Edie Melson's Blog, page 233

For Writers: 5 Tips to Grow Your Vocabulary

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

Have you ever been writing along and then, suddenly, was stuck looking at the blinking curser (I know it’s cursor, but the other way seems more appropriate)? Either you don’t like the word you’re using or that perfect word on the tip of your brain just won’t materialize.Wouldn’t it be great if we could telepathically send our thoughts, complete in Technicolor? I guess it would require a lot of self-filtering. Nobody should be exposed to the mud in my brain.
So, I guess I’m thankful we have to use words, even if it can be frustrating. My precious wife often ends an explanation that has ran off its rails with, ‘You know what I mean.’ It works with us because I usually know the context, and I like harmony in the house, but you don’t get away with that with your reader.
Each word brings with it a particular nuance, a little different history or context. Did the man pursue, chase, or follow the jogger? Which word best gets across what you are trying to say? Without becoming overused. What you write is all the reader knows. It’s up to you to make sure you present your message correctly and in a way they can understand, without possibly misunderstanding. 
Sometimes, it’s not only the meaning of the word, but also, the sound of it. How does it make the sentence flow? Isn’t a flower by any other name still as sweet? Uh, no. Doesn’t sound quite right, does it? Although we use written words, they still have particular sounds when read, even if read to ourselves. We want to keep our reader tuned into the story and not wondering why it sounds just a little off.
Ways To Grow Your Vocabulary
1. Read, read, read.Read everything, even things outside of your favorite genres or topics.
Look for new words, not necessarily big words. Long words can put off your reader. Especially if they bring more attention to how smart the writer is rather than making the message clearer.
Look for how the writer describes things. Does it provoke your senses into the scene?
If you write bible stories or devotions, read memoirs and Christian living. What heart questions do you find often asked?
2. Use a dictionary or thesaurusWhen you come across a new word, look it up. Make sure you have the correct definition. Why did they use that word and not one you’re more familiar with? Go back to the sentence and see how it fits.
Some thesauruses (you bet I looked up that spelling) will have a paragraph on the differences of the common synonyms. Just because it’s a synonym doesn’t mean it can always be used as a substitute.
3. Play word games.For years, I’ve been playing the scrabble words in the newspaper. The more I do it, the easier it is to turn the mixed-up letters into words.
Recently I’ve started doing the crossword puzzles. I’ve been leery to start them because I didn’t want to go around all day trying to come up with a word. Being someone who struggles with remembering names, sometimes having it pop up two hours later, I didn’t want to tie up me brain processes like that.
So I tinkered with the rules. I wait until the next day when the answers come. My goal is to learn the words, not see how fast I can do it. When I get it wrong, it still reminds me of a word I don’t normally use.
Magazine and newspapers crossword puzzles are great ways to keep your vocabulary up-to-date and become familiar with current slang and idioms. They often use modern cultural references in their clues. I was taken aback, surprised (?), to learn that some of the answers were two words instead of one.
4. Read in the genre or on the subject you write. Above, I said to read everything. It’s just as important to read in the genre or on the topics you’re writing. What style of words do they use? I write mysteries. The differences in noir and cozy and police procedure are many and readers pick up on them immediately. That’s why a publisher or editor only has to read a page to see if the readers will accept your story.
This is especially important for specific topics, historical fiction, and regional stories. What specific words do they use? What is different about their dialogue?
For nonfiction, how do the writers explain or describe key concepts? What are the keywords that often come up and do they have a special nuance in your subject?
5. Remember the reader.There is one caveat to building your vocabulary for your writing. Always, always, keep the reader in mind. Just because you’ve just learned a new word doesn’t mean you have to use it. If the majority, no, even if it’s just a few, of your readers may not know it, leave it out. If you must use it, make sure the context will help the reader understand it.
This is especially true in Christian nonfiction. Are you writing for the choir or the backslidden? See the ‘churchspeak’ there. And the implied judging? Try to use words your reader can both understand and accept, even if you’re delivering a tough message. Jesus was pretty good at it.
I think the humorist Dave Berry illustrated this care we need to take to make sure we write clearly. He described the lectures he gave to a “bunch of chemists and engineers about the importance of not saying, ‘It would be appreciated if you would contact the undersigned by telephone at your earliest convenience,’ and instead saying, ‘Please call me as soon as you can’”
Our words are our tools to share thoughts, stories, worlds, and wisdom to a willing reader. To use the right word, we first have to learn the right word.
TWEETABLEFor Writers: 5 Tips to Grow Your Vocabulary - @TimSuddeth on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Tim Suddeth has been published in Guideposts’ The Joy of Christmas and on www.christiandevotions.us. He’s working on his third manuscript and looks forward to seeing his name on a cover. He is a member of ACFW and Cross n Pens. Tim’s lives in Greenville, SC with his wife, Vickie, and his happy 19-year-old autistic son, Madison. Visit Tim at www.TiminGreenville.com and on Facebook and Twitter. He can be also reached at timingreenville@gmail.com.

