Couldn't wait! Gearing UP for Another Big Homeschool Year!
Hi!
How is your weekend going? My weekend is SO nice so far! Last night, we
ended our busy week by going out to dinner and a movie. Such a treat!
Today, the guys had work to do, so I have used today to catch up on my
checklist of things that did not get done this past week! So is life!
ha!
One thing that I just finished and could not wait to tell you about is
my newest Mom-to-Mom Radio Show program! It was recorded this past week
at our Mom-to-Mom meeting here in Florence. I thought that if you had a
break, you might want to tune in! It is FUN!
You can find it here:
http://www.momtomomradioshow.com
http://www.momtomomradioshow.com/blog
Or you can listen online here:
http://www.momtomomradioshow.com
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/155943/
Oh! On the show, we mention the handouts that we were working through during the workshop. Those handouts were actually our new Let's Get Ready for New Homeschool Year Mommy Homeschool Planner. We have that on special this week. When you buy your copy (it is an ebook--over 50 pages) for $9.95, you get a copy of Let’s Get
Organized and Cindy’s audio workshop, Organization 911! Help for the
Messy Mom! Check this offer out here:
http://www.momtomomradioshow.com/GearingUp.html
We also have one other offer this week:
Organized Mom Super Set!
Need LOTS of help? We can help! Click here to SAVE! 1/4th of regular retail with this link:
http://www.cindyrushton.com/OrganizedMomSet.html
Order this week and we will also send you our Let's Get Ready for New Homeschool Year Mommy Homeschool Planner with your order!
One more thing before I go!
We are beginning our new online workshops this week! We are planning to kick off the summer session with a Meet-N-Greet on
Tuesday evening. The Online Bible Study begins on Wednesday afternoon.
So, be sure to mark you calendars and join us! You can sign up for
instructions on how to log in at this link:
http://www.Talk-A-Latte.com
Well, I think that is all for now!
Hope you have a WONDERFUL weekend! Make a sweet memory!
With much love,
Cindy
See Us Online!
http://www.CindyRushton.com
http://www.Talk-A-Latte.com
http://www.CindysDesktop.com
http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/CindyRushton
http://www.Mom2MomDiscussion.com
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
http://www.MomtoMomPodcast.com
Hey There Mommy Pals!!
Hey There Mommy Pals!
What a FUN issue of Time for Tea awaits you! I will be sending out the articles over the next few posts. This issue is SUPER!
I had a FUN week this week! We began the week celebrating with our
friend Steve Beck, who just released his new DVD Set, SECRETS TO
BUILDING SITES THAT SELL. We were blessed to get to sit in on some
of the most INCREDIBLE teleseminars and interviews on building a
family business. In fact, a couple of them can be downloaded at
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com. If you missed them, check them out today! Don't ya LOVE podcasting--tune in at your convenience. WINK!
Speaking of at your convenience! I just got my NEW DVD set from
Steve--ALREADY!! They are TOTALLY AWESOME! I can work through these AWESOME videos at my convenience. Of course, I am soooo PUMPED about working through all of them that I pray I can carve out time each day to work through them. I have a few projects that I have been wanting to pursue--but that LEARNING CURVE! VOILA! Steve takes that away in this set! It is EVEN BETTER than the Sampler he sent me!
To say that they are VERY well done is an UNDERSTATEMENT! AND...you can get YOUR set. You really do not want to miss it if you are wanting to begin a business of your own at any time in the future.
Also...these are so easy to use that I have already assigned my
children to work through these on some of their upcoming projects--I
did not even plan for that when I purchased the set!
AND...when I purchased the set, I had NO idea that Steve was going to
give another $300 in FREEBIES with the set! Of course, only to the
first 100 orders. If you have been wondering about the set, check out
the article below when Steve answered questions about beginning an
online business and all about the set. REMEMBER! The set is only
available until Sunday! Check it out today: CLICK HERE! More on that in a bit!
I have ONE more awesome thing to share!
I was blessed with an incredible interview with Tawra Kellum from
http://www.LivingOnaDime.com this week! We had a BLAST on that
interview! AND...it is ONLINE! We really covered a BUNCH of my
questions during our "chat." You won't want to miss this one! If you
love Tawra's articles, you are DEFINITELY going to love the
interview. It is available at: http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
Since Tawra has been on my mind, I am sharing some of her neat
articles, tips, and recipes in this issue. Pour that big cup of tea
and have tea-time with us today!
Soooo...ready? I can't wait for you to dig into the following
goodies! Grab a cup of tea...settle in for a bit...it is once
again-time for tea!!
With Much Love,
Cindy
http://www.CindyRushton.com
http://www.CindysDesktop.com
http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/CindyRushton
http://www.Mom2MomDiscussion.com
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
http://www.MomtoMomPodcast.com
ONE CHANCE!
ONE CHANCE!
I began http://www.CindyRushton.com
over 10 years ago. I needed a website, but I had no idea WHAT to do.
Yep! I hired a web designer.
After taking my money and only finishing
up 5 basic pages and adding in only half of the articles that I had
paid him to upload (Paid him ahead of time!!), I decided that 3 years
was long enough to give a guy to FINISH a website! (duh!)
By that time, I not only needed a
FINISHED website, but I needed to totally revamp the information on my
website. Of course, this time I was scared to death of being ripped off
again.
I was blessed with a friend who
took me by the hand and showed me how to set up and work on my website.
