LDSPMA

Empowering Latter-day Saints to spread light and truth by connecting them at the intersection of faith, creativity, and professional skill

Professional Skills

Book of Mormon Picture Books for Young Families

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Kennedy Kofford ran into a familiar problem for many Latter-day Saint parents: she wanted to teach her children gospel stories, but the books available were either too simple to be meaningful, too complex for young minds, or too long to finish before children lost interest—or fell asleep.

Kennedy saw this challenge as an opportunity. She shared her idea with the women in her family, and what began as a simple conversation quickly grew into a collaborative family business called Faithful Chapters. Together, five women—Kennedy, her sisters-in-law Kenzie, Kaylie, and Laylah, and the family matriarch, Camille—create illustrated Book of Mormon board books that are doctrinally sound and visually engaging for young families.

From Concept to Creation

With no entrepreneurial experience, the women taught themselves the necessary skills through Google, ChatGPT, and community resources to navigate everything from obtaining business licenses and ISBNs to finding printing companies and designing packaging.

“We didn’t know much about starting a business,” Kenzie admits. “It felt pretty intimidating, and we didn’t know if we could do it.” For aspiring entrepreneurs, Kenzie offers encouragement: “There’s so much help out there now. Anybody can do it—and there’s room for everyone to succeed.”

Then Camille became involved. “We’re making this happen,” she said. “It’s going to be awesome—and I’ll finance it.” So, they pressed forward.

Kennedy credits Camille’s financial backing as crucial to their enterprise. “We all have young families and don’t have extra money to throw into a business.” The women agree that it has taken every one of them to bring their vision to life.

Camille adds, “We really, truly need each other’s support and contributions to make this happen.”

The women gathered to select Book of Mormon stories, focusing on principles rather than retelling narratives. Camille explains their approach: “For us, it’s about the message. The tree of life teaches about returning to Christ and feeling God’s love. The brass plates teach obedience and persistence—even when answers don’t come immediately.”

Kennedy and Camille draft each book, keeping them to twelve pages or less, then pass manuscripts back and forth for revisions. When the story feels strong, they bring it to the whole group for final edits and fresh perspectives. This collaborative effort ensures each book reflects the combined voice, testimony, and insight of all five women.

A careful balance of doctrine, clarity, and creativity shapes how the team adapts scripture for a broad audience. Toddlers are drawn to the illustrations, while children around five or six years old engage more deeply with the text. Even parents can discover details they hadn’t noticed before.

Camille laughs as she recalls reading one story aloud: “Two of my grown children stopped me and said, ‘Wait—that happened?’”

Finding the Right Illustrator

Finding the right illustrator was their next challenge. They posted on Instagram and reached out through personal networks, asking several artists to submit sample sketches. After praying for guidance, Kaylie felt prompted to search through BYU’s illustration program portfolios, where she discovered Abby Shumway’s work. Kaylie had envisioned images with “a sort of Alice in Wonderland vibe,” and Abby’s art fit that specification perfectly.

But it wasn’t enough for the art to be beautiful. The Koffords knew they needed an illustrator with a testimony of the stories themselves—and Abby’s faith is evident in her art. “It’s just so happy and draws your attention,” Kenzie says. “We really connected with her work; it was whimsical, bright, and full of life.”

The women all worked together to adapt the visuals for a G-rated audience. To soften intense moments in Nephi’s story, Abby illustrated Laban asleep in polka-dotted underwear with a pot carefully placed in front of his head—or lack thereof! The depiction adds humor while leaving room for parents to teach the story in age-appropriate ways.

Design and Production

Each book’s QR code links to family home evening resources formatted and overseen by Laylah, who spearheaded the lesson structure. Families can access her quick five-minute lessons or more detailed discussions, along with printable coloring pages—making the books flexible for varied schedules and ages.

The books also feature an interactive element inspired by Kenzie’s childhood love of finding hidden CTR rings in The Friend magazine. Faith the Mouse serves as the series’ mascot, hiding on every page for children to discover.

The women wanted books that could survive diaper bags, toddlers, and years of use while still teaching sacred stories. They initially designed the board books at 5×5 inches but then realized Abby’s detailed illustrations lost their impact at that size. “You couldn’t see Faith the Mouse or the bite mark in the fruit,” Kenzie said. They resized to 6×6 inches and continued refining. “It’s a process,” she adds. “You just keep trying until you get it right.”

Looking Forward

Faithful Chapters plans to ship directly to customers who order through Instagram. Despite her faith in their endeavor, Laylah admits she was a little nervous about their launch. “I just worried that we wouldn’t get any orders,” she says. But those concerns quickly vanished. “We get the notifications on our phones, and we get excited every time! It’s very heartwarming to feel the support.”

Internet sales are just the beginning. “Our goal is to get into brick-and-mortar stores,” Kenzie says. “We’re still fresh—we’re focusing on getting our books out to friends and family first.”

The Kofford girls plan to move chronologically through Book of Mormon stories, eventually offering themed bundles and expanding into Bible stories and Church history.

Divine Guidance and Greater Purpose

Beyond business goals, the Kofford women feel a deeper spiritual calling. Laylah explains, “Obviously, we’ve had hurdles, but God always guides us to a solution.”

She adds, “As I’ve been rereading the Book of Mormon, I’ve noticed so many things I missed before. I feel strongly that this is what God wants us to do: introduce His children to the Book of Mormon earlier.”

For Kaylie, the books meet a deeply personal need. “My husband left the Church about four years ago, and I have four kids ages one to eight,” she shares. “Even with a supportive husband, it’s sometimes hard to pull out the scriptures and teach the stories by myself. These board books are such a tool in my belt—something simple, engaging, and beautiful.”

Faithful Chapters is intentionally designed to meet families where they are, supporting households of different beliefs with equal care.

This shared sense of purpose fuels the sisters’ commitment. “We hope that when kids go to Sunday School,” Kenzie says, “they already know the stories because of our books.”

Beyond creating products, Faithful Chapters has strengthened family bonds. “We’re all busy,” Kenzie adds, “but starting a business together has been so meaningful, and we’re all in it together.”

