Category: Books I’ve Reviewed

Book Review: “Write and Publish Organically”

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I own both the Kindle ebook and audio versions of this book.
 

Book Review: Write and Publish Organically

Values-based Approach

In “Write and Publish Organically”, Catherine Lawton explores the unique journey of writing and publishing through a holistic, values-based approach. The book is structured around insightful chapters that guide readers on how to discover their voice, foster authentic creativity, and navigate publishing in ways that reflect integrity and purpose.
 

Write From the Heart

Lawton encourages writers to explore “Writing from the Heart,” focusing on creating stories that are true to their experiences and emotions. She stresses the importance of “Organic Growth,” likening the writing process to nurturing a garden—each phase requires patience and care, allowing ideas to flourish naturally. She delves into the business side of publishing, encouraging writers to maintain their values rather than compromising for market trends, to publishing with integrity.
 

Relationships

Later chapters emphasize the importance of genuine reader relationships, fostering connections beyond transactional book sales. Lawton’s gentle encouragement and practical advice on how to balance creativity with the realities of the publishing world make this guide a rich resource for both emerging and experienced writers. With its focus on authenticity, purpose, and a steady, patient approach, “Write and Publish Organically” offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through their writing.
 
It’s a great resource and read for the new and experienced writer as well a publisher.
 
You can get information or purchase the book at https://cladach.com/writing-organically/.

Calvin Miller on Writing

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Embark on the sacred pilgrimage of writing! Dr. Calvin Miller’s words illuminate the solitary path that writers tread yet within the solitude of the page, they discover a profound connection.
 
As you journey through the vast expanse of creativity, know that you are never truly alone. With each stroke of your pen, you forge bonds with kindred spirits—writers past, present, and future—who walk alongside you in spirit.
 
In the hushed sanctuary of the blank page, you commune with the divine, channeling inspiration from realms unseen. 🙏💭 Let the silence speak volumes, let the ink flow like a sacred river, as you navigate the depths of your soul and explore the mysteries of existence.
 
Embrace the solitude as a sanctuary, a space where imagination dances freely and the voice of the divine whispers its secrets.  For within the solitude of the page, you discover not isolation, but a sanctuary where souls unite and truths are revealed.
 
A writer's journey is a solitary one, but in the solitude of the page, they find companionship with kindred spirits and communion with the divine - Dr. Calvin Miller
 
 
Note: In early 1979 Calvin Miller entered my life. I was a student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Miller spoke at a chapel service. The simplicity of his sermon  amazed me. I wasn’t sure if it was the storytelling or the beauty and relevance of his prose. I bought his Singer Trilogy. I remember thinking I have found the American CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. In the late 1980s I attended a writer’s conference at Ridgecrest, North Carolina where he was one of the teachers/speakers. He agreed to mentor me for a few months. The mentorship (at his suggestion) was simply agreeing to read my weekly newsletter column and give a few suggestions. The results were my church members noticed and commented on an improvement in my writing of the column. Dr. Miller’s best advice was do your best with everything you write, even a weekly church newsletter column. He told me how he had written his weekly pastoral column and his editor saw in it a a future book – The Phillipian Fragment.
 
 

Creative Expression Reflects God’s Glory

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Let your creative expression shine forth as a reflection of God’s glory!

Rooted in the belief that every talent and ability is a divine gift, Christians find inspiration in 1 Corinthians 10:31. Just as the heavens declare the glory of God, so too does your creativity serve as a testament to His greatness.

Whether through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression, each stroke of brilliance echoes His magnificence. As you cultivate and share your unique talents, you become a vessel through which His splendor is revealed to the world.

So, embrace your creativity wholeheartedly, knowing that in every creation, you are reflecting the beauty and wonder of the Creator Himself.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

 

 

What is the Essence of Creativity?

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Embrace the divine essence of creativity!

Rooted in the belief that we are crafted in the image of a creative God, Christians find inspiration in Genesis 1:27. Just as the Creator fashioned the universe with boundless imagination, so too are we endowed with the power to shape our worlds through creativity.

Let this understanding fuel your artistic endeavors, infusing every stroke of your pen or brush with the divine spark within you. As you harness this sacred gift, remember that your creations have the potential to reflect the beauty and wonder of the Creator Himself.

So, let your creativity flow freely, honoring the source from which it springs and illuminating the world with its radiance.

Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Creativity is a Divine Gift: Christians believe that creativity stems from being made in the image of a creative God who designed the universe from Genesis 1:27 in the Old Testament of the Bible

Joanna Penn on Writing

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Don’t wait for inspiration; create it!  Let Joanna Penn’s wisdom ignite your creative flame.

The Muse doesn’t linger in the realm of wishes but eagerly awaits you in the act of creation. So, don’t hesitate, don’t procrastinate; pick up your pen and start writing.

Every word you craft, every sentence you mold, beckons her closer, ready to infuse your work with magic. Embrace the journey of creation, knowing that with each stroke, you draw closer to your artistic destiny.

Let your imagination soar, let your ideas flow, and let the Muse guide you on this enchanting voyage of storytelling.

Joan Didion on Writing

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Why do you write?

Author Joan Didion says, “I write nonfiction to share my inner most thoughts on how I’ve navigated life’s challenges. I write fiction to imagine and create new worlds, characters, and narratives. I write poetry because I simply must.”

Like Joan Didion, I write simply because I must.

Salt and Light

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Salt and Light

While serving as a deacon at Prestonwood Baptist Church in 2007 my pastor, Dr Jack Graham, challenged the deacons to get more involved and think creatively on how to have more witnessing opportunities. Most of us have few non-Believers in our lives and don’t belong to groups with non-Christians members he stated.

Your Circles of Influence

What can you do to increase the number of persons without Christ in your circles of influence?  Maybe you need to become the self and light in a civic club or community organization for example. Joining a group outside of church can help you build relationship and bridges to the non-Believers for the purpose of sharing your faith. 

A Two-fold Approach

My response was two-fold. First, I joined a secular writer’s group. My churchy writing was met with less than enthusiasm in the first-amendment group. Graphic violence, steamy romance, and LGBTQ+ stories were embraced by the group; my Jesus and Bible-based stories, not so much.

Second, I started writing and reading each morning in coffee shops. After a few weeks many of the regular patrons would ask me what I was doing. I’d tell them I was writing Christian nonfiction or religious sci-fi. 

Some rolled their eyes and moved on. Most would next say, tell me about your writing. The same held true with asking about the book I was reading.

Many times they would ask me what I’m reading. Is it any good? What’s it about?

Sometimes I give them the copy of the book. Other times they would write down the same and days or weeks later they smile when they see me at my table and hold up their copy of the book. 

God has used these moments for me to get books on caregiving, Christian parenting, Christian living, and Christian fiction in the hands of non-Believers, persons that have dropped out of church, and seekers.

Today’s Experience

This morning I read my morning devotional from “A Place at His Table” by Jeannie Waters. While reading I had two people interrupt me and ask about the book. 

One younger woman asked “whose table” the book was talking about. I shared a few brief comments I’d gleaned from the books introduction. I mentioned the table tips and she got excited. 

The other person was a retired judge I knew. She laughed and said I did a good job of vetting books. She said she’ll have to check it out, especially with the holidays coming. 

I see the first woman regularly at my gym and from time to time at the coffeeshop. The second lady I’ve seen for months as she picks up her coffee. She gets coffee and reads most morning. I still remember the morning she interrupted me and said, you’re a writer. She sated, I asked one of the baristas what you do here every day, that’s how I know. I’m always looking for something good to read, tell me about what you write.

Yes, you can have opportunities to share your faith when reading a book. My going to the same place over and over builds a feel of the familiar and a sense of comfort when the regulars come and go and see me doing my thing. 

And while here, many times the Father tugs at their heart and uses me … and sometimes your writing to share the Message of Jesus.

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV

Learn More Here

A Place at His Table by Jeannie Waters is available from Amazon. Here’s a link where you can learn more on the book. A Place at His Table.

Writer’s Log – August 18, 2023

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Dr. Jim Kepler

I’m Jim Kepler, Christian nonfiction author bringing you inspiration and encouragement as you join me on my writing journey. I’m an older adult, widower, and write as my retirement job. If I can write and get published, why not you? Thank you for joining me as I share encouragement and my journey. And now here’s the my update for Friday, August 18, 2023.

Yesterday, Dallas shattered the temperature record, hitting a scorching 109°F! That’s two degrees higher than the old record of 107°F. Can you believe Dallas’ temperature history only spans 125 years? Today marked just the 5th time in that span when it hit 109°F or higher in August. 

Brace yourselves, because the forecast predicts we’re in for 109°F or hotter for the next few days, with over 105°F for the next 12 days! Let’s cross our fingers that we don’t match or break today’s record high of 112°F.

