R Frederick Riddle Blog - T&R Independent Bookstore

Posted on May 3, 2026May 3, 2026 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Musings About My Story

My story today is about the world of writing and what it takes to become a published author. When I first started my career in my middle twenties, I was raw, inexperienced, and an unbeliever.

My Personal Love Story.

I loved reading as well as writing. Considering the frustration of not being able to write an entire book, I have to say I loved reading more than writing. But there was a desire to write that wouldn’t quit.

My True Story.

Technically, I was enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks. This is a school with thousands of students, but no campus, no administrative offices, no mailing address, no teacher, and no curriculum. It is a school where the student learns by trial and error, mostly error. There is no graduation ceremony, no certificate, and no counselors.

It is a school where its students often learn the wrong thing. Failure is inbred, and the writer is frustrated.

A Foundation to the Future.

It is with that history in mind that I set out to establish my writing course which is now known as Basic Authors Training or B.A.T. to many of you. Having been through the School of Hard Knocks and having to relearn or more appropriately unlearn what I thought I knew was something I did not want anyone else to have to endure.

Teresa (aka Tess) and I launched T&R Independent Books in 2014. Although quickly challenged by my heart attack and her bouts with cancer to name a few obstacles we set about the business of publishing our own books. That involved buying the rights to my own books from the publishers. A few were simply unpublished, but most were transferred to T&R Independent Books.

Today, I am not only an author, but I am also a publisher, teacher, and coach who is willing to use my knowledge to help others become published author. All together I have over 20 years of experience as an author, and about 9 years as a publisher. During those years I have written over 15 books (fiction and nonfiction).

My New Story.

God laid on my heart to open myself up to fellow Christians who want to write and become published authors. Both B.A.T. and Ministry Publishing, which is for focused on publishing, are a result of His leading. If you or someone you know wants to become a published author, I encourage you to visit the store right here. Check out the Writing department and view the services offered. You can begin your career now.

If you want to learn more simply go to Writing – T&R Independent Bookstore.

You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Posted on April 12, 2026April 12, 2026 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Musings of a Published Author

I am starting an entirely new blog that cover writing, publishing, and anything else that I can think of that is related to being a published author.

My name is R. Frederick Riddle. I am an Published Author, Editor, Formatter, Coach, and Publisher. I have been a published author since 2003 when I wrote Refuge: The Genesis Chronicles (no longer published). I was so pleased with that book that I followed it with Adam’s Chronicles (also no longer published).

Those two books formed the basis of the first book of the six-book series The World That Perished. In fact, that first book was entitled Perished: The World That Perished, which spanned from Creation to the Flood.

Now I have published multiple books into the teens. But along the way I was disappointed by the publishing industry. I did the work and they got the profits. So, in 2014 my wife Teresa (Tess Riddle) started T&R Independent Books with the purpose of publishing our own books.

Yes, I said “our” because Teresa expressed a secret desire to be an author herself. She had been editing my books and watching my progress as an author. So, in 2021 she wrote her first book. Later in 2022 it was changed (including its title) to Keys to Murder. This led to additional books all of which were Ladies Devotionals. All in all, she wrote three devotionals and was working on her fourth when she went in December 2022 to the hospital. Though released to home hospice care in January 2023, she passed away in her sleep.

Though now with the Lord in Heaven, her three devotions were republished along with the partial fourth as The Best of Tess in 2023. These books had an excellent response.

Looking back I realized that I had helped her learn to be a writer although I was simply being a good husband and involving her in my own career. But I was astounded that within one year she produced a republished novel, plus three published devotions, and was working on a fourth! Amazing!

It was then that God spoke to my heart and told me that I can help others become published authors. That is when I opened up to any professing Christian who would write in the Christian World view. Plus I wrote and have been adding to a Writing Course called Basic Author’s Training or B.A.T. to teach writing.

I can help you reach your dreams, to transform your simple desire into becoming a prolific author. If you don’t know how to write, I can teach and coach you. If you have a book in need of a publisher, I can transform that into a published book through Ministry Publishing.

Interested?

Check out www.trbookservices.com/shop/writing/.

You can learn more about R. Frederick Riddle at Facebook and LinkedIn.

