My Prayer for New Staff

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7)

Heavenly Father, I come before You now — not in anxiety, but in faith — trusting that You command me to bring every concern to You. I receive your invitation with gratitude.

Thank You for Niki — for the gifts You placed in her, for the work You have already begun in her life, and for the clients You have entrusted to her care. Thank You that You are already at work on her behalf before I have even spoken her name.

Lord, I ask You to grant Niki Your favor. Open doors before her in the area of book promotion — doors that no person can shut. Impart to her the knowledge to understand the industry, the understanding to apply that knowledge skillfully, and the wisdom to serve her clients with excellence. Let the books she champions find their readers and fulfill the purpose for which they were written. Provide for Niki and her family — their needs, their peace, and their flourishing.

Father, where my words fall short and my understanding is limited, Your Spirit intercedes with groanings that words cannot express. What is lacking in this petition, You already know. I trust You to receive the fullness of what my heart intends.

Now, Lord, I receive the peace that surpasses understanding — the peace You promised to those who bring their requests to You with thanksgiving. Guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus, and guard Niki’s as well. Let this prayer not end in worry, but in rest.

On angel wings, through your small voice, through circumstances you ordain, return your answer and instructions.

Amen and so be it.

Philippians 4:6–7 — A Prayer for Your Books

Heavenly Father, I come before You on behalf of the work You placed in my hands — not in worry over sales figures or rankings, but in faith that You authored the calling before I wrote the first word. You did not give me these stories to see them die in obscurity. This is kingdom work that glorifies you, so I trust what You started will bear fruit for today and years to come.

Thank You for the Selah Awards, the INSPY Award, the Moonbeam Award — confirmation that these books have already found favor with You and with others. Thank You for the inmates whose lives have been touched, for the way your message of repentance and hope in Jesus brings life and light into darkness.

I thank you for every young reader who picked up a Caden Chronicles book and discovered that truth about monsters — both imagined and real.

I thank You for the humor You wove into my voice, the sailing life that gave me Hard Aground series, and the imagination that built the Caribbean Chronicles in a pirate series that reaches over the horizon to sailors and lubbers alike.

These gifts were Yours first. I return them to You with gratitude.

Lord, You gave Nick Caden a mission: debunk the myth, uncover the truth. That is the gospel in a middle-grade mystery. I ask You to lead every boy and girl who seeks the truth of life and life to come to these books. Put the Caden Chronicles in the hands of teachers, librarians, parents, and youth pastors. Let the awards open doors that dollars cannot buy. Raise up readers, reviewers, and champions who will carry the word.

Father, the Caribbean Chronicles carries a young teen through time and adventure toward something eternal: where past mistakes are corrected and futures are shaped with love and curiosity. I ask You to steer this series into the hands of young readers who feel unmoored — who need to know that even a boy with a medical affliction can change the today and tomorrow by anchoring to something greater than himself. Make these books a lighthouse for young adults navigating stormy waters. Expand their reach beyond what I can chart on my own.

Lord, these are the stories I lived — the boats that broke, the shoals I hit, the grace You hid inside every misadventure. Hard Aground was never just about sailing; it was always about a navigationally challenged man finding that You are the only reliable skipper. I ask You to place these books in the hands of sailors, yes — but also in the hands of all who feel stuck, spiritually hard aground, who need to laugh and then look up. Let the humor be the on-ramp, and let Your name be waiting at the end of the dock.

Father, You are already moving toward. I surrender the outcome. Supply whatever is lacking in this prayer and in this author. You know the readers these books were written for before they were born. Blow wind in their sails and lead them home.

Now I receive the peace that passes understanding — not the peace of strong sales numbers, but the peace that comes when we place our work in Your hands. Guard my heart and mind from the anxiety of comparison, checking sales and statistics, and the worry that I haven’t done it all correctly. I know I have not. But I also know the One who is perfect in all He does.

You are the Skipper. Your Son is my brother, King, Lord, and Savior. I follow Your lead.

In the name of Jesus Christ — Amen.

Let’s Write a Story—Only $9.99 on Amazon

Let's Write a Story

Kids, let’s write a story! Want to learn how to write a story? Join George and Selma on a creative adventure as you learn the secrets of story writing! This fun and easy guide walks you through the simple steps of building a great story-from creating characters and conflicts to crafting exciting endings.

You bring the ideas-we’ll help you shape the story!

A Note from Eddie

“Every kid has a story waiting to be told. That’s why I wrote Let’s Write a Storyto give your child a fun and simple way to discover the joy of writing.

“This book is for young readers and anyone who loves telling stories. George and Selma—my grandkids!!! and two quirky cousins—walk your child through the steps of creating characters, building conflicts, and crafting endings that make sense and keep the reader hooked.