The day kicked off like any other. I woke up, took care of the usual morning routine, prescription meds in check, and out the door before 8:00 AM. My go-to start? A long pit stop at Starbucks for some much-needed morning coffee, a yummy bagel, and writing.

Today at the coffee joint, it felt like I stepped into a cheerleading movie scene! High school cheerleaders were all decked out in their outfits, with those knee socks and super short skirts. Seriously, when did cheerleader outfits shrink so much? Some of my headbands are wider than their micro minis! And when did they get so young? I did the math, and it’ll be like the years 2075-2080 before these girls are my age.

Still deep into editing and rewriting my upcoming nonfiction book “Hope: How to Have Hope During Times of Hardship from my series The Bible Speaks to Life Issues Book Three. My trigger finger needs some surgical attention, but I’m holding off until after my fall getaway. Also dealing with a trigger thumb on my left hand, probably from compensating for the trigger finger. Add in the ol’ arthritis, and it’s a party! 

Dictation is my savior – using it for most of my social media posts and emails. Takes me back to the days after graduating from university in the ’70s, when dictation was king and secretaries were wizards. The PC wave pretty much ended that era. And secretaries have transformed into administrative assistants.

Later today, it’s off to the fitness center for my walk. Gotta keep the momentum going – been hitting my walking goal for 26 out of the last 30 days! I take Sunday’s off to rest the tired old body of mine. And boy, does regular exercise make a difference. Even in yesterday’s blistering heat at Dallas Love Field, I trekked from my car to the terminal barely breaking a sweat.

Nap time’s on the schedule for later today too – a well-deserved one, considering the heat, my age, and a big night ahead. Mensa group’s monthly fundraiser is on, and we’re playing poker to rake in some funds for scholarships. Going with my partner-in-crime “she who can’t be named on the Internet” and the Chicago lady I met at Love Field yesterday. I just am no longer able to rock and roll all night and party every day. That’s now the formula for an dying from exhaustion. 

Somewhere in the mix, I’ll sneak in some quality reading and tune in to soothing jazz as I immerse myself in a blissful hour or two with a good book in my comfy recliner.

Life lessons have taught me that hot summers don’t last forever. Fall’s around the corner, with cooler weather and then winter – and even Christmas! Appreciating them more as I live through the summer blast furnace, surviving for the bliss ahead.

You can find my books at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmie-Kepler/author/B00IBTG83K or https://books2read.com/u/4jNAV5 or https://books2read.com/u/3k5eGO.

Stay hydrated, keep flashing those smiles, and let’s embrace whatever comes our way!

 

 

Writer’s Log – June 13, 2023

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The Importance of a Good Writing Area for a Writer: Home Office vs. Coffee Shop

Yes, I’m a Writer

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a writer. Yes, I confess an addiction to put words in an organized manner of a page. I even sell the collections of words I pen.

Writing Areas

For writers, having a dedicated and comfortable writing area is crucial for fostering creativity, focus, and productivity. A well-designed writing space not only provides a physical space to work but also creates an ambiance that promotes inspiration and concentration. 

Home Office or Coffee Shop Advantages

While both a home office and a coffee shop offer potential writing environments, each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. In this essay, we will explore the importance of a good writing area and compare the pros and cons of a home office versus a coffee shop for writing.

Ownership and Familiarity

A good writing area provides writers with a sense of ownership and familiarity. 

A home office allows writers to personalize their space according to their preferences, with familiar objects, photographs, or inspirational quotes adorning the walls. This familiarity can create a comfortable and reassuring environment, enhancing one’s creative process. 

On the other hand, coffee shops offer a different kind of atmosphere, often bustling with activity and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Some writers find this ambiance stimulating, as it provides a dynamic backdrop that can inspire new ideas and fresh perspectives.

Facilitates Focus and Minimizes Distractions

A good writing area facilitates focus and minimizes distractions. 

A home office offers the advantage of privacy, allowing writers to shut out external disturbances and immerse themselves in their work. With the ability to control the environment, writers can minimize noise, interruptions, and other distractions that may hinder their concentration. However, a home office may present its own set of distractions, such as household chores, family members, or the temptation to procrastinate. 

In contrast, a coffee shop can provide a semi-public space that naturally limits distractions, as the writer is less likely to be interrupted by domestic responsibilities. The ambient noise in a coffee shop can also act as white noise, helping some writers enter a state of focused flow.

Productivity and Creative Output

A good writing area influences one’s productivity and creative output. 

