by Jordyn Redwood Recently, I read a blog post that theorized Amazon may be leaning toward doing away with free Kindle downloads. You can read that post here. When I was growing up my mother used to tell me, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” At that point in my youth, the phrase was …
One Message – Many Stories
by Lillian Duncan When people learn I’m a writer, I get lots of different reactions. Some are excited and want to learn more. Those are the ones I like. The kids usually just ask does that means if I’m rich. That one always makes me laugh even more. Then there are some who look like I started talking in another …
When Grief and Illness Strike
by Maggie Brendan Ever heard the phrase- “if you’re healthy then you’re a wealthy man?” Most everyone can identify with that phrase if you or your spouse have fallen sick. It’s easy to take our health for granted when you’re feeling well, isn’t it? Each of us, at one time or another, experiences illness or the loss of a loved …
5 Keys to Finding Your Focus
By Elizabeth Ludwig My prayer when I first started out on this writing journey was simple – Lord, please help me to get published, and let my words touch someone’s heart. Oh, how that prayer has changed over time! After my first book contract, I quickly discovered how unpredictable the publishing industry can be (an article for another time). The …
Conflict vs. Tension
by Donna Schlachter “I can’t believe you said that to me.” She would never have said that to him. “Well, it’s true.” And sometimes the truth hurts. “It wasn’t very nice.” She always tried to say nice things to people, even if they weren’t completely true. “Wasn’t meant to be.” Doesn’t the Bible say to speak in truth? “I’m not …
The Importance of Research
by Sandra Robbins A writer friend and I were discussing the importance of research in writing a novel the other day. Both of us at one time or another had read a book that we liked until we came across one instance that suddenly changed our opinion of the book. Having written both historical and contemporary novels, I know how …
Who’s In Charge?
by Maureen Lang I like walking our dog for exercise, so I set a fast pace. But if my dog were in charge, we’d stop at every “interesting” scent and visit every dog we pass by. And if a bunny crosses our path-look out for an unplanned hunt! As much as I love indulging my dog, my exercise regime would …
Growing a Book
by Charlotte Snead I recently wrote on my FB page: “I’m gestating a book . . . Please don’t bother me.” March 12 is my oldest child’s birthday. I gave birth to four children, and I promise you gestating a book takes more time, the labor is longer, and it’s a much more grueling process. I could have given birth …
Do You Support Your Industry?
by Jill Williamson I’ve met hundreds of authors who are on the journey toward publication. I’m always surprised to learn how many have never read Christian fiction. And I wonder how one can hope to get published in the CBA market without studying and supporting it. No one expects you to read every book out there. But if you’re looking …
Exploring the Passion for Your Novel
by DiAnn Mills When I wrote The Chase, the first book in the Crime Scene: Houston series, I thought I’d never have that much passion for a story again. But I was wrong. The Survivor brought just as many tears, if not more. But why would I want to write a story that did not slice my heart raw? The …