I learned the basics of web design and I was set FREE! Now, we maintain
our own sites ourselves. When something needs to be done, we find
someone who walks us through learning the basics and then we do it
ourselves.
This is ESSENTIAL to online business!
Wondering why I am telling you this? Well, for those of you who have a dream of beginning your own business, today is the day! 
For those of you wanting for your children to learn the skills of web
design or to how to begin their own business, today is the day! 
My friend, Steve Beck, will release his NEW DVD tutorial, Secrets to Sites that Sell next Tuesday. I have NO words that adequately describe this incredible course!
You don't have to go out and buy a
bunch of programs--you JUST invest in his tutorial and HE shows you
where to get FREE programs AND how to use them step-by-step! PRICELESS!
You don't have to "get by" using the
minimum "bells-and-whistles" on your website--he shows you EVERYTHING
that you need to have a site that has ALL of the new services that your
customers could ever want! Everything from buying your domain to
setting up your website to setting up a shopping cart (FREE) to getting
great search engine rankings! ALL in one course! ALL using FREE
software!
I just can't tell you how MUCH time, money, and frustrations that this tutorial will save you!
Just take a peek at some snippets from the set here: (sign in and it will take you to the page with the links)
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=1396999
Soooo, get ready! Steve only has a
small number of sets available (I have MINE reserved already--so that
is ONE less!!!). He plans to only have them available for a very small
window of time. This is not a marketing technique--he is just swamped
with traveling to conventions and finishing up his last year of
seminary. He has set aside this window of time to just focus on
shipping.
If you would like to get more
familiar with Steve, listen into our podcast from this week. He was my
"friend" that I interviewed this week. Listen in here: http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
Are you counting down?
Less that SIX days until Steve
releases his new DVD Set, SECRETS TO SITES THAT SELL! See Video
Snippets from the set TODAY! Just click here and sign in:
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=1396999
This week...
Good Morning!
WOW! What a FUN week we have had
around here! We began our week with a simply AWESOME teleseminar with
Steve Beck. It was simply FABULOUS! Steve gave MORE help that you could
get out of 10 books! I had a HUGE list of questions and can you believe
that we got through the questions? It was simply a blast! We are
planning now for future teleseminars. If you have a special topic that
you would like for us to dig into, just email me at
cindy@cindyrushton.com. I will get to work on that!
Isn't that fun? I just LOVE
teleseminars...and the internet....and podcasting...and talking about
it!! Well, MORE on that below! Be sure to check out our new goodies
today!
Back to the interview--this interview
has had our whole family BUZZING about family businesses, website
design (my daughter is about to launch her own internet business
offering web design and great software--watch for that), internet
businesses, etc. We are just PUMPED! I think you will see that in this
ezine. Our topic is all about equipping our children with practical
skills during these homeschooling years. Nothing can teach greater
lessons than the opportunity to have their own businesses or to be a
part of a family business. Of all of the things that we did through our
homeschooling years, probably the most "bang for our buck' came from
the lessons learned while they worked alongside of us in our family
businesses and while they ran their own businesses. Even today when we
are homeschooling our high schooler and our son in the college years,
we use the businesses to help them learn a multitude of lessons. Well,
today's issue will explain that a bit better!
Along these lines, my sweetheart is
painting and setting up his new building for HIS business! Playmasters
should be in its NEW location the first of next week. Don't you love
seeing dreams come true? We are choosing signs, paint, and getting
ready to move the desks/tools/etc. There is just something about
"moving in" that feels like a new beginning. I cannot wait to see what
God does with this! For those of you who have NO idea what I am talking
about, my husband has two businesses. One offers residential
construction and excavation. The other has offered commercial
playground installation. NOW! We will be enlarging the business to
manufacture and offer a wonderful line of residential playgrounds. This
is that dream that Harold put off until the past few years. AND...the
next phase is here! Pray with us that everything goes smoothly during
the move-in and that God just blows us away with what He has in store
for us. So far, everything has been simply perfect! God is sooo good!
Well, I will wrap this part up! I
can't wait for you to dig into the following goodies!
This issue is a
KEEPER! I think that you are in store for a HUGE treat! Soooo...just
grab a cup of tea...settle in for a bit...it is mom-time!
Happy Homeschooling!
Love,
Cindy
http://www.CindyRushton.com
http://www.CindysDesktop.com
http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/CindyRushton
http://www.Mom2MomDiscussion.com
http://www.MomtoMomRadioShow.com
http://www.MomtoMomPodcast.com
Ideas? Name Our Writer's Podcast Radio Show!!!
WE NEED YOU!
Help us NAME our NEW Baby!
I
am about to begin a NEW podcast just for writers! Excited? We are! The
only hindrance is a cute name for the podcast. Got any ideas?
An example: Our other podcast is named MOM-To-MOM RADIO SHOW. Got
a cute and catchy title for the new podcast? Share your ideas here!
If we choose your name, you will win our ENTIRE Online Audio Workshop Collection--see here for details:
http://www.cindyrushton.com/OnTheRoadwithCindy.html
Leave your name suggestions here! Just comment here!
Humm...How About a REVERSE Boycott?
Hey everyone!
I REALLY try to stay away from political things...and only send out
email ezines and sweet little notes...but, this boycott thing gets
under my skin. :-(
I just
got this email from my friend, Catherine Jaime. I think that this is a
SUPER idea! So, I am passing it along to all of you. (see below)
We are planning to eat out ALL meals today. Plus, I think we will go
and buy something(s) in town--just not anything from any companies
supporting this boycott today.
