The Motivational Editor

Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published

Learning How to Encourage Yourself

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tragedy and comedy theatre masks

Rejection letters from magazine editors, book publishers, and agents.

Book sales? They’re flat lining.

It’s all too easy for writers to get discouraged.

I’ve received my share of rejection letters, and at present my book sales are dismal. Between the day job and my freelance work, marketing my books and writing my newest book get pushed to the very bottom of the to-do list.

3 Reasons for Discouragement

Generally speaking, I find discouragement happens because we are… [Read more…] about Learning How to Encourage Yourself

7 Writers Conferences to Attend

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Writer’s conferences are one of the best places to get your work in front of agents and acquisitions editors. While you can find conferences happening the year round, spring and summer have the most to offer.

Now, while you still have time to rearrange your work schedule and purchase plane tickets at a reasonable price, is a good time to look at what’s ahead, and what will meet your needs.

Here are several questions to consider as you study the conferences. [Read more…] about 7 Writers Conferences to Attend

Saying no to a contract

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Saying no to a contract Lisa LickelLisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in a 160-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. What a great setting for book! I can imagine all sorts of interesting and mysterious aspects a ship captain might build as part of his house.

Lisa is a multi-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, and also writes short stories and radio theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and sometimes magazine editor. Be sure to visit her website at http://www.LisaLickel.com.

Why did you write The Last Detail? [Read more…] about Saying no to a contract

How to Split and Merge Documents in Scrivener

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Scenes are the building blocks of your story. So let’s take a quick look at the definition of a scene.

Jack M. Bickham, in his book Scene & Structure, defines scene this way:

It’s a segment of story action, written moment-by-moment, without summary, presented onstage in the story “now.”

James Scott Bells says in Plot & Structure:

Much of the time a scene takes place in a single location, and almost always is played out in real time.

A scene has a goal, conflict, and a climax in miniature, [Read more…] about How to Split and Merge Documents in Scrivener

4 Life Principles I Learned as a Marine – Part 4

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blog title imageToday, I finish this series, and maybe you’re drawing a breath of relief about that. That’s okay. I understand.

I know you’re looking for specific advice on improving your story and getting published, but there are times when my spirit is so burdened that I must write about what I believe God has for me to share that day. This series has been one of those times.

The Bible tells us in 3 John 1:2, NKJV:

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

That tells me there is a direct link between my physical and spiritual life. This leads me to… [Read more…] about 4 Life Principles I Learned as a Marine – Part 4

Help! How do you stay organized?

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messy officeDo you consider yourself as being organized?

I am. At least, I think I am.

After all, the spices in my kitchen cabinet are alphabetized, and so are the DVDs in my entertainment center. Look in my closet and you’ll find all my short sleeve shirts in one spot and then long sleeve and all sorted by color. My books are shelved by topic.

I suppose many would call that being OCD, but I call it [Read more…] about Help! How do you stay organized?

A Talk with Author Donna Goodrich

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Author Donna GoodrichI’m speaking today with Donna Goodrich. Donna is no novice to the publishing world. She is a freelance proofreader, editor and speaker, and the author of 25 books and over 700 published manuscripts. Her latest books are A Step in the Write Direction; The Freedom of Letting Go; The Little Book of Big Laughs; and My Rhyme-Time Bible for little ones, 15 Bible stories in poetry.

Donna, you’ve had two books release this year, and one slated for next year. You’re a busy writer! What prompted the recent revision of three of your books?  [Read more…] about A Talk with Author Donna Goodrich

4 Life Principles I Learned as a Marine – Part 3

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blog title imageWe all know life comes with problems, as much as we wish it didn’t.

In light of all the recent shootings and violence, today’s subject is a difficult topic. This post was written and planned long before the recent events in Paris and those in the US in Colorado Springs and San Bernadino. My heart and prayers go out to those families who have been impacted by these events.

The answer to our problems is not a rifle. The answer is Jesus (if you want to know more about that, email me). That said, let’s move forward with today’s post. [Read more…] about 4 Life Principles I Learned as a Marine – Part 3