“I know how easy it is for kids to drift toward screens and get stuck there. I wanted to pass along the joy I have in creating and releasing stories. With this book, your child will see how writing can be a great way of expressing your feelings while making up a better—or more complicated—life. Writing a story is adventure. It’s problem-solving. It’s finding your own voice and realizing you have something inside that needs to be released.

“Whether your son or daughter dreams of becoming an author or simply enjoys making things up (we pirates call these tall tales ‘lies, of a sort’), Let’s Write a Story gives them the encouragement and framework to get started.

24 pages, color illustrations, only $9.99

“Give your child the gift of creativity. Pick up a copy of Let’s Write a Story today, and let’s spark their imagination together.”

Why I Write for Kids and the Caden Chronicles Series

Why I Write for Kids

I write for kids because if you grew up on Scooby-Doo and the Hardy Boys, you know the joy of a great mystery that scares you. If  your kids are ready for mysteries with real danger but no dark content, the “Caden Chronicles” is their next great read. These clean, fast-paced stories follow teen investigator Nick Caden as he solves murders involving zombies, ghosts, and creepy castles—without swearing, gore, or magic. It’s everything you loved, updated for today’s readers.

One Writer’s Battle Plan for Success

Operation Overlord—D Day, 2024

This phase of the campaign “Writer’s Battle Plan for Success” is a bold, faith-driven mission. At the initial launch, the 2nd Airborne Company—composed of the parachute infantry regiments Jehovah Jireh and My Father’s Business—will land behind enemy lines

Influence Increase—Behind Enemy Lines—Writer’s Battle Plan for Success:Dead Low Tide—Writer's Battle Plan for Success:

Promise of Increase:  Psalm 115:14 – “The Lord will give you increase more and more.”

. By infiltrating untapped markets, allied audiences, and enemy-held territory, my books will act as spiritual liberators, capturing strategic positions that establish pathways and crossings to connect with new readers and open fresh distribution channels.

As the campaign unfolds, the efforts of the 2nd Airborne will soften resistance from opposing forces, turning doubters about Jesus into believers. Every reader impacted, every connection made, and every door opened will lead to desertions among the enemy’s ranks.

The works of Jehovah Jireh and My Father’s Business are trained to fight fiercely. By engaging readers directly and expanding influence, the 2nd Airborne will keep the enemy occupied while the main portion of Operation Overlord advances.


Strategic Airstrike—Writer’s Battle Plan for Success:Phantom Gunslinger—Writer's Battle Plan for Success:

Promise of Success: Genesis 17:1-9 – “The Lord has established your prosperity.”

This phase of the campaign launches airstrikes guided by prayer, ensuring that every effort—my books, blog posts, Amazon ads, social media entries, and press releases—reaches its target with divine precision. Just as airstrikes begin from land or sea, travel through the air, and land on their intended targets, our prayers ascend to heaven (Psalm 18:10), and God ensures they accomplish His purpose when their answer is manifested (Isaiah 55:11).

Your sentence is clear but could be slightly refined for smoother readability. Here’s an updated version:

In the same way Isaiah 55:11 declares that when God’s word goes forth, it will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it, we trust in faith that through His Word and prayer, every payload will reach its target and fulfill its purpose in readers’ lives.


Border Expansion Expedition—Writer’s Battle Plan for Success:

Promise of Success: Exodus 34:24 – “The Lord will enlarge your borders.”

This phase of the campaign mobilizes a full-scale invasion force to drive the enemy back and establish strategic strongholds within Amazon and other online book shopping sites.


6th Army – Right Flank Assault

The 6th Army, commanded by General Nick Caden, will execute a flanking maneuver on the enemy’s right side.

  • First Battalion, Dead Man’s Hand: Spearheads the assault, engaging enemy forces directly.
  • Second Battalion, Skull Creek Stakeout, and Third Battalion, Dead Low Tide: Follow in the second and third waves, retrieving wounded (returns), and securing ground.
  • Fourth Battalion, Phantom Gunslinger, Fifth Battalion, Mystery of the Eyewitness Ghost, and Sixth Battalion, Rumor of a Werewolf: Held in reserve, ready to deploy to critical areas as needed.

Mystery of the Eyewitness Ghost—Writer's Battle Plan for Success5th Army – Left Flank Assault

The 5th Army, commanded by General Ricky Bradshaw, will simultaneously execute a flanking maneuver on the enemy’s left side. This action, coordinated with the 6th Army’s advance, creates a decisive “pincher” movement, trapping opposition forces in a vice and disrupting their ability to mount an effective defense.