In fact, Harold and I decided to begin a boycott last week of all
Mexican Restaurants AND to stay away from buying ANY poultry products
for a WEEK (we may move into a month if watching the news makes us mad
enough! ha!)--most are produced from companies supporting this boycott
today. Want to join us? I do not easily boycott or do anything that is
not wholehearted, but something about this just makes me very upset! I
would LOVE to see others jump in and really make a stand for doing
things the RIGHT WAY.
Far too many people have given up their very
lives for America to become great. I can only imagine how upsetting
this situation must be to those who have persevered through much
hardship to become American citizens. I know that nothing dug deeper
into my soul last week than hearing our National Anthem in Spanish over
and over and over on the news--just something about that made me sick.
Needless to say, I think that there are some very serious issues with
this strong show of force that we are seeing with this immigration
legislation. Of course, I am not going to go into that. I think that
Catherine's family has a nice idea here for a stand WE can make.
I would love to see all of us make this a great day for American businesses!
AND...if you want to support OUR American Business that does not hire
any illegal immigrants, today is the last day of our SPRING SALE--
(ha!) See the list of items we have on sale here: http://tinyurl.com/nce2p
Love,
Cindy
*************************************************************
From Catherine...
Thought you ladies might want to hear our family's latest discussion:
Dan's family has been discussing the immigration issue pretty strongly
here lately -- having come into this country legally not so very long ago,
they have strong feelings about people who come here illegally! I've
watched their emails go back and forth, especially with the boycott
planned for today. I finally got in on the discussion this morning,
forwarding an email a friend had sent me. Thought maybe you would be
interested also:
Immigrants' rights advocates, elated by the resounding success of
Monday's "National Day of Action," which drew the backing of hundreds
of thousands of protesters across the United States, now are planning a
national boycott .....(I'm leaving out all the explanation part of that --
we all know the plans for today!)
To all the real Americans, you can do one small thing on May 1st, 2006.
It won't be racist, nor will it be violent. It will not be boastful,
arrogant, selfish, nor distasteful. It will not be any of those things
that our "guests" have already displayed. What it will do is nullify a
movement.
All you have to do is buy something on May 1st. Make up for what they
will try to take away. It doesn't have to be a new car or house (unless
you were already planning on getting one). It simply needs to be a day
of trading.
Hold off grocery buying until May 1st.
Take your wife out to eat that night.
Get the kids pizza, hamburgers, whatever!
Make several trips to the convenience store.
Buy your meals at work.
Fill up your tank.
Shop for clothes, furniture, outdoor equipment.
If it needs to be bought, BUY IT MAY 1st!
Those are just a few suggestions. We're not asking you to spend your
inheritance that day, but just to spend more than you normally would.
Even if it's only a few dollars, this will help soften the blow that
the Mexicans will try to inflict on our economy that day. It sounds
trivial at first, but if this idea gets around, what the Mexicans set
out to do will fail.
NOW COMES THE HARD PART:
This email will not self-destruct if you don't send it to someone.
It will not cause bad luck, nor will it make you impotent.
It will not do some trick or show a cute little animation if you send
it to "X" amount of people.
You will not get paid for doing it.
It will not spread the message though, if it just gets deleted.
Welcome to Our Blog!!! YOU Could win a FREE Ebook!
Welcome to Our Blog!!!
 I want to personally welcome you to my blog! YOU are why I blog!
Each
day I try to update my blog with articles, free audio workshops and
podcasts, new links to my website, sales specials, neat links online,
and upcoming events and
projects we are involved in!
Grab your cup of tea. This will be a fun part of your day!
Book mark us today!!
http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/CindyRushton
PLUS! YOU Can Win a FREE E-Book Each Week!
Leave a comment and be entered in our weekly drawing!
This week you COULD be the winner of a FREE E-book! Join us for tea-time
today!
Last week's winner:
Courtney from HeartForHome
Leave a comment this week! One of you who leaves a comment will be the winner of a FREE E-book of your choice next week!!
Why not join us today for your time for tea!
~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ON THE BLOG...
Speaking of the blog! This week's
discussion is about graduation ideas! We have been getting numerous
requests for help with graduation. Do you have great ideas? What are
some of your favorite memories from graduation? Just take a peek at my
blog and leave your ideas! Here is the link:
Graduation Ideas Anyone???
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/121410/
Join us for Next Week's E-book Contest!
Share YOUR graduation celebration ideas....
Any special preparations?
Your favorite resources for diplomas...caps...gowns...etc?
Your favorite memories...
Your ideas for celebrating...
Recipes for dinners/luncheons/parties...
PLUS...ANY of your ideas! 
Post your comment here and be entered
into our weekly drawing for a FREE E-BOOK of your choice! PLUS! See
wonderful ideas from other moms! Just jump in! YOU could be the winner
next week!
Share us with a friend today!
Share us with a friend today!
Got a friend (or two!) who would
enjoy our ezines? Why not forward this issue to your friend today? They
can subscribe at our website for FREE! We would LOVE to have them join
us each week for our time for tea!
When they subscribe, they will receive a free ebook! Tell them to check us out today!
http://www.CindyRushton.com/Subscribe.html
Welcome to Our Blog!
Welcome To Our Blog!
Welcome to our BLOG!!
Join Cindy Rushton as she blogs from Cindy's Desk(TOP!)! Catch up with
the Rushton Family, read Cindy's potpourri of articles, find out about
new links on her website, and stay abreast of upcoming events and
projects! Grab your cup of tea. This will be a fun part of your day! Bookmark our blog today!
http://www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/CindyRushton
Leave a comment and be entered in our weekly drawing!