As Faithful Chapters moves forward, the women are building more than a business. They’re creating a foundation of faith for the next generation—one colorful page at a time.

Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

Kami Pehrson

Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.

    The Art of the Interview

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    As creators, one of the greatest tools we have is the ability to listen carefully and ask meaningful questions. The art of interviewing can help us open doors to understanding, build trust, and draw out authentic stories that uplift and inspire others.

    When I was going through BYU’s journalism program in the late 1990s, I was surprised to discover there wasn’t a class specifically on interviewing. Which seemed strange, because interviewing is half the job!

    So, I learned it on the job. Over the years, writing for a variety of publications, I’ve interviewed people from all walks of life: farmers, CEOs, investors, first responders, city officials, cancer patients, etc. I’ve interviewed people over the phone, through email, video calls, or in person; sometimes in a tractor or in a hallway after a city council meeting. Each format comes with its quirks, but the heart of interviewing is always the same: helping people share their authentic stories.

    For those of us who create—whether it’s articles, books, podcasts, or films—interviewing is a sacred opportunity to really see someone, listen with care, and draw out their inner truths. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way.

    Making It Happen

    Tracking down an interviewee and getting them to commit can be the biggest hurdle because people are busy or hesitant. The key? Be flexible. Offer multiple times, be willing to adjust, and show that you respect their schedule. That first impression will help build trust.

    I’ve used a go-between person to contact my interviewee many times. For example, when I worked for an agriculture magazine, I found it hard to get in touch with farmers. As a farm girl myself, I knew that most farmers just wanted to be left alone. So, I’d usually have the dairy association or another trusted contact reach out first to vouch for me. They were much easier to get ahold of after that.

    Also consider mode of contact. Some people prefer email, others text, others a phone call. Be open to trying different methods depending on the person—it shows respect for their preferences and increases your chances of connecting.

    Set the Stage with Clarity and Trust

    People get nervous in interviews. They don’t want to be misrepresented or say something wrong about a topic that matters deeply to them. That’s why I start by sharing my goals: “I’m writing about X, and I hope readers will come away with Y.” My hope is to reassure them that the experience will be positive and that I want the same outcome they do.

    Once, I had to contact someone for a tragic story. As I spoke to the interviewee, I told them, “Readers want to know what happened. Take your time. Our goal is to help readers understand.” That moment reminded me that interviews offer a safe space for someone to share something deeply personal, even painful.

    A little transparency and compassion reassures people that you’re not trying to “catch” them      and that you’re on their side. Trust begins before the first question.

    Send Your Questions in Advance

    I don’t always do this, but in cases where I sense the person is apprehensive, it works wonders. When someone has time to think beforehand, they’re able to dig deeper. Instead of surface-level responses, they’ll share insights that come from reflection. That’s often where the most meaningful and memorable stories come out.

    Try not to send too many questions, however, as that can feel overwhelming. I usually tell people, “I’ll send a few questions to get your mind going, but I’ll also have some follow-ups as we go.” That balance gives them confidence without making the process feel daunting.

    Create a Safe Space for Conversation

    My interview style is very conversational. I always begin with small talk.
    I’ll ask about where they grew up or comment on something interesting in their background, whether it relates to the story or not. It helps them relax and feel like they’re talking to a friend rather than facing an interrogation.

    From there, I generally don’t talk a lot. I ask questions in a natural way (rather than sounding like they come from a list), and then I listen and react. “Really? That must have been amazing!” That connection sparks something between myself and the person I’m interviewing. In those moments, we are on the same team and have the same goal. And that feels good.

    When people sense that you genuinely care about them—not just their quotes—they open up. Their answers become longer, warmer, and more personal.

    Ask Open-Ended Questions—and Really Listen

    There’s a time and place for yes-or-no questions, like the courtroom. Many people equate that line of questioning as negative and aggressive. Plus, their answers don’t tell you much. Open-ended questions invite people to tell stories, and follow-up questions show that you’re paying attention.

    If someone apologizes for “sharing too much,” I always tell them, “The more, the better.” Giving them permission to share more allows them room to add details and even emotion. Sometimes the added information helps give the story more heart, or leads to stories in the future. That simple reassurance often unlocks beautiful details they might have held back otherwise.

    Note-Taking vs. Recording

    I started my career when note-taking was the norm, and it took practice to master. Through countless interviews, I learned to pick out important information. Over time, you develop a knack for what should be quoted (such as key points expressed in interesting ways) and what can be summarized (such as basic background details).

    These days, recording conversations and using AI to transcribe them is a game changer! Always make sure to ask permission before recording. Even when recording, I still take notes during the interview. It keeps me engaged, helps me stay focused, and provides direction when it comes time to write the story.

    Always Offer Your Appreciation

    Many people want to share their stories, but it’s not required. Your interviewee offered their valuable time and a piece of themselves. Follow up and let them know how much you valued their time, and when appropriate, share the finished piece. Gratitude also helps build relationships for future interviews and collaborations.

    The Takeaway

    I feel strongly as a journalist that the Lord wants me to learn from each person I talk to. And I have. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn and understand perspectives we might never have considered. For us creators, interviewing is a chance to practice empathy, patience, and kindness. When we combine diligence with heart in our interviews, we open doors to truth, understanding, and the power of shared human experiences.

    Carrie K. Snider

    Carrie K. Snider is a Phoenix-based writer. She grew up on a dairy farm and graduated with a degree in journalism from BYU. She has reported for the Deseret News, EastIdahoNews.com, Good News Utah, and others. Several of her articles have received Praiseworthy Awards from LDSPMA. Carrie enjoys hiking, swimming, and watching musicals with her husband and four kids.

      Using Music, Dance, and Drama to Combat Gangs and Criminality

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      In a world that is increasingly filled with chaos, participation in the arts can be a valuable resource to maintain positive relationships, combat mental health issues, and give a sense of belonging. Our friend Rebecca Burnham from Summit Stages shares an interview she conducted with Jerry (J.J.) First Charger Jr. about his work with at-risk youth. We redacted some paragraphs for space, but you can read the full article here.

