How to Use ChatGPT to Repurpose Your Content and Generate Fresh Article Ideas

From Edie: Ginny Cruz shares how to use ChatGPT to repurpose your existing content, generate fresh article ideas, and save time while keeping your unique writing voice.

How to Use ChatGPT to Repurpose Your Content and Generate Fresh Article Ideas

by Ginny Cruz

Have you ever wanted a personal assistant who can take your previously written content and offer ideas for new articles? ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot program, can be your personal idea generator, giving you more article titles than you can handle.

What to Do After a Writers Conference: Pray First, Don't Panic

From Edie: Ginny Cruz answer the question about what to do after a writers conference. Discover why Christian writers should pray first, avoid panic, and take the next right step.

What to Do After a Writers Conference: Pray First, Don't Panic

by Ginny Cruz

If you’ve attended a Christian writers conference and absorbed incredible amounts of new information or perhaps been fortunate enough to get an editor, agent, or publisher interested in seeing more of your work, then it’s likely you’ll be asking yourself what’s next.

How to Cure Writer’s Block: Why Writing Badly on Purpose Actually Works

From Edie: Struggling with writer’s block? Ginny Cruz helps writers discover why writing badly on purpose can help perfectionist writers break creative paralysis, regain momentum, and finally get words flowing again.

How to Cure Writer’s Block: Why Writing Badly on Purpose Actually Works

by Ginny Cruz

Writer’s block is real. If you have yet to experience it, consider yourself fortunate. While there are many possible causes, this article will focus on perfectionism and how to overcome its effect on our writing productivity.

How Writers Overcome Creative Slumps: Find Writing Motivation When You Feel Stuck

From Edie: Struggling with a creative slump? Discover how writers can find motivation, overcome discouragement, and move forward with renewed focus and faith when writing feels stuck.

How Writers Overcome Creative Slumps: Find Writing Motivation When You Feel Stuck

by Ginny Cruz

Do you ever get stuck in the doldrums? If you have a competitive spirit, as I do, you may have experienced periods of feeling sluggish and unmotivated when goals have not been achieved or when you are waiting. 

As Christians, we know we should neither wallow in self-pity nor allow ourselves to feel sad when things do not go our way. Scripture is clear: we are to accept all things—even the gray days—as part of God’s plan for our lives. But if I’m honest, when the creative winds die and forward momentum stalls, I often become dispirited. 

Why Writing by Hand Boosts Memory, Creativity, and Brain Health for Writers

From Edie: Discover how writing by hand improves memory, boosts creativity, and strengthens brain health. Learn why writers who use pen and paper think more deeply, retain ideas better, and unlock richer, more meaningful writing.

Why Writing by Hand Boosts Memory, Creativity, and Brain Health for Writers

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

A recent scientific study found unexpected benefits for memory, even reducing the risk of dementia, when writing regularly by hand was instituted. In today’s digitally-immersed culture, typing, texting, screenshotting, and even voice-to-text have replaced writing by hand. New studies reveal that our memory may be suffering as a result.

A few questions to answer: Do you use a shopping app for your grocery list, or do you write it on a slip of paper? Do you write a thank-you note to show appreciation for a gift, or do you send an emoji-laden text to save time? Are you forgetting birthdays because you now depend on your digital calendar to remember them for you?

Why Writers Should Take a Daily Walk to Boost Creativity and Writing Output

From Edie: Scientific studies show walking boosts creativity and productivity. Learn why writers should take a daily walk to improve focus, creativity, and writing output.

Why Writers Should Take a Daily Walk to Boost Creativity and Writing Output

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Your writing creativity and output would benefit from a daily walk. Maybe you’re dreaming of completing a book that’s been on your heart for a while. Perhaps you need to finish that book proposal instead of procrastinating. Whatever you hope 2026 holds for your writing, don’t forget to schedule a daily walk.

Why Writers Need to Change Their Passwords Now: Protecting Your Author Platform in the New Year

From Edie: A cautionary reminder for writers to take password security seriously, with practical steps to protect social media, email, and website accounts and safeguard your author platform.

