Thursday, January 31, 2013

Thursday Review—You Think You're A Writer, Now What?

Today I'm excited to introduce Laurie Epps to you. She's a full-time creative writing student at Anderson University and will be interning with me this year. I've been impressed with her ability and her enthusiasm. I'll know we'll all benefit from her regular contributions to The Write Conversation. She also has a great blog, 1writerlaurieepps.blogspot.com and I hope you'll all support her there, too.
Blessings,
Edie

You think You're a Writer, Now What?
by Laurie Epps

You've been told you write well, or maybe you just like to write for the relaxation, or maybe you've just kept a journal since you were a child. Whatever the case may be, you've decided you're a writer. If you are one of the luckier ones, perhaps you wrote to the editor of a local newspaper and had your letter published. But writing is hard work.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How Writing Ruined My Wife—Spoiler Alert Gone Mad!


For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Kirk, Edie’s husband. And she’s invited me to take over the Wednesday post here on her blog. Every week I’m going to share some of my own struggles as the hapless husband of a word-loving spouse.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Writing 3-D Scenes, Part Two

by guest blogger, Linda S. Clare
Click here if you missed Writing 3-D Scenes, Part One

Three is a Good Number.
  • How Long Is the Scene? A good scene moves along, doesn’t have a lot of pregnant pauses and if the writer needs a character to do something irritating, boring or repetitive, your job as the writer is to give the illusion of those things without making the reader suffer through a real example. So if a character is a small child who’s whining and begging, you might not include all the exchanges between the parent and child. Only write enough for the reader to get the idea. If you really irritate, bore or otherwise annoy the reader, they’ll tune out. 

Monday, January 28, 2013

Social Media Monday—Blog or Website—Which DOES a Writer Need?


Not everyone knows the difference between a blog and
a website or which is best for what circumstance.
I’m wrapping up a month of teaching an online course about blogging for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). And I’ve been reminded that not everyone knows the difference between a Blog and Website.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Weekend Worship—Unfulfilled...or Truly Hungry


“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6


My husband and I began the spiritual discipline of fasting almost twenty years ago. I’ve learned many things through fasting, but one of the most profound was the difference between being unfulfilled as opposed to truly hungry.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Thursday Review—Some of My Favorite Places on the Web


I get a lot of questions from writers about which blogs have consistent, valuable information. There are lots of them out there, but which ones are most valuable depends on what kind of writing you do.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Writing 3-D Scenes, Part One

by guest blogger, Linda S. Clare


Writers must master all sorts of skills, from learning how to best describe a character, to creating good dialogue to understanding grammar, spelling and usage. Whether you are writing fiction, memoir or creative nonfiction, it’s my belief that the single most important thing a writer must do is to immerse the reader in a story. Even a lot of nonfiction comes to life when a story is presented. Most of us can always use better skills at scene writing, because scene writing is integral to helping the reader connect with the story.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Social Media Monday—Facebook EdgeRank Information to Help Increase Your Fans & Followers


EdgeRank isn't anything to be afraid of

Many of you may have heard the term EdgeRank in regard to Facebook’s new policy for pages. It’s a new term, but its purpose should sound familiar. EdgeRank compiles information Facebook believes will be valuable for each individual user. This is done through complicated equations, not unlike those search engine algorithms use to rank sites when a topic is searched.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Weekend Worship—A Secure Place

You have not given me into the hands of the enemy, but have set my feet in a spacious place. Psalm 31:8



My husband and I love living here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We enjoy hiking and camping and all manner of outdoor activities. While the boys were young we always tried to set aside at least one weekend a year for the two of us to slip away. Frequently that getaway took place in the mountains.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Life Lessons—What are You Waiting For?



What are you waiting for? It's time to follow that DREAM!
So often, when I tell people I’m a writer, they’ll look at me, sigh and tell me how they want to write . . . if only.

So I ask you, what’ are you waiting for? Is it time, money, fear? Well the year is young and I want to challenge you to put your if only aside and take a chance on your dream.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Thursday Review—The Art of War for Writers


The Art of War for Writers: Fiction Writing Strategies, Tactics, and Exercises
James Scott Bell

I collect books on writing like I collect...well...books. For me, the library I've compiled has been a big part of how I learned the craft of writing. It has also been how I've kept current in the industry. There is one particular shelf where I keep my favorites, and this small gem can be found there.

Actually, all of James Scott Bell's books on writing are there.

He's written several, seven actually and they can all be found in bookstores everywhere and of course, on his website. I've also had the opportunity to sit in his classes. If you have the opportunity to take any of his classes, don't pass it by.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Want to Do More with Your Writing—Learn to Say No


Sometimes saying yes means saying no
I don’t mean no to writing opportunities—say no to some other things in your life. We all only have so much time in a day. And if you’re like me, it’s filled to overflowing. So that means changing some priorities. 

Monday, January 14, 2013

Social Media Monday—Don’t let Bad Grammar Wreck Your Blog Traffic!


The highway to a successful blog needs constant maintenance. We must be on the lookout for debris and potholes—any of which can wreck your blog traffic.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Weekend Worship—Doomsday Preppers


Prepping is the act of preparing for some
kind of national or global catastrophe.

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Many of you may have noticed a new phenomenon sweeping across our country, and you may have caught an episode of the popular reality TV show by the same name.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thursday Review—Top 10 Reasons to Attend a Writers Conference

Say YES to moving forward by attending a conference!

It's that time of year again. Writing conferences are gearing up, the faculty has been chosen and the websites are humming, ready to take your reservations. So why attend a writers conference? Is there anything to be gained? I believe the answer is an unequivocal yes!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Learn How to Write Devotions that Sell


I try to cover all aspects of writing for publication. And one of the questions I get the most is how to write devotions that sell. Unless you’re writing flash fiction or poetry, a devotion will be one of the shortest pieces you’ll ever write.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Social Media Monday—How to Run a Successful Giveaway Campaign


There are a lot of reasons to sponsor a contest, from getting LIKES for a Facebook page to building buzz about a new book. Many people shy away from this type of promotion because it seems like a lot of time and trouble. Truthfully, running a successful giveaway campaign is easier than you think. Today I’ll break it down, and use my own contest as an example.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Weekend Worship—New Beginnings


Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19


I love New Year’s Day. Not because of the partying and hoopla, but because it marks an end . . . and a beginning. You see, by the time I get to the end of a year, no matter how many good things have happened, I feel dragged down by all the junk that has accumulated.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

My family and I wish each of you a Happy New Year!