Conflict vs. Tension: The Difference That Makes Stories Impossible to Put Down

From Edie: Sarah Sally Hamer helps writers discover the difference between conflict and tension in fiction and learn how tension keeps readers turning pages while conflict alone cannot.

Conflict vs. Tension: The Difference That Makes Stories Impossible to Put Down

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Writers often talk about conflict as if it’s the engine of story. And it is—but only in the way a parked car technically has an engine. Conflict is the machinery. Tension is the ignition, the fuel, the forward motion. Without tension, conflict just sits there, inert, a list of problems rather than a living narrative.

Understanding the difference between the two—and how they work together—is one of the most important skills a writer can develop. Because once you do, your scenes stop lying flat on the page. They start to hum.

Writing Battles That Aren’t Ours to Fight

From Edie: Discover the difference between writing goals and dreams, and learn why surrendering some battles to God brings greater peace and purpose.

Writing Battles That Aren’t Ours to Fight

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Choosing to become a writer means choosing a life filled with battles. Some are obvious:

• The battle for discipline.
• The battle for time.
• The battle for excellence.
• The battle against distraction.
• The battle against fear.
• The battle to keep writing when no one seems to notice.

And honestly, that list barely scratches the surface. I’m already tired just reading it.

But what if we’re fighting battles that were never ours to fight in the first place?

Two Online Security Habits Every Writer Should Make Part of Their Routine

From Edie: Protect your writing career with two simple online security habits. Learn how to avoid phishing emails, fake social media accounts, and missed opportunities.

Two Online Security Habits Every Writer Should Make Part of Their Routine

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Writers spend countless hours protecting their manuscripts. We back up our files, proofread our work, and carefully build our online platforms. But many writers overlook something just as valuable—their digital identity.

Two simple habits have protected my writing career for more than twenty-five years. They've helped me avoid missing publishing opportunities, uncover fake social media accounts, and catch problems before they became disasters.

Neither habit takes much time, but together they've saved me countless hours of frustration.

From Edie: Discover why your writing journey is a gift from God to steward and how your experiences can encourage others while bringing Him glory.

Stewarding Your Writing Journey for God's Glory

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

1 Corinthians 4:2

When I think about stewardship, I usually picture managing something that belongs to someone else. I don't automatically think of my life—and especially my writing life—in those terms.

What Makes a Story Matter? How Great Fiction Shapes Hearts, Minds, and Souls

From Edie: Zena Dell Lowe shares how our stories do matter. And helps writers discover seven qualities of meaningful fiction that inspire hope, reveal truth, and leave a lasting impact on readers.

What Makes a Story Matter? How Great Fiction Shapes Hearts, Minds, and Souls

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

I’ve spent the last month at a few different conferences talking to writers about their stories. And beneath all the discussions of mythology, character development, story structure, and arc, there’s an underlying question that creatives seem to be asking:

Does my story matter?

The fact is, not all stories are created equal. Some stories matter more than others—not because of their genre or popularity, but because of the truths they embody and the loves they cultivate.

Outdated Writing Habits Every Author Should Stop Using—and What to Do Instead

From Edie: Lori Hatcher helps writers answer the question, "Are outdated writing habits holding you back?" Discover modern writing, publishing, and platform practices every author should embrace today.

Outdated Writing Habits Every Author Should Stop Using—and What to Do Instead

by Lori Hatcher

I threw away a pair of shoes recently that were at least fifteen years old. My high school daughter and I had gone shopping one day, and we both liked the strappy sandals, but not enough to pay full price for them. We liked them enough not to want to leave them behind, though, so we compromised. We each contributed half of the cost and shared them.

Does Your Character's Voice Change? How Dialogue Reveals Personality, Growth, and Conflict

From Edie: Henry McLaughlin answers the question, "Does your character sound the same in every scene?" Learn how changing dialogue based on relationships, conflict, and circumstance creates believable characters.

Does Your Character's Voice Change? How Dialogue Reveals Personality, Growth, and Conflict

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

While preparing a class on dialogue recently, I came across a concept I hadn’t noticed or considered before: our character’s voice may change based on the situation they’re in. 

Consider our own daily lives and the various situations we find ourselves in. If we have a day job, we speak in a different manner to our boss than we do our co-workers. If we’re in customer service, we often react differently with different customers. Some we can be playful and joke with. Others are strictly business and we maintain the professional decorum they demand, even if only non-verbally.