Social Media Nightmares for Writers: 17 Scary Things About Building an Author Platform

From Edie: Social media nightmares haunt writers! Discover 17 funny, relatable fears about algorithms, AI, Instagram, Facebook, and building an author platform.

Social Media Nightmares for Writers: 17 Scary Things About Building an Author Platform

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—social media for writers!

After years of traveling, teaching social media, and trying to keep up with all the changes, I've discovered that some things are even scarier than they used to be.

Types of AI for Writers: Understanding Generative AI, Editing, and Research Tools

From Edie: Learn how to write an AI disclosure statement for your manuscript or book proposal, including what to disclose about AI-generated text and images.

Types of AI for Writers: Understanding Generative AI, Editing, and Research Tools

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Last time, we talked about the different kinds of artificial intelligence writers encounter and why it matters how we use them. Now I want to take that conversation one step further. If you're preparing a manuscript or book proposal for an agent or publisher, you need to be ready to explain whether—and how—you've used AI.

That explanation is called an Author AI Disclosure Statement.

Understanding AI for Writers: Generative AI, Editing Tools, and Their Differences

From Edie: Confused about AI? Learn the differences between generative AI, editing tools, and research tools—and what every writer needs to know.

Understanding AI for Writers: Generative AI, Editing Tools, and Their Differences

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. And if you're a writer, you've probably heard more opinions about it than you ever wanted.

Some people think AI is the greatest thing to happen to writing since the invention of the computer. Others believe it's going to destroy the publishing industry.

Personally, I think we need to move beyond the extremes and start asking better questions.

7 Common Writing Fears and How to Overcome Them

From Edie: DiAnn Mills shares 7 common writing fears, including perfectionism, rejection, and self-doubt, and learn how to overcome them with practical strategies and faith.

7 Common Writing Fears and How to Overcome Them

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Fear isn’t the enemy; unmanaged fear is the nemesis. Facing fear in our writing is a good thing When FOW (fear of writing) backs me against an impenetrable wall, my stomach resembles a roller-coaster, and I’m professionally and psychologically paralyzed. 

Through over two decades of writing and publishing, I’ve concluded that fear can be a positive. The emotion keeps us humble, shoves pride to the curb, ensures a reliance on God, and makes us stronger individuals. It also can cause a few sleepless nights while developing characters, plot, and “what-ifs.”

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Praying the Scriptures Over Your Life, Your Family, and Your Work, Part 1

From Edie: Eva Marie Everson shares how a visit to Rachel's Tomb in Israel inspired her to pray Scripture and seek God's guidance and blessings in her writing life.

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Praying the Scriptures Over Your Life, Your Family, and Your Work
, Part 1


by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

Jerusalem 2007

My co-author and I sat at a table for two in a bustling bus station in Jerusalem. We nibbled on salads and sipped strong coffee, grateful for the few minutes we had to relax before we set out on our next adventure. For over a week, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and I had walked, climbed, and driven the Holy Land. We were a Jewish woman and a Christian woman, both bestselling authors within our respective countries, living out what we had been contracted by Thomas Nelson to write about.

The land. Her stories. Her people. Her history. Most importantly, how ha’hartez speaks to those who live or visit there. 

Earlier that day, Miriam casually commented about Rachel’s Tomb located just outside Bethlehem. Going there, she’d told me, would require taking a bus and a modicum of bravery. “Are you up for it?” she asked.

How Historical Fiction Writers Can Use AI for Research

From Edie: Ane Mulligan shares how historical fiction writers can use AI for research, uncover historical maps, streets, and landmarks, save time, and verify details for accuracy.

How Historical Fiction Writers Can Use AI for Research

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I write Great Depression era fiction, mostly set around Atlanta. If you know anything about Atlanta, it's that the powers that be love to change street names on a regular basis. What was Peachtree Road may suddenly become Pryor Street. 

It's true there are about 71 streets with "Peachtree" in them, and if there is a jog in said road, the name changes. 

Finding accurate, readable maps for my manuscripts is not easy. Historical maps are either difficult to decipher, or too small to read. I would have to travel quite a distance to the history center, hoping I could read said map.

Whose Opinion Matters Most in Your Writing Journey?

From Edie: Christian writers, whose opinion matters most? Discover 5 ways to stop seeking approval, refocus your priorities, and stay true to God’s calling to write.

Whose Opinion Matters Most in Your Writing Journey? 

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

One thing I’ve noticed is that we writers are way too hard on ourselves. We’re constantly comparing ourselves to each other, looking for affirmation through someone else’s opinion about our work and even our calling.

We check to see how many views our articles get, how many followers our blogs have and how many stars the reviewer gave our latest book. These things can undermine and sometimes even totally destroy our perspective, not to mention our confidence. Because, let’s face it, there is always someone willing to point out what we did wrong or could have done better.