My Own Lazarus Story

If you've been around the Alley a while, you've heard me share about my journey to publication time and again. I would like to share a perspective of my journey that has some parallels to a well-known story.

Last Sunday at church, I had the privilege of giving a testimony about my writing after the pastor's sermon on the story of Lazarus. I'll give a quick summary of John 11 and highlight some keywords:

Even though Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus knew that he would show God's power and glory in this circumstance. After he was so moved by Martha and Mary's mourning over their brother, he asked the people to move away the tomb's stone--even though they were worried about the smell of death- the stink. Lazarus comes out of the tomb, fully ALIVE, and those who loved him unraveled his grave clothes and welcomed him back to life. 

 Funny, I'd offered to give a testimony based on my writing journey before I even knew what the sermon would be on that chosen date.

And, just as always, God met me and showed me how tightly knit Lazarus's story is to my own writing journey. I'd love to share my testimony with you all...especially since some of you play a big role in it.

The Sisters:

Pensacola 2015

Eight years ago, I had a story that I wanted to publish. Fortunately, I entered the Genesis contest--and fortunately, I didn't final. I actually realized from the feedback that I had a lot to learn. So, I became part of the ACFW crit group and met the lovely Ashley Clark. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship--one that would be crucial to my journey along all my highs, lows, and in betweens.

ACFW Conference 2016

After my first conference (encouraged greatly by none other than Ashley Clark), I walked away
thinking, I am on my way. After all, I had met with an agent, talked with a publisher--oh yeah, baby. I am getting published any day now. Um, yeah...we all know that's very unlikely. So, as I look back, and wonder what the purpose of that conference was...and I realize, I not only met Ashley face to face, but I met Pepper Basham...the gal who would invite me to be an Alley Cat a month later--a step into a life-changing journey.

The Stink:

The next years were difficult. I mean, having five novels subjected to rejection and criticism is never easy. It STINKS. Just like the four long days of Lazarus's death...I had several years of STINK when it came to my publishing pursuit.

But I had these amazing friends during that time--the Alley Cats and a handful of others. They encouraged me and prayed for me. We are writers at all different stages, but some how, the Alley Cats and I grew past our love of writing and found a sweet sisterhood.

And I knew this to be true when my unwavering focus on publishing--wavered, and a non-writing life crisis thrust me into the darkest season of my life.

Even though my prayer requests had nothing to do with writing, and my outbursts had nothing to do with the writing wait, these women became my lifeline. They spoke truth to me when everything around me was as dark and cold as a tomb. And they prayed. And prayed. And lifted me up when I was so far in the stink and despair I couldn't see God anymore.

The Stone:

And that's when God did something amazing. He rolled away the stone and met me in my writing. I wasn't writing for publication anymore, I was writing because God drew me close to Him as I poured my heart, and my writing became my place of worship.

I found worth in my writing that didn't hinge on publication. It was the catalyst for amazing friendships, and an intimate place for fellowship with the Creator.

The Grave Clothes:

Pensacola 2015

If I were Lazarus, and I was stepping out of the tomb, my Alley Cats would be the sisters who'd unraveled my grave clothes. They were the ones who prayed me through the stink, who spoke truth to me in love when I couldn't see past myself. 

Even now, when I have two novels coming out this fall, I realize that this past decade wasn't just a writing journey. Sure, writing is my passion--a sweet gift God gave me to meet Him in a creative way. But this journey?

The goal of publication was a nice motivator, but the actually living and breathing along the journey was what mattered most. It's the part that satisfied more than an earthly goal, but a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness to Christ-centered friendship, and a loving invitation to create alongside the Creator for nothing more than my own heart.


********************************************************************************

Angie Dicken is a mom of four children and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she writes historical, historical romance, and dabbles in contemporary romance. Her debut, The Outlaw's Second Chance from Harlequin Love Inspired Historical releases in September of 2017, and her novel, My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah from Barbour, releases in November 2017. Angie is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. 

