Sunday, December 20, 2009

New Year

Praise the Lord!

What an awesome year it has been. I can't believe that this is the last blog before a whole new year. In some ways, it doesn't seem possible that we are at the end of 2009. It seems like we just celebrated the end of 2008. I just praise God for His mighty works and for the wonderful way in which He continues to bless my life. It has not all been a bed of roses. There were some things that I had to learn to let go of and others that God is still revealing to me. I have had to learn some really tough lessons....the hard way, but in spite of that He has shown me things this year that I never thought possible. Not only did I publish my first book, but I also did my first book signing and learned how to blog!

I'm looking forward in expectation to the things God has in store for me in 2010. There is this feeling of revival that seems to be in the air. I know that God has some great things in store for me and I also see how He is moving in the lives of the people around me. It's amazing to see God's hand move and when we believe in the power of God, nothing is impossible.

My prayer for all of you this year is that you will realize your dream. The one that God has spoken into your heart. The one that you are sometimes too afraid to even think about. The one that says you have to trust Him and step out of your comfort zone. Yep, that one. Don't push it to the back of your mind. Pray about it and then trust God to make it a reality.

I pray that you will trust God in everything and that you will step out in faith and do what God has laid on your heart to do. I'm not going to try to tell you that you won't be afraid and that you won't have doubts, but I will tell you that if you take that first step, God will do the rest....He is faithful to His word. Our job is simply to believe that He can and that He will.

Until next time...

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Be blessed!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Eastpoint Mall Book Fair

Hello!

This month I joined the Black Writers Guild. The first event with the Guild was a book fair at Eastpoint Mall. I didn't sell a lot of books, but I met some great writers and I learned a lot about sales and marketing. I must admit at one point I felt a little defeated. As I stood there passing out fliers about my book and looking around at the other writers, I realized just how inexperienced I really was and how much I have to learn.

Even though this was my second book fair and I've had a very successful book signing, I haven't really done anything else to market my book. As you all know, that has been my struggle. I was so happy to have completed my book and gotten it published, that the thought of actually standing in front of a crowd or explaining to someone what my book was about just never crossed my mind.

Personally, just having a book was enough. Of course, selling my book is awesome and I can't even explain to you what it feels like every time someone says that my book has blessed them in some way, but I know God is calling me to do more than that. This book wasn't just for me and although I have given away way more than I've sold, there is still more work to be done.

I can't let myself feel defeated because I don't measure up to someone else. God let me see that I was using that as an excuse not to do anything. As long as I don't do anything, I can't look stupid. I can't mess up. I can't fail. God showed me that I was a unique creation and I am not going to do anything like anyone else. I can only do me. I have to use everything I have learned to do what God has called me to do and every time I represent Him at one of these events, I am planting seeds for Him--and He will handle the rest.

Until next time...

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Praise the Lord!

Last month, I did my very first book festival. It was great....I think I'm hooked. The 2009 Baltimore Book Festival was held in the Mt. Washington area of Baltimore City. I learned so much about marketing from networking with the other writers. I was lucky enough to be in the author's tent. It not only gave me the opportunity to network with other writers, it also gave me the opportunity to learn about placement and display and I learned that how you present yourself is just as important as how you present your book.

I had the opportunity to attend a few workshops the day before I was scheduled to exhibit and the workshops I attended helped me to see exactly where I was falling short in my marketing efforts. I learned that marketing is more than calling a few stores and asking a few of your friends to tell people about your book. You really have to be all about getting your name out there. People purchase your book many times, because of you.

I have never had a problem with talking to people one on one, but in order for me to market my book I need to do more than that. I have to remember that God gave me Let My Life Be A Testimony to be a blessing to others, but others won’t know that unless I tell them about it. I have to have a passion for what I’m doing. As a matter of fact, I need to have a passion for everything that I do and I have to keep in mind that I not only represent me--I represent the Father and He has equipped me with everything I need.

Until next time…

Be blessed!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Happy Labor Day!

