For Writers: Finding the Right Word, Part 2

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

This week, I’m continuing the series on finding the right word. Let me emphasize again this is part of the editing process more than it is part of the creative process, especially the first couple of drafts. Those early drafts are to get the story out so we have something to work with. Finding the right word is part of editing when we look to improve the first draft by finding words that better express what we want to say. You can find the earlier post here: Writers: Finding the Right Word, Part 1.

What Does a Writer Post on Facebook

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Congratulations, writer! You’ve successfully launched a Facebook personal profile or group page. But followers aren’t jumping on to encourage you or praise your writing. Day after day, we see no growth or comments. What’s the problem? Perhaps the dilemma is rooted in what the writer is or isn’t posting.

13 Reasons Living with a Writer Can Be Scary

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

There are a lot of scary things about living with a writer. My husband and family know this only too well. Unfortunately, they’ve been subjected to just about everything on the list. And yet they still love me—even more than that they appear to enjoy my career choice at times.

What to do When a Writer Gets Discouraged

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

When I began writing my first manuscript, I was so sure I’d be published right away. And why not? It was brilliant. A wonderful story of Biblical characters we all know and love. What’s not publishable in that?

10 Ways to Face Your Writing Fears

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

Fall is upon us and with it come black cats and trick or treaters. Some cute and some . . . well . . . not so much. In this season of black and orange, I thought I'd highlight some fears all writers face and how to overcome them. 

Why Does the World Need Stories - Part 3

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Why the World Needs Stories About Heroes 

When you think about heroes, what comes to mind? Somebody from your family? Superman? Maybe an historical figure who did something great? For me, the word “Hero” makes me think of my stepdad, Ralph, who married my Mom in spite of the fact that she had three little kids at home. He loved each of us as if we were his own—something few men would have done. 

A Cure for Writer’s Block—Straight from Heaven

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

When a writer asks me, “Are you a panster or a plotter?” I don’t think. I just laugh.

I’ve had a plan for every book I’ve written. A schedule, too. I’ve known the genre, premise, and theme of each book, how many chapters they’d contain, and what the topics would be. In my third book, Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, I even knew which Scripture references I’d use for each devotion. Every time I sat down at my computer, I knew what I was going to write about. 

It was heavenly. I never lacked for ideas or material. The words flowed, and writing was fun. The same thing happened with my fourth book, Refresh Your Prayers, Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise.

Then came book number five. The geyser of ideas slowed to a trickle, and inspiration flowed as smoothly as a tennis ball through a garden hose. After a few days of staring at a blank computer screen, I did what every seasoned writer does when she hits a speed bump.