By Dr. Chrissy Whiting-Madison @joyfulgurly When I completed and published my first book, Choosing Happiness, being disciplined to sit at my computer and write was easy. I was passionate about what I was writing about. In fact, I wrote the majority of my book over Christmas break, with my laptop…

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28  The written word doesn’t only stay written. Nor is it completely silent. Even if we don’t read out loud, our minds “hear” the words on a page. As we read silently, our brains pronounce the words. (Like right now, yes?) Sentences don’t stay stagnant on a…

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills Writing a story from an actual person or event provides an opportunity for readers to explore, invoke sensory perception, and imagine themselves as those who lived through a notable time in history or a contemporary happening. A real or fictitious character who embarks upon the established…

By Theresa Parker Pierce @rowanhistory When I am giving a tour or other presenting to groups, people often ask how I got started. They say, “I would love doing this.” So, here is my short answer. Walk into your local museum and ask, “Do you take volunteers?” Twenty-three years ago,…

by Maggie Wallem Rowe  Since you’re taking a few moments to read this post, it’s safe to assume you’ve got all the time in the world to pursue your calling as a writer, right? Wrong. If you’re anything like me, there aren’t enough hours in the day to take advantage…

 by Jody Allen It was a typical day of running errands. I found myself at the catchall store, Walmart, in search of a housewarming gift for friends. I clanked my rickety cart to the Garden Center in hopes of finding just the right flower that said, “Welcome to your new…