Posted on November 14, 2025November 8, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Waiting on God

Waiting on God is the prerequisite of the Christian life and our serving Him.

You face difficulties in life. God says trust and wait on Me. You have challenges and opportunities where you need God to lead you. This is something we all face wherever we live or serve.

Called to Write.

You’ve received God’s call to become a writer. You know it but God hasn’t told the specifics. What should you do. Well, here is plan.

Waiting on God to Verify.

By this I do not mean to do nothing while you wait. If you think God might be calling you to be an author, you need to take some small steps in preparation for the verification and beyond. Here are some possible steps to consider.

1) EXAMINE the ‘Why’ you think God is calling you. This involves being honest with yourself. It involves a careful examination of what you may be identifying as signs. You can ask other people but what you get are opinions. Maybe helpful but only you seeking God’s revealing will know for sure.
2) IF you are satisfied with the results of step (1), then examine your live for obstacles and start eliminating them. This also involves honesty and the seeking of God’s searchlight into your soul and taking action on what you discover.
3) PRAY fervently and sincerely for God’s direction. I am not talking about some formula prayer or a ‘now I lay me down’ prayer but a prayer that is intense.
4) LISTEN. If you don’t listen to God’s response then you wasted your time in steps 1 thru 3. Oh, and by the way, God cannot be constrained to just one way of answering. You can lay down a chamois and that is ok, but He cannot be restricted to that method.

These may seem obvious and unimportant to you but they are neither. They get your heart right, and puts God in the Driver’s seat.

Waiting on God to Give You the Opportunity.

This may not take long at all or could take a very long time. Write down things that might be worthy subjects you might be interested in writing about. You could also write out the concepts of stories. This will get your mind ready.

Waiting on God to Lead.

The Indwelling Holy Spirit may have something He wants you to write about. It may be that story you’ve been thinking about. Or He may have something altogether different. That is okay. You just switch to God’s plan. Your mind will adjust and soon your mind will be in subjection to God’s direction.

When you reach that point you will find that things flow easier and God’s direction is moving you. These steps are essentially what I do, but the key is to put yourself in a place where God can communicate with you not just to you.

This is a simple plan, but you may have a better plan. That is fine. The idea is simply to wait upon His leading and enabling.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com). You can also find out more about him and what he offers at Facebook and LinkedIn.

Posted on September 5, 2025September 5, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Essential Author Marketing Strategies for Success

Author Marketing is just what the title suggests. You the author will do most of the marketing. If you have a good publisher, they will do some marketing. For example, T&R Independent Books markets using Social Media, plus other tools we have. But the truth is you will do most of the marketing. I explain what I mean below.

The Work of Author Marketing.

The author has tools at their disposal that they may not realize they have. For example, you may have multiple friends of Social Media like Facebook. Those friends can be golden. While they might respond to our marketing, they will likely respond quicker to you.

Email Marketing.

This is truly personal marketing. While a company may use email marketing perhaps using names you supplied, your efforts will be more personal and therefore more likely to succeed.

If you choose to use email marketing, then I recommend the personal touch. Share some of what you did to get that book written. In fact, you should work with your publisher for ideas and tools that they may supply.

Local Author Marketing

Do you have a local grocery store? How about the library? Or other local businesses? These are all possibilities. Especially if you are a regular customer.

Local independent business’s may be the best, but if you can get into a chain store, you might expand your market. Usually corporate stores need author’s to contact headquarters to get approval. When I was younger I had some of my best marketing doing Author Book Signings in a chain bookstore!

Social Media Author Marketing.

Just because your publisher is marketing on social media doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. He can perhaps flood them with posts about your book. But you can post as well.

You should have a Business Page on your Facebook account. Plus, don’t forget LinkedIn. That is primarily business to business, and you are a businessperson whether you know it or not.

I favor Facebook and Instagram for my books because this is where you find readers of an older generation. Younger readers tend to spend time on TikTok. I invest most of my sales time on Facebook, but I am not afraid to explore other platforms.

Email Marketing.

This is one of the oldest and still successful platforms to use. I have used it in the past but only lately have I considered email for my sales efforts. But it is a valid methodology that I will explore in the days ahead.

