'Like a best friend giving you essential advice. I can’t wait to give this to every writer I know.' Candice Carty-Williams Why do stories matter? I tell stories to make sense of the world as I see it. The world I have lived and experienced, read about and heard about, and what I want it to be. I tell stories to make sense of myself. Nikesh Shukla, author, writing mentor and bestselling editor of The Good Immigrant, knows better than most the power that every unique voice has to create change. Whether it's a novel, personal essay, non-fiction work or short story – or even just the formless desire to write something – Your Story Matters will hone your skill and help you along the way. This book includes exercises and prompts that will develop your idea, no matter what genre you're writing in. It is practical, to the point and focused on letting you figure out what you want to write, how you want to write and why this is the best use of your voice. Accessible and thought-provoking, Your Story Matters will inspire you to keep thinking about writing, even when you don't have the time to put pen to paper.

Your story is bigger than you know. From its tiniest details to its most dramatic events, your story is a sacred gift, worthy of attention. But how do you find and tell that story? In this practical, liberating guide based on her thirty years of writing and teaching, Leslie Leyland Fields will lead you step by step in exploring your past and shaping your memories into vivid, compelling stories. With writing exercises to help you dive deeper into your story, you’ll discover new spiritual truths, reclaim the past, share hope, and pass on your own extraordinary legacy. Understanding God’s work in our stories is a vital part of our faith. Not just a book for writers, this practical and inspiring book teaches us how to sift through our experiences to find the places we have witnessed God in our journey: the mysterious, the tragic, the miraculous, and the ordinary. Find even more inspiration and guidance with Your Story for His Glory, a companion video curriculum—available online or in DVD format. “Leslie was not only my first writing mentor—she continues to mentor me with the way she lives her life and shapes it into an unforgettable story that gives hope and gives God the glory.” —Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author “Leslie has a deep commitment to writing life-giving words. This book promises to prompt the best out of storytellers and creatives.” —Max Lucado, New York Times bestselling author “Personal and profound, inspirational and practical, God-focused and with its feet firmly placed on the ground, this is a necessary and beautiful book for anyone and everyone.” —Brett Lott, New York Times bestselling author, director of MFA program at the College of Charleston

Your Story Matters presents a dynamic and spiritually formative process for understanding and redeeming the past in order to live well in the present and into the future. Leslie Leyland Fields has used and taught this practical and inspiring writing process for decades, helping people from all walks of life to access memory and sift through the truth of their stories. This is not just a book for writers. Each one of us has a story, and understanding God's work in our stories is a vital part of our faith. Through the spiritual practice of writing, we can "remember" his acts among us, "declare his glory among the nations," and pass on to others what we have witnessed of God in this life: the mysterious, the tragic, the miraculous, the ordinary. With a companion video curriculum from RightNow Media, this is a "why not" book as opposed to a "how to" book. Leslie asks each of us an important question: "Why not learn to tell your story, in the context of the grander story of God?"

A hilarious how-to on creative writing that makes the writing process fun for aspiring middle-school authors. For fans of Writing Radar by Jack Gantos. Interested in writing but don't know how to get started? Love reading and want to know more about how stories are created? Like ridiculous tales about troublesome sisters, peanut butter and steamrollers? Look no further! Esteemed writer Richard Scrimger is here to answer all your burning questions about writing: whether about plot, character, structure, story hooks or commas. (Actually, don't ask him about commas, it's not that kind of book.) Using clever (so he thinks) analogies, (sort of) brilliant examples and funny (well . . .) anecdotes, he will give you (truly) useful tools to start you on your way as a writer. And if that's not enough, comic illustrations by D. McFadzean are the pepperoni on the writing pizza! (That will make sense once you read the book.) So come, read this book and start your writing journey!

Stories that Matter One Incredible God How could a pair of blue stilettos change someone else's story? Why would that story even matter? Everyone has a story.... the beautician at the beauty salon.... the homeless pregnant woman found sleeping in the park.... a pharmaceutical sales rep that appears as if her life is perfect.... the successful owner of a local waterline company.... or even a shallow-faced teen ravaged by the effects of drugs.... All of them have stories.... ....stories that matter. Inside this book there are countless real stories. Your faith will be encouraged as you read about how God speaks by sending butterflies after a night of sorrow, through catching fish, a timely delivery and the faith it took to build a ministry for those who didn't think their stories mattered. Join the courage of many that have found where their Hope Joy Peace and Freedom truly come from. After reading these amazing stories you will be encouraged and uplifted knowing that God hears and answers prayer. He desires to become the Author of your story as well ....because your story matters. Tammie Price is the founder and president of A Place for Us, Ministries Inc. After finding herself pregnant out of wedlock, married, and then going through a heart wrenching divorce, she never imagined her story would matter and could be used for good. When she found the "Lover of her soul" through a real relationship with Jesus Christ, it became the turning point in her life. He became her everything; He would heal her brokenness and call a community to join in her efforts to reach out to the broken. A Place for Us Ministries was founded in April 2001.

