Writing

I don't have a degree in English and I'm not one of those writers with a bunch of initials behind my name. I simply have a passion for writing. It's my bent, the way God designed me. I'd write whether I was ever published or not, but I do enjoy being published from time to time too.

BOOKS AND CURRICULUMS

My "firstborn" book, curriculum, big publishing hoopla is Hands-On Essays. It's a DVD/handbook combo that uses fun teaching methods to help teens master the essay and prepare for the writing portion of the SAT. It's simple, direct, and written to the student, but also offers helpful information for parents and teachers. I wrote this curriculum because I received so many requests to teach writing classes and I simply couldn't teach them all so I needed a way to multiply my efforts. I tell people that Hands-On Essays is the equivalent of me coming into your home or classroom and teaching your student for you.

My writing has also appeared in books written by others. Lysa TerKeurst used one of my articles in her book, Living Life on Purpose. I have several articles and poems in the book The Best of the Proverbs 31 Ministry. Sharon Jaynes also used a story from my life in one of her books. Just as soon as I remember which book I'll be sure and post it here.


ARTICLES AND DEVOTIONALS

I'm a regular contributor to TEACH magazine as "The Domestically-Challenged Housewife."

Over the years, I've written quite a few articles for The P31 Woman and from time to time my devotionals show up on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Devotionals. I contribute randomly to other publications as well.


EDITING

Recently, I got to try my hand at editing. I did first edits on a brand new book, An Untroubled Heart by Micca Campbell. It's a fabulous book to be released in mid 2008 so look for it in stores near you.


WRITING CLASSES
My life changed a few years ago when a friend asked a simple question, "Will you teach my kids to write?" That one question launched a career/ministry teaching writing classes to homeschoolers and eventually led to the creation of four writing curriculums, all of which I hope to publish at some point. I started teaching classes at Growing Scholars, a bookstore owned by friends of mine. Currently, I teach at The Teen Learning Center.


FREE STUFF FOR WRITERS
Each Monday I send out a free email called Encouraging Words for Writers. Some of the emails offer writing tips while others are purely motivation and encouragement for writers and wannabe writers. To subscribe simply send an email to bonita(@)bonitalillie(.)com. Omit the parentheses. Include the word "subscribe" in the text and I'd be happy to add you to the list.


CONSULTATIONS
I get a lot of requests to offer advice on writing, to read things people have written, and to help parents and teachers decipher how to teach kids to write. Unfortunately, I can't do all of those things and remain focused on the calling on my life to write and to be a wife and mom. I'm giving the matter some serious thought and prayer and will let you know if the Lord leads me in the direction to offer consultations. In the meantime, will you pray along with me?