Friday, August 30, 2019

Compose an Effective Social Media Update


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Twitter, as many of you already know, is my Social Media Sweet Spot—my easy button, if you will. It’s my go-to place to send and receive information. Because of that, I compose all my social media updates from a Twitter mindset. So no matter where I'm sending the update, I compose it with Twitter in mind.

I know that Twitter is NOT the sweet spot for many of you reading this blog.

Part of that is because you’re not really sure what constitutes a good tweet. You’ve heard just enough about hashtags and twitter etiquette to make you cringe at the thought of composing your own tweet. So rather than failing, you either stick to retweeting what others share or just pass on the whole thing.

Today, I’m going to break it down for you and share my tips to composing the (almost) perfect tweet every time.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

A Contest to Help Tame the Elusive Beast of Author Marketing


by Angela Breidenbach @AngBreidenbach

Where are great examples of successful author marketing?

What if your marketing is actually stellar, but you honestly have no clue?

Up until now, there’s been no tangible measure of excellence in Christian author marketing for books, book series, or brand. Some people may even be scared of the elusive beast of author marketing.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

The Discipline of Being a Writer—What Does it Take?


by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Many people long to be a writer. They are avid readers and usually devour everything they can find on the printed page. The art of communicating through the written word fascinates them until they aspire to write. But with the interest comes many questions. The following are a few that may help with your decision.

Monday, August 26, 2019

For Writers: What – Because – But


by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I used to struggle with GMC (goal, motivation & conflict). I loved the concept, and quickly jumped on the band wagon. I got the book GMC: Goal Motivation and Conflict, by Debra Dixon. I devoured it. It was an easy read, since she uses movies as examples. 

I had no trouble following Dorothy's GMCs as she traversed Oz. Then I closed the book, made some GMC charts, and sat at my desk to put what I'd learned to use. 

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Verti-coming and Verti-going


by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea


Have you ever had one of those world-tipping inner ear things? It’s about the worst kind of imbalance. It started small when it happened to me. My body kept trying to lean to one side. I felt like any minute somebody might come up behind me and try to stick a couple of sugar packets under my left foot. 

Then, as inner-ear malfunctions are wont to do, the thing accelerated and suddenly the world was very…how can I describe it? Very “Star Ship Enterprise.” The kind of Enterprise where some space anomaly has the ship flailing back and forth. I felt fine as long as I was lying down. But it was a busy season. I’d been meeting myself coming and going and lying down made me remember everything I needed to do.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Finding a Unique Way to Reach Your Readers


by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock

“Ping! Ping! Ping!”

While on vacation in Mexico, I was enjoying some much-needed time on the beach with my eyes closed, just soaking up the warmth of the sun and the smell of the ocean, and I heard a familiar sound. 

“Ping! Ping! Ping!”

Friday, August 23, 2019

This Writing Journey


By Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

This writing journey. This vexing, exhilarating, maddening, fulfilling writing journey that keeps us awake at night, plunges us into the depths of despair, and launches us to places we never dreamed we’d go, oh the glory. And the agony. And the joy.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Writers Facing Criticism


by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. Psalm 13:18 NLT

One of the hardest things for a writer to learn is to receiving criticism and correction. Unfortunately, some never do.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Nine Ideas for Scripture-Related Memes


by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

I want to make them, but I easily run out of ideas. Do you?

They’re beautiful and inspiring. Colorful and carefully worded. Memes. A surprisingly needed tool in the writer’s arsenal.  

Our writing isn’t just for books and blogs. We can share tiny snippets of our writing on memes. Those perfect, eye-catching pictures are just waiting for our words to be added to them. We can share our memes on social media and on our blogs. They capture the readers’ attention and impart some nugget of encouragement or wisdom. The best wisdom we can share comes from Scripture itself. 

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

8 Things Every Writer Should Know About Using Footnotes


by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

Who loves to write but finds documentation a bit challenging? 

Hey, I’m raising my hand here. However, because I do love to introduce my readers to other wise people, I will probably forever be tracking down quotes and their citations. As I’m working on final edits for my 15thnon-fiction book, I am yet again polishing up all the documentation. My biggest word of advice is do not wait until you’ve written the entire book in order to start looking up your footnote information. Do the hard work from the very beginning and that will make the entire process run smoothly. 

Monday, August 19, 2019

Marketing to Reach Families


by Karen H. Whiting @KarenHWhiting


We always want to target out audience in our marketing. That means understanding the needs and motivations of those readers. This is true when the books are focused on helping families thrive and equipping parents. Parents are the big buyers in books for children and families. Grandparents are secondary buyers. 

Technology changes so fast that marketing to this tech savvy group is like trying to hit a moving target. Yet, what remains is that parents buy what they need and believe is best for their children. They want to raise children who will succeed, enjoy life, and build a strong faith. They want to raise children who will remain close to them and overcome challenges. Offering to fill those needs must translate in the marketing.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Truth in Love



by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

When we say we are speaking truth in love we need to pause and think that through. Are we really, speaking truth? Are we really speaking in love? Scripture does teach us that in order to have unity in the Body of Christ, this is what we must do:

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Parting From Our Characters Is Such Sweet Sorrow


by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

In Shakespeare’s illustrious play, Romeo and Juliet, he pens these words as Juliet bids goodbye to her lover Romeo, “Sweet, so would I, yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good night. Good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Friday, August 16, 2019

Why & How to Step out of Your Writing Comfort Zone


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


As a whole, writers consistently struggle with self-confidence. Part of that comes, I believe, from working alone. Another contributing issue is the fact that writing is creating. We bring something tangible out of nothing and it carries our creative DNA. Both of these factors make it hard for us to have accurate perspective, so we err on the side of negativity. We tend to think less of our writing—and our abilities—than we ought. 

