From time to time in this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of David Waddell; author of “Characters of the Bible: Finding My Stories in Their Stories,” and “Holiday Biblical Characters: Finding My Stories in the Stories of Christmas and Easter.” To begin your self-publishing journey, get your free WestBow Press publishing guide today!
I had written for church newsletters and Lifeway Christian Resources during my time in church work. I don’t recall ever hearing how I blessed anyone in reading my material. Three years ago, following some major heart difficulties, I wrote a “Top Ten List” commenting on why I was thankful I had heart trouble. I wrote about the brevity of life and the need to forgive and let go of grudges. I noted the number of people I met earlier in life that came to help me in ways I couldn’t have imagined years earlier. I posted these on Facebook as a way of using humor to show thanks, but also to spread a message of how good God is.
A friend of mine, a girl at Grace Bible church, asked if I could print the Top Ten List and put it in book form. I inquired as to why she would want that and she insisted the items were well written. I then began receiving other accolades about the Top Ten List as well as other Facebook posts. People began asking me when a book was going to be written.
I held an idea for some time that Joseph, the son of Jacob, is viewed as the poor, unfortunate brother being abused by Jacob’s other sons. I knew, being the middle brother of three boys, that Joseph was indeed lucky his brothers didn’t kill him! I started seeing myself in other biblical characters as well. Abraham as he waits on a baby. Peter as he spoke without knowing what to say. David as he planned out his sin.
These led me to the writing of my first book “Characters of the Bible: Finding My Stories in Their Stories.” I followed the same theme using the stories and biblical characters that related to Christmas and Easter to create my second book, “Holiday Biblical Characters: Finding My Stories in the Stories of Christmas and Easter.
David Waddell
The first section of Holiday Biblical Characters deals with the Christmas stories in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Included are twenty-three stories about Christmas travels, sounds in the night on Christmas Eve, being outcasts like shepherds, waiting for something good like Simeon, Christmas pageantry, gift giving, and many more. The message of the book is to see the connection we have with people in the Bible and how God used them despite them being just like us!
An author friend suggested I try the self-publishing approach to getting my work published. I researched several companies and decided the best approach was to go with the name and reputation of a good Christian publishing company. WestBow Press is the self-publishing division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. The latter two names don’t require explanation in Christian publishing circles. The folks at WestBow took me in as if I were family and guided me through the process. I even contracted editing services with WestBow as I have been told my Missouri hillbilly English and proper English are entirely two different things.
Thank you WestBow Publishing for giving me the resources to see a dream come true in the publishing of my two books.
Merry Christmas!
-WBP-
David Waddell’s webpage is http://www.dwaddell7.com. Like “Characters of the Bible” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/justlikebiblicalpeople. Follow David Waddell on Twitter @dwaddell77
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through the WestBow Press Facebook page, by tweeting us @WestBowPress, or by emailing kgray@ westbowpress.com. We may not be able to use every story, but we will read and consider them. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation and length.