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This blog is now published on Fridays, and the Title is more subject related. R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. His website is T&R Independent Books.

Posted on September 2, 2025August 30, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Ministry Publishing – Marketing

Marketing has none of the joys of writing. In writing your imagination is often given free reign, wherein marketing requires more diligence and focus.

The Work of Marketing.

I have written over fifteen books and in each case I was the chief marketer. I have had to learn the trade the hard way. I had no one to teach or guide me other than books. The problem is that there are numerous individuals who appoint themselves as masters of marketing. Each however seems to have his or her own opinion on how to do it successfully.

So, I have learned different techniques and been forced to choose which I prefer.

Define Marketing.

Here is one definition: Book marketing is the strategies that authors use to get their book in front of their target readers with the goal of selling more copies. Many authors use various marketing tactics to develop a marketing plan. It’s worth noting not every book is the same, so your marketing plan will probably differ from other authors. The tactics that work for you may not be as effective for another author. This may be because they have a different audience or resources at their disposal, such as a different advertising budget or network of people.

That is a mouthful. So, let me simplify it.

Book marketing is the strategy or plan one uses to attract their target readers to buy your book. There are many different plans, but the goal is the same: Sales.

Social Media Sales.

Many authors find success using social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to organically promote and/or advertise their books. The critical first step is to discover which platform your target audience favors.

Email Marketing.

Book Reviews.

I am constantly looking for people who review books. Many years ago they were out there and the little guy could make use of them. Today they are still out there but a little harder to find.

My advice: Don’t quit looking. A good review is something to be desired.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. You can learn more about him at Facebook. The website is at T&R Independent Books.

Posted on July 29, 2025July 29, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Ministry Publishing – Take Time to Rest

Author and Publisher at T&R Independent Books

Take time to rest is an axiom to live by in life and in business. It is important for whatever you are doing.

Time to Rest.

What is time to rest? The concept is that our minds and bodies need to be rested, not necessarily sleep. But this is dealing with time. Time is not eternal, it is fixed. So we find a specific time to rest from what we are doing.

Why Should We Take Time to Rest?

Because our bodies have a need to rest. Moreover, our minds can become tired. This is particularly true when you work with computers. Eyestrain and simply sitting, or worse slouching at our desks. All of these can lead to energy strain. Rest, however, often rejuvenates us.

Do You Mean Take a Nap?

That is one way of resting. But there are other ways. Simply switching from one task to another often provides physical and mental rest. Here is a list of restful activities:

Nap

Switch Tasks

Take a Walk

Eat

Shower

What if You Don’t Have Time to Rest?

You always have time if you remember this maxim: A Tired Mind Makes Mistakes.

If you remember this then you will find time to take a rest. Otherwise, you might find yourself rewriting what you just wrote.

When I get tired, I tend to close my eyes and then if I am typing I get a string of letters.

Then I will take one of those restful activities and get recharged.

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. You can learn more about him at Facebook. The website is at T&R Independent Books.

Posted on May 6, 2025May 3, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – The Why I Write

My Why I Write will differ from other authors. But I will relate my story in the hopes it connects with you and inspires you to pursue your own journey.

My First Why I Write

My very first why began as a child which I will get to in a moment, but my first why I write in importance began as a Christian. It didn’t occur until I had been a Christian for quite a while and had experienced many failures as a writer.

It began during my morning devotions. Sitting at my desk in the upstairs office, I was reading Genesis chapter 6:13-116 KJV.

11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

14Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

As I read those words it suddenly hit me that God was giving Noah a description that Noah, a farmer, would only understand in general. He would have needed someone who understood the terminology and the plan or ‘blueprint’. Thus began the concept for Refuge: The Genesis Chronicles.

This story not only became my first published work, but it became the foundation of a later series of books that began with Perished: The World That Was. More importantly, it immediately became my Call to write. God called me to write Christian fiction and gave me the plot right out of His Word!

My Original Reason

I referred to this earlier. As a child I loved to read. I had a child’s imagination which I have never outgrown. I would watch television shows that showed men running and flying through the air using a fuel tank strapped to his back. I watch this man and others fight evil in outer space, and my imagination was fired up.

