In the spirit of transparency, the original composition was handwritten. From there, I took a picture and uploaded it to CHATGPT. It did the heavy lifting and converted it into an editable Word doc.

Amazing!

I said all that to underscore the importance of writing. Not typing. Handwriting. It is slower. It involves more thinking and concentration. It also helps if you can write legibly.

From a technical standpoint, as I said, it is quite simple, and there are many ways to achieve it. But the important thing is to learn or relearn how to put your thoughts down on paper before you grab your iPad, laptop, or PC keyboard and start banging away on your keys. It uses both sides of your brain. Handwriting does this more effectively.

Legendary Stephen King writes all his first drafts in longhand using an ink pen.

J.K. Rowling drafted her best-selling novels, Harry Potter, on paper.

Neil Gaiman writes his initial drafts by hand in a notebook.

Composers such as John Williams, Ennio Morricone, and Liza Lim all draft their work on paper before going to the computer.

So why handwrite when you can type?

A quick Google search provided me with enough research material to cause your eyes to glaze over and your hand to cramp. But just to satisfy your curiosity, let me illustrate.

There is increased Brain Activity

Deep connections: Studies show handwriting syncs brain areas for motor control, vision, and memory.

Simple motions: Typing uses repetitive, identical finger movements that require less brain power.

Slower pace: Writing by hand forces your brain to slow down, summarize, and process meaning instead of copying words on autopilot.

Secondarily;

Better recall: People remember information better from handwritten notes because the brain encodes the physical act of forming letters more deeply.

Forced paraphrasing: You cannot write as fast as you type, so you must translate ideas into your own words.

Fewer distractions: Paper notebooks block digital pop-ups, notifications, and tabs that break your focus

Quoting noted tech journalist Clive Thompson, “Handwriting is good for taking notes, for example, when you’re listening to a talk. People who take handwritten notes understand and remember more than those who type, possibly because you have to synthesize the information as you go along. People who type (this used to be me!) merely transcribe.” He goes on to say, Handwriting also seems to work very well for big picture thinking”

I’ve often said, “I’ve never met a blank sheet of paper I didn’t like.” Scribbling ideas and notes is a great way to overcome writer’s block. It also keeps you from the temptation to check your email, text, and get lost on the internet. You stay on task, and isn’t that what you’re there for?

While I’m on the topic of scribbling, this would be a good time to mention Mind Mapping. (See my earlier post on the topic.

Another side benefit to handwritten notes, or drafts, is not losing your work when your computer crashes or somehow losing your doc to a power surge or power loss. You know whereof I speak. You know the feeling of an icy knot that forms in your gut when you can’t find your hard work. Which reminds me...hit Save.

Additionally, you can quickly draw lines, circle important thoughts, color your text, and underline something you wanted to remember. I know you can do it on your computer, but you have to admit, handwriting is quite satisfying. You can always upload it to a Google Doc file and then add content, edit lines, and rearrange later.

Moving on, allow me to mention my new website.

Believe me, there is something for everyone. If you are looking for your next great read, click on the Books page. For music, go to the Sacred Music page and find many usable pieces for your choir, small group, or soloists. If art is your bailiwick, click on Art. You can get any painting produced as a print in three different sizes.

As a bonus, if you are not a member of my Substack, join now and let me know. I’ll send you, at no charge, the Promotional version of My Ugly Twin Brother and Me.

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preaching. Over 56 years of ministry, I’ve learned how true that advice can be.

One elderly saint once pointed a finger at me and quoted II Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be instant in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” Those words have stayed with me ever since.

With that in mind, here are a few guiding principles for ministry:

1. Preach the Word.
Preach Scripture—not merely your opinions, personal thoughts, or devotional reflections. Personal stories can occasionally help illustrate a point, but doctrine must remain central. Though many today shy away from doctrine, what we believe matters deeply. Truth has eternal consequences.

2. Stay focused on the Gospel.
Avoid turning the pulpit into a platform for politics. Every sermon should point people toward Christ and call for a response from the heart.

3. Know when to stop.
Avoid repeating yourself endlessly or getting sidetracked in stories and illustrations. Be clear, concise, and purposeful in your message.

4. Protect your family’s privacy.
Your loved ones should not become sermon material or public examples. Their personal struggles and shortcomings do not belong in the pulpit.

