by Phyllis Keels I used to have a hard time causing my main characters to go through hardship, suffering, or even to allow them to experience conflict or pain. That was before I understood its purpose. That was before I personally understood its purpose. Suffering is not pleasant and we usually avoid it at all costs, but sometimes it finds …
What A Writer Needs
by Dani Pettrey Every writer is different and every writer has different needs while writing. I always write with a piece of dark chocolate and a coffee drink (Mocha, Americano, etc.) at hand. I always write my first drafts longhand, and I’m pretty particular about the notebooks and pens I use. It got me thinking about what other writers need …
Why – Character Motivation
by Anne Greene Want to create unforgettable characters? Then find the WHY for what they do. Find the deep-down inner motivation that drives your character. Character Motivation is vitally important. Motivation engages the reader. Readers relate to character motivations. They make the character live in the reader’s minds. Motivation leads to the character arc. It’s the WHY of Goal Motivation …
What’s in a Name?
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. …