By DiAnn Mills We writers embrace words, brainstorming sessions, hours to write, and constructive criticism, but there is one critical aspect of the writer’s life that shakes us to our core. Marketing and Promotion The nightmare of our career. We think we have the notion. But can’t move past the fear. Okay, I’m not a poet–I write suspense. But I’m …
Crawling Into Your Character’s Brain
By Kariss Lynch Few things drive me to crazy story rants quite like shallow characters. I want to open a book and dive in, enjoying the dance of meeting new people. I want characters with depth that make me want to be them or marry them. I want characters with character, grit, vulnerability, and quirks. I want a little spice …
Real People
By Georgia Florey-Evans As you might guess from the title, we are looking at characters. Unless I stick with the “Real People” and host a gossip session like none other. When I started writing only three years ago, I was naïve. I would write this unbelievably excellent novel, and it would go right onto the shelf at every major bookstore. …
Show Vs Tell Gone Wild
By Ane Mulligan To draw your readers into your story, you want to create an experience for them. But that experience is filtered through your POV character. You know that already? Good. But are you layering the senses into your fiction so the reader hears, sees, smells, tastes, and feels it? It’s actually a matter of “showing vs. telling” gone …
What Not to Wear Writer-Style
By Melissa Tagg A few years ago, I got stuck in a dress. I mean reeeally stuck. Arms over my head, uncooperative fabric playing boa constrictor with my torso while my sister laughed at me inside the department store dressing room. I’ve never forgotten that moment. And to be honest, I halfway blame my near death on ACFW. Yep, that’s …
Getting Naked on the Page
By Lenora Livingston In my lifetime, I have spent a lot of time, money, and effort trying to improve my writing skills. I have taken long courses and short courses, attended writing seminars, and joined writing groups. But the best advice ever given to me came absolutely free from Mark Weston. Who is Mark Weston? The younger generations probably wouldn’t …
Procrastination Explanation
By Patti Shene Gonzales I’m a procrastinator. The one thing in my life I procrastinate most? My writing. When I was pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at what was then University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo, we were assigned a “term paper.” I assume a student was expected to work on the project for the majority of …
Meet Deadlines with Simple Math
by Tamela Hancock Murray During your publishing journey you may have the delightful problem of too many deadlines. You may have to ask yourself if you can accept another contract because you’re so busy. I’ve advised many clients about this over the years, taking them from panic to peace. Simple math can help. Determine time Look at all your contracts …
An Unexpected Opportunity
By Mary Lou Cheatham Do you ever find a review of your novel that you wish would go away…simply disappear from Amazon…and not be there when you visit your product page next time? As writers seeking to improve our skills of communication, we thrive on helpful criticism from critique partners, critique groups, and even negative reviewers. But you have a …
Four Little Words to Help You Prep for the ACFW Conference
By Beth K. Vogt For those of your prepping for the upcoming conference, here are four words to guide you, and yes, I used the acronym A.C.F.W. Even if you’re not attending the conference, these four words apply to every writer’s journey: ADJUST your expectations. We pack a lot of things to bring to the annual ACFW conference, but one …