by Donna L. Rich There are many details one can miss when engulfed in pride of accomplishment. For instance, I’m published in contemporary, my most recent of which, Love for the Right Reasons, will be out in March from Heartsong. Nevertheless, I love writing and reading historical. Here’s where the pride comes in. Having had twelve years’ background in tracing …
The Voices, the Voices!
by Carolyne Aarsen We all have them. Those Voices that won’t leave us alone as we write. The Voices that roam around the back of our head, that analyze each word, each phrase, each scene. Voices that are often negative, sometimes positive. I’ll be writing about my hero and heroine as they become aware of each other and the Voices …
Writing in the Rain
by Telena Tanara Contreras I am a planner down to the last detail, organizing my life much like I organize my family’s travels. When a trip approaches, I map out the events, orchestrate the timeline, gather the supplies, and instruct the participants. I make sure my perfect little plan is in picture perfect order before bags can be loaded and …
Day Job?
by Beth Shriver I’ve always admired writers who also have another job as well as their writing. I was a social worker before my daughter was born and started writing soon after, but now that my youngest is off to college I’ve ventured back into the work force. I’m still learning how to balance the two. The first thing I …
Developing the Real-Life Substance
by Michael Lee Joshua I “live” in Colorado. But I work in Wyoming. I do get home every other weekend (as long as weather permits). Being up here in Wyoming has left me with time on my hands. I’ve gotten a lot of writing done. Some of the best lessons I have picked up over the past few months have …
The Question of Character
by Christine Sunderland In this week in which we celebrate our American Presidents, the question of character seems particularly relevant. How do we develop characters in fiction? How do we develop character in our children? What is, exactly character? Of course I’m playing a bit with two definitions – moral attributes, and a person in a novel. But are they …
Building Relationships
by Jordyn Redwood Okay, I have to admit-one thing that surprised me on the road of an author’s life was bookstore signings are not about me. Really. They’re not. Whenever you read about marketing (and bookstore signings are just that) it boils down to how well you build relationships. Last year at the ACFW conference, author handler Suzie Q discussed …
FIFTEEN MINUTES TO FAME: How to Complete Your Historical Novel Without Quitting Your Day Job
By Kathleen Y’Barbo We historical authors are an interesting breed. Those of us who have answered the call can attest to the fact that there are no shortcuts in penning novels set in past eras. As with any other type of writing, plotting, planning, and research take time. If you’re a fulltime writer who has no trouble fitting your writing …
Cover Matters
by Robin Lee Hatcher It’s a bold new world for writers. No doubt about that. Not all that long ago, there was a traditional path to publishing that the vast majority of novelists followed. The digital age has changed things so much in the last two years, I hardly know where to begin. It used to be I always discouraged …
Why Do We Torture Ourselves?
By Vickie McDonough The first goal I can remember having was to grow up and marry a rancher. I loved horses, and I guess that my pre-teen mind reasoned if I married a rancher I could have all the horses I wanted. In the mean time, I read every book I could find with a horse on the cover. Years …