How Writers Helped Shape America: Lessons from the Declaration of Independence

From Edie: Tim Suddeth helps writers discover how writers helped shape America through the Declaration of Independence and what today's Christian writers can learn about the power of words.

How Writers Helped Shape America: Lessons from the Declaration of Independence

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

Today, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Or, as George Washington once called it, “the great experiment.”

I’ve always loved studying about the Revolutionary War period of American history, even while I was in school. One problem we have when we look back at another era is that we know how it turned out. And often, we accept it was the inevitable outcome. We know that 250 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a single nation of states stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

Why Every Author Needs an Editor (and How to Choose the Right One)

From Edie: A.C. Williams share why every author needs an editor, how editors improve your manuscript, and practical tips for choosing the right editor for your book.

Why Every Author Needs an Editor (and How to Choose the Right One)

by A.C. Williams @ACW_Author

I am terrible at jigsaw puzzles. It’s something about how all the different little shapes fit together that makes it a challenge for me to identify what pieces go where. I’m also stubborn enough that I will try to force a piece into a place, whether it actually goes there or not. But it never fails, after I’ve been working on a puzzle for ages and ages, when someone who has never seen it before comes up and looks at it, they can instantly spot where pieces go. 

Why is that? Any theories? I’ve got a few. 

What Writers Can Learn from the FIFA World Cup About Success and Perseverance

From Edie: What can writers learn from the FIFA World Cup? Discover why perseverance, faithfulness, and showing up matter more than guaranteed success.

What Writers Can Learn from the FIFA World Cup About Success and Perseverance

By Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I’ve watched more soccer in the last month than I have in my entire life. 

Y’all. 

I know very little about soccer. 

I mean, I know the gist of it. I know you can’t touch the ball with your hands, unless you’re the goalie. I know there are two forty-five-minute halves. I know that for some bizarre reason, no one but the referees really know when the game ends because of the way they manage the stoppage time. And I know that offsides is bad, but I have no idea why. 

I also know that I don’t have to watch the whole game. If I have it on, when everyone starts yelling, I need to look up and I’ll get to see someone score. Or … not. Usually not. 

Conflict vs. Tension: The Difference That Makes Stories Impossible to Put Down

From Edie: Sarah Sally Hamer helps writers discover the difference between conflict and tension in fiction and learn how tension keeps readers turning pages while conflict alone cannot.

Conflict vs. Tension: The Difference That Makes Stories Impossible to Put Down

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Writers often talk about conflict as if it’s the engine of story. And it is—but only in the way a parked car technically has an engine. Conflict is the machinery. Tension is the ignition, the fuel, the forward motion. Without tension, conflict just sits there, inert, a list of problems rather than a living narrative.

Understanding the difference between the two—and how they work together—is one of the most important skills a writer can develop. Because once you do, your scenes stop lying flat on the page. They start to hum.

Writing Battles That Aren’t Ours to Fight

From Edie: Discover the difference between writing goals and dreams, and learn why surrendering some battles to God brings greater peace and purpose.

Writing Battles That Aren’t Ours to Fight

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Choosing to become a writer means choosing a life filled with battles. Some are obvious:

• The battle for discipline.
• The battle for time.
• The battle for excellence.
• The battle against distraction.
• The battle against fear.
• The battle to keep writing when no one seems to notice.

And honestly, that list barely scratches the surface. I’m already tired just reading it.

But what if we’re fighting battles that were never ours to fight in the first place?

Two Online Security Habits Every Writer Should Make Part of Their Routine

From Edie: Protect your writing career with two simple online security habits. Learn how to avoid phishing emails, fake social media accounts, and missed opportunities.

Two Online Security Habits Every Writer Should Make Part of Their Routine

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writers spend countless hours protecting their manuscripts. We back up our files, proofread our work, and carefully build our online platforms. But many writers overlook something just as valuable—their digital identity.

Two simple habits have protected my writing career for more than twenty-five years. They've helped me avoid missing publishing opportunities, uncover fake social media accounts, and catch problems before they became disasters.

Neither habit takes much time, but together they've saved me countless hours of frustration.

From Edie: Discover why your writing journey is a gift from God to steward and how your experiences can encourage others while bringing Him glory.

Stewarding Your Writing Journey for God's Glory

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

1 Corinthians 4:2

When I think about stewardship, I usually picture managing something that belongs to someone else. I don't automatically think of my life—and especially my writing life—in those terms.