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Author Income Diversification


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

Income diversification is prudent in any business. Writing is a business. As an author, there are many facets to obtain multiple streams of income including, book and digital product sales, articles, courses, coaching, and speaking. 

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Publishing As a Second Language - A Publishing Glossary


by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

When I first began writing there were times I felt like I was in foreign language class! What did these new words mean? 

Wasn’t a clip something you put in your hair when you were going out? And felt needs? Aren’t all needs felt? What about a slush pile? Things that are slushy aren’t easy to pile up. 

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Extrovert Tips for Introverted Writers


by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

I stepped to the podium. “Raise your hand if you are an introvert?” Conferees began to glance over their shoulders, waiting for that first person to be brave enough to raise their hand. It took a minute, but hands began to reach into the air. My first thought was to laugh. Over half the room of writers considered themselves introverts.

Monday, August 12, 2019

Facing Exhaustion in Ministry: When You Can’t Do More


by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1


You and I will face exhaustion in ministry when we can’t do more. Then what?

First, remember that God is with us.
I suffer from sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) to sleep better. Before my trip out-of-state to visit family and attend the SpeakUp Conference, I noticed a leak in the machine’s hose. I called the doctor’s office, but they had closed early for the United States Independence Day weekend. 

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Thoughts on Being Used by God

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

For the past few months I've been sharing some of my photographs on social media along with a short devotion. Today I'd like to share one of them with those of you who are part of the Write Conversation community. 



Thoughts on Being Used by God

I’ve always been fascinated by bees. Now that I have a daughter-in-law who’s a beekeeper, I’m even more aware—and a lot more educated—about this amazing insect. 

I was surprised to learn that bees have relatively short life spans. And that the worker bees we see gathering the nectar can travel up to seven miles and sometimes make close to one hundred trips a day. And the amount each bee has to show for her work? About one-twelfth of a teaspoon. 

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Be a Writer Who Dares to Write with Honesty


by Beth Vogt @BethVogt

“Writing has made me more honest.”

My statement surprised me, even as it rang true.

I was out on an impromptu date with my husband, Rob. The conversation had turned to my writing life—the ups, the downs, and the constant choice to trust God with this hard work of living my dream. 

And somewhere, in the midst of it all, came this moment of clarity: the reality that choosing to be a writer demands I live an honest life.

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Newspaper Writing: Tips for Becoming a SuperStringer


by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

EXTRA! EXTRA!      Read all about it! 

Who? You, that’s who.

What? Could earn valuable writing credits.

When? Every time your article is accepted.

Where? In your local newspaper.

Why? Because newspapers need fresh, up-to-date content every day!

How? With the help of freelance writers willing to seek and write current event, community articles and hometown human interest stories.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

For Writers: Solving the Mystery of Deep Point of View: More Techniques for Deep POV – Part Three


by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Still digging deep into deep POV!

Deep POV isn’t really a mystery, it’s one of many techniques to create your characters all the way “to the bone,” where their emotions live. It’s a way to drag your audience along on that journey. And, it’s a way to allow your characters to tell their stories. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Freelance Writer Questions Answered


by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

These questions came from a writer who is growing his career. 

Q: Should I propose an idea or a fully written story to a magazine or newspaper editor? I don't want to submit a completed story that does not fit what the publication's editor wants.

Monday, August 5, 2019

Writers Conferences: 10 Lesser Known Benefits


by Ralene Burke @RaleneB


Whew! Last month flew by faster than ice cream melts in the summer sun. As Marketing Director for Realm Makers, July is always a big month as we prepare for our annual writers conference and book festival. This year, I was doing just that—while trying to move! Yes, July was indeed a blur.

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Word Rehab


by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees (Job 4:4, NIV)

The verdict was in: one snapped ligament, two torn ligaments, and one major fracture. My husband’s day on the ski slopes with our son’s Boy Scout troop had ended in disaster. Without the use of his knee, he would not be walking for some time. 

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Advice For Writers Who Are Also Caregivers


by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

This summer has really been a strange time for me. I don’t know if it’s the summer doldrums or trying to shoehorn too much into a day or new distractions, but I’ve spent very little time at the laptop. Very little.

It’s worrying my wife. She’s learned that if I go without writing for too long, I tend to get a bit cranky. Maybe a smidge. Like Godzilla taking over Tokyo.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

My Editing Prayer


by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn


If there is one part of the publication process that I have the most mixed feelings about, it would have to be editing.

Please note that I said editing—not to be confused with editors—my editors are amazing and I’m extremely thankful for them!

But as someone who thrives on words of affirmation, who has a deep (and wide) streak of perfectionism, and who avoids conflict at all costs, well, you can imagine how fraught with peril the editing process can be!