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How to Write a Book in 4 Simple Steps

8/13/2019

39 Comments

 
How to Write a Book in 4 Simple Steps

How to write a book in 4 simple steps:
​

  1. Experience a life-changing tragedy

  2. Get outside of your comfort zone

  3. Find an editor that believes in the message

  4. Become discouraged and put the project away for 17 years
​​
​Seriously, this is how it happens sometimes. At least this is how it happened for me. And if I’m completely honest, none of that was simple.

​The Heart That Heals is coming to Amazon September 1, 2019. Today I want to share with you how it almost didn’t happen.
The Heart That Heals

Those 4 simple steps:

  1. My sister was tragically killed. It was unexpected to us, but not to God. (More details in the book.) The Heart That Heals is really all about how I healed my brokenness, due to that tragedy, through the promises of God found in His Word, the Bible. 

  2. I was asked to speak at a ladies conference on the events of that night and how I healed my brokenness through the promises of God. I spoke at that conference and a couple more, but let me tell you public speaking is WAY outside of my comfort zone! I am not a speaker. I am not even a writer. I’m just a girl asking God, “What next?”

  3. From those speaking opportunities came enough notes to write a 12-chapter book. I gave that book to an editor. She tore it apart, rearranging chapters, creating sections, and all of that needed to be done.
    ​

  4. The task of moving chapters around, rewriting intros, exits and transitions was completely overwhelmed to me. I became discouraged and put the book away for 17 years.

None of that sounds simple, does it?

Last summer God really impressed on me to get that book back out and finish the job! There was just one problem. I couldn’t find the file. My laptop crash and when I purchased another and transferred my backed-up files, the book wasn’t there. I had a little panic attack. I prayed. Then I called for help. My son and son-in-law were able to resurrect a copy of The Heart That Heals from two laptops ago—a laptop I thought was completely dead. 

It took a few months but I finished the edits from the first editor and sent it off to a second and after those edits, a third.

What you should know about The Heart That Heals

If you are the kind of person that judges a book by its cover, you’re going to LOVE The Heart That Heals! My friend Emily, from Blue Chair Blessing, created the cover and illustrated the interior. You really should hop over to her site and take a look around. She's so talented, and she loves Jesus like we do.

Wouldn't it be great if our whole lives said, Come on in! You'll meet Jesus here! That's exactly what The Heart That Heals says. It's a place for you to settle in and meet God.
"Our choices have consequences. The pathway we walk has a destination. I want you to make good choices so that the consequences will be good. I want your destination to be one that glorifies God. If you’re in a broken place, it may be difficult to make good choices. Is your pathway littered with the debris of brokenness? I want to help you get past all that and learn to be still, and know that He is God." —from the Prologue
The Heart That Heals is centered around Psalm 46:10a, Be still, and know that I am God. It’s a book about healing our brokenness. It's about doing the next thing, and sometimes, the next thing is to be still, and know that He is God. This book is full of Scripture and practical application. Each chapter will challenge you to reflect, apply, pray, meditate on and memorize Scripture. It’s your homework but in a good way.
Friend, please don’t think you’re alone. You are not! Thousands of women just like you have used these biblical principles to heal their brokenness. You have not come here by accident. You've found this place today for a reason, and you belong here!

What people are saying about The Heart That Heals

"The Heart That Heals is like a friend who comes alongside you to walk a long journey. There are moments on the path when your friend lets you cry, or even cries along with you, because the terrain is tough. There are times when your friend grabs your hand and lifts you up because you’ve tripped over a tree root you didn’t see. Then there are glimpses of remembered joy when your friend says something funny-and you laugh-and the path seems brighter. And, somewhere along the way, you realize she gets it. She understands. She knows because she’s walked this path before. Thank you for providing a resource that not only offers healing hope, but also a sense of friendship for the journey." —Stephanie ​
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Post Continued
As I was drinking my morning coffee and looking out over our little garden, I notice a cucumber vine that had taken leave of its trellis. They seem to do this overnight, suddenly and without warning. My husband lovingly put it back where it belonged.

​I thought about myself, somewhat like that cucumber vine. Wandering. Taking leave of my protective trellis provided by God. It can happen so quickly. But God, I love to say that! But God, lovingly puts me back where I belong.
The Heart That Heals
This has been the story of my life. I wander. He seeks me out, finds me, and restores my soul with His loving kindness. The tool He so often uses to do this is the tool of His promises. I have seen His promises play out over and over in my life, and that has not only brought me back to Him but also strengthened my faith.