  • 1st Battalion, Curse of the Black Avenger: Leads the charge, launching initial strikes to break through enemy defenses on the left flank.
  • 2nd Battalion, Dead Calm, Bone Dry: Reinforces the assault, solidifying gains and expanding territory.
  • 3rd Battalion, The End of Calico Jack: Advances in the third wave, securing key positions and supporting further penetration into enemy lines.
  • 4th Battalion, Blackbeard the Pirate and Stede Bonnet’s Fateful Clash, and 5th Battalion, Down to Davy Jones: Serve as reserve forces, ready to deploy where resistance is heaviest or to exploit breakthroughs made by the lead battalions.

The 5th Army will execute its campaign in a manner similar to the 6th Army, employing targeted Amazon campaigns, social media outreach, and keyword optimization as its primary tactics. These divisions will infiltrate and disrupt enemy strongholds—books void of God’s Good News and His love, grace, mercy, hope, and faith—creating openings for future advances.


Marine Corps – Frontal Assault

“The Roaring Tides,” 1st Marine Book Division, with support from two additional divisions, will execute a frontal assault.

  • Objective: Keep the enemy preoccupied while the 5th and 6th Armies secure the flanks and disrupt rear operations.
  • Tactics: Launch high-visibility initiatives, such as press releases, blog posts, and short-form video campaigns, to maintain pressure on enemy defenses and draw attention away from the flanking movements.
  • Outcome: Weakening the enemy’s center, allowing flanking forces to execute their mission with greater efficiency.

Campaign Objective—Writer’s Battle Plan for Success:Rumor of a Werewolf—Writer's Battle Plan for Success

Drive the enemy (books that stand in opposition to the hope of Jesus) back across the Maginot Line and secure 9 sales per day per book (9 enemy positions eliminated daily). Utilize Amazon ads, keywords, categories, blog posts, press releases, and social media drops to establish strongholds (sales channels) and capture strategic positions (new readers, market share). Click for a detailed look at the 6th army campaign’s tactical strategy.

Campaign Execution

  • Focus: Declare God’s promises over the campaign, trusting His Word to break barriers and lead to victory. Faith, prayer, and obedience to His leading will give us this territory and increase our influence.
  • Goal: Achieve victory in this campaign by claiming God’s promised increase and victory.

The Lord says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid (Hebrews 13:5-6). If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? We will not be dismayed, for our Lord God is with us. He will strengthen us. He will help us. He will fight for us. He will uphold us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Declarations of God’s Word for Victory

  1. “I will give you every place where you step foot.” (Joshua 1:3) I declare that as my Lord God was with Joshua, so is He with me.
  2. “I am about to give the enemy to you.” (Joshua 1:3) I declare that the spiritual strongholds opposing this campaign will fall, and victory is already assured by the Lord.
  3. “No one will be able to stand against you.” (Joshua 1:5) I declare that no opposition, resistance, or obstacle will prevail against God’s Word and purpose in this campaign.
  4. “Be strong and courageous. Be careful to follow all the law so that you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8) I declare strength, courage, and faithfulness to God’s commands, trusting that prosperity and success are in His hands.
  5. “The Lord your God gives you rest from this battle. He has granted you this land.” (Joshua 1:13) I declare that the Lord has already secured victory and granted this territory for His glory. I only need to wait and watch Him fight for us.
  6. “Since you have never been this way before, as I, the Lord your God leads, so you will know which way to go.” (Joshua 3:4) I declare that God is leading every step of this campaign, showing the way to pray, write, and manage funds and resources for His purpose.
  7. “The Lord will do amazing things among you.” (Joshua 3:5) I declare that God is working in this campaign to do amazing things that will glorify His name and introduce thousands to Jesus.
  8. “Today I will exalt you in the eyes of your enemies and all.” (Joshua 3:7) I declare that God’s favor is upon this campaign.
  9. “I am with you.” (Joshua 3:7) I declare with confidence that God leads this army.
  10. “The Lord of all the earth will go before you.” (Joshua 3:11) I declare that God gave us the plans for this campaign and is moving ahead, breaking barriers and preparing hearts to receive His message.

Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success

Operation Overlord—6th Army Campaign Strategy

Strategic Targets (Action Plan) for Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success:

“Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success” sets the course for authors to navigate the competitive publishing world with precision and focus. By breaking down actionable steps, this guide equips writers with tools and strategies to optimize their efforts and reach their target audience effectively. Central to this plan is leveraging the power of keywords as bridges, connecting books to the readers actively searching for them.Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success

  1. Bridges (Keywords):
    Keywords are the bridges that connect readers searching for books on Amazon.

    • Fixed Goal: Optimize and test 10 high-performing keywords per book campaign weekly.
    • Action Plan:
      • Use tools like Publisher Rocket or Amazon’s auto-suggest to identify niche, long-tail keywords.
      • Example: For Dead Man’s Hand, use keywords like “Christian mystery for teens,” “ghost story YA,” or “middle-grade detective book.”
      • Rotate out underperforming keywords every two weeks to keep campaigns efficient. Click for a tactical report for how to execute this assignment.Writing Success
  2. Crossroads (Amazon Ads):
    Crossroads represent decision points where potential buyers see your ads and click through.

