By Donna L.H. Smith I heard a story by a former pastor many years ago. It’s a somewhat familiar tale, and you’ve probably heard it before. Two woodsmen start chopping trees into firewood. After a couple hours or so, the first woodsman stops and takes a break, while the second woodsman continues to chop. They chop wood all day. About …
Writing When There are so Many Books
By Rondi Olson Most people are encouraging when I tell them I am a writer, and that my debut novel is about to be released. Often they congratulate me, and some have assured me they will look for my book when it comes out. A few others have been less generous. “People need to stop writing books,” one lady told …
Audiences and Communities
By Glynn Young Do you write for an audience? I don’t. Most of my career in communications focused on writing for an audience. It might be people listening to a speech; it might be people reading a magazine article or a newspaper story. The audience might be people (sometimes angry) assembled for a town hall meeting. Or company employees. The …
Stand Alone Novel or Series?
By Ane Mulligan Are you writing a novel that’s part of a series or a stand-alone one? Let’s talk about series. Readers love series. While Jan Karon wrote eleven books in the Mitford series, the average stands at three or four. It’s hard to leave beloved characters behind after all the time you spent with them. I planned out my …
Persist . . . or Play?
By Sarah Sundin Once again my life paralleled the lives of my characters. While writing my latest release, When Tides Turn, I’d promised to not become overwhelmed by work, but I had. Only one thing to do—power through. Or so I thought. Instead, other lessons popped through. Stay the Course “Stay the course” is the motto of the novel’s hero, …
He Sowed Seeds, I Sow Words: Lessons on Writing from my Grandfather
By Tamara D. Fickas Grandpa spent much of his life working the land, coaxing forth new life that would nourish many. Farming was in his blood, so he toiled long hours in the fields. Over the years, I realized there is much I could learn from Grandpa. I don’t sow seeds; I sow words. Writing is in my blood, so …
The Writer Challenge
By DiAnn Mills How far are you willing to extend yourself to write a novel? Are you aware of the sacrifices that partner with the rewards of becoming a published writer? Do you ever wonder if you’re all alone in your pursuit of publication? Has anyone ever posed those questions to you? If not, let me give you a little …
Why I Write
By Preslaysa Williams “Do what you love and the money will come.” Mama My mother always said this to me growing up, and Mama was right. When the school teachers pushed me to be a lawyer or a doctor, I wanted to be a creative. With the support of my parents, I was able to be creative at an early …
REWRITING: How to Avoid Too Much Introspection in Your Manuscript
By Beth K. Vogt Let’s be honest with each other and admit that we all can get introspective at times – stuck in our heads as we ponder either a real-life problem or one our imaginary character is facing in our work-in-progress (WIP). We mull over options. Debate pros and cons. Maybe we remember a first kiss … or having …
Write Your Own Book
By Lorraine Beatty If you’ve been writing for a while, you’ve probably collected dozens of books on writing, and stacks of notes, handouts and pamphlets with even more advice and instruction. Each book holds valuable insights on improving your craft. They each have something that clicked with you, or gave you that aha moment. But others may have left you …