Writing: The Journey

by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod

My rights have been returned! 
Wait a minute. The rights for two books I signed over to the publishing company. The rights they accepted. Now, they were returning them. What exactly did that mean? That my two books would no longer be available? The separate year-long journeys I had made of edits and re-edits. The waiting game I had played—on design, on production—to finally hold a copy of my very own book and know I had written what lay inside the covers. All over. I emailed my executive editor, a successful novelist, editor, and devotional writer. I needed comfort … reassurance. Was I finished as a writer? 
“What they’ve done is typical,” she emailed back. “About two years is the life span for a devotional book. If it’s any comfort, they returned my rights too.” Mine had exceeded the norm. I guess something could be said for that. 
Wait a minute. Did she say they had returned her rights? It shouldn’t have, but her statement made me feel better. If she—as a moderately successful writer—could have rights returned, then maybe … just maybe … I wasn’t finished as a writer after all. 
A few months before receiving this news, I had learned about the fate of my first three books—published with another company. Perhaps I should have examined that entity more carefully, but I was a newbie to the publishing world. I hadn’t heard anything about royalties in a long time. When I googled my three books on Amazon, I noticed their prices scaled the roof. 
I typed the publisher’s url address in my search bar. Nothing. So I asked god … the little god—Google. The company had been bought out by another company which declared bankruptcy shortly thereafter. The problem was, they had not returned the book rights of any author. Lawsuits ensued. Now my first three books are unavailable, and so are my last two. 
Is there any saving grace in this dog-eat-dog world of publishing? Sure. Try another publishing company. I did, and I have another book in the works. 
I display a copy of each of my five books behind my desk in my classroom. Sometimes students remark, “You have written five books?” As if they wonder why I’m still teaching since I’m such a successful author. They’re too young to understand the writing world completely. The world where most writers—and other artists—starve if they quit their day jobs and try to do full-time what they love most in life. 
So, what’s my advice to writers?Dream of and work toward becoming a full-time writer, but in the meantime keep your day job.According to the Digital Book World and Writer’s Digest Author Survey taken in 2014, “Just over 77% of self-published writers make $1,000 a year…with a startlingly high 53.9% of traditionally-published authors, and 43.6% of hybrid authors, reporting their earnings are below the same threshold.”Accept the fits and starts of the writing life. Continual writing assignments or book contracts might not come. I must make efforts to make them happen at all. But I’ve learned that about the time my spirits are low and I’m saying to my wife, “I’ve haven’t had anything accepted lately,” that I’ll get an email offering a writing assignment or wanting to accept a devotion I’ve sent. Let rejection feed your determination. Even successful writers receive more rejections than acceptances. What makes the difference is their determination to keep writing and to keep sending their writing somewhere.Release jealousy. Jealousy is perhaps the biggest temptation writers face. Each journey is unique. And if I’m a believer, God designs my journey, and I must be satisfied with my journey, while rejoicing over the journeys He sends others on. As writers, we’re not in competition. Enough room exists for us all. 
So, put your pen (or pencil or keyboard) to paper, and get busy writing what presses heavily upon your heart. 
TWEETABLESWriting: The Journey and How to Stay on Track - Martin Wiles, @LinesFromGod, on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
4 Things to remember on the #writing journey - Martin Wiles, @LinesFromGod, on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

