wind moved me and life came into my body. My heart pounded with joy and my feet leapt with overwhelming rejoice. Suddenly without any recognition of what I was doing; I reached and touched his beautiful wings of rainbow colors. Walking back slowly I could not believe my eyes. My hands were filled with jewels of ruby, diamond, pearls, gold and even silver. Stepping back slowly my heart raced faster and my eyes shined, as if they were black diamonds.

Well, you just have to read the rest. You will love this book - on sale now at Amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Inspirational-Thoughts-Heart-Patricia/dp/1937400379/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1434382914&sr=8-1&keywords=spiritual+and+inspirational+thoughts+from+the+heart+Patricia+Ann

and Barnes & Noble = http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spiritual-and-inspirational-thoughts-from-the-heart-patricia-ann-smith/1120430586?ean=9781937400378

[manifold-grace]

Words to Write by Wednesday - on Thursday: Heed the Call!

If only the people who are gifted writers wrote books, the number of books in circulation would instantly decrease by millions. The truth is that not every person who writes a book is a writer. BUT, that doesn’t mean their story should not, or cannot be told.

Yes, it is an amazing gift to be able to write well, but it is even more amazing when you heed the call; writer or not. So you’ve got this idea, concept, story, testimony, burning inside you. It keeps coming back to you - won’t let you sleep at night. You need to heed the call.

No excuses! Get started, do your very best - create a NO PROCRASTINATION ZONE - and without fear do the thing that is in your heart to do! I know, fear that it won’t be good, fear that you can’t do it, fear someone might not like it. Did you know that fear is the number one reason for failure?

It’s not because you tried and failed! That just means you now know what to improve or fix. It’s not because you made a mistake - it’s because you failed to try.

SO, today, refuse to let the evil spirit of fear stop you and heed the call. Don’t give thought to what you can’t do - do what you can do! There’s something special about being aligned with the universe that gives every story purpose.

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: The Exposition of the Tabernacle: The Culture Exchange

For those of you who question the role of the tabernacle in Biblical times, especially as it relates to praise and worship - wonder no more!. This work presents a fresh look at the scriptures and reveals the importance of the tabernacle.

Bertrand explains the culture of sin, repentance, sanctification, consecration, revelation of the Holy place and the Ark of the Covenant. Then he creates explanation of a modern day culture exchange. This timely lesson takes us on a journey into the glory of the Lord!

How much more effective can we be as Christians who truly understand repentance and forgiveness? Or how to present ourselves as a living sacrifice? How much better can we be in our destiny if we understand that we are to be a “kingdom of priests”?

The answers can be found in this book! A greater revelation of our God can be found in this book. To quote the author, “The tabernacle as given to Moses was foreshadowing our Christ. The tabernacle was used to usher the children of Israel out of their state of bondage and move them into a state of kingdom. Because of the life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ we are moved from our bondage of sin into the kingdom of God. Just as the tabernacle was for the children of Israel, so is Christ for the believers of today.”    

Need to buy the book? It is available at Amazon =http://www.amazon.com/Exposition-Tabernacle-Culture-Exchange/dp/193740031X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433795615&sr=8-2&keywords=the+exposition+of+the+tabernacle+javon+bertrand , Barnes and Noble = http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-exposition-of-the-tabernacle-javon-bertrand?store=allproducts&keyword=the+exposition+of+the+tabernacle+javon+bertrand

The Exposition is also available as an ebook for Nook, Kindle, Ipad, Sony and other devices.

[manifold-grace]

Words to Write by Wednesday: It’s Grammar Time!

Admttedly I am old school (which BTW is probably spelled skool), I like guys to open doors for me, I like songs where lyrics are sung to music and I like the use of standard english rules to govern writing,

“Gotta love technology these days!” Well, I do, however, technology should not supersede good writing skiills. Some things are just sacred - or they should be. But even the dictionary adds new words every year based on popular culture and online newspapers are fraught with typos.

Txtng (texting), FB (facebook), tweeting (twitter) all have their own writing style; whether it is 140 characters. or quickie memos. Social media, while it has supposedly increased the way we communicate, has eroded the way we write. This is not a campaign to make sure schools will not change the way they teach kids to read - although it’s not a bad idea - it is a plea to encourage the use of the same grammar rules we were taught to use in school.

For example:

1.  Avoid beginning sentences with conjunctions like ‘and’, ‘because’, ‘while’ or ‘but’. This because we often leave out the subject or the verb, making it a phrase/incomplete sentence.

