How Writers Can Find Unexpected Opportunities Along the Writing Journey

From Edie: Discover how writers can recognize unexpected opportunities, embrace creative detours, and find joy and growth along the writing journey.

How Writers Can Find Unexpected Opportunities Along the Writing Journey

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Snacks? Check.

Extra diaper and wipes? Check.

Juice cup? Check.

Small, easy-to-lose-but-favorite toys? Check.

Stroller? Check.

My twenty-month-old grandtreasure, Danae, and I were ready for a morning adventure. 

After a Writing Conference: 11 Things Every Writer Should Do Next

From Edie: Julie Lavender shares what to do after a writing conference with 10 practical follow-up steps to build connections, submit your work, and keep your writing moving forward.

After a Writing Conference: 11 Things Every Writer Should Do Next

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

A Writer’s Post-Conference Pondering

If you attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, you’re now three months post-conference. Or maybe you attended another stellar conference offering in the Christian community in spring or early summer. 

If you’re like me, when I’m there at a conference, my plans for my post-conference time seem literary-grand. “I’m going to do this when I get back home … and this .. and that. I’ll turn in this manuscript and write that devotion and read that how-to book. 

When God Surprises Writers with Unexpected Opportunities

From Edie: Julie Lavender shares how God can surprise writers with unexpected opportunities, even while other doors remain closed, and why trusting His timing matters.

When God Surprises Writers with Unexpected Opportunities

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

“Whatcha writing about now,” my mom questioned after we completed her errands. Somehow, even with actively-progressing macular degeneration, my sweet, 86-year-old mom manages to read everything I write.

So much so that she scolded me the other day because I failed to tell her about a 250-word blurb I’d contributed to a much-longer piece in Guideposts Magazine. To her dismay (or should I say mine?), her Sunday School classmate’s friend’s brother who used to live in our hometown saw it first and dared to call the sister who called the friend who called my mom’s Sunday School classmate.

Should You Outline a Nonfiction Book? A Better Way to Plan Before You Write

From Edie: Julie Lavender helps writers decide whether to outline your nonfiction book. Learn why a strong outline can help you organize your ideas, stay focused, and write with greater confidence.

Should You Outline a Nonfiction Book? A Better Way to Plan Before You Write

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Do you prepare to write nonfiction as an outliner or spreadsheeter?

If you’ve attended a writers’ conference recently, like Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, or a similar, amazing gathering of writers, you’ve probably heard a session or discussion on fiction writing as a “pantser” or “plotter.” If you haven’t heard these terms, here’s the gist of their meanings. A person who writes “by the seat of their pants,” letting imagination and spontaneity guide the words and chapters is called a pantser. On the other hand, a plotter plans stories before even starting the writing process. 

What Writers Should Do After a Writing Conference: 6 Steps for Long-Term Writing Success

From Edie: Julie Lavender shares what writers should do after a writing conference, from following up with editors and agents to organizing notes, building connections, and creating a plan for long-term writing success.

What Writers Should Do After a Writing Conference: 6 Steps for Long-Term Writing Success

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

The 50th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference certainly lived up to the year-long, celebrated anticipation shared on social media and in newsletters and emails. If you took part in the Blue Ridge gathering or another recent writing conference, either virtually or in person, ponder this question with me: 

Now that you’re back home from the big event, what’s your next step in the writing journey? 

The Writer’s Countdown: How to Keep Going While Waiting to Be Published

From Edie: Julie Lavender knows waiting to be published can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Discover faith-filled encouragement and practical tips to help writers stay motivated, grow their craft, and keep moving forward during the long countdown to publication.

The Writer’s Countdown: How to Keep Going While Waiting to Be Published

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Since last summer, I’ve taken part in the countdown for 2026 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference grand celebration—50 years of BRMCWC! Almost every Wednesday I’ve posted a countdown meme on social media and a question about the conference.

How to Use a Semicolon Correctly: A Simple Guide for Writers (and Why It Still Matters)

From Edie: Confused about semicolons? Learn how to use a semicolon correctly with simple rules and examples—and discover why this punctuation mark still matters for writers today.

