Embracing the Power of Words: A Guide for Writers

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Embarking on a writer's journey can be a daunting and solitary pursuit, filled with challenges, self-doubt, and rejection. Yet, through these obstacles, we develop our unique voices and contribute to the powerful creative work of storytelling.

As writers, it’s important to remember we’re part of a supportive community that understands the highs and lows of this creative calling. Whether fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or screenplays, all writers share a bond as pioneering storytellers.

Types of Marketing Campaigns for Authors

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

For authors, a marketing campaign is a plan to get people excited and interested in your book, brand, or you, so they will respond with an action. Other campaigns maybe be to connect with media or meeting planners. The action may be to buy the book, signup for your newsletter, or book you to speak. The plan consists of a series of activities that target the audience with a message. Activities used in campaigns are the marketing tools including keywords, lead magnets, video clips, email sequences, and press releases.

9 Things My Canine Friends Taught Me About Blogging

by Edie Melson @EDIEMELSON

Most of you know I’m an animal lover. We had one cat, Emily Dickinson, and our son's dog, Cosmo. I don’t know what I’d do without my four-legged friends cheering me on as I work every day.

But they’re more than just great companions, they’ve got a lot to teach me. I’ve shared lessons from Emily before in a devotion on BEING STILL. So today I’d like to pass along some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from my dogs.

Value of a Writing Word Sprint

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Alone or in a group, there is great value in a writing word sprint. There are many variations on how you can do a sprint. I’ve participated in word sprints with a group in person as well as online. Online you can meet-up on Zoom, Facebook group, Discord, and more. The most important part of a word sprint is you are not allowed to stop and edit. You must write without worrying about your spelling or incorrect sentences. As soon as the leader says go—you start typing. 

Reading, Writing, And A Little Bit of Easy Arithmetic

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

“Reading is breathing in; writing is breathing out.” 

Pam Allyn (1963-), American literacy expert & author

Whatcha’ reading, writer friends?

As I write this post, I’m on a reading streak. I know it, because my Kindle is keeping me posted with fun little graphs on how much I’ve read. As of today, I’ve read 5 weeks in a row and 10 days in a row. And I’ve read 10 more days this month than I read in July. 

Now that’s my kind of math, my friends.

To be honest, I’ve struggled to read in recent years. My excuse? I’ve been too busy writing. When I wasn’t writing, I was editing other authors’ manuscripts. Reading for pleasure? 

Not happening.

All the while, I missed relaxing with a good book. Slipping away into a fictional story world where the imaginary characters became oh-so-real. And yes, I know reading makes me a better writer.

“Read everything—trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it. Then write. If it is good, you'll find out.”

William Faulkner (1897-1962), American writer

This year, I decided things had to change.

I started off 2024 with one overall goal: to read more books. Pretty simple, right? Even if I just read one book a month, that would an improvement over the past few years. So far this year, I’ve read 48 books, a mix of both fiction and nonfiction. My best months were January and August, when I read 11 books. My goal continues to be to read more books than I had read in 2023. 

And I’m doing it.

Back to you, writer friends, and the question I asked at the beginning of this blog post:

Whatcha’ reading? 

Are you reading for pleasure? Reading books about our writing craft? A bit of both? Did you start off the year with a reading goal or some sort of plan? Do you think reading makes you a better writer? 

I’d love to know how you fit reading into your writing life. Do you, like me, struggle with reading? Let’s talk about it in the comments. What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to finding time to read?

TWEETABLE

Reading, Writing, And A Little Bit of Easy Arithmetic from @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, released June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Words with Friends: The Value of Creating a Writing Community

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be. Though most of us sit alone at our keyboards, writing is gratifying when we associate with other writers. Even if social gatherings make you cringe, consider the following opportunities to mingle while honing skills.

Ten Tips for Going the Extra Mile with a Writing Project

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

What does it mean to go the extra mile? How far is a mile in relation to a published manuscript?

The Bible says in Matthew 5:41, “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” The phrase “going the second mile” has found its way into our modern vernacular and isn’t always used in the context of this verse. However, I think “going the extra mile” lends itself to the perfect visual for a successful writing journey. 

The publishing journey from idea to publication is not an easy one. It’s a long and convoluted path most of the time, and upon occasions, it can be a quick journey. Going the extra mile when you’ve received an acceptance for an article or book and giving more than one hundred percent to that opportunity can help you land other opportunities with that publishing house or magazine.