God Sees All the Seasons of a Writer

by Lynn Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn 

It’s officially Hurricane Season. I don't know about you, but I am fascinated by storms. I will watch The Weather Channel all day for continuing coverage of whatever massive event is happening.I’ve watched a lot of tropical storms batter the East coast and Gulf coast over the years, but during Hurricane Irma in 2017, I saw something I had never seen before.
During the storm, pictures and videos started popping up in my Facebook feed that showed the water being sucked out of bays and away from islands. The first one I saw during Irma was video from the Bahamas and when it appeared, I couldn’t figure out what I was seeing. But then it happened again and again as Hurricane Irma made her way to the US. 
In case you’ve never seen it, when certain types of storms come in, they can literally suck the ocean away from the shore. People can walk around on ground that used to be the bay because the water is g-o-n-e. As the storm passes, the water will flow back in and things will return to normal.
There was a time during Hurricane Irma when Tampa Bay was empty. People were running around, dogs frolicking, on land that had never been seen before because it was always covered in water. The reporters and people they interviewed kept going on about how they’d never seen anything like it. I certainly hadn’t.
How was it possible that with as many storms as I’d watched, I’d never seen this occur? It turns out that your average hurricanes don’t have this kind of impact. It takes a very big and powerful storm to do this. 
As I watched, completely fascinated, I felt a stirring in my spirit and God showed me something.
He wasn't surprised by this at all. He knows this happens in nature and He knows this happens in our lives.
We all have a certain tolerance for a “reasonable” amount of storm activity. We get up and go about our day with various small storms—maybe even tropical force or Category 2 storms—brewing around us.
But the big storms can quite literally suck us dry. We have nothing left to give because all our energy has been taken up by this powerful storm.
And yet we beat ourselves up over it. I think writers are some of the worst when it comes to this. We stress over our struggles to meet our goals and fret over word counts. We cut ourselves no slack at all. We say horrible things to ourselves and feel extraordinary amounts of guilt because we’re so tired and so empty. 
But God is not seeing it the same way.

He sees our dry bays. He sees the empty shorelines. He knows the category 5 level storms we are facing and He is not sitting there wondering why we can’t get our act together and deal with it because *HE KNOWS* what has happened.
Others may not see it. They may not understand it.
But God knows. God sees. He is still 100% in control.
If you’re walking around every day like those crazy reporters, hunched over in the wind just trying not to get blown away, my prayer for you (and for me) is that we will relax in the grace God has shown us. That we will rest in the knowledge that He is not expecting more of us that we can give.
In His time, the water will return to the bay. The waves will again lap along the shore. The storm will pass. The words will flow again.
Be kind to yourselves friends. Give yourself and those going through huge storms around you the same grace He gives.
Grace and peace,




https://youtu.be/1UAZN88kwLY
TWEETABLESGod sees all the seasons we face as a writer - @LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Learning to trust God with our difficult #writing seasons - @LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy—but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations—while she's sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas! 
Her Dive Team Investigations series kicked off in 2018 with Beneath the Surface and In Too Deep (A SIBA Okra pick and Selah Award Finalist). The 3rdbook in the series, One Final Breath, releases in September 2019. She is also the author of Hidden Legacyand Covert Justice,which won the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel and the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery and Suspense. Lynn lives in South Carolina with her true love and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after at www.LynnHBlackburn.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

For Writers: Still Digging Deep, Solving the Mystery of Deep Point of View—Part Two