      Jerry (J.J) First Charger Jr. is a Blackfoot man from Kainai who is a hero to many young people, including some of my own children. I first met Jerry when I was helping in a community-building collaboration between Blackfoot and settler high schoolers in our area. Jerry was great with the kids, and enthusiastically helped them develop confidence in themselves and each other. I was also wowed by the breadth of his talents and his willingness to share them with us. He competently taught break-dancing, stage-combat, Indigenous singing, improv, acting and more.

      More recently, Jerry’s dance crew, the Westwind Thunders, made Global News (a Canadian network) on a dance tour where they mixed breakdancing and Indigenous styles of dance, (including hoop, fancy, grass, chicken and jingle dress and fancy shawl). I was able to attend one of their performances and was almost brought to tears. I was taken aback by the skill and stamina of the dancers, the joy I saw on the faces of the kids, and the beauty of the dances, especially those performed by Indigenous students in full regalia. My son, who had carried water for the Thunders working as an EA, said it was just as impressive to see how Jerry worked with the kids, that he “leads through pure rapport. The kids would do anything for him, and because of him they know they can do anything.”

      I was surprised and moved by the spiritual roots of Jerry’s approach to teaching and the degree to which personal experience has helped him relate and help so many young people and communities who have endured generations of persecution and personal trauma. Here is his story.

      Jerry was twenty-two years old when he woke up in a drunk tank in Cardston, Alberta. This was not a first-time experience. He didn’t remember what brought him there–but that wasn’t new either. Only a few months earlier, he’d gotten drunk to the point of black out at a family wedding and wound up severely beating up his little brother, only to wake up the next day with no memory of the conflict. It terrified and deeply shamed him that his brother could have died at his hands. Not knowing how to cope, he’d retreated even further into drugs and alcohol.

      Jerry asked the guard what had happened and learned that he’d been at the home of some friends who had wound up calling the police and did not want him coming back. He didn’t know what he’d done, but it was once again threatening his relationships. Why did he keep messing up like this?

      He had tried to get help and only gotten more alienated. He felt abandoned and angry at his family, friends and society. All of this had brought him here, sitting on the cold, hard floor of a drunk tank, scared and hopeless. In his distress, he prayed, and he heard an answer, an invitation to change his life. That wasn’t happening. He’d seen friends and family go to treatment, only to relapse as soon as they came out, a month, or even a year later.

      He thought about how his life seemed like a waste to this point. He wanted to be remembered as a good person, who helped others out, not as a menace to society, leaving wreckage in his wake. But he knew he couldn’t do it. He was too weak and he would fail.

      The Creator said, “You can change. Trust me.”

      “But how?” he asked.

      Again, he heard, “It can be done. Just trust me.”

      He had no arguments left. He agreed he would change, but only if the Creator agreed to never leave him. “Because if you do, I will fail.”

      “J.J., I will never leave you. I will always be there for you.”

      A few hours later, Jerry walked out of the drunk tank, never to return, “because of the love of the Creator and because I called my spirit back,” he says. He returned to church and the Creator, true to His promise, has been with him ever since.

      Seven years of sobriety later, Jerry got a call from a friend who said the Young Offenders Centre in Lethbridge was looking for a youth mentor to run a drumming and dance program for young inmates. He taught the youth inmates to sing, drum and dance. He found this to be a gateway to connection. He noticed that the youth came to trust him first as their music and movement mentor with whom they had fun, and that opened the door to honest discussions about personal responsibility and the power to change. Drumming, he has since learned, is correlated with resilience among war-torn people in Africa. He didn’t know that then, but he started seeing that same burgeoning resilience in the youth with whom he was working.

      Music, dance and drama gave him a natural way to teach the inmates that making mistakes is not a good reason to be beaten down. “Everybody makes mistakes. That’s how you learn and grow.” This allowed him to teach about choice and consequence as a learning rather than a punitive experience. Instead of using language like “good and evil” that tended to activate inmates’ shame and their fear of rejection, he taught about choosing between positive energy and negative energy. Jerry told the inmates that, “before you can help your children, you better fix yourself, take on some personal responsibility for your actions, be mindful and accountable.”

      Inmates loved it. They told him that his program was a sharp contrast to the rest of their prison experience. Among the things they said were, “We love coming to your programs because you make us think,” “You made me feel like I was not in jail. You took the walls away from me,” and “You helped me enjoy myself and learn that life can be fun again.” It was a novel approach to correction, but Jerry believed the system should be focused on rehabilitation, not punitive measures.

      Jerry began to work with kids who were struggling to cope with chaotic home lives, and with parents who feared having their battles with addiction, anger, and so forth revealed to a counselor in a system that they didn’t trust. Once again, music and dance were the gateway he needed to get into a position of trust from which he could help.

      One of the key tools he uses now is BBoying and BGirling (breakdancing). He has learned that it helps kids self-regulate. Breakdancing and hip hop were popularized as an antidote to violence in the Bronx, New York, when gang violence was so pervasive that you could get killed for crossing the street wearing the wrong colors. Former gang leader African Bambaataa persuaded other leaders to embrace the creative expression offered by hip hop as a way of pulling back from the brink of annihilation. Gang members started settling turf wars with dance battles instead of weapons. It allowed them to flex their muscles and show off how tough they were, but in a way that left them alive to better themselves and compete again another day. “The old school BBoys said that they were [so] busy practicing for the next battle that they did not have time to do criminal activities.”

      He speaks about one struggling student whose family would not let their boy anywhere near counseling. But they were happy to let Jerry teach him breakdancing and that helped the boy develop the supports he needed and the self-regulation skills to cope better at school.

      Jerry cites new understanding of the therapeutic power of play. “The experts in the field of therapy are pointing out that dance, art and play are effective tools for dealing with trauma. That is where the healing happens.”

      Simple Online Marketing for Creators

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      Many of us feel called to create, whether that’s writing books, launching podcasts, building businesses, or coaching others. But there’s one challenge that shows up across all of these efforts: “I love what I do… I just wish I could get it into more people’s hands without burning out.”

