By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett One of the first things I learned when I decided stop fighting and be a writer, was that I needed to be an avid reader. I was told this at my first ever creative writing class and have heard the same message from agents, editors and…

by Ane Mulligan  @AneMulligan When I was a new writer, I learned the writing “rules” and adhered to them, preached them like a religious zealot to anyone who asked. I lived and breathed RULES. Fortunately, as I grew in my craft, I learned there are times to break the rules…

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn When I was pursuing publication, there were many days when I stared at my computer in despair. I longed for the days when the steep learning curve was over. I dreamed of sitting down at my computer and pounding out words with confidence and clarity. Oh,…

By W. Terry Whalin @terrywhalin As an editor who has reviewed thousands of submissions throughout my decades in publishing, there are several red flags which authors often include in their proposal or cover letter. Some authors say, “I don’t have any competition. My book is unique.” Then I will ask another…

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D. @khutch0767 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV). As 2019 ended, I knew 2020 would be an important year in my heart. I imagined breakthroughs in writing, networking to new heights, and accomplishing incredible goals I’d set for…

This year, 2023, we had an unpreceded number of entrants for the industry-wide Selah Awards, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference for the express purpose of creating scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to deserving writers who, otherwise, would not be able to attend this great conference. It…