Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 22 (counting down to Day 1): Topic: for Mentor and Specialty Appointments at conference Scripture: Psalm 66:19-20–But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor …
Applying real life to your books
By Cindy Ervin Huff There is always at least one real-life experience from my life or someone I know in every book I write. Those scenes from my past add depth and realism to my stories. The research I do for my novels add another layer of realism. Historical events, people, or documents strengthen descriptions and help me add realistic …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Day 23
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 23 (counting down to Day 1): Topic: The Carol Award Finalists Scripture: Psalm 31: 14-15a—But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, You are my God. My times are in Your hand. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Day 24
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 24 (counting down to Day 1): Topic: For all attending to have a servant’s heart toward those around them. Scripture: John 13: 34-35 — A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Day 25
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 25 (counting down to Day 1): Topic: For the technology to work Scripture: 1 Cor. 14:33a– For God is not a God of disorder but of peace Dear Father, Please use the technology equipment to amplify Your truth and elevate Your wisdom. May …
Creating Authentic Cause and Effect
DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Bestselling stories explode from powerful emotions that push a character into authentic cause and effect. The process is the backbone of fiction. A character is deeply motivated and commits skills, time, energy, and knowledge to pursue something tangible or intangible. The something is valued, meaning sacrifices are expected. The reader will feel cheated if the character is …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Day 26
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 26 (counting down to Day 1): Topic: For First-time Attendees Scripture: Philippians 4:6–Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Lord, may every step you take us on, every …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Day 27
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 27 (counting down to Day 1) For: The Conference Staff Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3a–Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love . . . Father: Thank you for those who work diligently throughout the year to put this …
ACFW Conference Prayer: Day 28
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 28 (counting down to Day 1) For: the Spotlight Sessions Scripture: Proverbs 2:6–For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Lord, thank you for the agents and editors who host Spotlight Sessions. Bless them for sharing their time …
Seven Components Required to Create a Compelling Character
by Rachel Hauck @RachelHauck This August I’ve been writing full time for twenty years. I quit my job—cutting our household income by two-thirds—with one little $2,500 contract and a big deposit of dreams. While other contracts followed, my books didn’t fly off the shelf, win awards, or create buzz at my publisher. In many ways, I had a wrong idea …