Sign up for my news at www.angiedicken.com

Social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken
Pinterest: pinterest.com/agdicken

Building Community As a Writer

This is a repost, but I thought it was good for those going to ACFW this year...a GREAT chance to build community! --Angie

If I never get published or win a contest, I have not traveled this writing road in vain. The friendships and people I've found along the way have blessed me more than a contract could, I am sure (although it'd be super nice to have one.;) ) Honestly, and I am a pretty transparent gal, the friendships I've found as I build my career, are priceless.

That being said, I have also discovered how community makes me a better writer. Community is of utmost importance in this writing venture, and looking at what has come from the nerve to call myself a writer, and to build a business without a "boss" (except the big One above), I can see how important relationships are as I build my career. I'll try and share some things I've discovered that have me look back and realize how my interactions with others equip me, and them, for the rest of the journey:

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER DIRECTION: First, you've got to get the word out there that you are even writing. I was shy to mention the thing I blew off as a "pipe-dream" when I first started, but if you've written words and you've cast a vision, then there is no reason to hide this calling. The thing is, I can hardly think of a time when I've taken that leap and declared myself as "a writer"that some kind of direction, for me or someone else, hasn't come from it. Whether it be a comparable book suggestion to what I'm writing or a connection to the local author I had no idea about, community is an important  setting for this journey.

For instance, I sat in a Bible study the other day, with women I didn't know, and thought to myself, "I have nothing in common with these people...what am I doing?" And then, I mentioned my writing, and a gal spoke up saying her husband was hiding away his talent and didn't know where to connect. Of course, I was a fountain of words at that point--gushing about ACFW and the Genesis contest. If I hadn't been open about my calling, and if that gal didn't have the courage to speak on behalf of her husband, we wouldn't have seen the amazing serendipity of sitting together and watching plans unfold. Her husband entered the contest...and is planning on going to conference this year! And, I have a new friend who supports me in my own journey since she understands the calling to write.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER TOOLS: This extends from my last scenario. Wowsers. Relationships with writers and non-writers are huge in discovering the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of the many tools that can be used for building your career. Yesterday, I learned the big scary (now, not-so-scary) world of website building--thanks to a casual conversation with a friend, but also the relationships I've made in networking, at conference, and my good ol' Facebook friends who are always willing to share if I ask.

When I first stepped into the world of writing, I found the best tools were critique groups through ACFW, a critique partner, and contest feedback. All the while, I was building relationships with others and discovering some best friends along the way. But if I was alone in this, and didn't have that support, I doubt I'd have a career needing tools at all.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER MOTIVATION: This past weekend. I sat with two new-ish friends who are quickly becoming near and dear to me. And while we are each on different ventures toward a certain success (one friend is a health coach, and one is a direct-sales consultant), the encouragement, knowledge, and wisdom I received from opening up about my own dreams, revived my motivation for this not-for-the-faint-of-heart journey.

This is also how I feel after spending time with my AlleyCats who lift me up out of the deepest pits. And, it's also what I find after the end of another ACFW conference where I've surrounded myself with growing relationships and amazing people.

Please don't misunderstand me, I don't start relationships with the intent of finding what's in it for me. But because of the initial step toward community and friendship, I see the surprising fruit and harvest that comes from linking arms with like-minded people, both for me, and hopefully for them!

Do you have an example of a time when you "clicked" with someone and discovered help along the way of this writing journey?

*************************************************************************************************************

Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

4 Reasons to Write in Community

When I started writing, I didn't know much. I quickly learned a lot because I became plugged in to the writing community that is American Christian Fiction Writers. Today as a multi-published author, I am still involved in many writing communities including this one, Inspired by Life & Fiction, The Grove Story, and ACFW.

In each I play a different role. 

I believe it's important for all writers to have at least a few places to plug in. Here are four reasons you should consider doing just that.

