The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Writers Part 1: How to Strengthen Your Manuscript One Step at a Time

From Edie: Learn the first essential step in effective self-editing: letting your manuscript rest so you can return with clarity, distance, and fresh eyes. In this opening article of The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Writers, Henry McLaughlin explains why cooling off your draft—and rereading it in print—helps you spot issues, strengthen your story, and prepare for deeper revisions.

The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Writers Part 1: How to Strengthen Your Manuscript One Step at a Time

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Part of my call as a writer is to help others through coaching, mentoring, teaching, and editing. One thing I’ve learned in my writing and in helping other writers is the vital importance of learning to self-edit. Someone said, and I can’t remember whom, “The heart of writing is re-writing.”

I’m not saying all you have to do is self-edit your work and you’re ready for publication. But, knowing how to self-edit your work effectively goes a long way to getting you there. At some point, you will need to submit your work to an outside editor or go through the editing process with a publishing house. Being able to self-edit helps these next steps go smoothly.

How Writers Can Stay Creative in Unproductive Seasons: 15 Ways to Renew Your Mind, Faith, and Writing Life

From Edie: Discover practical and faith-centered ways to stay creative when your writing feels stalled. These 15 strategies will help you renew your mind, refresh your creativity, and navigate unproductive seasons with hope, rest, and spiritual renewal.

How Writers Can Stay Creative in Unproductive Seasons: 15 Ways to Renew Your Mind, Faith, and Writing Life

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writers often face rejection, deadlines, and doubt. We may say we trust God with our writing, but when a season feels barren, that trust can be tested. November’s image of bleak fields after harvest is not a picture of discouragement but a reminder of God’s promise of renewal. 

We’ve planted words, nurtured them with prayer and edits, and released them to our readers. Sometimes a new contract doesn’t come, or fresh ideas seem as bare as empty fields. But those fields are resting, just like we need to breathe new life into our minds and bodies. The farmer trusts God for spring to plant new growth, and we writers can trust God to rejuvenation our hearts, minds, and creativity for the next project.

Dipping the Quill Deeper: One Mile / Six Hundred Words at a Time

From Edie: Discover how a simple walking routine led to a powerful writing lesson about consistency. In this inspiring reflection, Eva Marie Everson shows how small, steady steps—one mile or six hundred words at a time—can transform both your fitness and your writing life, leading to real progress and finished pages.

Dipping the Quill Deeper: One Mile / Six Hundred Words at a Time

by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

Several months ago, I met two of my out-of-state cousins who were in town for lunch. For reference, allow me to tell you a couple of things about us:

1. We, the three of us, are about the same age.
2. They are both stunning.

As it often happens during luncheons or dinners with those we love, someone (not me) said to the server, “Will you take a photo of us, please?” 

When to Let a Book Idea Go: A Writer’s Hilarious Wake-Up Call About Costly Creative Detours

From Edie: Discover how a simple greeting-card mishap turned into a hilarious reminder about the hidden cost of bad book ideas. Learn how to recognize when a writing project isn’t working—and why letting go can protect your time, creativity, and sanity.

When to Let a Book Idea Go: A Writer’s Hilarious Wake-Up Call About Costly Creative Detours

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

With the Thanksgiving right around the corner (and needing a break from writing), I went to the store to pick out a card to send to my sister. 

I browsed the card section and found a perfect one. Chuckling at the inside sentiment, I plucked it from the rack and turned it over. My laughter turned to horror. Have you priced cards lately? $5.50! For a piece of paper with a joke on it? Not that my sister isn't worth $5.50 but come on. For that amount, it should come in chocolate. 

Persistent Patience for Writers: Trusting God’s Timing in Your Creative Journey

From Edie: Discover how “persistent patience” can transform your writing life. This devotional encourages writers to trust God’s timing, grow through creative delays, and find purpose in the waiting moments that shape both faith and craft.

Persistent Patience for Writers: Trusting God’s Timing in Your Creative Journey

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Ps 37:7 

I heard the phrase, persistent patience, several years ago and it stuck with me. Patience, to me, has always seemed like a passive endeavor. Truthfully, I equated times of waiting with wasted time—especially when it comes to writing. Turns out nothing could be farther from the truth. 

God is at work in the waiting. 

Is Your Novel Ready for a Film Adaptation? How to Know If Your Story Is Viable for the Screen (Part 1)

From Edie: Discover the key criteria that determine whether your novel is a strong candidate for film adaptation. Learn how to evaluate story structure, genre, marketability, and budget considerations to decide if your book is truly viable for the screen.

Is Your Novel Ready for a Film Adaptation? How to Know If Your Story Is Viable for the Screen (Part 1)

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Book-to-film adaptations are everywhere right now. Between the rise of streaming platforms, independent studios, faith-based production companies, and the success of projects like The Chosen, more writers are asking the same question:

“Should I adapt my novel into a screenplay—and if so, how do I get it made into a movie?”

How to Use AI to Write Blog Post Titles That Rank in Search (AI + SEO Guide)

From Edie: Learn how to use AI tools to create stronger blog post titles that rank in search. This practical AI + SEO guide shows you how to brainstorm, refine, and optimize titles that increase visibility, boost clicks, and help your content get found in both AI search and Google.

How to Use AI to Write Blog Post Titles That Rank in Search (AI + SEO Guide)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I have been blogging here on The Write Conversation since December of 2008. I've watched blogging evolve in every way I thought possible—and then here comes AI (Artificial Intelligence). At first I was hesitant—using AI felt like cheating. However, I've come to realize I can use it just like I would a virtual assistant. It can help with the repetitive drudgery and with brain storming. 

I used to spend way more time creating an SEO friendly blog post title than I ever did writing a post. But now, after I've written the post, I can get AI to help me brainstorm. AND THEN, I go back and refine the title and add my voice and the needs of my specific audience. It's a wonderful advance and has helped me immensely.