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 …
Layering Your Creation With the Good Stuff
by Bonnie S. Calhoun Okay…chocolate does come to mind…but not this time. Remember the famous saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Go one step further, “No great book was built in one writing.” By that I mean many authors hamstring themselves by trying to include everything in their first go round. Character emotions, allegories, red herrings, hidden meanings, clues, …
Go ahead, I can take it. I think…
by Sherri Stone There I was, my first time at an ACFW conference on appointment day. I had two. One for a fiction project and one for non-fiction. The fiction appointment went well and was very encouraging and helpful. Time for the non-fiction appointment and I clutched by precious baby tightly and took that long walk to the end of …
The Secret to Getting Published
by Richard L. Mabry, MD Gotcha! How many of you clicked on this post thinking I’d give you the magic formula for turning dross into gold? Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. Let me tell you my own story. My first writer’s conference was an absolute disaster. I felt as though I’d been dumped into a foreign land without knowing …
No Shortcuts to Developing Gift and Craft
by Tina Radcliffe I firmly believe in the philosophy of happily-ever-after, hard work paying off and that eventually everyone who pays their dues will graduate from the school of hard knocks. I don’t believe there are short cuts to success for authors. Writing is a gift and a craft. Gift is that immeasurable package of God-given talent you were born …
The Long Wait, Part 2
by Dani Pettrey Last month, I shared five proactive steps you can take while waiting for the “call.” Those steps helped me during my waiting days, and I hope they were encouraging to you. Today, I’d like to share five more. 1. All good things take time: It takes time to learn how to write a novel. Yes, there are …