By Anne Greene When I wrote my book, Masquerade Marriage, I discovered the secret to making each manuscript I write come alive to my readers. In the second book of my Scottish Marriage Series, Marriage By Arrangement, I honed that secret to a fine art. I’m a great proponent of improving each manuscript I write. So, I’ve worked diligently to …
Why Take the Chance?
by Fay Lamb Stick around the business long enough and you’re going to find an exception to every rule. You know, the best-selling author who says, “I don’t worry about grammar and punctuation. I just tell the story and let a copyeditor deal with the rest.” Sure, it happens. Someone writes a novel that is so intriguing an editor overlooks …
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 …
One Message – Many Stories
by Lillian Duncan When people learn I’m a writer, I get lots of different reactions. Some are excited and want to learn more. Those are the ones I like. The kids usually just ask does that means if I’m rich. That one always makes me laugh even more. Then there are some who look like I started talking in another …
When Grief and Illness Strike
by Maggie Brendan Ever heard the phrase- “if you’re healthy then you’re a wealthy man?” Most everyone can identify with that phrase if you or your spouse have fallen sick. It’s easy to take our health for granted when you’re feeling well, isn’t it? Each of us, at one time or another, experiences illness or the loss of a loved …
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 …
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 …