How to Find the Perfect Writing Schedule That Actually Works for You

From Edie: Struggling to stick to a writing schedule? Discover how to create a routine that fits your life, boosts productivity, and makes writing enjoyable again.

How to Find the Perfect Writing Schedule That Actually Works for You

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Without a doubt, there must be organization in the writer’s life. One of those items of organization is for the schedule for writing. Writers are inundated with the perfect schedule to write. Write early in the morning before anyone in your home is awake. Stay up after everyone has gone to bed. Set a timer. Don’t set a timer. Find a spot in your home or a dedicated office. No, writers go to coffee shops, sip massive amounts of coffee and write there. There are so many more perfect schedule suggestions out there, too.

YouTube for Writers, Part 2: How to Define and Reach Your Target Audience

From Edie: Learn how Christian writers can define and reach their target audience on YouTube. Discover faith-based marketing tips to grow your platform effectively.

YouTube for Writers, Part 2: How to Define and Reach Your Target Audience

by Samantha Evans Tschritter @LoveSamEvans

Remember Your First Meeting with a Literary Agent?

Most of us have experienced the first-time pressure of sitting across the table from an agent or publisher to present our heart on a platter. Ten minutes beforehand we run into the nearest bathroom to check our teeth for leftover lunch and cup a hand to our mouths long enough to regret choosing garlic chicken. We’ve practiced our 30-second elevator pitch at nauseum, and after a deep breath we whisper to our reflection, “you’ve got this.” With one last swipe to dry sweaty palms down our hips, we gather our confidence and stride into the meeting room, knowing our manuscript is the next New York Times best-seller.

In my case, the distance between dreams and reality was more of a learning cliff than a learning curve. In fifteen minutes, the acquisition editor enlightened me about platform, audience, and passive verbs. 

Remembering Linda Gilden and Her Warning that All of Us Have a Writing Goose

Edie here: Linda Gilden has written for this blog for years, and this week she moved on to a different address and is now walking the streets of Heaven. For those of us left behind, we face a big hole in our publishing industry. Linda was the director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, leader and founder of an active writing group, and mentor to more people than I can count. She will be missed for her wisdom, her humor, and her gentle insight. Today I'm republishing one of her most popular blog posts. Please pray for her family and friends as they adjust to the new normal. 

Remembering Linda Gilden and Her Warning that All of Us Have a Writing Goose

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

I was sitting on my porch enjoying the inspiration of nature when the chickens started making a lot of noise. I looked toward the coop and just outside the fence was a goose. I had never seen him before and don’t know where he came from. Not only were myeyes on him to see what he was going to do, there were thirty-eight chicken eyes watching every move he made.

The chickens followed that goose as he moved around the yard. The roosters immediately positioned themselves in the doors of the coops. The hens who weren’t in the coop went under them, only occasionally peeking out.

One lone goose moved in without a sound and paralyzed 19 chickens by just being there. That same goose distracted me from my writing and caused me to spend many minutes just watching him and the reaction to his presence instead of writing.

How Christian Authors Can Gain National Media Exposure and Sell More Books at the NRB Convention

From Edie: Discover how Christian authors can gain national media exposure, connect with broadcasters, and sell more books by attending the NRB Convention with CIPA.

How Christian Authors Can Gain National Media Exposure and Sell More Books at the NRB Convention

By Susan U. Neal @SusanNealYoga

If you're a Christian author looking to gain national exposure, build relationships with media professionals, and grow your platform, the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention is a must-attend event. 

NRB is the world’s largest gathering of Christian communicators. If you want to be interviewed on Christian radio, podcasts, and television shows—this is your opportunity to meet with those outlets in person. This event is a rare opportunity to connect directly with media that are actively looking for guests to feature. Imagine getting a year’s worth of media interviews in just a few days. That’s exactly what NRB offers.

Seasons of Writing: How Christian Communicators Can Shine God’s Light and Embrace Change

From Edie: Discover how Christian writers can embrace change, surrender to God’s calling, and let their light shine through every season of the writing journey.

Seasons of Writing: How Christian Communicators Can Shine God’s Light and Embrace Change

By Kennita (Kay) Williams

Scripture: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

The air has shifted.

There is that unmistakable crispness that signals a new season—Fall. Trees begin their annual wardrobe change, trading summer’s greens for radiant hues of crimson, gold, and burnt orange. It is a breathtaking display that never fails to capture our attention.

Every leaf tells a story of transformation. It is not that the color suddenly appears; rather, the true hue of the leaf has been hidden beneath the green tones all along. When the season shifts and the light lessens, what has been inside is finally revealed.

And isn’t that what happens when God invites us, as Christian Communicators, into a new season of our calling?

Essential Tools Every Writer Needs: Common-Sense Musts for a Successful Writing Career

From Edie: Discover the essential tools every writer needs for success. Learn the common-sense habits, software, and skills that build a strong writing career.

Essential Tools Every Writer Needs: Common-Sense Musts for a Successful Writing Career

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Being a new writer is hard. We never know what to expect or what others expect of us. As a result, newer writers tend to imagine what they think they need. Those preconceived ideas can help us slip by, but more often than not, they throw roadblocks in our pathway.

Taking the time to find the necessary common-sense tools to keep in your toolbox is well worth the effort. You may not use every tool in the beginning, but as your writing skills grow, you’ll find the value in having these things at your fingertips. 

How to Turn Hope into Action and Achieve Your Writing Goals

From Edie: Discover how to turn hope into action and achieve your writing goals. Learn simple, practical steps to move from dreaming to doing in your writing life.

How to Turn Hope into Action and Achieve Your Writing Goals

by Larry J. Leech, II @LarryJLeechII

Last month I sat on my couch frustrated that one of ‘my NFL teams’ was in the process of losing a game against a hated rival. With the team down by 15 points with just under 12 minutes to play, I didn’t have hope. And I’m sure other fans of the team felt the same way. A few minutes later, I thought we need a turnover to have a chance. The next play, that turnover happened. Suddenly, hope sprung forth, although the odds of winning were still long at that point. 

But hope.