Those promises, straight from His Word, are waiting for you here in The Heart That Heals. They are laid out for you in a way that will nourish your thirsty soul and bring you back to Him, if that’s what you need. I found myself today highlighting them, and making notes of His promises found in the book.
If you’re wandering, grab ahold of His promises and let them penetrate the very depths of your soul. Meditate on them. Hide them in your heart. Write them into your story. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
When you hold a copy of The Heart That Heals in your hands, I want it to feel like that favorite coloring book you had when you were 7 years old. Remember, the one you took on long car rides, when everyone else was saying, “Are we there yet?” and you were just enjoying the ride? Coloring, looking out the window, enjoying God's creation, amazed at its beauty. You colored in that book a lot! And for the first time you learned to color inside the lines. Oh, you’d highlight around the edge of the lines, make it a little darker for artistic effect, but you always stayed inside the lines.
The Heart That Heals
Wouldn’t it be nice if life was like that—always staying inside of our neatly defined lines? But it’s not, and we’ve come to expect that. We deal with it. We overlook it. We ignore it. But sometimes it gets the better of us. It hurts. It’s painful and recovery can be challenging. Well friend, The Heart That Heals is here to help you with those challenges. It's here to remind you of the beautiful promises of God found clearly defined in His Word. Come color with me. Let’s be friends and let me tell you about His unchanging promises! ​
At the beginning of each chapter of The Heart That Heals you'll be challenged to meditation on three verses or passages of Scripture and write out one. Meditate on three. Write out one. This was the brainchild of my friend Christine, and I’m so happy we added it to the book!

This morning I was reading in Chapter 9: The Blessings of Burdens and meditating on the three passages of Scripture for that chapter.

Here’s what I discovered:
“But  the more they [the Israelites] were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.” Exodus 1:12

“But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Genesis 50:19-20

“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they [the Apostles] did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 5:42
  • Burdens make us stronger
  • Burdens can be used by God for good
  • Burdens give us a renewed boldness
​​I chose to write out Genesis 50:19-20, because Joseph’s story is just one of the best visuals of the blessings of burdens found in God’s Word. Joseph’s willingness to be used of God, the deceitfulness of his brothers, the love of his father, the accusations of Potiphar’s wife, the abandonment of the cupbearer, the years in prison, the trust of Pharaoh, the wisdom of how to prepare for years of drought. . . all of these things, some burdens some not, came into play to keep many people alive. 
The Heart That Heals
It’s actually fascinating how God weaves these things together and creates blessings out of burdens, and He does the very same thing in our lives today!

Join the movement and download The Heart That Heals printable package today!

The Heart That Heals printable package includes 10 verses used in the 10 chapters of the book. Break out your favorite watercolors, colored pencils, Bible journaling markers or even crayons and relax while you get artistic and meditate on Scripture with these lovely printables. 

Can you keep a secret? These printables (illustrated by my friend Emily over at Blue Chair Blessing) are included in the book, but I'm giving you the opportunity to download them from our website for free, today! It's our secret, ok? You're going to love these printables!
The Heart That Heals printables

Join the movement!

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I recently read this verse in my morning Bible study.
​​"The sum of Your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever." Psalm 119:160
That's when it hit me—His truths, His promises, they endure FOREVER! The Heart That Heals sat waiting to be published for 17 years, but it really doesn't matter because the truths and promises we find in God's Word are timeless. They don't change and neither does He. Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

If you and I were Pen Pals, The Heart That Heals is the letter I would write to you if you’d lost a child, a husband, a best friend, or a sister. It’s the kind of letter I would seal with a heart-shaped sticker that says, God Loves You, you know, that kind of sticker you used to get in Sunday school. You’d read my letter and you’d know, yes, you would know, He truly does love me!
The Heart That Heals
Available at Amazon
Friend, I pray The Heart That Heals meets you in the quiet places of your heart—especially that place where you struggle to see God at work. I’m inviting you to explore those places with me and be changed. 
Patsy
P. S. The Heart That Heals is coming to Amazon September 1, 2019. Can I ask you a HUGE favor? Will you pray over the book with me? I want readers to see Jesus. I want them to find Him waiting on every page. I want the promises of His faithfulness and steadfast love to scream above the waves of the storm they may be in. Will you pray to that end with me?
How can you see yourself using The Heart That Heals in your own life?
  • As a personal or group Bible study?
  • As a gift to a hurting friend?
  • As a donate to a local hospice or woman's shelter?
  • As healing for your own brokenness?
These are just a few ways I plan to use the book. Please share with us how you see yourself using The Heart That Heals.
Please Share
39 Comments
Rebecca Hastings link
8/13/2019 09:07:58 am

