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 …
Exploring the Passion for Your Novel
by DiAnn Mills When I wrote The Chase, the first book in the Crime Scene: Houston series, I thought I’d never have that much passion for a story again. But I was wrong. The Survivor brought just as many tears, if not more. But why would I want to write a story that did not slice my heart raw? The …
Go ahead, I can take it. I think…
by Sherri Stone There I was, my first time at an ACFW conference on appointment day. I had two. One for a fiction project and one for non-fiction. The fiction appointment went well and was very encouraging and helpful. Time for the non-fiction appointment and I clutched by precious baby tightly and took that long walk to the end of …
The Secret to Getting Published
by Richard L. Mabry, MD Gotcha! How many of you clicked on this post thinking I’d give you the magic formula for turning dross into gold? Sorry, it doesn’t work that way. Let me tell you my own story. My first writer’s conference was an absolute disaster. I felt as though I’d been dumped into a foreign land without knowing …
No Shortcuts to Developing Gift and Craft
by Tina Radcliffe I firmly believe in the philosophy of happily-ever-after, hard work paying off and that eventually everyone who pays their dues will graduate from the school of hard knocks. I don’t believe there are short cuts to success for authors. Writing is a gift and a craft. Gift is that immeasurable package of God-given talent you were born …