The Proverbial Housewife

Paying Markets: Children's Periodicals

2009-04-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

American Girl

Appleseeds

Babybug

Boys' Life

Boys' Quest

Calliope

Cicada

Cricket

Guide

Highlights

The Kids' Ark

Ladybug

My Light Magazine for Catholic Children

Nature Friend

Odyssey

Pockets

Primary Treasure

Shine Brightly

Paying Markets: Blogs

2009-04-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Did you know you could be paid to blog? That's right, blogging can be a nice source of extra income for a writer. Plus, blogging helps establish credibility in your area of expertise. If you are interested in reaching professional blogging status, check out the following websites, but use caution. Not all of the blogs listed are Christian in nature, and some of those that appear to be Christian are actually looking to take advantage of the generous hearts of God's people. Put those research skills to the test before applying for any blogging job to ensure you don't find yourself in a sticky situation.

ProBlogger - Website listing paying blogging jobs

Elance - Freelancing website that allows writers to bid on blogging jobs among others

ifreelance - Another option for bidding on freelance blogging jobs

How to Cite Sources the Easy Way

2009-04-17T07:00:00.000-04:00

If you're like me when I started out writing nonfiction articles, the thought of citing sources brought me back to the boring days of high school reports. I wondered if I could remember the proper layout and which style to use. Finally, I stumbled upon a website that does the work for you!

Easybib.com lets you pick the source, fill in a few fields, and produces a bibliography for you. It's a valuable time saver. Some style formats are considered premium and require a fee, but I've found that the free MLA format does the trick just fine, and with three kids in the house, every extra minute counts. Enjoy!

Expert Source: The McBades--Missionaries to Japan

2009-04-15T21:57:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of connecting with John & Belinda McBade over the course of the last couple of weeks for a project I'm working on with MissionsLaunch.com. They had some fascinating stories to share. I have to admit I learned quite a bit. I didn't realize how great the need is in Japan.

If you would like to learn more about the McBades, and their ministries, check them out on the web at www.mcbade.com or www.gracejapan.com. Please join me in prayer for John and Belinda, and all of those dedicating their lives to reaching the world for Christ.

Expert Source: Dr. Fred Luskin

2009-04-14T15:37:00.006-04:00

Many thanks to Dr. Fred Luskin, who took some time out of his busy schedule to chat with me recently. Dr. Luskin, who directs the Stanford Forgiveness Project, shed some light on forgiveness for an upcoming article.

You can find out more about Fred, his research and books at his website www.learningtoforgive.com.

Writer's Life: Footsteps and Faith

2009-03-31T07:48:00.005-04:00

For me, the absolute best thing about writing is watching God's plan unfold. God was active in my previous career, but my dependence on him has increased a hundredfold since I began freelancing. I listen for his guidance as to which publications to study and which submissions to send.

Every job, every query, every word written depend entirely on his guidance and his will. This is how we are meant to live, and as I continue to put pen to paper, and one foot in front of the other, I am blown away at what God can do with a humble servant. Acceptance letters are streaming in like never before, and I'd be lying if I claimed responsibility. It's all him. He is a rewarder of those who seek after his will.

Friends, never give up faith on the dreams God has placed in your heart. Remember the one who put them there in the first place. He will carry you to the places you need to be, and walk with you every step of the way.

Expert Source: Melissa Stanton

2009-03-26T07:02:00.007-04:00

I recently connected with Melissa Stanton, author of The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide, while in search of info for some up-and-coming articles. Melissa had some wonderful insights on the stay-at-home life we all know and love. She was professional, prompt, and provided thoughtful answers to all of my questions.

Melissa's book, The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide, is full of practical insights from the author, and the many real-life women she interviewed. Topics covered include the ups and downs of stay-at-home motherhood, mothering multiple children, and an especially beneficial chapter on finances. The Stay-at-Home Survival Guide is available at amazon.com.

You can find out more about Melissa Stanton and her book at both www.stayathomesurvivalguide.com and www.lifesupportformoms.com. Follow Melissa's blog at reallifesupportformoms.blogspot.com.

Quick Tip on Federal Statistics

2009-03-24T05:06:00.005-04:00

Ever wonder where writers get those useful statistics? Some of the most reliable statistics can be found on a wide variety of US government websites, such as the US Census Bureau website, or the Department of Labor Statistics site. For quick and easy access to a plethora of helpful statistics try fedstats.gov. The site allows you to browse national stats by topic or agency. Happy hunting!