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Last month, we talked about how deep POV isn’t really a mystery, it’s one of many techniques to create your characters all the way “to the bone,” where their emotions live. It’s a way to drag your audience along on that journey. And, it’s a way to allow your characters to tell their stories. 
We worked with dialogue and body language last month. Today, we’ll add two more layers to the characters we’ve already started creating: 1) Character Goal, 2) and Character Motivation.First, we used the example of a soon-to-be divorced wife—we’ll call her Belinda—whose almost-ex brought his new girlfriend to divorce court. Both what Belinda said AND her body language told us a lot about her deep emotions. But what lies under that anger and frustration? Goal and motivation. 
Remember, Belinda will have had other goals in her life – to get married, to have a family, to live happily forever-after – goals that now are broken dreams. She’ll barely be able to look at her ex because she’s so angry that he’s not the person she thought she had married. So, what if her current goal is to just get through the day? She woke up, dreading every second of the divorce proceedings she’s facing, but told herself over and over again she could do it. Her motivation is that she doesn’t want to make a fool of herself by reacting. She wants this process to be civilized and straight-forward and relatively easy. 
Then, she sees the new girlfriend snuggling up to HER husband! CONFLICT!! TENSION! Oh, sorry, I’m yelling at you. JBut the audience, knowing all these things are going on in her head, would expect her to react – violently!—to the sight. IF SHE DOESN’T, we’re not going to believe that she is real. Real people react. Real people get mad. Real people fall apart and get restrained by the bailiff. If she doesn’t, we writers have to create an excellent reason for her not to. 
Deep point of view is simply allowing a character to respond in a manner the audience recognizes. We have expectations and know how we would react. So, deep POV is letting us get that close to a character too.
Susan, our other heroine, has just lost her child and is at the visitation. Remember, she’s pale and withdrawn and doesn’t show any emotion until she gets by herself. Her goal is to not allow herself to feel, to not be THAT person who weeps all over the coffin. Why? Because it would embarrass her family – a somewhat cruel motivation—but a believable one. Will her family still support her if she breaks down? But, even though she follows the “proper protocol” her family demands, she can’t keep herself from her intense grief when she’s alone.
Our writer’s arsenal allows us to see our characters all the way “to the bone,” using layer after layer of emotion and reaction. Our weapons help us to express those characters by simply letting them “be themselves,” even though you created them.
Take the paragraph about your own character you wrote last month and add Goal and Motivation to it. Maybe some of the body language or dialogue will change, once you add a goal and the motivation behind it. I’ll be glad to look at it! 
TWEETABLESFor Writers: Still Digging Deep, Solving the Mystery of Deep Point of View—Part Two - @SarahSallyHamer on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Learn how to craft stories effectively by using deep POV with @SarahSallyHamer on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don't Miss All the Posts in This SeriesFor Writers: Solving the Mystery of Deep Point of View—Part OneFor Writers: Still Digging Deep, Solving the Mystery of Deep Point of View—Part Two
Part Three—More techniques for deep POV
I wish to express gratitude to the giants whose shoulders I stand on and who taught me so much about the writing craft. I would list every one, if it were only possible.
Sarah (Sally) Hamer is a lover of books, a teacher of writers, and a believer in a good story. Most of all, she is eternally fascinated by people and how they 'tick'. She’s passionate about helping people tell their own stories, whether through fiction or through memoir. Writing in many genres - mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, medieval history, non-fiction – she has won awards at both local and national levels, including two Golden Heart finals.
A teacher of memoir, beginning and advanced creative fiction writing, and screenwriting at Louisiana State University in Shreveport for over sixteen years, she also teaches online for Margie Lawson at www.margielawson.com. Sally is a free-lance editor and book coach at Touch Not the Cat Books, with many of her students and clients becoming successful, award-winning authors. 
You can find her at hamerse@bellsouth.netor www.sallyhamer.blogspot.com

The Pros and Cons of Writing as a Dream Job

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Is writing your dream job? Do you want to write full time or on the side? Here are some aspects to consider.The ProsFreelance writing can be portable. I can write anywhere including on the sidelines of my child’s soccer practice, on an airplane, at the library, or at home in my bunny slippers. A 40-hour week can be a flexible 50-hour week. Jerry Jenkins grew his career by writing for an hour each morning before his day job, and at night after his boys had been tucked into bed. While interviewing and researching, I meet a lot of interesting people, including other writers. There are many informative and encouraging conferences to attend featuring proven writers and top keynote speakers. Conferences often provide opportunities to pitch ideas to editors and publishers.There is always room to improve my craft. Writing is not boring.The ConsIf a steady paycheck calms your nerves, it may be better to get a regular gig with a publication or marketing firm. Or get a regular job doing something easier than writing like becoming a brain surgeon. Writers invest as much time marketing as writing. Writers are not always writing.Not everyone wants your work. If I could go back to when I was starting out, what would I tell myself about the world of freelance writing? Network! Attend events and conferences to meet others and keep up with the ever-changing industry. Never burn a bridge. Be gracious and professional. Look for the best in others. Remember that people do what they do for their own reasons and it is rarely about you. Be an excellent team player. If this is your business, run it like a business. Give readers and publishers what they want and need. How can you make their life easier and better? Be contract savvy. Or know someone who is that will be your second pair of eyes.Be accurate!!! Check your facts and spellings of names. Stay humble and remember who is your Savior, Source, protection, and provision. Always have a unique question ready for those serendipity moments when you cross paths with a significant person. For example, what would you ask a successful writer? An astronaut? The leader of a nation?You can learn something from everyone.Get a mentor.Mentor others.Help fellow writers be successful in their career.
The creative life is simultaneously art, craft, communication, and tool. And like every other dream job, writing has its own pros and cons to consider.

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The Pros and Cons of #Writing as a Dream Job - @PeggySueWells on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

"Like every other dream job, writing has its own pros and cons to consider." @PeggySueWells on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tropical island votary and history buff, PeggySue Wells parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Writing from the 100-Acre wood in Indiana, Wells is the bestselling author of twenty-eight books including The Slave Across the Street, Slavery in the Land of the Free, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, and Chasing Sunrise. Optimistic dream-driver, PeggySue is named for the Buddy Holly song with the great drumbeat. At school author visits, she teaches students the secrets to writing, and speaks at events and conferences. Connect with her at www.PeggySueWells.com, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and Twitter @PeggySueWells. 

