StepUP

Welcome the New Year, Welcome Changes

2012-01-01T11:34:33-07:00

What is harder to believe: the fact that we just had to break out new calendars or that there is actually a new post up here at StepUP? Actually, I think both events are monumental and exciting.

Sho and Sho had crazy busy things going on the last few months of 2011 and have used our break from our regular posting schedule to plan for 2012. Things are still somewhat in the air, but I did want to share some of what I know I am tweaking for the coming year.

First of all, I am way too busy -- sort of like like the saying that goes something like this "jack-of-all-trades-masters of none." Have you ever felt that way? Well, the good thing for me is that over the two years (or is it three?) that StepUP has been in existance, it has helped me identify what I really enjoy and what God has given me a natural ability to accomplish. That is what I want to share in my upcoming posts.

First and foremost, I love equipping people. Looking back over the 15 or so years that I've been serious about God, I cannot escape the presence of the word "equip". When I used to create Bible study curriculum it was because I wanted people to know the Bible and how to make it practical in their lives.

Growing spiritually over the years, I discovered the joy of helping people tackle the basics of Christian communication . . . you know, writing and speaking. I LOVE that stuff. God knows I've been through enough training and constructive criticsm from some of the best in the business.

Alongside my love of equipping others, I love to encourage. That is actually one of my spiritual gifts so I shouldn't be surprised that I like it. The world of Christian communication is full of rejection and that opens the door to Satan's lies. I hate that. I also hate that some of the noteworthy trainers in the business are so good at ripping those who most need encouragement. I'm not saying that all the experts are like that, but it takes only a couple of close encounters of the negative kind to forever dash the blossoming hopes of someone with a great message. Not everyone is destine to be a public mega-phone for God, but they don't need to shot down when a simple nudge in a different direction would be much kinder. One compassionate person can open the floodgate. I've been lucky enough to encounter more than one druing the last few years.

Oops, where'd that last paragraph come from? Anyway, I love equipping and encouraging others. I also want to pursue a fuller personal life. That, along with what I really enjoy doing in the world of Christian communications, means I am stream-lining my life for 2012. Maybe I am being arrogant by thinking this is headline news in your lives, but I really just want to let you know how I'm changing my focus for StepUP.

So, if you are interested, keep an eye out for how I am tweaking my ministry here.

May you all have a blessed New Year!

Strictly Speaking Coming to Albuquerque, NM

2011-09-29T17:38:37-06:00

StepUP and KKIM Christian News and Talk, are excited to announce Strictly Speaking, an all-day workshop teaching attendees how to build an oral presentation from the ground up. Shona Neff and Shonda Savage-Whitworth use their training and own experiences to teach others how to build and present a power message.

Learn how to use The Spiral Method to not only format your talk, but to incorporate all the nuances that build a powerful presentation. Hear from other speakers affiliated with KKIM Christian talk radio including Dewey Moede, station manager.

The workshop includes a working lunch where attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and chat with established Christian communicators.

If you are in the Albuquerque area and are interested in attending, the workshop will be held on Saturday, October 22 at Heights Christian Church on the corner of Lousiana and Comanche (6935 Comanche Rd. NE), from 8:30 to 3:30.

Registration is now CLOSED.

The Fine Art of Creating Stories from Real Life

2011-09-12T00:01:00-06:00

By Lawrence J. Clark, Ph.D

One of the biggest obstacles that many beginning writers encounter is “what (and/or whom) do I write about?”

The first place I always suggest to look is in your own backyard—literally. Your next door neighbor, a crazy uncle, that co-worker who just won’t shut up about all of her personal problems—these can all be rich sources for interesting characters, situations, etc.

Of course, one must always be careful writing about close friends or family members, especially since those are the people with whom you’ll want to share in the excitement each time you get published. If the character or situation is “too close to home,” it can sometimes cause resentment or hurt feelings. What YOU think is funny might not be funny to the person who is too close to the event in question!

