A Lesson in Faith From the Headless Horseman

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

The heart is more deceitful than anything else, 
and incurable—who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

Now that fall is fully upon us, everywhere we look evidence of the season jumps out at us. The trees have donned their colorful best and pumpkins are sprouting grins on every front porch. Halloween candy is littering the aisles at grocery store and kiddos are planning costumes. Along with this, some classics have also come back to haunt us—from It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown to The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

17 Scary Things About Social Media

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

It's October and in honor of Halloween, I just couldn't resist a tongue-in-cheek post about something scary. After spending the fall traveling and teaching social media I have plenty of fears to share. Lest you think this is me pointing fingers, let me reassure you. EVERY single one of the things listed has been something I've done/struggled with at some point. And these are helpful tips about social media for writers.

The Power of Writing Book Reviews

By Kathy Neely @NeelyKneely3628

There are two things I do when choosing a book to read—I read the book blurb and check the reviews. My preferred venues for reading and posting reviews are Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble. If a book has fewer than ten, the sampling is too small to be significant. Statisticians would consider that to be an inadequate sample size resulting in unreliable feedback. The larger the sample, the more dependable the feedback. Therefore, your review is crucial to providing readers with accurate information. 

10 Ways to Show Character Growth and Change in Your Novel

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Suspense and thriller novels are filled with strong characters who initiate gripping action that propels toward an unpredictable climax. Readers enjoy the breathless moments, the ticking clock, and the race to end or prevent a crime. They long to form a sympathetic bond with the character right from the first line.

Avoid All the Drama on Facebook with These Tips

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

This year has been a trying year for everyone on Facebook. From the political comments to bogus news traps, and even Christmas, I’m hearing reasons people are taking a break from this social network. But throwing the baby out with the bathwater may not be the best solution to this dilemma.

Why Write Fiction?

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

Maggie’s husband died. The stock market crashed. Her little boy was kidnapped by his grandfather. How can she find the strength of faith to go on? 

That’s from my novel, In High Cotton. I drew on my life’s darkest moments for Maggie’s emotions. I interviewed friends for their hardest time of trusting God. A mother whose twenty-one-year-old son was leaving for a three-month missionarytour went fishing with his father a couple of hours, before he had to board his plane. He slipped on a rock, hit his head, and drowned in three inches of water. Where was God?

Letting Go of What If

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

“I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 NASB)

I’m a big one to visit the world of what if—especially when I’m grappling with major life changes. This past year, with the pandemic and shelter at home orders, has been particularly difficult for me. I’m finding myself returning again and again to the what-ifs of 2020. And just like a hall of mirrors gone wrong, all I see are reflections of what I expected and what didn’t happen. 

Thoughts on Vanity Publishing

by Cathy Fyock @CathyFyock

It wasn’t that long ago that self-publishing was called vanity publishing. Authors who couldn’t find a publisher willing to put their books in print were thought of as vain if they stooped to paying for a publisher.

Don’t Forget this Most-important Conference Tip

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

If you plan to attend a writers conference this fall (Florida Christian Writers Conference is happening RIGHT NOW) and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is only a month away, you’ve probably prepared your proposals, pitches, and personal appointments. Be sure, however, not to forget the most important “P” of all—prayer. 

How Will Your Hero Die?

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Today I want to discuss how to add more depth and suspense to our stories. It doesn’t matter what genre you write; this title question applies to all of them.

7 Tips for Crafting Fantastic Blog Posts

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

Don’t panic. This may sound daunting—make each blog post as good as a book. What I mean is, does it have a main idea that gives the whole post value? Does it have an intriguing beginning and a powerful ending? Do the paragraphs stay on track and share just enough detail to make your point? Is the takeaway presented in such a way that it will affect the mind and heart of the reader? Is it as good as a book?

Writing About Painful Times

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowel

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Psalm 107.1-2 

“I was crushed, so crushed I didn’t even want to face the public. And yet, I didn’t have a choice…”

Carol was a professional speaker who was used to sharing her story.

Getting the Most Out of Online Networking

by Karen Whiting @KarenHWhiting

Networking can help us promote books in the long run, but it is first about developing relationships and not merely pitching your ideas or products. It begins with listening and learning about the other person. Listening shows you value the person, so try to listen more and talk less. With a good network connection both individuals benefit. That means considering what you have to offer and asking questions to learn from the other person. Keep in mind goals of networking should include meeting new people, enjoying people, finding similar interests and passions, and blessing others by helping them.

