The Write Foundation: Provision For Our Books

Greetings and welcome to the month of June!! It's that time again to celebrate fathers near and far and in all forms.  When I think of fathers, leadership comes to mind. Fathers are the head of the family, the ones who set the tone and foundation. They form the structure of the family dynamic. They provide the strength and assurance that our needs will be met. They also provide examples of financial wisdom, stewardship, and focus. Of course our Abba Father, God operates in this capacity as well, always making sure we are taken care of and prepared. So how do these traits and terms apply to writing a book?

Well, as we accept our calling as scribes and began to think about ideas and concepts for our books, it's very important to first create and plan the structure of our books. That structure can be in the form of an outline or a vision board. Your outline is your written puzzle that will help you to piece together all of the components of your manuscript. Your vision board takes the process further by showcasing a visual of ideas, dreams, goals, and expectations. Looking at your vision board daily gives you an extra boost and encouragement to work on your manuscript. Next, we have strength.

When embarking on a new creation, it takes a lot of strength and determination to see your project(s) to completion. That much needed strength comes from praying and reading God's Word, and most importantly, believing God's Word. If God has called you to write a book, then you have to be mentally and spiritually prepared. Then comes the dreaded, "F" word, finances.

First we have the idea for a book.  Next, we begin the outline for it, and continuously pray and tarry for our books, but now we ask the question, "How am I going to finance this book?" Well, don't fret. It is very important that when we structure the plans for our books, that we count the cost and budget every aspect of publishing a book: Editing, Formatting, Self-Publishing, Traditional Publishing, Marketing, Inventory, among other components. The best advice I ever heard from an author is to invest in yourself and let your work speak for itself. She was a former teacher and she would tell me how she would clock out of her 9-5 and clock in to her own business. Every dollar that she earned as a teacher was saved and invested into her dreams and goals. Lakia Brandenburg also a former teacher, turned wife coach, self-publisher and author said it best, "Go to work with the mindset of you're funding your dream." (also mentioned in The Write Experience blog) Do your research and compare prices for services needed to complete your book. Create your budget and be sure to tweak it as you make changes. Create a special fund for your book investments and be intentional in sowing into it.  Pray for provision and believe that God will provide. Don't be afraid to share what you are working on too. God will place it on people's hearts to assist you with your book. I've heard numerous testimonies of how others have sown into authors' projects. I even met an author a few months ago who did an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for her first book.  She raised more than her goal to launch her book. Remember, you have to put forth the effort to be serious and diligent about your goals. My last point is focus. It is very important to have focus in any goal/vision that you set out to achieve and fulfill. When others see your focus, they are encouraged.

So, fellow scribes, take note and as we celebrate our dear earthly fathers on Sunday, trust your Heavenly Father to provide that right foundation of structure, strength, finances, and focus.


In His service,


~Lequvia Ousley~