Tips to Help a Writer Move from Slush Pile to Sold!

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

Before I was offered my first contract, I had a very unusual job. I worked for a major publishing house as a first reader. If you’re wondering what that is, it’s simple—I read manuscripts in the editor’s ‘slush’ pile and would give recommendations on whether it should be published or not, backing my suggestions with examples from the book. My job taught me things to avoid and is one of the primary reasons I’m published today. 

Thoughts on Why Book Covers Matter to Our Reading Audience

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

My first month as an indie author was an active one, and I didn’t even publish a book. I took a five-day Amazon Ad challenge with Brian Cohen (he has another challenge coming up in April that I highly recommend,) started a website on WordPress, and edited some of my older books. So, out of all of this, what did I learn?

A good cover matters.

Have You Considered a Writing Retreat—4 Things I learned at a Writers Retreat

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending my first writing retreat. For those of you who aren’t sure what that is exactly, it’s a chance to get away with other writers for a short period of time and simply write without the concerns of home and job.

But it’s more than that. During my week at the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I learned so much, it was almost like a mini writing conference! 

What to Do When God Disappears From Your Writing

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

Years ago when I first started writing, there was a sense of excitement down deep in my soul. Household chores were left undone as I spent time at my kitchen table, pen in hand, as I created my first stories. But it wasn’t just the writing that mattered to me. It was the time I spent with God beforehand, reading His Word and writing in my prayer journal that set me on the right course for the rest of my writing time. When I started my days like that, writing became more like an act of worship. Words and phrases I would have never thought of myself seemed to follow from my pen. It was in those moments God taught me things about myself I never would have learned in church.

I sold my first book, then my next. Before I realized it, my days were filled with deadlines, marketing strategies and social media. I’d mumble a few words in prayer rather than spend time in my prayer journal. My focus shifted away from writing with God to meeting my growing obligations. A new contract was a blessing and a curse, and I procrastinated. I gave ‘good enough’ but not my best. By the time I turned in my last book, I sworn I would never write again.

3 Questions Every Writer Should Ask to Clarify Their Best Path and Avoid Burnout

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

As I enter this new era of my life, I’ve realized I need a blueprint to guide me through my writing career. For the past twenty years, my plan was relatively simple. Learn the craft. Get an agent and a contract, then write as many books as I could manage.

It’s no wonder I hit burnout!

I don’t want to step into the same pitfalls. I want a clear divide between my family life and my writing, and I don’t want to ever utter the words “I’ll do that when I have time” again. If you don’t make a game plan, it’s like the song says—“There never seems to be enough time to do the things I want to do once you find them.” But to make a plan, there are some questions that need to be answered. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, in the middle or moving in a different direction like me, here are three questions you need to think and pray on.

Finding a Work-Life Balance for Writers

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

I love checking into my friend, Kaye’s Facebook post every day. They’re such an encouragement to me at this point in my writing journey. After a year-long sabbatical, I’ve been struggling with how to restart my writing and still have time to have a life. I need a work/life balance—I’m just not sure how to achieve that.

That’s where Kaye comes in.

After several successful novels, Kaye disappeared from the publishing world. I kept up with her at first—we’d formed a bond in the early days of our careers—but eventually, life got in the way. I hadn’t heard from her in almost eight years when her Facebook post popped up in my feed. She was writing again! Over the last two months, Kaye has posted her daily word count along with her writing time as an online accountability partner. At first, I simply cheered her on but as time passed, I realized how I could use her methods to learn the work/life balance I craved.

Lessons Learned During a Year Without Writing

Edie here. I'm super excited today to introduce you to our newest columnist—Patty Smith Hall. I've been a big fan of hers for a long time and I know she's going to be a great addition to our community! Be sure to give her a big TWC Welcome!

A Year Without Writing

by Patty Smith Hall @PattySmithHall

But during the seventh year the land shall have a Sabbath rest, a Sabbath to the Lord; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard. Leviticus 25:4 

Last June, I was on the brink of exhaustion. A tight deadline (two novellas and a full-length novel in six months) had pushed me over the edge. I’d lost weight and suffered from anemia after months of working from early morning to late at night, sometimes forgetting to eat. On top of that, I helped my dad take care of my mom who suffers from dementia and cared for our home. My plate was full. My husband, Danny pushed me to take a few months off before diving into my next book, but I rejected the idea. After all, you’re only as good as your last book. If I walked away from writing for six months as he suggested, I feared my readers would lose interest and move on. A sabbatical wasn’t a smart move.