2.  Don’t use gimmicks (quotation marks, bold, capitalization) to make your point, use good, strong sentences. You’re writing a book or an article, not a flier.

3.  ‘Seen’ is not the past tense of ‘see’. Saw is. “I seen the accident” is incorrect. “I saw the accident” is correct. 

4.  Have a bless day is incorrect. Have a blessed day is correct.

5.  Simple errors  – your and you’re; these are not the same words. Your(s) is possessive meaning something belongs to you i.e. “your sweater” or “the ideas are yours”. While you’re is a contraction combining the words ‘you’ and ‘are’ i.e. “you’re the cream in my coffee” or “you’re not all that”  

More reminders are coming so stay tuned!

#writingtips, #manifoldgrace, #wordstowritebywednesday, #amwriter

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: Transitions On-Going

Life has a way of teaching us, challenging us and rewarding us, but that’s only if we accept the lessons we learn along the way. If we can do that, it is likely we will survive the transition from childhood to adulthood, from caterpillar to butterfly!

Crystal Peacock shares her journey with us. This naive girl grew into a mother, a wife, a student, a better daughter, better sister while going through the growth process. she cleverly and matter-of-factly shares herself in ways that will give you thought, make you laugh and move you to thankfulness by realizing you have been blessed!

One thing for sure you will learn that transition is on-going!

Pick up Transitions On-Going today, now on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Transitions--Going-Crystal-Peacock/dp/193740028X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431892698&sr=8-1&keywords=transitions+on-going+crystal+peacock

or Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/transitions-on-going-crystal-peacock/1121673381?ean=9781937400286

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: Empowered to be Free

Can a believer who has been made free by Christ remain in unproductive patterns, life styles and habitual behaviors? How many Christians are bound by addiction, pornography, drugs, alcohol, gambling, eating, smoking, negative thinking and behavior, doomsday attitudes and fear? The answer - YES!

Bantom has not only searched the scriptures for revelation from God, but he has a personal testimony of the power of God that entitled him to overcome his own issues.

He shares 7 profound biblical principles and key strategies guaranteed to help you! For example, you must begin to see yourself the way God sees you, it is hard to break free otherwise. Unless you understand the importance of forgiveness or how to endure temptation you will remain bound.

This book will teach you strategies to overcome whatever you need to be free from! And they are all based on the Word of God. Get this powerful tool and learn to renew your mind, give it to someone you know who is struggling. It is available online and at bookstores.

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Empowered-Free-William-Bantom-III/dp/1937400425/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431342524&sr=8-1&keywords=empowered+to+be+free

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/empowered-to-be-free-william-t-bantom-iii/1121106151?ean=9781937400422

[manifold-grace]

Words to Write by Wednesday: Control Your Readers Experience!

Contrary to popular communication, your job is not simply to ‘get ‘er done!’ Nothing could be further from the truth. YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR READER’S EXPERIENCE!

Sorry, didn’t mean to shout, but I had to. Some of the things I’ve read were written for - I don’t know who - even 5th graders would expect more. It has been said that American literacy scores hover around 8th grade levels for most adults, but this is not what you should focus on. Don’t get me wrong, focusing on your audience is indeed critical to your storytelling, but what is even more important is having a story worth reading.

Your job is to engage your readers and thrill them, inform them, teach them, scare them, inspire them, persuade them. Your job is to make them feel ‘some kind of way.’ When your reader picks up your book, they consider you the expert on the subject. At the very least, they consider you credible.

So, nows your chance. You’ve won 1/2 the battle - you’re in the door, on their tablet or in their bag. We told you previously to picture what your reader looks like - here’s where it comes in handy! Now that you’ve identified your reader - write for them. Take them on the ride of their lives. Inspire them to do something they never thought they could. Teach them something so valuable it propels them to the next level. Scare them so bad they ask “Stephen who?” Convince them that when they’re done reading your book they can climb every mountain or start that business or fall in love or solve the murder.

You are in control of your reader’s experience - respect that!

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: Losing to Win in Marriage

Contradictions! Isn’t marriage confusing enough already? Well, rest assured, none of the traditional he said - she said rhetoric exists in this book. Losing to Win in Marriage is a devotional full of inspiring truths written to help couples develop stronger marriages.

Gritty, honest and based on scripture this devotional presents a reality check about the essential requirements in marriage. For example - check out these titles: It’s MY Time, Submission: Just do It!, Anger, Attitude and Aspirin.

