FAQ’s on The Divine Pursuit

I’ve had a bajillon questions already about The Divine Pursuit, the bible study on Jonah that’s available now. OK, not that many, but enough that I thought I should interrupt “culture” week to answer them here. If you’ve got any others, list them in the comments and I’ll make sure to answer them too!

Where do I get it?

You get the Divine Pursuit two ways: either by download, which is free, or by purchasing the printed version through Paypal. Go to the bookstore for more details.

Can I get it at the bookstore or on Amazon?

No, and here’s why. As you can read here, I’ve been going about writing and being published in a very traditional way. It was always my plan to wait for a regular writing career, which in today’s world means a literary agent (a cross between a talent scout and a real estate agent), a book contract (read: some money), and then the backing of an editor, marketing team, etc., not to mention the legit-ness of being an author working with a big house like Zondervan, Baker, Revell, Waterbrook, etc.

One of the big changes in the publishing world, as I understand it, is the rise of self-published and print-on-demand opportunities. I’m no expert, but it seems to me that these services involve anyone who wants to be an author shelling out some money, and the company providing copy editing, design services, and printing. You can either pay a big bunch of money and handle the distribution yourself, or you can use a print-on-demand service that handles the ordering for you. Xulon, Westbow, Winepress, BelieversPress, Xilibris, CrossBooks…yep, there’s a lot of them. And they get you on Amazon.

But because I had designers who worked on the project, the EPC backing my work, and a great relationship with a printer in town, I wanted to handle it myself. I might change my mind, but for now, it works.

The biggest reason for keeping it on my site was to increase the proceeds to International Justice Mission. I’d have to sell four times as many books through Amazon, etc. in order to get the same proceeds to IJM.

The Divine Pursuit is a project that advanced my name and credibility in the business–I got an agent and some recognition by editors who liked my work and asked for some other stuff. So as these things go, this project evolved into a much different one that’s currently out with the editorial gods, and I felt like it was time to move forward with this guide, mostly so I don’t go crazy waiting for my next project.

Are you really giving all the proceeds away? Why?

So me and God have been talking about this project alot. And about six months ago, I felt like “firstfruits” was impressed on my mind and heart pretty consistently. At the time, I was reading Margaret Feinberg’s book, Scouting the Divine, and I really liked what she had to say about the firstfruits of the Isrealite’s labor in the Old Testament. She talked about how giving those offerings to God meant giving him the very best–the finest, the first. I agreed in conversation with God (and with my hubs) that I wanted to give this first substantial project all back to the Him.

So when plans changed and the opportunity came up to provide a resource for the EPC, it was easy to hold the guide lightly and use the printed materials to support a change that I believe can be made in our generation–the eradication of human trafficking. Don’t worry–I plan to make some money pretty soon (can you hear my husband’s sigh of relief on your end of this post?)

What’s the online group?

This is another thing I’m excited about. I will be hosting an online discussion of The Divine Pursuit this fall. I don’t have all the details worked out, but the idea is that you will be invited to join a group (think Yahoo or Google groups). You can pick a screenname and then join in discussions during the beginning of each week around one question from the homework. You will get those discussion updates to your email inbox, or can choose to log on and read them all at once.

I will post a short video each week about the main point and main discussion topic. If I can figure out all my technology, we’ll also have a live chat window on Wednesday nights, when you can log on and talk with other DP’s about what they are learning.

There are many purposes for hosting an online group, but here’s a few:

• provide a forum for encouragement
• provide accountability to keep up with the homework
• provide an easily accessible way for busy people, like working moms, single moms, traveling dads, whoever–to still be “with” others.
• provide the anonymity of an online group for those who don’t have a safe place to share
• provide a chance for those who are usually “leaders” to not have to lead!
• provide an easy opportunity to invite someone to a conversation about spiritual things in a safe, nonjudgmental forum, if you don’t feel prepared to lead a group yourself.

If you download, purchase or sign up for group updates, you’ll get detailed instructions for joining the group via email by September 1. We will discuss Week One beginning the week of September 13.

Speaking of leaders, I’d like to lead a group. Should we still be in the online discussion?

The best conversation and growth can happen in person, so I would love to support your efforts! There is a downloadable leader’s guide available with additional questions, icebreakers, and support for you as the leader. You can also sign up for the online group and access the videos to use as introductions each week, if you’d like.

Can I find out what others think?

There is a page of reviews available, and I’ll be adding to those in the coming weeks. I would also encourage you to download the study and flip through it yourself, and then you’ll have a better idea of what it’s about before you recommend it to friends.

I think you are a rockstar and want to help. What can I do?

Thank you, imaginary reader, for such a wonderful question. I would love your help spreading the word. Here’s a couple of things you can do:

• join the Facebook group and invite all of your friends (I do mean ALL…I invited all my friends and I’m excited about new connections with old friends who have signed up!)
• join my blog tour–if you blog, send me an email at nicoleunice (at) gmail (dot) com or through my contact page, and I’ll send you a guest post for your blog and a free book to giveaway. You could also do an interview format or any other number of things. Email me and we’ll talk.
• Buy an extra book or two, and just hang onto ‘em. Ask God to show you who to give it to and see what happens.
• Send out an email inviting a few friends to check it out on the site.

I really like free stuff. How can I get more?

This is the question we all like to ask but never do. SO, if you purchase The Divine Pursuit, sign up for the free download, sign up for updates on the online group or sign up to get blog posts to your inbox (on the upper right of your computer screen) by FRIDAY, you’ll also get an invitation for a FREE bar of soap. This is not your average Lever 2000, this is a premium hand-made soap that supports lifting women out of poverty. You’ll hear more about the soap–and Soap Hope–this week. But basically, if you do anything to let me know you are out there this week, you’ll be cleaner, body and soul.

That’s right, I just promised you soul cleaning and a free bar of soap. 

Hope these answers help, and feel free to send me more questions–share this link with your friends and offer them some soul-glowing cleaning. Pass the love.