Monday, February 28, 2022

Bring Your Writing to Life by Using Colors to Paint Your Story


by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

Colors affect us in many ways. That’s terrific if you’re writing a picture book or a coffee table book about art, food, or travel. But how can you use it on the written page to evoke an emotional response? 

Sounds and smells summon memories and emotional responses, depending on the original event. Colors can do the same. We describe spaces our characters enter, so incorporate color to convey the mood or ground another character's emotional response. 

Sunday, February 27, 2022

If You Can Dream It, You Can Write It


by Craig von Buseck @craigvonbuseck

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

Everything that exists was once an idea. In more romantic, Disneyesque terms, everything that is, once was a dream. The idea or the dream is the starting point for building the thing. 

This concept is just as true—and perhaps even truer for the writer. 

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Five Clever Techniques for Writers to Make Your Audience Care


by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

One of the most important skills you can learn as a writer is how to draw your readers into your story and keep them invested all the way to the end. You start by creating a character that is either likeable, sympathetic, or intriguing. But how do you sustain the emotional bond you’ve established between your main character and the audience? How do you make your readers care about your main character’s journey for the rest of the story? 

Friday, February 25, 2022

How to Banish Writing Fears: The Cure for What If Disease


by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

I’ve recently had the thrill of celebrating with several author friends. After years of working hard, improving their craft, networking, and building their platform, they’ve finally received a coveted book contract. Without exception, as soon as the confetti settled, each has been seized by a fearful case of What If.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Common Writing Obstacles (Part 2): Talent vs Learning


by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

“You’re not a writer. You’re not even published.”

My superior at my day job spoke these words many years ago. They were his response when my immediate lead told him I was writing.

Talent has been described as something you either have or you don’t. You can’t learn it.

I and many others disagree with this notion. You can learn to be a writer whether or not you have talent.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

How Cooking Makes Me a Better Writer


by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

I like to cook and bake almost as much as I love writing. Spending time in the kitchen is relaxing, satisfying, and hopefully the results are tasty. I’ve discovered my passion for writing has a lot in common with food prep. Cooking makes me a better writer.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

One Struggle This Introverted Writer Faces


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death (Revelation 12:11 HCSB).

Once again I found myself facing a video camera and being interviewed about being a writer.

“What do you find hardest about being a writer?”

Sunday, February 20, 2022

Persevere My Writer Friends


by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

I have spoken to writer friends since we turned our calendar page to 2022 about the ebb and flow of our writing lives. It’s no secret that we writers have word-filled days at our keyboards. But we never know when we’ll hit a day where we can’t string a coherent sentence together no matter how hard we try. 

Saturday, February 19, 2022

To Flourish as a Writer, Avoid the Trap of Pride


by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

One thing that great novels consider is the search for self. Good writing brings us into story and, as we enter another’s world, we allow the protective shield around our hearts to peel back. What we see in the protagonist, we often begin to recognize in ourselves. Good storytelling does that. A prime example is Jane Austen’s delightful novel Pride and Prejudice. 

Friday, February 18, 2022

Everyday Inspiration for Writers


by Crystal Bowman

People who are not writers often ask where I get my ideas for books, devotions, and blogs. I confess that I do not have one of those sci-fi imaginations that can take readers into places where no one has gone before. But I am observant. And when mishaps, disasters, or pleasant surprises enter my world, they often become fodder for my writing.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

Blogging Tips to Increase Website Traffic


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

You’ve invested in a website and published a book. Now, how do you get people to visit your website? The following blogging tips are the answer. Many search engine optimization techniques can be performed through blogging to increase your website’s visitor rate. Last January, for example, my website (https://susanuneal.com/) had over 9000 website views because I consistently blogged weekly and used Pinterest pins at the bottom of each post to drive traffic to my website.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

How to Write to Inspire, Not Condemn—Part 1


by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

Sandpaper on my soul. As the sermon progressed, scratch … scratch … scratch. The words of the well-meaning pastor scratched against my heart. His condemning tone and harsh words caught me off guard. I wondered if this was a normal practice in the church I was visiting that day. 