She talks about the good and bad of how to handle being alone - even while married. She talks about how detrimental those cutting words can be and the wisdom of covering your spouse in prayer.

Shenora, a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) with three children isn’t just spouting out conventional wisdom. Her and husband George have dealt with the realities of marriage and with careful consideration of what God intended for marriage, this journal was written to help marrieds get to the real benefits of marriage. Intimacy, accountability, love, honor and respect is what keeps marriage strong.

Read Losing to Win in Marriage today and keep your marriage on track! On sale at: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Losing-Win-Marriage-Shenora-Lechleidner/dp/1937400441/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430774443&sr=1-1&keywords=losing+to+win+in+marriage

And Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/losing-to-win-in-marriage-shenora-lechleidner/1121280320?ean=9781937400446

[manifold-grace]

Author’s Expo at Detroit World Outreach Church! May 3, 2015

This Sunday May 3, 2015 Detroit World Outreach Church is sponsoring an Author’s Expo and Booksigning! Members of the church who have published books will sell and sign them after church services.

Come out, attend one of our services then get your read on and support these authors. Details below.

Detroit World Outreach Church 23800 W. Chicago Rd, Redford Michigan

Service time:  8:00 a.m. - Booksigning 9:45 a.m.

                       10:45 a.m. - Booksigning i:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

See you there!

[manifold-grace]

Words to Write by Wednesday: Say What You Need to Say!

I can’t take credit for this one but listen, if it don’t fit, don’t force it! Let’s see, how else can I say this - how about - no fat, no filler. 

SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY! My fiction writers, we know you must write all kinds of juicy details to engage us, keep us interested, But you do NOT have to be frivolous with your words. In fact, don’t waste my time!

I remember the high school papers that had to be at least 5 pages long so I filled them with meaningless page filling material. If you expect your readers to become loyal to you and tell their friends how good you are - don’t do this.

Take the time to create strong sentences, rich with details and interesting facts that keep me on the edge of my seat. Then, as my heart beats faster in anticipation, watch me as I exclaim under my breath “oh my God, I did not see that coming! Wait, let me go back to chapter 3!”

That is the benefit of tight writing where not one word is wasted, but carefully crafted to lull me into security then spring a jaw-dropping surprise on me. That’s why you should cut out the fat and use no fillers...just say what you need to say! And even if you don’t write fiction, it still holds true. If it don’t fit, don’t force it...save it for the sequel!

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: Kingdom DNA - Speak the Language of the Kingdom

We know that words have power, the scriptures tell us that. But have you considered that being a believer in Jesus Christ changes your DNA? Yes, you now have DNA based on the blood of Jesus Christ!

That’s exciting, but what does it mean? It means that the finished work of Jesus on the cross, where His blood was shed makes you an inheritor of the promises in the Bible! It is finished. The new covenant is in full force and full effect. 

All who have received Jesus Christ and the price He paid on the cross as finished are now required to take possession of all the promises bestowed to them. How you may ask does one do this?

First you must speak the language of the kingdom! If words have power, and we know they do, then you need to learn a new language. Kingdom language means speak what the Word of God says about you, about all that pertains to you. You must now believe "I am who the Word of God says I am, I have all that the Word of God says I have, and I can do everything that the Word of God says I can do; in Christ Jesus!" 

Now, to learn more about speaking the language of the kingdom buy this book today!

amazon = http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-DNA-Speak-Language/dp/1937400468/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430160730&sr=8-2&keywords=kingdom+dna+linda+gill

Barnes & Noble = http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-dna-speak-the-language-of-the-kingdom-linda-l-gill/1121495529?ean=9781937400460

[manifold-grace]

It’s Saturday so Manifold Grace quotes Best Sellers!

This quote from exceptional author James Michener really says a lot. As a publisher I hear, on the regular, from people who want to write a book. Of course, I believe they should. I believe book writing to be one of the most communicative, thrilling, things one can do. AND I believe that there is a book in you!

Having said that, now I must help my writers drill down to what it is they want to say and why they need to write a book in order to say it. So, here’s the quote:

“Being goal-oriented instead of self-oriented is crucial. I know so many people who want to be writers. But let me tell you, they really don’t want to be writers. They want to have been writers. They wish they had a book in print. They don’t want to go through the work of getting the damn book out. There is a huge difference.”   James Michener

And so, with the wisdom of this man - I ask my writers “Do you want to become an author or remain a writer?” Either task is doable...you just have to decide!

