by Chandra Smith Merry Christmas ACFW. Well, almost Christmas. Of all days, today when I sat down to write this blog post, I had one a what-makes-me-think-I-am-a-writer days. I opened the little book I keep at my desk. I have filled it with Bible verses and quotes to help me through these days. As I flipped the pages, inspiration showed …
Get Thee Behind Me
by Linda Robinson I always want to learn anything and everything to help me write better, so I can’t resist reading all blogs and articles that cross my path via email or social media. Books about learning the trade and refining one’s talents draw my attention, and I’ve bought many. But the more writing rules I read, the more boggled …
How to Make Your Writing Shine
by Liz Curtis Higgs Whether you’ve yet to be published or have a shelf full of novels with your name on the spine, here are four simple steps to improve your writing: read, write, listen, and refine. Read the best books in your genre, from time-tested classics to the latest award-winners. Study the rhythm of the words, the balance between …
Description That Draws the Reader Into Your Story World
By Ane Mulligan Description serves more purpose than simple describing a place or person. It can enhance or detract from a scene. It can be used to deepen characterization or confuse. Here’s some questions to ask yourself as you write: 1) Will the description draw my readers into the scene? 2) Can they picture it? Can you picture it? 3) …
Inserting Spontaneous Humor
By Lynn Hobbs Have you ever read a Christian fiction book; either romance, suspense, or historical, and were amused by an unexpected sense of humor from one of the characters? I find it outstanding. If you were to ask me what the hardest part of writing is that I have encountered, I’d have to reply inserting spontaneous humor. I have …
3 Things Writers Can Learn From Volleyball Players
By Beth K. Vogt My youngest daughter plays volleyball. Well, she doesn’t just “play” volleyball – she competes year-round, first on her high school varsity team, and then on a club volleyball team. This girl is all about volleyball – kind of like writers are all about writing. After watching dozens of high school games this fall, I realized volleyball …
The Lost and Found of Writing
By Victoria Buck A writer once used social media to direct this question to other writers: Do you write to avoid doing other things? This was something to ponder. What sort of things? Do I twist the plot to avoid cleaning house? Do I write another chapter so I don’t have meet the demands of running a small business with …
What About All These Novella Sets?
By Lee Carver From the author’s POV, is this a train I should hop on? What is the dollar payout, the time investment, and the publicity value? Novella sets are being released with increasing frequency, often only as e-books due to their length. If five to seven authors contribute 20,000 to 30,000 words each, a print cannot be economically produced. …
It’s Christmas, but the Writing Must Go On!
By Sharlene MacLaren In the words of my friend when expressing dismay, Yikes-Bikes! The manuscript for my next full-length novel is due to my editor in a matter of weeks, and I’m nowhere near finished with my first draft. Further, it’s the Christmas season, and what on this beautiful planet was I thinking on that lovely spring day when I …
Our Intrinsic Value and Voice
By John Tucker Many people from all walks of life identify themselves by the work they do: dentist, engineer, lawyer, or writer. But all of our work, talents, skills, and giftings are extensions of who we are. Our intrinsic value as persons comes from our Creator and dwells in our spirit. It is out of our spirit that we do …