Like a best friend giving you essential advice. I can’t wait to give this to every writer I know.' Candice Carty-Williams Why do stories matter? I tell stories to make sense of the world as I see it. The world I have lived and experienced, read about and heard about, and what I want it to be. I tell stories to make sense of myself. Nikesh Shukla, author, writing mentor and bestselling editor of The Good Immigrant, knows better than most the power that every unique voice has to create change. Whether it's a novel, personal essay, non-fiction work or short story – or even just the formless desire to write something – Your Story Matters will hone your skill and help you along the way. This book includes exercises and prompts that will develop your idea, no matter what genre you're writing in. It is practical, to the point and focused on letting you figure out what you want to write, how you want to write and why this is the best use of your voice. Accessible and thought-provoking, Your Story Matters will inspire you to keep thinking about writing, even when you don't have the time to put pen to paper.

“Human beings understand the world best through stories. . . . And in this book Heather and Julian are ace story-enablers. A must-read!” —Bill McKibben, New York Times–bestselling author of Falter and Radio Free Vermont Everyone has a story to tell. Sharing that story can change you, your community, or even the world. But how do you start? Discover the tools to unlock your truth and share it with the world: Storytelling coaches Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen reveal how to embrace the power of personal storytelling in a series of easy steps. You'll learn how to share your experiences and invaluable knowledge with the people who need it most, whether it be in a blog post, a motivational speech, or just a conversation with a loved one. How Your Story Sets You Free is the path to finding the spark that ignites the fire and reminds you just how much your story matters. • Features over 100 pages of practical and motivating advice, with quotes from renowned storytellers including Maya Angelou and Marshall Ganz. • Includes specific step-by-step instructions to help you find the words to tell your story in the most powerful and impactful way. “Working with Heather and Julian changed everything by getting me over the hurdle that stood between what was true about my life and what I was willing to share with the world. I’m so grateful they’ve distilled their wisdom and vision into this book.” —Caledonia Curry, artist who goes by Swoon “Heather and Julian are masterful in navigating you through the funny, rocky, delicate, and sometimes scary terrain of sharing yourself boldly, humbly, and unapologetically.” —Rha Goddess, founder CEO of Move The Crowd, author of The Calling

In an age of picture-perfect social media, it can be easy to feel like our day-to-day lives are unimportant. We worry that if we're not doing "big things" with our lives, they aren't worth mentioning. At the same time, we wonder if anyone struggles with friendships, marriage, or parenting like we do. In the face of superficial status updates, we crave authenticity! Take a journey with Lysa TerKeurst, Jennie Allen, and other writers into the courageous, challenging, and hope-filled stories of 31 women. From circus big tops to hospital beds, from journeys around the world to conversations around the kitchen table, join them as they recall the lessons and legacies woven throughout the highs, lows, and everyday moments of life. Through life's complexities, God reveals the story of himself. And through him, we have the potential to live out our purpose and impact the world through our stories. Your story matters. And every heart has a story to tell! Bridging the Gap is a statewide women's ministry organization in Minnesota that works to enhance the spiritual, physical, social, emotional, and mental faculties of women across cultures, generations, and denominations. Our purpose is to encourage, equip, and empower every woman on her faith journey with Jesus Christ. You can find out more about us at mnbtg.org.

Your story matters. It's time for you to tell YOUR STORY!! There are people waiting to be set free and healed from your story...YES, YOUR STORY!! Here is your starting point. Use this journal to start telling your story.

An artist's unique voice is their calling card. It's what makes each of their works vital and particular. But developing such singular artistry requires effort and persistence. Bestselling author, artist, and illustrator Lisa Congdon brings her expertise to this guide to the process of artistic self-discovery. Featuring advice from Congdon herself and interviews with a roster of established artists, illustrators, and creatives, this one-of-a-kind book will show readers how to identify and nurture their own visual identity, navigate the influence of artists they admire, push through fear and insecurity, and appreciate the value of their personal journey.