How to Use a Semicolon Correctly: A Simple Guide for Writers (and Why It Still Matters)

By Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

It’s endangered; it might possibly disappear altogether in the next handful of years. 

Do you know what “it” is? 

It is the SEMI-COLON.

Where to Find Public Domain Hymn Lyrics for Devotions, Blogs, and Articles

From Edie: Looking for public domain hymn lyrics to include in your devotions, blog posts, or articles? Discover three helpful websites where Christian writers can find classic hymn lyrics, music, and background details.

Where to Find Public Domain Hymn Lyrics for Devotions, Blogs, and Articles

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

I recently worked on a devotional writing assignment that requested hymn lyrics as a final point in the devotion. At first, I struggled to find some of the lines I needed to fit my devotion topic and theme. Once I found an example I thought was perfect, I had to dive deeper in my research to determine if the hymn’s words were listed as public domain. 

I found a couple of helpful websites that you might enjoy adding to your resource list. Check them out—you might find exactly what you need to add some pizazz to your next blog post, article, or devotion. 

When a Writer’s Good Deed Goes Wrong: Finding the Lesson Instead of the Hurt

From Edie: Even kind actions can be misunderstood. Discover how one writer found grace, perspective, and a deeper lesson when a good deed didn’t go as planned.

When a Writer’s Good Deed Goes Wrong: Finding the Lesson Instead of the Hurt

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

I’ve never been a fan of the saying, “No good deed goes unpunished.” 

Good deeds should be rewarded, right?

Yet, the perfect, unblemished, best-of-the-best, do-er-of-good-deeds (Jesus) warned us in John 16:33 (NIV): “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

If anyone knew first-hand what it felt like to have His good deeds unrewarded, it was Jesus. So why should I be the exception?

Here’s what happened to me just last month.

The Lists Every Writer Needs for the New Year

From Edie: Start the year strong with the essential lists every writer needs to plan projects, spark ideas, and stay focused on their writing goals.

The Lists Every Writer Needs for the New Year

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Are you a list-maker? Do you have a To-do list? Books-to-read list? Grocery store list? Errand list? 

The beginning of January often sparks list ideas in creatives. A list of goals or aspirations for the year or maybe even a monthly one. 

Most writers not only like making lists, they like writing about them as well. Why? Because readers like lists.

Advent for Christian Writers: Turning Luke 1 into Powerful Writing Ideas

From Edie: Discover how Christian writers can use the Advent season and Luke 1 to spark meaningful writing ideas. Explore an ADVENT acrostic, a 20-day Scripture journey, and practical inspiration for creating Christmas articles, devotionals, and stories for the year ahead.

Advent for Christian Writers: Turning Luke 1 into Powerful Writing Ideas

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

What does ADVENT mean to you? What do you think of when you hear the word? Have you incorporated advent into your writing this season?

The Roller Coaster Writing Life: How to Stay Encouraged When the Highs and Lows Hit

From Edie: Discover how to navigate the highs and lows of the writing journey with resilience, gratitude, and perspective. Encouragement for writers in every season.

The Roller Coaster Writing Life: How to Stay Encouraged When the Highs and Lows Hit

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Do you ever feel like your writing journey is a roller coaster? I certainly do. 

Recently, my husband and I flew from South Georgia to Colorado Springs for an interview about our newest book release. We packed for Colorado weather. 

Well, we thought we did. But, boy did we overpack! 

When we mentioned the unusually warm weather to a native Coloradan (it was two degrees warmer in the mountains of Colorado Springs at that moment than it was in our hometown in Georgia), he laughed and said, “Well, what we say in The Springs is, ‘If you don’t like the weather at this moment—wait fifteen minutes. It’s bound to change.’” 

Best Synonym Tools for Writers: How to Find the Perfect Word for Any Project

From Edie: Discover the best synonym tools for writers. Explore thesaurus and vocabulary resources to find the perfect word and strengthen your writing voice.

