30 Days of Idea Starters for Writers - Calendar Days - April's Crazy Holidays & Special Occasions

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. This month is  especially fun for writers because of all the writing/reading related holidays:

Born to be a Writer

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Were you born to be a writer?

Ten months ago I was told I had a year to live, maybe two. My body was being consumed by tumors resulting from “Stage IV, aggressive, incurable metastatic prostate cancer.” It was a sobering statement.

Thoughts of my imminent death led me down paths I’d not considered before. My attention turned to getting my life in order and positioning my wife in a situation that would provide constant support after I died. This became my primary focus. Hardly a thought was given to writing.

The Basics of Building an Author Platform

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

What is an author platform and why do I need one?

What is a platform and How do I build one?

These are good questions, but difficult ones to answer in a single blogpost. As a matter of fact, these question are the source of entire books. There truly is no easy answer. 

That said, let me lay out some of the basics.

A Writer's Prayer

Edie here. I was fortunate to speak at the Mid-south Christian Writers Conference this spring and met April Thompson. April was our emcee, but is also a talented writer in her own right. When she shared this Writer's Prayer, I knew it was something I needed to hear, and something I wanted to share with you. Please give her a warm, Write Conversation welcome!

A Writer's Prayer
by April Thompson @AThompson_WREG3 

Lord you have put this desire in my heart

to tell others through words what you would have them to hear.

Let me use it wisely, carefully and guided by you...

not to give myself glory or riches, but to give you glory and those I reach a path to real living in you.

Help me to boldly write the words that you want written

      ...not afraid of judgment or condemnation,  for if the words are from you, they are true.

This is a noble calling I don't take lightly.

You have trusted me to be a voice for you.

Speak to me...give me the heart to feel, the ear to hear and the courage to write.

TWEETABLE

A Writer's Prayer for us all - April Thompson @AThompson_WREG3 (Click to Tweet)

April Thompson is an Anchor and Investigative Reporter at WREG TV News Channel 3 (CBS) in Memphis, TN. April is an avid writer who has spent nearly 30 years writing, reporting and anchoring television and radio news stories across the Southeast. Her detailed and straight-forward ability to relate to all audiences has resulted in accolades and awards. With a desire to find deeper meaning in her work and also in her calling as a Christian, April embarked on writing her first Christian novel. She enjoys meeting other authors, speaking to audiences and emceeing public events. Connect with April Thompson on Facebook (April Thompson) and Twitter @AThompson_WREG3.

Blogging Smarter by Narrowing Your Scope

by Jennifer Slattery @JenSlattery

Edie here. Today I'm excited to welcome back Jennifer Slattery. She has a new book, Breaking Free, and I'm sure you'll want to download the free sample and give it a test run. Jennifer is an expert blogger and has some valuable advice for authors.

Blogging Smarter by Narrowing Your Scope

It’s quite possible to wear oneself out writing numerous articles and blog posts with little to show for it. Though I was hitting my target readership, I didn’t realize my scope was too broad. My topics: Christian living, because, well, I guess I figured all women between the ages of 35-70 need daily encouragement. And that worked—for fiction. The problem is, I eventually want to break into the nonfiction arena as well.

Why Bloggers Should Consider Pinterest

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

When I needed decorating ideas for my daughter’s baby shower, I went to Pinterest. When I searched for a recipe for a French toast casserole, I went to Pinterest. When I lost the directions for how to make reindeer Christmas tree ornaments, I went to Pinterest.

As the fastest growing social media site, Pinterest has become the go-to place for information. But is it also a valuable platform for writers? I say YES.

The Joy of Character Serendipity in Writing

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

The Joy of Character Serendipity

I find myself in a bit of a transition in my writing right now. A while back, my weekly writing group challenged me to write a fantasy novel. (I love you, Solitary Scribes.) My agent at the time said I’d have to come up with a pen name because it’s such a genre switch. I’m thinking C.S. Tolkien might work. Or Tim Dekker. Or Johnny C. Jenkins.

Part of the challenge I set for myself—I really can’t blame my group for this—is to write it organically as Steven James calls it. So, yeah, he gets some of the blame/credit for this too.