How to Use Setting as an Antagonist in Your Novel: A Powerful Technique to Strengthen Plot and Character

From Edie: Learn how to use setting as an antagonist in your novel to create conflict, deepen character growth, and strengthen your plot through place, time, and culture.

How to Use Setting as an Antagonist in Your Novel: A Powerful Technique to Strengthen Plot and Character

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Is setting an important element of a novel?

Writing a novel involves weaving literary techniques together to create a powerful story. Novelists use characterization, plot, emotion, dialogue, symbolism, sensory detail, and setting to bring characters to life as they journey through the story.

Always choose an antagonistic setting. A behind-the-scenes antagonist—often the setting itself—forces the character to grow, change, and embrace strength not previously experienced. Setting influences plot by creating barriers and struggles for the characters, while also shaping mood and emotional response.

Writing Through Hard Seasons: How to Stay Consistent When Life Feels Impossible

From Edie: Struggling to write during a difficult season? Discover practical ways to stay consistent, find strength in small wins, and keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming.

Writing Through Hard Seasons: How to Stay Consistent When Life Feels Impossible

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

There was a season in my life when everything felt stacked against me, yet it became the very time that taught me how to keep writing when life is at its hardest. I was a doctoral student at Arizona State University in Arizona, living in a state that felt both exciting and lonely. I had left behind my family and friends in New York and stepped into an entirely new world. Along with graduate studies, I was teaching a combined 4th- and 5th-grade class—bright, energetic children who deserved my very best, even on the days when I felt at my worst.

Financially, it was a sacrifice. I had taken a $20,000 pay cut to pursue my doctorate. At home, life wasn’t peaceful. My marriage was strained and dysfunctional, adding emotional weight to already heavy days. And then, in the midst of it all, I discovered I was pregnant while raising my grade-school daughter.

There were nights when discouragement felt like a thick fog. Writing my dissertation, this massive, scholarly book felt impossible. The idea of completing it while balancing teaching, motherhood, pregnancy, financial strain, and isolation seemed almost laughable.

Your Words Matter Today: Encouragement for Writers with a Small Platform

From Edie: Feel like your platform is too small to matter? Discover why your words have value right now and how to faithfully steward your message, no matter the size of your audience.

Your Words Matter Today: Encouragement for Writers with a Small Platform

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Have you ever felt like your words don't really matter yet?

Like you need a publishing contract or a couple of books on a shelf before anyone will take you seriously? Honestly, before you take yourself seriously?

Or maybe you've stared at your subscriber count and felt the slow leak of discouragement that comes when the numbers don't match your effort. You pour yourself into the words, hit send, and then... silence. A low open rate. Maybe a few replies. Does anyone care?

10 Reasons Every Writer Should Attend a Writers Conference (And Why It’s Worth the Investment)

From Edie: Wondering if a writers conference is worth it? Discover 10 powerful reasons every writer should attend to grow skills, connect with industry professionals, and build a lasting writing community.

10 Reasons Every Writer Should Attend a Writers Conference (And Why It’s Worth the Investment)

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

I’ve had a lot of conversations with writers about the value of attending a writing conference. The comments I receive are as varied as the folks I talk to. Most who have attended are enthusiastic about them, and share their favorites or talk about a new one they’re going to attend this year. We trade experiences and create an excitement for the next one we’ll go to.

Then there are folks who have not gone to any writers’ conferences at all. They have many reasons why and a few are valid points for their circumstances. I have to admit, though, the response that often leaves me puzzled is this: why should I bother spending the money and wasting my time? 

YouTube for Writers, Part 8: Crafting Titles and Thumbnails That Work Together

From Edie: Learn how YouTube thumbnails and titles work together to attract viewers and increase clicks. Discover simple, practical tips to create intentional, engaging content that reaches your ideal audience.

YouTube for Writers, Part 8: Crafting Titles and Thumbnails That Work Together

by Samantha Tschritter @SETschritter

Double your clicks with clear, curiosity-driven headlines and visuals

What do Youtube thumbnails and titles and online dating have in common?

Interested, not interested. Swipe left, scroll past. 

In case you’ve never dated online, I’ll explain how the process works and then use that analogy to explain how on Youtube the thumbnail and title work together and compliment one another.

How to Overcome Writing Discouragement: Finding Hope and Growth After a Creative Winter

From Edie: Struggling with writing discouragement or a creative dry season? Discover how God uses difficult seasons to grow your voice, restore your creativity, and lead you into a fresh start.

How to Overcome Writing Discouragement: Finding Hope and Growth After a Creative Winter

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Sometimes we have a difficult writing winter.

That’s what I call a season of writing discouragement—when the words feel stuck, the ideas seem distant, and the joy we once found in writing feels buried beneath doubt, fatigue, or even silence.

When that happens, it can mimic a hard winter season.

Christian Author Coaching: Why Every Faith-Based Writer Needs a Coach to Write, Publish, and Market Successfully

From Edie: Discover why Christian author coaching is essential for faith-based writers. Learn how a coach can help you write, publish, and market your book with clarity, confidence, and purpose—while avoiding costly mistakes and honoring your God-given message.

Christian Author Coaching: Why Every Faith-Based Writer Needs a Coach to Write, Publish, and Market Successfully

by Susan U. Neal @SusanNealYoga

If God has placed a message on your heart, writing a book can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Many new authors begin with passion but quickly discover that publishing is more than simply writing. That’s where coaching becomes invaluable.

Christian author coaching is not just about improving your manuscript; the process is about learning how to write, publish, and market well. Christian writing reflects the Lord, and we should do all we can to represent Him to the best of our ability. A seasoned coach helps you avoid common pitfalls, shortens your learning time, and moves you forward with confidence and purpose. Instead of struggling alone—like I did, you can receive guidance from someone who understands the publishing industry and the spiritual responsibility of sharing God’s truth.