Embracing Gratitude in our Writing During Life’s Surprises

by Kennita "Kay" Williams

Life often leads us down unanticipated paths, filling our journeys with unexpected changes that can leave us anxious or discouraged. During these moments, the challenge to “give thanks in all things” can feel daunting. Yet, by trusting in God’s plan, even when life takes unforeseen turns, we can find purpose, peace, and joy amidst uncertainty. Ephesians 5:20 encourages us: “…giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Through gratitude and faith, we allow God to transform the unexpected into blessings that help us grow.

Key Strategies for Networking and Building Author Platform

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Growing up, my father owned a construction company and mom was a nurse. However, my parents knew about the fundamentals of investing in real estate. I recall them stressing the importance of location, location, location. In the publishing industry an analogous mantra would be platform, platform, platform

In the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing, knowing the fundamentals is important. Therefore, building a solid platform as an author is essential for success. Whether we’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned writer, or somewhere in between, networking can open doors to valuable opportunities and connections. 

The Best Concepts of Write To Market

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

In Acts 17, as Paul strode around Athens, seeing many idols troubled him. He started preaching as he normally did and that brought a lot of contention and he ended up defending himself to the city council. At that point he changed his preaching. He spoke about the statue to the unknown god and said he came to share about that God, the one who created the world. They listened. Some believed while others did not, but they were no longer opposed to his preaching in Athens. Paul spoke to the market/audience when he connected to what they knew that interested them. He used a preach to the market approach.

Some writers interpret write to market as finding a trend and writing in that genre, essentially copying the style of a successful book. It appears to develop a formula for a book. Chasing trends is not fun since they change, does not stay in the author's voice, and is not guaranteed to make money. 

Writer, Your Words Matter

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Often, we hear we’re to walk in obedience if we believe God has called us to write. I don’t think anyone of us would dispute that fact. In various times during our writing path, we may have self-doubt, lose confidence in our ability or wonder if we misunderstood the nudge back when we started down this road. I don’t know of any writer who hasn’t expressed these issues as troublesome at some point. 

Writers, Get Your Social Media Ready for the Holidays with 29 Ideas to Share

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

The holidays are upon us and so is the holiday rush. While this time is filled with fun, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with a normal routine. Instead of stressing, look at this list for quick and easy social media updates to share!

These 29 tips are divided into three sections—things we can do now and share later, things we can share on the fly, and things we should avoid sharing.

Applying "Just Do It!" to the Writing Life

by Crystal Bowman

"Just Do It" is one of the most iconic and effective advertising taglines of all time. These three simple words—the slogan for Nike athletic shoes—embody the essence of motivation, ambition, and perseverance. It encourages sideliners to get off the bench and into the game. The slogan was introduced in 1988 and propelled Nike from a footwear contender to a global sports company with universal recognition. 

The Birth of a Book

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Arrival Date: October 29, 2024

Weight: 11.5 ounces

Length: 10 inches X 8 inches X .5 inches

Hair color: ginger and gray

Don’t you love how authors call releasing a new manuscript “birthing a book baby”? I think it’s quite a fitting analogy. The scenario became even more personal for me when both of my daughters gifted us with newborn grandbabies right smack dab in the midst of the birth of my book baby, A Gingerbread House. 

My daughters had dreamed of becoming moms, probably since my sweet girls pretended to mother their stuffed animals. They made quite convincing pet-mamas. 

I, too, had a dream. For more than three decades, I dreamed of publishing a children’s picture book. I tried, but it wasn’t meant to be. God led me down a different path. He blessed me with contracts that included magazine articles, newspaper articles, compilation acceptances, and eventually, books for homeschooling families, parents, and moms.