by M.D. House @real_housemd Jesus was an optimist. That seems a trite thing to say, doesn’t it? It was easy for him to be positive all the time, right? He was the Messiah, for heaven’s sake. He had a direct line to God, and angels were on call to help him. And yet, he often wept—not just for what was …
Why Hospitality Toward Our Readers Should be on Our List of New Year’s Resolutions
by Donna Wichelman @DonnaWichelman Several years ago, while listening to a webinar hosted by Thomas Umstattd, Jr., he made a statement that impressed me and motivated me to write two questions on a Post-It note that still hangs on my computer monitor today. How do you throw a banquet for your readers? How do you serve them if you don’t …
REST in Your Writing
by Susan Lyttek @SusanLyttek Today, as this posts, is my birthday. As with most of us, even if I vow not to, I compare the current me to the me of a year ago. Did I accomplish what I planned? (absolutely never) Did I grow closer to God and family? (almost always) Do I like the person I’m becoming? (never …
Encouragement for your 2025 Writing Goals
by Chandra Lynn Smith “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.” ~ Galatians 6:4 (MSG) It’s Christmas Eve as I sit here writing this post. My heart wants to get back to the cooking and cleaning and wrapping. But, I must first write this post for …
Be a Gideon
by Maureen Miller He was timid and weak. Afraid and insecure. That’s right. Listen to his doubt when the Angel of the Lord called him to defeat the enemy. O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house (Judges 6:15 NKJV). To say Gideon …
Giving Ourselves Grace in Our Writing Journey
By Elle E. Kay This path we’ve chosen isn’t easy. Whether you’re indie, traditionally, or hybrid published, you have to manage your career. We all have to help with the marketing, juggle social media, send newsletters, and so much more. Keeping all those plates spinning without dropping any of them is nearly impossible. Yet, we expect to do it. And …
A Writer’s Yield
by Jane Kirkpatrick Today my writing project is a second book in an historical series. The first book, Across the Crying Sands, Revell, comes out in May. When I turn this second manuscript in, it’ll be my 42nd book. You’d think I’d know how to plant seeds of words that would lead to a harvest but I still struggle with …
Writing in Layers
By Loretta Eidson Chefs prepare some of the best tasting layered foods. We have lasagna, nachos, casseroles, salads, pizza, etc. Just the mention of those delicious dishes makes our mouths water. Not to mention topping it off with extra cheese. All the ingredients, appropriately measured and blended, result in a lip-smacking delight. We won’t forget the satisfying taste that tickles …
Let Down the Nets
by Lisa Kelley @LisaKelleyWrite Writing is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Even so, the quest most of the time is rewarding. But sometimes the doubts mushroom, and I think my efforts are futile. Have you felt this way? Maybe you, like me, have said, “Lord, I’m done. I have nothing more to give.” Like me, you may have had …
Building a Home, Building a Novel
By Diane E. Samson My husband and I have been in the process of building a home for the last 18 months. Our new place will be ready in December, and as all the various design pieces come together so it looks like an actual home, I can’t help but notice the similarities this experience has been to bringing a …