Wow, I can't believe the summer is over already. Although, officially I have not been on vacation for the whole summer my mind and my body has been.

I have been trying really hard to get back to work with my writing and it seems like almost everyone has been asking about my next book. At first, I felt really pressured to get the next book out and I started writing the outline for the next one and doing some research on another. And as you all know, I have really been working hard to embrace speaking in public and learning everything I can about marketing my book....whew! With working a full-time job, trying to be a good wife and all the ministry work that God has been blessing me with, I was starting to feel a little overwhelmed. I started doubting what God was showing me. That's when I knew I had to slow down. I knew I had to re-focus and re-define what I considered success was to me.
One day, I was talking to God about it and trying to straighten up my workspace when God showed me something I wrote when I was in college. At the time, it helped me to put things in perspective and although I wasn't saved at the time, I could see God's hand in my life even then.

Success is...

Success is being alone with you and enjoying it.
Success is not having all the answers and not trying to pretend you do.
Success is being proud of your accomplishments and being happy for the accomplishments of others.
Success is the art of knowing who you are and accepting yourself just as you are.
Success is growing old gracefully and loving every minute of just being alive.
Success is being able to say no and not feel guilty.
Success is eating anything you want and not worrying about what you are going to look like afterwards.
And finally, success is learning to be present in this moment, at this time, with this life and being unafraid of what will be.
I pray that each one of you will learn what success means to you and that you will seek God's will in everything you do, because when you listen for His voice, He will speak to your heart.
Be blessed!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Blessings!

This month has been one of reflection, anticipation and growth. I have been exposed to a whole new level of God's grace.

Learning to stay focused on one thing at a time, one project at a time, one goal at a time is hard for me. I equate everything I do to time. I sometimes feel like I'm running out of time or wasting time. The enemy is tricky and he uses the things that God is trying to deliver us from to keep us off track. I thought that I had learned to listen for God's voice and not to follow where He wasn't leading, but this past weekend I found out that was not the case.

I learned that sometimes we will follow the voice that speaks the loudest. Even when we hear God's voice clearly, we will sometimes doubt what we hear. That reaction is called a lot of different things, but it mainly boils down to being afraid. Sometimes we're caught between wanting to move where God wants us to be and staying where we feel all warm and safe.

I have been focusing on my relationship with God and trying to really grab hold of the things He has for me. It's an awesome thing to know that God loves you so much that He is willing to wait for you to get it. He keeps showing up in the most unlikely places and sending people to say the exact thing you need to hear. I love that about Him. He lets you know that when you keep your heart focused on Him, He will be there for you.

More than anything else, we have to learn to trust God, trust the process and know that God's plan is perfect. Sometimes things may not go the way we think they should, that doesn't mean that we've failed...it just means that we still have some learning to do.

Until next time...

Be blessed!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Greetings!

I am really starting to get this marketing thing. I have learned that it's not going to happen overnight and that I have to work at marketing almost as hard as I do at writing.

I recently went to a book signing at a local mall and it was fascinating. There were several authors there and each one had their own unique style. I saw first-hand what it looked like to be enthusiastic about your work. Some writers like to stay behind the table and talk to people that decide to stop and others are more assertive. They are mingling and handing out literature, talking about their work and connecting with people as they pass by. I would rather do the former, but I think the latter is more effective.

I am also starting to leave information about my book wherever I go. I was at a prayer breakfast a couple of weeks ago, and gave my business card to one of the executives of a local magazine and this past weekend, I went to a fundraiser and left bookmarks on the table. Although, these may seem like small things to most people, they were huge steps for me.

My next step is to work on a marketing package that I can present to managers and buyers at local bookstores and specialty shops.

Be blessed!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Wow! It's been a long time since my last post. I can't believe it is June already. Time seems to be moving faster than usual. I truly apologize and I promise not to do it again.

