7 Writing Mistakes That Hurt Your Story (and How to Avoid “Literary Leftovers”)

From Edie: Struggling with weak writing? Discover 7 common fiction writing mistakes—like head-hopping, clichés, and weak verbs—and learn how to avoid “literary leftovers” that hurt your story.

7 Writing Mistakes That Hurt Your Story (and How to Avoid “Literary Leftovers”)

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

When I first started writing, it was so far removed from my school days, I didn't remember the "rules" of good writing. Today, we call those guidelines—back then, in the stone age, they were hard and fast rules. 

I joined an online critique group and quickly learned heard I was head-hopping and needed to choose a POV. I hadn't ever heard the term POV. I was told that in those dark ages, writers wrote omniscient. Omniscient is something God is. What did that have to do with fiction?

So, what does that have to do with leftovers? You want to offer readers your best—not leftovers.

Intentional Consistency: 8 Habits That Help Writers Stay Faithful to Their Calling

From Edie: Discover eight practical habits that help writers practice intentional consistency, protect their writing time, and stay faithful to the calling God has placed on their lives.

Intentional Consistency: 8 Habits That Help Writers Stay Faithful to Their Calling

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

The idea of intentional consistency may sound too obvious to mention. But stay with me for a moment.

Life is incredibly busy. Most of us are dividing our time into smaller and smaller portions, juggling responsibilities, opportunities, and obligations. And when life gets crowded, writing is often the first thing to slip through the cracks.

But I’ve come to believe that writing doesn’t belong in the leftover spaces of our lives.

YouTube for Writers, Part 6: Building Your Author Brand on YouTube

From Edie: Build a strong author brand on YouTube with tips on colors, fonts, name, headshot, and slogan to create a consistent, recognizable presence.

YouTube for Writers, Part 6: Building Your Author Brand on YouTube

by Samantha Evans Tschritter @LoveSamEvans

Golden arches. The swoosh symbol. A red rectangle with a white “play” triangle. Do I need further proof about the effectiveness of branding? 

Maybe you’ve heard the term, but you’re not really sure what “branding yourself” encompasses.

I don’t know about you, but for me, the idea of branding conjures an image of a rope-tied calf lying near a barn and a man gripping an orange-hot iron, his face shaded by an oversized cowboy hat.

Did I lose you? I don’t know about branding, but seventy-six romance authors just paused to scribble notes for a book idea. 

Why Every Writer Needs a Critique Group (and the Six Relationships That Shape Your Career)

From Edie: Discover why critique groups matter and explore the six essential relationships that help writers grow, stay encouraged, and build a successful writing career.

Why Every Writer Needs a Critique Group (and the Six Relationships That Shape Your Career)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I field a lot of questions about the value of having a critique group or critique partner. And the honest answer is this: there are as many opinions as there are writers. But there’s one truth that shows up again and again.

Very few writers are able to produce publishable work in a vacuum.

Personally, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the critique groups and writing partners who nurtured me along the way.

How to Repurpose Your Nonfiction Book into Speaking, Courses, and a Stronger Platform

From Edie: Learn how to repurpose your nonfiction book into speaking topics, courses, and other opportunities that expand your platform and multiply your impact.

How to Repurpose Your Nonfiction Book into Speaking, Courses, and a Stronger Platform

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

In the early years of my writing life, I believed every new opportunity required brand-new material. New talk? Start from scratch. New article? Reinvent the wheel. New workshop? Stay up all night creating something “fresh.”

It was exhausting and unnecessary.

Five Ways Christian Communicators Can Speak and Write with Kindness

From Edie: Discover five practical, biblical ways Christian writers and speakers can communicate with kindness, speak the truth in love, and let their words reflect the heart of Christ.

Five Ways Christian Communicators Can Speak and Write with Kindness

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

In a world that moves fast and speaks loudly, love can sometimes feel quiet, almost overlooked. Yet Scripture reminds us that love is not weakness, it is power under control. For writers, speakers, and Christian communicators, love is not just something we feel; it is something we intentionally carry into every word we release.

A Writing Workout: 8 Exercises to Keep Your Writing Life Strong

From Edie: Discover eight practical exercises that help writers stay spiritually, creatively, and emotionally strong while building a healthy, consistent, and sustainable writing life.

A Writing Workout: 8 Exercises to Keep Your Writing Life Strong

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We all understand the importance of staying in shape. We talk about exercise, good habits, and building strength for the long haul. But what about our writing life?

Today I want to share a simple workout routine designed to help you keep your writing life in shape. While physical conditioning matters, our spiritual, emotional, and creative health is just as important.