Taking the Struggle Out of Writing Deep POV

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Every writer wants to take the struggle out of Deep Point of View (POV). The technique allows the reader to step easily into the viewpoint character’s shoes by experiencing every action and reaction through the character’s senses. The reader wants to be that character. He/she has stepped into the protagonist’s or antagonist’s head and emerged as the POV character. Every word is filtered through the POV character.

Dipping the Quill Deeper: The Stories That Shaped A Childhood

by Eva Marie Everson

In the past couple of years, I have given a keynote address at three writers conferences titled “The Three—Make That Four—Books That Changed My Life.” In the presentation, I talk about three books I read in my younger years, one as a young child of about ten, and the other two as a young-to-mid teen. The first book I only recall by its title, Renee. I cannot recall the author’s name or what the book was about, but what I do remember is that this was the first book I found impossible to put down. Renee was what we call a “page-turner.”

Excellence in Marketing Awards for Authors Open Aug. 1-31, 2021

By Angela Breidenbach @AngBreidenbach

The Christian Authors Network is delighted to announce the Excellence in Marketing Awards. Formerly known as the CAN Crown Awards, the name change better represents the purpose of this special, one-of-a-kind contest to recognize, educate, and encourage excellence in marketing and promotion skills of all Christian authors.

One area Christian authors struggle with in the publishing world is figuring out what to do with marketing? Think about marketing as engaging, shareable, effective communication about your book, book series, or brand to readers, retailers, and/or librarians. How else would people find the book you struggled over for months to years? Don’t hide your light under a bushel! Shine light on that beautiful work of art through some simple marketing techniques.

How Writing Conferences Compare to Carrots

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

You’ve read the title of this post and are convinced this writer has truly lost her mind. While there may be some truth to that—hear her out. And by her, I mean me.

On the two-hour drive home from a recent large conference, I had plenty of quiet time to think and process what I’d encountered the week there. Thoughts about how conferences as a whole have had to change during this past year due to, well, you know­—Covid. Most chose to do an online option, which at least connected us with opportunities to continue to learn more of the craft. As an extreme extrovert, this option was difficult at times, but I still took part as either a conferee or as faculty, grateful to see writers and speak to each other in real time even if throughout computer screens. 

Recharge, Replenish, Renew for a Better You

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

I’m not the same person I was a year ago. I move to a different beat. The effects of isolation and lack of human connection brought on by lockdown bit deep. I became inflicted with a self-centered concern about keeping myself safe—of preventing dark shadowy plagues from coming near. My world was now absent of hugs, obsessed with hand sanitizers, and filled with face-masked people devoid of facial expressions. As a result, a new me slowly emerged. Without even realizing the dark cloud had descended, it began to suffocate my life.

The Benefits of Co-Authoring

by Crystal Bowman

No matter what publishing path you choose, it’s a long and bumpy road. And whether you’re an introvert who writes from a quiet corner in your home or an extrovert who writes at a noisy coffee shop, writing can be lonely. One of the rewards of the writing journey is to hold that hot-off-the press copy in your hands while you stare at your name on the front cover. But maybe there is space for one more name. The idea of co-authoring a book may not appeal to everyone, but it has some benefits worth considering. 

How to Get More Book Reviews

by Susan U. Neal @SusanNealYoga

Book reviews show readers that your book is worth their investment of money and time. The more reviews your book has, the more books you will sell because people believe what consumers say about products. In fact, ninety percent of consumers read online reviews. One of the most critical things you can do for your book’s salability is obtain at least fifty Amazon reviews.