1) To give back: I joined ACFW as a writer who knew next to nothing about writing. Today, almost exactly ten years later, I'm in a very different position in my publishing career, but one thing hasn't changed: I am an active member. Why? Because I believe ACFW is the best place for someone who wants to write Christian fiction to learn how to write, learn about publishing, meet editors, agents and other writers, and find a community of people who think like them. Writing is so solitary that community is a God-send. I still make it a priority to get to the ACFW national conference every year. I can't imagine my September without the worship, fellowship, encouragement, and learning. It's been an essential part of me becoming the writer I am.

2) To Mentor Other Writers as I've been Mentored. I don't mean this to sound high and might or anything, but I do believe it's very important -- even Biblical -- to be sure I am pouring what I've learned into writers who are at an earlier stage in their journey. I periodically ask God where He wants me to pour at this season. Right now that's here on the Alley. Yeah! I love these ladies and our readers. But sometimes it's even more one on one with folks like Casey, Ashley, and Pepper. Those may change in the seasons of our writing. But I am firmly convinced that I wouldn't be the writer I am without the mentors God has give me like Colleen Coble, Rachel Hauck, and others. Giving back is key to who I am.

3) To Find Community with Other Writers Who Understand the Challenges of Writing. I vividly remember being extremely humbled when Melissa Tagg took a mentor appointment with me. This fiery, talented young woman already had one book out and another on the way. What could I offer her? As I prayed about it, God reminded me of the importance of having community with people on the same road. We may be in different stages, but we're all in the midst of this crazy business of writing. That's how The Grove gals came to be. This group is a special set of women that are heart sisters to me. Their passion for Jesus challenges me. And we encourage, cheerlead, and love on each other in ways that bring such joy to the journey. I hope you'll join us there. 

4) To Support Each Other in the Writing: I'm in two other groups including Inspired by Life & Fiction where we've come together to share our markets and build each other and our readers up. It is such a fun group of women (and truly an honor to be with them!). Another group is for marketing. We help promote each others books -- it is a hoot to spread the word about authors that I already adore reading. Now it's just more intentional.

These are a few of the ways I band together with other writers. How do you do it?

____________________

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

***GIVEAWAY*** Freebie Friday! (Special Edition)

It's a special week on The Writer's Alley as one of our founding cats celebrates the release of her first contemporary romance novel! One of our goals here at the alley is to not only share craft tips, provide inspiration or encouragement, and cultivate sense of community for your writing journey, but it's also an endeavor support each other in our own writing endeavors. There are a LOT of ups and downs in the world of publishing. Whether you're pre-published, self-published, or traditionally published, each phase comes with it's own trials, triumphs, and disappointments.

But it's relatively simple to make a writer's day, isn't it? Any combination of these suggestions are things you CAN do to make a difference for someone with their heart on paper. Encouraging things like... 1. Read their book. 2. Review it. 3. Talk about it. In person. On social media. TO the author. (Gasp! Isn't that like, taboo, or something? No, in fact, it's awesome to hear from someone who read your book. Guaranteed to make an author's day!) 4. Host a giveaway or buy a book for a friend.

So today, I want to celebrate and champion a person I believe in and appreciate more than words can impress upon you...

Congrats on another remarkably beautiful book, Pepper Basham! So proud of you!

GIVEAWAY RULES: Share this meme or post on Facebook, and drop your name below so I know you want to enter to win. I'm giving away up to 3 e-copies of one of my favorite books A Twist of Faith! But I need some participation. :) Help spread the word on this great new release and you're entered to win a free read for the weekend on me!

*~GIVEAWAY!!!!!!~*

Love does not have an accent ... 

Dr. Adelina Roseland has worked ten years in research as an accent reduction specialist to attain her dream job. But a secret wager to transform Appalachian cattle farmer Reese Mitchell into corporate material challenges Adelina in ways she never expected, threatening her new position. 

For one, Adelina didn't plan for the faith and friction of Reese, or the unexpected influence of his chaotic family. Now, drawn into a culture she'd tried to forget, Adelina finds the warmth of family, the hope of faith, and the joy of love melting away the deep wounds of her past. 

