By Teresa Tysinger I would argue that all authors are familiar with waiting. With no regard to genre, experience, position in life, or level of discipline, every author waits. We wait on inspiration to strike, for more time at the keyboard, or for an interested editor’s response. We wait on edits, reviews, sales reports, and website analytics. No matter the …
Guarding The Writer’s Heart
By Catherine West “You’ll need a thick skin.” “It’s not easy. Actually, it’s very hard.” “How do you feel about rejection?” This is what you might hear from seasoned authors if you ask about the writing life. I love this image. It accurately portrays the often frustrating and overwhelming world of the writer, and it makes me grin. Is it …
Stubborn Commitment
by Kathy Harris As young as seven or eight years old I knew I wanted to be a writer. If I could somehow transcend time and pay a visit to my younger self (hmmm, this sounds a lot like a recent James L. Rubart novel), I would probably find that I was dreaming of lazy days spent pouring my heart …
Redemptive Fiction
By Vikki Kestell Producing great Christian fiction is, as Gollum said, “Tricksy.” We members of ACFW desire to present the Gospel through our work. Along every genre and setting, bringing to bear all our tools and skills, whether we employ drama or humor, fantasy or realism, we strive to lift up Jesus and make him known. And yet, crafting effective, …
Fearfully and Wonderfully Written
By Tanara McCauley Earlier this year my husband took me to see Andrea Bocelli in concert. Already a fan, I thought I knew what to expect from the world-renowned tenor whose voice makes even my six-year-old close her eyes in appreciative awe. I was mistaken. Accompanied by a host of musicians, Mr. Bocelli conducted half of the concert in English …
Just Ask
By Sarah Sundin As a historical novelist, I do a lot of research. As an introvert, I prefer research in books and libraries and on-line. Over the years, I’ve learned where to look for information, and I’m persistent enough (mule-headed?) to find what I need. Most of the time. Sometimes I simply can’t find the information I want. At that …
The Value of Your Day Job (Other Than the Obvious)
By Ramona Richards A day job gives you money, a connection to the world, and a routine. Freedom from financial stress also means freedom in your art. —Austin Kleon, Steal Like An Artist Along with “Write what you know,” “Don’t quit your day job” is the most overused–and misused–piece of advice new writers receive. And yet…quitting our day jobs to …
An Elevator Pitch with a Hook
by Lee Carver Here’s the scenario: You enter the hotel elevator during the ACFW Conference and recognize an agent or editor you’d love to impress. Each of you selects a floor choice, and she turns to you and asks, “So what are you writing?” Being prepared for the question, you unabashedly speak your thirty-word pitch in the twenty seconds or …
Should I Be Writing this Genre?
by Tamela Hancock Murray Often I talk with new authors writing in lots of genres. This is fine if it’s part of your personal writing journey and learning process. I want my authors to enjoy what they’re writing. But when you get serious about publication, know when to choose and what to choose. One mistake is to write strictly to …
Tell Me Lies: A Character Building Tip
By Hannah Conway When it comes to writing, making characters isn’t my strong suit. Sigh. The plot comes natural to me. My mind wields a storyline that I can only hope to portray with words. Yet, in order to become a better writer, to deepen and sharpen my craft, I need developed characters. Not any characters, but characters that reach …