8 Unexpected Things to Learn about Writing from Charles Dickens & Ebenezer Scrooge

by James C. Magruder @JamesCMagruder

It’s Christmas time and what better event to attend than the theatrical production of Charles Dickens’ beloved story, A Christmas Carol. Fifteen family members attended with me in what has become an annual family tradition.

This moving story rejuvenates my Christmas spirit because, as Dickens intended, it speaks to the heart about love, charity, kindness, the plight of the poor, and human suffering, while inspiring all of us to make our life count.

Writers, Give Yourself a Christmas Gift

by Crystal Bowman

Do you have a lot of names on your Christmas list, or just a few? No matter how long your list is, don’t forget to add your name to the list as well. Writers work hard and it can be a lonely world, so treat yourself to something that will put a smile on your face. 

How to Become an Award-Winning Author

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

Have you ever wondered how to elevate your book from just another title on the shelf to an award-winning status? Or perhaps, how to transition from being a writer to an award-winning author? The key might be simpler than you think: enter book awards and contests.

To achieve these prestigious titles, I strongly recommend submitting your work to various book competitions. It took entering my third book into several contests before I earned the title of an award-winning author. Persistence is crucial, so don't be discouraged if success doesn't come immediately.

Finish the Year Strong: A Writer’s Journey of Faith and Purpose

by Kennita (Kay) Williams

As the year draws to a close, many of us writers find ourselves reflecting on unfinished projects, unmet goals, and dreams that feel distant. But take heart—God is still at work in your life and in your writing. Philippians 1:6 reminds us:

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).

Even if this year has not gone as planned, know that God’s timing is perfect. He finishes what He starts. 

Building Our Writing Brand with Authenticity and Consistency

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

A few years ago, I was at a crossroads. After many years in educational administration, I began my writing career in nonfiction. When the opportunity arose to write thrillers, I thought I needed to create two online personas. I’d even come up with a pen name. However, when I started working with a publicist, he discouraged me from doing so. He highlighted my hard work in building my brand as a Caribbean-pink-loving-devotional-writing-person-of-color. He encouraged me to stay true to who I am across genres. Although it felt like a bold venture, I’m grateful I took the leap.

The First Marketing Tool for Writers: Your Short Pitch

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

Writers quickly learn the need for a great elevator pitch and proposal to land a book contract. It's the most basic marketing tool to selling the book to readers, as well as influencers, agents and editors. Beyond that, it's the thesis statement of your book and reason why you believe readers will buy it. As the golden nugget of marketing, it's also great to use to test the idea because it's short, simple, and quick to share.

Once you have a great pitch, test it on potential readers to see if it grabs their interest. If yes, then your pitch is ready. If not, it's back to editing the pitch.

Writers, We are Blessed Stenographers

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Certain words and phrases often catch my mind as a writer when I’m scrolling through a social media feed. Recently, I came across the quote below. In high school and college, I took many classes on shorthand and my classmates and I were referred to as stenographers. Not a word that is often seen or heard much anymore, so to read this word made me scroll to find it. I’ve contemplated it ever since. One, because of who wrote it and two because of the power that was in the words. Check it out: 

“Writers were blessed stenographers taking divine dictation.” Stephen King