Friend, I know this book will help MANY, MANY women heal the broken places in their own hearts and draw them closer to Jesus. Thank you for writing brave and sharing your journey!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/13/2019 09:21:27 am

Thank you Rebecca! And thank you for all your help sharing about the book. It means so much!

Reply
Jana link
8/13/2019 09:42:23 am

Patsy, I am so encouraged by your story of publishing this book!

The Lord has walked me through trauma and done amazing healing work. My heart is to encourage others with my story, but I know it's not quite time yet. BUT He has a perfect plan and HIS TIMING is always perfect!

Don't beat yourself up over those 17 years of dormancy. He was still at work in your heart and life, preparing you for THIS season. "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion..." (Phlippians 1:6)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/13/2019 09:51:23 am

Thank you Jana! It's been a journey for sure. But as you say, one He has walked me through and His timing is always right. Now, I want to hold the hands of others and be a comfort to them as He has been to me—and in turn build in them the confidence to be comforters themselves.

Reply
Jana link
8/13/2019 11:13:24 am

"... and in turn build in them the confidence to be comforters themselves." I love that. One of the greatest gifts God has given me has been the privilege of encouraging others going through some of the difficulties I've had to endure. He is so good to us.

Lauren Renee Sparks link
8/13/2019 10:08:02 am

A book! I"m so excited for you. It sounds amazing. laurensparks.net

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/13/2019 11:17:12 am

Thank you Lauren!

Reply
Lesley link
8/13/2019 10:12:54 am

I loved reading your story of writing your book, and I'm sure it will be a blessing to many!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/14/2019 07:30:46 am

Thank you Lesley! :)

Reply
Maree Dee link
8/13/2019 11:26:02 am

It is an amazing book. I am so grateful to be on the launch team and get an early peek. Thank you for sharing your story. It give me courage to share my own. Blessings, Maree

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/13/2019 12:15:50 pm

Awww... thank you Maree. I'm glad to have you on the team! :)

Reply
Debra Jean link
8/13/2019 12:11:38 pm

WOW! What a beautiful testimony of God's hope, redemption and love for us! When I first started reading, I looked at the 4 steps and thought, she shouldn't have called it "simple" yet I know that with God it may not be simple but He uses the hard to create amazing beauty and redemption. I see this book bringing a lot of people to that beautiful place of seeing how God can redeem their hurt and work it out for good in the lives of many. Just as you have done by writing this book. Thanks for sharing your hard story. 8)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/13/2019 12:19:36 pm

I love that Debra, God uses the hard things to create amazing beauty and redemption! <— That's a lovely thought! I pray the book does bring many to that beautiful place and that they indeed do see God and His timeless truths and promises through it.

Reply
Lisa notes link
8/13/2019 02:13:32 pm

It's never too late to tell a great story. I'm glad you didn't wait another year to publish your book. Blessings on all who will read it!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/13/2019 02:29:29 pm

Thank you Lisa! :)

Reply
Rebecca Jones link
8/13/2019 04:00:30 pm

I know your book will help a lot of people and I know all about trying to find agents and editors. God does speak through us and He gave you a voice.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/14/2019 07:32:46 am

Thank you Rebecca. :) God brought to my life path just the people He wanted to edit and review the book just at the times He wanted—that in itself is another amazing story!

Reply
Michele Morin link
8/13/2019 07:27:55 pm

So good to get the story behind the story! Really looking forward to opening the pages!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/14/2019 07:34:25 am

Thank you Michele! :) Your words "the story behind the story" reminds me of how God is always working, even when we can't see it or feel it. There is always a story behind the story!

