By Melissa Tagg Several weeks ago I turned in the rewrites on my third book. If I were to describe the process of writing From the Start, um, I might slip into slight melodramatic territory. Or I’d straight up tell you it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever written. Which is the truth, no matter how drama queen-ish it sounds. I …
His Face or His Hand?
By Ian Acheson I think one of the things I pray the most about is seeking direction; or for confirmation that I’m doing the right thing. Do you do that? My work life tends to be lumpy. The life of a consultant is like that, however, in recent times there have been less lumps, meaning less projects and less income. …
Of Writers, Romance, and Weddings
By Beth K. Vogt I’ve been spending a lot of time on Pinterest lately. Being craft-challenged, I’m not pinning seasonal craft ideas onto various holiday boards. And I’m also not pinning recipes or decorating ideas. After I conquer this current deadline, I need to clean my house, not think about redecorating it. No, my browsing Pinterest is all about weddings. …
Running and Writing…
By Katherine Reay My second novel, Lizzy & Jane, released three days ago – and while helping the sisters find their way into the world is a top priority for me, it’s not for you. Writing that next great read is and that’s what we’re here to discuss… And that, for me, is where running comes in. I’m taking it …
On Descriptive Writing: Something…Out There!
By Lanny Smith Today is a wonderful day for me. My novella, The Christmas Beacon, is set to be released in a matter of days and I have my copies in hand. This story is special to me because it glorifies God and deals with issues of faith, hope and miracles. I want to bless as many people possible so …
Take the NaNoWriMo Challenge!
By Susan May Warren Can you write a book in a month? YES! We had a conversation about this last Thursday during the MBT OPEN HOUSE webinar. Writing a book in a month is a great way to jumpstart a new idea, get a head start on a longer story (you only have to write 50K for NaNo) or to …
Patience and Me
By Anne Baxter Campbell I’m not a really patient person. I want the shortest line at the store, gas that pumps in excess of the speed limit, and meals I can prepare in fifteen minutes or less. Worst of all, perhaps, I want to go from “Once Upon a Time” to “The End” to “Released” in sixty seconds flat. If …
Six lessons from writing a weekly book column
By Judy Christie Earlier this year, the editor of the local newspaper asked if I’d be interested in writing a weekly book column for a new arts section. At first I balked. I write books, after all, so how could I write about them? And I certainly didn’t want to criticize authors, whether I liked their books or not. It’s …
Teach by Example
by Jennifer Sienes When my children were small, I went back to college to earn my bachelor’s and teaching degrees, even though in my heart, I wanted to be a writer. Not the most practical profession when one needs to earn an income. School meant being gone two nights a week and every other Saturday for more than two years. …
To Fight or Be Still
by Brenda S. Anderson The writing life is a battle. Raise your hand if you feel like you’ve been fighting hard at this writing business. You’re doing everything the right way, but still you’re getting nowhere, and you’re losing. You’re going to conferences, taking classes, getting critiques, yet no publisher or agent wants you. Or you’ve written a fabulous book, …