When Writing Advice Conflicts: How Writers Can Discern What to Change

From Edie: Receiving different advice from agents, editors, and mentors can be confusing. Learn how writers can discern which feedback to apply, protect their voice, and strengthen their manuscript without losing the heart of the story.

When Writing Advice Conflicts: How Writers Can Discern What to Change

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

A real advantage of attending a writing conference is that you are able to put yourself in front of professionals from well-seasoned published authors to agents, editors, and publishers. A conference will allow you to take advantage of paid critiques, mentoring, and coaching, even contests. These are all things that help the aspiring writer…but.

I always hated the “but” when my momma complimented my efforts. “But” can prove a bit daunting if you don’t understand how to discern the writing advice you receive.

How Writers Can Beat the Writing Blues: Faith-Filled Encouragement for When Creativity Feels Heavy

From Edie: Feeling discouraged or stuck in your writing? Discover practical, faith-filled ways to beat the writing blues, restore creativity, and reconnect with your calling as a writer.

How Writers Can Beat the Writing Blues: Faith-Filled Encouragement for When Creativity Feels Heavy

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

There's not a writer alive who hasn't sat in front of their computer and stared at a blank screen. It doesn't matter if they are a novice or a well-seasoned and successful writer. Sometimes, life pushes in directions that cause us to question ourselves and our calling.

It's important to remember that you aren't the only one in this dark hole. Finding ways to pull yourself out and renew your excitement for writing is key.

Writing a Meaningful Book Review

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Book reviews. They’re the lifeblood of the reader—and the author. Authors need them to push them up into the Amazon eye, while readers want to know about the book. Is it worth their time, money, and effort to purchase and read? Both are valid needs and equally important. But how do we pen a useful book review? You may ask, “Is it useful?” And the response is yes. There’s a difference between an author-written book review and a useful book review. 

The Benefits of Brainstorming for Writers: Part 2

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Last month we talked about the process of brainstorming. We discussed simple things that introduced you to brainstorming with a peer, but what if you don’t have that person handy to bounce ideas? Then you need a way to help you brainstorm alone. Brainstorming consists of physical, mental, and emotional techniques. Surprisingly enough, these things aren’t rocket science. Though NASA does it with their brainiacs all the time. Get a pencil and paper (I know, utensils to actually write with), and we’ll begin. 

Develop Your Book's Hook With These Three Questions

by Cindy K Sproles @CindyDevoted

Writers hear valued advice daily. Conflict drives the story. Character development is critical. The plot must push readers through to the end, only to mention a few. There is one aspect of our writing that jumps ahead of conflict, characters, and plot. It’s the first thing the reader sees. The line that makes them decide on the spot, whether they will continue to read. The hook—and oh, baby—is this ever important.

Rejections – The Fuel to Writing Success

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

I spent some quality time with a new writer. She’d gotten her first rejection letter from a publisher and as hard as it was for her to put on a brave face, I could see how the rejection hurt. 

It happens to us all. Frustration sets in, a sense of unworthiness. Perhaps I’m not as good as I thought reels through our minds. All the roots of “failure” sink into fertile grounds of our minds making the perfect situation to believe a lie.

Taking Pride in Your Writing Work

by Cindy K Sproles @CindyDevoted

I take pride in my work. It was how I was raised. Do your best because your best represents your effort and how much you care.

Some years back, my ministry partner and I decided we wanted to pay authors for their devotions on the ministry website. It wasn’t much. $10.00. But for a struggling ministry, financially, that was huge when you multiplied it times 30 days, times 12 months. Still, we stepped out on faith praying God would provide so we could offer the writers a token of our appreciation.