Freelance Writing

Look what came in the mail today! A box of 10 copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul's, "The Dog Really Did That?" It releases August 8th but as a contributor I get 10 free copies a few weeks early. 
I love freelance writing and have been a successful freelancer since 2010. I started freelancing before I ever had a book contract and have continued even as I also now write books.

For a snapshot of my writing work, right now, I am under a deadline for my newest book which is tentatively scheduled to release in early Dec . (So I should be working on that instead of blogging. lol!) But also in the last 30 days, I have received contracts for articles from 3 magazines--"War Cry", "SEEK", and "Thriving Family" and am waiting on payment from a devotional who contracted me last year for 10 devotions but pay on publication (meaning they pay at the time the work is published.) And today, my Chicken Soup contributor copies arrived. How I love freelancing!

I teach a workshop on freelancing, btw, if any writer's conference or group is looking for a faculty member / speaker.

Apples of Gold

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

This verse from Proverbs 25:11 paints such a good mental picture of the importance of words. Proverbs 15:33 says, "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"

Words. They can be so many things and bring out so many different reactions and emotions. Words can be harsh, ugly, demeaning, or discouraging. They can be frightening. Or they can be comforting, funny, encouraging, and uplifting. As these passages point out, words can bring joy and a word spoken in due season can be good.

This is why I write. I want my words to lift up, encourage, or entertain in a good way.

I may not always achieve my goal when I sit at my computer to write because that goal is a lofty one. I am hoping to carefully place those apples of gold in the silver pitchers and serve them to my readers.