In a well-organized home office, writers can have easy access to all the resources they need, including reference materials, books, and research documents. This convenience can streamline the writing process, allowing for efficient work and quick reference checks. Additionally, a home office eliminates the time and effort spent commuting to a coffee shop, providing more dedicated writing time. 

Conversely, a coffee shop can offer a change of scenery, which can be especially beneficial for those experiencing writer’s block or feeling uninspired. The lively atmosphere and the presence of other people can inject a sense of energy and motivation into the writing process.

Home Office or Coffee Shop Disadvantages

While both a home office and a coffee shop have their advantages, they also have some drawbacks. 

A home office, for instance, can sometimes become isolating, lacking the social interaction and sense of community that a coffee shop provides. Additionally, the solitude of a home office might result in feelings of loneliness or hinder collaboration opportunities. 

On the other hand, coffee shops may have limited seating availability, noisy patrons, or inconsistent Wi-Fi connections, which can impede productivity and concentration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a good writing area plays a significant role in a writer’s creative process and overall productivity. Whether it is a home office or a coffee shop, each option offers unique benefits and drawbacks. 

A home office provides familiarity, privacy, and easy access to resources, while a coffee shop offers a dynamic atmosphere and the potential for inspiration. Ultimately, the choice between a home office and a coffee shop depends on individual preferences, working style, and the specific needs of the writer. 

Some writers may thrive in the solitude of a home office, while others may find inspiration in the lively ambiance of a coffee shop. 

The key is to find a writing area that cultivates focus, minimizes distractions, and ultimately fosters a conducive environment for the creative process. 

My Writing Areas Over Time

Starbucks 2023

Jim Kepler in hat at Starbucks
In this photo I am sitting at my writing area at Starbucks.

My writing area at Starbucks

Home office 2023

This is a tour of my bedroom office in The Colony, Texas in June 2023.

Home office 2013

This is a tour of my bedroom office in The Colony, Texas in August 2013.

Writing Life – June 8, 2023

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Jimmie Kepler holding CS Lewis classic spiritual books bookset.

Hey everyone. Happy Thursday. Let’s make it a terrific day! 🎉 It’s June 8th, and I’m feeling fantastic! Here’s a glimpse of my day so far:

Started the morning with my usual routine of taking my RXs and spending some peaceful time with my devotional. ✨ It’s important to start the day on a positive note!

I had an exciting moment of financial responsibility by making a deposit to my bank savings account as some money I was owed showed up – as they say they check was in the mail.  💰 It’s always great to see those savings grow! I like collecting money more than spending it. Sigh – I paid my quarterly federal taxes yesterday, so on the ledger it’s like a wash or break even.

Then, I hopped into my car and drove to my favorite local coffee house ☕️ to get my caffeine fix. Nothing beats the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning!

Now, I’m diving into some productive writing and editing tasks. 📝 There’s something satisfying about polishing your work and making it shine!

Later in the morning, I’ll be delving back into the enchanting world of “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien. 🧙‍♂️ Can’t wait to get lost in the epic adventure once again!

Afterwards, I’ll be heading to the mall for my daily walk. 🏃‍♀️ It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy some window shopping at the same time!

In the afternoon, I’m continuing my reading journey with “The Screwtape Letters” by C.S. Lewis. 📚 It’s fascinating to explore the intricate depths of Lewis’s mind! I’m reading through the spiritual classics of C.S. Lewis (see today’selfie). 📚

I also have more exciting things to work on today, like more government paperwork preparing for my trans-pacific cruise. 🚢 Adventure awaits!

Yesterday, I had a major win by securing my assigned seats on a Quantas Airlines flight from Sydney, Australia back to LAX for a November trip. I got an aisle seat close to the restroom – both are important for me and especially since I’ll on the plane over sixteen hours. ✈️ The excitement is building up!

Later tonight, I’ll be joining a refreshing Bible Study Magazine session via Zoom. 📖 It’s always inspiring to connect with others and grow in faith together. The group is an important part of my writing family and my personal spiritual growth.

Before I doze off, I’ll be indulging in some captivating bedtime reading with “Madly, Deeply” by Alan Rickman. 🌙 It’s like having a personal conversation with the amazing actor himself! Don’t know Alan Rickman? He was the villain in the first Die Hard movie and Snape in the Harry Potter movies plus many more movies and plays.

Remember, folks, have an amazing day and strive to make a positive impact on someone’s life. Let the light of Jesus shine through you, and spread that love and positivity! ✨❤️ Let’s make the world a better place together!