How to Write Devotions in 10 Easy Steps

2009-03-16T13:11:00.007-04:00

Devotions are one of my favorite markets. Short, specific, and packed with the work of the Holy Spirit, devotions compliment the stay-at-home mom's lifestyle. If you'd like to break into this rewarding market, but aren't sure where to start, this is the article for you.

1. Seek out the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A good devotion will inspire the reader to draw close to God. The only way to accomplish this goal is to be completely dependent on God to lead your writing from the lead to the conclusion.

2. Select your scripture reading, or review the assigned verses. Study the scriptures and summarize them in your own words. What do these scriptures mean to you?

3. Vividly describe a tangible example of how this scripture applies to our world. This is the most difficult part of devotion writing. Ask God to lead the way, then listen to His reply. Write in as much detail as possible in your initial draft.

4. Keep your audience's age and location in mind when choosing an anecdote. Many devotionals are translated and published in locations around the world. Stick with examples that are relevant to the human experience as a whole.

5. Put it all together. Lead with your anecdote, or experience. Grasp the readers attention and help them to relate to your topic. Summarize how your audience can apply the lessons learned to their own lives.

6. Set it aside for a few days. Allowing your mind to move on to other things for a few days will help you with the editing process.

7. Review the writer's guidelines for the publication to which you are planning to submit your devotion. Edit your manuscript to conform to the required format, keep your eye out for spelling and grammatical errors as well.

8. Submit your devotion for publication. When you are satisfied with the results, take a leap of faith and send your manuscript for consideration.

9. Move onto new topics, scriptures and ideas while you are waiting to hear back on your submission.

10. Praise God for your success. If your devotion isn't accepted the first time around, don't despair. Lean on God to lead you to a market where your writing can be a blessing in His kingdom. Rework your manuscript and try again. If your heart is set on the will of God, failure is not an option.

Expand Your Ministry

2009-03-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

Volunteering to help out with your local church is one of the best ways a Christian writer can find inspiration and gain credibility with publishers. Writers naturally tend to migrate to the ministries that are most in need of their services, such as writing and editing the church newsletter or web content. This is a worthy use of your time and talents, but have you considered expanding your ministry? Volunteering our time outside of the realm of writing allows us to gain new experiences, and expand our writing abilities.

Maybe you already know that you are a gifted children's writer, but how well do you understand the needs of your audience? Volunteering with your church's children's ministry will help you to understand where the interests of today's children lie, and how you can best nurture their spiritual growth through your writing.

Involvement within your local church will help you gain the experience you need to break into a new market, not to mention the limitless rewards of giving in the name of Christ. New ideas for our writing are all around us. All we need to do is ask God to lead the way, and be a willing servant when he is ready to use us. Here are some things to consider when choosing a ministry:

What are my interests and talents?
Where are the needs within my church?
How much time do I have to give?
Have I sought God's will in this decision?

There is an abundance of work to be done by the body of Christ. Where ever you chose to dedicate your time, let the light of the Lord shine through your efforts.

The Christian Edge

2009-03-12T14:07:00.004-04:00

When it comes to freelance writing, Christians have a decided edge against the competition. Freelance writing is a fierce profession, accompanied by the pitfalls of rejection letters and an unsteady employment status. Many writers leave the profession because of these harsh conditions.

For the Christian writer, these difficulties are yet another means for God's strength to shine through in our lives. We are not called to be writers to gain notoriety or wealth, instead we are called to use our talents to bring the light of Christ into a dark world. We do not define ourselves by the number of clips we have, nor do we need an editor's approval to be assured of our place in this world.

If your desire is first to please God in all that you do, he will direct your path. The writer's gift is not one to be cast aside as some childish dream. It is a calling that God can use to impact generations to come, if you are willing to let him.

Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness. - Isaiah 30:8

5 Reasons Every Christian Writer Should Blog

2009-03-08T08:54:00.009-04:00

It may seem overwhelming to add a blog to your To Do list. With work and families, it's hard to squeeze anything else into the day. If you are a writer, then blogging is well worth the time investment. Here are 5 reasons why you should blog:

Blogging keeps your writing fresh. We've all heard the saying practice makes perfect. When it comes to our writing, this is sound advice. The more you write, the better writer you will become. Blogging gives us another venue to perfect our craft.
A well kept blog will help you market yourself. Creating a blog will help you market and sell your writing skills to potential editors and clients.
Establish your expertise in a field of interest through your blog. A blog is a great venue to show off what you know, and how well you can communicate on the subject.
Earn extra income blogging. Blogging can be a great means of extra income for freelancers. There are lots of websites that are looking for writers to keep their blog content fresh. Try the ProBlogger Job Board, but be aware that these jobs aren't necessarily Christian in nature. Keep your eye out for suitable topics.
Bring glory to God through your blog. A blog is yet another means that we can use our God-given gift for words to bring glory to Jesus and help spread the gospel. For more info, check out the Boundless Webzine article Blogging to Worship God by Bob Kauflin.

Heather's Bio

2009-03-02T08:21:00.006-05:00

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Heather Carr is a freelance writer, editor and an active member of the Church of the Nazarene. She has filled a variety of rolls within her local church including writing and editing for the church newsletter and blog, assisting with the children's ministry, and most recently by serving as the women's ministry leader. She has contributed to a variety of online and print publications, including MissionsLaunch.com and the Deaf Missions Devotional. Her latest work, Out of the Shell, will be distributed to readers in 83 countries in 2010. Heather is realizing her dream of bringing glory to Christ our Lord through the written word. She lives with her husband and three beautiful daughters in Michigan.

Expert Source: Lucy Rosen

2009-02-26T08:33:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I connected with Lucy Rosen, a business woman and entrepreneur. Lucy is the President of The Business Development Group, Inc., a leading marketing, public relations and business development firm based in New York. She is also the president and founder of Women on the Fast Track, an international networking organization for women in business.

Lucy is great to work with, willing to help out and quick to respond. I learned a little something too, business networking isn't just about making self-serving connections, it's about helping people out.

Hmm... networking for Christ, now there's an idea I'm on board with!

You can reach Lucy through her websites:

The Business Development Group, Inc.

Women on the Fast Track

Storytelling Through the Generations

2009-02-14T05:15:00.004-05:00

Last night my husband walked through the door with my 9-year-old step-daughter, M, who was proudly displaying the hard-earned A+ on a report on Bald Eagles. Baby G., now nearly 1 1/2, was so overcome with excitement at the sight of M. that she dropped to the floor in a rolling heap of squeals and giggles. But for the potatoes in the oven, I might have joined her.

Dinner was filled with talk of Bald Eagles: Stories of various family sightings, and culminated with a fantastic tale spun by 2-year-old A. She had not only seen a bald eagle like the faded bird on the antique highchair she often uses, but it had swooped down over the young tree in our backyard, scratched her cheek with its sharp talons, then soared off over a mountain. An even more amazing feat considering our home is nestled in the flatlands of the Great Plains. She concluded that it had continued on a journey, "around the whole world." Later she confessed to M. that she had seen the big bird in a dream.

Storytelling is a wonderful part of the human experience, and one we are so often tempted to let go of in the midst of our busy world. If for the richness it brings to the family table alone, I plan to hold on with all I've got.

For a little story telling inspiration, check out Newberry Honor winner and Calvin College Prof. Gary Schmidt's lecture Of Duchesses and Sin Eaters: The Pattern of Story.

Paying Christian Writer's Markets: Devotions

2009-02-13T13:37:00.007-05:00

Looking for a way to honor God with your writing? Try writing devotions. It's a wonderful way to strengthen your faith while helping others do the same.

The Revwriter Resource
Monthly e-newsletter. $10 per devotion. Query first.

The Upper Room
Pays $25 per meditation upon publication.

The Secret Place
$20 per devotion.

The Vision
Payment depends on quality and length. 350 - 400 words per devotion.

Paying Christian Writer's Markets: Magazines

2009-02-13T13:33:00.010-05:00

Dream of seeing your byline in a magazine that honors Christ? Here are some paying Christian magazine's writer's guidelines.

Bible Advocate
$25 per printed magazine page, up to $55 for print & electronic rights. $25-$50 for online articles, $20 for poetry.

Campus Life Christian College Guides
Magazine related to the Christian College experience. 20 cents to 25 cents per word.

The Chrisitian Century
$125 per feature article, also accepts poetry, artwork and photographs.