Why Writers Need to Change Their Passwords Now: Protecting Your Author Platform in the New Year

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Have you changed your passwords lately? If not, the dawn of a new year is the perfect time to do so.

I used to be complacent about my passwords. They were easy for me to remember and rarely changed. But that laissez-faire attitude changed when someone hacked into my Meta Business Suite, took over my account, and locked me out. To make matters worse, they posted content that violated Meta’s Community Standards. As a result, Meta took down my Facebook and Instagram accounts, and I was never able to recover them. That hack cost me over 5000 followers and a significant portion of my online presence. So, when I say take password security seriously, I know what happens when you don’t.

How Writers Can Turn Their Dream Into a Finished Manuscript: The Power of Measurable Writing Goals

From Edie: Learn how to turn your writing dream into a completed manuscript by setting clear, measurable goals. This practical guide shows writers how to break big projects into achievable daily word counts, stay accountable, and build the momentum needed to finish their book with confidence.

How Writers Can Turn Their Dream Into a Finished Manuscript: The Power of Measurable Writing Goals

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

You carry a dream of writing. Maybe it's a memoir, a devotional, or a novel. No matter the size of your manuscript, if you're going to move from a dream to a completed writing project, you need goals.

When God Is Your Writing Guide: Trusting Him With Your Creative Journey

From Edie: Discover how to trust God as the true guide for your writing journey. Learn practical ways to surrender your plans, listen for His direction, and find joy and purpose in the creative process—even when the path feels unclear.

When God Is Your Writing Guide: Trusting Him With Your Creative Journey

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Have you ever assumed a role in life where you longed for a guide to show you the way? When I became a mother to my first child, that’s how I felt. Questions came to mind, such as, “What should I be doing with my baby all day?” “What toys or activities are best?” I longed for guidance. Those feelings of lostness fueled the passion for my latest book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year. It’s my gift to new mothers who also long for advice. In it are the answers to many common questions, background information on their child’s development, and encouragement, which all moms crave.

When God called me to write, I also longed for a guide to show me the way forward. Unfortunately, there was no guidebook to direct my next steps. The only choice, it seemed, was to be like Abraham when God told him to pack up everything, leave home, and trust that God would show him the way. 

I Lost 5,000 Followers Overnight—Here’s Why Writers Must Use 2FA

Edie here: We have such generous contributors! Ginny lost 5,000 followers in a Facebook hack and now she's sharing her hard-learned lessons with us. Writers, don’t risk your platform—learn how two-factor authentication (2FA) can protect your social media accounts.

I Lost 5,000 Followers Overnight—Here's Why Writers Must Use 2FA

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra security method that requires two different forms of verification to log in to an online account. We all know that online accounts, such as your email or electricity bill, require a username and password. 2FA is when your online vendor requires you to enter an additional security code after you provide your username and password. This unique code is sent to another of your accounts, such as an email or cellphone. When you receive it, you enter the security code on the vendor's website to complete the login process. This process is an example of using 2FA to log in to your accounts. 

Would a Siesta Improve Your Writing Productivity?

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

A few years ago, our younger son attended a Bible college in Argentina. While he enjoyed the experience of living abroad, one thing he chafed against was the siesta time and the laid-back approach to productivity. When my husband and I visited him, we felt the same way.

Shops were closed without notice, and there was no note on the door indicating when the siesta would end. Restaurants opened whenever the owners decided, and time seemed to slow down. Being American and accustomed to 24/7, 365 customer expectations, we struggled to enjoy this culture of taking time away from duties to rest and enjoy life. 

The Writing Conference is Over, Where Do I Begin?

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

You are back home after an exhilarating writers' conference. Colorful business cards from new friends litter your desk. A ton of class notes await your review. And if you are like me, your head spins with all the to-dos. Where do I begin?

Having attended many writers' conferences, most recently the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference, where I met many first-time conference attendees, God whispered that I should share some encouragement this month on how to move forward after a conference. Because, let's face it, all those ideas sounded doable while you sipped coffee and chatted with fellow writers. But when you are alone at your desk, it can be hard to know where to start.