But when Reese discovers that he's a pawn in her climb up the academic ladder, will he forgive Adelina's deceit or will their miscommunication end in two broken lives? 

"Basham weaves a unique tale sure to please the romantic at heart." Denise Hunter bestselling author of Married til Monday

Happy READING <3 Amy

The Importance of Community when Building A Career

If I never get published or win a contest, I have not traveled this writing road in vain. The friendships and people I've found along the way have blessed me more than a contract could, I am sure (although it'd be super nice to have one.;) ) Honestly, and I am a pretty transparent gal, the friendships I've found as I build my career, are priceless.

That being said, I have also discovered how community makes me a better writer. Community is of utmost importance in this writing venture, and looking at what has come from the nerve to call myself a writer, and to build a business without a "boss" (except the big One above), I can see how important relationships are as I build my career. I'll try and share some things I've discovered that have me look back and realize how my interactions with others equip me, and them, for the rest of the journey:

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER DIRECTION: First, you've got to get the word out there that you are even writing. I was shy to mention the thing I blew off as a "pipe-dream" when I first started, but if you've written words and you've cast a vision, then there is no reason to hide this calling. The thing is, I can hardly think of a time when I've taken that leap and declared myself as "a writer"that some kind of direction, for me or someone else, hasn't come from it. Whether it be a comparable book suggestion to what I'm writing or a connection to the local author I had no idea about, community is an important  setting for this journey.

For instance, I sat in a Bible study the other day, with women I didn't know, and thought to myself, "I have nothing in common with these people...what am I doing?" And then, I mentioned my writing, and a gal spoke up saying her husband was hiding away his talent and didn't know where to connect. Of course, I was a fountain of words at that point--gushing about ACFW and the Genesis contest. If I hadn't been open about my calling, and if that gal didn't have the courage to speak on behalf of her husband, we wouldn't have seen the amazing serendipity of sitting together and watching plans unfold. Her husband entered the contest...and is planning on going to conference this year! And, I have a new friend who supports me in my own journey since she understands the calling to write.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER TOOLS: This extends from my last scenario. Wowsers. Relationships with writers and non-writers are huge in discovering the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of the many tools that can be used for building your career. Yesterday, I learned the big scary (now, not-so-scary) world of website building--thanks to a casual conversation with a friend, but also the relationships I've made in networking, at conference, and my good ol' Facebook friends who are always willing to share if I ask.

When I first stepped into the world of writing, I found the best tools were critique groups through ACFW, a critique partner, and contest feedback. All the while, I was building relationships with others and discovering some best friends along the way. But if I was alone in this, and didn't have that support, I doubt I'd have a career needing tools at all.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER MOTIVATION: This past weekend. I sat with two new-ish friends who are quickly becoming near and dear to me. And while we are each on different ventures toward a certain success (one friend is a health coach, and one is a direct-sales consultant), the encouragement, knowledge, and wisdom I received from opening up about my own dreams, revived my motivation for this not-for-the-faint-of-heart journey.

This is also how I feel after spending time with my AlleyCats who lift me up out of the deepest pits. And, it's also what I find after the end of another ACFW conference where I've surrounded myself with growing relationships and amazing people.

Please don't misunderstand me, I don't start relationships with the intent of finding what's in it for me. But because of the initial step toward community and friendship, I see the surprising fruit and harvest that comes from linking arms with like-minded people, both for me, and hopefully for them!

Do you have an example of a time when you "clicked" with someone and discovered help along the way of this writing journey?

*************************************************************************************************************

Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

7 Ways to find Writing Friends

Just this week I was talking to a good writing friend. She is successful. Her books are brilliant and award-winning. Yet she feels very alone in her journey.

As I was chatting with her, I knew she was not alone. So many writers are naturally introverted. As such, they can attend meetings and feel disconnected. They join the right groups and still feel alone. That makes me so sad. Yet I know it can be hard -- especially when you feel like you have reached out and that didn't go the way you had hoped or expected.