Best Synonym Tools for Writers: How to Find the Perfect Word for Any Project

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

While working on a series of educational titles with my husband recently, I noticed we found ourselves looking for words that were alike. Words that were equal, equivalent, matching – the same. In other words, … we hunted SYNONYMS.

With just a tad of tongue-in-cheek humor there, we found some favorite resources to aid us with our project … undertaking … assignment … work … task … goal … labor … mission … job … objective … 

Okay, okay … you get it! I’ll stop now.

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

From Edie: Stuck in your writing? Word search puzzles can refresh your mind, spark creativity, and improve focus so you return to the page energized.

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

When your creativity needs a jumpstart, try a word search puzzle to challenge your brain, tickle the muses, and invoke some fun moments. If you’re stuck in the middle of a writing project, put it aside briefly, tackle a word search puzzle, then return to your writing. A rejuvenated mind will unleash fresh thoughts and ideas to continue the writing project you’re involved in.

But don’t just take my word for it. Medical professionals list many benefits of word search puzzles.

Keeping It in the Family: How to Involve Family Members in Your Writing Journey

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

“I got a idea,” my six-year-old grandson said. “Let’s put the gingerbread guys in the tree and take a picture.”

Beniah knows nothing about social media, but he has observed my photo ops with Ginger and Geoff, the stuffed gingerbread dolls I use for book marketing. He delights in joining my creativity. He likes to pretend I’m Photographer Julie and he’s Mr. Photography Assistant. 

Common Word Choice Mistakes Every Writer Should Avoid

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

I want to share some common writers’ mistakes that drive my biologist-hubby nuts and my own almost-faux-pas

Do poisonous snakes live in your state?

The answer is “no.” No matter who you are or where you live, you have no poisonous snakes in your neighborhood, city, or state. 

Want me to explain? 

10 Ways Your Writing Can Improve by Reading to Kids

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

This summer, our kindergarten-graduated grandson will join us for a week in June and a week in July, between camps and his other grandparents, to help out our kiddos who both work full-time jobs. My writing may take a backseat during those weeks, but instead, I’ll ramp up my reading time. Kid lit reading, that is. 

I loved reading to my children when they were little. At that time, I didn’t ponder the benefits of reading aloud to them—I just knew how much I enjoyed snuggling with a picture book in my hands and littles in my lap. 

I hope you’ll use some of the extra, non-school hours of summertime to treat your kids or grandkids to lots and lots of picture books. 

Seize the Opportunity to Meet New Friends at a Writing Conference

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Are you ready for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference? It’s just around the corner – mere days away. By now, you’ve pondered what to wear, picked out matching accessories, prepared one sheets, perfected your pitch, and prioritized classes. You’re organized, put-together, and acting wisely prior to the conference.

Sounds like a great strategy and one I’ve enacted may times before a conference. But, can I make a suggestion? Don’t get so busy with publishing agendas that you miss out on the opportunity to make lifelong friends while there. Don’t overlook the unplanned moments at a conference. Some even call them God-ordained appointments! 

Play Detective and Make Connections Prior to a Writing Conference

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Who’s going to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference next month? 

Me! Me! Me! And, I can’t wait. 

I missed almost all of last year’s conferences, because I had two darling grandbabies on the way. My two daughters were pregnant with grands number two and three. 

It feels like so long since I’ve been to a meeting of writing minds.

A Bridge to New Writing Adventures

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

When my six-year-old grandson Benaiah visits, we always find new adventures. The older he gets, however, the riskier his adventures become. 

During Hurricane Helene, a large oak tree fell across our small stream. Benaiah decided we should walk across the fallen tree. Now, I’m all for adventure, and the tree was really only about five feet above the ground. And the stream? Well, it was only about a foot wide and two inches deep. 

I told him I’d just walk beside him—with my feet on the ground.

On his first trek across the tree, Benaiah wanted to hold my hand. He crept across, one foot in front of the other. When he got to the other side, he turned around carefully and walked back across. 

The next time? He wanted to cross without holding my hand, but still needed me to walk next to him on the ground.