by Rhonda Rhea @RhondaRhea As if we don’t have enough viruses in the current culture, I’m just out the other side of an ick cold and flu bug. We passed this bug through extended family and extended-extended family, petri dish style. Ah, sharing culture. Troubling though the flu bug was, the…

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson One of the most valuable parts of attending a writing conference is the opportunity for networking. And while a lot of networking now takes place online—through social media—nothing beats meeting someone face-to-face. While meeting someone in person is good, being remembered is even better. That’s why…

By Dr. Chrissy Whiting-Madison @joyfulgurly I think most of us remember when we were first divinely inspired to become an author. At least I remember my moment very clearly. For several years, I had been traveling all over the United States giving motivational speeches about positive psychology and positivity in…

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28 “What is the felt need of your target audience?” I heard that question again and again at writers’ conferences. “Know what the felt need is, and write about it.” Great advice. But the phrase “felt need” seemed fuzzy in my brain. What exactly is it, and…

by Ane Mulligan  @AneMulligan Brand and voice. Two words tossed about the industry with regularity. Yet, what are they actually, and how do you go about finding your voice and establish a brand? Finding Voice When I read Finding Your Voice, by Les Edgerton, a light bulb turned on for…

By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites I don’t usually make New Year’s Resolutions but this year I commit to pray for each of you daily.  I also will post a weekly prayer on the Blue Ridge Writers Facebook page. Why do I storm the gates of heaven on your behalf? I pray…