Summer Fun, Writing Fodder

by Ralene Burke @RaleneB

Ah, summer is finally here. The sun is shining, the trees are green…and it's hot, too hot. Okay, I'm not the biggest fan of summer, but traditionally there are a few perks to the season. Summer is a time for swimming, vacations, and lots of reading, right? It's also a time to start building our writing fodder!
Writing fodder is our breadth of experience and knowledge from which we draw upon when we write, no matter what genre that is. Everything from unique events to specific conversations to the books and media we consume contribute to the writing fodder. Often times, as writers, we're so focused on churning out our stories, we forget that we need to fill that creative well. Then we face the dreaded writers block, an unfortunate side effect of not "living" enough between words.
So, I thought I'd share a few fun ways to build your bank of writing fodder this summer.
1. Whether your lounging poolside or on the beach, swimming is a great time to people watch! See how families and couples interact. Watch as different people wade into the water or splash headfirst. There are so many different activities, so many happy faces… We can garner a host of descriptions and interesting insights into people. 
2. Vacations are a staple of many summers due to the break from school. Maybe it's time to plan a unique and fun trip that involves family…and a little research. Visit different historical landmarks, explore unique architectural marvels, dive into unusual cultures, get up close and personal with nature, or even dream big from the comfort of your own home with a bit of a staycation. Whatever the vacation, tidbits and fun facts are just around the corner to spark ideas! 
3. Sometimes vacations aren't possible. But that's what books are for! Challenge yourself to read this summer. Read outside of your genre. Read nonfiction and biographies. Take a chance on graphic novels or short stories. Read something new or reread an old favorite. Become an expert at a new topic. Get excited again. Analyze good writing (and bad). Decide how you would write something in a different way to make it your own.
4. Rekindle that old romance. If you're married, there's nothing like a little summer heat to make you not want to have anything to do with each other. Ha! But seriously summer is alight with opportunities to get out and try something new with that special someone. When we feel good about ourselves and about our relationships, creativity flows more freely!
5. Speaking of trying something new…summer is a great time to take up a new hobby! To do some research for an upcoming novel, I told my husband I wanted to learn to use the quarterstaff. It would be great exercise for mind and body too! 
6. Join a fandom! What? I couldn't let an entire article go without getting a little geeky. There's something about being part of a community (outside of writers) who share the love of something unusual. And while, when we think of fandoms, we tend to think of sci-fi/fantasy fans, there's plenty of fandoms that are more…normal. 
We may be writers who prefer the worlds and characters in our heads at times, but that doesn't mean we quit living. The world around us can inspire and teach and encourage. The more we learn and experience, the more we have to draw from when we write.
So, now that we're knee-deep in summer, it's time to start building up your own writing fodder. Pick something to try and have some fun. Then take what you learn/experience and add it to your next story! 
What are you looking forward to this summer?
TWEETABLESSummer Fun, #Writing Fodder - 6 ideas from @RaleneB on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
6 Ideas to use summer fun for #writing inspiration - @RaleneB on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen, a social media wand, or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone #SHINE Beyond their circumstances! Her novels, Bellanok and Armor of Aletheia, are available on Amazon. More fantasy novels coming soon!
When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all-around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . . You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or at her website.

Recognizing The Abundance of God's Provision

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
When the dew fell on the camp at night, the manna would fall with it. Numbers 11:9
In recent years, I've made gratitude journaling a daily part of my life. I've discovered that I'm not a very thankful person and it helps me recognize the abundance of  blessings that populate my life. 

That got me thinking about Manna.
I find it comforting to know that the Israelites didn’t have a clue what it was. Because, truthfully, I find myself hard-pressed to recognize God’s provision when it first appears on the scene.
So many times I’ve prayed for relief or help in a situation, feeling like God had forgotten me. But when I looked back I could see the things He had already put in place to take care of my worries.
So here are the three things I’ve learned about God’s provision: God’s provision often appears quietly, with little or no fanfare.God’s provision can find us where ever we are—from safe at home to lost in the wilderness.God’s provision is exactly what we need, when we need it. 
Are you worried and stressed? Don’t despair, God has already put the things in place that you'll need.

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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitterand Instagram.

The Writing Journey: Should Writing Be Your Permanent Residence?

