Embracing YOUR Path

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Faith, Fear/Doubt, Plotting/Outlines, tips, writing 12 Comments

By Elle E. Kay @ElleEKay777 We’ve all been there. Whether we’re watching a virtual webinar, attending a conference, reading a craft book, or chatting with a fellow writer, we hear all about the BEST way to write a book. One person may tell us to throw out the plot, while another insists we plan every scene in detail. Some say …

You Have the Write to Remain Writing

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Fear/Doubt, tips, writing 6 Comments

by John Zelenski @johnzelenski As an author, sometimes I am told by fellow writers, “I just can’t find the time to work on my writing craft.” The truth is, we do live in a society where time is often in short supply.  We have jobs (possibly more than one), families, responsibilities, church, etc. And while the list can go on, …

Of Giving Up and Letting Go

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Faith, Fear/Doubt, Perseverance, tips, writing 9 Comments

By Melanie Rigney Is there a difference between giving up and letting go? That question was posed at a retreat I attended recently. The conversation was of particular interest to me. While others were spending the retreat in prayer, working on faith journey scrapbooks, or taking long walks, I was researching a nonfiction book that’s due to a Catholic publisher …

God’s Mighty Hero

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Faith, Fear/Doubt, Prayer, writing 12 Comments

by Maureen Miller “You need to be brave, like Gideon,” God said. “Who… me?” I replied, then busied myself. Maybe he’ll go away. But, of course, God didn’t go away. Instead, he repeated, “Be like Gideon.” He’s serious, I thought. Still, I argued. “But Father, I’m not courageous like Gideon. In fact, I’m really more like—” “Gideon,” God interrupted, “Remember, …

Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Faith, Friends of ACFW, writing 2 Comments

by Roxanne Hicks My husband and I live on the edge of the Rocky Mountain range and are blessed with abundant wildlife which also call this home. On any given day, we’re likely to watch a variety of animals scamper, or amble, through our pastures. One morning while sipping my coffee, I witnessed a good-sized flock of wild turkeys pick …

Small Things

ACFWACFW, Advice, Authors and writing, Deadlines, Encouragement, Faith, Time Management, writing 12 Comments

by Lisa Kelley @LisaKelleyWrite Sometimes, it can seem nearly impossible to find time to put words on the screen. If you have a full-time job like me, the hours you have to devote to writing may be few. Often, I set aside my vacation time as dedicated writing hours. Such was my plan this past December. I struggled last year …

REST in Your Writing

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Faith, Friends of ACFW, tips, writing, writing 21 Comments

by Susan Lyttek @SusanLyttek Today, as this posts, is my birthday. As with most of us, even if I vow not to, I compare the current me to the me of a year ago. Did I accomplish what I planned? (absolutely never) Did I grow closer to God and family? (almost always) Do I like the person I’m becoming? (never …

Writing in Layers

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Characters, Encouragement, Faith, tips, writing 4 Comments

By Loretta Eidson Chefs prepare some of the best tasting layered foods. We have lasagna, nachos, casseroles, salads, pizza, etc. Just the mention of those delicious dishes makes our mouths water. Not to mention topping it off with extra cheese. All the ingredients, appropriately measured and blended, result in a lip-smacking delight. We won’t forget the satisfying taste that tickles …