      Sound familiar?

      You may feel like you’re doing everything—such as selling, marketing, emailing, networking, creating, and more—but still struggling to get consistent sales or clients. Let’s break down a simple sales and marketing system that works while you sleep so you can focus more on your vision and less on the hustle.

      Most creators think they have a marketing problem. In reality, they have a systems problem. They’re doing the work—showing up on social media and getting the word out—but serving their audience feels random, reactive, and exhausting.

      What they’re missing is a repeatable path that takes a stranger from “just found you” to “bought from you” in a way that’s consistent and not dependent on the creators being online 24/7.

      The Simple 3-Part System to Attract, Convert, and Deliver to More Buyers

      This system works whether you’re a coach, author, podcaster, or small-business owner. It’s built on three simple principles—attract, convert, and deliver.

      Attract Your Ideal Buyer or Client

      This is where you stop relying on random content creation and start using intentional value content plus lead magnets (or reader magnets).

      Action Steps:

      • Create a simple free resource (lead magnet) that solves a specific problem or creates curiosity.
      • Offer this freebie in your posts, bio, email signature, or podcast outro.
      • Use 3–4 social media content topic pillars to keep posting consistently at least weekly without overwhelm (e.g. content pillars like stories, tips, behind-the-scenes, and Q&As).

      Stop creating content for content’s sake. Start offering value content that earns attention from your ideal buyer or client.

      Convert Attention into Buyers

      Fish can be sneaky, nibbling the bait without taking the hook. An experienced fisherman can sense the right moment to set the hook so the fish doesn’t swim away. Once someone opts into your email list for your freebie offers, it’s time to build trust through your emails and invite them to buy from you without seeming pushy. This is where many people drop the ball. Failing to follow through on these leads means missing valuable opportunities to gain a new customer.

      You need a simple email nurture plus offer sequence, which is 4 – 10 emails (minimum) set up within your preferred email marketing CRM service.

      • Welcome + What to Expect

      The purpose is to set the tone, build trust, and open the loop. It’s the handshake before the sale. You’re laying down the rules of engagement.

      Example content:

      Hey [Subscriber],

      Welcome to the Creator’s Community Email Newsletter. I’m excited you’re here! Over the next few days, I’m going to send you a few short emails that will help you learn about our community and how we support one another. You can expect real stories and strategies with zero fluff.

      This first email is not the place to pitch. You’re warming up your reader. An open loop equals curiosity. Curiosity hooks them into opening the next email, and the next one, until BOOM! Your email open rate starts to skyrocket.

      • Your Story

      The purpose of telling your story is to build emotional connection, establish authority, and create context. This is an “I was where you are” moment, the bridge between you and your consumer. Tell them where you started. Share a relatable example, and then tell them your solution.

      People don’t buy information. They buy transformation. Your story gives them a reason to believe that you have all the solutions to their problems. No trust? No sale.

      • Value Bomb: Tip, Insight, Belief Shift

      The purpose of this step is to deliver value, flip beliefs, and establish your way as the way. This is the content that causes your reader to think, “Wow, if the free stuff is this valuable, their paid content must be amazing!”

      Most people offering a valuable service hold back. Don’t! Delivering high-quality content free of charge tells your reader that the paid content will have a significantly greater value.

      • Invitation to Buy Your Service or Book a Call

      The purpose of this step is to make the ask. Pull the trigger. This is not a “sale”—it’s a prescription. You’re the doctor, and you have the cure for their problem. For example, you could say, “Click here to book a free 15-minute call.”

      If you’ve done these steps correctly, this email will feel like the natural conclusion, not a hard pitch. Your job isn’t to convince—it’s to invite. Sales come from email follow-ups, not just first impressions, and email automation systems like Hubspot, Kit, or Active Campaign can do most of the heavy lifting.

      Think of the email sequence like a movie. Email #1 is the trailer. It hooks attention. Email #2 gives backstory and builds depth. The climax comes in Email #3, delivering action and excitement. Email #4 is the satisfying resolution that promises a happily ever after.

      Give people reasons to keep opening your emails, to trust you, and finally, to act.

      That’s leverage. That’s how you hook your ideal buyers, turn strangers into superfans, and transform content into cash. Don’t overthink it, and stay consistent.

      Include a call to action (CTA) in each email: “If this resonates, grab [the book/ program/call link] here.”

      Deliver—Reel in Your Catch Without Snapping the Line

      Our fisherman friend knows when to reel in faster and when to slow it down. Serve your buyers without snapping your line or burning out—which will prevent you from providing future satisfying customer experiences.

      Now that you have buyers, how do you serve them without becoming the bottleneck?

      • Turn private coaching into group coaching programs to scale your business and get more of your time back. Group coaching resolves this by reducing the number of private coaching calls filling your calendar time slots.
      • Deliver more value to your buyers and keep them around longer by using some of your book value points and expanding them into online learning courses. Meaningful quotes from the book can be repurposed into an email message series.
      • Save time and deliver more to your audience by scheduling a content recording day. Create short video reels out of your long-form content and utilize calendars on social media platforms to schedule your content release in advance.

      Once you set up some of the extra value delivery systems above, they will help you get more of your time back. If your business can’t grow without you working harder, it’s time to rethink how you deliver value to your buyers.

      Why This Matters for Entrepreneurs, Coaches, Authors, and Creators

      We strive to live with purpose. But it’s easy to confuse hard work with smart work. Putting in the effort should not come at the expense of our families, our health, or our true purpose.

      This sales and marketing system isn’t about hustle. It’s about establishing routines to help you get more buyers, buy back your time, and optimize your business.

      When your business or creative work is organized around systems and not stress, you can show up more consistently without the chaos and make more income without compromising. It’s not about working less—it’s about working with clarity and purpose. When you implement what I’ve laid out to attract, convert, and deliver, you’ll have something most entrepreneurs, coaches, and authors never build: a system that results in buyers or clients rather than burnout.

      Headshot of Jason Majoue.