5. Don’t put your spouse and children under unnecessary pressure.
Ministry families already live under scrutiny. Guard them rather than exposing them.

6. Avoid making yourself the center of attention.
Constantly using yourself as the example can come across as self-focused. Keep Christ at the center.

7. Don’t rely on shouting.
Passion is important, but yelling often pushes people away rather than drawing them in. Speak with conviction, love, and clarity.

8. Remember the power of quietness.
Sometimes a calm, measured word can carry more weight than a raised voice. A whisper can command attention in ways shouting never will.

9. Keep learning.
Read widely—not only the Bible, but also history, biographies, current events, illustration books, and great literature. Stay informed and engaged with the world around you.

10. Do not minister in fear.
God has given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind—not fear. Be ready to stand for truth with courage and wisdom.

11. Guard your integrity.
Protect both your heart and your ministry. Never place yourself in compromising situations, especially in private counseling settings.

12. Let love and prayer sustain you.
Allow love to motivate you, prayer to strengthen you, and the Holy Spirit to guide you. Build relationships with trusted ministers who can encourage and hold you accountable.

13. Prepare for a lifetime of ministry.
There will be difficult seasons, but don’t quit when challenges arise. Faithfulness is built over time.

14. Remember whose ministry it is.
You may wear many hats in ministry, but never forget: it is not your ministry—it belongs to God.

“And the angels cry, Holy
All creation cries, Holy
You are lifted high, Holy
Holy forever.”

And yet, there is more. There are not enough words, notes, rhythms, or rhymes to fully express the deepest truths of our Holy God.

But that does not stop us.

Every day, we must focus our energies, our thoughts, and our heartfelt love on our Heavenly Father and His dear Son. We must continually seek new expressions of worship worthy of a Holy God — not trite, cliché phrases designed merely to “sell” or to “wow.” No. With God’s help, we must reach out and, as it were, steal a breath of Heaven and exhale it through pure lips and holy lives into our churches.

The command to “Be holy, as I am holy” is non-optional, non-negotiable, and non-transferable. It is for us to live, for us to demonstrate, for us to emulate the Holy God who saved us and is keeping us until the day He presents us — His Bride — to Himself, chaste, holy, and blameless.

With that in mind, I invite you to join The Holiness Project.

This vision was first conceived in my heart during a Virtual Choir project. That vision was realized — though not to the full extent I had hoped — yet it turned out marvelously. Today, I am asking you to play it, listen to it, let it into your heart, and then make it your own project.

There are links to Hal Leonard’s MyScore, Shawnee Press’s Sacred Music site (ArrangeMe), and SacredSheetMusic.com, where you can order the octavo or the soundtrack. The full orchestration will be forthcoming soon.

My prayer is that God would breathe new life into His church, bringing about a sweeping movement back to holiness — true holiness.

Preach it.
Proclaim it.
Propagate it.

For God’s glory.

J.W.Pepper

SheetMusicDirect

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We’ve all heard the statement, “the Devil is in the details.” That may apply in contract negotiations, but when it comes to prophecy, God is in the details. We see that most clearly in the events leading up to and after the birth of Christ.

In Galatians 4:4-5 the Apostle Paul wrote, But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

“In the fullness of time,” meaning, God knew exactly when He would send His Son, the second person of the trinity…Adoni, the Word, the exact expression of Himself, the Messiah, into this sin-cursed world. It was planned and executed flawlessly. Every prophetic promise was fulfilled down to the minutest detail.

Rome was in power, Latin was known throughout the civilized world. There was a road leading to and from every city, and the Pox Roman was the law of the empire. So what are these details? You may be asking.

Allow me to elucidate.

Prophecy #1: The Origin & Birthplace of the Messiah

Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

Fulfillment: Matthew 2:1 – “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem…”

· Mind you, this promise was approximately 700 years in the making.

Prophecy #2: A Descendant of Abraham

Genesis 12:1-3 – “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”

Fulfillment: Matthew 1:1 – “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham.”

It is noteworthy that from Abraham to David was fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. A coincidence? I think not.

Prophecy #3: From the Lineage of David

2 Samuel 7:12-13 – “When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

Fulfillment: Luke 3:31 – “…the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattathah, the son of Nathan, the son of David.”