Tweet: Long 4 writing friends? @cara_putman gives 5 ways + 2 bonus. #amwriting http://ctt.ec/8P3AU+

There is a vibrant writing community. I've found it through places like the Writers Alley. But I don't want you to struggle and feel isolated and alone. Here are a few suggestions to try if you feel like everyone else has a writing community, and you just can't quite crack the code.

1) Pray. Seriously. There have been several periods in my writing journey when I felt isolated. The first when I was a brand spanking newbie. Then there was the I've graduated to published, but sure don't feel published me. Then there was the I'm multi-published and still feel like an outsider. Each time I asked God if I could have a community. People who get me. He has answered that prayer. Many times. In each season. More on that below.

2) Reach out to others. My friend is doing this. Just about everyone I was going to connect her with, she's already in relationship with. As you are willing to reach out to others, you may find that they hunger for more than surface social media friendship, too. The way our lives go right now, it is all too easy to do everything online. It can be good - I love staying in touch with people from across the country and world, but it can be terribly superficial, too. So when you can build on face-to-face opportunities. Use social media to stay in contact, but cherish those in person moments.

3) Recognize you will different levels of relationships. Now hang with me a minute. When you're praying ask God to give you people newer in the writing journey than you, at your level, and then mentors. Each are incredibly valuable. When you're starting out you desperately need people slogging through the day to day of writing a book. Join groups like ACFW to find them. But don't stay there. As your writing matures, make sure you are looking for people who are now in those beginning stages. Be willing to pour into their learning and careers. That's how I know most of the gals from the Writers Alley. It's so exciting to watch their journeys turn into published books as they do the work. Which leads to the last category. We all need mentors. People who are further down the road. People who can encourage us and if we're willing teach us. Which leads to...

4) If you want to be mentored, be teachable. Listen to what your mentor is saying. Pray over it and apply what fits. But recognize they are sharing what they know. If they choose to share it with you, it is a gift. It means they see something in you they want to be part of developing. They want to help you succeed. It doesn't mean every piece of advice will fit perfectly. But keep a teachable spirit, or you'll find they move on to someone who is interested and teachable.

5) Don't take a "rejection" personally. Most of the time it isn't meant that way. The other person may simply be strapped for time. They may be out of margin and protecting their writing time. Maybe they have a new baby, a new job,  personal crisis. Extend grace and ask God to lead you to someone who can work. 

Two bonus suggestions:

6) Recognize there are seasons to relationships. In late 2008 (I think!) I attended a writing seminar. It was intimate, and the relationships we formed in that small group, led to a desire to continue online. For several years this group of ladies plus two were incredibly tight. We laughed together, prayed together, moaned about life together. And then our lives changed. Some left publishing. Some changed jobs. Life changed. We are still friends and can reach out together, but it is not the same flurry of emails and communication that it used to be. That's okay. We were what we were supposed to be at that time in our lives.

7) Be willing to be the one who reaches out and asks. A couple years ago I felt God very specifically tell me it was time to form another group similar to that yet different. This time I was reaching out to and asking seven other authors I really respect whether they would want to come into community with me. It was scary. I fully expected some of them to say no, because to me they were already in vibrant writing communities. Yet they all said yes, because they each had that same heart cry for community. This group is different than the first, yet it is just as rich. In fact, we're the Grove Girls. I'm in several others like that. Each with a unique purpose and mission. Each started because somebody was willing to risk. Maybe today it's your day.

-----------------------

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

The Importance of A Writing Confidant

Sometimes, we can't see past our failures, but those who've been walking alongside us during this journey witness something so much brighter. And sometimes, we need to open our hearts and receive a perspective adjustment by those who love us. 

 Here is my most recent correspondence with a very dear writing-journey companion: 

*** 

 Dear Crit Partner aka Sister aka Bestie aka Trusted Friend... 

