History in the Making
Unexpected Treasures
As both a reader and a writer, I enjoy spending time in book stores and libraries. This year some…
January 20, 2020-
-
Mystery/Thriller/SuspenseResearch: Time-waster or Story-builder?
“I write fiction. Is research really necessary?” “… a novelist has nearly the same obligation for accuracy as a…
January 17, 2020 -
Mastering Middle GradeNew Year, New Goals
It’s a brand new year. That means a new start to achieving new goals and a fresh clean slate…
January 16, 2020 -
Magazine and FreelanceDon’t Let “Bio Foxes” Spoil Your Article Submission
For almost ten years I’ve served as the editor Reach Out, Columbia magazine, a regional publication dedicated to celebrating…
January 14, 2020 -
Courting the Muse, Guest PostsHow Reading Poetry Collections Can Help You Plot Your Novel
Whether your novel closes on a cyclone-worthy twist, or a conclusion as warm and satisfying as homemade pie, you’ll…
January 13, 2020 -
AuthorpreneurBuild a Brand 3: Define Your brand’s Personality
In my last article, I introduced the idea of an author creating a brand personality and outlined three ways…
January 12, 2020 -
Writer EncouragementNew Year, New Hope
I anticipate some New Year’s more than others. Turning the calendar to 2020 after a difficult 2019 offers new…
January 11, 2020 -
The AfterwordTelling Stories of Foster Care and Adoption
We are closing out 2019 with this episode on foster care and adoption and how the stories we share…
January 10, 2020 -
The Intentional WriterHow to Face A Critique
Does the word critique fill you with dread? It shouldn’t. I have learned most of what I know about…
January 8, 2020 -
Fantasy-Sci-FiThe Stage for Your First Page
There’s a video floating around somewhere online (numerous, probably!) of J.K. Rowling reading her first pages to eager readers.…
January 7, 2020 -
A Lighter Look at the Writer's LifeGoals . . . We Have Goals
It is the dawn of a new year, even a new decade, and people are talking about goals. I…
January 6, 2020 -
Embrace the WaitSurvival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #11 – Make a Fresh Start and Renewed Commitment to Writing
One of my favorite quotes from a fictional character is Anne Shirley’s profound declaration that, “Tomorrow is always fresh,…
January 5, 2020 -
ScreenwritingInciting Incident?
Now that a new year is here, I want to start going in another direction. This year’s focus for…
January 4, 2020 -
Devotions for WritersAllegiance to the Call
“I have done as you have commanded.” Ezekiel 9:11 (NIV) In our passage, the man with the writing kit…
January 3, 2020 -
BestsellersBest-selling Author Interview with Hannah R. Conway
Can you share a little about your recent book? Christmas on a Mission is my latest book and I’m…
January 1, 2020 -
Writers ChatWriters Chat Recap for December Part 2
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all…
December 31, 2019 -
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)Stay in Your Lane
Recently, we experienced flooding rains in the community I live in. The rains covered the roads to the point…
December 29, 2019 -
Blogging BasicsHone Your Craft With A Blogging Challenge
Have you ever participated in a writer’s challenge? Did you know there are writing challenges for bloggers? Here’s how…
December 28, 2019 -
Writing for YANew Year, New Goals
The new year is almost upon us. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, why not try to come up…
December 27, 2019 -
Novelists UnwindNovelists Unwind Interviews Authors Brenda S. Anderson, Amanda Barratt & Regina Scott
Brenda S. Anderson writes gritty, authentic, life-affirming fiction that will touch your heart and your spirit. This is the…
December 26, 2019 -
Book ProposalsWhy Do They Torture Us With Homework?
We’ve written the book, isn’t that enough? Now they want us to write a query, a pitch, a proposal,…
December 25, 2019 -
Romancing Your StoryDoes Romance Really Mean “Happily Ever After”?
As a little girl I was enthralled with the classic Disney tales of princesses finding their “Prince Charming” and…
December 23, 2019 -
The Picky PenPunctuation Series: How to Edit Commas with Clauses
In light of the holiday season, here’s a final fun topic in our Punctuation Series: editing commas within independent…
December 22, 2019 -
Kids LitGet a New Perspective! Find a New Twist!
Once in a while, I come across a book so unique and wonderful that I think, “Wow, I sure…
December 21, 2019 -
History in the Making
Notes from a Contest Judge
Have you ever entered your work in a writing contest? These contests are organized by organizations like the American…
December 20, 2019