Alright, for those who know me sports is on the lowest tier of things I engage in or watch, unless it is my kids or grandkids. But I am so intrigued with the idea of Sports devotionals. So I’ve ask Del Duduit, a prolific sports devotion writer to come and share with us today. Welcome Del, I love having new and diverse writers on my blog. Please, tell us about your writing journey and how you got to this place of sports devotion writing

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My writing journey as an author started in 2016 following a tragedy. My wife suggested I write about it since I was a former newspaper news and sportswriter. I followed her suggestion and started to put the story down on paper. I soon reached out to who is now a close and dear friend;but at the time we were not well acquainted. She gave me professional advice and suggestions and I followed the instructions. She told me I needed a website and a platform, so I started on those projects.

My friend also encouraged me to attend any Christian writing conferences I could find to pitch my work and learn. In a few shorts weeks my wife and I found ourselves at the Asheville Christian Writers Conference where we actually met Michelle Medlock Adams, the person who gave me advice. The next month, we went to the Florida Christian Writers Conference where I met Cyle Young, who took a chance and signed me as a client.

By listening to those who have had success, I learned to dos and don’ts. Within a year, I made drastic improvements on my platform and was able to pitch and land a book deal that had a unique fit.

Four years later, by putting my ego aside and taking advice and suggestions, and by the grace of God, I have been blessed to have 13 books published with more on the way.

I now teach at conferences and am also a junior literary agent.

Wow, what a great testimony to the value of following those that have gone before you.

Tell us about your newest release.

In 2021, I launched Dugout Devotions II; Heart of a Hoosier; & First Down Devotions II. In October of 2021, Kentucky Passion will debut. In 2022, my first children’s book, Sport Shorts, will launch. I am starting a two-book project that is related to some of the work I have done in the past. It will be a college football rivalry devotional series.  

Sounds like  valuable tools for beleivers who not only watch sports but participate.

How do you research on such a unique subject matter?

Some of the research involves going to cover professional or college sporting events and talking to the players and coaches before or after a game. I do research on Google and Twitter to find information to have a conversation about, and I also dive into historical events related to my subjects.

Sounds like all your sports reporting skills paid off. This is fascinating.  What inspired you to write your books?

I never had any desire to write a book until I was 49. But that inspiration came from my wife, who has encouraged me and helped me so much through editing and wise decision making. She said writing about the events that happened in our family would be therapeutic, and she was right.

God often uses hard things to open a door for us. When did you realize your calling to share your words with the world?

I always wanted to have some type of ministry, but never knew what to do over the years. My wife sings and plays the piano, and my two sons answered the call to preach. I always enjoyed writing early in my career, mainly in sports. But I also have a preference to write about news and politics. As the devotionals picked up steam, God opened new doors, and I kept going through them.

 Now I’d like to ask some questions that encourage other writers. Do you have a favorite verse that resonates with you?

And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1: 5)

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice for your younger self about writing, what would that be?

To stick with it. I had to get out of the media when my family started to grow because of financial reasons. I wish I had stayed in the arena, but I am happy to be back in it the best I can right now. I cover some sports for the local paper and broadcast high school football games for local radio.

Who is your best support system to keep you focused on your writing?

My wife is my number one source of motivation and focus. My agent and writing community is next. I find support and encouragement from them.

What is your favorite genre to read for fun?

Current events and politics, and some humor.

Where is your favorite place to write?

 In my office at home. I find that is the best place for me to focus and get the job done. I also have a Keurig and mini fridge in there too.

I might stay in mine more if I had a fridge and Krueger. ?

Here’s a bit more about Del:

Del Duduit is a freelance writer from Lucasville, OH.  He is represented by Cyle Young, of C.Y.L.E. and is also a junior literary agent.

His articles have appeared in Athletes in Action, Clubhouse Magazine, Sports Spectrum, The Sports Column, One Christian Voice, The Christian View Online Magazine, and Portsmouth Metro Magazine. His blogs have appeared on One Christian Voice and its national affiliates across the country, on ToddStarnes.com and on Almost an Author and The Write Conversation.

He is the author of several sports related devotional and motivational books.

First Down Devotions: Inspirations form NFL’s Best (New Hope Publishers) won a Selah Award for best devotional at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference in 2020. In November 2017, he was named Outstanding Author at the Ohio Christian Writers Conference. In 2019, Buckeye Believer: 40 Days of Devotions for the Ohio State Faithful, won second place in the Selah Awards for Best Devotional at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. He is also a member of the Serious Writer, Inc. team and an adjunct instructor as Shawnee State University.

Del is the Media Director for Reach Out 2024 for the Summer Olympic in Paris, France with Lay Witnesses for Christ International.

He and his wife Angie live in Lucasville, Ohio and attend Rubyville Community Church.

Follow Del on social media and check out his website.

Twitter: https:// www.twitter.com/delduduit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delduduit

Website: https://www.delduduit.com

Links to all books: www.delduit.com/books

Thank you Del for sharing your story with us. I’ll be having you back in October to talk about your other hat as an agent and your general market release.

Readers if you have any questions for Del about Sports Devotion writing post it in the comments.