Month: June 2017

The Ultimate Safe Place

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As we face a chronic illness, we need to realize the ultimate safe place for us is in Jesus Christ. Let us never forget that Jesus is our rock, fortress, and deliverer.

Today’s Bible Verse:

Psalm 18:2 (KJV), “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

What the verse means:

King David uses these different names of God to show that God has many ways to help. This is seen in contrast to the wicked have many ways of hurting people.

Praying using the verses:

  1. Heavenly Father, I thank you for being my rock, my fortress, and my delivered.
  2. Lord Jesus, I trust in You. You are my strength. You are my buckler that is my shield.
  3. Thank you for being the horn of my salvation and my high tower.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Podcasts and Videos

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Use Video and Audio to engage an audience.

  • Create a YouTube channel and create informational videos.
  • Create informational videos.
  • Start a live-stream channel and stream videos.
  • Create a podcast.

Video and Audio Resources:

Podcasting Resources:

Podcasting is an effective way to generate content for your website. Many inexpensive and relatively simple tools are available to capture and edit audio and video. The tools allow even a podcasting novice can produce high-quality content with very little expense.

Podcasting Tools.

  • Podbean. Podbean is a podcasting platform with publishing, management, syndication, and analysis tools.
    • Publish and share your podcasts, and even sell them with no transaction fees.
    • Price: Plans start at $5 per month.
  • PodOmatic. PodOmatic is a platform with customizable embedded players and promotional tools.
    • Its directory contains over two million podcasts from independent podcasters.
    • Create a mini cast, combining audio and images to share on social media. 
    • Price: The Basic account is free. Contact them for pro support pricing.
  • Audcacity. Audacity is a free and open-source application for recording and editing audio.
    • It features simple tools for splicing and mixing sound.
    • Edit a variety of sound files and apply multiple effects, including changing speed or pitch.
    • Audacity also features a podcasting forum for community support.
    • Audacity is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. 
    • Price: Free.
  • SoundCloud. SoundCloud is a social audio platform to create and share the sound.
    • Share audio privately or publicly to blogs, sites, and social networks.
    • Share audio directly to Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and Foursquare. Access anywhere using the official iPhone and Android apps, as well as hundreds of creation and sharing apps built on the SoundCloud platform. 
    • Price: Free.
  • Libsysn. Libsyn (Liberated Syndication) is a podcast network to create, host, publish and promote your podcast.
    • It has over 10,000 podcasts delivered to more than 18 million monthly audience members.
    • With four different kinds of content accepted by its app, you can offer your audience extras, blog posts, transcripts and more all in one place. 
    • Price: Plans start at $5.
  • GarageBand. If you own a Mac, GarageBand is a full-feature tool to record and edit your podcast audio.
    • Create and mix up to 255 audio tracks.
    • GarageBand comes with a complete sound library of software instruments.
  • Ecamm Call Recorder. Ecamm Call Recorder is a tool to record audio and video calls with Skype or FaceTime.
    • Get high-quality HD recordings. Easily convert into MP3 files for podcasting.
    • Call Recorder’s multi-track recording lets you split tracks after a call.
    • Available for Mac OS. 
    • Price: $29.95.
  • Audio Hijack. Audio Hijack is a tool to record audio from apps like Skype or from an audio device, with customizable recording options for podcasts.
    • Audio Hijack is also an ideal backup tool to record your source audio, in case there’s a problem with a guest’s audio track. 
    • Price: $49 for a license.
  • Simple Podcast Press. Simple Podcast Press is a player that will also grow your audience.
    • Automatically add Opt-in Forms to all your existing and new podcast episodes to grow your email list.
    • Add a sidebar widget that automatically showcases your latest podcast episodes.
    • Works with all podcast feeds including Libsyn, SoundCloud, PodBean, and Blubrry. 
    • Price: $47 single license.
  • Smart Podcast Player. Smart Podcast Player is a customizable podcast player sleek enough for your website.
    • Display your podcast artwork, and use your brand colors.
    • Your library updates automatically anytime you publish a new episode to your feed.
    • The mobile-responsive Smart Podcast Player is compatible with any podcast RSS feed from any podcast hosting service, including Libsyn and SoundCloud. 
    • Price: $97 per year.
  • ScheduleOnce. ScheduleOnce is a scheduling assistant app that’s useful to book guest interviews.
    • It integrates with a variety of calendar apps, including Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook.
    • Guests click your booking page and choose from available time slots.
    • When booked, the appointment is automatically added to your calendar and confirmation is sent the guest. 
    • Price: Plans start at $5 per month.
  • SqueakPipe. SqueakPipe is a voice messaging tool.
    • It’s useful if your podcast utilizes Q&As with questions submitted from listeners.
    • Install a voicemail widget on your website and start interacting with your audience.
    • You can use a custom button or the SpeakPipe side button. 
    • Price: Plans start at $7 per month.
  • Spreaker. Spreaker is a podcast platform to create, host, and distribute your podcasts.
    • Pre-record or broadcast live via the studio console, from desktop or mobile device.
    • Mix voice with tracks and effects on the fly.
    • The application also allows easy sharing across all the major social networks, as well as providing embeddable players for any website. 
    • Price: Plans start at $4.99 per month.
  • Buffer. Buffer is a tool to manage the sharing of content — including podcasts — on social media.
    • Use Buffer to schedule your podcasts, and then analyze rich statistics on how your posts perform.
    • Schedule your sharing in advance, and manage multiple social media accounts at once. 
    • Price: An individual account is free.
  • Google Hangouts. Google Hangouts is a video and audio conferencing tool that can be used for interviewing guests.
    • Google Hangouts is for broadcasting live conversations.
    • Take audience questions in advance and answer them live.
    • Schedule broadcasts and go live in HD on Google+, YouTube, and your website.
    • It will be recorded and automatically saved on your YouTube channel. 
    • Price: Free.
  • Blubrry PowerPress. Blubrry PowerPress brings the essential features for podcasting to WordPress.
    • PowerPress offers iTunes support, media URL verification, six audio player options, three video player options, multiple format and media file types, category podcasting capabilities, platform migration tools, and more. 
    • Price: Blubrry basic is free.
    • Premium plan is $5 per month