 I am so bummed out. I got honorable mention in that contest. Basically, I hardly placed at all. Why do I put so much hope in these writing endeavors? And on top of that my book's not even finished! Maybe I shouldn't even go to ACFW this year. :( 

 Bummed Out, 

 Writer

 *** 

Dear Writer, 

 I feel like you are looking for validation in the wrong places. I know it's so stinkin' discouraging when you think you're getting good news and then it doesn't turn out... Believe me! And that's totally understandable. BUT, you can't let that overshadow everything else or affect your big picture perspective. 
 You've got to fight back. 
 Your stories and your heart are worth fighting back for! Don't let yourself believe it's okay to adopt a victim mentality, because it will only send you in a downward spiral. You've been so excited about this book and this story!! Hold on to that! 

 Some of these things are attacks by the enemy. But some of them are attacks you are making against yourself! Don't let yourself believe for a second God is not moving through your writing, your writing community, and your life. 

If someone else said these kinds of questions about your writing, I would be like, "Shut up! This writer and her writing are amazing!" So since YOU are the one saying it about your own writing, I'm still going to stand up for you ;) 
 Love, 

 Your Crit Partner (aka wisdom-speaker)

***

Do you have a truth-speaker in your life? Do you have someone who knows you and your writing and believes in it (and you) no matter what?

***************************************************************************

Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous, mothering days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member, One Sheet designer, and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Check out her personal blog here: www.angiedicken.blogspot.com

Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Create a Blogging Tribe by Tina Radcliffe

Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Creating a Blogging Tribe

By Tina Russo Radcliffe

How many blogs are there? These statistics are from Snitchim.com

Tumblr.com shows it has over 101.7 Million blogs with 44.6 Billion blog posts

WordPress.com has over 63 Million blogs

Livejournal reports to have 62.6 million blogs with

Weebly states it has over 12 million blogs

Blogster has over 582,754 blogs

How do you rate a blog? By the number of followers? Subscribers? Commenters?

In my opinion, a blog should be evaluated by how well the blog is doing the job it was created to do.

Seekerville, a blog of 13 authors began in 2007. The blog was an offshoot of a Yahoo group we formed to actually pray and help each other into publication. The members were all inspirational romance contest entrants who knew of each other because of our virtual meets through contests. Most of us had never met in real time.

How did a group of strangers build a strong blogging community? Of course it’s a God thing. But good business principles played into our community as well. From our Yahoo group came the strong desire to give back.

"No Marine Left Behind – A mantra that speaks to teamwork, loyalty and brotherhood that exists between Marines.” Our philosophy is similar, in the context of writers. We add an additional facet of reaching readers in a very real way. This is our underlying philosophy.  

But how do you create a successful blog? Joe Friedlander provides the best post I know of on this topic. No need to reinvent great content. I agree with everything he says!

9 Lessons from A-List Bloggers

1. Produce evergreen content.

2. Write with a plan.

3. Build community.

4. Foster interaction.

5. Build a list.

6. Give readers a path to follow.

7. Build traffic with guest blogging.

8. Write what’s right.

9. Provide practical help.

To this I would add that baring deadlines, natural disasters, internet fail and out of office days, we expect everyone to show up (the 13 Seekers), and we expect all posts to go up at midnight. Consistency counts.

Behind closed doors Seekerville is like an orchestra. I am the unofficial conductor. To be clear, I help direct the many instruments of Seekerville. But there is no Seekerville without each and every instrument. Over the years we have divided up the responsibilities among us, and this makes the blog run smoothly.

We have also learned something about the dynamics of our blog and its role and responsibility. Some lessons were learned the hard way, through stumbles. Here are some of our unwritten rules and rules written in our guest blogging guidelines that steer our daily operations:

1. We aren’t about controversy.

2. We know our target audience and direct our posts to that audience.

3. We rarely do interviews and we don’t do book reviews.

4. Our posts do not proselytize but we aren’t afraid to share our beliefs.

5. Our post content covers these areas: inspirational and encouraging or educational.

6. We are not about blatant self-promotion.

Personally, I think of Seekerville as Seth Godin’s, Tribes meets Ree Drummond’s, The Pioneer Woman. We are building a tribe, yes, but it’s in our kitchen, with coffee, snacks and a welcome to our house attitude. Why does it work? Because we sincerely believe in it.

