Dipping the Quill Deeper: Praying the Scriptures Over Your Life, Your Family, and Your Work, Part 1

From Edie: Eva Marie Everson shares how a visit to Rachel's Tomb in Israel inspired her to pray Scripture and seek God's guidance and blessings in her writing life.

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Praying the Scriptures Over Your Life, Your Family, and Your Work
, Part 1


by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

Jerusalem 2007

My co-author and I sat at a table for two in a bustling bus station in Jerusalem. We nibbled on salads and sipped strong coffee, grateful for the few minutes we had to relax before we set out on our next adventure. For over a week, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and I had walked, climbed, and driven the Holy Land. We were a Jewish woman and a Christian woman, both bestselling authors within our respective countries, living out what we had been contracted by Thomas Nelson to write about.

The land. Her stories. Her people. Her history. Most importantly, how ha’hartez speaks to those who live or visit there. 

Earlier that day, Miriam casually commented about Rachel’s Tomb located just outside Bethlehem. Going there, she’d told me, would require taking a bus and a modicum of bravery. “Are you up for it?” she asked.

How Historical Fiction Writers Can Use AI for Research

From Edie: Ane Mulligan shares how historical fiction writers can use AI for research, uncover historical maps, streets, and landmarks, save time, and verify details for accuracy.

How Historical Fiction Writers Can Use AI for Research

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I write Great Depression era fiction, mostly set around Atlanta. If you know anything about Atlanta, it's that the powers that be love to change street names on a regular basis. What was Peachtree Road may suddenly become Pryor Street. 

It's true there are about 71 streets with "Peachtree" in them, and if there is a jog in said road, the name changes. 

Finding accurate, readable maps for my manuscripts is not easy. Historical maps are either difficult to decipher, or too small to read. I would have to travel quite a distance to the history center, hoping I could read said map.

Whose Opinion Matters Most in Your Writing Journey?

From Edie: Christian writers, whose opinion matters most? Discover 5 ways to stop seeking approval, refocus your priorities, and stay true to God’s calling to write.

Whose Opinion Matters Most in Your Writing Journey? 

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

One thing I’ve noticed is that we writers are way too hard on ourselves. We’re constantly comparing ourselves to each other, looking for affirmation through someone else’s opinion about our work and even our calling.

We check to see how many views our articles get, how many followers our blogs have and how many stars the reviewer gave our latest book. These things can undermine and sometimes even totally destroy our perspective, not to mention our confidence. Because, let’s face it, there is always someone willing to point out what we did wrong or could have done better. 

How to Create Memorable Characters Using Traits and Mannerisms

From Edie: Zena Dell Lowe shares how to create memorable fictional characters using distinctive traits and mannerisms that reveal personality, build tension, and strengthen your story.

How to Create Memorable Characters Using Traits and Mannerisms

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

As a writer, creating memorable characters is one of the most important things you can do to engage your readers. But how do you make a character stand out—not just as "the funny one" or "the tough one," but as someone readers remember long after they've closed the book?

One of the most effective tools is specificity: giving your character traits and mannerisms so particular that no other character could wear them. Here's how to do it well.

Why Christian Writers Don't Have to Publish a Book to Make a Difference

From Edie: Lori Hatcher shares why Christian writers don't need to publish a book to make a difference. Learn how your words can encourage others and serve God through writing.

Why Christian Writers Don't Have to Publish a Book to Make a Difference

by Lori Hatcher

Your writing ministry is bigger than a book. 

When you hear that someone is a writer, what’s the first question you ask? 

How to Handle Rejection as a Writer Without Giving Up

From Edie: Henry McLaughlin shares how to handle rejection as a writer, overcome discouragement, grow from setbacks, and find the faith and courage to keep writing without giving up.

How to Handle Rejection as a Writer Without Giving Up

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Recently, I received a rejection from an agent. One of those non-specific rejections. You know, the ones that say something like “not a good fit for me.” Something about my writing did not strike the agent as worthy of representation or publication. And it added to a string of rejections—a long, very long, string of rejections. 

Your Storm Doesn't Cancel Your Calling: Encouragement for Christian Writers

From Edie: Dr. Kennita Williams shares encouragement for Christian writers facing life's storms. Learn to trust God's calling, find peace in difficult seasons, and know when to pause.

Your Storm Doesn't Cancel Your Calling: Encouragement for Christian Writers

by Dr. Kennita (Kay) Williams

The wind was howling. The rain was relentless. And everything around me seemed to be shaking.

As Hurricane Isaias made its presence known, I found myself experiencing something that reminded me of a powerful spiritual truth: Peace is not the absence of a storm. Peace is knowing Who is with you in the middle of it.