Confirm the Fact that You ARE a Writer with this Checklist

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Many of us hit places in our journey where we wonder if we're really cut out for writing. Insecurity and the general insanity of the business can whittle down our confidence until we're ready to throw in the towel. But there are some unexpected ways to confirm your calling, if you're willing to take a look at familiar things in different ways. 

The First Paragraph Leads to the First Chapter

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Take a look at your manuscript. Does your first line compel the reader to take in the first paragraph? Is the opening paragraph an incentive to read the first chapter? 

Are You Still Writing?

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Recently, a friend asked me that question. Since I signed a book contract a few years ago, friends and associates have wondered when the book will be in stores. The publication has been pushed to a future date twice, so it is normal for folks to wonder what I am doing in the meantime. Hence, the question, “Are you still writing?”

Writers write—it is what we do. We pen books, articles, devotions, or shopping lists on paper. Words are our superpower, and we love spending time with them. But I must admit, my friend's question made me pause and reflect on my writing journey. If you feel sluggish, unnoticed, or even depressed about how your writing is going, take out a pen and some paper and answer the following questions.

Spiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Trusting

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

Join me the first Sunday of each month this year as we examine twelve spiritual practices for writers.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lead not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

There is a kind of prayer called a prayer of intention. It is the practice of presenting oneself to the Lord and setting one’s intention toward Him in a specific way each day. The prayer of intention helps us practice trusting God on the writing journey.

A Writer’s Journey Through the Jungle of Social Media

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

We have some smart people on this blog. Many are on top of social media and all of its recent changes. Others are having successful success at building platforms with beaucoup followers to promote their writing and teaching.

I’m not one of them.

Social media, technology, building platforms—they’re a jungle to me. Robert Frost wrote about two roads diverging in a yellow wood. This is more like the Atlanta highway system. Or a bowl of tangled spaghetti.

Learn How to Borrow From Other Writers Ethically

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

This is an issue that’s come up a lot lately in my communities. The borrowing I’m referring to is in reference to anything that’s written or taught. The teaching could be in person, online, or at a conference.

We all want to be generous, but we also want to be respectful of the work others have put into the things they share. So here’s my list of things we might borrow and how we need to handle the borrowing ethically. 

Sometimes Delays in Our Writing Dreams Lead to Stunning Results

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20 - 21 ESV)

I was in Florida for the FLORIDA CHRISTIAN WRITER'S CONFERENCE several years ago. One of my favorite things—outside of all the writing related-blessings—is getting up to take sunrise pictures. I'm never alone for sunrise, there are always a good-sized group of us who enjoy starting the day this way.

On this particular morning there was a big cloud bank, just above the horizon, blocking the area where the sun would come up. We hoped there would be pretty sun rays even though we wouldn't be able to see the sun come up--or maybe even some beautiful colors in the clouds.