As you may remember from a couple of posts ago, I have been working on my marketing strategy. I have been reading everything I could find on marketing a book and I still feel like a fish out of water. I finally realized that I feel that way because I had forgotten the most important step--I forgot to ask the One who has all authority on how to proceed. For some reason, even after everything God has shown me, I still thought I could do it on my own. One of the things I have learned is that everybody can't do everything. That's why God made us all unique. We were made to rely on each other. It finally sunk in that I need to stick to my gift and let others do what they were meant to do. So, for the next couple of blogs I will devote part of my response to my search for the perfect marketing partner.

Also, I want to spend some time talking about the process of writing. Lately, I have been thinking about the amount of time I spend writing. I love writing and I tend to write on any and everything. Sometimes it means something, but most of the time it's just thinking on paper. Since writers spend a lot of time alone writing, researching and just generally staring into space, we have to be careful not to forget to take time out to enjoy the process.

One of the things we need to do as writers is to surround ourselves with people and resources that will keep us connected. We can't get so bogged down with the details that we forget to live. Balance is key in everything that we do. Although I love being alone, I have to make sure that I spend time with friends and family doing things that have absolutely nothing to do with writing (although everything seems to be fodder for future writing endeavors).

Untill next time,

Be blessed.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Greetings!

My first radio interview was awesome. I give God all the glory, because I know I couldn't have done it without Him. It was a little scary and a little exciting all at the same time.

The host and co-host, Dr. Pat and Roxanne were great. They made me feel relaxed and comfortable. Upon arrival, we were escorted into the green room where we were able to talk a little before going on the air and for a few moments, I actually forgot about the interview. Dr. Pat was so down-to-earth. She is good at what she does and if you have never listened to the show, make some time to do it. She loves promoting local talent and does whatever she can to inspire and uplift everyone she meets. I love her spirit and the way she loves and cares for the people of God.

When it was time to go on the air, I was ready. The interview itself went very well and we actually gave away a copy of Let My Life Be A Testimony to a caller. That was so cool. It almost made up for the nervous twitch I developed (smile).

The time went by quickly and before I knew it, the program was over. I would definitely do it again. I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me next. I am learning so much about myself and what I am capable of doing, especially when I take my mind off me and put it on God. He is my rock and I'm really starting to believe that with Him I can do anything. I am beginning to understand what it means to fully put my faith in Him knowing that He will never let me down.

In the coming weeks, I pray God inspires you to stretch above and beyond anything you have ever done before.

Be Blessed!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Hello again!


I can’t believe it is April already. I love this time of year. The days are longer, the sun feels warmer, the birds begin to sing again and people seem happier. After the long winter months, it’s nice to see leaves starting to fill out the trees and flowers beginning to bud. I’m also excited about the new things God has been allowing me to experience. On April 18th, I will have my first radio interview at 10:30 a.m. on WOLB (1010 AM) in Baltimore with Bishop Patricia Stewart. Although I am excited about the opportunity to do something I have never done before—the thought of it is making me so nervous.

I have been getting strength from my favorite scripture, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” –2 Timothy 1:7(KJV). I know that He has been preparing me for the things He has in store for me and because I know that He has a plan for my life, I can rest assured that He will see me through.

I am also getting used to networking and marketing. This one is big for me. I am not used to talking about myself and what I have done. At first I was struggling because it just felt like it was in direct opposition of everything that I am as a Christian. It felt like bragging and I kept feeling like I was doing something wrong, but I know this too is all a part of the plan that God has for my life and I have to keep reminding myself that it is not about me. It is about the work that I am doing for the Kingdom. It is about God and I love Him more than I dislike marketing. When I think about it like that, it doesn’t seem so bad after all.

Be Blessed!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Everything about my life has changed since publishing this book. Not the tangible things that I can see and feel, but the things about myself that I have been too afraid to see. For the first time in a long time, I don’t fear what tomorrow might bring. I'm not afraid to dream big. I have learned that if God puts that thing in my spirit, it's there for a reason and I have to be patient and let God reveal it to me when it's time. Not my time, but in His time. I know that God is with me in whatever it is that He is leading me to do, so I don't have to fear. I just have to trust Him.

