Overall, your comments were so encouraging, and what we heard most was:
We like it; don’t change too much!
Was it because only the folks who like the newsletter answered the survey? LOL! Or maybe—and I hope this is it—you really enjoy what you read. Let me report the actual numbers before I share the decisions I’ve made with the help of my leadership team.
Desired Frequency (current practice in bold):
- Once-a-month – 34%
- Twice-a-month – 66%
Favorite Components (in order of preference):
- Featured Article – 74%
- Prayer Updates – 69%
- Book Reviews – 61%
- Giveaways – 55%
New Content Suggestions:
- Family Pictures
- Trivia about a previous book
- Q&A (readers write in questions that I answer)
- More free books
- A schedule of events, speaking engagements
- Recipes or crafty items
- More about me? Another person suggested fav book, food, pet peeve, etc. Daily news…little things.
- Make past novellas free to existing subscribers
- Don’t ask people to sacrifice Starbucks (When did I EVER? LOL!)
- Progress on upcoming books/projects – prequel chapters
- Ancient recipes/foods still eaten today
- Behind the scenes info on research
- Pronunciations
- Deleted chapters
- Personal spiritual lessons
Decided Changes for 2020 Newsletters:
- Still 2 newsletters a month!
- 1st Monday News will include:
- Featured Article – info on research, new release, character sketch, Bible study, etc.
- Prayer Updates – on publishing and/or personal news.
- 3rd Monday News
- A surprise each month of ONE item from your “New Content Suggestions” list above! You must click to open and discover what I’m sharing!
- Prayer Updates – on publishing and/or personal news.
- 5th Monday News
- On the months that we have a 5th Monday, I’ll find a special something to place in your inbox. My promise is:
- It will be short.
- NEVER boring.
- And worth your time.
- On the months that we have a 5th Monday, I’ll find a special something to place in your inbox. My promise is:
Comments 13
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Good morning Mesu…I am one who likes your sharings just the way they are. I do have concerns tho! It’s called “overload”. First as a powerfully informative gift from God, and second as a selfish greedy reader of your words, I wouldn’t want to see you exhaust and struggle for story production. You have a lot on your plate, and I pray wisdom and Holy Spirit guidance for you; to know your pace and keep us, your needy (and sometimes greedy) audience, in proper Godly control. So, please remember that “you are a child of God” not a child of the world! You are so loved and appreciated. Shalom…Peggy
Author
Oh, Peggy! I needed to hear that this morning. Thank you so much for the grace and sweet care. I’m working hard to guard my time and be a good steward of the gifts God has given–both my passion for writing and my sweet family–while at the same time taking care of this very limited physical vessel that’s growing older. Your wise words are a great reminder!
This is wonderful. I always look forward to hearing from you and seeing how God is moving in your life. You are an inspiration to us all and your love for Him definitely shows through. Love the book reviews you give on your Facebook feed. Blessings to you and your precious family.
Author
Thanks for the encouragement, Silvia! So glad to hear you enjoy the book deals on FB too. That’s a fun way to bless my author AND reader friends!
I became a little too distacted in 2019 and just now bought your book Of Fire and Lions. We all need to remember to stay the course God has planned out for our lives on this short earthly stay. Excited for all your exciting news!
Author
Staci, 2018 was one of the toughest years of my life, and 2019 was my re-focus year. I’m praying 2020 will be the year I’m able to stick with all the plans hubby and I made together in 2019! Let me know what you think of OFL! 😉
Oh, Mesu, I agree with the others about not overloading yourself. It seems like you do a good job of balancing, but only you, Roy, and the Lord know for sure. 🙂
Author
Dana, you’ll soon get to figure out how to balance all the plates of a published author! Congrats again, my sweet friend, and I pray the Lord will give you wisdom beyond the lessons I learned the hard way. Big hugs to you!
Mesu, thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to consider the wants of your readers! I agree with Peggy; you have a lot on your plate. Please take time every day for yourself. (Even if it is to lock yourself in the bathroom for 5 minutes!) I love your books!
Author
Thank you so much, Sherall! I’m so encouraged by your love and care. How did you know I sometimes lock myself in the bathroom?! LOL! Blessings on you, dear one. 😉
Yay! I look forward to the changes AND continuing with all the great content you already offer, Mesu. God’s richest blessings on your writing!💗