When to Let a Book Idea Go: A Writer’s Hilarious Wake-Up Call About Costly Creative Detours

From Edie: Discover how a simple greeting-card mishap turned into a hilarious reminder about the hidden cost of bad book ideas. Learn how to recognize when a writing project isn’t working—and why letting go can protect your time, creativity, and sanity.

When to Let a Book Idea Go: A Writer’s Hilarious Wake-Up Call About Costly Creative Detours

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

With the Thanksgiving right around the corner (and needing a break from writing), I went to the store to pick out a card to send to my sister. 

I browsed the card section and found a perfect one. Chuckling at the inside sentiment, I plucked it from the rack and turned it over. My laughter turned to horror. Have you priced cards lately? $5.50! For a piece of paper with a joke on it? Not that my sister isn't worth $5.50 but come on. For that amount, it should come in chocolate. 

Persistent Patience for Writers: Trusting God’s Timing in Your Creative Journey

From Edie: Discover how “persistent patience” can transform your writing life. This devotional encourages writers to trust God’s timing, grow through creative delays, and find purpose in the waiting moments that shape both faith and craft.

Persistent Patience for Writers: Trusting God’s Timing in Your Creative Journey

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Ps 37:7 

I heard the phrase, persistent patience, several years ago and it stuck with me. Patience, to me, has always seemed like a passive endeavor. Truthfully, I equated times of waiting with wasted time—especially when it comes to writing. Turns out nothing could be farther from the truth. 

God is at work in the waiting. 

Is Your Novel Ready for a Film Adaptation? How to Know If Your Story Is Viable for the Screen (Part 1)

From Edie: Discover the key criteria that determine whether your novel is a strong candidate for film adaptation. Learn how to evaluate story structure, genre, marketability, and budget considerations to decide if your book is truly viable for the screen.

Is Your Novel Ready for a Film Adaptation? How to Know If Your Story Is Viable for the Screen (Part 1)

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Book-to-film adaptations are everywhere right now. Between the rise of streaming platforms, independent studios, faith-based production companies, and the success of projects like The Chosen, more writers are asking the same question:

“Should I adapt my novel into a screenplay—and if so, how do I get it made into a movie?”

How to Use AI to Write Blog Post Titles That Rank in Search (AI + SEO Guide)

From Edie: Learn how to use AI tools to create stronger blog post titles that rank in search. This practical AI + SEO guide shows you how to brainstorm, refine, and optimize titles that increase visibility, boost clicks, and help your content get found in both AI search and Google.

How to Use AI to Write Blog Post Titles That Rank in Search (AI + SEO Guide)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I have been blogging here on The Write Conversation since December of 2008. I've watched blogging evolve in every way I thought possible—and then here comes AI (Artificial Intelligence). At first I was hesitant—using AI felt like cheating. However, I've come to realize I can use it just like I would a virtual assistant. It can help with the repetitive drudgery and with brain storming. 

I used to spend way more time creating an SEO friendly blog post title than I ever did writing a post. But now, after I've written the post, I can get AI to help me brainstorm. AND THEN, I go back and refine the title and add my voice and the needs of my specific audience. It's a wonderful advance and has helped me immensely.

Nominate The Write Conversation for the 28th Annual Writer's Digest Best Sites for Writers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It's holiday tradition time for The Write Conversation!

I'm once again asking for your help—and it's an early Christmas present for all of us who pour out our knowledge here and share it with you. If you are enjoying this site and find it valuable, please, please take a moment and nominate us for the Writer's Digest 28th Annual Best Sites for Writers!

They are accepting nominations until December 15, 2025 (but don't wait to nominate us)! So be sure to spread the word and give us a shout-out in the process.

Here's a link to the page on the Writer's Digest Website, explaining the process:

Writer's Digest 28th Annual Best Sites for Writers

If you want to go directly to the nomination form:

Just click on this link to nominate The Write Conversation—and any other sites you love. It's a HUGE gift to nominate a website/podcast/blog—and a great way to say thank you!

No matter whether we make the list or not, I KNOW we have the best community of any blog on the internet! 

TWEETABLE

Nominate The Write Conversation for the 28th Annual Writer's Digest Best Sites for Writers from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 

She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.

Why Gratitude Matters for Every Christian Writer: Lessons from Psalm 107:1

From Edie: Discover why gratitude is essential for every Christian writer. Reflect on Psalm 107:1 and learn how thanksgiving renews creativity, strengthens faith, and brings clarity in every season of ministry.

Why Gratitude Matters for Every Christian Writer: Lessons from Psalm 107:1

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

“Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” 

Psalm 107:1 (NKJV)

November has a way of slowing us down.

While the world rushes toward the holidays, those who communicate the gospel: writers, speakers, podcasters, teachers, bloggers, and authors often feel the weight of finishing the year well. Deadlines still matter. Book proposals still wait. Podcast episodes need recording. Messages need polishing. Audiences need encouragement. And often, we are pouring out while running on empty.

Why Writers Need Reinvention: Lessons From Starting Over (Again and Again)

From Edie: Discover why reinvention is essential for every writer. Explore how God uses detours, new beginnings, and courageous leaps of faith to shape your writing life and calling.

Why Writers Need Reinvention: Lessons From Starting Over (Again and Again)

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

I’ve reinvented myself more times than I can count. At this point, if reinvention were an Olympic sport, I’d probably have a medal. A bronze one—but still a medal. And if you’re wondering whether it’s ever too late to try something new, let me save you the suspense: absolutely not.

My first major reinvention happened in college. I was a premed student with color-coded binders, flashcards for my flashcards, and a well-practiced speech about becoming a doctor. Then one day, I woke up, looked at my organic chemistry notes, and realized I was deeply, passionately miserable. So, in what felt like an act of rebellion (or temporary insanity), I walked away from premed and declared a major in journalism.