F.O.C.U.S. Tips for Writers

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Are you one of those writers with a word that guides your year? I am and have been doing so since God called me to write. Each December, I pray for a word and a Scripture verse to guide my focus. I must admit that the word He gives is not always welcome, such as my 2020 word, “train.” I knew that word meant a year of training. And boy, was it! You recall what 2020 was like, don’t you? 

For 2025, God gave me the word “focus” and the verse, “We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith...” Hebrews 12:2 (GW). He knew my eyes often looked around at all the things to busy myself with, such as errands, chores, or anything other than sitting quietly with my eyes only on Him. If you are a person of action like me and become impatient while waiting, here are some tips He’s taught me that improve my focus.

How a Facebook Hack Renewed My Promise to God

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

It was a night like any other. When the umpteenth TV commercial selling the latest drug came on, I picked up my phone to check Facebook. But instead of seeing familiar faces, a message appeared stating, "We suspended your account." Further investigation revealed that a hacker had attached an Instagram account to my Meta Business Suite and posted content violating Meta's Community Standards. 

Pack the Right SPIRITUAL Shoes for Writing Conference Season

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Shoes are a big topic for many women. Some have closets filled to the ceiling, and others have a few classic styles that work with many outfits. As a physical therapist, I opt for timeless, comfortable styles that provide sturdy footing. No six-inch heels for me!

As conference season kicks off, some of you are shopping for spring outfits with matching shoes. You want to appear professional and stylish as you meet with agents, editors, and other industry professionals. But have you considered that you need to pack another set of shoes? These shoes are not sold in stores—not even Amazon or Temu carries them.

Writing Conference Season Is Here: Begin with Prayer

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

The 2025 writers' conference season is here. Some of you may be pondering whether to attend, while others may feel led to a conference but are unsure which one. Let me encourage you to ask God for your answers, whatever your circumstances.

I have written since 2007. His call to write was clear, but the content and the direction were out of focus. Over time, having many submissions critiqued by my Word Weavers groups and attending conferences where I felt like a fish out of water, my audience and purpose have come into focus. Without the relationships with writers I met at conferences and critique groups, my reach and impact would likely be much smaller.

Are You Still Writing?

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Recently, a friend asked me that question. Since I signed a book contract a few years ago, friends and associates have wondered when the book will be in stores. The publication has been pushed to a future date twice, so it is normal for folks to wonder what I am doing in the meantime. Hence, the question, “Are you still writing?”

Writers write—it is what we do. We pen books, articles, devotions, or shopping lists on paper. Words are our superpower, and we love spending time with them. But I must admit, my friend's question made me pause and reflect on my writing journey. If you feel sluggish, unnoticed, or even depressed about how your writing is going, take out a pen and some paper and answer the following questions.

10 Tips for Writers Hesitant to Embrace Social Media

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Most writers dream of writing a book and getting a publishing deal, preferably followed by a check with multiple zeros attached. We want the world to love the characters we've developed, the encouragement we share in our devotions or the teachings we compose. I know I do.

None of us, at least no one I've met, wants to market themselves or their writing on social media. While online engagement is second nature for younger writers, for many older ones, it is invasive to our personal lives and feels like work. And to be honest, it is a bit of work, but hear me out.

3 Reasons You Need a Writers Conference for Christmas

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

It’s that time of the year again when loved ones ask, “What do you want for Christmas?” As writers, we often dream of more books, a better computer, or maybe a writing shed in the backyard surrounded by chirping bluebirds, buzzing bees, and the sweet scent of jasmine. But perhaps that’s just me. Those are all great things to want for a Christmas gift. But what do you need?

3 Ways to Encourage a Writer

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

Ernest Hemingway once said, "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." In other words, you uncover and share those emotionally tender spots with strangers. 

To impact readers and be effective, writers must be emotionally vulnerable. This vulnerability requires a bucket of courage and a sprinkle of craziness. That's why writers need kindhearted understanding and frequent loving encouragement to continue along their lonely path.