This week you COULD be the winner of a FREE E-book!
Join us for tea-time today!
Last week's winner: CANDY FOOTE
Leave a comment this week! One of you who leaves a comment will be the winner of a FREE E-book of your choice next week!! Why not join us today for your time for tea!
~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ON THE BLOG...
Speaking
of the blog! This week's discussion is about graduation ideas! We have
been getting numerous requests for help with graduation. Do you have
great ideas? What are some of your favorite memories from graduation?
Just take a peek at my blog and leave your ideas! Here is the link:
Graduation Ideas Anyone??? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/121410/
Join us for Next Week's E-book Contest!
Share YOUR graduation celebration ideas....
Any special preparations?
Your favorite resources for diplomas...caps...gowns...etc?
Your favorite memories...
Your ideas for celebrating...
Graduation gifts...
Recipes for dinners/luncheons/parties...
PLUS...ANY of your ideas!
Post
your comment here and be entered into our weekly drawing for a FREE
E-BOOK of your choice! PLUS! See wonderful ideas from other moms! Just
jump in! YOU could be the winner next week!
So...You Wanta Be a Writer??? Cindy's Story!
Cindy's Story...
This story was featured on PRMama's
blog. I thought you would want to read it here. Sooo, without any
further ado...here is my story!
Hi!
Thanks for inviting us. I love what you do with your newsletter and blog. It encourages me regularly. Thanks for all you do!
This year we are celebrating two big
anniversaries with our business/ministry. In the fall, we will
celebrate 20 years since God called me into ministry. We also celebrate
14 years of being in business this summer! Can you believe it? We can
hardly believe that the years have gone by so quickly. It is a great
time to ask about our story and what the Lord has been teaching us.
Thanks for the honor!
Everything began 20 years ago when I
attended a Ladies’ Retreat as a nineteen-year-old newlywed. For the
first time in my life, I was taught what the Bible had to say about
godly womanhood. Now, I had been active in church from the time I was a
baby. I never missed a church service from the time I was 2-years-old.
I also grew up in a Christian home. But, these things were never
specifically taught taught to me. Actually, if we are honest, these
topics are not the ones that give warm fuzzies, so they are still not
the most “popular” topics of many ministers and Bible teachers.
During that retreat, my whole life
changed. It was not so much the retreat as it was a holy moment between
me and God. In that tiny country church, I sat in prayer thanking God
for teaching me His truth early in my marriage. As I sat in prayer, the
rest of the world going on around me, God whispered His call to me,
“Will you purpose to get to know what I have to say about womanhood?”
That was a no-brainer! I was READY to learn everything that He wanted
for me to learn about being a godly wife and one day a godly mother. I
wanted all that God would give me in my life. The life-changing moment
came when He whispered into my heart the call, “Will you teach it?” My
instant question was, “WHO ME?” But…you know my answer…the rest is
history!
I didn’t begin writing or begin a
business that day. In fact, it is funny looking back. I thought my
“job” in life would be Dental Hygiene. I loved my career. I loved my
patients. I was in school training to be a hygienist and working full
time on the side to get on the job training. I loved my life. It was a
nice balance between my marriage and career. I never had a single
thought about writing or having a business of my own. In fact, the two
classes in school that I really “hated” were writing and marketing!
 Funny how God changes everything!
The following years were very
dormant years. God blessed me with my two precious children. He took me
home from my job to be a stay-at-home wife and mom. Harold finished
college. And…I settled in to be a godly wife and mommy. I did not begin
writing or a business at that time. It just did not cross my mind.
As the years went by, I developed a passion for encouraging other women. I simply loved being around moms. I
loved Bible Studies—especially the challenge of preparing to teach them. I loved my life.
My writing began “accidentally” as I
agreed to be the editor of our local Smocking Guild’s monthly
newsletter. I would include neat tips and ideas for making heirloom
sewing and smocking easy. This would later be the theme for all that I
do today—making it easy! Many of my newsletters would feature cute
ideas from my friends. I would collect the ideas and put them into
print. It was a HUGE hit!
One day, my husband’s grandmother,
Mamaw Alma Lee Rushton, asked me to go to the local paper to ask them
to include my tips and ideas in a column (like Dear Abby—remember
those?). My first response to her was, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” Of
course, she would not accept any excuses. She very insistently informed
me that I was TO GO to the local paper and show them the newsletters.
Well, I still look back in awe, knowing that it was that
one pivotal event that changed the direction of my whole life. It took
someone who adored me to inspire me to get outside of my box and go for
it! Yep, they DID add me as a columnist that day!
My column was an immediate success.
My editor was thrilled with the response. He even told me that his mom
considered me as her favorite writer.
I began writing steadily at that
time. I set aside time when the children were sleeping in the morning
or during their naps to regularly write. Also, at that time another
thing was happening parallel to the writing—I began my first business
sewing for the public. I would alternate sewing and writing when the
children were asleep. It worked out nicely. Plus, the business gave me
fresh ideas for my column…the column inspired me to try new things with
the business. It was a super combo. I had no idea of how much I would
love being in business for myself at that time. I cannot imagine life
any other way now.
I continued writing and running my
business for several years. Only a few months after I began my column,
my articles were picked up by other newspapers and magazines. By that
time, I found the most unlikely thing about myself—I was ADDICTED to
writing! Writing had never been such a blast before!