Edie here. Today I'm excited to introduce you to a long-time writer friend of mine, Jennifer Hallmark. We've supported each other through this writing journey and now Her debut novel is now out and it's one you're not going to want to miss. Be sure to give her a warm TWC welcome!



The Writing Journey: Should Writing Be Your Permanent Residence?
by Jennifer Hallmark @JenHwrites 

Writing is a journey, one that starts, much like that yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz, in a sweet little town far from fields of sleep-inducing poppies and scary forests. Unlike the broom and professor ending, however, penning words is an excursion that can last a lifetime.
People put words on paper for many reasons: therapy, enjoyment, fame and fortune, and to spread a message. So many think they have a book inside of them. Do you?

You enjoy reading. You like crafting or maybe even composed stories or poems in your youth. Is it time to buy a computer or a journal and gel pen? Maybe. Just begin and enjoy creating for any of the reasons listed above. It’s a great hobby. But do you want to write as a career?

Let me start with a warning: Don’t quit your day job! Stepping into the creative market takes time, patience, and perseverance. Hopefully, if you’re considering a career as a freelancer or a novelist, you’ve already wet your toes in writer’s waters and penned words.

Maybe you’ve reached that point, like I did, where you love being creative and picture readers enjoying your work, lives changed by your prose. I totally understand.

But we need to look at those three must-haves I mentioned to take your writing to the next level.Time: Write and read as much as you can. Take classes, network, then write and read some more. Experiment within the craft to see what works for you. Then start setting up your place in social media as a writer. I stepped out by taking my first writing class in 2006.Patience: You likely won’t earn money immediately. Begin with a willingness to write for free. My first published words were on non-paying websites, my personal blog, and as a guest blogger. Doing so helps you establish yourself and is good practice for later on.Perseverance: Don’t quit. Beside free writing, try contests and paying magazines, both online and in print. [Another warning: Caution needed with contests. There are a lot of scams out there. Never pay a lot of money to enter a contest.] Ask around to find the best ones. And remember they are subjective. What one judge likes, another might dislike.
My first paid work was for a short story I sold to a small print magazine in 2011, five years after I chose writing as a career. I sold three stories in all to them, then over the next six years took part in four different book compilations. In 2017, I sold my first book,  Jessie’s Hope,  to Firefly Southern fiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. Eleven years after that first writer’s class.
That’s a long journey.
Again, how serious are you? I see you lift your chin, point to yourself, and declare. “I’m in this to stay. New York Times bestseller list, clear a spot for me. I’m on my way.”
It’s great to be confident. I applaud your courage. 
Here are five questions you need to ask yourself.Are you willing to set aside time for writing? How about next week, next month, for the next ten years? Are you willing to study and ask questions of other writers?Are you willing to limit television watching, social media time, and forego social activities to pursue your dream?For you aspiring novelists, will you still write if it takes eleven years to sell your first novel?  (The one I sold was not the first I’d written.) And then wait more months to be published? What if you’re never published?If you’re planning to self-publish, are you ready to invest the time and finances to develop the expertise to master writing, publishing, and marketing?How long will you write if you’re not selling anything?
Important questions to ponder if you’re considering making a career out of this most interesting of fields.  I encourage you to attend a writing retreat or conference. Edie Melson is the director of BRMCWC and I highly recommend this place to learn, grow, and enjoy the company of other like-minded people.  While you keep company with different writers, some serious and some not, and ponder the five questions, you will likely reach a decision between hobby and career.
The balloon—or maybe the brightly colored shoes—await to take you where you want to go. Close your eyes and click your heels together.
There’s no place like the writing journey…
Let’s keep the conversation rolling. If you’re an established writer, how did you decide when to move from hobby to career?
TWEETABLESThe Writing Journey: Should #Writing Be Your Permanent Residence?  @JenHWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Writing is a journey, one that starts, much like that yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz, in a sweet little town far from fields of sleep-inducing poppies and scary forests. Are you ready to take the first step? #writing #writerslife (Click to Tweet)
Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and fantasy, an interesting combination that keeps the creative juices flowing. She’s published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in several magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, released on June 17th, 2019.
When she isn’t babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her two blogs. She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.www.jenniferhallmark.comwww.inspiredprompt.com Jennifer Hallmark, FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagram
Jessie’s Hope can be found at AmazonBarnes and Noble
Jessie’s Hope  Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie's high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.
With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie's grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for "his Jessie," one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.
Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles--including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather--highjack Jessie's dream wedding?
June Blog Tour Giveaway Extravaganza June 10th - June 30thPrizes include:
$25 Amazon Gift Card$10 Starbucks Gift CardPrint copy of Jessie’s Hope2 Kindle copies of Jessie’s Hope
Giveaway details: Go to my Rafflecopter Pageto enter and possibly win one of five prizes to be drawn by Rafflecopter. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on July 1st. You can only enter by visiting my June blog tour from June 10th until June 30th. My visits include:June 13th-Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud/Jennifer SlatteryJune 14th-Favorite Friday Fiction/MeJune 15th-Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason OwensJune 17th-Author Trish Perry/Trish PerryJune 17th-Southern Writers MagazineJune 18th-Author Liz Tolsma/Liz TolsmaJune 19th-Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason OwensJune 21st-Snark & Sensibility/Linda RondeauJune 24th-Fear Warrior/Jerusha AgenJune 24th-Author June Foster/June FosterJune 25th-Trumpet Tuesdays/Julie ArduiniJune 26th-Seriously Write/Sandra ArdoinJune 28th-Heartfelt, Homespun fiction/Cynthia Herron<!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:#0563C1; mso-themecolor:hyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:#954F72; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:2142531727; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:701920670 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693 67698689 67698691 67698693;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:o; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:"Courier New";} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level5 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:o; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:"Courier New";} @list l0:level6 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} @list l0:level7 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Symbol;} @list l0:level8 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:o; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:"Courier New";} @list l0:level9 {mso-level-number-format:bullet; mso-level-text:; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in; font-family:Wingdings;} </style></div>--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">June 29^th-<a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot... style="color: blue;">The Write Conversation/</span></a>Edie Melson</span></span>

