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Writing a Bestseller… God Willing!
For the past few years I have been toying with the idea of writing a book. I have written down many idea’s (100′s to be precise) for both fiction and non-fiction, but that is about as far as I’ve ever gotten… the idea stage.
Over the last few months I have had this nagging thought in my head telling me to write… if you’re a believer then you probably know what that nagging feels like… as in when God called out to certain biblical characters, “Samuel…” “Go to Nineveh…” “Go to Pharaoh…” So I have prayed and sought God as to what to write and it seems clear to me that I should work on an idea I have had for about three years now, a non-fiction book looking at the dark personalities that lurk within all of us (that’s all I giving away right now for fear that someone steals my idea and writes a runaway bestseller 
).
With that said, some things have to give (for time constraint factors) and that is why for the time being I will no longer be filming my blogs and uploading them to YouTube. I know it seems that I’ve just begun the videos but user session stats weren’t what I expected; compared to the stats for this website they are virtually non existent. At the end of the day I have to do what I believe God is directing me towards and not what I want. And right now that, I believe, is writing a book.
I will still be writing this blog at least three times a week, so I’m not giving up on that, but for the foreseeable future the video production side of HardcoreFaith.com is being put on hold. That’s not to say I won’t revisit this idea again in the future, just not now…
I must admit I did struggle with this decision, as I do with all big decisions, but even this morning I received a telephone call from a Christian book publisher… does it get any clearer than that? So I will now be concentrating on writing my first book, this blog, and helping my wife around the farm… oh, that’s another story I will save for another day.
So to the few who watched the videos, so long for now. And to all my faithful readers, no change there. So keep it real and keep it hardcore, ’cause there’s plenty of good stuff on the way… oh, and I’m working towards a book release sometime mid 2010.
Love in Him… and thanks for your continued support.
Chris M.Div, BChM, ACS
October, 2009
Hey Chris,
Just thought I’d drop you a line and tell you that I think this is a great step of faith… and a step in the right direction. I really like reading your blogs and wasn’t too sure where things were going with the videos (and I wasn’t too sure if I even liked them)… but I’m sure glad you are going back to the original format of Hardcore Faith. The written word rules and I for one am really looking forward to a book written by you… where can I pre-order?
Julie M., Texas, USA.
Thanks Julie,
It’s humbling (and exciting) to know that people like yourself are understanding of my decision to write a book. I have just begun the research phase of the book and as I have never done this before I don’t have a time frame yet. But I will say this, I have already played around with this particular idea in my head for some time now, so hopefully it won’t be too long before I put pen to paper… or fingers to keyboard… you know what I mean
Blessings and keep it hardcore for Him!
Chris
More power to ya! I will miss the vlogs, tho. My wife and I would watch them together. I look forward to see what you come up with. I know I’ve always wanted to write a book, but either can’t find the time, or the fire dies out. Keep it up.
Hi there,
It is so nice to be able to follow you on twitter. I just wanted to tell you that if the Lord has told you to do it, or it is on your heart; then it is from Him and you will be published one day. I have 7 Novels; as I just finished yet another one. I started writing about 14 years ago, and finished my first book about 12 years ago. Back then I wrote publishers, entered contest, and sent out full manuscripts, just to get rejected. I then found information on the net on how to submit my letters of intent with sub-chapters to publishers so I did that, just to get rejected. Then I hired a literary agent who took my money and did nothing. I learned the hard way that is for certain. Lately I have called self publishers – print on demand, and the lowest quote I have received is $1,800. I think I will go with this company, but if you find a better idea then please let me know. I will be praying for you, and please keep me in your prayers. I pray through the unity of the Holy Spirit that the Lord will show us the way through prayer.
About the Christian publishers; I am glad they called but be careful. I have had Christian publishers call me as well, and they wanted thousands of dollars. I hope they are true, and they do not take from but offer what you deserve.
God bless you, your family and your farm; may the Lord bless you with a bountiful harvest in everything you do.
Joanne
Hey Robert,
The videos… ya I know… I would love to find the time to do it all but… Anyways, thanks for your friendship, we’ve never met but I value you as a friend and brother in Christ. Who knows maybe one day we’ll meet face to face. Oh and if I get a publishing deal I might even be in touch for some artwork.
Keep the fire burning!