The next biggie happened about a
year after I began my column that I was visiting with Mamaw—we loved
our girl-days! When the guys would get together, Elisabeth and I would
spend the afternoon with her. She and I could not have been more
kindred if I were her flesh in blood. She loved me so deeply and
believed in me long before I knew what I could ever be or what I could
ever achieve.
I was so excited one day that
another magazine had picked me up as a columnist. I took a copy of the
magazine to her—she had long before set up a neat notebook (anybody
recognize something here—she was the first binder queen I knew!) that
included all of the things I wrote to be published and wrote for her
(letters, recipes, etc). I wanted for her to have a copy of the
magazine. She was always SO exhilarated about the little things that
were happening in my life. She could not have been more happy about her
own accomplishments!
That Spring day will forever be
etched in my mind. It was the last day that I was able to see her
before her death. I don’t know if others of you have ever experienced
the loss of someone so dear, but it was beyond the loss. That day she
spoke her “vision” over me and my life. I still feel that what she
spoke to me was a word from God. During those moments that I feel a bit
overwhelmed and chaos sets in, just the memory of her conversation
helps me to get back on track—that was the way she was. That day was
pivotal in my whole life—especially in my calling and life purpose.
The conversation was priceless. It
was more of a “charge” toward God’s calling for me. Just one thing
seemed out of place in the conversation. She looked at the magazine and
instantly declared, “Cindy…you have GOT to write a book!” Now, the
other things she said about being a wife and mommy were a “given” for
me. I was committed to those things. The “book thing” seemed a bit
radical…a bit far-fetched! Yep...my comment back was very original,
“Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” My how she must look down from the
heavenlies with Jesus and just laugh now that I have over 80 books and
even more coming very soon!
It may seem to all of you that this
is just what I do, but I had every excuse that I have ever heard about
why NOT to write. Now, it is just that—excuses! There is nothing like
getting beyond the excuses into the calling!
There is SO much that I could share
about the process. Rather, I would love to encourage those of you who
are writing, yet weary…and those of you who feel that call and have no
idea how to get where you are going. I am excited for you! It is no
accident that you are reading this specific interview. You CAN be a
writer too! Want to know some of my secrets to getting all of it done?
Tips from a prolific writer? Here are a few:
Read…Read…Read!
The very best writers are the most
voracious readers! Give them a book and a quiet nook to read and you
have just sent them to heaven on earth! Reading supplies ideas that get
the mind thinking, fresh perspective, and even train the writing style
of those who read. In studies, most writers tend to read at every
opportunity, but those who are the most successful writers have a
discipline of reading for at least 2 hours per day! So, want to be a
writer? Read.
Keep an Idea Notebook (With YOU!)!
You may prefer a pretty journal or a
spiral notebook or you may be a fellow binder queen, loving the
versatility of 3-ring binders. I keep both kinds. Whatever your
preference, keep an Idea Notebook. Fill it with your brainstorms…
outlines…ideas…rough drafts. Keep it with you. Work in it during your
free time along the way. I keep a notebook for each book that I write
and each conference that I teach. I have a bunch of notebooks that I
use to store my individual workshop titles—I keep them together in
themes and pull them out for teaching at conferences or to use for
articles or radio interviews. This is one thing that has helped me to
keep track of ideas and to continuously come up with new and fresh
ideas for my writing projects. This ONE key will help you to develop
your writing into all it can be, make you the most productive, and keep
you organized all along the way!
Write EVERY Day!
Yep! You will find this counsel in
every writer’s manual and in every class for writers. Does it work?
Absolutely! I am not talking about writing a fresh manuscript or
article each day. There are SO many ways that you can keep your skills
fresh and develop them into greater skills.
For example, I recommend copying great quotes each day. As you read (did I mention to read every day? You will come across neat “gems” in your reading that beg for you to
remember them. You know those quotes. Those that make you pause and
soak them in! Begin a journal that is specifically set aside for
copying those quotes.
The fruit of this discipline can
never be underestimated. It is not just for our budding young writers,
it is a life discipline for those that really want to be all that they
can be. In fact, in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commanded that as the
kings sat on their throne, they copied the Law into a book that they
could keep with them. Even God, Himself, keeps quotes in a book—see
Malachi where He talks about how precious it is for Him to listen to
His saints as they talk among themselves about Him. He loves what they
say so much that He keeps a copy of those “gems” in HIS Book of
Rememberence. HOOT! And…isn’t God the most precious writer of all
times? This may sound like an easy way to write every day,
but it is a discipline that writers have had all throughout time. It
will make a difference in your writing that will be immeasurable!
Also, try your hand at writing email or blogging (See my blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton) or even beginning your own message board (See my board at http://www.mom2momdiscussion.com).
You may want to join email discussion lists in areas of your interest
or begin your own ezine. These are all wonderful ways that I keep
myself writing every day, even when I am not working on a specific
project. They make me THINK and keep my ideas organized. In fact, many
times the very discussions or emails that I have written become
articles or tip sheets later on. It is a fantastic way to write every
day!
Of course, another way is to write
bit-by-bit on your projects. Did you know that if you just write ONE
chapter in a book a week, you will finish the typical book in only 10
weeks? In a year, you could finish 5 books! It just takes bit-by-bit,
consistent effort! You can do it! Just write every day!
Constantly Learn!
Yep! All great writers have a
discipline to learn every day! Reading is a part of that, but not the
whole. We are surrounded with information, ideas, and a need to “DO.”