Prophecy #4: Born of a Virgin

Isaiah 7:14 – “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

Fulfillment: This was prophesied 700-750 years earlier

Matthew 1:18, 22-23 – “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’”

Prophecy #5: God in the Flesh

Genesis 3:15 – “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

The mention of “His heel” is significant because the Roman way of execution was crucifixion. The hands and feet were nailed to a wooden cross, thus bruising the heel of the one being crucified.

Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”

Fulfillment: Again… this was prophesied 700-750 years earlier

Matthew 1:1 – “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham.”

John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Prophecy #6: The Shepherds Worship

Psalm 72:9): The “desert tribes” (shepherds) would bow before Him, fulfilled by the angelic announcement and shepherds’ worship.

Fulfillment: Luke 2 – “And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Prophecy #7: The Return from Egypt

Hosea 11:1 – “Out of Egypt I have called my son”.

Fulfillment; Some 700-800- years prior to the fulfillment

Matthew records the family fleeing to Egypt and returning, fulfilling this.

Prophecy #8: The Star in the East

Numbers 24:17: “A star will come out of Jacob”.

Fulfillment; Roughly about 1400 – 1405 years before Jesus was born

Matthew 1 – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, … he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

^10. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

God cares about the details.

The historical and cultural details of Jesus’ birth don’t ruin Christmas; rather they make it all the more thrilling! They bring new depth and insight into God’s brilliant and intentional plan to save the world. God’s work throughout Scripture is detailed, personal, intimate and full of symbolism. Not one detail of the Messiah’s birth was coincidence. Each person involved was hand-picked by God for a purpose.

Jesus could have been born to a wealthy, prominent family in the holy city of Jerusalem with all the pomp and fanfare of a king. Instead, God chose a teenage girl, an outsider from Nazareth, lowly shepherds, pagan foreigners, a little town, and a humble manger to announce the birth of His Son.

Why did God choose such an unexpected cast of characters to proclaim His Good News? He wanted to make one thing absolutely clear.

Jesus is for everyone. Jesus came for the foreigners, the outcasts, the despised, the rejected, the imperfect, the sick, the broken, the weak, the weary, the depressed, the needy, the criminals. He came for sinners. God so loved the whole world that He sent His only Son to seek and save the lost (John 3:16). He will not reject or despise anyone who turns to Him but freely offers His grace and forgiveness to anyone who believes and accepts it.

God continues to choose the unexpected to shine His light to the world, writing a story of healing, hope and redemption for all to see. It is Jesus and this Good News that makes Christmas so merry and bright!

One Last Detail:

If you enjoy my style of writing, I invite you to step into any of my novels and begin a journey unlike any other. Read one, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for the next—and the next. These stories are meant to entertain and inform, but they are also written with a higher purpose: to point you to the One who can transform even the vilest of hearts into a radiant testimony of grace.

My novels are more than good reads—they are intentional. Each begins with careful research into time, place, and historical context, followed by the creation of richly layered characters. Some you will love. Others you may despise. Some grow and are redeemed, while others descend further into darkness. Yet all are touched, in one way or another, by a still, small voice. And perhaps, between the lines, you too will hear it.

I weave conflict, uncover humor, and hide clues along the way, building entire worlds for readers to explore. These stories invite you to set aside the burdens of everyday life and, in return, offer you a journey into imagination—one that lingers long after the final page is turned.

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To get started on your journey, follow this link to New Life Publications Online

The Wickedness of Wicked

One of the harsh realities of being a writer is learning to handle criticism and reviews. We love four- and five-star praise, but we dread negative comments—though we need them. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

What’s true for writers is equally true for artists of every stripe. Movies are no exception, which brings me to this post.

Recently, my wife and I watched Wicked. She watched with mild interest; I, on the other hand, watched with a critic’s eye. I walked away with a very different impression of the film. You may disagree with my conclusion, but I think you’ll at least acknowledge that this movie had an agenda—one that went far beyond simply creating a blockbuster.

Before diving in, let me briefly revisit what makes a compelling story—whether a novel or a film. Writers follow certain rules: show, don’t tell; go easy on adverbs; avoid clichés; watch your commas. We build plots, develop characters, craft conflicts, establish motivations, and place it all within a vivid setting.

