What Goes into Choosing a Book Title?

by Warren Adler @WarrenAdler

You can’t judge a book by its title.

You’ve heard the saying forever, mostly in reference to book covers. But the real issue concerns the title that cleverly describes the contents that lie within the covers.

  

To be authentic it must have the ring of truth, but the ring should be so piercing and articulate that it makes a serious reader take notice.

Don’t Rush Publication, Instead Spend Your Time on Excellence

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Don't rush publication, instead spend time on excellence

There is more to being a writer than just putting words on a page. There’s responsibility, attitude, and expectations. So tell me, where does your heart lay and what’s your rush?

I posed these two questions at a recent writers conference where I taught.

My own ideas were put to the test when one writer asked the hot button question, “But if you can’t get a contract with your first book, why not self-publish?”

Blogging for Writers, Part 2 - So What Do I Blog About?

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Now that we’re all on the same page about blog versus website, the next step is deciding whether or not blogging is a good fit for you personally. Blogging takes a commitment. It’s almost like the decision we each had to make when we decided to call ourselves writers.

There is rarely a blog that is an overnight success. I have seen it happen a couple of time, but we should begin expecting growth and benefits to take time.

Trusting God for the Unseen

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I snapped the picture last year in the Rocky Mountain National Park. These magnificent views reminded me anew about the greatness of our God. I believe faith is important, but I also believe God gives us concrete moments to hang onto when our faith needs to stretch. 

What do you think? How have your experiences strengthened your faith?

"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

I invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

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Trusting #God for the Unseen by seeing what He's done - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Writers, You Are Worthy

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

We writers go through periods of feeling somehow inadequate. And if we don’t look at ourselves in the proper light, we may give up altogether.

It’s easy to become discouraged when we focus on our limitations. We simply have to compare ourselves to more experienced writers. Or allow the demands of the current publishing world, like platform and self-marketing, to weigh heavy on our minds. And before we know it, we’re ready to give up altogether.

But don’t despair. There’s hope, If you know where to look.

Perfectionism & Vulnerability, A Tough Combination for Writers

by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

There are a few things I know about myself. I don’t like them, but I know they are true.

I’m a perfectionist and I don’t like feeling vulnerable.

But I kept hearing about this author and researcher, Dr. Brené Brown, who has a couple of insanely popular TED talks where she discusses her research.

Guess what she researches?

Vulnerability, shame, and she throws in some really nice stuff about perfectionism in there as well.

Calendar Days—September’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:

September 1 is Calendar Awareness Day and No Rhyme or Reason Day—‘nough said. September 4th is Bring Your Manners to Work Day and Hug Your Boss Day. Is it good manners to hug your boss?  September 13 is Defy Superstition Day and Fortune Cookie Day . . . hmmm. And September has three of my favorite holidays—the 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day, the 22nd is Hobbit Day, and the 24th is Punctuation Day.