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1. Copy Scripture passage in required version—either in longhand or computer printout and take it with you when you leave the house to read while waiting in a doctor’s office or elsewhere.
2. Use this passage each day for your private devotions.
3. Read verses in different versions.
4. Look in a Bible commentary or dictionary, or a Web site for background of verses: who’s involved, where
does the story take place, what else is going on at the time?
5. Select one verse from the Scripture passage to use as a text for your devotional, not just the easiest one to illustrate, but one that’s meaningful to you.
6. Write a one-sentence theme for your reader’s takeaway.
7. Choose an illustration—personal, friend, church, neighborhood, historical, biblical.
8. Choose a title (unless editor gives you one).
9. Write a rough draft. Don’t worry about length or editing; just get your thoughts on paper.
10. Begin to edit, first for length, then for clarity.
11. Final typing—in publisher’s specific format.
12. Proofread carefully (especially Scripture), then take to critique group if you belong to one.
These writing tips are brought to by Donna Goodrich and offered by permission only.
For more of Donna's writing tips, visit her website: http://www.thewritersfriend.net/writing_tips/