by Tamela Hancock Murray During your publishing journey you may have the delightful problem of too many deadlines. You may have to ask yourself if you can accept another contract because you’re so busy. I’ve advised many clients about this over the years, taking them from panic to peace. Simple math can help. Determine time Look at all your contracts …
An Unexpected Opportunity
By Mary Lou Cheatham Do you ever find a review of your novel that you wish would go away…simply disappear from Amazon…and not be there when you visit your product page next time? As writers seeking to improve our skills of communication, we thrive on helpful criticism from critique partners, critique groups, and even negative reviewers. But you have a …
Moment to Moment
By Tanara McCauley I recently joined the ranks of writers who pen speculative fiction. While I’ve read it for years and tend to favor a well-written epic fantasy over any other genre, it wasn’t until I felt God’s leading in that direction that I decided to step out in obedience and try to write my own. I initially found myself …
Sherwood Forest Intervention and Other Tools to Keep Writing
By Susan A.J. Lyttek “Curses,” Robin Hood muttered, obviously not intending I hear. But I have great ears. “I had pleaded with her to cease this interference.” He bowed to me again. “My apologies, milady. We appear to be at the mercy of the author.” “Author? As in the writer of a story?” He nodded. “Do not fret. When I …
Making Wise Investments
By John W. Tucker Balance in each day’s activities is something we all strive for. Full-time or part-time writers, we must plan ahead and stay focused when we write. Think of the potential activities a writer may be involved in: writing into an article or book daily, writing a blog weekly or biweekly, setting aside money toward a writer’s conference …
When You Feel Talentless
By Rondi Bauer Olson A few months ago I had a difficult time leaving behind the world of a book I’d read. I thought about the characters and plot for weeks, reread the book a couple of times, and journaled my favorite passages. At first, I just enjoyed the experience. I gained a better understanding of people from a certain …
Why Writers Need Poetry
by Susan A.J. Lyttek When I teach high school creative writing, we devote the entire first semester to poetry. Just typing that line, I can hear people reading this (at least some of you) groaning in agony. Why on earth would I do that? Do I love torturing youth with thees and thous? Do I want to see them bang …
Does Writing Give You a Pain in the Neck?
By Patricia Bradley Did you know that writers as a group have more shoulder and neck pain than the average person? Is it any wonder why? We spend hours and hours sitting at a computer, staring at a blinking cursor. And not only do all those hours affect our neck and shoulder muscles, they add extra padding where we don’t …
Turning Pro: Business Planning for Writers
By Preslaysa Williams Writers, are you ready to take your business to the next level and turn pro? Then you need a business plan. It doesn’t have to be a long, complicated document. Your written plan will help you determine what you want from your career. Here are some basic elements and questions to ask as you craft your business …
Quirky Sources to Add to Your Characterization
By DiAnn Mills I live and breathe story–most writers do. And we’re always looking for ways to ensure our characters and their predicaments are exciting and unique. Some of the places we look can be a bit . . . different. But the exploration is worth it. Here are a few areas that I’ve delved into to add idiosyncrasies to …