Category Archives: Authors and writing
The British are Coming
by Christine Lindsay The British are coming! They said this when the Beatles arrived in New York, and they’re saying it again with the recent success of Downton Abbey. Recently an editor of one of the largest US publishing houses … Continue reading
Seven Ways To Avoid Burnout
by Becky Wade Think back. Have any of your favorite authors simply stopped writing? Some may have retired at the end of a long career. But others likely quit writing because of burnout. It happens! I happened to me once. … Continue reading
Three Steps to Publication – Guaranteed!
by Lillian Duncan All stories have a beginning, a middle, and end. If you want to get published you need to write the BEST BEGINNINGS, MARVELOUS MIDDLES, and EXPLOSIVE ENDINGS. Succeed with those three easy steps and you’ll have a … Continue reading
The Writing Journey – Smile No Matter What!
by Donna L. Rich My last speaking engagement was with the Optimists Club, and they asked me to speak on my writing journey. Since they were optimists, I had to tell them about smile no matter what. When I was … Continue reading
On the Road to Publication Be Sure to Pack A Lot of Patience!
by Pamela S. Meyers I’ve always dreamed of writing a story set in my picturesque hometown, and God surely blessed me when I was given the opportunity to do so by Summerside Press. This past weekend I launched my novel … Continue reading
Back Story vs Character History, Part Two
by Rachel Hauck Welcome back. Yesterday we discussed the differences between character history and back story. Today, let’s learn more about character history and how to use it to strengthen your writing. Like I said yesterday, Character History is hot, … Continue reading
Back Story vs Character History, Part One
by Rachel Hauck Ding, ding! Referee: “Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the first ever bout between Back Story and Character History.” Wahhaaaaa. Cheeerrrs! Ref: “In this corner, from the New York City, wearing black shorts, weighing in at a hefty … Continue reading
Therapists in Fiction
by Jeannie Campbell, LMFT I like to think that any professional, not just therapists, would laugh at their fictional counterparts. I assure you that Drs. Frasier Crane and Hannibal Lecter are hardly representative of the majority of us. No, authors … Continue reading
ACFW REWIND: Developing the Real Life Substance
(Editor’s Note: Today, ACFW re-runs a worthwhile post from the past, in this case from February, in what we call the ACFW rewind, which highlights previous posts that deserve a second look. ) by Michael Lee Joshua I “live” in … Continue reading
Engaging Events
by Suzanne Kuhn Every time you you have an event, whether it is a book signing, a meet and greet, a launch party, or speaking with a book club, you are representing yourself as the flagship of your brand. How … Continue reading
WRITING: a Potentially Problematic Passion
by J.A. Marx When I was a child, I didn’t write stories, I acted them out. Living in the heart of the Rockies, my playground was made up of rock outcroppings and climbing trees. Today’s term for this type of … Continue reading
Inspiration for a Story
by Sandra Robbins When I first started writing, I was somewhat shocked to find that I would be an active participant in the marketing of my books. So I said a prayer and jumped right in. Besides all the resources … Continue reading
Managing Bookstore Signings
by Jordyn Redwood As many as there are books, there are just as many opinions as to whether or not authors should do bookstore signings. This was one of the things I was relatively surprised to learn on my publishing … Continue reading
Do You Know Your Audience?
by Davalynn Spencer “I love your book,” she said, dark eyes sparkling with genuine appreciation. “I’m going to finish it tonight. I’m saving the last chapter until after the service.” “The service” was our church’s Christmas Eve celebration. The dark … Continue reading
In the Beginning
by Tina Radcliffe In the beginning, there was the Smith and Corona. That was my beginning. I started out on a portable that I toted to a shady spot under a tree in my backyard. At fourteen, I was thrilled … Continue reading