I’ve become a big fan of independently published books! There are so many good ones out there, including “Turning Personal Experiences Into Parables” by Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles. It’s a very short book, but for 99 cents, it provides a lot of good information.
The things I found the most the valuable included:
- Preparations for your heart through prayer and contemplation
- A short list of questions as to what you are writing and what in your personal experience makes this worth sharing
- Determining why you are doing this
- Do’s and don’ts in writing your story
The authors draw an excellent distinction between writing in answer to a calling versus writing to get paid. They note there is nothing wrong with writing to be paid, but be clear which one you are doing.
Lastly, they give a guide with examples of a good structure to use in crafting a readable parable. They call it hook, book, look, and took, saying:
This technique brings into focus the core message of your devotion so readers get the point quickly, allowing it to zing and stick with them.
I did have to read over the examples several times before I understood how to use the recommended structure. I’m not quite using it, more because it isn’t how my blog posts flow, but until a writer gains experience, it provides a good tool.
Having read this, I would have gladly paid more than 99 cents for its wisdom. Try it for yourself!
A Daily Life 
February 2, 2012 at 6:08 pm
Thanks for the advice. Book purchased. Let’s see if I can employ some of the techniques.
How do I create a pingback like you have done? I know how to create a link within the body of post and can certainly cut and paste a post or site into a post but don’t understand the concept of pingback…
Thanks!
February 9, 2012 at 10:03 pm
I do tips and tricks for WordPress, so I will do this topic just for you!