      Jason Majoue

      Jason Majoue is a Business Coach and Digital Marketing Agency owner who helps entrepreneurs, coaches, authors, and creators grow and scale their businesses with proven, repeatable strategies. With 10+ years of experience in business growth, offer creation, paid ads, SEO, sales funnels, AI, systems, email and social media, Jason has helped hundreds of clients increase revenue while simplifying their marketing. He provides strategic guidance through Private Coaching, Group Coaching, and Guided Online Business Courses, empowering purpose-driven entrepreneurs to build profitable, scalable businesses.



        How I Learned Not to Loathe Revisions

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        We’ve all been there. We just put the finishing touches on our creative piece. After hours of work (and perhaps a few tears), we submit it to a professional for review. Often, we receive feedback that requires considerable revision and makes us question whether we should be engaging in this work at all.

        I write historical romance novels, so this feedback usually comes in the form of substantial content edits from an editor. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best mindset when it comes to editing my work. In fact, the word I often associate with editing is “loathing.”

        My first novel will be published by a small publisher this September. The first thing I wanted to do when I received the content edits? Cry. I had already hired a developmental editor and made significant changes based on her feedback and input from other readers. I even rewrote the entire ending! And still more edits? 

        I know, I know. I should be open to feedback that helps me grow and improve as a writer. But still, I couldn’t get my brain on board with that idea until I applied a few simple principles to my thought process. You might already be familiar with them because they align with the counsel we receive in the gospel. Here are a few simple ways I’ve found to shift my mindset and develop a healthier attitude toward feedback.

        Recognize the True Potential in My Work

        At least fifty—that’s the number of “no’s” I received from agents and editors when querying my manuscript for almost a year. I didn’t handle the rejection well. Remember those tears mentioned above? Yes, there were lots during this phase.

        I had the idea for my novel for more than a decade, but I put off writing it until three summers ago. My degrees and licenses in business and law don’t exactly translate to writing love stories, but I couldn’t ignore the prompting to embark on this creative journey. My work is not what I’d consider gospel centered. I write clean historical romances that don’t typically include characters with a faith arc. I like to call them “kissing books.”

        So, why did every attempt to put that work out into the world lead to a dead end? Even now, despite a contract with a small publisher (the only one who said “yes” instead of “no”), these doubts still manifest themselves. Why isn’t anyone buying or rating my self-published novella? Why do I have fewer than 200 followers on my social media accounts after eighteen months of effort? Why did 2% of my newsletter subscribers unsubscribe after my latest message? The list goes on.

        When “numbers” and “quantities” start niggling at my mind, it helps to view my work’s potential the way Heavenly Father views us—with an eternal perspective.

        Focusing on the quality of connections I make in this industry realigns my perspective. Reaching one person with my writing is far more important than earning ninety-nine likes on my latest Instagram post.

        Removing the “worldly lens” when valuing my work helps me recommit to this creative calling, especially when critiques (and the doubts that accompany them) follow.

        Speak with My Heavenly Father

        After I received the content edits for my first book, I tried to sit and write part of my current book. No words flowed. It was my worst attempt at writing. I doubted each word, erased more than I wrote, and ended up frustrated, discouraged, and dejected—never a good combination, especially when trying to create.

        This pity party lasted far longer than I care to admit. But I had a deadline to meet, so after hoisting myself up by my bootstraps, I decided to act on a thought that had come during the wallowing—pray.

        Perhaps it’s even more embarrassing to admit that I hadn’t really prayed much in my writing career. Again, these are just kissing books. Why would I need inspiration about romantic interactions like brushing hands and flushing cheeks?

        I gave prayer a go, however, because the idea wouldn’t leave me alone. Did I mention I was stubborn, too? I prayed each time I sat down to edit. I prayed to be open to the editor’s comments and recommendations. I prayed for guidance and inspiration as I selected the right words and phrases while rewriting. I prayed that I would complete tasks by the deadlines. And I prayed for help with my other responsibilities, including being a wife and mom of two, holding down a part-time job, and managing other volunteer roles, such as serving as one of the new vice presidents of LDSPMA.

        I’m not suddenly spitting out a masterpiece akin to Jane Austen’s work or tripling my word count, but I can set aside the emotions telling me my work isn’t good enough. I’ve also overcome the feeling of overwhelm that plagued me during the rewriting process. I meet my deadlines, too (I even met one five days early!).

        Most importantly, prayer changed my perspective. I now see revision as a way to ensure that my work is the best it can be. I feel the loving support of Heavenly Father, even if the process isn’t easy.

        Strive to Do Better Each Day

        Through what other process do we try to improve little by little and day by day? Repentance. We are often counseled that repentance should be a joyful process. While I still pray to find true joy in editing, I can safely say I’ve made it to the “not loathing” stage. I see the true potential in my work by speaking with Heavenly Father through prayer.

        And the best part? I can strive to elevate the gift Heavenly Father has given me every day, even after receiving feedback that requires yet another rewrite. I hope that you, too, continue to strive for true joy in your creative journey.

        Headshot of Casey Cline

        Casey Cline

        Casey Cline collects hobbies and pursuits as quickly as she reads books. She likes to believe her degrees and licenses in business, law, and real estate aren’t entirely incongruous with writing historical stories about the ultimate adventure in life—love. Casey is one of the vice presidents of the Latter-day Saints in Publishing Media and the Arts organization and is a member of the Nebraska Writers Guild. She lives in Nebraska with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. You can connect with her at www.caseycline.com.

           

          Why You Don’t Want to Get Your Book Done Quickly

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          As a coach, speaker, or business owner, you may have heard that being a bestselling author gives you credibility. After all, having a book helps you:

          • Get more speaking gigs
          • Have another revenue stream to support that platform (from online royalties or selling books at the back of the room after a speaking event)
          • Expand your audience tenfold through a lower-priced product (made available worldwide through online stores and libraries)
          • Increase your opportunities to pitch to media and do interviews on radio, TV, podcasts, etc.
          • Connect with clients and potential business partners by showing your expertise (and don’t forget: you can use your book as a gift!)

