Publishing as a Second Language—Vulnerability

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

When I first began writing, my writing was good but probably just in the so-so category. I studied my craft, learned all the rules, and tried to discover exactly what publishers wanted to see come in to their magazines and editorial offices. After a lot of so-so writing, I wanted to dig deeper, study harder, and make my writing stand out. I wanted to touch lives and encourage people to make positive changes.

Learning The Writer's Timeline

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

My publisher’s editors will tell you, I’m lousy at timelines. It’s become somewhat of a joke with them. A writer friend once told me the sign of a good author was when you could openly admit to your writing weaknesses. I recall asking if she had a couple of hours to listen but I digress.

Speaking Tips for Authors to Switch from Live to Virtual, Part 2

By Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

Because I didn’t plan to add a Part 2, the first article doesn’t include Part 1 in the title. However, I attended the first ever Virtual Speak Up Conference July 8–10, 2020. One of my responsibilities was to facilitate virtual prayer sessions and a writers track session. With Plan A in place, I felt ready.

The Need of Sabbath

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

I told them the story and watched the confusion lines crisscross their faces.

One thing I love about teaching middle schoolers entails telling them stories about how things were when I was their age—and things differed greatly, especially on Sunday. Growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, I perceived Sunday as a different day. Of course, it would have been for me anyway since my dad pastored churches.

How Writing Rescues Us

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt

It’s 4:0:5 a.m. here in Colorado as I type this sentence.

I haven’t been to sleep yet.

Cope with Writing Stress Using These 12 Tips

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

This current life lock-down where we find ourselves can trigger some stress for everyone. I've particularly noticed it in my writing friends. There are other things beyond the world situation that can bring out stress as well and can affect how we move forward. The reasons for the stress are as varied as the writers who suffer. This type of anxiety can be brought on by a series of difficult deadlines, an extended length of time with no forward momentum, exhaustion from a marketing push, or even a series of negative experiences.

The cause isn’t as important as recognizing the symptoms and dealing with them.

When We Doubt Our Call to Write

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

I recently returned from a vacation where for three days I didn’t do much of anything but read. It was glorious. I loved the books I brought with me. I inhaled them. I fell in love with the characters and the places and the ideas.