By all things I mean: words, language, scenes, message, and tone. The world has a way of encroaching into ours lives and we must be ever diligent.
One way that the world sinks its talons into us is by making money the number one goal. Yes, making money is a plus. Money must be made to ensure a successful business and to build a profitable future; but when we make money our goal, we lose.
There are authors who rake in the royalties and hit the bestsellers list--and that's quite nice--but that's a rarity. Being an author is not always profitable, but you can make it rewarding.
Write for Christ. Give in love. Choose to help others.
What I mean by "give in love" and "choose to help others" is this: choose a charity--one that will honor Christ--and vow to donate a percentage to that charity.
Here are two examples:
Chad Pettit, author of Fate of the Watchman and upcoming book Fate of the Redeemed, has vowed to give fifty percent (50%) of his royalties from Fate of the Watchman to Voice of the Martyrs. VoM is a Christian organization who helps the persecuted and shares the Gospel worldwide, no matter how dangerous.
It's done for God's Glory.
Daphne Self (me), author of The Adventures of Wilhelmina: The Case of the Missing Firehouse Dog, has vowed to donate thirty percent (30%) of her royalties from The Adventures of Wilhelmina series to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other various children's hospitals. St. Jude is a hospital that helps children worldwide battle and treat cancer--no matter race, social status, religion, or ethnicity. Even if the parents cannot pay, they are there to help in many ways.
It's done for God's Glory.
When an author decides to put God first and chooses to help, then he/she is successful. Success isn't measured in money--it's measured by love. Your book will be the one to reach those who needed to hear and read that message. Your book has a purpose.
So I challenge you:
- Write for Christ, your Audience of One
- Choose a charity to support (just make sure that charity aligns with God's word)
Trust me, when you put Jesus first in all things, amazing things will happen.
Here are some links to some charities and Christian organizations:
Voice of the Martyrs
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Samaritan's Purse
Love Worth Finding
In Touch Ministries
Gideons International
American Family Association
Air1 Radio
KLove Radio
Pure Flix
