There\u2019s a story that circulates this time of year about a pastor who gave each member of his congregation $50 and asked them to double the money and bring it back to the church. Children received $10. The first thought of most church members was, \u201cI can\u2019t do this. I have no skills or resources to generate money. There\u2019s no way I can participate.\u201d Some of them even considered giving the money back. <\/p>\n
In the end, however, almost everyone more than doubled the amount by the deadline. But something else happened, too. They learned important lessons about stretching, being flexible, thinking outside the box as well as discovering and cultivating their own skills and making the most of what\u2019s at hand.<\/p>\n
What did these people do to make their money grow? Whatever it took. They used what they had at hand whether it be talent, skills, opportunity or knowledge. They took what they had and expanded on it—molded it, changed it, altered it and made it work for them. For example, one gentleman owned a nice motorcycle, so he gave rides for a fee. One of his most thrilled customers was an 80-year-old woman from his church who needed her husband\u2019s help climbing aboard the bike. Some people used their talents to make bird houses, paint pictures, craft jewelry and sew various items. <\/p>\n
One woman was ready to give back her $50. She had nothing to contribute. There was nothing she could do. And then she remembered an old family recipe for tomato soup. She hadn\u2019t made it in years, but, when she started the process, it became a trip down memory lane for her. She made $180 selling jars of her soup. Someone else had an apple tree, so she made applesauce. <\/p>\n
One inventive woman rented out her chickens. This interesting package included 3 dozen eggs and a photo of the chicken that produced them. One couple used their $50 to hire a harpist and then put on a fancy dinner party at $50\/plate. They raised over $1,000. A doctor used his $50 for gas to drive back and forth to the hospital where he took on extra shifts. He earned $3,000.<\/p>\n
Why share this story in a publishing blog? Do I have to explain this to my readers? I think not. I believe that you know where I\u2019m going with this story. It\u2019s similar to another story of the little drummer boy who didn\u2019t think he had a gift for the King. We each have unique gifts and talents, skills and resources. We have stories and perspective we can share. Are you stalled, stilted or just plain blocked? Are you too busy this holiday season to write or to promote your book? Are you losing confidence in your writing abilities?<\/p>\n
Explore your talents, skills and other possible contributions. Practice whole thinking instead of narrow thinking. Become aware of all possibilities instead of just focusing on one aspect. Be willing to change something about the way you are currently doing things. For example, if you can\u2019t sell your personal essays and poetry, start writing what is selling. If your book sales are sluggish, put more energy and time into promoting it. Come up with some innovative marketing ideas.<\/p>\n
For help with your writing , publishing or book promotion, check out my array of books and classes at http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There\u2019s a story that circulates this time of year about a pastor who gave each member of his congregation $50 and asked them to double the money and bring it back to the church. Children received $10. The first thought of most church members was, \u201cI can\u2019t do this. I have no skills or resources […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t