Writing Research isn’t for the Fainthearted

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Researching a novel is exciting, fun, educational, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous. A writer who explores research, explores life—and life is story. Readers deserve an unforgettable adventure that touches hearts and lives.

If a manuscript isn’t accurate, and credible, the reader will recognize the flaw and toss the story aside. We want to be rewarded with good reviews and more readers. 

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Humble Beginnings (Part 3)

by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

In looking at stories of “humble beginnings,” such as those I have shared over the past two months, I came across this inspiring tale.

The year was 1939. November to be exact—and the Christmas season was joyously coming in. Inspired by all he saw, a writer named Philip Van Doren wrote a short story titled “The Greatest Gift,” which he then tried to sell to publishers.

Sadly, no one was interested. 

How to Battle One of a Writer's Worst Enemies—PROCRASTINATION

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I have confession to make. I am and world class master at procrastination. If I'm on a deadline I can find more things—non writing related—to keep me away from the computer. Some of my favorites include:

• Cleaning out my shoes
• Organizing my craft closet
• Deep-cleaning the bathrooms
• Rearranging my phone screens and apps
• Planting a garden (did I mention I am not and have never been a gardener?)
• Scheduling a mammogram (okay this one IS important, but normally I should have done it months earlier and I'm now using it as an excuse)

I think you get the idea. 

Don't get me wrong though. I love writing. And I love talking about writing.

Have You Invited God into Your Writing?

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Happy Resurrection Day! As believers all over the world celebrate the Risen Jesus, I have a question specifically for you, writers. When you sit down to write, do you ask God to guide your thoughts and words as you begin—or do you write, then ask Him to bless your work?

Years ago, a fellow writer shared with our writing group some interesting facts she’d come across in a recently read book. Often our devotions or book reports shared in our meetings stick with me for a few days as I keep going over them in my mind. But this time, something that was shared has impacted me greatly. It’s often brought to mind to this day. 

Follow Your Writing Dreams with These Practical Steps to Move Forward

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

I love working with new writers. And I love watching them grow into the writers God has planned for them at the beginning. It’s a beautiful dance of who they want to become and what strengths and opportunities God has put in their paths. 

Today I’m going to lay out the steps to help writers follow their dreams and God’s plans with some basic tips. 

When I teach writers, I encourage people to relax, enjoy the journey, and stay on course. Some of those things sound like they’re exact opposites, but they’re really not. There is one foundational truth that makes staying true to all three of those thing possible. We must always remember God is in control. None of us is strong enough, stubborn enough, or even disobedient enough, to derail God’s plan.

Create Effective PDF Handouts to Enhance Your Writing and Speaking

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Putting together a handout can be a tricky thing. It needs to stand alone and not leave those who refer back to it confused, but it also needs to be less than a word-for-word copy of what you’re teaching. In addition, the graphics need to complement the subject without out overpowering it. And finally, it needs to be something that won’t cost your students a fortune if they decide to print it out. 

Christian Book Contests Elevate Authors and Enhance Careers

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

In the world of Christian publishing, book contests play a fundamental role in elevating an author's profile and enhancing their book’s marketability. Every author should enter several contests. Winning an award demonstrates the quality of the book and elevates an author’s status, which may open doors to broader audiences and opportunities. For example, after my non-published Bible study won an award at a conference, an agent offered a contract to represent me.