by Les Stobbe, Literary Agent As literary agent I find an all-too-often disregard of the basics when writers send me a proposal. In addition, I get really upset clients when, in writing cover copy, publisher’s copy editors misrepresent what is in their book. Finally, clients get really frustrated when their book’s front cover is way off base on either background …
Tips for Tweetability
by Cynthia Ruchti The writer in me once rebelled against the idea of abiding by the constrictions of Tweet-length posts when communicating with the public. It felt like moving from a four-bedroom house to a pop-up camper, with about as much writerly elbow room. I have no qualms admitting I’m no Twitter expert. But I now understand the impact a …
The Pendulum Swings…again
by Julie Gwinn B & H Publishing Group Writing novels is an art form, a craft, much like fashion design, interior design and painting. And as such is subject to changes in consumer tastes and trends. Just as clothing styles change (think military jackets and skinny jeans), interior design trends shift (from French Country to Shabby Chic), even paint color …
Seven Ways To Stifle Your Unique Writer’s Voice
by Becky Wade 1) Let every critique you receive sway you. Ever hear that “too many cooks spoil the broth”? Sometimes it’s better to whip up something all by yourself that you absolutely LOVE than to let lots of “adviser cooks” taste your recipe, comment on it, alter it, season it, and subdue it. 2) Write Safe. If you’re working …
Promises and Delays
by Robin Lee Hatcher Not every published writer’s path to a career as a novelist is the same. My path to writing Christian fiction took me through a career in the general romance market (30 books) before God captured my attention and turned me in a new direction. Turned me on my head might be a better description. The one …
Say Goodnight, Gracie: Seven Secrets to creating the Perfect Ending
by Janice Thompson There’s nothing worse than a book with an unsatisfying ending. The reader deserves a solid wrap-up. Otherwise, he’ll feel cheated. (After all, he plowed through 300+ pages of your book, assuming the ending would leave him satisfied!) Knowing how and when to conclude your story is key. It’s also an art-form. With that in mind, I’ve come …
Slaying the Green, Two-headed Monster
by Mary Ellis Jealousy and envy-God gave His people specific instructions in the Tenth Commandment: Thou shalt not covet. But we as Christians know this goes far beyond our neighbor’s ox or donkey, and thus becomes the hardest law to keep. Human beings are naturally wired to be envious. We spend much of our lives secretly jealous of something. As …
When God Tells Us ‘Wait’
by Casey Herringshaw “Oh, but God, why?” Not able to attend the conference. The perfect agent or editor says no. The mentorship we crave is nowhere within reach. “But God, I’m there. Can’t You see I’m ready?” Um…would you be where you are right now, if you were “ready”? We all have such a pre-conceived idea of what ready means. …
Six Lessons The Casual Vacancy Teaches Authors
by Jordyn Redwood If you are reading this post and unaware, the novel The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s foray into the realm outside of Harry Potter-the YA series that made her a billionaire-literally. First of all, I did read all of the Harry Potter books. I didn’t enjoy the last few as much as I enjoyed the first few. …
Let’s Get Emotional
By Margaret Brownley Think back to your earliest childhood memory. You were probably three, four or perhaps even five at the time. Now think about how you felt. You might have been scared or hurt. Perhaps you felt giddy with joy or maybe even lonely and confused. Whatever the emotion, it was strong enough to make a deep and lasting …