The Picky Pen
Common Apostrophe Mistakes
Apostrophes are small and barely noticeable punctuation marks, but without them the reader would have a difficult time deciphering…
September 22, 2025-
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Kids LitInto the Bottomless Pit…
This is THE month – the month my latest book, Just Enough Room for Christmas, launches out into the…
September 8, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeHowdy, AI!
Hello! How are you today? I wrote that greeting all by myself—it didn’t come from AI (Artificial Intelligence). Could…
September 6, 2025 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)Pace Yourself
Unfortunately, my summer didn’t go quite as I had hoped. I enjoy spending a lot of time outside; however,…
August 29, 2025 -
Writing for YASeven Ways Young Adult Novels Miss the Mark (and How to Fix Them)
Do you struggle to create a teen protagonist that resonates with young adult readers? Is something off in the…
August 27, 2025 -
Book ProposalsAn Excellent Proposal Involves Hard Work
Many authors are looking for a magic bullet or system or action they can take to get published and…
August 26, 2025 -
Writing RomanceThe Act-Three Break-Up: Required or Suggested?
Thanks to a nasty virus, I’ve spent a good amount of the last few weeks on the couch with…
August 24, 2025 -
The Picky Pen
Verb Verbiage
As a writer, it can sometimes be difficult to get your thoughts down on paper, much less stick to…
August 22, 2025 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for August, Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, Melissa Stroh, and Norma Poore. The place where craft connects community!…
August 21, 2025 -
Kids Lit
Objects in the Rear-view Mirror…
I wrote this totally CUTE board book featuring CUTE dinosaurs, and it has the CUTEST art ever. During the…
August 8, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life
Something to Say
Do you have something to say? I do. I always do. You see, I’m a very talky person. My…
August 6, 2025 -
Devotions for WritersTools of the Trade
My headlights barely split the early morning fog. If not for the familiarity of the smooth highway surface, I…
August 3, 2025 -
Award-Winning AuthorAWARD-WINNING AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Kate Motaung
Can you share a little about your recent book? Letters to Grief is a Christian gift book that includes…
August 2, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for July, Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, Melissa Stroh and Norma Poore. “The place where craft connects community.”…
July 31, 2025 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
Press On
If you’ve ever had to force yourself to go to the gym or to exercise, then you understand the need…
July 30, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Interview with YA Author Miriam Thor Part Two: Writing YA Contemporary
Today’s post is part two of my interview with Miriam Thor, author of the contemporary young adult novel Listening…
July 27, 2025 -
Uncategorized
Trying to Get a Literary Agent?
Literary agents are bombarded with pitches and proposals. Often it is more difficult to sign with a literary agent…
July 26, 2025 -
The Picky Pen
Figurative Language
Did you ever wonder how other authors make stories so interesting? Sure, they vary the structure of the sentences,…
July 23, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for July, Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, Melissa Stroh, and Norma Poore. The place where craft connects community!…
July 21, 2025 -
Kids Lit
From Blue to Aquamarine: Concept Books about Color
Concept books – in this case, books about colors – are not all that simple to write and sell.…
July 9, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life
Fear Not and Get Things Done
I woke up to a rainy morning today, a perfect time to get some writing done. Here’s what I…
July 6, 2025 -
Devotions for Writers
How to Clean Your Blinds
I sighed and closed the puzzle on my phone. Company was coming and I couldn’t put it off any…
July 3, 2025 -
Award-Winning Author
Award-winning Author Interview with Julie Lavender
Can you share a little about your recent book? In Raising Good Sons: Christian Parenting Principles for Nurturing Boys…
July 1, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for June
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, Melissa Stroh, and Norma Poore. The place where craft connects community!…
June 30, 2025 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
Becoming a Patient Writer
For the past month, I have been slowly navigating the hurdles and taking the necessary steps in Georgia’s vocational…
June 29, 2025