by Cynthia Ruchti The writer in me once rebelled against the idea of abiding by the constrictions of Tweet-length posts when communicating with the public. It felt like moving from a four-bedroom house to a pop-up camper, with about as much writerly elbow room. I have no qualms admitting I’m no Twitter expert. But I now understand the impact a …
The Pendulum Swings…again
by Julie Gwinn B & H Publishing Group Writing novels is an art form, a craft, much like fashion design, interior design and painting. And as such is subject to changes in consumer tastes and trends. Just as clothing styles change (think military jackets and skinny jeans), interior design trends shift (from French Country to Shabby Chic), even paint color …
Seven Ways To Stifle Your Unique Writer’s Voice
by Becky Wade 1) Let every critique you receive sway you. Ever hear that “too many cooks spoil the broth”? Sometimes it’s better to whip up something all by yourself that you absolutely LOVE than to let lots of “adviser cooks” taste your recipe, comment on it, alter it, season it, and subdue it. 2) Write Safe. If you’re working …
Promises and Delays
by Robin Lee Hatcher Not every published writer’s path to a career as a novelist is the same. My path to writing Christian fiction took me through a career in the general romance market (30 books) before God captured my attention and turned me in a new direction. Turned me on my head might be a better description. The one …
Unexpected Blessings
by Kathi Macias God never ceases to amaze me. It’s stunning enough to realize that He uses frail, fallible human beings (like you and me!) to partner with Him in ministry, but even more humbling to discover how great His plans are for the work He calls us to do. Though I’ve seen this truth played out many times over …
Say Goodnight, Gracie: Seven Secrets to creating the Perfect Ending
by Janice Thompson There’s nothing worse than a book with an unsatisfying ending. The reader deserves a solid wrap-up. Otherwise, he’ll feel cheated. (After all, he plowed through 300+ pages of your book, assuming the ending would leave him satisfied!) Knowing how and when to conclude your story is key. It’s also an art-form. With that in mind, I’ve come …
The Art of Being Flexible
by Janet Lee Barton Oh, you may be finished with the manuscript-as it is right now. You may have gone over it multiple times-had critique partners, family and/or friends read through it several times, too. Then you send it out. But it still doesn’t mean you’re finished. You may have an agent or publisher interested in it, and even get …
Book Review: You Don’t Know Me
Title: You Don’t Know Me Author: Susan May Warren Publisher: Tyndale House Date: September 2012 ISBN: 978-1414334844 Genre: Romantic Suspense Reviewed by: Holly Wolfe Grab your favorite quilt and a cup of Wild Moose Mocha and snuggle in for another excellent book in Susan May Warren’s charming fictional town of Deep Haven, Minnesota. You Don’t Know Me features Annalise Decker, …
In Loving Memory: Elizabeth Geiser
by Katie Bond HarperCollins Christian Publishing Over the next two months, in Colorado, Florida, and New York, three memorial services will be held for one very special woman who passed away October 8, 2012. The Denver Post called Elizabeth Geiser an “industry legend” and a “dynamo whose life revolved around books.” It’s true: her contributions to publishing are undeniable. But …
Frequent Questions Answered, Part 2
by Mary Sue Seymour The Seymour Agency Mary Sue Seymour is back again today answering more questions. Do you represent any projects currently that are unusual or different? I am circulating NY Times best-selling author Cec Murphey’s Slow Death in Muma which is a murder mystery. I don’t usually handle this genre, but I couldn’t put Cec’s book down. Also, …