What This Author Wants for Christmas

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and all my shopping is done. I braved the mall early in the month and already it was a zoo. The presents I give are so different from a few decades ago—all right SEVERAL decades ago. Then it was toys and clothes. Now, it's candy, books, and Amazon cards.

Not as much fun but more practical. 

An Invitation to Join Stop2Read for Daily Bible Reading

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Staying connected to God is critical for writers who are believers. He is our strength, our encouragement, and our source. One way I practice that personally is by reading and studying the Bible daily. 

Because of some personal challenges in our family in recent years, I've become passionate about the time I spend in God's word. I truly cannot make it through a day without first spending time in God's Word. But in addition to that—I want others to experience the life-changing process of a daily, deep walk with God. And that's where Stop2Read comes in. It's a community of others who make reading God's Word a priority.

8 Unexpected Things to Learn about Writing from Charles Dickens & Ebenezer Scrooge

by James C. Magruder @JamesCMagruder

It’s Christmas time and what better event to attend than the theatrical production of Charles Dickens’ beloved story, A Christmas Carol. Fifteen family members attended with me in what has become an annual family tradition.

This moving story rejuvenates my Christmas spirit because, as Dickens intended, it speaks to the heart about love, charity, kindness, the plight of the poor, and human suffering, while inspiring all of us to make our life count.

Writers, Give Yourself a Christmas Gift

by Crystal Bowman

Do you have a lot of names on your Christmas list, or just a few? No matter how long your list is, don’t forget to add your name to the list as well. Writers work hard and it can be a lonely world, so treat yourself to something that will put a smile on your face. 

How to Become an Award-Winning Author

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

Have you ever wondered how to elevate your book from just another title on the shelf to an award-winning status? Or perhaps, how to transition from being a writer to an award-winning author? The key might be simpler than you think: enter book awards and contests.

To achieve these prestigious titles, I strongly recommend submitting your work to various book competitions. It took entering my third book into several contests before I earned the title of an award-winning author. Persistence is crucial, so don't be discouraged if success doesn't come immediately.

Finish the Year Strong: A Writer’s Journey of Faith and Purpose

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

As the year draws to a close, many of us writers find ourselves reflecting on unfinished projects, unmet goals, and dreams that feel distant. But take heart—God is still at work in your life and in your writing. Philippians 1:6 reminds us:

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).

Even if this year has not gone as planned, know that God’s timing is perfect. He finishes what He starts. 

Building Our Writing Brand with Authenticity and Consistency

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

A few years ago, I was at a crossroads. After many years in educational administration, I began my writing career in nonfiction. When the opportunity arose to write thrillers, I thought I needed to create two online personas. I’d even come up with a pen name. However, when I started working with a publicist, he discouraged me from doing so. He highlighted my hard work in building my brand as a Caribbean-pink-loving-devotional-writing-person-of-color. He encouraged me to stay true to who I am across genres. Although it felt like a bold venture, I’m grateful I took the leap.