The Writer’s Life Is A Solitary Life. Or Is It? How to build a viable community. A writer’s life is a solitary life. The very act of shutting oneself away to write a novel implies solitude, aloneness. If not physically, then mentally and emotionally. Writers have to break free from the day-to-day, spend time with the people living and breathing …
Speaking at Your Local Library
by Lisa Jordan Last November, my friend mentioned her book club was reading my first novel, Lakeside Reunion, and she asked if I’d like to come and talk at their November meeting. I agreed and enjoyed the conversation I had with them. One of the book club attendees works as the business manager at my local library and asked if …
My One Tip for Writers
By Margaret Daley I have been writing and selling for over thirty years. During my journey I have gone through many types of situations that a person may encounter as a writer–a line dying, editor changes, rejections, sold a book that never came out, a long dry spell. So when an interviewer asked me what tip would I give a …
How Should an Author Engage with Bookstores?
by Suzanne Kuhn (SuzyQ) I write a bi-monthly column entitled Engage+Relate for CBA’s magazine Retailers+Resources. I encourage bookstores to connect with both their customers and their local communities. Likewise, authors need to engage and relate with bookstores. Browsing in a bookstore is the most common way readers discover books. An author who adopts an intentional bookstore strategy is likely to …
5 Keys to Finding Your Focus
By Elizabeth Ludwig My prayer when I first started out on this writing journey was simple – Lord, please help me to get published, and let my words touch someone’s heart. Oh, how that prayer has changed over time! After my first book contract, I quickly discovered how unpredictable the publishing industry can be (an article for another time). The …
Conflict vs. Tension
by Donna Schlachter “I can’t believe you said that to me.” She would never have said that to him. “Well, it’s true.” And sometimes the truth hurts. “It wasn’t very nice.” She always tried to say nice things to people, even if they weren’t completely true. “Wasn’t meant to be.” Doesn’t the Bible say to speak in truth? “I’m not …
The Importance of Research
by Sandra Robbins A writer friend and I were discussing the importance of research in writing a novel the other day. Both of us at one time or another had read a book that we liked until we came across one instance that suddenly changed our opinion of the book. Having written both historical and contemporary novels, I know how …
Who’s In Charge?
by Maureen Lang I like walking our dog for exercise, so I set a fast pace. But if my dog were in charge, we’d stop at every “interesting” scent and visit every dog we pass by. And if a bunny crosses our path-look out for an unplanned hunt! As much as I love indulging my dog, my exercise regime would …
Growing a Book
by Charlotte Snead I recently wrote on my FB page: “I’m gestating a book . . . Please don’t bother me.” March 12 is my oldest child’s birthday. I gave birth to four children, and I promise you gestating a book takes more time, the labor is longer, and it’s a much more grueling process. I could have given birth …
Do You Support Your Industry?
by Jill Williamson I’ve met hundreds of authors who are on the journey toward publication. I’m always surprised to learn how many have never read Christian fiction. And I wonder how one can hope to get published in the CBA market without studying and supporting it. No one expects you to read every book out there. But if you’re looking …