With that framework in mind, let’s look at the Wickedness of Wicked.

Characters

The first character we meet is a baby—a green baby. In Baum’s original Wizard of Oz, the witch is green, so this isn’t accidental. Yet the film adds another layer: in the real world, this “green” child clearly symbolizes a “colored” person. Because she is different, she’s rejected by her family and raised instead by her nanny, a talking bear.

As Elphaba matures, she becomes kind, humble, self-effacing, and devoted to her disabled sister—a sister whose condition Elphaba is made to feel responsible for. I found myself sympathizing with her. Perhaps you did too.

Is it just me, or does a sub-plot emerge here?

Then we meet Glinda (born Galinda Upland): pearly white, privileged, self-absorbed—and unmistakably very white.

Do you sense a pattern?

And now the big one: The Wizard of Oz. Big booming voice, fiery theatrics, seemingly omnipotent and omniscient. One can’t help but wonder…who is he meant to represent? And note: the only way to approach him is the Yellow Brick Road—not the “blood-sprinkled way.”

Setting

The Emerald City bears an unmistakable resemblance to the Celestial City of Pilgrim’s Progress. Grand, glittering, alluring.

Plot

Our gifted, compassionate heroine—the “green girl”—is pushed by family, society, and Oz himself into a role she never sought. Her abilities were meant to be used for good: to fight injustice, right wrongs, defend the vulnerable. But because she is different, she is branded with the trappings of evil: a black hat, black robe, and broom. In contrast, Glinda is framed as normal, admirable, and worthy of honor.

Why? Is it because she is white? Wealthy? Socially acceptable?

Conflict

The surface conflict appears to be good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, fair vs. unfair. But the deeper question emerges: Who is actually good? Is Oz truly good?

Memorable stories often contain unforgettable lines—“Frankly, my dear…,” “Make him an offer he can’t refuse,” “Wilson!”

Wicked has its own moment, one that practically slapped me across the face.

Near the end, the Wizard declares:

“The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.”

Again—another sub-plot? Does this not sound like a certain political party?

This from the same man who suppresses the free speech of the animal teachers. Animal Farm, anyone?

In the closing scenes, our green-skinned heroine risks everything to save the lily-white Glinda from the very people she has just liberated—all because Oz convinced them that Elphaba is “wicked.”

So who is truly wicked?

Themes

The film carries unmistakable threads of racial bias, political messaging, and spiritual confusion.

Oz serves as a distorted archetype of God—angry, brooding, demanding, manipulative. But this is not the God of the Bible, who is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Elphaba, the “green girl,” represents those who are different, who question societal norms, who speak truth in uncomfortable ways. Such people must be silenced, marginalized, or eliminated.

Glinda, the “white girl,” represents the acceptable face of society—polished, privileged, celebrated…but not necessarily good.

And the animals, nearly forgotten, are the last voices of truth and wisdom. Who is silencing them? And why?

If nothing else, Wicked is a reminder that stories—especially big Hollywood stories—are rarely just stories. They shape culture, challenge perceptions, and subtly (or not so subtly) push an agenda.

Whether you agree with my interpretation or not, the question remains:

In a world quick to label others as wicked…who is really pulling the strings?

What's Been Happening Around the Powell House

Since the beginning of the year, it seems our lives have been a whirlwind. One would think the first third of the year would be slow months for book and art sales. Nothing could be further from the truth.

After months of anticipation, in May, Patty and I were privileged to see our grandson, Harrison Pritt, marry the love of his life, Emma VanWingerden. Add to that, in September, our second-born granddaughter, Madison Pritt, will be getting married to Andrew Hay. That will involve renting another car and making the long trip north of the Mason-Dixon line. I dread the tolls and traffic, but we are looking forward to celebrating their special day with our family. We get to see our great-great-granddaughters, Rory and Aurelia Warriner, too.

Looking back, I broke 2024's book sales record by a significant margin, and I have you, my readers, to thank. To date, I've participated in 23 events and book signings, which puts me ahead of last year. I'm not sure how long I can keep up this pace, but as long as God gives me strength and opportunities, I'll do my best.

