by Ann H. Gabhart I’m at the beginning of a new story. I’ve written the proposal. I’ve named the main characters. No way can I write their stories without knowing their names. And just pulling a name out of a hat doesn’t work for me. I need them to have the right name. That’s not to say a character has …
Fast Edits
by Bonnie S. Calhoun Fast Edits This is a fast and down-dirty review of the things you should look for as you go through your self-edit of your manuscript. If you can catch all these, you’ve got a good start to a great manuscript. Weasel Words These are words that weaken the writing, thus the story. We sometimes type them …
Be Kind to One Another
by Tina Radcliffe It’s quite serendipitous that what has been percolating in me for days is a postscript to Deborah Raney’s lovely post of September 4, 2013, “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Reviews.” As members of ACFW, there is an expectation that at some point we will have books available for consumer purchase. Additionally, we all have our own …
3 Easy Steps to a Successful ACFW Conference – even if You’re Not Attending!
by Beth K. Vogt I’m heading to Indianapolis tomorrow, getting a few days head start on the ACFW conference. I started a mental checklist weeks ago, about the time my Twitter feed and Facebook page filled up with “I’m going!” conversations – and some “I’m not going” laments – and discussions about arrivals and departures, favorite snacks (candy corn, anyone?) …
Making Time for the Work You Love
by Mary Ellis Most readers imagine authors pounding away at their computers, then taking long walks on the beach to renew their inspiration. A writer’s life must be solitary, introspective, and perhaps a bit tragic. Although there are some writers enjoying that lifestyle, most juggle other jobs too. If wish to add author to your day job and family responsibilities, …
A Neophyte is Going To Indy
by B.J. Young In four days I’m going to get into my car and drive to the ACFW Conference in Indianapolis. My initial stop on Friday morning will be the orientation for first time attendees. To say I’m excited, and a little nervous, is an understatement. In the world of writing, I am a novice. I’ve only been doing it …
Conference Packing Tips
by Denise Hunter With the ACFW Conference a week away, here are some timely tips on packing, gleaned from 8 years of packing for ACFW. If you plan ahead, you can avoid ironing, tedious decisions (you’ll have enough to make once you’re there), and wasting precious time that could be spent gabbing with writing friends and schmoozing editors and agents. …
Do Yourself a Favor – Follow Through
by Cynthia Ruchti “No more shoulds.” I could feel my eyes widen and my eyebrows creep higher at her no-nonsense statement. She meant all three words. She’d determined to eliminate the word “should” from her vocabulary. No more “I should,” “We should,” “They should,” “You should.” “I’m either going to do it or I’m not,” she vowed. “I either will …
Finish the Book
By Kathleen Y’Barbo Reaching THE END and Pressing SEND at the 2013 ACFW Conference In less than two weeks, conferees will descend on Indianapolis for the 2013 ACFW Conference. Most hope to leave with some measure of success, be it a manuscript requested, an agent interested, or perhaps new friends made. Others hope to learn how to do what they …
Overcoming Writing Fears
By Loretta Eidson Pressing the send button for that first submission can be the most nerve-racking, push-of-the-button feat ever tackled. Why? Writing thrusts the writer’s reputation into the world. It shouts from the inner corridors of the heart, “I have something to write about, but will the editor think it is worthwhile?” It unveils a hidden desire to communicate with …