It's amazing how God does that. As you become more confident in Him and in His word, He reveals more and more of Himself to you. I am so excited about the things that God is doing in my life and I want to be able to share that with the people who read my books. One of the things that I pray is that God will show Himself strong in my life and in the lives of all of those that I love and care about. And now, I pray that for you. I pray that you know God in a way that you’ve never known Him before and that you never doubt for a minute that He loves you more than anything. Let your mind conceive the things that God has in store for you and don’t be afraid to let yourself dream.

See you next time.

Be Blessed!

Monday, March 16, 2009

I am finally beginning to actually feel like an author. It felt so strange to have someone ask me to sign my book. At first, I was so nervous that my hand shook. Thank God, that is getting a little easier. Although, I still can’t get used to seeing my name on a book cover. That just blows my mind and each time I pull out one of my books, it feels like the first time. I don’t want to ever lose that feeling.

My next step is to learn the business side of writing. This is a new area for me and I love a good challenge, but this is one area where I can’t afford to cut corners. I’m excited and a little intimidated, but eager to learn everything I can. I know that as long as I keep my eyes focused on God and His plan for my life, He’ll supply everything I need.

I’m looking forward to this next leg of the journey.

Stay tuned!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

I have been so inspired and so blessed by the feedback I have received on, Let My Life Be A Testimony. This book has allowed me to grow in areas that I never thought were possible and hearing how it has blessed others is confirmation of what God spoke to my heart when He first gave me this dream.

When God gave me the vision for this book, it was too big for me to comprehend. My mind wouldn’t wrap around the thought that I would actually write a book or that anyone would want to read it, but God said trust Me and He wouldn’t let me quit.

When the book was done, I actually wanted to keep on writing, because I felt like it wasn’t enough. I wanted it to be like one of the books that Joyce Meyer or T.D. Jakes had written, but God said no and nothing I could do would change His mind (let me tell you, I tried). Eventually, I had to learn that this little book was exactly what it was supposed to be.

God’s plan is so perfect. I can’t even begin to comprehend what God has in store for me, but I know that I love Him and I want Him to be able to trust me. I want Him to know that when He says go—I will, and when He says trust Him—I will. His word says that He will never leave me nor forsake me. And I believe Him.

Thank you so much for being a part of this journey!

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Be Blessed!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

“Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” --Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV)


Welcome to my blog!

As my profile states, I published my first book in 2008. It still blows my mind to know that there is an actual book out there with my name on it. This whole experience has been amazing and this is just the beginning.

Last week, I had my first ever book signing and let me tell you, it was awesome. The whole event, from start to finish was great. I met so many people who said they were either in the process of or about to start writing their own book. I believe there are so many people out there who have gifts, but are afraid to put themselves out there. I know what that is like. It took a long time and a lot of work to get my book published. Not because the actual writing and publishing process was so hard, but because God had to work out a few things in me. I was so bound by my own thoughts that I couldn’t see the future God had planned for me.

God had to show me who I was in Him—not who I thought I was, but who He knew I could be. I had to learn to trust Him and to believe in the possibilities. And although I dreamed of this moment many times, I was too afraid to believe it would ever happen and yet here I am—a published author. How awesome is that!

Here is an excerpt from Let My Life Be A Testimony:

Your testimony is a witness to God’s goodness, because even in the smallest of things, there is a lesson. Those lessons are how we grow, and if there is anything you can do to help someone else it is your responsibility to do it. God blesses us to be a blessing. The greatest gift you can give someone is to share your knowledge or your gift. It is such an awesome feeling to live fully in your purpose. It changes everything. Your life takes on a whole new meaning when you know who you are in God, and when you truly believe His Word it gives you power. That’s the same kind of feeling you get when you give a testimony. It’s a cleansing—a refreshing. It feels good to know that what you’ve done will help someone. It also helps you. Many times a testimony relieves or releases you from things that have had you bound. It brings those things to light so that they no longer have control over you. You have freedom, many times for the first time…

My prayer is that God will continue to bless your efforts and that you will also realize your dream. I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Let your life be a testimony.

Be Blessed!
Sharon