Many of you ask about song writing, book writing and for other resources when we meet and I’ve attempted to compile some ideas for you that may help at least as a starting point.

FOR SONG WRITERS

• Try looking into the Gospel Music Association’s web site.  They hold seminars and conferences all over the world and take unpublished songs through their web site for submission.  Their web site will help with a wealth of encouragement, information and updates.

FOR PRAYING ARTISTS!

• If we are wise, we will prayerfully ask God to direct our creative paths. He is the one who opens and closes doors and as cliché as this may sound.  I truly believe all artists are allowed our place to minister, sing, write and communicate in exactly the place God allows.  It can be frustrating to be on the Lord’s time table, and to follow His plan, but it will never be without tremendous fulfillment! I never imagined I would be offered the experiences I’ve had, but I have learned that God’s agenda never disappoints, and allows every aspect of each person’s gifting to be used for His glory.

• PRAY like crazy.

• Start locally and look for places to sing, people to co-write with, churches that will host you and have you as a part of their regular ministry. Let the Lord build what happens as you remain broken and open before Him.

• Many artists can minister locally in much more powerful ways than artists with a more national name. There is no comparing the two. No better or best. It’s merely the extremely personal search to find where your particular gifts and talents are best serving this world.

• Frederich Buechner describes vocation so beautifully: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

BOOK WRITERS:

• I’m on board with you about learning as I go!  Journaling is always a great exercise, and a daily way to stretch the writing muscles. Anne Lamott’s Bird By Bird, is a terrific book on writing.  Most book publishers would like to work through a literary agent with authors on their book proposals.  Most publishers would like the author’s proposal to include:

• Title

• Overview (one page)

• Chapter Outline

• Marketing Overview: What other books like yours are in the marketplace and why you believe yours will sell. This would include the demographic you feel your book would sell into and list books similar to yours, with their authors/publishing houses and copyrights.

• Biography of author

• One to two sample chapters

FOR THOSE SEEKING HELP FOR DIVORCE RECOVERY

• There’s no better place to find relief than in a local church that has a Divorce Care, Grief Share or one of the excellent series of gathering provided by Church Initiative Resources. Not only do they give practical, godly advice for suffering ones, but they have groundbreaking programs for children affected by divorce and other trauma as well. Their web site is extensive and can help you find a place locally or guide you to teaching seminars for facilitators interested in starting up recovery programs in local churches. I know these people, and this organization is the real deal!