By Margaret Daley Why should you be passionate about what you write? People tell you when you start writing you need to write about what you know–or if not you’d better do a lot of research to familiarize yourself with the subject. I agree, but I would take it a step further. You need to be passionate about what you …
Transition
Transition for a full-time freelancer – I didn’t know I was ready – Are you? When my wife accepted a job transfer to Colorado, it was our opportunity to realize a lifelong dream. We have wanted to move to this area of the country for many years. However, she had a job in order to make the transition but I …
A Different Approach
by Dani Pettrey “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 God’s Word is replete with wisdom and this verse is no exception. As writers we have the privilege of coming into contact with a vast number of people and I’d like to …
Marketing and Promotion: Got Moxie?
by Janice Hanna Thompson Got Moxie? Remember the story of the cowardly lion from The Wizard of Oz? He couldn’t summon up the courage to be the very thing he’d been called to be: the King of the Forest. Fear held him bound. Dorothy did her best to give him the tools he needed to overcome, but he still ran …
Seeking Serenity in a Writer’s Life
by Mary Ellis #1: Schedule your time carefully. Make a weekly calendar so you don’t miss a doctor’s appointment, dance recital, or the neighborhood cookout. Keep certain times “off limits”. Don’t sign up for meetings, exercise classes, or volunteer work if it interferes with the family dinner hour, Sunday morning church services, or other events you hold sacred. Make sure …
TURNING PRO, Part 2
by Cynthia Ruchti Yesterday, we took a look at what it means to “turn pro” as a writer. These questions arose: How can we turn pro even before we’re published, before we’re a recognized entity in the writing world, before our books start showing up on the bestseller lists or the awards announcements? And how do we remain professional after …
TURNING PRO Part 1
by Cynthia Ruchti The television talk show guest expert blessed the production crew interns with fashion makeovers. Her key piece of advice? “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” The advice came zinging through the television screen just as I put my fingers to the keyboard to write this blog post about “Turning Pro” as a …
Ten Tips for Effective Research Trips Part 2
by Vickie McDonough Yesterday day we touched on the first five tips for Effective Research Trips, and today, I’d like to continue our conversation with the final five hints. If you missed those, check yesterday’s blog post. 6. Talk to the locals. They love to chat about their town and its history. Ask them questions and ask if they can …
Ten Tips for Effective Research Trips Part 1
by Vickie McDonough I’ve just returned from my first cruise to the Caribbean. I never dreamed a sunset could be so beautiful or the color of the water so vivid. There was such an amazing difference in the houses of the poor, made from tin or only partially built with people still living in them to the lavish mansions of …
YOU. THE WRITER
By Tina Radcliffe Today I’m presenting a helpful guide to assist you with assimilating with the rest of the world. I understand that occasionally writers go out into the world and mingle with non writers. (But I don’t recommend it.) I suggest you print this helpful guide to understanding writers and share it with your non-writer friends, relatives and acquaintances. …