Sunday, April 12, 2026

Too Busy to Write? How to Make Time and Stay Faithful to Your Calling

From Edie: Struggling to find time to write? Discover practical ways to overcome busyness, stay consistent, and remain faithful to your calling—even in life’s busiest seasons.


Too Busy to Write? How to Make Time and Stay Faithful to Your Calling
by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

Christy Brown could use his brain and the little toe on his left foot, but little else. As a helpless babe, he lay on the kitchen floor of a cottage in Ireland. That’s when his mom noticed something very interesting. He reached out with that one good toe and grabbed a crayon that one of his siblings had dropped. At that moment, a writer was born—although neither knew it then. 

Some years later, someone at IBM made a special typewriter for him, enabling him to punch in one letter at a time with that one toe. All one must do is Google books by Christy Brown, and the excuse that “life is too difficult right now for me to write” should fly out the window and soar to its death. Sol Stein, in his book, Stein on Writing, said, “The film (My Left Foot) may cure you of fishing for an excuse for not writing.” [1]

Saturday, April 11, 2026

How to Create Believable Characters: What Writers Can Learn from Training a Puppy

From Edie: Struggling to create believable characters? Discover how understanding motivation—through an unexpected lesson from training a puppy—can help writers craft deeper, more realistic fiction.


How to Create Believable Characters: What Writers Can Learn from Training a Puppy
by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

My husband, Rob, and I have a new puppy.

Now you’re thinking, “Beth, what does a puppy have to do with writing?”

Friday, April 10, 2026

Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience

From Edie: Get ready for your next writing conference with this practical checklist. Learn how to prepare, plan, and position yourself to make the most of every opportunity.


Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience
by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

Writers Conference Season is underway. It’s that most wonderful time of year where opportunities knock and aspiring dreams can come true. Attending conferences is an enjoyable approach to learn more about the craft, hang out with other authors, and make meaningful connections. Attending conferences requires a substantial investment of time and money. That said, these tips can make your next conference your best conference.

Thursday, April 9, 2026

How to Use a Semicolon Correctly: A Simple Guide for Writers (and Why It Still Matters)

From Edie: Confused about semicolons? Learn how to use a semicolon correctly with simple rules and examples—and discover why this punctuation mark still matters for writers today.


How to Use a Semicolon Correctly: A Simple Guide for Writers (and Why It Still Matters)
By Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

It’s endangered; it might possibly disappear altogether in the next handful of years. 

Do you know what “it” is? 

It is the SEMI-COLON.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Copyright Myths for Writers: What You Can (and Can’t) Legally Use Online in 2026

From Edie: Confused about copyright? Learn what writers can legally use online—including images, lyrics, blog content, and AI—so you can avoid common mistakes and protect your work.


Copyright Myths for Writers: What You Can (and Can’t) Legally Use Online in 2026
By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of discussion about copyright issues. Specifically, what is legal to use on a blog, social media, or in a book. 

First, I want to state right up front that I am NOT a lawyer and none of what I’ve said constitutes legal advice. My goal is simply to share what I’ve learned about being responsible online.

That said, I’ll also include updated resources at the end so you can dig deeper for yourself.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Publishing Paths for Writers: What Is Boutique Independent Publishing?

From Edie: Discover what boutique independent publishing is and how it compares to other publishing paths. Learn how this model gives authors full ownership, professional support, and long-term control of their work.


Publishing Paths for Writers: What Is Boutique Independent Publishing?
by PeggySueWells @PeggySueWells

Writers today have more publishing options than at any point in history, and that abundance can be both exciting and confusing. With so many paths available, many writers ask the same question: Which option actually serves the author’s goals and protects the work?

One option that is gaining attention among professional authors is boutique independent publishing. Understanding how it works can help you decide if this path fits your goals.

Monday, April 6, 2026

How Writers Overcome Creative Slumps: Find Writing Motivation When You Feel Stuck

From Edie: Struggling with a creative slump? Discover how writers can find motivation, overcome discouragement, and move forward with renewed focus and faith when writing feels stuck.


How Writers Overcome Creative Slumps: Find Writing Motivation When You Feel Stuck
by Ginny Cruz

Do you ever get stuck in the doldrums? If you have a competitive spirit, as I do, you may have experienced periods of feeling sluggish and unmotivated when goals have not been achieved or when you are waiting. 

As Christians, we know we should neither wallow in self-pity nor allow ourselves to feel sad when things do not go our way. Scripture is clear: we are to accept all things—even the gray days—as part of God’s plan for our lives. But if I’m honest, when the creative winds die and forward momentum stalls, I often become dispirited.