The Picky Pen
Imagery
In a previous article, I discussed word choice. This is an important element in literature, particularly when using imagery.…
June 28, 2025-
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Writing for YAMy Road to Published: Queries, Going Indie, and the Carol Awards
It’s finally here. My contemporary young adult novel, Promise Me Tomorrow, released earlier this month. It’s been a long…
June 27, 2025 -
Book ProposalsSnag an Agent with Your Proposal
When you begin to look for publishing houses to send your manuscript, you will note that many of these…
June 26, 2025 -
Guest Posts5 Narrative Lessons from Season 3 of The White Lotus
HBO’s The White Lotus Season 3 took us to a lush Thai resort, continuing the show’s sharp commentary on human nature…
June 13, 2025 -
Kids LitSomething Old is New Again!
On July 1, New York and most of publishing hang out a sign: See you in September! And many…
June 11, 2025 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeAgenda? What Agenda?
As I am writing this piece, I am preparing for a writers conference I am attending in about a…
June 7, 2025 -
Devotions for WritersMy Six-Month Detour
“Did they mention the spot on your lung at the ER?” “What?” Thus began six months of CT scans…
June 4, 2025 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for May
Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, Melissa Stroh, and Norma Poore. The place where craft connects community!…
May 31, 2025 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)The Rested Focused Writer
Recently I hurt myself at the gym and was forced to take a few days to rest and let…
May 29, 2025 -
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 -
Writing for YA
Interview 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 Proposals
Read 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 Chat
Writers 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 Lit
Online 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 Writers
Is 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 Life
Let’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