Ignite Your Faith
Humor, fiction, and information for teens considering a Christian college. 20 cents to 25 cents per word.

Marriage Partnership
Practical how-to pieces; interviews with experts; humorous articles; true-life, dramatic stories of couples dealing with major life challenges; thoughtful essays; and couple profiles. 5-10 cents per printed word.

Nature's Friend
Family friendly nature magazine from a creationist point of view. Target audience ages 6 - 14. 5 cents per edited word for first rights, 3 cents per edited word for reprints.

On Mission
Print and online magazine dedicated to helping readers and churches in the areas of personal evangelism, church planting, and missions. 25 cents per word for first rights.

Today's Chrisitian
Payment is made upon acceptance for original material; upon publication for reprint material.

Today's Chrisitian Woman
How-to articles, personal essays, reportage, humor, profiles, and first-person narratives. 20 cents per printed word.

Query Letter Checklist

2009-02-13T10:46:00.008-05:00

Want to make sure your query letter is ready for the official send off? Here is a quick checklist to help you be sure everything is in order.

__ Reviewed writer's guidelines and followed format exactly.

__ Read back issues and sample articles to make sure article fits the scope of this publication.

__ Followed standard business letter format.

__ Addressed to the appropriate editor.

__ Opening sentence and paragraph are compelling, concise and clear.

__ A few specific details have been included, estimated word count, expert quotes, statistics, etc.

__ Supplied reasons why this article will benefit the publication and it's readers.

__ Corrected all spelling and grammatical errors.

__ Highlighted my unique qualifications to write this article, publications where prior work was featured, professional writers' associations I belong to, experiences that make me an expert on the subject matter.

__ Included clips (copies of previously published work) with my name and the name of the publication visible at top.

__ Included an SASE or self-addressed-stamped post card for editor to mail.

__ Dedicated work to God.

8 Steps to Query Letter Success

2009-02-13T09:00:00.009-05:00

You've got a great idea and a little research to back it up, so where do you go from here? You may be tempted to grab the pen and paper, but before you invest valuable time and energy into producing a top quality article, test your idea's viability with a query letter. Follow these 8 simple steps, and you'll be writing outstanding query letters in no time.

1. Read the Writer's Guidelines

Publishers produce writer's guidelines to make life easier for all of us. Perusing the guidelines will give you a quick idea of whether your article and writing style will fit within their publication. This is also where you will find specific details about how to query, submit manuscripts, and what to expect in terms of payment. Writer's guidelines are often found on their websites, or you can send a request to the publisher, just be sure to include a self-addressed-stamped envelope. The markets section of this site contains links to various Christian publications' writer's guidelines.

2. Read the Publication

Once you've decided on a publisher, read several back issues. Check your local library, and scour the internet for sample articles. The writer's guidelines will often include instructions for ordering a back issue at little or no cost. While you are reading, note the section of the magazine that you feel will be the best fit for your story. Be sure to check out the Letter from the Editor, as this will give you a good feel for the tone of the magazine.

3. Address the Letter to the Proper Editor

Query letters should follow the standard business letter format. This is where your research begins to shine through. Address your letter to the editor that oversees the department where you envision your article in print. You can find this information in the masthead in the front of the magazine. If you are not sure what section your article fits into, send it to an associate editor. Avoid sending your query letter to the editor-in-chief, as they are very busy and may be less likely to read your proposal.

4. Hook Them with 3 C's.

When planning your first paragraph, think compelling, concise, and clear. Make every word count. Editors are busy people, if they are not interested in the first few lines, chances are slim that they will make it to the end of your letter. This is the time to let your writing skills shine. Write in a tone similar to that used in the articles you researched, and in the same voice that you plan to use in your article. Work and rework your first paragraph until you are sure that it will leave the editor wanting more.

5. It's All About You (the Publisher)

Tell them what this article will do for their publication and their readers. Emphasize why they need this article, and how they will benefit from publishing it. Since you have read the magazine you know what their readers like, so tell them why this article fits the bill.

6. Specific Details

Layout a few bullet points that provide specific details on how you plan to write the article, such as quotes from an expert, or recent statistics that support your story. Show the editor that you are capable of conducting the research required to complete the project, and always make sure your facts are correct.

