Ink and Impact for Christian Writers | How to Write a Book, Nonfiction, Author, Self Publishing, Christian Book
Hey there! I’m Dalene - a Jesus-loving mom and founder of Lasting Legacies Publishing. Twenty years ago, I accepted my first ghostwriting project. Even though I had been a manuscript editor for almost a decade by that point, I had never actually written a book before. Faced with that first book project, I was both excited and terrified. I knew how to write a book in theory, but I had no clue how to do it in practice. So I turned to the Internet. I listened to bits and pieces of advice from numerous experts, which caused confusion and overwhelm rather than producing a clear plan of action. Worse yet, I put God in the back seat. With each subsequent book I wrote, I improved my writing process. I kept a pulse on the latest technology and industry changes. And in 2021, shortly after I put God back in His rightful place in the front seat, God told me to call His writers. Since then, I’ve pulled my insights and process together into a step-by-step system, which I’m eager to share with you! If you’re ready to: Replace distraction with productive action, Learn a clear and complete process to write, publish, and market your book, Communicate your message in a way that resonates with your readers, and Glorify God throughout it all… Then this podcast is for you! Fire up your computer and brew an extra pot of coffee. It’s time to write your book and make an impact! NEXT STEPS: Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Schedule a 1:1 Coaching Call https://lastinglegacies.as.me/?appointmentType=39640667 Join the Publish Like a Pro Community www.facebook.com/groups/publishpro/ Visit the Website https://dalenebickel.com/ink-and-impact/ Email me: info@inkandimpact.com
Episodes
Have you felt God nudging you to write a book, but you haven't started it yet?
Or maybe He called you to write a book years ago and you began the project, but then you allowed distractions to cause you to place it on the back burner.
Maybe you've been keeping that book simmering in the background, occasionally giving it a stir, but maybe you turned off the heat, walked away, and let it grow cold.
Regardless of how long your...
- If you're trying to write a book but are constantly second guessing your every step ...
- If you feel overwhelmed by all the to-dos on your self-publishing checklist ...
- If you're constantly distracted and unfocused in your writing efforts, or
- If you're simply not even sure why you're writing anymore,
This episode is for you!
In a world that gets crazier every day, it's critical that we work with clarity ...
Have you ever wondered:
- "How can I reach more readers?"
- "How can I sell more books?"
- "How can I improve my book marketing efforts?"
If so, you're not alone. I don't know a single author who wouldn't like to sell more books and reach more readers to make a bigger impact.
The good news is that in order to sell more books, you don't have to spend a fortune or block off large chunks...
Self-publishing offers a host of benefits, including - and most importantly - that you get to retain all the rights to your content and you have full access to all of your marketing analytics.
But in order to actually sell books and make the kingdom impact you want to make, you have to self-publish strategically.
In today's episode, I'm sharing 5 things you should NOT do in order to self-publish a book that sells.
Go gra...
Have you ever said something like:
- "I don't want to market myself."
- "I want to give God the glory, not myself."
- "I'm writing a book to help others, not puff myself up."
Those are all valid concerns. As Christians, we absolutely should give God all the glory and focus on serving others rather than ourselves.
But I don't think that means Christian writers aren't supposed to build ...
- Are you busy and distracted by all your day-to-day responsibilities?
- Trying to figure out how to fit writing a book into your already overcommitted schedule?
- Wish you could achieve a different level of focus?
In this episode of Ink & Impact, I’m sharing 4 simple and practical writing strategies so you can finally get focused and write your book faster.
Related Resources:
Snag a free copy of Your Path to Publishing
A couple of years ago I hosted a morning coffee chat for Christian writers in my area. Later that day, I received a message from someone I had invited who asked, “How do you know if you’re a Christian writer?”
She had been interested in attending, but didn’t go because she didn’t feel qualified.
Remembering this led me to create today's.
Listen in to discover 3 tips for beginning authors who are writing their first Christian boo...
