As a published author, experienced editor, and literary agent, L. Edward Hazelbaker has been helping Christian writers develop their books, hone their skills, and improve their writing for many years. And this book is the expression of his desire to help more writers than he can assist one on one. Now many more writers can benefit from his experience. This book is designed to encourage, equip, and educate Christian writers. If you’re joining or already a member of God’s army of great-commission writers, it’s time to enter Boot Camp for Christian Writers, where you’ll be inspired and challenged to be all you can be when answering God’s call to write.

DIVBe Spiritually Activated for Combat Readiness /divDIVJust as new military recruits are sent to boot camp to learn how to be soldiers, we are taught by Scripture to pick up “the weapons of our warfare” and to “put on the whole armor of God.”/divDIVSpiritual Boot Camp is your guide to the weapons and armor of spiritual battle. Based on biblical principles, disciplines Daniels learned while serving in the military, and ministerial experience she has obtained over the years, Spiritual Boot Camp will:/divDIV /divDIV· Train and equip you for spiritual warfare/divDIV· Ignite your desire to get back to the basics of the gospel/divDIV· Reignite your passion for God if you are weary /divDIV· Activate you to reach out to a lost and hurting world/divDIV /divFor our churches to be ready for the end-time challenges ahead, every Christian must be trained, equipped, and prepared for combat. It is time to BE ALL YOU CAN BE in Jesus Christ.

Boot Camp. The starting point for everyone who joins the military. No one who signs up expects it to be easy. It’s not supposed to be. But everyone at some point during boot camp comes to the end of their own strength. It is at that point where a little encouragement makes all the difference. Resting in God’s Shadow offers encouragement specifically written for those in this especially challenging period of the military. Chaplain (Major) Jeffrey L. Brooks, U.S. Army Retired knows what he’s talking about, with 22 years of active military service. During that time, he served as chaplain at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, encouraging the men and women in boot camp to never give up on themselves or their dreams, keep a positive mental attitude, and give it their best. Since then he’s had a passion to write these encouragements into a book. This book is a collection of twelve devotionals, followed by a prayer book with spaces to record your thoughts. The devotionals in Part One correspond with the prayer book in Part Two. Concise and focused devotions fit into even the most rigorous training schedule. Whether you’re active in the military, or have a loved one headed to boot camp, this devotional is sure to provide just the right words of encouragement and Scripture.

In the middle of the night Garrett is taken from his home to Harmony Lake, a boot camp for troubled teens. Maybe some kids deserve to be sent there, but Garrett knows he doesn't. Subjected to brutal physical and psychological abuse, he tries to fight back, but the battle is futile. He won't be allowed to leave until he's admitted his "mistakes" and conformed to Harmony Lake's standards of behavior. And there's no way to fake it. Beaten, humiliated, and stripped of his pride, Garrett's spirit is slowly ebbing away. Then he hears whispers of an escape plot. It's incredibly risky -- if he's caught, the consequences will be unthinkable -- but it may be his only way out. In this tense, riveting novel, award-winning YA author Todd Strasser reveals what really goes on in highly secretive -- and notoriously dangerous -- boot camps, a stealth prison system where any teenager under the age of eighteen can be imprisoned at his parents' whim.

Section I"Getting Started in the Magazine Market"In the first part of this book, I'll show you how you can start writing for magazines. I'll answer questions, such as: "How can I make my time count?" "How can I use writing to inform, educate, inspire and entertain readers?" "How and where can I find ideas?" "What are some common hindrances to writing?" "How can I use my God-given creativity to generate article ideas?" "Can I use my 'reason to write' as a ministry?" These ideas work for me. They'll work for you, also. Personally, I've published over 4,000 magazine articles and worked with hundreds of editors.Section II"The Magazine Market-Tools of the Trade"In the second section of this book, I'll focus on over 3,500 secular and 1,200 Christian markets that need writers to fill their pages. New markets appear each year and many companies are going to online publications. I will discuss, "Exploring the Christian and secular market, explain common symbols and basic information." "What are the steps to publishing in these markets?" "Do photos make a difference in obtaining a contract?" "Query letters: catching an editor's attention." Let me help you learn the basics of writing for magazines and realize the passion of putting words on paper while getting paid.Section III"How to Identify Your Audience"In the third section of this book, I'll share two critical points for being published. Knowing the audience/reader of each magazine and understanding the focus of each publication makes a difference in receiving a rejection letter or a contract. Learn how to: "Recognize the social, educational, and economic level of the audience." "What information can a writer learn from the articles, advertisements, and photos about the magazine?" "Article titles that sell." And, "Writing tips that bring success." Let me share my love for writing and introduce you to a career that can change your life!Section IV"Knowing the Magazine"Section IV, includes a vital part of successful writing-to-publish. Knowing the magazine for which you write is vital to receiving a contract. With many magazines online, it's easy to research back copies in the archives. Check the table of contents. If a topic has been used in the last several years, the editor will not use it again. However, be creative and suggest a different slant. Some editors say they do not repeat a topic within 10 years; other 6. Check to be sure. Look at the format, photos, sidebars, question and answer articles. Use these as guidelines to write your own article. As an added bonus, I have included enrichment activities you can do at home or with a writing friend. Practice these activities and develop your skills as a writer. The book also has pages to write down your thoughts and ideas. I believe that writing is a gift given by God. He gives us this talent and it's up to us to learn the mechanics of putting words on paper. A Bible verse that has given me hope is Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

"All the seasons are worth living..." "May Skinny Little Tree, Wiggly Worms, and Little Leaves remind you that all the seasons of life are worth living."