On the Art side of things, I've sold 11 pieces, several of which were commissioned works. Currently, I have 10 on display at the Arts at the Avenue in Marietta, GA. I am constantly adding new pieces to my website - https://authorbryanpowell.wordpress.com and my Square store at newlifepublicationsonlinesquare. I have also revamped my website and added Pages: one for my music, one for my books, and one for my art. Please visit my website and check it out. Since the year started, I've written and sold several songs. Earlier this week, I was notified that I sold High and Lifted Up through J. W. Petter. It's a peppy piece, good for a youth choir or youthful singers.

In other news, on May 17th, I received my Doctorate of Letters degree from Antioch Baptist Bible College and Seminary.

With so many outlets available to promote one's work, it is challenging to keep up. It is a constant balancing act between creating and promoting. One thing you can do to help me get the word out about my efforts is word of mouth. It is the cheapest and most effective form of advertising. So please spread the word.

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As many of you know, my Trace O'Reilly Detective series is one of my more popular series. Also, Delivering Justice, a courtroom/murder mystery, is quickly gaining in popularity. Thus, I have written an additional novel, Stolen Justice, which pulls together both series. It is currently in the hands of my editorial team, but be looking for it this Fall.

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To quote Garrison Keillor from the now defunct NPR, Prairie Home Companion, "That's all from Lake Wobegon."

Stay in touch, and I'll do my best to do the same.

Rejecting Rejection!

Ok, I said it; rejecting rejection is every author, writer, composer, and creative person's marching orders.

Too many times we bury ourselves in our work. We often miss important events; i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, recitals, and softball games instead of our self-imposed deadline. Those affected by such behavior may or may not be your biggest detractors. So don't neglect your closest and most important responsibilities...your family and friends.

Sometimes rejection comes from those closest to us and that hurts. How many of us who have siblings, close friends, and church friends, find that they have never read or listened to your creative efforts even though you're willing to give it to them for free? Ouch!

Just know, rejection, criticism, low reviews, and down-right rudeness will come. Some of it will come as a "Rejection Letter" from your publisher, and some will come from readers. And some of it will even come from yourself. We are our worst critics, you know. As a writer, rejection is inevitable, but that doesn't make it any easier or less painful.

Believe it or not, criticism can make you a better writer if you learn how to handle it.

So how does one deal with it? Here are some thoughts from fellow writers.

First, realize that not everyone is going to get you.

Not everyone is going to like your style or your philosophical, political, or spiritual position. That's fine. We can agree to disagree. Don't take it personally.

I understand. I've been there. After spending months in your office on your computer writing, rewriting, creating, and researching, only to have some knucklehead come along and say "My grandmother could write better than that." It hurts. Truth is ... she might.

But, in the world of traditional publishing, it’s just business. Sometimes, the publisher simply doesn’t believe that your book has an audience.

That’s just their opinion. It may be an informed opinion; but, publishers have been wrong before. Just ask J.K. Rowling, Dr. Seuss, Agatha Christie, Alice Walker, C.S. Lewis, Stephen King, and just about every single best-selling author you can think of. Your manuscript may be so different that it can revolutionize or even define a new genre-- and not everyone’s going to be ready for that move.

Fortunately, you have other options. Numerous other publishers just might love your work. Don't give up, keep submitting, this coming from one who has taken a different path, which I will discuss later.

Secondly, listen to your critics.

They just may have a point to their criticism. Sometimes these critics will offer downright helpful feedback. Whether criticism comes from a literary agent, a publisher, an editor, or a reader, it can be useful to know how others view your work. Sometimes, these criticisms are valid and will help you become a better writer. I submitted a musical score to a composer's forum and got back some very helpful advice. Some of it was worthwhile and I put it to use, other suggestions went by the wayside.

Some criticism, however, should just ignored altogether. Criticism that attacks your ability as a writer (i.e. “You write like a child.”) or that makes a blanket statement against your manuscript (i.e. “This story doesn’t have an audience.”), you should reject outright.

Third, remind yourself why you do what you do.

At your lowest moment, after you’ve received your umpteenth rejection letter, sit down and write your own letter. This is a letter just for you. Explain to yourself why you love writing.

For me, I love writing because it’s a calling ... a gifting. It's both therapeutic and mission-focused. I have a message and though it may not be received, it's still the message God has given to me to share.