Two Strategic Actions You Can Take to Make a Bigger Impact with Your Book
When I say there are two strategic actions for Christian authors, my guess is that you're immediately thinking of "Sunday School answers" such as prayer and reading our Bibles daily.
Those are, indeed, habits and treasured moments with God we want to build into our daily lives. That should go without saying.
But that's not what I'm goi...
Are you in a writing slump?
If your writing has been pushed aside for the past three months simply because you've been wanting to enjoy all that summer offers, there's no shame in that.
But now it's time to return to what God has called you to do and pick up that pen again. There's kingdom work to be done!
To help you, I've put together 3 tips to get you out of your writing slump and back into a productive wr...
Today I share 3 marketing strategies you can begin to implement now to help promote your book and reach more readers even before it's published.
Listen in to learn what they are!
Schedule a 1:1 coaching session with me.
What additional topics would you like to learn about?
Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!
Some writers are tempted to use generative AI to write a book (in part or in whole) because it takes time and effort, perseverance and fortitude.
And for the author who wants their book out there RIGHT NOW, they don't want to bother going through the learning curve or putting in the days/weeks/months to write the book.
This episode isn't for those types of authors.
This episode is for the Christian writer who wants to write...
Which of the following best describes your current thoughts about marketing?
- Are you an author who stresses over book marketing so much you avoid it as much as possible?
- Do you want to get your book into the hands of your readers, but you simply don't know how?
- Are you afraid of marketing too much and annoying all your followers/subscribers?
Regardless of which one resonated most with you, make sure you listen the whole w...
Is fear of success holding you back?
If so ... or if you're not sure ... or if you know another writer who is struggling with this fear, then this episode is for you!
Today I'm going to share practical advice from a biblical perspective to help you become a confident author who's willing and able to make a true impact.
But before I dive in, I want to let you know that in August, I've opened up my calendar to accept...
Whether you're in the writing, publishing, or marketing phase of your book, the success of your author journey relies on the actions that you take.
If you feel as though you've tried everything and still aren't getting anywhere, this episode is for you.
Listen in to discover the actions that actually lead to traction.
Ready to develop a tailored action plan that you can implement immediately? Book a coaching call!
Want t...
Your expertise is a gift. Discover how to strategically leverage your book for maximum reach and influence, all while remaining true to your deepest convictions.
There are a lot of questionable tactics and advice out there in the publishing world so in today's episode, I'm going to cut to the chase and share how you can cultivate your message without compromising your values.
Schedule a 1-hour coaching session with me to:
<...If you're wondering how to write a book with purpose, this episode of the Ink and Impact podcast is for you!
No fluff, no frills - just the basic info you need to write a God-honoring book that serves your readers well.
Book your 1:1 Bookworthy coaching call today to develop your custom writing, publishing, and marketing plan that will enable you to complete your book this year.
Don't have time to write your book?
Think again!
In this episode, I share 4 simple strategies you can find time to write your book in 3-6 months.
Listen in!
Schedule your 1:1 Coaching Call here.
What additional topics would you like to learn about?
Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!
Are you running low on empty as a Christian indie author?
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, overcommitted, and not getting anywhere?
If so, it's time to fill your tank so you're able to cross the finish line and reach your publishing goal.
Listen in to learn 5 ways to fuel your tank so you can confidently and powerfully launch your book into the world.
Join the Facebook group for monthly masterclasses, timely tips, and regular e...
In this episode, I'm diving deep into practical, faith-filled strategies to help you embrace your calling and become a more confident author.
Join me as I share the two core reasons many writers lack confidence and unpack five memorable steps to build your trust in God's plan and your belief in your own unique gifts. From remembering your identity in Christ to strategically reviewing your successes, these insights will emp...
Are you an aspiring author dreaming of publishing your book, but feeling overwhelmed by the journey ahead? In this episode, I'm tackling the three most common misconceptions about writing a book that often trip up new authors. Discover how to set realistic expectations, establish healthy boundaries, and become a more confident and productive writer.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- The truth about income and opportunities: Why...
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