    • Fixed Goal: Achieve a CTR (Click-Through Rate) of at least 0.5% and a cost-per-click (CPC) under $0.29.
    • Action Plan:
      • Run Sponsored Product ads targeting specific genres: “Christian fiction,” “teen mystery,” and “middle-grade adventure.”
      • Group campaigns into small, focused segments (e.g., mystery-themed, ghost-themed keywords for Dead Man’s Hand).
      • Use broad match ads to capture wider visibility but allocate a small budget ($10/month) to these.
  3. Towns (Categories):
    Categories are towns in enemy territory where your books can establish dominance.

    • Fixed Goal: Rank in the top 20 of 2-3 niche categories for each book.
    • Action Plan:
      • Research competitor rankings for categories on Amazon. Use “+” subcategories like “Teen’s Christian Mysteries” or “Teen Paranormal Fiction.”
      • Ensure your books are listed in both popular, primary and secondary niche categories to increase visibility.
      • Use promotional pushes (discounts or Amazon “gift codes” for giveaways) to spike sales and improve ranking.Find success for your book
  4. Railways (Blog Posts & Press Releases):
    Railways are the lines of communication that carry your message to new regions (audiences).

    • Fixed Goal: Publish 2 blog posts per month and release 1 press release per week.
    • Action Plan:
      • Blog about relevant topics such as “How Christian Fiction Inspires Faith in Teens” or “The Role of Mystery in Teaching Life Lessons.”
      • Write press releases highlighting milestones (e.g., awards, new releases) and submit to PRlog.com, Christian and middle-grade reading outlets.
      • Share these posts and releases widely on your social media platforms.
  5. Strongholds (Social Media Drops):
    Strongholds represent reader engagement on social media, where loyalty is built.

    • Fixed Goal: Increase engagement (likes, shares, comments) by 10% monthly.
    • Action Plan:
      • Schedule weekly posts featuring intriguing snippets from your books, themed graphics, or reader polls.
      • Engage directly with followers by asking questions like, “Which Caden Chronicles mystery should Nick tackle next?”
      • Use short-form videos (30 seconds) highlighting key themes or fun facts about the books to appeal to platforms like YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.
  6. Command Centers (Email List & Newsletter):
    Command centers are your direct lines to your most loyal readers.

    • Fixed Goal: Increase email subscribers by 50 per month.
    • Action Plan:
      • Offer a free downloadable short story from the Caden Chronicles as a lead magnet.
      • Send biweekly emails sharing updates, behind-the-scenes content, or exclusive discounts to your subscribers.

Daily Assault Goals (9 Positions Per Day Per Book) for for Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success:

  • Dead Man’s Hand:Dead Man's Hand—Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success
    3 units through Amazon ads, 2 units through organic searches (keywords/categories), 2 units via blog/social media traffic, and 2 units through email/newsletter subscribers.
  • Skull Creek Stakeout:
    3 units through social media drops, 2 units through Amazon ads, 2 units through word-of-mouth reviews, and 2 units via blog/press outreach.
  • Dead Low Tide:
    3 units through targeted keywords, 2 units via niche categories, 2 units through influencer/book club outreach, and 2 units via your website/email list.

Overarching Strategy—:Skull Creek Stakeout—Strategic Guide to Achieving Writing Success

  1. Budget Allocation:
    Divide your Amazon ads budget among your top-performing campaigns, focusing on books with the highest potential to meet sales goals.
  2. Weekly Monitoring:
    Evaluate ad performance, keyword effectiveness, and category rankings weekly. Shift resources to campaigns showing the strongest ROI.
  3. Milestones:
    Set quarterly goals:

    • Q1: Double daily sales to 4.5 units per book (4-5 positions taken daily).
    • Q2: Hit the target of 9 sales per book per day (9 positions taken daily).

By focusing on these strategic targets and using prayer to guide decisions and dislodge enemy positions, this campaign can break through enemy resistance, capture market share, and secure daily victories on the battlefield of book sales.


“Supply Drop”

Psalm 115:11-16 – “Trusting in the Lord brings blessing and increase.”

Trust in the Lord is my direct line to God’s blessings and the key to success. He has promised to give success to those who fear Him, believe His word, and obey His commands. Through Jesus we have all the promises of Abraham and the strong arm of the Lord that Joshua enjoyed. God ensures every need of ours is met—tools, connections, and creativity—to sustain your mission. Each book I write and release points readers to God’s son, Jesus, offering encouragement and hope, healing and provision.