Why Writers Need Community: 3 Simple Ways to Stay Connected and Grow

From Edie: Feeling isolated as a writer? Discover why community matters and learn three simple, practical ways to stay connected, encouraged, and growing in your writing journey.

Why Writers Need Community: 3 Simple Ways to Stay Connected and Grow

by Larry J. Leech II @LarryJLeechII

When I wrote this blog, I sat by myself in the local Starbucks where all the baristas know me as a regular. But few know what I do for a living. And that’s okay. Although great people, they are not my community. I simply go to the branch office to ‘work.’ 

Most days that entails going off in my own little world to edit or write. But doing so day after day is not good for me. I need connections, community. 

Too Busy to Write? How to Make Time and Stay Faithful to Your Calling

From Edie: Struggling to find time to write? Discover practical ways to overcome busyness, stay consistent, and remain faithful to your calling—even in life’s busiest seasons.

Too Busy to Write? How to Make Time and Stay Faithful to Your Calling

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

Christy Brown could use his brain and the little toe on his left foot, but little else. As a helpless babe, he lay on the kitchen floor of a cottage in Ireland. That’s when his mom noticed something very interesting. He reached out with that one good toe and grabbed a crayon that one of his siblings had dropped. At that moment, a writer was born—although neither knew it then. 

Some years later, someone at IBM made a special typewriter for him, enabling him to punch in one letter at a time with that one toe. All one must do is Google books by Christy Brown, and the excuse that “life is too difficult right now for me to write” should fly out the window and soar to its death. Sol Stein, in his book, Stein on Writing, said, “The film (My Left Foot) may cure you of fishing for an excuse for not writing.” [1]

How to Create Believable Characters: What Writers Can Learn from Training a Puppy

From Edie: Struggling to create believable characters? Discover how understanding motivation—through an unexpected lesson from training a puppy—can help writers craft deeper, more realistic fiction.

How to Create Believable Characters: What Writers Can Learn from Training a Puppy

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

My husband, Rob, and I have a new puppy.

Now you’re thinking, “Beth, what does a puppy have to do with writing?”

Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience

From Edie: Get ready for your next writing conference with this practical checklist. Learn how to prepare, plan, and position yourself to make the most of every opportunity.

Writing Conference Checklist Part 1: How to Prepare and Maximize Your Conference Experience

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” - Anthony J. D’Angelo

Writers Conference Season is underway. It’s that most wonderful time of year where opportunities knock and aspiring dreams can come true. Attending conferences is an enjoyable approach to learn more about the craft, hang out with other authors, and make meaningful connections. Attending conferences requires a substantial investment of time and money. That said, these tips can make your next conference your best conference.

How to Use a Semicolon Correctly: A Simple Guide for Writers (and Why It Still Matters)

From Edie: Confused about semicolons? Learn how to use a semicolon correctly with simple rules and examples—and discover why this punctuation mark still matters for writers today.

How to Use a Semicolon Correctly: A Simple Guide for Writers (and Why It Still Matters)

By Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

It’s endangered; it might possibly disappear altogether in the next handful of years. 

Do you know what “it” is? 

It is the SEMI-COLON.

Copyright Myths for Writers: What You Can (and Can’t) Legally Use Online in 2026

From Edie: Confused about copyright? Learn what writers can legally use online—including images, lyrics, blog content, and AI—so you can avoid common mistakes and protect your work.

Copyright Myths for Writers: What You Can (and Can’t) Legally Use Online in 2026

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of discussion about copyright issues. Specifically, what is legal to use on a blog, social media, or in a book. 

First, I want to state right up front that I am NOT a lawyer and none of what I’ve said constitutes legal advice. My goal is simply to share what I’ve learned about being responsible online.

That said, I’ll also include updated resources at the end so you can dig deeper for yourself.

Publishing Paths for Writers: What Is Boutique Independent Publishing?

From Edie: Discover what boutique independent publishing is and how it compares to other publishing paths. Learn how this model gives authors full ownership, professional support, and long-term control of their work.

Publishing Paths for Writers: What Is Boutique Independent Publishing?

by PeggySueWells @PeggySueWells

Writers today have more publishing options than at any point in history, and that abundance can be both exciting and confusing. With so many paths available, many writers ask the same question: Which option actually serves the author’s goals and protects the work?

One option that is gaining attention among professional authors is boutique independent publishing. Understanding how it works can help you decide if this path fits your goals.