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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Re-Releasing Books
By Allie Pleiter Recently, I went through the process of independently re-releasing of some dearly loved books of mine from earlier years. The tiny novella Getting to Yes, the Rita-nominated (and also a Caroll finalist) My So-Called Love Life, and The Perfect Blend were the first “category” romances I’d ever written, and they are still reader favorites. It was such …
Understanding Fiction Publisher Barriers
by Les Stobbe, Literary Agent I was 40 years old when I began acquiring fiction for Moody Press. My background included six years buying fiction and selling it in bookstores, four years of visiting Christian booksellers and interviewing them on why they were successful, and helping a fiction writer gain a publisher for a series of suspense novels. At Moody …
Why Every Author Needs a Detective
by Amber Schamel Every author needs a detective. It’s elementary, my dear Watson. Not sure you believe me? Very well, I will explain. Wednesday afternoon, a quarter past one. I was at lunch with my brother. We were casually talking while dishing out homemade spaghetti. My brother was sharing about his work and the various construction projects he was selling, …
Belief for All Things
By Tanara McCauley “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a verse I know well, and one I’m prone to lean on in trying times or when faced with difficult choices. I’ve only recently realized, however, that it’s a verse I never fully believed. I can do hard things through Christ. I can do good things …