Finished Your First Draft? What Writers Should Do After “The End”

From Edie: Cindy Sproles shares what writers should do after “The End,” from editing and polishing your manuscript to embracing what comes next.

Finished Your First Draft? What Writers Should Do After “The End”

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

I just typed those wonderful last words—THE END. It’s been months of work. Writing, rewriting. Character development, names, and name changes. I’ve even been known to scream upon occasion when I can’t get a scene to work, or even when a scene works perfectly. Either way, once a writer hits those last six letters that turn into two huge words, folks seem to think the work is done.

When Writers Want to Quit: Don’t Punt on First Down

From Edie: From Larry Leech: When writers want to quit, perseverance matters. Discover how to push through discouragement, find clarity, and keep writing until you reach “The End.”

When Writers Want to Quit: Don’t Punt on First Down

by Larry J. Leech, II @LarryJLeechII

Steve Martin, that wild and crazy guy, back in the 1970s uttered some famous words on an album (yeah, those things made out of vinyl) that I have never forgotten: “Punt on first down.”

Those who understand football know that is just plain old crazy talk. No team in its right mind would punt on first down. That’s just giving up without trying. Quitting without any effort.

Yeah.

Kinda like we feel sometimes while working on a project. Grab a towel and throw it in. Curl into a ball and cry until eternity. Whatever works for you.

How Writers Can Adapt to Change in the Publishing Industry

From Edie: Martin Wiles shares how writers can adapt to changes in publishing, editing, style guidelines, and AI while staying flexible, informed, and focused on their writing goals.

How Writers Can Adapt to Change in the Publishing Industry

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

Paper was my world. Plastic? Not so much. 

At fourteen, I began bagging groceries at a local grocery store. At the time, plastic bags were only someone’s dream. We used paper bags. I could pack many items in a bag if they weren’t too heavy. The bags stood up nicely when we bagboys packed them tightly. They also stacked nicely in the trunk of the customer’s car. 

How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing When You Feel Discouraged

From Edie: Beth Vogt shares encouragement for writers feeling discouraged. Discover practical ways to rediscover the joy of writing, reconnect with your why, and find the motivation to keep going.

How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing When You Feel Discouraged

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Earlier this month, I chatted with another writer, who shared a disappointment with me. A frustration. A concern.

I can hear you thinking, “Pick a word already, Beth.” 

Each of these words apply to what my writer-friend shared. What was she so disappointed, frustrated, and concerned about? 

How to Write While Traveling: 3 Strategies to Keep Your Manuscript Moving

From Edie: A.C. Williams shows us how to write while traveling with three practical strategies to protect your writing time, stay focused, and keep your manuscript moving forward.

How to Write While Traveling: 3 Strategies to Keep Your Manuscript Moving

by A.C. Williams @ACW_Author

How are your writing projects progressing this year? 

I don’t mind telling you that I’m not happy with my own. I have many friends and colleagues who tell me I expect too much from myself, and maybe that’s true. But I made a goal at the start of the year, and at the moment I’m so far behind, there isn’t much I can do to catch up. And that’s okay, obviously. We can make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. A lot of life decided to happen for me this year, and I had to prioritize other things.

How Christian Writers Can Handle Criticism with Love: The Fruit of the Spirit in Publishing

From Edie: Lynn Blackburn shares how Christian writers can handle criticism, negative reviews, and difficult readers with love while remaining faithful to God's calling and the Fruit of the Spirit.

How Christian Writers Can Handle Criticism with Love: The Fruit of the Spirit in Publishing

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnBlackburn

Fruit Under Pressure - Deadlines, reviews, comparison, the silence after you hit send. Over the next nine months, we'll explore what it looks like to live out the nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit as we navigate the pressure system of publishing. 

LOVE

Let’s start with something I no longer apologize for: I don’t read my reviews. 

I learned a long time ago that one-stars have far too much power over me to be healthy. I admire authors who take their one-star reviews and turn them into comedy gold, but I’m not that author. I have a system that allows me to navigate this tender space in a way that keeps me healthy.

But y’all…

In the past few months, I’ve realized that there’s a flaw in my system. 

My email. 

You can't unsee an email. You can't un-know it. 

Why Some Character Deaths Break Readers' Hearts—and Others Don't

From Edie: Sarah Sally Hamer helps writers discover why some character deaths leave readers heartbroken while others fall flat. Learn how to write meaningful loss that creates lasting emotional impact.

Why Some Character Deaths Break Readers' Hearts—and Others Don't

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Because sometimes the character isn't the problem.

Let's talk about character deaths for a minute.

Writers remove characters from stories all the time, and honestly, the temptation is real. If a character is creating complications, tangling relationships, or making the plot harder to manage, sending them off can feel like a clean solution.