Fourth, seek another path.

If you are tired of receiving rejection letters, shuck the traditional publishers. Become your own publisher. Create your brand, and your logo, set up your website and point of sale, and go that route. With today's advances in technology, and with the help of Fiverr you could team up with a talented cover designer and even marketer and challenge the big-boys.

That’s especially true now that you have access to great self-publishing tools like Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Nook Press by Barnes and Noble. If you're like me, novel writing is just one of my outlets. Composing and arranging is actually my first passion. So Arrangeme and J.W. Pepper are options for your musical efforts.

Fifth, join a writers/composer's group.

Within the safety of that group, you will find people of like mind and passion. If there is no such group in your town, there are many online groups that would welcome you. These communities are a great source of support and encouragement. Writers who’ve been there and done that can help you work through your feelings of rejection. Plus, you’ll likely be able to find an experienced writer who’s able to mentor you through the publishing process.

Sixth, learn to grow from rejection.

Use criticism and rejection as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. As Ray Bradbury once said, "You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance." He knew a little bit about rejection. Ray Bradbury was rejected over 800 times.

My takeaway from that quote is that acceptance doesn’t validate you as a writer. If you have a story to be told, tell it-- whether or not it’s accepted by the gatekeepers or the mainstream. Someone will find value in your story. You’ve just got to tell it.

Excerpts taken from a blog, entitled Tips for Dealing With Inevitable Rejection, by NY Book Editors

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What? I thought writing music or poems, or literature or painting a masterpiece was all about the artist's talent, and giftedness. Who said anything about selling or marketing? That seems so, so...materialistic.

Have you ever heard of a "Starving artist?" One doesn't get that way because of his or her talent or ability. They get there because, despite the quality of their work, no one buys their stuff. That's the harsh reality.

So what's a creative person to do? We can't eat our creative efforts unless you are a cake decorator. Even then, you've got to buy the eggs, the flour, the sugar et.al, but I digress.

How can we, as creative people, become successful and make a living at doing what we love? Well, in today's environment, it's all about marketing, marketing, marketing. Yet even still, there must be that sprinkle of "Pixie Dust," that "Sparkle, that Magic, that Ah Ha moment," that transforms your piece into a blockbuster. Some people have it naturally. I envy those who do. Others must sweat blood to eke out a piece worthy of public consumption. Pardon the pun.

Names like Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Brahms come to mind. In literature names like Shakespeare, Dickens, and Hemingway top the list. When it comes to performers and entertainers, Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and James Brown lead the pack. But was it all talent?

I think not! In the cases of most performers and entertainers, a lot of it falls to luck, timing, and...you got it...STYLE!

Yes, style. Did you know there is a book still on the market today and probably still in use teaching the art of "Style?" It's called How to Sing for Money, January 1, 1939, by Charles Henderson

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The following comments were taken from a post entitled, How Modern Singing was Invented by Zaria Govert, dated May 11, 2023, which pretty much says it all.

Modern singing – whether on the charts or Eurovision – is radically different from that of the 1800s and 1900s.

Although it didn't happen overnight, it did happen and here are a couple of important factors.

There was hysteria in the air at 81st Street Theatre in New York. Deep within the building, behind its white neoclassical arches and away from the steady chatter of crowds of adoring fans outside, a new kind of celebrity singer was walking onto a black-and-silver stage.

It was February 1929, and just a few months earlier, Rudy Vallée had been an obscure graduate best known to the listeners of WABC radio in New York. He wasn't considered particularly good-looking: one biting critic later called him "a young man whose eyes are too close together and small to be called handsome". His singing style, too, was highly unusual.

But that night, as Vallée began the opening lines of a characteristically sentimental song, the crowd exploded with rapturous applause. The venue had achieved record-breaking sales, mostly with women: so many had turned up, the police had to be called to contain them. His was no longer just a voice for radio.

As it happens, the evening did more than catapult Vallée to global stardom. The singer was one of the first singers to practice the art of "crooning". This new style was a kind of soft, intimate singing, often likened more to lullabies than to the belting operatic or classical performances audiences were used to in the early 20th Century. Today the term is less well-known, but the style is still as popular as ever. In fact, this was the birth of modern singing as we know it. (Emphasis my own)

Factor number two, is the invention of the Carbon Microphone.

