When an Author Should Seek Permission for Quotes

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

One of the backbones of nonfiction writing is research. For some of us that is the most fun part. For others, the additional record keeping and notations are a nuisance and often done poorly or not at all. For all of us, good notes are a necessity to properly get permissions, cite sources, and stay within the confines of the literary law.  

The Birth of a Bookstore, A Christmas Story

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted


In those days, Amazon issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire book world. This was the first census that took place while Barnes and Noble still hung on by a thread.) And everyone looked around their own towns to see what stores remained.

How a Writer Can Put Power into A Point: Part 1

Edie here, I'm so pleased to introduce you to our newest columnist, Yvonne Ortega. Yvonne is a dear friend of mine and an incredible speaker. She's going to add so much to The Write Conversation so be sure and give her a warm welcome!

How a Writer Can Put Power into A Point: Part 1
by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

Are you an author who never signed up to be a speaker? Do you feel more comfortable behind your laptop in a corner at Starbucks, a study room at the public library, or in a quiet room at home? Do you prefer talking with an intimate group of people?

Even if you answered any of those questions in the affirmative, you may still find yourself speaking at large gatherings, book signings, and writers conferences.

Reflecting on Blessings

By Sarah Van Diest

“True beauty must be able to engage the dark desolations of pain; perhaps it is on this frontier that its finest light appears?” John O’Donohue, Beauty: The Invisible Embrace

There was so much I could write that day. I could write on being home after a trip to visit our son in Italy. I could write about Christmas just around the corner. I could write about one of our five sons who turns 18 in a few days, entering adulthood. I could write about freedom and life juxtaposed with law and death as depicted in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Seriously. There is so much I could write about. Friendship and love. Hope in sorrow. God’s faithfulness. Thankfulness. Wisdom. Passion. Forgiveness. Grace.

How do we choose, dear ones, what to write on when our hearts are full? How can we select one blessing over another and proclaim it to be superior simply by the act of choosing it? How do we not, when our hearts run over, spend our entire day with our eyes heavenward praising our Father? Or maybe we do just that.

The Benefit of Disappointments

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt

Disappointments are unavoidable in life. The question is, what will we get out of our disappointments? How, as Thoreau puts it, shall we be compensated by the discouragements that come our way?

Three Creative Ways to Use Your Gift of Writing this Christmas

by Cathy Baker @CathySBaker

Anyone can purchase a Lowes gift card for Christmas. Or perhaps, a handcrafted petal-soft infinity scarf the color of sea glass. I’m sorry, was that too specific? 

But you, my fellow writer, can create one-of-a-kind gifts with the swipe of your hand or a tap on the keys. 

5 Writing Life Lessons Learned by Choosing an Orthodontist

by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I’m a firm believer that you can learn lessons about your writing life anywhere—as long as you’re paying attention.Case in point? I got the idea for this blog post from taking my oldest to three different orthodontists.