by Edie Melson @EdieMelson A writer’s life is one filled with ups and downs. Some days the words flow and it seems that you have a pipeline from Heaven to the computer screen. The words swirl and dance with a life of their own. At other times the sentences start…

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills We all want God to use our writing to glorify Him and to encourage others to deepen their relationship with the Creator of the universe.  Sometimes we get discouraged.  Sometimes we face loneliness.  Sometimes we want to give in to those who tell us we can’t…

By Sara Beth Williams @WilliamsSaraB What makes a great story?  A well-developed plot. What helps drive the plot forward, besides a character’s strong, identifiable goal? Secrets.  When a character harbors a secret on purpose, it creates conflict, misunderstandings, and high stakes, and often keeping the secret is woven into that character’s…

by Blythe Daniel @BlytheDaniel Have you ever felt like you were trying to hit a marker when it comes to getting an agent and wonder how you’ll get there? Recently, my 13-year-old daughter and I had the chance to try out archery. I’ll wager it had been since I was…

By Leilani Squires When I edit novels, the two comments I most commonly make are, “All the characters sound the same” and “The dialogue is too stiff.” To solve these issues, try using some screenwriting techniques:  Listen You experience a movie through what is seen and heard. Our ears have…

By Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted "I hired a mentor. It was the best thing I'd ever done." Those words were music to my ears because I'd just done the same thing to help me content edit my novel. Why is a writing mentor necessary? Well, it's not NECESSARY, but it is…