Monday, April 30, 2018

Conveying the Senses of Place to Our Readers

Edie here. Today I'm really excited to introduce you to another author friend of mine, Hope Clark. She writes wonderful cozy mysteries and has a new book releasing. I invited her to stop by and share some of her own writing knowledge and give us a peek at her new book, Newberry Sin. If you haven't read one of her novels, I encourage you to pick one up. You'll become as big a fan as me. 

Conveying the Senses of Place to Our Readers
by C. Hope Clark @HopeClark 


When I pick up a book, usually a mystery, I crave to mentally fall into place . . . literally. Where is this story happening? To not feel like I’m there keeps me distracted from the action, crime, or character distress on the page. I keep waiting to feel like I am present.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

The Myth of God & Math


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Math is not my strong suit.

I have to smile as I write these words. And I know my husband will be howling with laughter when he reads this. I’m so much NOT a numbers girl, I’m almost handicapped.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

A Tongue-in-Cheek Letter to All Article Writers


by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock

First of all, thanks so much for writing content for my publication. Whether you know it or not, you are a lifesaver. My publication needs to be fed content on a regular basis, and you have been great about continuously feeding the beast with meaty content written in interesting and compelling ways.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Rainy Days and Mondays—How to Handle Writing Discouragement


by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2


I just began a new year of blogging. Every Monday and Thursday for seven years I’ve posted a five-minute devotion for busy women on my blog, Hungry for God … Starving for Time. Subscribers receive an email in their Inbox.

In my Inbox, things look a little different.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

The Secret Life of a Pantser


by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

I was talking with another writer one day and, from her first question, I knew I was in trouble. “How long does it take you to outline your novels?” she asked.

“I don’t,” I said.

She sputtered like a Volkswagen with a bad spark plug. Finally she said, “How do you even write? Do you just sit down and start typing? Don’t you have to do a massive amount of rewriting?”

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

The Dilemma of Too Many Characters in Your Novel


by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

The novel is finished. The writer inhales a breath of satisfaction. Now is the time to begin the editing process. But midway through, a dose of reality hits hard. The story has so many characters that it’s difficult to keep track of their names and the roles they play. 

While the problem may look bewildering, there is a solution, and the story will be stronger by implementing the following suggestions. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

When Writers Work to Find the Right Words


by Eva Marie Everson @EvaMarieEverson

Good writers read the works of great writers. And, we typically have the ones we prefer over all others. If we can find a book written by our favorites, written for the sheer purpose of explaining their writing or reading life, we have then struck gold. 

Let me let you in on a little “secret:” I have a “thing” for bookstores. I can walk past a large chain with price clubs and the flavors of expensive coffee meandering through the stacks (although I rarely do), but I cannot—no, I will not—allow myself to miss the opportunity of stepping into an independent bookstore, usually narrow in structure with hardwood floors and rich with a select group of titles, and old, overstuffed chairs placed cattycorner to create reading nooks. The only coffee you’ll be offered there comes from a coffeemaker and is served entirely too strong in castoff mugs purchased for a dollar at thrift stores.

Monday, April 23, 2018

3 Powerful Words to Help You Find Time to Write


by Bethany Jett @BetJett

Time is a precious commodity. In fact, if you can find a way to save someone time, you’re likely to turn the person into a raving fan. 

For writers who have other responsibilities—is everyone raising their hand?­—finding the time to write seems problematic. However, the advice that great writers and bestselling authors give when talking about writing is usually the same: simply sit down and write, even if it means getting up early or staying up late.

Sunday, April 22, 2018

You Only Live Once...Yes & No


by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea

YOLO? Well, Yes and No

Not that I’m big on throwing my time away, because I had plans for accomplishing something great today. But you have to understand, that video said I wouldn’t BELIEVE what happened next. “BELIEVE”—it was in all caps just like that. So it’s not like I had a choice anyway, but I could see that this video had a baby in it. And a puppy. Only a monster could just scroll down like it wasn’t a baby and a puppy.

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Writing Lessons From Joseph


by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

What if, at this moment in time, God is calling you to be a quiet reflection of Himself. No best seller. No requests to speak or teach at conferences. No interest by the agent of your dreams. You receive encouragement. Then rejection. Your mind stirs from the present to a time when you knew God had called you to greater things. You knew it was He who had planted this dream deep in your heart. That was long ago, you reason. Maybe you heard wrong. For if this was God’s dream for you, wouldn’t success soon follow?

Friday, April 20, 2018

How Authors Can Build an Indie Empire—Building Your Newsletter Matters


by Traci Tyne Hilton @TraciTyneHilton


*disclaimer. This series is about following rules. I know that Indies don’t have to follow rules. That’s the whole point of being indie. But indies who pay attention to what rich and famous authors do, have a much better shot at fame and riches.*

In part two of this series, How You Advertise Matters I explained the importance of advertising. It is vitally important. What I didn’t explain was why those sites I recommend work so well. 

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

When a Writer Can't Write


by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

If you’ve yet to experience this, let me assure you that one day it may come. Just as it did for me. 

You will be sitting in front of your computer, or journal or notepad and the words will not appear. Panicked, you will realize that—at least for this moment in time—you simply have nothing to say! More accurately, you have plenty to say but a temporary inability to put your message into words. 

