Top Ten Writing Tips for Book Reviews

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

For authors, book reviews are important to the success of a book more than you can imagine. Whether you’re a reader, writer or an author, I believe you should make it a habit to go leave a review once you’ve finished a book. There are many places to leave them—Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BooksAMillion, BookBub, ChristianBook, Goodreads, Powells, Target, and more. It depends on where the book has been uploaded by a publisher or an independent published author. 

Tips for Creating a Fictional Dream for Your Readers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Be a better writer when you know how to put your readers to sleep.

Nope the opening line above isn't a typo. You read it right. I'm suggesting skilled writers should put their readers to sleep. 

Okay, maybe not completely to sleep, but at least allow them to dream. What does dreaming have to do with writing? Everything. The dream I’m referring to is the fictional dream. If you’ve never heard the term before, don’t worry. I guarantee you know what I’m talking about. I think author, John Gardner says it best. 

“What counts in conventional fiction must be the vividness and continuity of the fictional 

dream the words set off in the reader’s mind.” -John Gardner

March Forward, Write Now

by Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael

“You fail only if you stop writing.” – Ray Bradbury

Many writers measure their progress based on goals or resolutions. Almost a quarter into 2025, many resolutions are now a distant memory. However, one way to gauge success is by utilizing a quarterly countdown. By the end of March, I take inventory of what I’ve written (and have yet to write) so that I can recalibrate and target specific outcomes for June.

A Bridge to New Writing Adventures

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

When my six-year-old grandson Benaiah visits, we always find new adventures. The older he gets, however, the riskier his adventures become. 

During Hurricane Helene, a large oak tree fell across our small stream. Benaiah decided we should walk across the fallen tree. Now, I’m all for adventure, and the tree was really only about five feet above the ground. And the stream? Well, it was only about a foot wide and two inches deep. 

I told him I’d just walk beside him—with my feet on the ground.

On his first trek across the tree, Benaiah wanted to hold my hand. He crept across, one foot in front of the other. When he got to the other side, he turned around carefully and walked back across. 

The next time? He wanted to cross without holding my hand, but still needed me to walk next to him on the ground. 

Increase Your Article Writing Output with These Ideas

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Writers just beginning to write articles look around them and the big question becomes, “I know some of the basics of writing articles but how do I find places to submit my work?”

Article writing can come in many forms these days. Just look around you. Everything that has words on it has been written by someone—magazines and blogs, of course, but also placemats in restaurants, stories on sides of products such as kid’s meal boxes, flyers, newsletters, and more. So be creative and think outside the box.

Get More from a Writing Conference When You follow These Seven Tips

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

As more and more conferences kick into gear, the tension is rising. If you are a first-timer, then it’s especially stressful. I’ve just come off of directing the Asheville Christian Writers Conference and there were a few things I noticed in new conferees that I wanted to share with you. These are things that I hope will ease the stress of attending your first conference.

Let’s walk through a few things together.

The Importance of Prayer for Writers

by Larry J. Leech II @LarryJLeechII

Normally I like to start this blog with a funny story or comment. But not this time. Today’s topic—prayer—to me, is a serious one. So, I’m not joking around.

Prayers can be sent heavenward any number of ways. Might be dinnertime prayers. Bedtime prayers. Prayers of thanks. Prayers for guidance. For discernment. For protection. Let’s not forget popcorn prayers for help. Or long-winded prayers that cover a multitude of topics. And, of course, the Lord’s Prayer.