          Strategies for Fast Book Production

          So, how do you get a book out there quickly? There are lots of ways to approach this process.

          • Pick only one small, focused problem and offer the solution for it in fewer than 10,000 words.
          • Compile all of your blogs, PowerPoint presentations, etc., and roughly organize them around a few key ideas.
          • Turn your signature speech into a book.
          • Get together with other like-minded professionals and do a themed compilation book on your individual stories or on how you each solved a problem.

          But stop a moment.

          What Haven’t You Heard?

          While I’m all for helping authors self-publish and build their platforms with quickly produced books, I have learned a thing or two coming from “behind the curtain” of traditional publishing that I think most new authors learn only in hindsight.

          Traditional publishers understand the long-term results of good branding.

          They won’t take a book that isn’t really compelling in each of these areas:

          • Well organized; each fresh idea builds momentum gracefully and powerfully, convincing the reader of the value and truth of the ideas being proposed (avoiding redundancy, confusing paragraphs, muddy arguments, etc.)
          • Full of emotionally impactful stories that concretely support the ideas the author is developing
          • A strong, unique hook that can get both media and a bookshelf browser’s attention despite all the competition from similar products
          • Good writing—not just mechanically clean writing (with correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and lack of typos), but prose that captures the stories and ideas with powerful verbs, word economy, precision, and strong voice/compelling style

          A publisher wants to make the deepest possible emotional impact on the broadest possible audience: impressed, moved, excited readers mean repeat buyers for future books, converted clients for the author (which means a bigger platform for future books), and excellent reviews and interview requests (which drive book sales). Publishers don’t want to rely on one-time marketing strategies to sell a single book in the short term. They are investing in something; they want long-term buying conversion to that author’s brand.

          The quality of the book—from its well-edited guts to its cover to the marketing copy on the back (and even the type of paper it’s printed on)—is a publisher’s best chance to convey the brand experience that will convert readers.

          Compromise for the Solution

          So, yes, you can jump on the bandwagon and quickly slap your book together, have only one or two other people give you their thoughts, and hire a proofreader to find the typos (which is different from the type of editor who deals with the items in the good-branding list above, FYI).

          And you can even sell a lot of books at the back of the room and pay for the kind of marketing that will make it a best seller in some Amazon category. But what’s after that? If someone attends your speech and then buys your signature-speech book, what increased value did you give them? Will they be that interested in the next thing you produce, or will they write you off as a one-hit wonder?

          If you want to use your book to grow your business long-term, the smoothest path to success is to have a clear, firm, and impressive book-branding experience in place from the get-go. It will give them more value, more interest in you, and more loyalty as converted clients (and it will be more convincing to any business partners you’re courting). With a higher-quality book, you’ll truly convey the expertise you have.

          Do Now

          It’s never too late to up-level your branding. If you’ve already published a quick book, don’t sweat it. Let it continue to produce what results it can while you consider if you could take it to the next level. If you’re thinking maybe you should redo the cover or the marketing copy, find a professional in the book industry to help you. Find a good developmental editor (and a deep-line editor) to give you that professional edge. That’s the beauty of self-publishing, after all—you control everything.

          If you’re still developing your book, how do you incorporate the lessons of traditional publishing into your plan for quickly producing your book?

          • Get your content together quickly and, by all means, team up with the marketing power of other professionals if that makes sense for you; but in traditional publishing (where quality equals long-term success), that’s called a draft. It’s not what you go to press with.
          • Get lots of feedback—not from close friends, your mom, or a single mentor. Use whatever networks you have (including social media and/or the audience for any online courses you’ve created) to refine your ideas by beta testing them to see what gets engagement and interest. (You’ll want to find readers who are actually facing the problem for which you’re providing a solution.)
          • Hire a professional developmental editor—don’t just get a copyedit or proofread; these latter services are both types of professional editing, but they are final steps. A developmental editor is trained in developing ideas, making sure your book is well organized, and in helping the audience connect with your voice—in short, his/her job is to make sure the market you want to speak to is going to understand your message and be moved by it. If you’re writing a memoir (or a narrative-driven inspirational/how-to), find out if your nonfiction editor also has extensive training in story structure, thematic through-lines, character development, and so on.
          • When you go to self-publish, hire individuals or teams that have experience in the traditional publishing industry so you can apply that experience to producing a quality book—one that will look as good as what the traditional industry produces. For instance, you want a team who knows what makes a good cover and why. Is the marketing copy actually marketable (has a good hook, covers reader pain points and desires, is well-worded), or is it just a general summary of your content? Does the vendor insist your cover, tagline, and image tell a cohesive genre story and hook your ideal target market? (Most won’t.)

          Sound Like This May Take a While? 

          Actually, we’re talking about adding just a couple of months to your timeline if you bring in professionals to help. In the grand scheme of things, adding two to three months to your release date isn’t much of a bump in the publish-quickly road. (If you have a pressing deadline that’s non-negotiable, just get what you have out and then up-level as soon as you can after that; you want the best version of your book available for bigger audiences as your business grows.)

          If speed is your priority, or you’re really starved for time, you can even give your content to a ghostwriter who can spin gold from it, capture your voice, and have it all done within a couple of months.

          Spun gold—that’s the kind of book that’ll have your readers coming back for more. That’s the kind of book a traditional publisher may consider picking up after you’ve made a self-pubbed success of it. That’s the kind of book that can be your legacy.

          In short? Get it done fast, but get it done right.

          This article was written by Angela Eschler and was republished in this condensed form with permission from Eschler Editing. To read the full version, click here.

          Time Management Skills: Creating a Life of Order

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          With the new year just underway, many creatives may be thinking of how they can improve in 2025. For some, that resolution may be to manage their time better.

          As a self-employed content creator, I know firsthand how hard time management can be. Time is a limited resource, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and to-dos. But time management doesn’t have to be a mighty dragon to fear.

          Here are some lessons I’ve learned on my time-management journey that can help you on your quest.