These are two of the many features of Tribes that we utilize. (This pdf of Tribes Q &A can help you understand Godin’s book.)

Transparency. Another factor that creates our sense of community. There is no distance between us and our community. There is no outside looking in aspect. We are not experts doling out opinions. There are no levels of hierarchy. Additionally, we are real, and we share our triumphs and failures.

Tribal Pulse Taking. We do watch our stats and comments to evaluate which posts and speakers are impacting our community. We also take a yearly survey to determine what our community wants and needs.

From The Pioneer Woman we have borrowed the down-home, come to dinner quality we have in Seekerville.

Our mental image is a visitor walking into our house. You become our family. What’s the natural response to family? We greet you by name, we chat with you one-on-one. We commiserate when you have problems. We cheer your successes and we create opportunities for you to succeed. Finally, we provide a safe place for you to share.

Every good hostess has the responsibility to not only feed her guests, with good blog content and a welcome smile, but to send them home with something. This is why we do our very successful giveaways. They aren’t required of us or our guests. We also provide giveaways as a way to say thank you.

Another unique feature of Seekerville is that we often have several conversations going on in the comments. Most are directed for our host blogger in the form of questions and answers. But, a day in Seekerville means we share news and greet new faces.

Have you ever been a blog guest and no one shows up? Lonely isn’t it? That’s not Seekerville. We believe that if you are a guest, the Seeker who hosted you is responsible to ensure your visit is successful. We do the PR for your visit, and we stay and support you and encourage interaction.

Our successful tribe building is based on word-of-mouth. While we have begun to advertise, 90% of our new traffic is from word-of-mouth. I believe consistency, useful content, along with staying true to our core philosophy is responsible for our success.  

I hope I’ve been able to share Seekerville in a way that encourages you to stop by. Go ahead and feel free to hum the Cheers song as you mosey on over, we’ll save you a seat and a cup of coffee.

Thanks to the Alleycats for having me today.

I look forward to your questions about forming your own tribe. And because I like to bring gifts for my hostess and her friends, today I am giving away a Tina Russo or Tina Radcliffe ebook of choice- one for my hostess, Julia Reffner and one for a commenter. International winners welcome.

Tina Radcliffe writes Inspirational romance for Harlequin Love Inspired and romantic comedy as Tina Russo.

Her next release, a novella, The Christmas Angel is available now.

Being A Grateful Writer

Photo by Felixco, Inc.
freedigitalphotos.net

I am recovering from a glorious weekend spent in Houston and Irving, Texas, attending the wedding showers of my daughter and her fiance at their home churches. It's hard to explain the feeling of gratitude and love for a group of believers who are such special family members of faith. The community of believers is a special one and we so often forget to be thankful for the beauty of those relationships. It is easy to take your family for granted, isn't it?

It is the same way in the writing community.

Writers are a rare breed. They don't think like others...aka, they day dream all the time!  They don't act like others...aka, they stare off into space day dreaming all the time! And occasionally they don't smell like others...aka, lack of showering due to deadline. (snort) Just like Christians, writers are like aliens in a foreign land and we tend to seek each other out, banding together, unified in purpose.

The writing community is such a gracious community. They fall over backwards to read your WIP and mark it up in red ink. They love to encourage you after you receive low scores in a writing contest. They get excited to brainstorm new ideas and help each other in the plotting process. Writers are AWESOME in their ability to further each other along in the journey.

But are you a gracious writer?

Do you say thank you? Do you go out of your way to do for others what they do for you? Do you seek out to bless another writer on a down day? Writers can get down really easy and don't always share with others their fears or frustrations. Take time to ask your writer friends how they are doing....I mean REALLY doing! Dig deep and bless someone's day.

Are you a grateful writer?

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This post is brought to you by

 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is a minister's wife and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.