As an adult I tried to learn the art of putting my imagination on paper, but I continually failed. I tell people I enrolled in the School of Hard Knocks to learn the craft. But one never intentionally enrolls. This is a school with no campus, no buildings, no teaching staff, no curriculum, and no possibility of properly learning how to write. Enrollment is by default.

For years I struggled to learn the craft and I would run into that proverbial wall, usually around chapter five and I would stop. The story I was writing would end up in the nearest trash can.

The Lord’s Training

Once I had received God’s call to write, He then began my training. The first lesson? Getting rid of most of which I had learned in the School of Hard Knocks. That was a painful yet important lesson.

Then He took me through the research for the book, the putting the book together, His taking me through the wall, and finally choosing a publisher. God allowed me to research agents, experiencing rejection, and finally seeking a publisher on my own.

But He wasn’t done. He then allowed me to experience the success and failure of Self-Publishing before He introduced me to becoming an Indie Author and later an Indie Publisher.

My Why I Write Needed a Coach

During the training I realized I needed a coach. But finding a coach can be expensive and it must be someone you can trust. It wasn’t until I joined a writer’s group that I met the man who would become my coach.

You might ask what did he teach me about writing? Nothing. I already had the writing concepts down, but where I needed a coach was in areas such as marketing myself as well as my books. To believe that if God called me, He also equipped me. And if He equipped me, He also empowered me. It wasn’t easy, but I learned.

You Now Have Heard Why I Write. What about you?

Take time and evaluate your why. It will help you understand your own motivation and provide insights that can help you both as an author and a marketer. It just might have a mighty, inspiring, and purposeful impact on your writing journey!

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R. Frederick Riddle is an author, teacher, publisher, and the owner of T&R Independent Books. The website is at Home – T&R Independent Bookstore (trbookservices.com). You can learn more about R. Frederick Riddle and T&R Independent Books at Facebook, and at LinkedIn.

Posted on April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – Praise God I Am Published

Blog by Ron-Praise God I am Published is about Basic Authors Training, Ministry Publishing, Clients, and myself. And it could be about you.

Published by B.A.T.

Basic Authors Training (B.A.T.) is a writing course with a publishing package included, plus a marketing element. Launched in 2023 it provides a two-tiered writing course. This unique course provides Tier 1, the teaching of basic writing principles, and Tier 2, live coaching where R. Frederick Riddle, the author of multiple books, meets with you via Zoom to coach you along the way.

Published by Ministry Publishing

This service is the same as BAT without the writing course. It is designed to help the Christian (saved by Grace) who is active in their local church to get their book published. There is editing and coaching but not to the degree of the B.A.T. ministry.

Clients To Watch

Not everybody can be a client of T&R Independence Books, but let me introduce you to two who are qualified.

Glenn is a missionary to men and women behind bars. He and his wife minister to those prisoners willing to hear about Jesus and His gospel. It is through the preaching of the gospel that these prisoners learn of the grace of God. Glenn and his wife share the Word to men, women, and youth who are incarcerated. Together they service the Lord wherever He sends them.

What is he working on?

A book of devotions that is founded on the inerrant Word of God. Strong, doctrinal, and easily understood, these devotions will touch hearts and minds refreshing them through the Holy Spirit.

Then there is Dan who was a missionary to Fiji where he shared the Word with the native people. Now retired, he is an active deacon in his church. He is also creating a devotional book that touches hearts with the simple truths of His Word.

These are dedicated men of God who decided to get published.

Myself as a Published Author

My first book was published in 2003 by a Self-Publishing company. I wrote the book, they published it. I put my heart in the book but they controlled every aspect of its publishing. I was responsible for the marketing, but they offered to sell me marketing tools. I made a royalty, but they made more.

Once I had sold some books I decided that was time for me to become the bookseller. So now my wife and I founded T&R Independent Books, an Indie Publisher in 2014. My life changed in that I was now an Indie Author. Then in 2023 as a widower I decided to become the publisher of other peoples, other authors work. And now I am seeing it all come together. I now was part of other people’s publishing experience!

What does that mean to you? I have been where you are. I learned to write the hard way, but I can teach and coach you into being a published author a much easier way. I understand what you need as a writer and as a person.