Monday, April 16, 2018

A Writer's Identity and Social Media


by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy 

If you’ve been doing this writing thing for a while, and you, like me, have grown oldermore maturechanged directions in life, it’s never too late to change your identity. You don’t even have to go into hiding to get it done! [A little Hoffa Humor, there.]

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Failure Is Not Forever


by Andy Lee @WordsByAndyLee

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9)

“Do you know how you get from one mountaintop to the other mountaintop?” a good friend asked one day as we chatted over afternoon coffee.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Advise Me, Advise Me Not

by Beth Vogt @BethVogt

It’s easier to give advice than it is to take advice, isn’t it? And then again, whether we take advice at all is often dependent on who is offering us their wisdom, right?

Friday, April 13, 2018

Creative Nonfiction: 3 Ways to Bridge Gaps and Turn Facts into Narrative


by Marcia Moston @MarciaMoston

Stashed among the pages of my father’s genealogy chronicles, the faded photocopy of three men leaning on their 1885 era firearms begged a story. The trio had been commissioned to explore and map a portion of the newly acquired territory Alaska. One of them was a distant relative. By researching archives, genealogy records and old photos, I gathered facts. But how could I turn the historical facts of a report into an engaging narrative? Is it possible for a writer to suggest the motives of someone long dead and still remain true to the expectations of nonfiction?

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Do You Have a "Writing" Goose?


by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden


I was sitting on my porch enjoying the inspiration of nature when the chickens started making a lot of noise. I looked toward the coop and just outside the fence was a goose. I had never seen him before and don’t know where he came from. Not only were myeyes on him to see what he was going to do, there were thirty-eight chicken eyes watching every move he made.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Finding a Writing Conference That’s Right For You


by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted


Christian Writers Conferences are popping up across the country. In addition to large multi-discipline conferences like the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, choices for the writer have increased with the rise of conferences geared toward “specifics.” For example, Realm Makers (July 2018), is a conference suited toward the speculative fiction writer. Small retreats that gear toward very specific needs and offer small attendances for a more one-on-one attention are wonderful, i.e. Autumn in the Mountains Novelist Retreat (October 2018) is a novelist retreat for those specifically working on a novel.

Monday, April 9, 2018

Twitter Changes March 2018—It’s a Whole New World for Writers


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I know, the thought of yet another huge shift in an online network makes me tired too. But all these recent changes are in response to dissatisfaction of the network users. And I truly believe that once the dust settles, we’ll all be much happier with the way things work.

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Sweeter

Today Sarah is sharing a devotion from her new book, God in the Dark. I can’t recommend this book highly enough. In this book you’ll find light in the dark, hope in despair, and the comfort only God can provide. I know you’ll be blessed by her words today. There's also a cool giveaway you won't want to miss at www.GodintheDark.com



Day 18
Sweeter
Psalm 119:97-104

Mem.
O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.
I have restrained my feet from every evil way,
That I may keep Your word.
I have not turned aside from Your ordinances,
For You Yourself have taught me.
How sweet are Your words to my taste!
Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
From Your precepts I get understanding;
Therefore I hate every false way.

Answers. Understanding. Insight. How we long for those! We want so desperately to know what is happening to us and what will become of us. When the days are dark and we feel overwhelmed by pain or sorrow or confusion, we beg for answers. We believe that if we could simply understand, then we would find peace. That relief would come in the same package as the answers to our questions. 

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Let Spring Thaw Your Writing


by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

In our neck of the woods (don’t you love that expression), the temperature has risen and we’re enjoying some early spring-like weather. The flowers are so confused. The weather analysts remind us that winter isn’t over. But, for now, we can enjoy the sunshine, the early blooms (before allergy season hits), and the pleasant temperatures until we have to dig out the heavy coats again.

Friday, April 6, 2018

Three {More} Ways to Live Your Best Creative Life, Part 2


by Cathy Baker @CathySBaker

Today, let’s continue to look at specific ways we can combat resistance and maximize the creative power within us to its fullest potential. If you missed the first installment of this three-part series, Three Ways to Live Your Best Creative Life.

Remember, the word createis defined as bringing something into existence. And where creativity is at work, we usually find resistance. 

Thursday, April 5, 2018

What I Love about Scrivener 3.0


by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

Are you familiar with Scrivener? If not, you can check out this quick video. Scrivener, according to their website, is a writing software “tailor-made for long writing projects.  Scrivener banishes page fright by allowing you to compose your text in any order, in sections as large or small as you like.”  It was first made available to Mac users, then to PC users, and for the past seven or eight years, has been trucking along with a few updates here and there, but no major changes.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Marketing Books: Understanding Book Launch Teams

by Cynthia Owens @EfficiencyAdict


One simple, cost-effective way to market your book is through a book launch team. This term has been around for several years, but not everyone understands how these teams operate or why they should join one. We’re going explore those questions today.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

The Author and the Finisher


by Audrey Frank @audreycfrank

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV
 
As I sit to write, I make my words obey me. They fly through my fingers, my thoughts thundering behind them like a wild cowboy chasing his cattle, corralling, cajoling, forcing them into order and purpose. I am creating a story, a narrative for others to follow. With this story I hope to inspire and encourage, to stir up passion and determination. I have thought long and hard about my characters. I have weighed their feelings and tested their strength. I have wept over them as they hovered between life and death, and cheered for them as they triumphed.