How to Write Your First Draft Without Letting Perfectionism Stop You

From Edie: Miriah Taverna shares how to overcome perfectionism when writing your first draft, stop editing as you go, and make steady progress toward finishing your manuscript.

How to Write Your First Draft Without Letting Perfectionism Stop You

by Miriah Taverna

One of my old mentors used to say, “Done is better than perfect.” That phrase doesn’t work for a lot of things in life, but I believe it most definitely can be applied when it comes to writing the first draft of your book.

Book Marketing for Introverted Authors: 2 Strategies That Work

From Edie: Susan U. Neal shares two effective book marketing strategies for introverted authors. Learn how guest blogging and press releases can help you reach more readers.

Book Marketing for Introverted Authors: 2 Strategies That Work

by Susan U. Neal @SusanNealYoga

Does the thought of walking into a room filled with strangers and introducing yourself make you uncomfortable? How about appearing on television, being interviewed on a podcast, or approaching someone new at a writers conference? If so, you are not alone.

When Limitations Threaten Your Writing: Trusting God's Call to Keep Going

From Edie: Heidi Gray McGill shares how writers can trust God's calling, overcome limitations, and keep writing with faith and purpose even when life's challenges make it difficult.

When Limitations Threaten Your Writing: Trusting God's Call to Keep Going

by Heidi Gray McGill @HeidiGrayMcGill

I had already lost over 80 percent of my peripheral vision to retinitis pigmentosa before I ever typed the first word of my debut novel.

Are Book Signings Worth It? Why Authors Should Look Beyond Book Sales

From Edie: From Cindy K. Sproles, Are book signings worth it? Discover how authors can build their platform, connect with readers, and create opportunities beyond immediate book sales.

Are Book Signings Worth It? Why Authors Should Look Beyond Book Sales

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Nice table setup. Cool sign from Barnes & Noble—Joe Jones, Author. In person. Signing books. Joe is dressed like an important guy, sitting regal behind his book table. Then…crickets. Customers walk through the door and turn in the opposite direction as if Joe has the plague. Zero sales and not one interaction with Joe at his table. 

How Writers Can Meet Deadlines Without Last-Minute Panic

From Edie: Discover how writers can meet deadlines without last-minute panic by managing reminders, avoiding procrastination, and communicating with editors.

How Writers Can Meet Deadlines Without Last-Minute Panic

by Larry J. Leech, II @LarryJLeechII

Imagine if you will …

Sitting at your computer. Cursor blinking. Fingers on the keyboard. 

How to Vary Sentence Structure to Improve Your Writing

From Edie: Martin Wiles shares how to vary sentence structure using gerunds, participles, and infinitives to improve your writing, avoid repetition, and keep readers engaged.

How to Vary Sentence Structure to Improve Your Writing

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

Before I learned to read, Mom, Dad, and my grandparents read me books by one of my favorite authors: Dr. Seuss. 

And what kid in those days didn’t love the rhyme and rhythm of Dr. Seuss’ writings? I took my 1960 edition of One fish two fish red fish blue fish from one of my bookshelves for this writing and relived the joy I must have felt when Mom read, “One fish two fish red fish blue fish. Black fish blue fish old fish new fish.” 

What an NFL Quarterback Can Teach Writers About Reaching Their Goals

From Edie: Beth Vogt shares what an NFL quarterback can teach writers about reaching their goals, avoiding comparison, and staying focused on their own writing journey.

What an NFL Quarterback Can Teach Writers About Reaching Their Goals

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

I would like to be an NFL quarterback.

All right now. Y’all stop laughing. 

Instead of suggesting I concentrate on writing a fictional pro quarterback, ask me, “Why would you ever want to be an NFL quarterback, Beth?”