One way to get around this problem is to change names, dates, places, and even gender. For example, let’s say you were at a family reunion and overhead a conversation between two cousins, both women, who are both married and in their late thirties. The situation described was just too intense-hilarious-quirky, etc. for you to resist, so you decide to write about it.

Why not use the basic context of the conversation (never use the exact words, barring a phrase or two that can’t be paraphrased) but make the characters two teenage boys instead? Or move the conversation from the family reunion to an office building in New York City? Or change the time period from present day to the 1920s or (if you are into Sci-Fi) the year 2452?

The point is, change enough of the dialogue, the character traits, or the time or place to make it as unrecognizable as possible. You are then putting the “creative” back into the act of creative writing. You are also then creating a unique story that now belongs to you.

All the best writers, from Shakespeare to Hemingway to modern novelists, have used this technique (and some have taken more or less trouble to disguise the original character or situation). As a Christian writer, though, you want to be as ethical as possible, so you don’t want to inadvertently offend anyone or make them upset. And you definitely don’t want to have to hire a lawyer to protect yourself from a lawsuit!

~~~~

Lawrence is a speaker, singer, songwriter, and writer. He also has a marriage ministry with this wife, Kristen. Lawrence splits his time between Texas and New Mexico and recently completed his first screenplay.

Visit Lawrence at any of his websites or You Tube channels:

http://lawrencejclark.com

http://singingpoetguy.com

http://www.youtube.com/singingpoetguy

http://www.newbeginningsmarriage.org/

http://www.youtube.com/lawrencejclark

http://www.youtube.com/singingpoetguy

Often Misused

2011-08-31T00:11:00-06:00

Last month when I announced the StepUP monthly support group on Facebook, I wrote:

If you're called to be a writer and/or speaker, Shona Neff & myself (aka Sho and Sho) are having a writers/speakers online support group on Tuesday, Aug 2 @9pm EST. Open forum. No fees. No agendas. Just support & discussion. Come on over and join us.

The following day, I received a gracious private message explaining how I misused a pronoun. And she was right.

Do you see it?

Shona Neff and myself. . . really? I thought it sounded good, but it is grammatically incorrect. It should read, "Shona Neff and I are having. . ."

Often times when writing, we write the way we speak. And I don't know about you, but I am one of the most grammatically incorrect speakers (that's a whole other post). It's an area where I'm a work in progress.

In the process of desiring to get the words into a document, we just type without thinking about grammar. And we should or the creative process may be inhibited. However, we do need to review and edit what we write (even when we post on Facebook so we can be a good example).

Here are a few other words that may give us some grammatical grief.

Already or All Ready?

Already means "by this or that time."

All ready means everyone is ready. If you can insert words in between the words "all" and "ready" you use the two words.

We were all [set, packed, and] ready to leave when we noticed that Sarah had already left.

Hanged or Hung?

These two are the past participle of the verb hang. Which one is the correct one to use?

Once you realize this one, it will be easy to remember. The correct use for most uses is hung.

"A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts." ~~Joshua Reynolds

We use hung to refer to how we hang pictures. But when referring to a person, the correct form is hanged.

In the Old West, outlaws were hanged.

Dragged or Drug?

Have you drug the chair across the room?

What?

Drag is a regular verb, so adding the -ed (-ged) is the appropriate form of the verb. So the above sentence should read, "Have you dragged the chair across the room?"

We can remember drug is most often related to illegal substances or pharmaceuticals. Therefore, we should "Just Say No!" -- even in our writing.

Words are often misused because we don't understand them. Let's continue to learn from one another.

What words have you misused and learned how to use properly?

Path to Publication, Guest Post by Linda Gilden - CLASS Christian Writers Conference Director

2011-08-28T20:16:06-06:00

The straightest path to getting published these days is to learn the craft of writing and learn it well. Competition is stiff and editors and publishers are looking for writers who know how to write well.

At the CLASS Christian Writers Conference November 2-6, 2011, at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM, you can learn to write well. Editors, publishers, and professional writers will be there to instruct, guide, and inspire. CLASS CWC is a great conference but what makes it unique?

One of the things that makes CLASS Christian Writers Conference different from others is that you can walk on to the campus of the CLASS conference unpublished and leave as a published author! How can that be?

One of the unique features of the conference is that during the four days, a book is created. Attendees bring an article to the conference. Those who attend are divided into groups of three with a mentor who is an editor, publisher, agent, or professional writer. These critique groups meet for one hour every day and every person with the help of the others works to polish his or her article for inclusion in the book. On the last day, all articles are given to the general editor of the book and she compiles them, edits them for clarity and flow, and gets them ready for the printer. Once the book reaches the printer and is typeset, it is bound into a lovely coffee table-type book and mailed to those who ordered copies. You do not have to purchase copies to participate. The books are mailed to contributors in time for Christmas gift-giving.

Last year’s book was called Out of the Overflow. The theme for the 2011 volume will be transformation. These subjects give attendees plenty of space to write personal experience stories that show how God is at work in their lives. Guidelines for this year’s book are at www.classeminars.org.

Says one Out of the Overflow authors, “Receiving the books was so exciting! We got ours on the afternoon of Christmas Eve so I wrapped one up for our son; he read it to our family on Christmas morning. I am very much enjoying reading everyone's story and putting a face with the storyteller on many that I've read. There is a very high caliber of writing represented in this book and I will be happy to share my copies with family, friends and those who buy them when I speak at different venues.”

Would you like to take a giant step on your path to publication? Would you like to be a published author by the end of 2011? Why not join us at the CLASS Christian Writers Conference in November. For more information or to register go to www.classeminars.org and click on writing events, the writers conference, and conference book project.

