Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Contests—Pretty or Prickly
Your opening scene has edge-of-your-seat tension, your characters are witty and full of life, the description of your setting…
May 17, 2020-
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Mastering Middle GradeReal talk: When to submit your manuscript
Writing a book is the literary exercise equivalent of taking a cross-country road trip. No matter how beautiful the…
May 16, 2020 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for May, Part 1
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all…
May 15, 2020 -
Magazine and Freelance5 Tips to Make Your Editor Smile
It’s confession time. I’ve been a magazine editor for nine years. During those years I’ve worked with more than…
May 14, 2020 -
Courting the MuseHow Reading Perfume Catalogs Can Help You Show, Not Tell
Emily Dickinson knew how to find inspiration without leaving the house. In her thirties, the reclusive poet withdrew into…
May 13, 2020 -
Writer EncouragementUNIQUE Times
I won’t state the obvious about the unique situation the world is in. It’s not every year we get…
May 11, 2020 -
Becoming an AuthorRediscover Your Motivation for the Writing Journey
If you’ve been trudging along the writing path long enough, you’ve probably already discovered that it isn’t for the…
May 9, 2020 -
The Intentional WriterStaying Relevant
As writers, our success is based on creating something others find useful or enjoyable. Which implies our success is…
May 8, 2020 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiTropes: How to Make Them Credible, Not Cliché
You could probably name tropes from your favorite books and movies without hardly thinking about it. There’s the Reluctant…
May 7, 2020 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeYou Released a Book WHEN?
I released a book during a pandemic. What’s new with you? I waited years upon years to see a…
May 6, 2020 -
Embrace the WaitSurvival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing: Tip #15 – Avoid the Tap Out, and Help Others Avoid it Too
One of my family’s favorite series to binge watch is the survival show Alone. From the comfort of our…
May 5, 2020 -
Screenwriting
Elevator Pitch
If you think the Coronapocalypse has the US economy down, imagine the effect it is having on Hollywood. Most…
May 4, 2020 -
Devotions for WritersReturn and Submit
“You are the God who sees me.” ~ Hagar Genesis 16:13 (NIV) Rejection. Every writer is familiar with it.…
May 3, 2020 -
BestsellersAward-Winning Author Interview with Morgan L. Busse
Can you share a little about your recent book? I just finished the last book in the Ravenwood Saga,…
May 1, 2020 -
Writers Chat
Writers Chat Recap for April, Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all…
April 30, 2020 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)You Can Do It!
I have shared before how difficult those first days after my accident were. This month I want to give…
April 29, 2020 -
Writing for YAWhy Your Beta Stopped Reading Your Manuscript
Finding a reliable and dependable beta reader can be a challenge. They often bail on you. Why? This topic…
April 27, 2020 -
Novelists UnwindNovelists Unwind Interviews Susan May Warren and Angela Meyer
Susan May Warren has written more than 65 novels in multiple genres, won multiple awards including the Christy Award…
April 26, 2020 -
Book ProposalsThe Covid Affair
Well, here we are. Or … here I am, and there you are. We’re social distancing. This is new…
April 25, 2020 -
Guest PostsThe Comparison Trap: Eight Ways to Avoid It
Sometimes I look at the work of other authors and feel my abilities fall short. It doesn’t matter that…
April 24, 2020 -
Romancing Your StoryWhen All Seems Lost
The Black Moment. The Crisis. The Breakup. There are many titles for that moment when all seems lost. No…
April 23, 2020 -
The Picky PenHow to Edit Scenes
As we continue this editing series how we can develop a great story, I hope you’re able to see…
April 22, 2020 -
Kids LitWhich Hat Shall I Wear Today?
In January, I had the privilege of speaking about being a writer at a large private school near…
April 21, 2020 -
Marketing InterviewsINTERVIEW WITH C.A.N. CROWN AWARD WINNER Carla Hoch
The Christian Authors Network’s innovative Crown Awards celebrate excellence in Christian Media and Marketing. Purpose: To recognize, educate, and…
April 18, 2020 -
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Why Write Mysteries, Suspense, and Thrillers?
Why do you write fiction? Why cloak your story in the mystery, suspense, or thriller genre? The right answers…
April 17, 2020