Take your future into your hands and visit my store at https://www.trbookservices.com/product-category/writing/ . If you qualify then purchase the service you need and together we can begin your journey.

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Posted on February 24, 2025February 24, 2025 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – Doing Business As

Doing Business As or as it is commonly known DBA, is a legal name that allows you to operate your business in the state where you dwell. But it is more than that. Let’s take a look.

REGISTERED using a Doing Business As

States have a vital interest in business’s operating in their state. You need to have a legal name to be registered with that state. This is accomplished by incorporating as either a corporation or a limited liability corporation, or a DBA.

DBA’s provide you the legal name without a great deal of money being spent. Corporations may have expensive legal departments to handle such expenses, but the individual person doesn’t have a legal department, nor the money to hire a lawyer. That is one place that a DBA truly earns its way.

DBA’s provide the legal name required to be registered with the state, and are usually inexpensive to get.

DOING BUSINESS AS Enables Branding

Branding is an important aspect of marketing your books. To do this you need a DBA that is both legal and marketable. By marketable I am talking about your registered name being used to market your brand.

For example, the DBA for my business is T&R Independent Books. I use this in my branding. It identifies the business to the viewer. T&R indicates who the name of the owners. Although Tess is no longer here, she was a cofounder of the business and belongs in the name.

The word Independent tells interested people that this is a company that is independent of any other business. Since we are a publisher it also separates us from any of the major publishing houses.

Books tells people that the business I am in is books. I am an author, teacher, coach, and publisher of books.

I use the name in the website, and in all other marketing efforts.

BUYING is Enabled by Using a Doing Business By Name

Because it is the registered name, the DBA enables me to buy or purchase supplies to be used in the business. Thus, it is an essential tool in my marketing efforts. It’s legality is the key.

SELLING is Enabled by Using a Doing Business By Name.

The DBA makes it possible for me to sell my products online and locally within the state of Florida. Again, it’s legality is the key.

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Posted on December 31, 2024December 31, 2024 by Ronald Riddle — Leave a comment

Blog by Ron – REDUCED PRICES 2025

Reduced prices 2025 opens the New Year with a spectacular Sale. Basic Authors Training Course and Ministry Publishing prices are being reduced.

That’s right. While the economy has settled down a bit since the Presidential election, it is still uncertain. So, T&R Independent Books has decided that students and clients deserve a break. The idea? Get the New Year started with a bang.

What are the reduced prices for Basic Authors Training?

B.A.T. was earlier reduced to $4500 and it attracted attention. But while the economy is on an uptick it has been reduced by another $50 just to demonstrate T&R’s commitment to keeping prices low.

What are the reduced prices for Ministry Publishing?

This is T&R’s most popular service and has been selling for $899.00 or $80 a month for a 12-month subscription. It will now be available at $849.00 or $ 71.00 a month for a 12-month subscription. Again, grateful for the attention this has been reduced by $50.

What is Basic Authors Training

This is a writing course that transforms the novice or new writer into a published author status. When you sign up for this course, you are entered into a self-paced course that uses the unique 2-tier method.

This method teaches you the fundamentals while you are writing. The first tier is teaching. As your teacher I use my over 20 years of writing experience to teach you fundamentals that will strengthen your writing experience.

The second tier is coaching. Again, I use my 20 plus years of experience as a published author to coach you to success. You start writing almost from the very beginning. As you move toward the finish line the two tiers move closer together eventually merging. During this time, you have learned how to write, edit, create characters that can carry your story, and much more.

What is Ministry Publishing?

What is easily the best-selling service offered, it is a service aimed at Christians who are actively serving in their church. This can be preaching, teaching, office work, grounds keeping, maintenance, singing, playing an instrument, working in the Sound Room, and so much more. It can be paid or unpaid.

The truth is that T&R Independent Books wants to give Christians who are actively serving their church or mission field a voice in the literary world.

How long will Reduced Prices last?

It is scheduled for the entire year. Of course, there may be special sales along the way, but nothing has been scheduled yet.

Now is the time to get started on your writing career or to renew it. You have something that God has given you to share, don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

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