Be True to Your Writing Self. Say No. And Sometimes Yes.

By Lori Hatcher @lorihatcher2
The offer I received was a writing dream come true. A major publishing house had read my book on homeschooling and invited me to submit more material. “We’re considering expanding our audience to include homeschooling moms. Would you like to audition for the opportunity to write regularly for us?”When I saw the company name, I squealed.  It’s true. It’s true. God does open doors in miraculous ways. Writing for this company would provide income, a prestigious credit on my resume, and a wide open door to other opportunities. 
My heart leapt.
Until it didn’t. Over the course of a few days, the butterflies in my belly began to feel like a five-pound burrito.
To help me diagnose what was wrong, I did three things. While I don’t apply this litmus test to every decision, the process is very helpful when I struggle with a major decision.Prayed.Talked with my husband.Sought additional wise counsel.
PrayJames 1:5 is my life verse. 
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
It’s my life verse because I need God’s wisdom so much. If left to myself, I often make impulsive decisions or decisions based solely on logic. Both typically leave out God. So I prayed, “Give me wisdom, Lord, and show me your will.” 
Ask Your Closest ConfidantWhen I talked to my husband, he congratulated me on the offer, knowing how hard I’ve worked and what an honor it would be to write for this publisher. “But you’re the one who’d have to do it,” he said. “How do you feel when you picture yourself spending a lot of your writing time this way?”
His question helped me identify my struggle. What I saw when I looked deeply into my heart, I saw lots of happy memories of my homeschooling years, a fair amount of practical insight I could share, and a profound sense that I’d moved on to other things when my last daughter graduated. I realized, in addition to the time I’d spend writing the material, I’d also have to invest hours researching to be able to create relevant, up-to-date content.
Seek Additional Wise CounselThe final step was to seek wise counsel, so I called the wisest counselor I knew in the writing world, my then-agent Les Stobbe. I was tempted to skip this step, because I knew what he’d say. “That’s terrific. This is the break you’ve been waiting for. It’ll pay well, look good on your resume, and open other writing doors.”
I was right. 
So I knew I had to come clean. “When I think about doing this, my heart sinks. I’ve already begun to dread it. If the offer had come ten years ago, when I was in the middle of homeschooling, it would be a dream come true. I could easily create content because I was in the trenches. As much as I loved homeschooling, I feel like I’ve graduated and moved on.”
I held my breath, waiting for him to scold me for thinking about declining an offer like this.
When he opened his mouth, he spoke the wise words I’d come to expect from him.
“God doesn’t call us to walk through every open door. If you’re not excited about it now, it’s not going to improve after you say yes. Sometimes he allows opportunities to come our way to help us define who we are and where we’re going. If envisioning yourself as a homeschool blogger makes your heart sink instead of leap, that’s a pretty good indication of where Godisn’tleading you.”
So with grace and gratitude, I declined the offer. I’ll never know if the decision harmed or helped my writing career, but I’ve never regretted saying no. The burrito in my belly vanished and my spirit soared. I felt free.
Since then, the Lord has opened other doors which I’ve been thrilled to walk through (after praying, checking with my husband, and seeking wise counsel). One of the most recent was a write-for-hire opportunity with the very same publisher I declined—on a project that made my heart leap.
This experience taught me to be true to myself, even if it means saying no to a great opportunity. Like the red sequined shoes I considered buying recently, if it looks lovely but doesn’t fit, it will only bring pain and regret.
If you’re at a crossroads in your writing journey, I encourage you to pray, talk to a trusted confidant, and seek additional wise counsel. If an opportunity doesn’t resonate, be true to yourself and the calling God has laid upon your heart. Just say no. You can trust God for what comes next.
Now it’s your turn. Have you been given an opportunity that looked great, but you chose to decline? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. 
TWEETABLESBe True to Your Writing Self. Say No. And Sometimes Yes. - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
When you rind yourself a #writing crossroad, stay true to yourself - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of several devotional books. Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women won the 2016 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award. Her most recent book, Refresh Your Faith – Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is due out in the spring of 2020.A blogger, writing instructor, and inspirational speaker, her goal is to help women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog,  Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time . Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter (@LoriHatcher2), or Pinterest (Hungry for God).