          Put God First

          God is in the details. He will help us know where to focus our efforts if we put Him first. This definitely isn’t easy, as distractions run rampant, but if you make time for God, He’ll help you accomplish what matters most.

          I grab my scriptures first thing in the morning instead of my phone. I may not always have time for in-depth scripture study, but I try to read at least a chapter if I can, a verse at the bare minimum. I have friends who read a chapter of the Book of Mormon before they do any work. Others kneel in their offices and say a prayer. However you decide to do it, spending time with Him helps make the rest of the day easier.

          As President Benson said, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, . . . and pour out peace” (Ensign December 1988, 4)

          Putting God first will ultimately help you face your day with confidence and assurance that He is with you.

          Prioritize

          Once you’ve sat down with the Lord, it’s time to look at your to-do list. What is the most urgent thing that needs to get done today? Is it to send one specific email? Plan a meeting? Work on that editing, writing, or creative project that’s due soon?

          Brian Tracy coined the phrase “eat the frog” as a cure for procrastination. “Eat the frog” means that the thing you’re most dreading is the thing you should do first. That frog might be a sticky email you don’t want to write, a massive project that’s taking too long, or a phone call you keep putting off. These frogs might be things that take more energy, brain power, or negotiation skills, which makes them daunting. But when you eat them first, you’ll get a boost of dopamine from accomplishing a hard task that will see you through the rest of your day. Your plate will be lighter once the frog is gone.

          As part of prioritizing, it is also important to identify tasks that are not urgent. Things come up—they always do. It might be a last-minute doctor’s visit, a chat with a friend, or a child needing cuddles. You’ll find that your lower priorities will get shuffled around from day to day. Every day has different needs. Eat the frog first so that if the less-urgent things need to get dropped, they can.

          Do Things When You’re Motivated

          Some days, you may not feel like getting out of bed, much less working. Other days, you may have mental or physical health challenges that make work appear as demanding as climbing Mt. Everest. I’ve had days when I’ve stared at my pile of to-dos and felt completely unmotivated to do any work due to the weather, my health, or my emotional state. It’s okay to take occasional break days for your mental or physical health.

          But when the motivation comes fast and thick, that’s the time to work. When I’m motivated, I get more done than just the frog—I clear my inbox, send emails that I’ve been neglecting, and get more chapters written or edited. These days make up for the break days when I need to reset.

          Sometimes all you have to do to get motivated is start with one small task, such as scheduling a Facebook post or drafting an email. Whatever that small task might be, if you set a timer for ten minutes and just start, you’ll often find that more motivation will come.

          Use What Works for You

          There are a bazillion apps, tools, and tricks that can help you manage your time. The number of available options can be intimidating. But all you need to do is find what works for you. Maybe try an online website like Asana or Zoho to help you organize your tasks. Maybe use pen-and-paper planners. Or maybe experiment with a combination of both online and offline tools.

          I’ve fallen in love with sticky notes and paper planners. There’s something oddly satisfying about checking things off. While the piles of sticky notes on my desk seem excessive some days, for me, sticky notes are easy to organize. I simply keep what is necessary in a specific place, and I discard what isn’t necessary at the end of the day.

          Consistency is key; you’ll use what you like, so find what works for you.

          Find Accountability Partners

          Another helpful resource is accountability partners. Video-calling a friend while you work can actually be tremendously motivating.

          Last fall, I was struggling revising one of my books. Between my jobs and other life concerns, revising just wasn’t happening. It spiraled to the point where I wasn’t sure I’d ever finish the book. A friend suggested finding an accountability partner, so I reached out to several friends and scheduled hour-long sessions to write together. To my surprise, weekly writing sessions helped me stay motivated, and I finished up my revisions. I still meet with several of them every week to work on projects because having someone right there on a video call makes it a lot harder to procrastinate!

          LDSPMA is a great way to find friends to encourage you in your pursuits. If you want to find an accountability partner, our social media is a great place to start.

          Give Yourself Grace

          Time management is tricky, especially when you oversee your own schedule. Trust me, I’ve been there. Procrastination is very real, and it can be difficult to overcome. Sometimes we’re going to fall short. And that’s okay.

          The trick is to keep trying. And rely on the Lord when you fall short. Repentance simply means change, which includes changing our habits. None of us are perfect; we’re all trying to be a little better each day.

          As you work on taming the time management dragon, remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. You may struggle from time to time, but that’s okay. Don’t give up. Time management, like anything, is a skill. And it can be mastered—one day at a time.

          Headshot of KaTrina Jackson

          KaTrina Jackson

          KaTrina Jackson loves penguins, cross-stitching, chocolate, and piano music, and spends much of each day trying to fit those loves in around her jobs as a freelance editor and as a project manager for Eschler Editing. She graduated with a degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University because she couldn’t get enough stories in her life. She’s also a member of three different writing groups, attends and teaches at multiple writing conferences yearly, volunteers with LDSPMA and has since 2021, and is currently working on publishing her first novel. When she’s not writing, editing, or reading, she can be found practicing yoga, teaching piano lessons or performing with her husband, or watching Disney movies while working on a cross-stitch project. She and her husband live in Olathe, Kansas.


            Building a Skincare Business from Scratch

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            Lauren Tyson, founder of Salt City Soapworks, became seriously ill after the birth of her fourth child ten years ago. When doctors couldn’t find answers to help her, she dove into research on how food and mindset influence overall health. She began changing her eating habits and shopping choices and understanding the importance of using skincare products with all-natural ingredients. Over the next two years, Lauren steadily improved and regained good health. Lauren notes, “Our skin is the largest organ in our body, and it absorbs whatever we apply to it.”

            Lauren’s background in geology and passion for health led her to make her own line of skincare products. She uses a local natural resource—unrefined salt from Redmond, Utah, which is known for its high mineral content and detoxifying properties. “The salt was deposited around the time of the dinosaurs, which is really cool, and it contains over 60 essential minerals,” she says. Combining the salt with coconut oil created the foundation for her exfoliating, skin-nourishing salt soap recipes. This blend became the cornerstone of Salt City Soapworks, a family-run business rooted in community and environmental values.

