by Becky Wade Think back. Have any of your favorite authors simply stopped writing? Some may have retired at the end of a long career. But others likely quit writing because of burnout. It happens! I happened to me once. And it’s something that can stall or derail the dreams of any writer at any time. What precautionary measures can …
The Writing Journey – Smile No Matter What!
by Donna L. Rich My last speaking engagement was with the Optimists Club, and they asked me to speak on my writing journey. Since they were optimists, I had to tell them about smile no matter what. When I was a kid, my mother always told me to smile no matter what, and I did just that – even when …
On the Road to Publication Be Sure to Pack A Lot of Patience!
by Pamela S. Meyers I’ve always dreamed of writing a story set in my picturesque hometown, and God surely blessed me when I was given the opportunity to do so by Summerside Press. This past weekend I launched my novel Love Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the book of my heart. My first publishing contract came seventeen years after …
Conference Benefits
by Dani Pettrey I’m often asked if the cost of attending a writing conference is worth it, particularly for the unpublished author. I can only speak from personal experience, but I have found writing conferences to be extremely worthwhile, especially in the following four areas: 1. Friendship: Attending a writing conference is a great way to meet likeminded folks, to …
ACFW REWIND: Developing the Real Life Substance
(Editor’s Note: Today, ACFW re-runs a worthwhile post from the past, in this case from February, in what we call the ACFW rewind, which highlights previous posts that deserve a second look. ) 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 …
Inspiration for a Story
by Sandra Robbins When I first started writing, I was somewhat shocked to find that I would be an active participant in the marketing of my books. So I said a prayer and jumped right in. Besides all the resources available online, I found one of the things I enjoyed doing most was talking with readers. Over the last few …
Do You Know Your Audience?
by Davalynn Spencer “I love your book,” she said, dark eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation. “I’m going to finish it tonight. I’m saving the last chapter until after the service.” “The service” was our church’s Christmas Eve celebration. The dark sparkling eyes belonged to our pastor’s wife. The pastor’s wife reads romance? My romance? This surprise encounter with a reader …
Mistaken Identity
By Deborah K. Anderson Have you ever discovered that you’re not who you thought you were? I did recently, and let me tell you, it can be a frightening experience. A few years ago, I received an e-mail telling me I was a finalist in a novel competition. Being the optimist that I am, my eyes shifted. Okay, what’s going …