By W. Terry Whalin @terrywhalin Because we have computers and can produce stories, everyone assumes writing is easy. From my experience, any skill (including writing) takes hours of practice to become excellent. For example, one of the most successful basketball players of all time is Kobe Bryant, the winner of five…

By Edie Melson @EdieMelson Over the course of my career I have published through big publishers and through smaller, traditional presses. Of course there are differences between what support a big and small publisher provides. But—and we all need to wrap our brains around this one truth—our responsibility as the…

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson Over and over, I’ve been asked when a writer should get active on social media. And the answer surprises many. The truth is, you need to have a solid social media platform BEFORE you ever get published. If you wait until you get a contract, you're…

By Melissa Henderson @mimionlife  “I’m a local author.” This is one of the ways I greet people at vendor shows, book signings, and speaking events. These gatherings can be fun experiences for authors and readers. Participating in community activities is one way to share your writing with others. The key…

By Amy Bright @AmyBrightwriter Marketing is the full-time job many novelists never expected to have! Marketing, in fact, can keep authors from moving forward as they fear they’ll have to spend precious time on their marketing content instead of their fiction or devotionals or other callings. Rather than looking at…

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson Last year I launched two books and signed a contract for four more in the next two years. This year, I launched two more books and am about to sign a contract for several more. Over the course of my career I have published through big…