We should all be constantly learning for our entire lives. All writers
who are prolific and successful are constantly learning. They are
constantly growing. They are constantly developing as a person.
Every year I make a list of things
that I want to learn, along with my yearly goals and resolutions. I
carry that list with me. Sometimes it feels like it is nagging at me to
get busy doing something to learn something fresh. Other times, it is a
nice treat to check off the new things that I am learning or look back
over all that I have learned over the year. When we keep on learning
and growing, it adds a freshness to our writing. Plus, it also gives us
neat new ideas for those future books and articles!
In addition, constantly learn about
the art of writing. A writer never completely “arrives” at perfection.
Writers must constantly work on the art of writing. Writing today is
nothing like yesterday’s writing and tomorrow’s writing will not be
like today’s writing. It is constantly growing. Constantly changing.
And...the writing is not the only
area that changes. A writer MUST stay abreast of the writing business.
To be a writer is to be IN BUSINESS. Even the sporadic writer must have
keen business sense or they will never make it—either someone will take
advantage of them or they will never be taken seriously in the business
(aka—get jobs or sell their work!). The writer of our day must learn
marketing, publishing, selling, speaking, advertising, editing. No one
can do these things for you. In fact, many writers fail because they
wait for someone else to fund their work (publish their work) or
promote their work. No one else can promote YOU like YOU can! No one
else is going to take that time to take care of you—well, unless you
paid them a lot of money to do so on a constant basis! You can do this
yourself. Even if you had a “publisher” that you were working for, they
are going to want YOU to do this in your sphere of influence. One of
the “selling” factors of a writer is whether that writer will “sell”
books for the publisher. They want to know that the writer has bookings
to promote the books, a market for selling their books, and the ability
to get the books that are published into the hands of the buyers. In
short, they want to invest money that is a “sure-thing” when they print
books. YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF! Learn the business! Commit to do it!
Stay abreast of all of the changes. Your blessings will be
immeasurable!
Finally, learn the technology!
Technology constantly changes. A writer who wants to succeed needs to
be in the mode of learning “the next thing” on a continual basis. It
really pays off to learn web design and computer skills. Today there is
so much opportunity available for the professional writer just because
of desktop publishing. Each DAY I am amazed at the things that you can
do to take your writing to the next level. The biggest hindrance is
getting comfortable in what you do. A writer that wants to do all that
God has called them to do, needs to be constantly learning the new
things that are out there within their reach! Want to know a few that
are musts online? Here are a few:
Blogging…
Have no idea where to begin? Why not try a blog? You can get a FREE Blog of your own at: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com or http://www.homesteadblogger.com.
Just register with the name you want to use, choose a template, and
begin your own Blog. A Blog is an informal website. You can post
articles, tips, journal entries, or anything that you want. It is a
wonderful way to get busy writing and develop that habit of writing.
You never know—your blog material may be just the perfect material to
use in your first book! You have got to give it a try--I have several
reasons that I recommend this to you-
1. You can set it up for FREE!
2. You can post your material yourself without a web designer.
3. You can become more familiar with web design.
4. You have a place to keep your work online!
5. You have a “place” to send people who are interested in your work.
6. You can write every day or as you can!
7. Oh! You CAN DO IT!
Get Your Own Website!
Another MUST is to get your own
website. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest in your own
website. It is one of the most important things that a writer can do.
It is like a “home” on the web for you! Invest in that “cyber-real
estate” today! Here are some pointers that will make your website all
it can be…
==> Invest today at MINIMUM in your own web address—buy YOUR NAME.
If your own name is available, invest in it today—even if you are not
building the website immediately. For years, I wrestled with a vision
for my website. In that time, I did NOTHING! For real! When I decided
that I wanted to move forward, I was blessed with some of the best
advice ever from a dear friend. I was advised to set up my website with
MY NAME as the web address—for real: http://www.CindyRushton.com.
I felt SO awkward in doing so. It just seemed a bit
self-promoting—exactly! If you are a writer, you MUST
promote yourself. You have to get beyond the fears and trepidations.
Think for a minute. If you wanted to find me on the web, what would you
look for? I have now written almost 80 books, would my website be
titled under one of them? I produce 6 ezines? Would my website be best
set up under one of those? What about my business name? We have three
businesses at this time and we are considering expanding into a couple
of others? Which one would you look for? Do you even know their names?
Yes, the most reasonable name for all I do is MY OWN NAME— http://www.CindyRushton.com. It tells who I am today…and tomorrow! And…yours will too! Invest in YOUR name as your website!
==> Create a HOME on the Web.
Don’t just make it a website with information about products—I HATE
THOSE! Don’t you? They give NOTHING for the reader to enjoy today or to
come back for later. If they do not buy the product at that time, you
lose them. Rather, make a website that is a HOME on the web! Make your
website a reflection of YOU! Include your articles/poems/tip sheets.
Include fresh material through an Ezine or a Blog. Set up your website
with a sampling of who you are and what you love to write on. Then, you
will create a successful website that makes your readers want to buy
your work as it comes out in print.
Set up an E-zine!
I get tickled regularly when I read
different marketing ideas online. If you have been reading much of it
lately, you have probably ran across the debates over whether email
marketing is going “out” or not with the huge interests in blogging and
RSS feeds. The opinions are as varied as you will ever find on any
other topic.