Example Video created for free by Jimmie Aaron Kepler using Animoto free version.

Some content is sourced and adapted from Practicalecommerce.

 

Mercies of God

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As we live with a chronic illness, we sometimes only see the bad. We fail to realize it is owing to the mercies of God that they are not worse.

Today’s Bible Verse:

Lamentation 3: 22-23 KJV, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

What the Verses Mean:

We should observe what the Lord makes for us, as well as what is against us. God’s compassions do not fail. We have fresh instances every morning. Portions on earth are perishing things, but God is a portion for ever. It is our duty and will be our comfort and satisfaction, to hope and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord.

Praying Using the Verses:

  1. God our Father, thank you that your steadfast love never ceases. Your love awaits us daily.
  2. Lord Jesus, we praise you that your mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.
  3. We testify great is your faithfulness.
  4. We continue to ask for healing for our or our loved one’s chronic illness.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Engage on Social Media

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Social Media Sites:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Google+

Social Media Sites for Book Lovers:

Social Media Sites Have Become Mainstream in People’s Lives:

  • Surveys reveal that 78% of the U.S. population has a social network profile.
  • Using social media to connect with consumers is now an essential part of any good marketing
    campaign.
  • In fact, 91% of retail brands use two or more social media channels to connect with consumers.

Social Media Site Content is Bite-sized.

  • People are using micro-moments to check their social media feeds.
  • Facebook says that readers spend only 1.7 seconds on a Facebook post when using a mobile device to access the site.

Next, we will look at using video and audio to engage an audience.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Starseers: Fallen Empire, Book 3 by Lindsay Buroker

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The Science Fiction & Fantasy Marketing Podcast was my introduction to author Lindsay Buroker. Beware – spoilers follow!

Okay, I have to begin by saying I’m hooked on the series. The characters are awesome. Lindsay Buroker does a world-class job with the characters. I love Alisa’s irreverent humor. The constant danger the Star Nomad keeps finding itself in keeps the tension going. The sexual tension between Alisa and the cyborg Leonidas keeps building.

We see Alisa growth as her faith in the Alliance diminishes. She sees the Alliance isn’t as wonderful as she once imagined. We clearly see her Alliance views and the counterpoint of Leonidas the cyborg’s personal honor that becomes more apparent. We learn more of who he is. The more I learn about him the more we like and the more human he is.

Maybe like me, you will feel empathy for Yumi. And we learn more of the Starseers. I’m committed to the entire series. I am on board to see where the adventures take us and to learn more of the wonderful characters.

God’s Way

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Part of learning to deal with a chronic illness is realizing God’s way is perfect.

Today’s Bible Verse:

Psalm 18:30 KJV, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

What the verse means:

God’s providence, though sometimes dark, is always wise, just, and blameless. The truth of God’s promises is approved by countless experiences and witnesses.

Praying using the verses:

  1. Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all You do is perfect.
  2. We acknowledge Your watch care over our loved one as they continue to battle their chronic illness.
  3. We also acknowledge Your protection and provision in all areas of life.
  4. We confess the promises of God are sure, they have been tested, and will never fail.
  5. Thank you for the promise of being our Buckler, that is our shield, as we have our trust in You.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Blog on a Regular Schedule

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Blogs Influence People:

  • 77% of Internet users read blogs.
  • 87% of blog readers are book buyers.
  • Blogs rank third (behind family and friends) in influencing purchasing decisions.
  • 61% of consumers have made a purchasing decision based on a blog post.
  • A blog helps you develop trust with your audience

Blogs require new content:

  • New Content

You want to add new material on a regular basis to keep your readers engaged.

