Whose Opinion Matters Most in Your Writing Journey?

From Edie: Christian writers, whose opinion matters most? Discover 5 ways to stop seeking approval, refocus your priorities, and stay true to God’s calling to write.

Whose Opinion Matters Most in Your Writing Journey? 

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

One thing I’ve noticed is that we writers are way too hard on ourselves. We’re constantly comparing ourselves to each other, looking for affirmation through someone else’s opinion about our work and even our calling.

We check to see how many views our articles get, how many followers our blogs have and how many stars the reviewer gave our latest book. These things can undermine and sometimes even totally destroy our perspective, not to mention our confidence. Because, let’s face it, there is always someone willing to point out what we did wrong or could have done better. 

How to Create Memorable Characters Using Traits and Mannerisms

From Edie: Zena Dell Lowe shares how to create memorable fictional characters using distinctive traits and mannerisms that reveal personality, build tension, and strengthen your story.

How to Create Memorable Characters Using Traits and Mannerisms

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

As a writer, creating memorable characters is one of the most important things you can do to engage your readers. But how do you make a character stand out—not just as "the funny one" or "the tough one," but as someone readers remember long after they've closed the book?

One of the most effective tools is specificity: giving your character traits and mannerisms so particular that no other character could wear them. Here's how to do it well.

Why Christian Writers Don't Have to Publish a Book to Make a Difference

From Edie: Lori Hatcher shares why Christian writers don't need to publish a book to make a difference. Learn how your words can encourage others and serve God through writing.

Why Christian Writers Don't Have to Publish a Book to Make a Difference

by Lori Hatcher

Your writing ministry is bigger than a book. 

When you hear that someone is a writer, what’s the first question you ask? 

How to Handle Rejection as a Writer Without Giving Up

From Edie: Henry McLaughlin shares how to handle rejection as a writer, overcome discouragement, grow from setbacks, and find the faith and courage to keep writing without giving up.

How to Handle Rejection as a Writer Without Giving Up

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Recently, I received a rejection from an agent. One of those non-specific rejections. You know, the ones that say something like “not a good fit for me.” Something about my writing did not strike the agent as worthy of representation or publication. And it added to a string of rejections—a long, very long, string of rejections. 

Your Storm Doesn't Cancel Your Calling: Encouragement for Christian Writers

From Edie: Dr. Kennita Williams shares encouragement for Christian writers facing life's storms. Learn to trust God's calling, find peace in difficult seasons, and know when to pause.

Your Storm Doesn't Cancel Your Calling: Encouragement for Christian Writers

by Dr. Kennita (Kay) Williams

The wind was howling. The rain was relentless. And everything around me seemed to be shaking.

As Hurricane Isaias made its presence known, I found myself experiencing something that reminded me of a powerful spiritual truth: Peace is not the absence of a storm. Peace is knowing Who is with you in the middle of it.

How to Use Feedback from a Writing Mentor to Improve Your Manuscript

From Edie: Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes shares how to use feedback from a writing mentor to improve your manuscript, evaluate suggestions, make effective revisions, and grow as a writer.

How to Use Feedback from a Writing Mentor to Improve Your Manuscript

by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

You finally let someone read the pages you have guarded for weeks. You hope they will love your opening. Instead, they suggest starting the story three pages later.

Suddenly, you are defending a weather description as though it were a member of your family.

Receiving feedback can do that to a writer. We ask for help with a manuscript, then discover how personally we take the answer.

How Authors Can Grow Their Newsletter in 3 Simple Stages

From Edie: Learn how authors can grow their newsletter in three simple stages by engaging readers, making signup easy, and reaching new audiences to build lasting connections. I also want you to know how excited I am for Kate's new project: The Wandering Words. I signed up for it as soon as she opened it and it's something I look forward to!

How Authors Can Grow Their Newsletter in 3 Simple Stages

by Kate Huff @KateOliviaHuff

Authors are repeatedly told to "grow your platform" and build their newsletter subscriber list. It can feel overwhelming at times, right? Sure, let’s add that to a list of things to do while also being alive, maintaining a household, and trying to write a book.

Let's break it down into three stages to hopefully make it a little easier. And yes, the order matters!