5 Best Writing Conference Tips for Every Writer

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

Conference season is in full swing, and what would be more appropriate than a few tips to make your next writing conference easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable?

Failure or Success—Writers Get to Choose How to Look at Circumstances

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Recently, I received a rejection from an agent. One of those non-specific rejections. You know, the ones that say something like “not a good fit for me.” Something about my writing did not strike the agent as worthy of representation or publication. And it added to a string of rejections. 

The Writer’s Adventure of Using Sensory Perception - Part 1

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

“The beginning of human knowledge is through the senses, and the fiction writer begins where human perception begins.” Flannery O’Connor

Experiencing a scene through the senses pulls in the energy of credibility, but only if the writer uses relational and understandable language that emerges from the real inner character. Emotions are displayed in ways that show the story through a POV character. Our characters differ in culture, memory, role models, education, life history, ethnicity, and personality. Those qualities help determine how to relay emotions—or not —and what motivates the character into action. This is true of how a character participates in a sensory activity. 

8 Truths Every Writer Needs to Remember Along the Writing Road

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Stephen King once said, “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.”

I'd like to go one step further and add that choosing the writing life isn’t a choice for the faint of heart. If you’re serious about having a career in publishing, you’re going to need some tools to equip yourself for the writing journey. Beyond that, you’re going to have to make some decisions about how you spend your time. I did. And I haven’t regretted a moment of it.

Life is a series of small decisions that link together as a journey toward your goal.

So what is your goal? Do you want to be published, have a career filled with multiple books? Or are you hoping to become a full-time freelance writer or editor? Any of those are going to take time and commitment.

Then you’re going to have to decide right now if you’re willing to pay the price. 

8 Truths Every Writer Needs to Remember

1. Writing is done alone . . . by yourself. It’s just not a group activity. You’re going to have to commit to considerable time spent one-on-one with your computer, banging out words.

2. Writers need a team . . . I know I said it’s done alone, but you still need a support system. We live in our heads. Something considered abnormal by the majority of the world’s population. We need people around us who understand the frustration and the exultation that comes with writing.

3. Writing is easy . . . mastering the craft is hard. It takes time and study to do it with excellence. You’ve got to be willing to put in the time.

4. Writers need drive and determination . . . most of all. We need it a whole lot more than they need talent. See the bullet point above. We can master the craft if we work at it. It’s the work-at-it part that’s hardest.

5. Writing is relational . . . It really is who you know. I know, this one may not make me popular, but it’s true none-the-less. In this business, it’s important who you know. You need to be networking, online, locally, and at conferences.

6. Writers need to believe in themselves . . . no matter what. Sometimes an internal sense of I’m on the right path is the only thing that stands between success and failure.

7. Writing is a mind game . . . yes you write alone, I'm not changing #1. But I forgot to mention those voices that take up residence in your head when you make the commitment. You’ll hear things from inside your head like this. This is awful, why do you even bother? or Nobody want to read this, just quit. 

8. Writers need to set priorities . . . and then stick with them. If you decide to write every Saturday morning, then do it. It doesn't matter if the house is a wreck before (or after if hubby is in charge of the kiddos). Honor your commitment to yourself!

These are the top eight things I’ve needed for my writing journey. What are some things that you’ve had to bring you success?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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8 Truths Every Writer Needs to Remember Along the Writing Road from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.

Umbrella Marketing Strategies for Authors

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

An umbrella is a covering that includes your main and sub-products. As creatives it’s easy to want to branch out and not stay within one niche. But many times editors and agents want us to have a single brand. Look around at businesses including McDonald’s known for its burgers and Campbells known for soup and note that they also sell many other products but stay tied to the umbrella of fast food or wholesome easy to prepare at home. Thus, they have a core message but branch out in what they sell. They maintain a common thread that pulls the products together. Most such companies started with a main product and then, once established, added other products.

Fun Similarities Between Writers and Cooks

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

The writing conference schedule for 2023 is going strong. Some of them have already happened. Writers have registered and secured their hotel rooms and travel plans for those to come. Many choices of writing conferences flood the internet, and there are great ones to choose from. 

Writing Organically

by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA @DrMaryAnnDiorio

“Organic” is a big buzzword in the food industry. It means free of pesticides, synthetic chemicals and fertilizers, injected hormones, antibiotics, and other elements that, if misused, may be harmful to human health. In addition, organic foods do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), nor may animals raised organically be cloned. 

Surprisingly, the term organic relates to the Christian writing and publishing industry as well. As faithful Christ-Followers, we aim to keep our writing free of anything that would be harmful to the spiritual and moral health of our readers.