Many of you probably know that I use
all of them. So, what do I think? The opportunities for marketing and
ministry are abundant for today’s Christian writer. I find that each of
the methods we use in our ministry/business reach a different segment
of our supporters. Each segment has a preference for how they most
enjoy material and how they prefer to access the material. I recommend
building steadily into using many different means for sharing your
message—just don’t begin something that you cannot continue. Nothing
looks more unprofessional than a neglected blog (I have a couple!) or a
neglected message board. If you can only choose one or two things, I
recommend a blog and an e-zine. An e-zine helps to develop your message
for your reader. It also helps to build a mailing list of your
supporters. There are SO many other perks. Every writer should have at
least one newsletter list. Get started on a theme that is very natural
and easy for you. Find a topic in which you can easily have fresh new
material on a regular basis. Set up a schedule that works for you.
Then, spread the word!
Develop Your Mailing List…
One last thing! Don’t lose those that
come by your website. Be sure to set up a form for capturing their
addresses. Make it easy to use. Offer them something for free—a
subscription to your E-zine…a free E-book…a free bonus. Just adding a
form on your website or blog will capture hundreds of people who are
interested in following you through the years. Also, don’t forget to
make a point of promoting your mailing list when you travel to events,
speak at conferences, or send out orders. We did not announce ours as
much in the early years and it took several years to build up as much
as ours grows every six months now. A mailing list is the life-blood of
our businesses. Begin yours TODAY!
So...Want to Be a Writer???
Any of you ready to take the plunge?
These things have really made a huge difference for me through the
years. Hopefully they will really help you to be all that God wants for
you to be.
So many of you have immense talent.
Why not offer it up to God today as a precious sacrifice? You have
great things ahead of you! So…beloved…why not write that article? Why
not write that newspaper column? Why not write that book. Yes! YOU can
be a writer too!
Happy writing!
Cindy Rushton
Seen our website lately? Grab a cup of tea and check out our home on the web at:
http://www.CindyRushton.com
Check out MY NEWEST Website! Free Ezines, Free E-Workshops, and Regular Audio Podcasts!
http://www.CindysDesktop.com
Announcing!!! My NEW Blog! Grab a cup of tea and check out my tidbits FROM MY DESK(TOP!)!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton
Are you a writer? Wanta be a writer? Get the help and encouragement that you need at our Writer's Nook! NEW! You will LOVE IT!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/AWritersNook
Ready to tune-up your marriage? Check out our FREE Romance Toolbox!
http://www.CindyRushton.com/RomanceToolbox.html
Are you on our ezine??? Sign up TODAY! Don't miss one issue!
http://www.cindyrushton.com/subscribe.html
¸...¸ __/ /\____ ____
,·´º o`·,/__/ _/\_ //____/\
```)¨(´´´ | | | | | | | || |l±±±± |
¸,.-·²°´ ¸,.-·~·~·-.,¸ `°²·-. :º°
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
Spring Sale!
Hi!
I am
back in town from our weekend in South LA. What a blessing this weekend
was! I have SO much that could be said--but I have a hungry crew on my
hands! ha!
Just wanted to drop a note to remind you guys that our Spring Sale is
going on. There are many things that have sold out--I plan to update
the sale list sometime this week. Until then, if you want items, we can
let you know if we still have them. Just make your list and send it to
my email address. I will check on the products and let you know quickly
which ones we have reserved for you.
If ALL of this is new to you... 
We are having our HUGE Spring Sale
this month! All of our products in print and digital are priced to help
you stock up! You won't believe all of the deals that we are offering.
It is AMAZING! Just see the complete list here:
http://tinyurl.com/nce2p
Well, must get running! Need to feed this crew!
I will be back online afterwhile. I have a VERY exciting treat for all of you! Stay tuned....
Love ya!
Cindy
A GREAT BIG THANKS!
A GREAT BIG THANKS!
The response to our sale for ORGANIZED MOMS SUPER SET (announced in our HSEW Ezine this week) was SO great that we can now invest in our Podcast equipment!!!
Did all of you KNOW that you were helping me to reach for my dreams? We can't do this without YOU! THANKS!
Upcoming Podcasts interviews...
Tawra Kellum from livingonadime.com
Lucia Claborn from DailyFaithbuilders.com
Barb Shelton from www.homeschooloasis.com
Plus much, much more!
This is going to be SO good! Interviews, online Bible studies, tea-time chats, and MORE! I cannot wait to introduce our podcasts...just remember this fun new area of ministry in your prayers! More about this VERY SOON!
SEEN OUR BLOG??? WELCOME!
WELCOME!
Pour a cup of tea and just enjoy!
Join Cindy Rushton as she blogs from Cindy's Desk(TOP!)! Catch up with the Rushton Family, read Cindy's potpourri of articles, find out about new links on her website, and stay abreast of upcoming events and projects!
Grab your cup of tea. This will be a fun part of your day!
Leave a comment and be entered in our weekly drawing!
This week you COULD be the winner of a FREE E-book! Join us for tea-
time today!
LAST WEEK'S WINNER:
Elizabeth
Our comments last week were on many topics, but my FAVORITE discussion was on the theme:
SHARE YOUR SECRET ORGANIZING TIP????
If you have not seen the comments, pour yourself a BIG cup of tea and take a peek! They are SUPER! Each of you who left your comment on this theme will receive a FREE MP3 Audio of your choice!!!! See our list here: http://www.cindyrushton.com/CindysMP3s.html
Just email me at cindy@cindyrushton.com with your audio choice! (Ain't this FUN!???!)
Oh! Here is the link for their great comments!
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CindyRushton/97616/
These moms left PRECIOUS comments last week. We APPRECIATE your feedback!
