Taking the Question Out of Query Letters, Part 2

by Vonda Skelton @VondaSkelton

A few weeks ago, I shared the first of two posts on query letters. I’ve heard from several who admitted that they, too, hated writing the dreaded query letter. After all, we’re called creative for a reason, right?

Well, as one who received 63 rejections before ever having anything published, I can tell you, I got tired of sending out those creativity-stifling letters. But I didn’t quit. And one day the answer was finally a yes! If you’re serious about writing, you won’t quit, either. I often think: What if I had never sent out that 64^th query? Wow. I don’t even want to think about all I would have missed.

So, if you hate queries and rejections and the whole submission process, I have four words for you: Get used to it. It’s simply part of the process.

For Writers: Freedom from Fear

by Jennifer Slattery @Jenslattery

When I first sensed God’s call to write, I tried to ignore Him. The very idea seemed completely irrational. Spend my time, maybe a decade or more, pursuing an unpredictable, subjective career? One with no job security and where every contract is tentative and dependent on the sales of a previously released book.

Couldn’t I do something easier? Something more . . . productive? More lucrative?

But then the pastor of our old church gave a sermon on the managers with the talents. As I listened, I knew God was calling me out.

One Writer's Thoughts on Writing Contests

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It’s that time in the publishing year. Conference season is definitely upon us. Everywhere we turn on social media is an announcement of yet another conference and the attending contests that surround it. Sometimes the contests even appear without a conference, put on by groups and organizations.

Lacking Social Media Momentum? It Could be an All or Nothing Mindset

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Stop the destructive cycle of all or nothing social media.

I’ve been teaching writers how to use social media to grow an online platform for years. I’ve developed this blog, spent years teaching at conferences, as well as consulting with groups and ministries. 

Unfortunately, the one thing I see over and over again, is excited people who try to take everything I teach and apply it in a crazy-short amount of time. 

In every class I teach, I warn against spending more than 30 minutes a day building an online platform, but I can’t seem to combat the rush of enthusiasm that infects some.

Then, these excited, energized folks become the victims of the destructive cycle of all or nothing social media. Today, I’d like to expand on this concept and explain what can happen if you find yourself caught in the whirlpool of this mindset. I’ll also offer some ways to help you regain your equilibrium.

One Publisher is Helping Authors Sell Books by Thinking Outside the Box

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Writers are expected to do more and more and more.

In a world where publishers are consolidating and cutting costs, and writers are expected to perform many marketing and promotional activities, how will we find time to write?

If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. It’s a topic of discussion at every conference and writers meeting I’ve attended over the past few years. And it’s a valid question. Sales and marketing activities do take time—a lot. And not everyone can do them well.

Bird by Bird, a Classic Writing Book that every Writer should Read

by Lynn H Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

Do you have a list of classics you’ve never read? You know, the ones you intended to read, but somehow they slipped through the literary cracks?

Now you’re all grown up and when people talk about these books you nod in agreement, because EVERYONE knows how awesome that book is.

But the truth is, YOU DON’T because you haven’t read it. And whenever anyone brings it up you remind yourself—again—that you’ve got to read that book just so you won’t feel like the only forty-year-old who hasn’t read To Kill A Mockingbird. (Hangs head in shame)

That’s how I’ve been feeling about Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.

Calendar Days—April's Crazy Holidays & Special Occasions—Idea Starters for Writers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It’s time again for Calendar Days. These are just fun to read. They’re also a great way to jumpstart our creativity when looking for ideas for articles and blog posts. They’re also a fun writing prompt idea. 

In addition, calendar days are great conversation starters for social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, especially when two contrasting holidays fall on the same date. Here are some that tickled my funny bone this month:

April 6, International Pillow Fight Day and Plan Your Epitaph Day—obviously these people are serious about their pillow fights!

Also, 7 is sending a good message—World Health Day and No Housework Day. I definitely think they’re onto something. LOL!

Finally, I think April 30 is sending us mixed messages. It’s Hairstyle Appreciation Day and National Honesty Day. Mixing those two could get someone in trouble.