  • Post Often

A good goal for blog posting is once or twice a week. You really should go longer between blog posts than two weeks or you will have trouble building an audience.

Statistics show that 68% of bloggers blog less than daily, but more than monthly.

It takes nine months of regular posting for a blog to develop a strong, loyal readership base.

Next time we will look at Social Media Engagement.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Pray Without Ceasing

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Dealing with a chronic illness includes realizing it is okay to cry out to God. As Believer’s in Jesus Christ we can place our cares and petitions before the Lord. We can pray without ceasing.

Today’s Bible Verse:

Psalm 88:1-2 KJV, “O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;”

What the verse means:

There was no intermission to his prayers. He prayed constantly. Prayer was not his general habit. However, during his time of sickness he prayed. He had prayed that he might be delivered from sickness and from the dangers of death. He had, as yet, obtained no answer. Now the Psalmist prays again recording a more heartfelt and desperate petition to God.

Praying using the verses:

  1. Lord, you are the God who save us.
  2. Heavenly Father, day and night we cry out to You.
  3. Jesus, our prayer comes before You.
  4. We ask that You turn Your ear and hear our cry.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Get a Website

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“But, I just want to write. I don’t want to do a website. I don’t know how to do it. Besides that, it sounds expensive and time-consuming.

Fine, not having an Internet presence is an option. Just writing can produce a book. Rarely will just writing produce readers. Having a website is a key part of a strategy for building an audience.

Website URL

I recommend a custom website URL, that is you purchasing your own domain. I recommend you select one of three options.

• Your Author Name

The website you are on is an example of using the author’s name. You are on jimmiekepler.com

• Your Book’s Title

The website Prayers for the Chronically Ill is an example. I am currently writing a nonfiction book with the title Prayers for the Chronically Ill. I use the website to build my audience and build my email list.

• Your Brand

The website The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn is an example of this type of website.

What Should Your Website Include?

• A Blog

A blog written on a consistent schedule is one great way to connect with your audience. It should be focused and published on the same day of the week at least twice a month. Experts say using this schedule it can take you nine to twelve months to build an audience.

• About Your Book

Tell your readers about your book. Your book blurb is great for sharing here. It should not be a summary of your book

• About the Author

Tell the readers who you are and what qualifies you to write your book if nonfiction.

• Reviews / Endorsements

A great way to build engagement is to let your audience know people are reading your book and hear is what they are saying about it.

• Social Media Links

Point the reader to your online presence – Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn.

• Contact Information

Allow them to email you or reach out to you. This builds a connection with your reader and loyalty as they get to know you.

• Email Signup / Call to Action

You don’t just want them to visit your website. You want them to buy your book. Ask them for their email address. This allows you to thank them for visiting your website and to let them know when your book and future books are available for purchase. Then you can remind then or ask them to buy your books.

Easy to Use, Affordable Website Hosting & Building Services:

Next time we will look at the subject: Blog Regularly.

Photo Source: Pixaby

Honor’s Flight: Fallen Empire, Book 2 by Lindsay Buroker

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The Science Fiction & Fantasy Marketing Podcast was my introduction to author Lindsay Buroker. Beware – spoilers follow!

“Honor’s Flight: Fallen Empire, Book 2” in the Emperor’s Edge series has the crew of Star Nomad Star Nomad returning to Perun looking for Alisa’s lost daughter. They are also dealing with the artifact that Alejandro has with him. The adventure continues as things do not happen as Alisa hoped once back on Perun.

When Alisa arrives on her home planet she isn’t welcome. She’s former Alliance pilot. The planet is under control of the Empire. As if this isn’t bad enough the worst is yet to come. Her daughter has been taken by Starseers. The sets the stage for the rest of the story.

Alisa engages in a desperate search for her daughter as Alejandro is trying to gain more information on his orb.

The after effects of the war between the Alliance and the Empire ring through the book. We see what happens when a government is defeated. We see the after effects on the victor not being able to fill the void of the previous government at all levels.

Lindsay Buroker has crafted another excellent book. Great story telling, wonderful character, and some wonderful humor keep me turning the pages. I especially like Alisa’s interactions with Leonidas. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. The grilling Beck and engineer Mica add depth to the story.  The characters grow together as they travel and strive for survival. I confess I have become a big fan of Lindsay Buroker. Her writing is brilliant and I love the humor. I haven’t decided if it is intentional or just the author’s voice. Either way, it rocks.