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 …
“Repeat Reads”: How to Write Books Your Readers Will Read Again and Again
By Vikki Kestell I wrote in my last blog that producing great Christian fiction is, as Gollum said, “Tricksy.” I discussed redemptive fiction, the art of writing characters who encounter Jesus in organic situations. IMHO, redemptive storytelling is the most powerful and effective method of presenting the Gospel. In this follow-on article, I want to discuss the phenomenon of “repeat …
Coming Together
By Rondi Bauer Olson During this Thanksgiving season, many of us are visiting with relatives. Maybe you’re eating leftovers, or you’ve snuck away for a few moments by yourself. In any case, coming together to thank God for our blessings is not only important for families, but can be wonderful for writers, too. Last summer I signed up for an …
Thanksgiving Dinner
By Shirley E. Gould During this season of thanksgiving, we enjoy a feast of turkey, dressing, casseroles, corn, cranberry sauce and croissant rolls. Mashed potatoes with gravy and sweet potatoes complete the display. It’s a time of family gatherings, parades and football games. While it brings a halt in our writing schedule, it is a prime opportunity to gather fodder …
Why Mentors Matter
By Lisa Jordan When I became serious about writing and joined my first writing organization, I was paired with my first mentor. Even though I understood the basic fundamentals of writing, I needed help with advanced techniques to strengthen my craft. Also, I wanted someone who understood the publishing industry. Having a mentor helped because she understood where I was …
Being Thankful and Giving Back
Howdy! Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and has come much faster than I could have imagined. Where has this year gone? With the coming holiday, I find myself reminded of how thankful I am for so many things. Family. Friends. A wonderful writing community like this one, filled with people of faith who share the dream of being published. …
Blessings in Conflict
By Kathy Harris If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. — Meister Eckhart Everywhere we turn this time of year, we’re reminded to be thankful. Whether it’s a warm and fuzzy television commercial, a not-so-gentle nudge delivered from the pulpit, or a magazine article on the Top Ten Tips …
“Drawing” on Your Creative Resources
by Betsy Lowery As a writer whose nonfiction offerings lean more toward deep ideas than toward useful application, I’m happy to offer to my ACFW community a very simple and concrete idea. In chapter 9 of The Wrong Type of Love (unfinished sequel to my first and unpublished novel, A Stranger’s Promise), a couple of young musicians need some inspiration …
Choose Your Publisher with Care
By Deb Haggerty When an author begins to look at publishers to see where their book might fit, there are several things they should take into consideration. The same steps generally apply to agents as well. 1. Does the publisher have a good reputation in the industry? With the proliferation of small, boutique publishers popping up constantly, you want to …
In the Baking of the Bread
by Marianne Evans My family has this thing about homemade, fresh-baked onion bread. It’s a staple that’s been passed from my grandma, to my mom, and now, to me. I love being the one to carry on the tradition of baking bread because, as I’ve often joked with my kids, it’s a sure-fire way to get them to pay a …