I know that the truth needs to be shared, but how should we share it? How does it make you feel when a stranger launches accusatory words your way? We can think about whether what they said applies to us. Regardless, we may wonder how that person could say such things without knowing us. 

The same goes for writers and readers. It matters how we share the truth. What does God say about our actions?

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Writers, Don't Interrupt the Divine


by Tracy Smoak 

“The entire world seems to be ‘held back,’” Tina Yeager wrote in “Called and Held for New Things” published January 3 on Inkspirations Online. Her phrase connected with me as suspense seems to hang in the air. No one quite knows what to expect in 2022.

A look back in history may comfort. Peter’s experience with Jesus’ transfiguration offers clues how God interrupts the natural to reveal the divine. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a high mountain where he is transfigured (Matthew 17). He becomes as radiant as the sun and starts talking with Moses and Elijah.

Sunday, February 13, 2022

The Power of Gathering with Other Creatives

Edie here. I'm super excited to remind you about feeding your creative soul and share a new event that does just that! There are great tips and insight from Gari in the blog post below, but I also hope you'll share the info about the Rise Up Gathering!


The Power of Gathering with Other Creatives
by Gari Meacham @GariMeacham

Walk into any trendy coffee shop in any city and you’ll see the same site—people locked on their screens, blazing through agendas…alone. After years of isolation and redefining our work habits, it’s time to gather. It’s time for dreams and vision to come alive. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, pen a song, speak a God-given message, start a show, or create a film—a live gathering with others who also long to create inspiring content is for you. 

Writers, Armor Up


by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

At every game, he armored up.

Our son and daughter-in-law’s middle child loves T-ball. When things changed where my wife and I had more free time in the evenings, we planned to attend his final few games of the season. We had seen pictures of him, but nothing suffices for in-person observations. 

We eased into the parking lot and waited for our son and his family to arrive. When they did, our son opened the door and let our grandson out. Sure enough, he looked just as the pictures had portrayed: white pants, a blue team shirt, cleats, and a backpack full of accessories. 

Saturday, February 12, 2022

Why Choose Someone Else's Writing Success Over Your Own?


by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Other writers so often inspire me, but right now I’m inspired by the different Olympians competing in the 2022 Winter Games.

Last week, the story of how U.S. speed skater Erin Jackson almost missed the Olympics captured my attention.

Friday, February 11, 2022

Beware 5 Things Replacing God’s Direction in Your Writing


by Joshua J. Masters @JoshuaJMasters

You sit at your keyboard gently tapping the keys, not hard enough to bring letters or words to your digital page, but just enough for the rhythmic click, click, click to break the awkward silence of your uncertain direction. 

For Christian writers, feeling directionless is a more humbling experience than simple writer’s block because there’s an overwhelming sense you’re disconnected from God in the purpose He’s given you.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

How a Writer's Words Become Part of God's Masterpiece


by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

My husband and I enjoy the challenge of assembling jigsaw puzzles with our best friends, the Mooneys. Paula and Lowell got us hooked on puzzling several years ago. They usually purchase the puzzle, and it stays at their house. We work together on Friday nights when our schedules mesh, nibbling on pizza and connecting puzzle pieces. 

When we first get started, the pieces look like nothing more than a jumbled mess. We help the design take shape and when enough pieces connect, we watch the picture slowly come into focus. 

The Mooneys add pieces without us, but they always make sure to invite David and me over when the puzzle is almost finished. They want us to be there to join the last pieces, completing our masterpiece! We usually celebrate with ice cream. 

At times, I like to think about my writing journey somewhat like a puzzle. Lots of pieces need to come together to create a masterpiece. And, I absolutely love tracing God’s hand in the process, recognizing how He meticulously connected each piece to create that work of art.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

6 Reasons Writers Should Attend a Writing Conference


by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

This time of year writers conferences crank back up after a short break for the holidays. Should you go? Here are a few good answers to that question. 

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Learn the Seven Elements of Plot


by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

There are two things I want to stress as crucial for the new writer. Please take heed or do as I say, not as I do, so when you see this first suggestion, it really does apply to plotting. 

