7 Common Myths About Traditional Publishing (and the Truth Behind Them)

From Edie: Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes shares the truth behind 7 common myths about traditional publishing and learn what publishers really look for when evaluating authors and book proposals.

7 Common Myths About Traditional Publishing (and the Truth Behind Them)

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

When I first ventured into publishing, I wasn’t chasing a book contract or dreaming of bestseller lists. I wanted to make a difference. Years ago, I independently published my first Bible study with one goal in mind: to raise enough money to help send a family to the mission field. By God’s grace, we reached that goal. I celebrated, thanked the Lord, and moved on to the next project. What I didn’t realize was that I had unintentionally created a publishing résumé.

How Writers Can Avoid Burnout: 18 Digital Soul Care Habits That Restore Creativity

From Edie: Feeling overwhelmed by the digital world? Discover 18 practical soul care habits to help writers avoid burnout, protect creativity, and stay rooted in God.

How Writers Can Avoid Burnout: 18 Digital Soul Care Habits That Restore Creativity

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson

As writers today, we face a unique kind of stress—digital stress.

Much of our work happens in front of a screen. We write on computers, answer emails on our phones, meet with clients on Zoom, build communities on social media, and now we're also learning how AI can help us work more efficiently. While these tools are wonderful gifts, they also create an "always available" culture that can quietly drain us spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Why Your Story Feels Flat: The Difference Between Emotional and External Conflict

From Edie: Zena Dell Lowe shares insights into why your story may feel flat. Learn the difference between emotional and external conflict and discover how to write fiction that grips readers from beginning to end.

Why Your Story Feels Flat: The Difference Between Emotional and External Conflict

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Writers know they need conflict. They understand instinctively that scenes require tension, pressure, obstacles, and stakes. But instead of allowing the conflict to emerge naturally from the emotional and relational dynamics already present in the story, they often manufacture external problems that are far less compelling than the conflict they’re avoiding. 

Why Writing in Faith Can Be Our Place of Greatest Victory

From Edie: Lori Hatcher helps writers discover how writing in faith helps Christian writers persevere through ordinary days, trust God's timing, and find lasting victory in faithful obedience.

Why Writing in Faith Can Be Our Place of Greatest Victory

by Lori Hatcher

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

My husband, David, and I were walking across a grassy baseball field one sunny afternoon when he pointed to a huge nest sitting atop one of the light poles that ringed the field. High above the nest soared two red-tailed hawks. 

As we watched, a third hawk climbed to the edge of the nest and leaped. It flapped its wings, caught an updraft, and gracefully rose to join the others. 

Is It Ever Too Late to Become a Writer? Why Your Best Writing May Still Be Ahead

From Edie: Henry McLaughlin reminds writers it's never too late to become a writer. Discover why age is an advantage, how to pursue your writing dreams, and trust God's timing for your story.

Is It Ever Too Late to Become a Writer? Why Your Best Writing May Still Be Ahead

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

My writing career began in my early forties when I had the brilliant idea I could write a novel. I’ve been a reader all my life. I think I was born reading a Batman comic book. I remember thinking, how hard could writing be? You just put one word after another, right?

So, I dabbled, as I call it, for about 10 years. I rewrote the first chapter probably 15 times. 

How to Find Courage as a Writer: Overcoming Fear and Moving Forward

From Edie: DiAnn Mills shares how to find courage as a writer by overcoming fear, rejection, self-doubt, and perfectionism while trusting God to move your writing forward.

How to Find Courage as a Writer: Overcoming Fear and Moving Forward

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

When we consider careers that require courage, we think of first responders, soldiers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and others. We forget writers need courage to step out alone in a highly critical and competitive world. 

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” Dorothy Bernard

Every word on the page is a risk with the potential of rejection and failure. Do we have the courage to face the obstacles threatening our way? Sometimes the biggest roadblock is us.

The courage factor is a prerequisite for all successful writers.

How Writers Can Reset Their Writing Life Before the Busy Fall Season

From Edie: Feeling overwhelmed as fall approaches? Discover practical and faith-filled ways writers can reset their writing life, refocus on God's calling, and prepare for a productive season ahead.

How Writers Can Reset Their Writing Life Before the Busy Fall Season

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

If you’re anything like me, July doesn’t feel like the middle of a relaxing summer anymore. When I was a kid, I felt like summer had stretched on forever and back to school was still weeks away. I don’t know if the rhythm of life was different back then or my memories have been fuzzy over the years. I suspect it’s a combination of both. 

Either way, July looks and feels very different now. Back-to-school aisles populate every store. Even more ridiculous is the amount of Halloween displays are already up. I feel like the summer I had to breathe and get ready for the busy fall season has evaporated. Now I’m stressed, rushed, and resentful. Not really a good combination. 

Instead of enjoying what's left of summer, I find myself feeling rushed, stressed, and even a little resentful that another busy season seems to be racing toward me.