The Secret Sin of Writers

by Lori Hatcher 

Want to know a secret? 

There’s a part of the writing life that scares me. I’m more afraid of it than a bad review, a manuscript rejection, or a book that doesn’t earn out its advance. 

More Proverbs for Writers: Discerning Criticism

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Welcome to another in the series of periodic (or sporadic) posts on Proverbs for Writers.

This month’s post is from Proverbs 25:12 (NLT): To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

Sometimes, it’s interesting to read other translations to get a fuller flavor of the verse.

Proven Tips to Heighten Your Novel Research

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Researching a novel requires planning, organization, and creativity. Knowledge that feeds into a story is not about showing the writer’s expertise but to heighten the experience for readers—and the process can be incredibly fun.

Online search engines allow the writer to explore what the characteristics of an area and community. Newspapers online are another source of information. 

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Forgetting the Why of Who We Are

by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

They were children when they first met in Queens, New York—two young Jewish boys who discovered they sang well together. In fact, their harmonies were something to behold (if one can behold singing). Four years later, as teens, they formed a duo, calling themselves “Tom and Jerry.”

Most things like this—singing duos formed in elementary school that carry through high school—end as soon as rolled diplomas land in outstretched palms. But not so for these two. While in college, they kept at it, but accomplishing little.

Consider This … When Coming Up with Character Traits for Characters in Your Novel

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

The blog title caught my eye. It mentioned introverts and HSPs. I am definitely not an introvert, although the longer I write, I find I'm taking on some introverted characteristics—or is it because I prefer to be with my characters? But I digress. 

A Prayer to Encourage Writers

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Christian writers know they should pray each time they sit down to write. Often, they do. Yet sometimes they rush to get into their work because of looming deadlines. I’m going to do something different today. Rather than remind you to pray, or give you ten bullet points of what to pray—which both are fantastic, by the way—I’m going to offer up a prayer to encourage writers. 

Learn Your Blogging ABCs and Connect with Your Audience

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Blogging is a great way to connect with your readers, build your platform and hone your writing skills. But like anything valuable, it takes effort to learn to do it effectively. Today I wanted to find a fun way to share some blogging basics.