Reply
Tiffany Montgomery link
8/14/2019 07:58:04 am

Be Still and Know that I am God is one of the most convicting passages for me right now. It's so hard to be still in this busy world. SO excited about your book and the way it looks like it will be a resource to help me do this better.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/14/2019 08:37:56 am

Yes Tiffany, I love that verse. I repeat it to myself over and over throughout the day. Especially today, as I accompany my 80-year-old sweet mama to her first heart doctor appointment. We don't know where this journey is going to lead, but God does, and we will just be still and know that He is God!

Reply
Diane@worthbeyondrubies link
8/14/2019 09:14:06 am

Patsy I am so encouraged by your story! I have been wanting to write a book for YEARS and I have honestly been terrified to even begin. The enemy loves to whisper discouraging things in my ears and then health issues got in the way. Thank you for sharing your story. It did help me to have a clearer view of where to go and just say to God "What's next?" Shared!! Thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/14/2019 09:23:54 am

Thank you friend! Don't listen to the enemy, just do the next thing— which for me usually includes a lot of praying "What's next?" Thanks for sharing! :)

Reply
Aryn The Libraryan ? link
8/14/2019 12:19:26 pm

What a journey! I am sorry, and I congratulate you for coming to this point! I look forward to sharing this book with others!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/15/2019 07:41:20 am

Thank you, Aryn! It has been a journey, but I can see God leading in so many points along the way. I can truly say, "His timing is perfect." We can always say that of course, the difference here is that I can also see it. :)

Reply
Susan Landry link
8/16/2019 10:45:58 am

Congratulations on your book launch! How exciting and lovely that God is using what you went through for His glory. You must be over the moon!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/16/2019 10:49:48 am

Thank you, Susan! It is amazing and yes, I am completely over the moon! :)

Reply
Jerralea Miller link
8/16/2019 05:30:30 pm

How exciting! Love the cover, it's so beautiful. Love the message. Be still. So hard, yet solitude is so invaluable - it enables to hear His voice.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/18/2019 02:10:33 pm

Thank you Jerralea, the cover is for sure something special! As I've said before, if you're the kind of person that judges a book by it's cover, you are going to LOVE this book! LOL My friend Emily over at BlueChairBlessing.com is an amazing artist! And the message... it's special too. I love Psalm 46:10! Be still and know.

Reply
Mary Geisen link
8/16/2019 09:00:34 pm

Congratulations on your book! God not only blessed you with your story but the process in seeing it to completion. I pray it reaches the people who need your message the most. Blessings!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/18/2019 02:11:19 pm

Thank you Mary!

Reply
Tea With Jennifer link
8/16/2019 09:15:30 pm

Congratulations! Well done! Publishing our stories to help others is healing in itself!
You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
Bless you,
Jennifer

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/18/2019 02:12:38 pm

You are right Jennifer! The process itself has been a big part of the healing.

Reply
Wendy @ One Exceptional Life link
8/17/2019 07:39:15 am

I was encouraged by your story and the delay in writing your book. The title caught my eye as I have my own story to tell, but I'm just not ready to write it. God's timing is best and when it's time, He will let me know.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/18/2019 02:19:41 pm

Thank you Wendy! You are correct—His timing is perfect! I know you have a story to tell and when it is time you will tell it.

Reply
Homer Les link
8/18/2019 12:07:22 pm

Ok. Have tried the steps
Step 1. Check
Step 2. Check; (was done along with 1)
Step 3. Where do you find the editor?
Step 4. Check; only ours has been only 2 years and not because of discouragement.

So what is next? I am at a bit of a loss for that. Thank you.

Blessings,
Homer Les
www.uncompromisingfaith.ca

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
8/18/2019 02:17:31 pm

Homer, fortunately God brought an editor into my life, and long before I actually even knew I would need an editor. We became friends in high school—well... I was in high school. She was a teacher. What's next? Prayer! Pray and ask God to show you the next step. Ask Him to bring the people across your path that will help you advance in the giving of His Word. He will. One step at a time.

Reply
Marva - SunSparkleShine link
8/18/2019 08:42:42 pm

Patsy, I'm excited about your new book and how it will help hurting hearts. I have every reason to believe that the hard work you put in, and the sacrifices you made, will all be worth it in the end.
Blessings to you!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
12/29/2019 08:42:31 am

Thank you so much, Marva! I am AMAZED at how many messages I continue to receive from people who are reading the book and tell me what a help it has been. Truly, God is working!

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