~~~~~

Linda Gilden is Director of the CLASS Christian Writers Conference and enjoys helping others on the path to publication. For more about Linda and her writing and speaking go to www.lindagilden.com.

Blog Blast Spotlight - Part 4, Jackie Brown

2011-08-26T14:02:25-06:00

In our fourth and final spotlight, StepUP is proud to feature Jackie Brown of Mom on a Mission. When we first saw the title of her blog we wondered what type of mission she was on, but the minute we clicked into her cyber kitchen, our question was answered.

If you want to follow along as we share the things that Jackie does so effectively, click on her blog, www.momonamission.me.

Niche

Have you noticed that every one of our featured blogs has had a specific niche? That is because this aspect of what we do is an important part of creating a blog that readers will visit and revisit. Jackie has a definite niche with her food focus. She covers a lot of territory as is evident by scrolling through the "Cook N' Freeze" contents located on the far right-hand side of her main page.

You name it, or need it, in the kitchen, and Jackie addresses it: travel food, freezer cooking, weekly menus, casseroles, and play ideas. She has it all!

Format

Immediately upon entering her website, readers step into her colorful kitchen. We may wonder what "mom's mission" is before arriving, but the collage of food-oriented images greeting visitors says it all . . . we are here to talk food. The alarm clock nestled among the edible items caught my attention because I (Shona) want to get in and out of the kitchen quickly. The clock hooked me because it subtly indicated that saving time is part of this blogging mom's mission.

One thing Jackie does that we don't advocate for most blog formats is the oversized photos that accompany each post. Large images usually overwhelm the page. However, because of the nature of her blog, the large food-oriented photos make readers feel like they thumbing through the pages of an actual cookbook. Plus, the images she enhance the desirability of the food, kitchen tool, or topic she promotes.

Subtle Treasures

There is one element of Jackie's post that could seem out of place as one scans through her table on contents on the right-hand side of the screen . . . an unusual pinch of faith and missions that add a unique flavor to her cyber kitchen.

