Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published
Flashbacks.
You know what I’m talking about. When a writer rips us from the present moment of the story and catapults us into the past.
And that’s the problem. It stops the forward momentum of your story. Like a driver slamming on the brakes and you go flying through the windshield.
First, realize a flashback is not equal to backstory. In The Portable MFA in Creative Writing, Tim Tomlinson tells us backstory is: [Read more…] about The Problem with Flashbacks
For people dipping their toes into the vast sea of publishing for the first time, knowing how to find a publisher can be an overwhelming task.
I’m talking to those who have ventured into these waters from another field. Doctor, teacher, business exec, stay-at-home mom. And now God has given you a story or message to share.
Where do you start?
I’m veering off my usual blogging schedule because this is one of those times I feel compelled to speak out.
As we face the tragedy that took place in Orlando this week, many of us shake our heads at the senselessness of it. We can only imagine the heartache these families are experiencing, and we lift them to the Lord in prayer.
I remind myself that what occurs in the physical realm has a parallel in the spiritual. Omar Mateen isn’t the enemy. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12 NLT).
Those who don’t know Jesus [Read more…] about Our Enemy Is a Spiritual One
Author Kathy Nickerson released a book in March and will release another one in July. Today she’s here to share how she’s managing the marketing of these books.
Kathy, thanks so much for joining us here today. I always enjoy your books and your blog. You have a sense of humor I like, and that comes through clearly in your voice.
In March you launched The Secret of Serendipity, a middle-grade novel, and next month you release Rose Hill Cottage, a women’s contemporary fiction. How have you handled the marketing for two books in such a short period of time? [Read more…] about Marketing Different Books Simultaneously
Today’s post is by Ben Wolf, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Splickety Publishing Group. I had the privilege of meeting Ben last month at PenCon (a conference for editors). He gave an inspiring keynote speech on day 2 of the conference.
I enjoyed his keynote so much, I decided to ask if he’d be willing to guest post on my blog—and yes, I had to encourage myself to be brave enough to ask. He graciously said yes.
3 Things You Need to Know About Flash Fiction
by Ben Wolf
Founder and Editor-In-Chief of Splickety Publishing Group
Instant gratification reigns supreme in today’s fast-paced society. I could go into a spiel here about Twitter, DVR, multi-tasking, and Big Macs, but we all live it (and, in most cases, love it) every day. [Read more…] about 3 Things You Need to Know About Flash Fiction
Rejection in publishing is inevitable.
In fact, if a writer told me he/she had never received a rejection letter, then I’d say he/she had never submitted any work.
Yes, rejection is hard. Yes, it hurts. As writers, we must develop a tough skin so rejections don’t readily wound us. Further, we can’t let that rejection stop us from submitting our work somewhere else.
In addition to a tough skin, our attitude affects whether we handle rejection in a way that promotes our growth as a writer. We need a persevering attitude so we can overcome and reach our goals.
We all know our attitude [Read more…] about Editors, Rejection, and Attitude
As I write this, I’m sitting in my son’s living room, located in beautiful Colorado Springs. This past weekend, I attended PenCon, a conference for editors. Yes, editors need conferences just like writers.
I can’t say enough good things about this conference organized by Kathy Ide and members of The Christian Pen. I heard terrific speakers, made new friends and connections in the editor world, and learned so much. I’m going home a better editor and a better person. Success all the way around for attending a conference.
Part of what I learned was to nurture your heart, to do things you enjoy and that refresh you.
And I planned this conference well, because in addition to the conference, [Read more…] about Nurture Your Heart
Writing a short devotional for a daily devotional magazine is a good way to bring in some $$. Many markets pay $20-$25 per devotional, and most devotionals run around 200-300 words. That’s not bad money for so few words.
But writing devotionals is exacting. Requirements for devotional pieces vary widely and can be very detailed. Be sure to thoroughly read each market’s submission guidelines.
The Upper Room: http://www.upperroom.org/about/writer-guidelines/upper-room
Augsburg Fortress, http://www.augsburgfortress.org/company/submit.jsp This submission page contains links to several submission opportunities including download files for their 2 devotional magazines The Word in Season and Christ in Our Home.
Light From the Word, https://www.wesleyan.org/wg scroll down to find specifics
The Secret Place, http://judsonpress.com/catalog_sp_guidelines.cfm