Chris
Joanne,
Thanks for you comment. I value the inspiration and information I get from fellow writers. I am somewhat aware of the pitfalls that exist for authors out there… many greedy people out to simply take others cash. Have you looked into the self publishing that Amazon.com offers? Check it out here. Seems pretty good although you’d have to do most of the leg work in the publicity and marketing dept. Also, check out Tate Publishing, a partnership publisher (requires some money upfront… call it “risk publishing”) but they pay you back once the book has sold enough copies. Also they apparently do take on some “no-risk” authors.
Please stay in touch and let me know which route you decide to go down and if you have any further advice.
Yours in Him!
Chris
I hope we meet face to face, or I’m not going to a friendly place one day!
I understand about the vlogs. Only so much time in a day, especially with families. I would suggest that if/when you do future ones, Stryper’s “Soldiers Under Command”, would make a awesome intro. 
And I’ll do that cover.
To all of the above I say, absolutely Robert!
Joanne, I forgot to mention a company called Lightning Source. These guys look like they do a good deal on self publishing. Check ‘em out here.
Hey Chris,
I just want to say that being a writer is a noble calling. I support your decision and promise to buy your book when it comes out. Have fun!!
Hello and thank you for the leads. I did try one of them and……(not so good)
Anyway, I looked into Amazon, and your right they do look great. Amazon is a great company. I do not mind doing leg-work, because I am by nature hyper-to-sell. I am a marketing nut. I have always made money for others, so I do not mind making it for myself. Please keep in touch, and I will be praying for you.
As you begin to write know this;
1. Write what you know.
2. Have your laptop, or pen and paper next to your bed when you wake up in the morning.
3. Carry on your personhood a pen and small pad or your IPhone, etc to make notes throughout the day.
4. Take pictures with your IPhone or camera, because as you write you might be inspired to have illustrations attached to your book.
5. Do not tell anyone what you are writing or what you have written before you have an ISBN attached to it.
God bless you and you love ones,
Joanne
Ruth, I look forward to hearing what you think. It’s an interesting project and should be an interesting and eye opening read. Blessings,
Chris
Joanne,
Thanks for the advice. I am personally looking at a major publisher (you never know) or POD (publish on demand). I like the look of Lightning Source and Amazon for POD so I may be doing more research into these two companies.
I always have a notepad with me (a moleskin). I am also looking into getting one of those Netbooks… like a Laptop only much smaller. I can keep it in my bag and then whip it out to type whenever and wherever.
Let me know how you get on and if you need a forward or “So and so says…” in your book I’d be honored
Chris
Christian,
I am a newcomer to HARDCOREFAITH.com, but already I have been blessed by your Twitter postings and the content of your website. I absolutely understand what it means to hear that “nagging”, the recurring voice of God calling you to a purpose. Amazing how God enlists the help of others to deliver His message in a way that you can’t ignore! In the past, I have shared my writings with close friends and family, and have been amazed how God has used them to draw the readers into a closer relationship with Himself….and I can’t think of a more worthy reason to widen the circle of influence. There have been things in my life that I have wanted for myself that I could easily say no too. But I can’t deny God, regardless of how much work, frustration, or rejection I encounter. I am passionate about sharing the positive life messages I discover through seemingly insignificant experiences with the world (or at least a little corner of it)! Thank you for the suggestions listed within your comments. I am still a bit uncertain about just how to proceed (meanwhile I continue to write), but I trust God to show me the way.
With a grateful heart,
Patty
P.S. Your decision to abandon the video blogs to devote more time to your book doesn’t have to make sense to the world; so long as it makes sense to God!
Hey Patty glad you’ve found HardcoreFaith. It’s a passion of mine to share the life saving message of the Gospel by drawing out the relevance found therein. It’s also a passion of mine to write. Combine the two and it all makes sense to me
It’s amazing how many people are writers, they either have a story or have something to say. I am pleased that your family and friends have been touched by your writing and I pray that you find someone to publish and distribute your material. I’m firmly believe that if a publisher like Zondervan or Thomas Nelson are to publish my work then it will be so if it’s God’s will. I have experienced first hand the amazing ways that God opens doors to what He wants… nothing can stop Him! That’s GOOD news indeed!
Keep in touch and keep it Hardcore for Him!
Chris
Thank you Chris,
I might just take you up on the forward. Same goes here, if you need anything you have my e-mail.
Joanne