Kat the Writer

Handy Tip from the Lionhearted Kat:

A Lion is a lion is a lion, no matter whether awake or sleeping—

basking in the sunlight or hunting in the dark of night.

“Well, I’d like to be a writer,” a woman said to me at Wordsowers Christian Writers Conference.

“Would like to be? You must be a writer if you are attending a conference,” I said. “What have you written?”

“I just write a short devotional for the church newsletter. I’ve never really published….”

Yeah, well, can you see me? I grabbed her arms. “You are a writer. You are even published. Your newsletter is read by how many?”

Funny, I recalled Debbie Hedstrom from Oregon Christian Writers saying about the same words to me years before. I sat in awe of Debbie—a well-published author.

Up to then, I’d written many devotions for the women in our churches—the three churches where my husband pastored. I never ever gave myself the title “Writer” or “Author.”

After Debbie’s encouragement, I started writing for publication. My friend Bev and I attended a conference where we invited workshop leaders, Steve and Janet Bly to lunch with us. (Yes, we paid for their lunches😊

Janet read one of my stories and said, “I would suggest you change the title to "Secret, Secret Sister and then send this to STANDARD Sunday School handout. You are a good writer.” I did send my story to STANDARD. It published in 1992. 

Wow, what high praise. But guess what? It took four more years before I became wise enough to have business cards made that said, “Kat Crawford, Freelance Author.”

I’m not a wealthy writer, but I know God chose me to share His Word with others. What about you—do you have business cards yet?  

(Please note, This isn't an ad for Vista Print, but I've used their services for years and I am happy with the quality, the level of service and pricing.)
Oh and about "Secret, Secret Sister," I did send my story to STANDARD. It published in 1992. 

Lionhearted Kat the Writer

I Am one Beat Up Rejected Lion 

Most know me as the Lionhearted Kat, but that happened later in life. In 2006 I did feel like this rejected lion. Then someone suggested each writer try for twice as many rejections. The next year I did and guess what? I sold twice as much too. If you submit more, you sell more and sometimes you receive a rejection or two. 

All these years later I've published two books  Capsules of Hope: Survival Guide for Caregivers and my latest book: 

Dew Drops of Hope: Help for Those Going Through Grief and Loss 

And I write for many publications, too.  

My motto: 

YOU CANNOT SELL WHAT YOU DON'T SUBMIT!