Is my book really any different from everyone else's
I thought I had this all worked out. Reading, writing, marketing,
being interviewed… Then the interviewer asked how Psalm Stories differs from
other Sunday school stories and I was suddenly stumped. After all, if you’re
looking for Sunday school stories you’re probably seeking something safe, predictable,
stories you can read to the kids without provoking an onslaught of complaints
from the adults, or a rash or weird misunderstandings. I wasn’t sure I wanted
my stories to differ from others out there or I might scare my readers away. But then, if they’re exactly the
same, why would anyone buy them…
Of course, when I think about it, Psalm Stories really is different
from other Sunday School storybooks. I
can even count the ways:
- 75 stories in one volume
- Each story guaranteed to take no more than 5 minutes to read aloud, including introduction and closing prayer.
- Closing prayers that are tied to the story. (A friend said how much she valued that because it makes it so much easier to envision praying with her grandson.)
- Introductions that tie the Bible to children’s everyday experience.
- Introductions that tie each story to a Psalm, making them ideal for use in a church environment.
- Simple applications to everyday life and to spiritual life.
- Even something to invite the adults to examine their own faith through clearer eyes…
Ah, if only I'd thought of all this in the interview...
Anyway...
If you’re looking for stories to tell your kids, bedtime
stories, stories with a moral bent, stories for Sunday school and children’s
church, please give them a try. They’re still free, today and tomorrow at
and they’re ranked #1 in free kindle Christian reference Old Testament, and #2
in free kindle children religious ebooks, so someone else besides me must think they're different enough to be worth downloading.
Meanwhile, if you’re a writer who thinks you’ve got it all worked
out, with your marketing campaign just getting underway, be warned by my mistake.
Think of all possible interview questions and the answer them in your head before anyone asks--as you walk around the house, as you drive your car, as the wander the supermarket aisle. Then, when you find a good enough answer, think of a better one before you type or speak.
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