The Art of Self-Editing, Part 4

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

We covered a lot of territory over the last few months. The previous blogs in this series are below, at the end of the post.
Now, we’re coming toward the end of preparing our manuscript for submission or self-publishing.Revise—AgainIt’s time to write the third draft. Or maybe yours is a higher number. Doesn’t matter how many drafts you take to get to this point. My award-winning novel, Journey to Riverbend, went through eight drafts before winning its award. And then it went through one more draft through the publisher.
The key to revising is recognizing, as Jerry B. Jenkins puts it, when all we’re doing is changing it, we’re not making it better. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula for knowing when we’ve reached this point. The moment comes as a realization after prayer and working with others we trust that we’ve done the best we can. And we trust God to do the rest.
This revision is when we incorporate the comments and feedback from our beta readers into the manuscript.
Please don’t see this as merely tweaking. We enter this revision with a commitment to rewrite as much as we need to. This is where we kill any darlings that escaped the earlier drafts. We tighten our writing, cutting extraneous words—Yes, we’ll still find them. And cutting or tightening scenes, chapters, characters, and anything else that hinders our story. 
The first thing to do is read all the comments and answers from our beta readers. When we see criticism, remember—we asked for it. They took the time and made the effort to help us. We need to respect that by giving close attention to their efforts. Identify areas where the beta readers agree on something. If two out of three of my readers tell me there’s a problem in a specific area, I fix it. If I’m still not sure, I may ask them to re-read such a section to clarify that I got it. 
Helpful ResourcesSelf-editing is not something we do in a vacuum. As I’ve noted in this series, we have critique groups and beta readers to help us. We also have the expertise of other authors and editors. There are conferences, workshop, and webinars. 
And there are books. The best things about books are they’re always available at our desk in print or e-book. I prefer print for highlighting and margin notes. And their batteries don’t give out when I need them most. 
Three I recommend are:Revision and Self-Editing for Publication(2ndEdition) by James Scott Bell. Writer’s Digest, 2012. This book gives excellent tools and advice for taking our first draft to finished manuscript worthy of publishing.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers[2ndEdition) by Renni Browne and Dave King. Harper Collins, 2004. In this book two professional editors teach writers how to apply editing techniques to turn their manuscripts.  A valuable resource that never seems dated.
Troubleshooting Your Novelby Steven James. Writer’s Digest, 2016. This book provides practical instruction targeted the problem areas and weak spots in our stories. 
What other resources have you found helpful in self-editing your work?
After we complete this process, we’ve probably done all we can to prepare our manuscript. But I would argue we’re not done yet.
Next month, in the final installment in this series, we’ll take a look at bringing in a professional editor.
TWEETABLESThe art of self-editing - insight and tips from Henry McLaughlin, @RiverBendSagas on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Helpful tips and resources when editing your novel from Henry McLaughlin, @RiverBendSagas on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don't Miss the Other Posts in this SeriesThe Art of Self-editing, Part 1The Art of Self-editing, Part 2The Art of Self-editing, Part 3The Art of Self-editing, Part 4
Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest.

Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 

Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.