            Here are some key lessons Lauren has learned for anyone looking to start a soap and skincare business.

            1. Allow Time for Research and Development

            Soapmaking is a scientific process, and Lauren emphasizes the importance of getting the chemistry right. “It took almost two years to perfect my recipes,” she says. Adding salt alters the chemical composition, making the process more complex. “The salt makes the soap brittle, making cutting or removing it from molds difficult. Even a slight mistake with timing or temperature can ruin the batch.”

            Lauren is meticulous about every step in the process. She measures everything down to the gram and keeps notes on what works and what doesn’t. “Scent development was a whole other challenge,” she admits. “I spent a lot of time experimenting to find natural and pleasing scents that appeal to many customers.”

            She stresses the importance of patience and research. “You really need time to perfect your recipes and make sure they’re exactly what you want because your passion, or lack thereof, comes through when you sell your products.”

            Lauren Tyson removing new soap from molds.

            2. Perfect Your Craft

            Lauren uses the cold-process method for soap making, which requires precise attention to detail, particularly regarding temperature control. “The first step is to mix lye with water. The mixture heats up naturally, so you have to wait for it to cool to the correct temperature,” she explains. In the meantime, she melts her oils and allows them to cool to the same temperature as the lye solution.

            Once they reach the perfect temperature, Lauren mixes the lye and oils with an immersion blender. This process starts the chemical reaction of saponification: turning the oils and lye into soap. “If the mixture is too hot, it will burn off the essential oils, which will ruin the batch,” Lauren says.

            After blending, the soap is poured into molds and allowed to set. “When the soap is firm but not too hard, I cut and stamp each bar.” Technically, the soap can be used after 24 hours, but Lauren lets the mixture cure for at least three weeks for a harder, longer-lasting bar. “It’s all about timing,” she says.

            The process is more straightforward for lotion bars and lip balms but still requires precision. “It’s a bit of a mad dash to get everything into molds before it sets,” Lauren explains. “You’ve got to work quickly to get the consistency just right.”

            3. Focus on Quality and Transparency

            Lauren is committed to using only simple, eco-friendly ingredients that are safe to wash down the drain. “I won’t use anything I can’t verify as real and natural,” she says. She colors her soaps with natural ingredients like kaolin clay, charcoal, and oxides.

            Her dedication to sourcing high-quality ingredients stems from an incident she experienced before starting her business when she ordered what was supposedly 100% organic beeswax from an online supplier. “I opened the box and was hit with a whoosh of petroleum odor. The beeswax was the same color as processed cheese,” she recalls. As a beekeeper, she immediately recognized that the product wasn’t authentic and wondered how many others would have been fooled by the imitation beeswax.

            “I went online to return it and asked about their quality control procedures for sellers. That’s when I realized there were no checks and balances,” she adds. This eye-opening realization strengthened her commitment to sourcing ingredients she can personally verify and trust. “I also make sure to source my beeswax from local suppliers.”

            She is also mindful of packaging materials. “Packaging is part of the ingredients,” she points out. “I try to minimize waste by stamping labels directly on the soap and using tin and glass containers that can be reused.” She wants to assure her customers that the ingredients in Salt City Soapworks are beneficial for their skin and safe for the environment.

            4. Launch Your Products by Starting Small

            Lauren’s marketing approach has always been organic and cost-effective. “The best thing about starting small is that you get to learn cheap and learn fast,” she explains. “It’s a low-risk way to figure out what works and what doesn’t.”

            She built Salt City Soapworks by relying on word-of-mouth, repeat customers, craft fairs, and Christmas markets. She runs her website on Shopify and engages with customers through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. “I try to use social media to share what we’re doing, why we do it, and how our products are different.” Lauren also stays away from high-fee platforms like Etsy. “The fees eat into your margins. I’d rather keep the prices affordable for customers without compromising on quality.”

            5. Keep Learning and Adapting

            Lauren’s scientific education laid a foundation for developing her products, but she continually seeks to broaden her knowledge. She’s currently enrolled in the Master of Business Creation program at the University of Utah. “I want to learn as much as I can,” she says. “Understanding how to structure my business is just as important as the products themselves.”

            She also gathers valuable insights into her product line by engaging with her customers to learn what they love and want from her products. This feedback serves as inspiration for new ideas. She shares, “Recently, a friend mentioned how much she enjoys using our salt scrubs on her face. It got me thinking about creating an unscented charcoal salt scrub specifically for the face. I haven’t had a chance to make it yet, but I’m excited to see if it might help with acne.” Another time, a customer requested an exfoliating soap. Lauren added finely ground pumice stone and coffee grounds to her soap to create a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliant that is safe for sensitive skin. Engaging with her customers helps her refine her offerings to fit their needs.

            6. Stay True to Your Business Goals and Values

            Lauren’s values form the foundation of her business’s success. “It would be easy to churn out higher profits by using cheaper ingredients, but I’m not even tempted. That’s just not who I am,” she says. Her passion for Salt City Soapworks motivates her to stay stubbornly focused on her vision, while her commitment to remaining true to her values fosters creativity.

            She emphasizes that people should be curious about the things they put on their skin. While Lauren’s customers have come to trust her advice and judgment, she states, “I would like to take it a step further by providing documentation so they don’t have to rely on my word. I also want to educate them about the benefits of our products and raise awareness about the dangers of preservatives and chemicals used as stabilizers in commercial skincare.”

            She says the best part of her work is hearing from satisfied customers. “There’s nothing better than someone telling me they love a product I’ve made and that they appreciate the time and care that went into it.” Through persistence, research, and staying true to her values, Lauren transformed her health and created a business that helps others.

            Headshot of Kami Pehrson.

            Kami Pehrson

            Kami Pehrson lives with her husband and five teenage children in Stansbury Park, Utah. She recently finished her master’s degree in English and creative writing and has written three novels—but is still trying to figure out what to do with them. She loves editing, reading, and playing word games on her phone. She also enjoys listening to audiobooks while half-heartedly doing Pilates in the living room.