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 …
From Whence We Came: ACFW’s humble beginnings, Part 2
By Andrea Boeshaar In Part 1 of this blog I reminisced about the early days of ACRW — American Christian Romance Writers which eventually morphed into ACFW. In this post I’ll discuss several of its growing pains as well as some of the many accomplishments of this organization. In February of 2000, the first Advisory Board opened up ACRW to …
From Whence We Came: ACFW’s humble beginnings, Part 1
By Andrea Boeshaar As I pondered an idea for this blog, it occurred to me that not a lot of ACFW members know about this amazing organization’s inception. Hundreds of writers attend the national conference and meet with editors, talk to friends who have become near and dear to them via ACFW’s many online services. But did you know that …
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 …
To Preach or Not To Preach
by Lynn Hobbs I’m often asked how much is too much in placing scripture or prayer in a Christian fiction novel. No one wants their character to preach unless that character is indeed a preacher. Too much and the reader may lose interest. Readers want to read a story. With that in mind, I weave my story and concentrate on …
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 …
Four Little Words to Help You Prep for the ACFW Conference
By Beth K. Vogt For those of your prepping for the upcoming conference, here are four words to guide you, and yes, I used the acronym A.C.F.W. Even if you’re not attending the conference, these four words apply to every writer’s journey: ADJUST your expectations. We pack a lot of things to bring to the annual ACFW conference, but one …
“Go North, Young Author!”
By Ramona Richards Here we are, setting on top of the conference and as a Nashvillian, I’d feel amiss if I didn’t at least offer up some suggestions about the city you’re about to visit. Nashville is a glorious, friendly place, and I hope you’ll all have a good time. GETTING AROUND/SAFETY The Omni Hotel is at the edge of …