Lesson 1: When you attend a writers conference, attend classes that pertain to WHERE YOU ARE CURRENTLY in your writing process. Of course, you want to learn how to move forward, but you can't move forward correctly until you know the steps of the craft. Here's why I say this. I had no guidance when I attended my first conference, so I randomly decided on classes that looked interesting, not classes that taught me where I was in my current writing level. The classes I attended were terrific, but the problem was I learned advanced techniques before I understood the basics. I learned things backward, which sent me down a path of re-learning. Trust me. Learn it in order. Your life will be easier. Again, do as I say, not as I did!

Lesson 2: Once you learn the basics, begin focusing on advanced writing techniques. And with that, we begin to understand the elements of the plot.

Depending on who is teaching the class, you'll be told there are 5, 6, or 7 elements to the plot. Don't panic. Some folks combine very similar features, but we'll name all seven for your understanding of what others may teach.

Monday, February 7, 2022

What is a Lead Magnet, and How Does a Writer Start One?


by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell @KHogrefeParnell

One side of our refrigerator is covered with magnets, and most are still holding Christmas photo cards. The magnets reflect places we’ve visited and memories made, while the photos remind us to connect with and pray for our family and
friends. 

In a sense, a lead magnet is similar. It’s a way for readers to connect with you. It’s something you offer for free on your website, and in exchange, readers agree to receive your newsletter. Of course, they can unsubscribe any time, but if you offer a valuable lead magnet and a consistently engaging newsletter, the odds are that they will stick around.

Sunday, February 6, 2022

How to Write Straight to the Heart


by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

Many years ago I was attending a conference about Christian worldview featuring Chuck Colson. I was there hoping to gain tools to train my three children to become thinking Christians who engaged their minds in Biblical truth and in turn, would engage the world around them. 

I was not raising my children in a bubble; our family had already lived in three different nations by that time. The children’s worldview was already broader than mine had been at their ages. 

Although I attended this conference as a parent, I learned a lesson every Christian writer should know. 

A method that has transformed the way I both read and write.

Saturday, February 5, 2022

An Invitation to the new OPENING A MYSTERY blog!

Edie here! Today I'm thrilled to be able to introduce you to a new blog for mystery lovers! When I learned that our own Tim Suddeth had launched a blog for readers of mysteries & suspense, I knew I wanted to give him a big shout-out. I highly recommend OPENING A MYSTERY. So be sure to take a peek and give him our support.


by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

Hello, The Write Conversation readers. Edie has given me this opportunity to invite you to visit my new blog, Opening a Mystery.

At Opening a Mystery, my goal is to share with readers and writers my love of mysteries, suspense, and thrillers. We look at the different types of crime fiction, their authors, and their main characters. I also review both older books (Think Agatha Christie and Mickey Spillane.) and current releases (Like John Grisham, who I recently did a bio on, and J. T. Ellison.)

Friday, February 4, 2022

Writing an Un-Put-Downable Character Part 1: Personality


A.C. Williams @ACW_Author

Characters make or break a story. It doesn’t matter how complicated your plot, how beautifully imagined your world, or how elegant your prose. Without characters who resonate, your story won’t work. 

So what does it take for writers to create characters who resonate with readers? A lot of work!

Thursday, February 3, 2022

A Peek Behind the Writing Curtain: Real Texts from Real Writers


by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

When I was pursuing publication, there were many days when I stared at my computer in despair. I longed for the days when the steep learning curve was over. I dreamed of sitting down at my computer and pounding out words with confidence and clarity. Oh, I knew every day wouldn’t be a trip through the light fantastic, but I assumed that over time the frustration I experienced while writing would lessen. 

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Why An Author Should Kill a Character


by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Why do we kill characters? Is that character a real villain who deserves to die? Or, maybe it’s a child who slips away with her family surrounding her. Regardless, characters MUST die sometimes and the reason for getting rid of that character HAS to move the story forward. 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Plot With The Three-Act Story Template


by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Plot is what people do and why they do it. Within the construct of narrative fiction, plot is the main events of a story presented as an interrelated sequence. When crafting your story, sometimes having a template to help you know where to include key aspects is helpful to the full development of your plot.