7. Sell Yourself

You've pitched your idea and the editor loves it, so now is the time to prove that you are the one to complete the task. Highlight any magazines that have featured your work, especially those that reach a similar reader base, include any professional writers' organizations that you belong to, as well as any relevant expertise you have on the topic. Give yourself credit where credit is do, we have all gained expertise through the experiences we've had in life. Use your God-given gift for words to accentuate those experiences.

8. Pray

I always pray before I send out a query or manuscript. I don't beg God to give me the assignment, I pray that my work will bring a fruitful return for His kingdom, and that He would open right doors for me, and close wrong ones. Let God be the reason for your writing, and you are sure to be successful every time.

Check out the Query Letter Checklist before you send out your query letter.

How To | Writer's Resource Page

2009-02-13T05:40:00.009-05:00

Want to increase your chances of landing that next proposal? This is the place to improve on your freelance writing skills, and learn how to leave the editors wanting more.

5 Great Resources for Writers

5 Reasons Every Writer Should Blog

8 Steps to Query Letter Success

Free Online Writing Courses

How to Cite Sources the Easy Way

How to Write Devotions in 10 Easy Steps

The Query Letter Checklist

Free Online Writing Classes

2009-02-12T13:51:00.006-05:00

For the working mother on a budget, flexibility is a must, and free is exactly the right price. There is no shortage of options when it comes to online writing courses. You can find courses covering nearly every genre imaginable, and some you may not even have heard about! Most of these courses come hand-in-hand with a hefty fee that may leave your wallet a little too light for comfort. Whether you are looking to spruce up your grammar, or dig into the effects of media on our social climate, here are a couple of sites that are sure to satisfy:

News University - interactive, inexpensive courses (many of which are free) for journalists at all levels of experience and in all types of media.

MITOpenCourseware - free course materials from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Chrisitian Writing Jobs: Paying Writing Markets

2009-02-10T05:28:00.021-05:00

Tired of hunting around for paying Christian freelance markets? You've come to the right place. The following links will lead you to writer's guidelines for paying Christian publications.

Devotions

Magazines

Children's Magazines

The Living God

2009-02-02T06:56:00.003-05:00

He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
- Proverbs 2:7-8

Creator, Father, Lord of Light,
at Your feet the just delight.

Articles

2009-01-29T15:00:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the articles I've written for other sites:

Among Friends
Some friendships were meant to surpass a lifetime.

Cubical Daze
Suddenly you're faced with an opportunity to share the gospel, fantastic right? Except, you're at work. If you are a Christian in the work place, this situation is almost inevitable. Should we evangelize in the world of the politically correct?

Honor Him
The church echoes with a congregational groan, as the pastor uncomfortably fidgets with his tie. Sideways glances pass between husbands and wives, arms fold, eyes sweep from shoes to the ceiling fan and back. “Not this again,” someone grumbles from the back row. If you want to knock the wind out of the hallelujah chorus on Sunday morning, it takes just a single word – tithe. Hesitant to make the leap? You make think again after following this journey from arm-crosser to tither.

In Pursuit of Happiness
It is tempting in our have-it-all-right-now society to chase after the what ifs of the world. These what if statements always end the same way, then I'd be happy. Aristotle recognized happiness as the aim of life when he observed “For we choose happiness for itself, and never with a view to anything further; whereas we choose honor, pleasure, intellect ... because we believe that through them we shall be made happy.” In other words, happiness is a driving factor in the choices we make. An astute observation, but as a Christian, are we called to a higher purpose than happiness?

Road Closed: Detour
Many times our lives are heading down a path we feel comfortable with, steady and certain, then suddenly we come across the orange barrels and everything comes to a screeching halt. Road closed. Follow detour.

Shades of Gray
It's often easy to see the black and white of God's will. Thou shall not murder, thou shall not have an affair, thou shall not steal another man's pick-up, no matter how good you would look driving it. That's the easy stuff, but what about the everyday gray – thou shall not drink beer, use curse words, or pocket the 42-cents the cashier just over paid you?

Two Right Shoes, Two Left Feet
Making the most of a difficult situation can do more than just lift your spirits, you could just make an impression that lasts a lifetime.

Undone

2009-01-18T10:09:00.005-05:00

Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
- Proverbs 18:12

Apart from you I am nothing
the desolate end of the winding wilderness path.
The desert riverbed remains
scaled, parched, devoured.

Apart from you I am everything
hollow, vacant, scorned.
Directionless.
Listless.
Lifeless.
Undone.