Now I must quote Nike - “Just Do It!”

[manifold-grace]

Words to Write by Wednesday: You have at Least One Hour!

Those words ring out to me constantly. Perhaps because my own son, my own flesh and blood said them to me in a conversation while he was living in D.C. and waited on the bus. It began with “Hey Mom, I’m at the bus stop and I’ve got about 5 minutes, how are you doing?”

I smiled because who does that? Who budgets their time to the point where he schedules 5 minutes for a call to his mom. Of course I was just happy to be on the schedule! “So, how’s the book coming?” he asks. I was in the process of writing my first book, 5 Revelations, Improve Your Relationship with God and when I answered by explaining how busy I was with work and church - he explained as only a smart alecky, UofM overachiever, favorite son could:

“Mom, you have at least one hour a day to write - just turn off Law and Order!”

Well! Apparently that college education is going to pay off because he was right. It wasn’t about the hour parked in front of the television. It was about planning, about making time to accomplish something important. The kid budgeted his time down to ‘talk to Mom in the 5 minutes waiting at the bus stop’!

I posit to you that planning 1 hour on Wednesday, or 2 hours on Friday night, or 1 Saturday a month will help you reach your goal. I know I’m busy, you are probably busy too. The point here is that when you decide to accomplish something, take the time to determine when you will actually work on it. Once you do - treat it like you would a job and be there at the time and the place and GET IT DONE! You have at least one hour a night! lol

[manifold-grace]

Manifold Monday: The Rejuvenation Process

Author Ask TPJ has it right with this book! She says, “When feelings of complacency, discontentment, anger, hurt, bitterness, impatience, faithlessness, and resentment (to name a few) occur, it is time to enter God’s spa and get rejuvenated.” 

Seeking Peace in the Wilderness after you have experienced a devastating blow can occur with a good faith confession. Rejuvenation occurs in a spa-like environment; one that will help heal your wounds and lift your spirits. Reading this book will help you learn to bare your soul, learn relaxation techniques and refresh your spirit.

Unmasked moments with Yahweh are transparent moments that offer up realistic concerns about real life experiences and situations. Learn to trust the process of going under construction, getting over yourself, learning to serve others and ultimately resuscitating your own stalled mission. This all happens in a mind renewing experience with your heavenly Father! 

In the spa of relationship with Yahweh you can identify and rid your self of spiritually transmitted diseases and become fully restored. Inhale! Breathe in, smell the aroma of inner healing. Exhale! Breathe out the toxins that cloud your thinking. Be unafraid to emerge in the healing waters of a spa-like relationship with God. Be renewed, be restored - be rejuvenated!

Buy your copy today! 

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Rejuvenation-Process-Ask-TPJ/dp/1937400352/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429560112&sr=8-1&keywords=the+rejuvenation+process

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-rejuvenation-process?store=allproducts&keyword=the+rejuvenation+process

[manifold-grace]

It’s Saturday so Manifold Grace quotes Best Sellers!

So, I’ve shared with my students a number of times how important it is to create an outline. My saga occurred when I had a brilliant idea pop into my head and I began to write it down. It got really good and before you know it, my story had taken off - I had written 4 or 5 chapters.

Putting the wings on the plane while in flight, I soared around, jubilant that I stumbled onto such an amazing tale. Then the wings fell off! I had spent luscious time setting up the story but I had NOT built a bridge from the main conflict to the end. I had no idea how to get my characters to the happy ending already planned.

Right in that moment the light bulb came on! Creativity is most effective when it has purpose. In fact, without purpose, creativity has no room to grow. I’ll first quote my Bishop, Ben Gibert “A dream without regimen is a fantasy.” If you expect to be productive and live out your dreams - or write your book - do yourself a favor and spend time planning it.

Now I’ll quote bestselling author, John Grisham via Writer’s Digest, “An outline is crucial. It saves so much time. When you write suspense, you have to know where you’re going because you have to drop little hints along the way. With the outline, I always know where the story is going. So before I ever write, I prepare an outline of 40 or 50 pages.”  

Now, I’m not suggesting you write a 40 page outline unless that’s what it takes, but listen to the man. Suspense or non-fiction, preparation is key!

[manifold-grace]

My Backyard Gardener Presents...

if you live in metro Detroit check this out and get your yard together! She’s good!