Faith and Encouragement - it doesn't take much of this ingredient sprinkled around to enhance the fellowship flavor of meals and snacks. Just as we need to nourish our bodies with physical sustenance, we need the spiritual as well. Jackie effective adds this splendid flavor to her blog.
Mission Opportunies - this section spices up and introduces opportunities to share with others via couponing, preparing food for large groups, and exchanging opportunities: the more the merrier and you don't even have to fit a large group of people in your own kitchen!

If you are not a cook, you'll love the ideas Jackie shares. If you are a cook, you'll love the fun and effective topics she discusses. There are wonderful recipes and kitchen strategies that will enhance reader's kitchen experiences as each of us learn to provide "food for her family while she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy" (Proverbs 31:15,20).

Blog Blast Spotlight - Part 3, David Andrews

2011-08-22T15:23:46-06:00

Our third spotlight goes to David Andrews, a blogger from New Zealand. His site is like no other that we visited. There is no mistaking David's passion, and he makes it easy to get lost in a sea of words beautifully crafted by him and others.

Follow this link to Poetry In Motion so you can click back and forth as we share the things David does to make his blog worth visiting on a regular basis.

Niche

David immediately establishes his purpose with the title, Poetry in Motion. However, what is so effective about his blog is the fact that it is not just filled with works by notable poets. David's content consists of lyrics from songs, inspirational videos that have touched him, notable books, and poetic words that leap from his heart to the page when his life intersects inspiration.

Content Appeal

His content is inspired by movies such as The Passion of the Christ and What Dreams May Come. He's been touched by various books such as Ron Bell's, Love Wins and C.S. Lewis', The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. You never know what source will pop up on this blog, but whatever it is, inspiration splashes like refreshing rain all over the screen.

Format

One thing we love about David's presentation is its simplicity. Not only does it save reader's eyes from a lot of clutter, but the format allows the content of each post to take center stage. What David presents on his blog is precious. The fact that he keeps the rich words from competing with other cyber "eye-candy" that often decorates typical blog pages, shows that he truly wants to showcase his inspirational messages.

If you are interested in knowing more about this guy and what inspires him, the easy-to-find tabs across the top allow you to dive as deep you wish. And, if you are a poet, David has a page devoted to guest poets.

Extra Appeal

One masterful thing David does is present this genre in a way in which people can relate. Not everyone is wired to process the often enigmatic style of poetry. David shares poetic words from several different angles that readers can easily relate to or find interest in.

He shares the background of a poet. He explains why certain things inspire him to write from his heart. He provides an outlet for others. Even though poetry is the mainstay of his blog, the sky is the limit when it comes to the content of each post.

Whether or not poetry is your passion, David's blog is worth visiting. We predict that you will gain a new appreciation for this genre built around beautifully crafted words. And, don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to dive deeper into the often overlooked pool of poetry.

Way to ride the wave of poetry, David!

Blog Blast Spotlight - Part 2, Dianne Guthmuller

2011-08-17T09:59:02-06:00

The second StepUP blog spotlight is Dianne Guthmuller's The Journey. Once again, Dianne has done a great job incorporating many of the strategies that make a great blog.

If you'd like to follow along as I share the many things Dianne does right with her blog, please visit The Journey so you can click back and forth to observe it as you read.

Niche

Dianne quickly establishes her blog's purpose in the banner: "Encouraging others to know Him more" based on Philippians 3:10. Dianne's audience is people seeking a deeper relationship with God, and she knows what appeals to her audience.

The name of her blog immediately sets the tone, The Journey. This is not fluff and stuff; seekers are on a mission. Her banner also supports this theme: it contains a no-nonsense photo of her doing her own seeking as she sits on a porch with a laptop and her own study resources.

Diane's home page immediately piques the curiosity of Internet surfers looking to dive deeper into God's kingdom.

Format

Dianne formats her blog like a mini-Bible study. Her followers know exactly what to expect each time they visit: Bible verse(s) for the days content, her musings for the daily message, a way to make it practical to today's seekers, and a list of the reading for the next post.

