The Gospel Truth! 6 Things every writer can learn from Joel Osteen

I’m a big fan of Joel Osteen. Not because of his huge popularity as a T.V. personality and pastor of Lakewood Church, nor his role as a savvy businessman and best-selling author.

Each week I’m glued to the boob tube, because in addition to learning about the path to salvation---there’s a bonus. He epitomizes what it is to be an effective communicator. And as I see it, there’s a parallel of sorts: he delivers the “word” from the pulpit while writers deliver “the word” on paper.

Each role is a ministry, shaping the mindsets of the masses.
And every week his eloquence is reinforced time and time again.

Whether you write business letters, speeches, articles, or essays, are Catholic, Baptist, or Buddhist here are six elements he embodies in his sermons that can improve your writing technique.

1. Presentation is important---This may seem a bit sacrilegious, but he’s gorgeous to look at and he dresses to impress; which explains why his fan base is primarily composed of women. When writing, the same principle applies. Make sure your work is “nice to look at,” free of typos, improperly spelled words and poor formatting.

2. An effective lead draws your audience in---Every Sunday he starts his program off with a joke. Some are pretty good, others are a bit corny, but either way this unorthodox approach grabs your attention.

3. Anecdotes help to illustrate key points---Whether he talks about his mom’s faith in her battle with cancer, or humorous accounts of how his wife Victoria really discovered a “gem” when he met her at a jewelry store, it makes an impact and makes things clearer.

4. Expert quotes give credibility---He cites biblical passages and chapters and their respective authors as a way to give guidance and authority to his messages.

5. The take away factor---It’s virtually impossible to watch his show and not come away with a deeper understanding of biblical principles, or encouragement to handle difficult times, or pointers on improving your life. Your work should also connect with readers and make them feel that they know more than they did before and that their time was well spent.

6. A call to action---“Put God first and get into a bible-based church” he tells viewers in closing. Remember that endings are just as important as opening statements to give your audience proper closure and to reestablish your purpose.

By following these six tips you’ll improve the effectiveness of your messages while improving the quality of life and the bottom line of your readers.
And that’s the “gospel” truth.

30 Days "Net"! My publishing gains and losses

The good, the bad, and the ugly on my online blogging and writing career in the last 30 days...

Wow! It's been a frantic 30 days folks!
First off, I'd like to start this post by welcoming my new "followers" and saying hello to the former ones who have remained loyal from day one.
Thanks so much for your interest and your support.
Whether it's 2 or 200 assembled, I am pleased as punch to have you here.

Now, let's see...where do I begin?
My focus has changed a bit lately, in that I seem to be doing more guest posts for other Blogs than I've been doing for my usual creative writing markets.
Which has been pretty cool. It has allowed me to connect with like minded individuals and cultivate a larger following. A win-win situation for all, right?

In the last 30 days, here's where I've been a guest blogger:
URBAN MUSE
DAILY BLOG TIPS
LIVING WELL FOR LESS
QUICKONLINETIPS.COM
SMALLBIZBEE.COM
Marketing tips for authors also listed one of my pieces in the top 15 articles on blogging in their net round-up.
See it here: http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/
Not too shabby, huh?
Please show these sites some love and visit when you're surfing the Net.
Additionally, I've been excited to continue The "Roar" Series here at Pen & Prosper.
We've had some pretty fierce females featured! Have we not?

I picked up (1) new client--a tax and accounting service.
On the down side, a few of my regular Ezines where I've been a frequent contributor have been booked up lately and not accepting new submissions. Bummer.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the new look here. I've done a little "remodeling" here at P& P trying to make it more user friendly and attractive.

Well, that's it for me. I'm anxious to hear from you.
What's got you excited in your writing world this Tuesday?
This week? This month?
Do tell.

5 Ways To Use The Boob Tube To Get Into The Writer's Groove!

Statistics show that the average American spends more than four hours a day glued to the “boob tube”.
That comes out to 28 hours a week, or more than half of the standard work week.

For the typical couch potato, this popular past-time pursuit can translate into unproductive down-time and unwanted pounds. But, for the savvy scribe the boob tube can be a smart choice for generating creative ideas and a steady cash flow.

Contrary to popular opinion, all T.V. is not to be considered “junk food” for the mind. As with many things in life, “it all depends on how you choose to look at it.”
As a veteran freelance writer and relationship columnist for many years, I can attest that when it comes to T.V. land, “there's gold in 'dem there hills.”

Here's how to capitalize on it and cash in:

1. Weigh in---Have you ever found yourself fussing at the T.V. in frustration over a ridiculous position voiced by a politician, public figure, or commentator? Put pen to paper and give your two cents on the matter. For example, while recently watching “The View”, I strongly disagreed with one of the host's (Elizabeth's) assertion that when men visually check out attractive women outside of their relationship, it predisposes them to cheating. Hogwash.
Just because you look at the menu doesn't mean you have to order, right? My rebuttal on this topic became an article entitled “The Roving Eye Syndrome.” It appeared in a national magazine for singles, and I earned 100 bucks for my two cents.

2. Increase awareness---Some time ago, I learned on a T.V. news program that one of my favorite columnists, Mary Mitchell, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. As a matter of fact, so have quite a few of my favorite entertainment icons. This disheartening discovery motivated me to learn more about this devastating disease and to write a column on this topic for one of my weekly forums for women.

3. Share the Aha Moments!---Talk show forums like Oprah and Tyra often provide opportunities to uncover self-defeating habits, destructive relationship patterns, and unhealthy lifestyle choices through expert guests and no-holds barred dialogue. Tap into it and help others to live a more enlightened life.

4. You be the judge---I'm a big fan of the many courtroom T.V. shows---from Judge Judy, to Judge Mathis, to Family Court, to Divorce Court. These daily “dramas” are a virtual gold mine for what not to do in familial and personal relationships. No topic is taboo. Not to mention, the names and characters can be changed to form the foundation for fictional pieces. Tune in and take note.

5. Uplift the masses---For me, writing is a ministry. To be “spiritually fed,” I find myself watching minister Joel Osteen weekly, and putting a spin on his eloquent sermons and the related scriptural lessons. You can too.


By following these five timely tips you'll soon discover why the boob tube is a smart choice for a successful and profitable writing career.

Has TV ever inspired your writing? Do you consider it a good source for new writing material? What's your take on this topic?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S WEEKEND

For some it's the best day of the year---filled with warm sentiments and sweet gestures.

For others, it's a day that serves as a reminder of romantic longings and unfulfilled dreams.

As writers, the events, experiences, and emotions associated with this holiday can make for great creative materials.

Whatever your philosophy,(or occupation) remember that there are many forms and expressions of love, and so many people who are in need of receiving it.

Don't miss the opportunity to "show some love" to a distant relative, a misguided youth, a friend in need of prayer, or your church family.

In fact, make it an everyday thing in 2010!

Wishing you love, laughter, and long walks on the beach!

Jen