Simultaneously invented by three men in the 1870s, these early devices used carbon granules sandwiched between two metal plates to convert sound into electrical signals.

The technology was an immediate hit and became an essential part of radio and telephone technology. It also led to a public and bitter feud over whose version came first, including accusations of theft and plagiarism.

Meanwhile, the technology was being quietly improved. By the 1920s, microphones were so good, they could be used to broadcast reasonable-quality audio around the world. The popularity of radio boomed – and the way people sung started to change. (Emphasis my own)

"The big advantage was that you didn't have to project your voice in the back of a hall," says Potter. "So you could just sing in a much more natural way. And you get the colors of your own personality coming through."

Enter the first crooners. This group of charismatic, mostly male performers pioneered a style of soft, seductive singing, typically involving romantic lyrics, that rapidly became wildly popular with young women. It was "said to be peculiarly devastating in its effect on the heart of the emotional flapper", wrote one journalist in 1929. Unlike their contemporaries, these musicians sounded as though they weren't performing at all, but rather whispering sweet sentiments directly into the listener's ear.

This new type of singing was assessed by different criteria, centred on conveying feeling, says McCracken. Technical considerations like projection or hitting high notes became less salient. "What becomes most important is that they sound sincere." Crooners weren't allowed to be anonymous voices performing for an audience. They had to seem authentic – and for that, they needed personality too. Some of the techniques used in "Crooning," are; "Scooping" -sliding up to a note, "Whispering," - getting close to the microphone and singing in a breathy tone. "Grinding," letting the vocal folds close a little giving the singer a coarse, gritty Western twang. "Flipping," leaving the written melody and scrambling up and down as if uncertain where to go. This communicates that the "real melody," isn't good enough, it must be embellished. "Sliding," hitting the note and then drifting off it in a downward direction. And what I call "Pitching," not quite hitting the note on pitch, but just under it. And you thought the singer missed his or her note. Nope, nada. It was done on purpose. Bing Crosby was a master at this.

Like all cultural innovations, crooning had its critics. Traditionalists were horrified, with one cardinal publicly condemning the style as a "degenerate form of singing" and "imbecile slush" – even going so far as to criticize its perpetrators as "whiners and bleaters defiling the air". Established musicians and conservatoires weren't thrilled either: crooners were accused of lacking skill and corrupting the youth.

However, the crooners weren't finished, and the march of technology-enabled musicians to push the style still further. The 1930s saw the development of directional microphones, a variety that pick up sound from a particular direction, minimizing background noise. Singers who got close to those microphones discovered the 'proximity effect', which created an even more intimate tone, says McCracken. "People really liked that sound."

With these new singing techniques came a new kind of celebrity. "Rudy Vallée was really the first pop idol," says McCracken. And along with this new lofty status came another invention: the adoring superfan. "The fan letters to him basically say, 'I don't know why I'm in love with the voice, I don't understand why this is happening to me.'"

The term crooning eventually fell out of fashion, but the trend still lingers in popular music today. "Anyone who's using popular music in order to communicate their emotions is crooning," says McCracken. “They're using microphones, they're singing love songs to a popular audience… that's what crooning is.”

You might be thinking, "That's all well and good for pop arts, but I don't listen to that kind of music. Rubbish, if you listen to the radio, watch TV, go to the grocery store, and even church, you do. Surprised? Don't be. Across this country and in countless churches, "Radio Style" singers and performers accented by bright floodlights and supported by a band, crooned their way into the hearts and minds of good, churchgoing audiences just last Sunday. Is it any wonder one would be hard-pressed to differentiate between a Saturday night rock concert and a modern-day church? Whoops! Sorry, now I've gone to meddlin'. Just sayin'. Before I go, let me leave you with one last thought.

The Expanded Bible in 1 Corinthians 14:7,8,9 says, "If they do not make clear [distinct] musical notes, you will not know what is being played. 8 And in a war, if the trumpet does not give a clear sound, who will prepare for battle? 9 It is the same with you. Unless you speak clearly [intelligible words] with your tongue, no one understands what you are saying. You will be talking into the air!

Music is a language. What is your music saying?