For readers looking for a quick, easy, and convenient Bible study, this could be exactly what they are looking for. Dianne doesn't perpetuate fluff, but provides meaty lessons presented in a concise manner (an effective strategy for an Internet audience). She also provides thoughts to ponder which initiates spiritual growth in serious seekers.

User Friendliness

Everything needed to navigate Dianne's site is accessible without having to scroll. She has a nice, full menu tucked right beneath her banner. She includes great items in that menu: Home, About, Most Popular Posts, Share a Prayer Request, Speaking, The 2010 Journey, The 2011 Prayer Journey. She has something for everyone, and the site is easily navigated.

We like the option readers have to leave a prayer request. We don't know how much activity happens in that area, but just to know that it is available for a lonely saint warms our hearts. Dianne also makes it easy to refer to past posts.

Overall, Dianne's blog welcomes readers/seekers. For this type of Internet surfer, she has created a wonderful site that meets needs, provides information, and is user friendly. Great job, Dianne!

Blog Blast Spotlight - Part 1, Karen Daly Cook

2011-08-14T17:40:51-06:00

As promised, it is now time to spotlight a few blogs we think are doing some great things. We thank every one who shared their blogs with us. All of them were charming, but a few caught our our eyes as good examples of the helpful hints Sho and Sho have shared during our August Blog Blast.

Our first spotlight shines on Karen Daly Cook of The Couch. Karen immediately captured our attention with her home page. (If you would like to refer back and forth between here and Karen's blog as we point out some of the great features, click: http://karendalycook.com/).

Home Page Appeal

The formatting of Karen's home page is not the usual blog fare; it has a fresh, cutting edge look. Instead of the typical banner stretching across the top, she uses a large photo of herself on a couch placed on the upper, left-hand side of her home page. Not only is this different, but, since she is pictured in the banner, she quicky establishes a repoir with the reader because she gives them a person to connect with.

She cleverly displays past posts in a left-to-right column format so that readers do not have to scroll down in order to see recent posts. Not only is this a user friendly set up, but it allows her more time to catch a readers attention since more post titles are on display.

One last thing that deserves mentioning is the crisp look of her blog: light background, dark text, and not too much "stuff" to look at. Simple, yet effective.

Content Appeal

Karen's theme of sitting on a couch having a conversation welcomes readers. But, what we think is so brilliant about her approach, is the large umbrella she has to put all her posts under: it is masterfully broad while still establishing a niche. As long as she stays within the inspirational theme and conversational tone, she can talk about almost anything and it works!

For example, when visiting her page for the first time, the five posts displayed on the front page had varying themes that all fit: how to handle being hurt, a list of positive things in her life, Burger King God (my personal favorite), the death of a loved one, and feeling beaten down. All of these topics could be conversations taking place between friends while sipping tea on a couch.

Reader Appeal

Karen's website is reader friendly. On the first page, her casual photo on the couch provides a warm welcome. We were ready to get comfortable next to her on the couch and ponder life the minute we clicked into her world.

One last thing that will really appeal to readers is her simple menu at the top of the page. Sometimes it seems like those important buttons are hiding like needles in a haystack, but Karen has them up at the top for easy access.

One last thing we'd like to commend The Couch for: short, sweet, and sometimes convicting posts.

Great job, Karen!

To Write or to VLOG

2011-08-13T11:47:30-06:00

Last Thursday, I saw a tweet by @5minutesformom about survey result that Mom bloggers hate to watch video blogs (VLOGS). Intrigued, I jumped over to the article and sure enough, mom bloggers prefer to read.

Surprised by the results (because I've been told VLOGging is the new way to blog), I decided to take my own Facebook poll. I posted my poll in several different groups on Facebook including my own profile page.

Ready for the results?

Sixty people responded to my informal polls. Fifty-nine were women, and one male made his voice count.

Those who prefer to read: 47

Those who enjoy VLOGs only: 0

Those who enjoy both: 13

Most of the comments from those who prefer both, were that the VLOG needed to be brief.

Will you be making any changes based on these poll results? Are you surprised by these poll results?