By J.A. Marx When I began writing my first novel, my daily routine started at 5a.m. at the computer. The pressure was on me to make my dream happen. Plots and characters absorbed my thoughts, and everything else obliged them. Isn’t that how best-selling novelists live? As Christian authors, we have a holier calling: to not be conformed to the …
How to be Splendid
By Deborah Hackett Just before Christmas, my husband and I surprised our two little ballerinas with a trip to see the Moscow Ballet performing the Russian Nutcracker (who knew Clara was Masha?). The whole performance was breath taking, from the sumptuous sets, the beautiful dancing, the heart stopping acrobatics of the Arabian dolls to the lavish costumes. As the word …
Making Resolutions or Setting Goals?
By Martha Rogers New Year’s is the time for resolutions, or so people say. Most of those who do make resolutions usually break them within the first month. Years ago, I quit making resolutions and started setting goals. These ranged anywhere from getting my office space organized to setting aside time to exercise. By setting short term and long term …
ACFW New Releases: January 2017
January 2017 New Releases More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Contemporary Romance: Romance Grows in Arcadia Valley by Valerie Comer, Mary Jane Hathaway, Elizabeth Maddrey, Danica Favorite, Lee Tobin McClain and Annalisa Daughety — Is love possible for a makeshift mom and a handsome widower? What about a bed and breakfast …
Resolution Inclusions for 2017
By Shirley E. Gould With Christmas in our rear-view mirror, we’ve over-eaten and gained a few pounds, we’ve maxed out the budget, opened our presents, enjoyed smiles of wonder on children’s faces, visited Grandma and are now ready to face the new year with fervor. It’s a time to slow down and review 2016. Good or bad with its ups …
We Can. We Will.
By Mary Lou Cheatham Isaiah, a man grieving the death of his king, entered the temple with a desire to seek some meaning in his life. God’s Shekinah glory filled the room in magnificence high above him. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here …
How Real Life Places can Help your Writing
by Rose Allen McCauley It seems like God almost had to hit me over the head with the idea for my latest novella, Hidden Courage, in The Courageous Brides Collection by Barbour. I received the submission request from my agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, but had not written anything historical for several years, so didn’t pay much attention. Then that fall …
For Your Doubtful Writer Days
by Chandra Smith Merry Christmas ACFW. Well, almost Christmas. Of all days, today when I sat down to write this blog post, I had one a what-makes-me-think-I-am-a-writer days. I opened the little book I keep at my desk. I have filled it with Bible verses and quotes to help me through these days. As I flipped the pages, inspiration showed …
Get Thee Behind Me
by Linda Robinson I always want to learn anything and everything to help me write better, so I can’t resist reading all blogs and articles that cross my path via email or social media. Books about learning the trade and refining one’s talents draw my attention, and I’ve bought many. But the more writing rules I read, the more boggled …
How to Make Your Writing Shine
by Liz Curtis Higgs Whether you’ve yet to be published or have a shelf full of novels with your name on the spine, here are four simple steps to improve your writing: read, write, listen, and refine. Read the best books in your genre, from time-tested classics to the latest award-winners. Study the rhythm of the words, the balance between …