Realm Makers 2020 Recap

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

In light of the COVID-19 regulations, Realm Makers hosted their first virtual conference in July 2020. With the use of new technology, standout faculty, knowledgeable staff, and a fantastic schedule, Realm Makers presented a unique experience for speculative fiction writers. 

A Gifted Steward

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

Many of my novels deal with God using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. I believe that many people sell themselves short—or rather sell God short. God freely gives us what we need to follow the path He has laid before us.

5 Ways Writers can Take Advantage of this Time—Opportunities in Corona Virus Chaos

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

For the last 10 weeks, many of us have been cooped up in our homes with our families 24/7. In some ways, the changes have been a blessing, allowing us more time with our families, showing us where are priorities should be, etc. In other ways, the changes have tested us, forcing us to learn new technology to work/school from home, keeping us from our friends and other fun activities, hampering our creative juices when everything just seems too much.

Sometimes You Really Can’t - 6 Tips to Help Writers Embrace the Now

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Over the last few weeks, a wide variety of emails and blog posts crossed my line of sight. Lots of well wishes, encouragement to push through, ways to overcome, etc. I’ve even been the creator of some of those emails and social media posts. But the truth is—sometimes you really can’t.

Now don’t get me wrong…we should be doing our best to push through and overcome the obstacles in our way. God gives us the strength and fortitude to do so. However, there are times when things are SO overwhelming that we freeze up—mentally and/or physically—and our guilt at not overcoming increases minute by minute.

Writing Conferences and Story Pitches

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

With Realm Makers registration having opened on February 1, I have had writers conferences on my mind a lot lately. As Marketing Director for Realm Makers, I have to know the ins and outs of the conference in order to highlight the important aspects in our marketing efforts as well as answer any questions that may come through social media (or at least be able to find the answer). 

One thing writers always want to know about is WHO is attending the conference (agents, publishers, mentors, etc.). And then they want to know what each one wants to hear/have at their pitch appointments. 

Systems for Writers in 2020

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

I almost didn’t write about consistency in this post because Edie Melson posted about Intentional Consistency last Monday. However, I thought I could come at it from a bit of a different angle and share with you my personal vision.

See, BE CONSISTENT is my theme for 2020.

Writing Holidays in Speculative Fiction

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

We’re right smack dab in the middle of holiday season! Halloween and Thanksgiving are behind us, and Christmas and New Year’s are both less than a month away. Welcome to my favorite time of the year!

Many writers of fiction that takes place in our world don’t have to worry too much about holidays. They only need to be aware of what they are and where they fall in their story timeline. If a writer is writing a historical novel set in winter in 19^th century England, but they don’t have the character’s celebrating Christmas in some way? Well, that’s a little weird. 

Starting Where You’re At (in Book Marketing and Life)

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

I have had one CRAZY summer. Insane. Unyielding. Emotional. In fact, I’m convinced August was a blackhole that didn’t actually happen. Before I could recover, my book release time was here, and I had hardly done anything I had planned to do. This launch was going to be a total failure. 

Unforeseen Circumstances 

Writers Conferences: 10 Lesser Known Benefits

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Whew! Last month flew by faster than ice cream melts in the summer sun. As Marketing Director for Realm Makers, July is always a big month as we prepare for our annual writers conference and book festival. This year, I was doing just that—while trying to move! Yes, July was indeed a blur.

Summer Fun, Writing Fodder

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Ah, summer is finally here. The sun is shining, the trees are green…and it's hot, too hot. Okay, I'm not the biggest fan of summer, but traditionally there are a few perks to the season. Summer is a time for swimming, vacations, and lots of reading, right? It's also a time to start building our writing fodder!

Writing fodder is our breadth of experience and knowledge from which we draw upon when we write, no matter what genre that is. Everything from unique events to specific conversations to the books and media we consume contribute to the writing fodder. 

For Writers: World-Building is in the Details

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

If you ask any speculative fiction writer what the differences are between "normal" writers and spec writers, we can give you a whole list of fun things. (Don't get me wrong, we have much respect for all writers—it's a tough job no matter your genre.) But one of the biggest, most fun, and perhaps hardest difference in being a spec writer is world building. 

Tips to Help Writers Manage Deadlines & Priorities

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Sometimes, I have an issue with deadlines. Truth is that I love deadlines. I love order. I love knowing when to have things done, having a plan to get them done, and then I imagine I would love the feeling of submitting something on time.

Narrowing Your Reading Audience—Spec Fic Style!

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

I love Christian fiction. Really, I do. But when I sit down to read, more often then not, I want to get lost in new worlds and go on grand adventures and meet new kinds of people. We don’t often see much of that in the normal Christian fiction.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

Finding Your Writing Tribe

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Hey, friends! It’s Ralene, your friendly fantasy fanatic again. You know, when I first got involved in the writing world, I was pretty normal—by writer standards anyway, pretty sure the non-writers still thought I was a bit weird. My first novel was a contemporary YA where I learned I knew nothing about writing and needed to start fresh. So, I wrote an adult suspense.

A New Year & A New Column for Writers

Edie here. I cannot tell you how excited I am to have Ralene Burke joining us here on The Write Conversation. She's an amazing spec fiction author and has a heart to help other writers. I know you will be as blessed as I am to have her here. Be sure to give her a warm TWC welcome!

A New Year & A New Column for Writers
by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Happy New Year, writers! My name is Ralene Burke, and I am the Marketing Director for Realm Makers (more on that in a minute). I am so thrilled that Edie invited us to have a monthly column on The Write Conversation. I have so many exciting things to share with you in the coming months—writing tips, special guests, and more—all having to do with some aspect of the growing genre of speculative fiction.