by Ane Mulligan  @AneMulligan Congratulations! You finished your manuscript. That's so exciting! At the conference you went to, an agent (or editor) you pitched asked to see the full manuscript. When you got home, you polished it and sent it off. Now what? How do you do pass the time,…

by Lynn 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, I…

by A.C. Williams @ACW_Author When I write a story, I like it to mean something more than the words that are on the page. I guess you could say I am a “message first” sort of storyteller. If I haven’t got a point I’m trying to communicate, I struggle to…

By Alycia Morales @AlyciaMorales Many of us have a way with words. After all, we’re writers and speakers, are we not? But do we pay attention to everything we say or write every time we open our mouth, stand in front of a microphone, pick up a pen, or sit…

By Aaron Gansky @ADGansky I value strong openings, not only as a writer, but as an editor. When writing first pages, it will serve you well to remember that your openings (especially the first page) serve one primary purpose, and that is to establish your authorial authority. Essentially, you’re announcing…

by Julie Zine Coleman @JulieZColeman And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:2 NASB In the fall I was student…