Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Vanity Presses Before You Sign

From Edie: Vanity presses can be confusing and costly. Learn what vanity presses are, how they work, and what authors should know before signing a publishing contract.

Publishing Paths for Writers: Understanding Vanity Presses Before You Sign

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Today, authors have a variety of options when it comes to getting their book published, including traditional publishing, hybrid presses, independent publishing, vanity presses, self-publishing support services, and boutique publishing.

Hybrid publishing and vanity presses are frequently confused, yet there are significant differences between the two. All vanity presses are author-funded, but not all author-funded models are vanity presses.

Why Writers Should Take a Daily Walk to Boost Creativity and Writing Output

From Edie: Scientific studies show walking boosts creativity and productivity. Learn why writers should take a daily walk to improve focus, creativity, and writing output.

Why Writers Should Take a Daily Walk to Boost Creativity and Writing Output

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Your writing creativity and output would benefit from a daily walk. Maybe you’re dreaming of completing a book that’s been on your heart for a while. Perhaps you need to finish that book proposal instead of procrastinating. Whatever you hope 2026 holds for your writing, don’t forget to schedule a daily walk.

Jesus the Word of God: How the Creator Shapes Our Words as Christian Writers

From Edie: Jesus is the Word and the Creator. Discover how going to Him for our words shapes Christian writers to bring light, clarity, and hope into the world.

Jesus the Word of God: How the Creator Shapes Our Words as Christian Writers

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. The Word was with God in the beginning. All things were created by him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created (John 1:1-3).

This year, we are taking the first Sunday of each month to focus on one Spiritual Practice for Christian Writers: going to the Word for our words. To read last month’s edition, click here.

Jesus is the Word. He is also the Creator. He was there in the beginning, and all creative craft comes from Him. Words were His chosen medium, and with them He created the heavens and the earth. He made them with words.

This deserves a holy pause.

Why Writers Should Stretch: Simple Ways to Reduce Pain and Stay Healthy at Your Desk

From Edie: Sitting for hours can take a toll on writers’ bodies. Learn why writers should stretch and discover simple ways to reduce pain and stay healthy at your desk.

Why Writers Should Stretch: Simple Ways to Reduce Pain and Stay Healthy at Your Desk

by Sally Cressman @SCressman

While writers might not fly fighter jets, run marathons, or work on a ranch (okay, maybe in our stories), we should incorporate some physical activity, especially stretching. 

Stretching can benefit our bodies, minds, and muscles as we peck away at those keys, hunched over a computer for hours. It’s a simple habit that can help you feel better and ache less.

Why Writers Need Good Friends: 5 Powerful Reasons Connection Fuels Creativity and Calling

From Edie: Writing can be lonely. Discover five powerful reasons writers need good friends—and how life-giving relationships strengthen creativity, resilience, faith, and calling. Becky is good friend and has a new book that I'm excited to highlight! Learn more about Friend-Wise: Practical Ideas for Deeper Relationships at the end of the post!

Why Writers Need Good Friends: 5 Powerful Reasons Connection Fuels Creativity and Calling

by Becky Harling @BeckyHarling

I sat looking out the window of my office, trying to conjure up the right word. I was under a deadline, but the creativity just wasn't there. I got up and stretched. I poured another cup of coffee and paced around the house. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Not one creative thought. The house was quiet. Supposedly the perfect setting for finishing a chapter. Yet, it wasn’t happening.

When my phone rang, it startled me, but I was instantly delighted that it was a good friend calling. She invited me for lunch, and though I should have been home finishing my chapter, I agreed to meet her. Our conversation was lively as we ate our salads. We talked about everything from family to faith and the recent funny events that had happened to both of us. By the time I returned home to my desk, it was much later than I had planned to start writing. But my mind felt alive, and my spirit was refreshed.

18 Reasons to Write Today (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

From Edie: Need motivation to write today? Here are 18 funny, honest reasons to put words on the page—even if you feel stressed, stuck, tired, or distracted. A practical pep talk for writers in every season.

18 Reasons to Write Today (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writers are wildly creative people.

Not just in what we come up with to write about. But we’re super creative in thinking up reasons NOT to write.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a master at justifying procrastination. I can spin fear into logic. Most of all I can turn distraction into a full-time job. And when I’m really desperate, I can convince myself I’m being responsible by avoiding the very thing I’m called to do.

But today, I’m flipping the script.

Because the truth is?

Some of our best reasons not to write… are actually the best reasons to write.

So here you go.

Bad Writing Advice Writers Should Ignore (Lies vs Truth for Christian Writers)

From Edie: Bad writing advice can quietly sabotage your growth, platform, and publishing goals. Discover common writing lies—and the truth Christian writers need to build excellence, confidence, and a ministry-focused career.

Bad Writing Advice Writers Should Ignore (Lies vs Truth for Christian Writers)

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Writers look and listen for writing advice, especially from those who are successful. We want five-star reviews and bestselling status. Our goal is to discern any writing, publishing, or marketing and promotion recommendations that doesn’t work for us. 

The following list of well-intended advice might not fit your career. None of us want to sabotage our writing, and the items below have the capacity to destroy our publishing hopes and dreams.