Your Written Words Matter

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

We often hear we’re to walk in obedience if we believe God has called us to write. I don’t think anyone of us would dispute that fact. But in various times during our writing path, we may have self-doubt, lose confidence in our ability or wonder if we misunderstood the nudge back when we started down this road.

Jumpstart Your Writing With Poetry

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

The late Pat Conroy tells us in his book, My Reading Life, that he began each writing day with a poem that would, “unloose the avalanche of words inside me, that secret ore that, once polished, will sit before me disguised as the earth’s jewelry.” 

I Could Have Written That!

by Crystal Bowman

My first big break in publishing came in the mid 1990’s. I received a contract to write a beginning reader series for Zondervan. The first contract was for four books, followed by another contract for four more. With one contract I went from a self-published author of humorous poems, to a children’s author with a major publishing house. 

Tips to Boost Holiday Book Sales

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

It is that time of year again. The holidays are right around the corner. Books are an affordable gift that last. November is one of the best months to publicize for holiday book sales. So brainstorm and determine what book bundles you can create. 

Writing During a Pandemic—Staying In & Reaching Out

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

When the pandemic first began and we were told to stay in, it seemed to be the perfect scenario for writers. Don’t go anywhere just sit at home and write. Not only did that create focused time like never before but it also gave us opportunities to write new subjects and find new markets. 

Writing With An Attitude of Integrity

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

My agent recently landed a new book contract for me. Jumping around the house shouting woo-hoo aside, I regained my composure and re-read the note the acquisitions editor send to my agent.

What Can We Learn in This Crisis?

by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

“God, what can we learn in this crisis? It’s not a short flu season, but a pandemic with no end in sight. President Trump and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 after the first debate on a Thursday evening, went into quarantine at the White House, and the next day checked into Walter Reed Hospital. As of this writing on October 5, 2020, the president returned to the White House. 

Born with a Purpose

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

When announcement time came at the end of our worship service, he proudly proclaimed he had just celebrated his ninth birthday for the ninth time.

The Importance of Choosing What’s Enough in Our Lives

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

If we were sitting together in my living room discussing our lives right now … well, I would have vacuumed my house and made coffee.

3 Elements in a Caring Writing Community

by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

As I completed the manuscript I recently sent to my publisher, the process overwhelmed me with questions.

What Does the Term "BORROWED PLATFORM" mean for Writers?

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

What is the meaning of the term borrowed platform? Well, I’m glad you asked, because those two little words helped me land a writing contract for my book that releases this month. 

7 Tips to Deal with Writer Woes

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

What exactly are writer woes? Each person has their own, very personal, set of things that bother, abuse, and worry us. It could be a chunk of time where we just can't write. Or when everything that hits the page looks like a gooey, ooey, screwed up mess. Or when we've gotten a critique or review that sets our hair on fire before we plunge into the depths of despair. 

As a Writer, Always Have A Question

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Anytime and anywhere, always be ready with a quality question. 

I was at a meeting where several high-profile experts were on the program. At the end of the presentation the emcee said, “Does anyone have a question?” Here was a grand opportunity to tap brilliance and I couldn’t think of a single intelligent thing to ask. I just sat there like a mollusk, unable to string words into a query.

9 Reasons Blogging Can Be Scary

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It's October and in honor of Halloween, I just couldn't resist a tongue-in-cheek post about something scary. After spending the year traveling and teaching writers about blogging, I have plenty of fears to share. Lest you think this is me pointing fingers, let me reassure you. EVERY single one of the things listed has been something I've done/struggled with at some point. So these are a fun way to take a look at my blogging tips for writers. 

Gideon, the Fear Fighter

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14

The irony of God’s teaching method humbles me time and time again. As I read over the notes I took in preparation for this post, they line up like so many arrows, aiming straight for my doubting heart. May the message that comes from my pen today meet you where you are, as it has me in producing it.

Tips to Organize Your Life for Writing

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

Recently, my family watched Love It or List It on HGTV. The show is about a family that is deciding whether to stay in their newly renovated home or to move into a new house. In this episode, the stars were going through the original house and were surprised to discover how clean and organized everything was. Everything was in its place.

Two Rules for Telling an Attention-Grabbing Story

by A.C. Williams @Free2BFearless

I like rules. Rules are good. They tell you where it’s safe to drive and walk and park and where you shouldn’t do any of those things. Sure, some rules get irritating, but I’d much rather know the rules than have to guess at them. Typical first-born child response, right? 

Scrivener for Organization

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

Creatives are not generally known for their organizational skills. But authors who want to be in the publishing game for the long-term know how important it is to find a method that works for them and keeps all the aspects of their writing life organized. For me, it's Scrivener for organization.