How Christian Communicators Can Speak From Peace in a Shaking World

From Edie: Discover how Christian writers, speakers, and leaders can anchor in God’s peace to communicate hope and clarity when the world feels unsteady.

How Christian Communicators Can Speak From Peace in a Shaking World

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

There are moments when the world feels unsteady beneath our feet. The news cycle churns with tragedy, voices of influence rise and fall, and grief leaves us searching for stability. Recently, I found myself unsettled by the unrest that seems to press in from every direction. As a leader, communicator, and believer, I felt the weight of needing to steady others while I was still seeking balance myself.

Maybe you’ve felt it too, the tension of trying to write, speak, or minister with clarity while your own spirit feels rattled.

Writing Through Setbacks: Lessons From Crashed Programs, Broken Cameras, and Lost Words

From Edie: Discover how writers can overcome setbacks—from crashed programs to lost words—and find resilience, perspective, and renewed joy in the writing journey.

Writing Through Setbacks: Lessons From Crashed Programs, Broken Cameras, and Lost Words

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch 0767

As a new owner of a publishing company, I was thrilled to acquire several book projects and couldn’t wait to dive into the work. My calendar was full, my energy was high, and my vision was clear. Then, almost immediately, everything seemed to fall apart.

Writers: How to Read Email Reports to Improve Your Newsletters and Book Sales

From Edie: Learn how to read email reports as a writer. Discover what open rates, clicks, and unsubscribes reveal—and how they can boost your book sales.

Writers: How to Read Email Reports to Improve Your Newsletters and Book Sales

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

When you hit “send” on your newsletter, it’s tempting to check the “send newsletter” box and move on to the next thing on your list. But don’t forget about the little report your email platform generates after your email is sent. 

That’s golden information, you shouldn’t ignore it! (Or forget about it.) 

Your email reports are like a quiet conversation with your readers. They may not always reply directly, but their clicks, opens, and even their unsubscribes are speaking louder than you think. If you learn how to listen, those numbers become the key to writing better emails, building stronger relationships, and even growing your book sales.

The Importance of Following Guidelines in Writing and Faith

From Edie: Writers often fail when they ignore submission rules. Explore how following guidelines in writing and faith leads to purpose, clarity, and impact.

The Importance of Following Guidelines in Writing and Faith

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

One by one, I filtered through the email submissions and then, sadly, returned three-fourths of them. Of late, this hasn’t been a not-so-unusual occurrence. Why? The writers did not follow the guidelines. 

For more than a decade, I have served as Managing Editor for a non-profit organization’s website. My duties include receiving submissions, ensuring they follow our guidelines, editing them as needed, corresponding with writers, and scheduling the devotions on the website. However, the issue of guidelines increasingly keeps many of them from seeing the light of day on the website. 

Learning to Read with Joy: How to Inspire a Child’s Love of Books

From Edie: Discover fun ways to teach kids to read while sparking a lifelong love of books, stories, and learning through joy-filled reading experiences.

Learning to Read with Joy: How to Inspire a Child’s Love of Books

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

I added an unexpected activity to my life this month. 

I’m teaching my 5-year-old granddaughter, Myka, who just started kindergarten, how to read. 

ASIDE: This is not where I go on and on about what children are expected to know by the time they start kindergarten. Nope. Staying focused.

Back to Myka. And reading. And what I’m calling “GiGi and Myka’s Reading Fun Time.”

What to Do After an Agent Says Yes: 3 Essential Steps for Writers

From Edie: An agent said yes—now what? Lilks helps us discover  3 essential steps every writer should take after landing representation to stay professional and move forward.

What to Do After an Agent Says Yes: 3 Essential Steps for Writers

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

Vincent van Gogh

I attended a writers conference this summer as I usually do. Unlike previous years, I left represented by an agent. Professional networking is one reason I attend but suddenly receiving a yes after years of pitches left me stunned. 

Only days after thanking God for answered prayer, analysis paralysis set in. Then fear. Though confident that God provided the best agent for me, doubts about my own abilities came quickly. Thankfully, I got it together and didn’t squander this opportunity. Unlike last time. And the time before that. 

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

From Edie: Stuck in your writing? Word search puzzles can refresh your mind, spark creativity, and improve focus so you return to the page energized.

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

When your creativity needs a jumpstart, try a word search puzzle to challenge your brain, tickle the muses, and invoke some fun moments. If you’re stuck in the middle of a writing project, put it aside briefly, tackle a word search puzzle, then return to your writing. A rejuvenated mind will unleash fresh thoughts and ideas to continue the writing project you’re involved in.

But don’t just take my word for it. Medical professionals list many benefits of word search puzzles.