The Picky Pen
Appropriate Verb Tense for a Story
Have you ever wondered what verb tense works best in various pieces of writing? Worse yet, have you ever…
May 28, 2025-
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Writing for YAInterview with YA Author Miriam Thor Part One: Writing About a Character with Hearing Loss
I’m talking today with Miriam Thor, author of the contemporary young adult novel Listening to the Rain. DJS: Why…
May 27, 2025 -
Book ProposalsRead Your Proposal Looking for Any Hype
As an acquisitions editor and a literary agent, I’ve read thousands of submissions and book proposals. If you have…
May 26, 2025 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for April Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh. The place where craft connects community! How to…
May 16, 2025 -
Kids LitOnline Helps Out: Paid Writers’ Groups
In any genre, there are dozens of opportunities to get involved with online writing groups. Most of these groups…
May 15, 2025 -
Devotions for WritersIs That Too Cliché?
“We need a cliché thesaurus,” said my friend, Arlene, editing her draft for the umpteenth time. How much of…
May 14, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeLet’s Do It Again!
“That was good! Let’s do it again!” A few years ago, I was a cast member in a community…
May 13, 2025 -
Book Proposals
Build and Maintain Editor Relationships
Many times, through attending conferences, I’ve met a new editor, hit it off personally, and then collected a book…
April 26, 2025 -
The Picky Pen
Writing Styles
So, you want to write an article but you don’t know where to start? To make it even more…
April 24, 2025 -
Building Your Creative SpaceWhat Pretty Desks Won’t Do for Your Writing
It starts innocently enough. You’re scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram, and suddenly, you’re obsessed with that dreamy writing nook:…
April 19, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for April Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all…
April 17, 2025 -
Devotions for Writers
The Joy of Learning
Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance. Proverbs 1:5 (NIV)…
April 10, 2025 -
Kids Lit
What do you do with GOOD NEWS?
Write, revise. Critique, revise. Submit, revise. And then one day: submit, interest, offer, contract! For every five years of…
April 8, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life, Uncategorized
Direct My Path
In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6 I have always loved this verse, especially…
April 6, 2025 -
Award-Winning AuthorAWARD-WINNING AUTHOR INTERVIEW — FICTION— WITH JILL ROMAN LORD
Can you share a little about your recent book? Love Well, My Precious One is a picture book written…
April 2, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for March Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all…
March 30, 2025 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)Be Aware, Be Alert
As March comes to an end, so does the Brain Injury Awareness Month campaign. If you have read this…
March 29, 2025 -
Writing for YA
Becoming a Productive Writer Interview with YA Author Melody Personette
I’ve been following YA author Melody Personette for a while, and admire her tenacity and ability to keep producing.…
March 28, 2025 -
Book Proposals
Publishing is a Relational Business
An old saying is applicable to this secret: “It’s not what you know but who you know.” This adage…
March 26, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for March Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all…
March 21, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life
A New Year
Welcome to my annual post about New Year’s Resolutions. I cannot guarantee that I will give you a formula…
March 8, 2025 -
Kids Lit
7 FREE Ways to Keep Gifting into the New Year!
Here’s 2025 all fresh and shiny, full of hope and all the little calendar boxes ready to fill! While…
March 6, 2025 -
Devotions for Writers
Allies
Jonathan and his armor-bearer did some rock climbing at the cliff at Mismash to spy on the Philistines. When…
March 3, 2025 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for February
The Name Game with Cathy Rueter Cathy is a journalist and author. She joins Writers Chat to explain why…
February 28, 2025 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)
BOTM
Recently I had a talk with a young brain cancer survivor I have mentored and encouraged for years. He…
February 27, 2025