What Do You Do When You Lose a Writing Contest?

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

You kick the cabinets.

You whack the tops off your roses.

You burn the bacon.

You kick the cat … well maybe not this one. But you'd like to when they raise their smug eyes to yours. You know they're calling you a loser. But cats will do that even if you win. 

The thing is, we all get a little defensive about our babies, even if you have seasoned rhino skin. You need to release some of the angst, let off some of the steam before you blow. Then you can go back and analyze why you lost the contest or agent or contract.

Let's face it, nobody wins all the time. Besides, we're in a business that is highly subjective. So what do you do?

In God's Time: The Rhythm of a Writer’s Journey

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

When I started writing novels, I was already a published playwright. I knew … uh, learned how to write realistic dialogue. I had a good idea for Biblical novel. I was absolutely sure it would be published. After all, what's not to love about a good Biblical novel?

A lot apparently. I learned that dialogue isn't all I needed to know, and at that time, Biblical novels weren't selling—or being picked up by publishers.

So, I settled in to learn. Along the way, I developed a library of writing books. I read them and applied what I learned. I developed relationships with other writers, some of whom became close friends and critique partners. One has been a CP since the early 2000s. 

A Time for New in the Writing Life

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven… Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV 

January always brings this verse to my mind when we begin a new year. A dear friend read this passage at my father’s funeral in January 1994. Though it was a sad day, this encouraged me that this was a season in my life, and changes would come. And they have.

When I flip the calendar to January, I’m reminded it’s a time for all things new, a season of change, and maybe resolutions or goal setting. I look forward to the great new things that will happen in the coming year. Setting goals and writing them down in my planner makes me giddy. Adding fun events make me smile. Marking deadlines for projects inspire me to stay on track. 

Using the Calendar to Find Writing Ideas, Part 1, 4 Seasons of Writing Success

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

If you’re looking for something new to write about, look no further than the calendar. Holiday and seasonal writing never runs out of style. Online magazine editors, newspaper editors, bloggers, and websites need fresh content consistently, and celebratory posts can engage and inspire readers with fun and festivity. 

Why Writers Can’t Rush Ripeness

by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell @KHogrefeParnell

Here in Florida, blueberry season recently ended. However, opening week back in April was something I anticipated, because my husband and I had made plans to drive up to my parents’ place and pick at the farm down the road from them. 

Though we left opening weekend with a good haul, several rows of bushes weren’t ready yet. Their berries were green or a queasy shade of light purple. Tasting one of those berries was a recipe for puckering up!

Those unripe berries reminded me that we can’t rush ripeness—on a berry bush or in our own lives. If you’re feeling impatient today about the progress of your writing or publishing journey, be encouraged that ripeness or completion takes time. 

5 Biblical Resolutions for Writers

By Kristen Hogrefe Parnell @khogrefeparnell

Happy New Year, fellow writers! This time of year, people tend to set resolutions, though many of them have a self-centered focus. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be healthier and to reach goals, but we can sometimes miss the big picture. Today, let’s take a biblical perspective that I hope will encourage you in your calling as a writer.

A Time for Yes & a Time for No—Seasons of the Writer’s Life

by Kristin Hogrefe @KJHogrefe

Rejection is part of the writer’s life. How many of us can relate to one of the following?

• I like your premise, but our house isn’t accepting any more titles in your genre.
• Your story wants to be there, but it isn’t ready yet.
• I’d love to represent you. Call me back when you have 1,000s of subscribers.