Leave a comment this week!
One of you who leaves a comment will be the winner of a FREE E-book of your choice!!
DRAWING NEXT THURSDAY NIGHT!!
Why not join us today for your time for tea!
My Weekend--My Quiet Time Getaway!
Hey There Mommy Pals!!
Remember my post Friday in my ezine about "Refresh Yourself" and making time to do those things that bring rest and refreshment? Well, that is JUST what I did this weekend!
My husband and children had a shooting competition in Atlanta this weekend. Sooo, while the kids had "Daddy-time," I also had "Daddy-time" with my Heavenly Father! WONDERFUL!
I took my laptop with an audio Quiet Time Retreat by Catherine Martin (if you have not seen her goodies, you are in for a HUGE treat!)...my journal...and my Bible. My family left out early to go to breakfast and the shooting competition. I stayed behind in the hotel room until checkout time and then went to Cracker Barrel (next door! woohooo!). Oh! God met me in BOTH places! I was sooo refreshed by the end of the day.
I cannot encourage you ENOUGH to make time to refresh! I was READY for the week by mid-day--well, I was COMMITTED to just bask in the presence of the Lord--so my week began on schedule. 
I love my daily quiet time, but there is just something completely refreshing about having a Quiet Time Getaway--going to a special place that you can have a time of refreshing. It gave me time to really HEAR God on a few things that I have been praying and running off doing things before He could give me a definite answer--UGH, that irritates me about myself!! Also, it gave me a real time of rest--just basking in His presence.
Soooo...why not brush aside all of the stuff that hinders! You don't even have to buy breakfast at a Cracker Barrel (although it is very nice to actually sit and chew your food while soaking up God!). You can just pull away to a quiet spot and let Him re-charge your heart and soul.
No idea where to begin your time with God? Why not take along a head-set with some Praise/Worship music? Begin by just letting it fill you up! Then, just pour out everything to God--you will be surprised how fast He will answer those things that are just weighing you down! You will feel light and refreshed JUST FROM THAT! But, don't let that be all! Let Him give you some meat to chew on! Pull out your Bible and begin with Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel. Make it YOUR prayer! It will truly get you ready to embrace what God has to say to you for the day!
Want even more? I caught up my Daily Bible Reading (Yep...I was behind!  If it helps--I have been bogged down studying deeper! Still...). Actually, I think that it was SUPPOSED to be saved all for that day! It was the perfect timing and perfect preparation for this week. Sooo...you could begin with a time reading through the Bible. Or choose a neat Bible Study to dig into and begin during your time away with God. Another option that will get you into the Word and probably give you some study for a while is Catherine Martin's Quiet Time Studies. They are very nice to give you a nice, quick, and do-able study to dig into! I love her format so much that I hope to have some of our bigger Bible Studies available in a similar format very soon too.
Well, must get running! I have been online a bit long today. Must get lunch ready...orders shipped...and go over Algebra with Elisabeth. More later!
With much love,
Cindy
Another Fun Tag...Things You MAY NOT Know About Me! :)
Lisa just tagged me...Soooo, here are MY answers and those I want to tag! :)
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Wife and Mommy for 20 years! :)
2. Writer and Speaker--in the midst of the busy wife and mommy job! ha!
3. Newpaper columnist
4. Dental Hygienist/Assistant
5. Chiropractic Assistant
6....Oh...let's go ALL the way back to the beginning...store clerk in the mall! ha!
Yep! I have a hard time not giving ALL of the details! ha!
Four movies you could (or do) watch over and over:
1. Hitch--I LOVE love movies!
2. ANY old movies...way more than four! :)
Four places you have lived:
1. Tuscumbia, Alabama (now--and past 12 years)
2. Selma, Alabama--when Harold was in trooper academy
3. Laurel, Ms--after college
4. Athens, AL--during college
5. Laurel, Ms--all my life except for two years that daddy was transferred to Birmingham, AL (where I got saved!!) and Greenwood Ms!
Yep...there I go again with the WHOLE thing! :)
Four shows you love to watch (or did before the TV moved out):
1. Flip this House
2. Martha Stewart
3. The Apprentice
4. CSI--sometimes
5. News...
Yep...this should have been more than FOUR! :)
Four places you have been on vacation:
1. WHAT is a vacation! ha! Well, ugh...I NEED to work on this! ha!
Four websites you visit daily:
Humm...Do MY OWN sites count? ha! I try to always check in on this blog each day...I also check in on my Mom-2-Mom Discussion Board each day (LOVE that chat!)...and...my Yahoo Groups. :)
Now...because I cannot OBVIOUSLY give a straight answer! ha! I am researching several topics for my business/homeschool right now. Sooo, I have ended up on some topics regularly:
Podcasting...
Internet Business Ideas...
Biblical Holidays...(Studying through with my daughter)
Lewis and Clark info online
Four of your favorite foods:
1. WHITE Chocolate!
2. Milk Chocolate!
3. Chocolate covered ANYTHING
4. Chocolate anything! :)
Four places you would rather be right now:
I am in a WONDERFUL coffee shop with high speed internet and white hot chocolate--HELLO! ha!
Four bloggers you are tagging:
Sally Dasto! Who JUST began her first blog!
Janne-- Who JUST designed my CUTE blog template!!
Drewe Llyn-- Who I have just MISSED SOoooo much lately! :)
Lyn-- Who is one of my FAVORITE writers! :)
{ Last Page } { Page 1 of 3 } { Next Page }
|