by Stephanie Cardel @stephaniecardel “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10: 24-25, NIV). I didn’t become a Christian until …
ACFW 2026 Conference Prayer: Day 2
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 2 Focus: For the audio/visual team Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)– We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, …
ACFW 2026 Conference Prayer: Day 1
Please join us in today’s prayer, written by a member of ACFW’s Forty Days of Prayer team. Day 1 Focus: God’s presence and blessing over the conference Scripture: Psalm 127:1 (NIV)– Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Prayer: Lord, thank you for your …
I Can’t Write
by Cynthia Hickey My days have passed, my plans are shattered. Yet the desires of my heart 12 turn night into day; in the face of the darkness light is near. Job 17: 11-12 Writing is a tough business. Someone once told me you can learn the craft of writing, but to be a storyteller is a gift from God. …
Are You in the 16%?
by Linda Glaz (Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency) Well, are you? In 2026, the stats tell us that only 16% of the population reads for pleasure. This includes audiobooks. These dismal figures are down from 28% in 2004. And why is this important to know? All of us as writers are collectively seeking that same market—a market that is dwindling …
What Award-Winning Manuscripts Have in Common
By Tisha Martin One of the first stories I wrote won an editor’s choice award and was published in an anthology. But it probably wouldn’t have been considered if I hadn’t included one small but valuable ingredient. Fragrance. The theme of the contest was “fragrance,” but my story didn’t mention it at all. So, at the advice of an early …
Authoring Freedom
by Christine Sunderland @Chrisunderland Today is Independence Day, July 4. This year, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, signed by Congressional representatives of the thirteen colonies on July 4, 1776. In this document, we celebrate our freedom from Great Britain, birthing our nation under God: “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for …
Writing and Renewal
by Dr. Dwight David Croy When writing, I often liken it to the action referred to in Holy Scriptures. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the …
ACFW New Releases: July 2026
July 2026 New ReleasesMore in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website Contemporary Romance: New Beginnings in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch — When the storm passes, can two guarded hearts believe in love again? Perfect for fans of heartwarming Christian romance, this tender small-town story weaves together friendship, faith, grief, and healing …
Wons, Nones, and Dones: Know Your Audience
By Bruce Hennigan @bhennigan55 Do you know your potential audience? Jesus knew his audience well. In Matthew 22:15-22 (NIV), Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees about the question of should they pay their taxes. Jesus answered them: “But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying …