January 2017

Post date: Jan 2, 2017 3:35:43 AM

This month's newsletter, written by Melissa Wiltrout:

It's a new year! Who doesn't enjoy a fresh calendar on the wall, a fresh

number to write on checks and journal entries, and a fresh, untainted

New Year?

I am breaking from my usual negativity and daring to view 2017 in a

positive light, due in part to reading a few journal entries from last fall

highlighting the work God has done in my life over the past 14 years.

While last year was challenging in many ways and I don't know what this

year holds, my faith has been strengthened on this New Year's Day through

remembering who God is and what He has done for me. I believe that "He

who began a good work in me will complete it." (Philippians 1:6) With God

at work, with Him providing and caring for me, I know 2017 will be another

good year.

Writing Prompt: What was your 2016 like? Was it filled with awesome

experiences that drew you closer to your loved ones and to God? Or did it

bring disappointment and loss? Was God there for you? How did He reveal

Himself? Write a letter of remembrance and thanksgiving to God for His

guidance and care for you in the past year.

COMING UP: Michelle Rayburn will be our feature speaker this month

talking about Marketing from Proposal to Publication. Marketing is an

important part of the process from the moment your book becomes a

concept. She will examine the process of surveying the market, assess

how to get your audience to want your book, and strategize about cost-

effective ways to capture sales. How to maximize free marketing

opportunities and helpful insights into the ever-changing market will

also be shared followed by a Q & A time. Door prizes, yummy food

and fellowship for all.

FEEDBACK (CRITIQUE) OPPORTUNITY:

If you want to receive feedback on your work, come early (5:30 p.m.) to

meet with others. Bring 6-8 copies of your short piece (300 words or so)

for the group to read along as you share. You could bring what you've

written in response to the prompt above or something else you're working

on. It can be a portion of a book chapter or a short article, too.

See you at the January meeting!