Edie Melson's Blog, page 3

What to Do After an Agent Says Yes: 3 Essential Steps for Writers

From Edie: An agent said yes—now what? Lilks helps us discover  3 essential steps every writer should take after landing representation to stay professional and move forward.

What to Do After an Agent Says Yes: 3 Essential Steps for Writersby Lilka Raphael @Lilka_Raphael
"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."Vincent van Gogh
I attended a writers conference this summer as I usually do. Unlike previous years, I left represented by an agent. Professional networking is one reason I attend but suddenly receiving a yes after years of pitches left me stunned. 
Only days after thanking God for answered prayer, analysis paralysis set in. Then fear. Though confident that God provided the best agent for me, doubts about my own abilities came quickly. Thankfully, I got it together and didn’t squander this opportunity. Unlike last time. And the time before that. 
I suspect there are writers like myself who overthink and allow conference connections to slip away. The best of intentions to revise and submit turn into regret as weeks turn into seasons. Still, God is gracious and provides multiple pathways to our purpose. That said, here are three thing to do (promptly) when you get a yes.
Follow UpWe rob ourselves of blessings by failing to follow up. This applies not only spiritually but in our professional lives as well. If an agent, editor, or publisher asks for something, submit it. There is a finite window before they move on to the next. A yes is hard to come by, so don’t take it lightly. Demonstrate professionalism by submitting material when and how directed. This sets the foundation for a great working relationship. 
Follow DirectionsOur expectations after receiving a yes may differ from reality. I thought my agent would want the manuscripts we discussed. Instead, she prioritized the proposal and my email list. We may not understand everything about the publication process, but we must trust the wisdom and experience these professionals possess. Following directions also indicates that we are easy to work with. When in doubt, ask questions. Clarifying instructions immediately eliminates frustration later.
Stay the CourseMost writers pursue obtaining representation or a book contract for years. Yet, when we receive the yes, it’s time to transition into a new phase. Admittedly, this can be intimidating. We may be forced to hone new skills and tackle different assignments. Accomplishing our goals requires that we don’t despair when tasked with revisions or expanding our platform. Every good thing in life takes longer and is harder than we first imagine. Writing is no different. The business of writing dictates that we do far more than write. 
Don’t give up or give in to fear. Stay focused and mindful of why you write. You have something meaningful to share. If an agent, editor, or publisher says yes, you are well able to produce the poems, book, or screenplay they are looking for.
The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.Proverbs 18:15-16 NKJV
TWEETABLEWhat to Do After an Agent Says Yes: 3 Essential Steps for Writers from @Lilka_Raphael on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
A Florida native, Lilka Finley Raphael has been a licensed pharmacist for over thirty years. Her passions for writing, gardening, and photography prompted her to share her experiences and life lessons on her blogs B Is for Blessed and God, autism, & me. You can learn more about her at lilkaraphael.com
Lilka’s greatest achievements are her two adult sons who have flown the nest. Happily married for thirty-two years, she lives east of Atlanta with her husband, Rod. They now share their home with two German Shepherds—Holly and Ivy—and one naughty kitty, Moxie.

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers

From Edie: Stuck in your writing? Word search puzzles can refresh your mind, spark creativity, and improve focus so you return to the page energized.

The Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writersby Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
When your creativity needs a jumpstart, try a word search puzzle to challenge your brain, tickle the muses, and invoke some fun moments. If you’re stuck in the middle of a writing project, put it aside briefly, tackle a word search puzzle, then return to your writing. A rejuvenated mind will unleash fresh thoughts and ideas to continue the writing project you’re involved in.
But don’t just take my word for it. Medical professionals list many benefits of word search puzzles.
Word Search Puzzle Benefits for Writers By stimulating critical thinking, word search puzzles require the development of strategies and plans to locate words buried in the puzzle.Word search puzzles improve short-term memory. Completing word searches improves the ability to convert data into a specific format needed to complete a task.Word search puzzles stimulate pattern recognition as the brain scans the grid for letters and sequences.Puzzles improve the ability to retrieve information for a specific purpose.Exposure to new words or seldom-used words improves vocabulary.Focusing on the task of completing a word search puzzle helps increase concentration by training the brain to tune out distractions.Completing or even partially tackling a word search puzzle reduces anxiety and stress by imparting a positive distraction and a sense of accomplishment.Engaging in word search puzzles exercises the brain, encouraging mental sharpness.The success of locating a word in search puzzles can trigger dopamine release, which acts as a positive reinforcement and increases overall well-being. Word search puzzles build patience and persistence. 
If these benefits aren’t enough reasons to grab a pen, pencil, or computer to tackle a word search puzzle, here’s the best one: They’re FUN!
Word search puzzles abound. My husband and I enjoy them so much that we accepted an assignment from a Penguin Random House imprint to create our newest book, Jumbo Bible Word Search. We’d love for you to check it out. 
You can also find free places online to search to your heart’s content for words hidden with a maze of letters. Here’s one site I found: https://thewordsearch.com/ . 
If you want to have some extra fun, create a puzzle of your own and challenge your spouse or kiddos to complete the puzzle. Here’s a site to make your own puzzle: https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/word-search . 
If you’re puzzled over the next words or paragraphs in your current WIP, take a writing break, complete a word search puzzle, and harness the creative juices that are bound to flow following your search! 
TWEETABLEThe Surprising Benefits of Word Search Puzzles for Writers from @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Julie and David Lavender just received author copies of Jumbo Bible Word Search, and they plan to incorporate their latest project into a date-night. “We’ll each get a book, or maybe I’ll just make a copy of one of the puzzles, and we’ll race to see who can complete the puzzle first,” Julie said. She admitted her hubby’s pretty competitive, so she expects him to win. “But I’ll have fun trying to outwit him anyway.”

Jumbo Bible Word Search: Stimulate Your Mind and Grow in Faithby David & Julie Lavender
Boost your brain and uncover God’s Word in Jumbo Bible Word Search.
With extra-large font size and spacious layouts, Jumbo Bible Word Search is designed for comfortable readability. These engaging word searches invite adults and seniors to discover or revisit familiar illustrations of God’s true love. Based on Bible stories, Christian teachings, and scripture verses, these puzzles are a fun and wholesome way to keep minds active! Perfect as a gift or for travel, waiting rooms, or the comfort of home, this book has something for every faithful puzzle enthusiast, new or pro.LARGE CLEAR TEXT: Our jumbo print is extra-large so adults and seniors can have uninterrupted fun without eye strain. PLENTIFUL PUZZLES: With an assorted mix of search words through biblical themes, verses, and stories, varied puzzle categories are designed to engage the mind! Explore the many names of God, find and seek comfort in Jesus’ promise to his followers, rejoice with words celebrating Christ’s resurrection, and more! ENRICHING BIBLE KNOWLEDGE: Expand scripture expertise with familiar and not-so-familiar Bible stories, verses, and themes from the Old and New Testament.ENCOURAGING FAITH: Affirming messages invite and remind readers that God’s love is always near. INWARD SEARCH: Puzzles are paired with scripture references to inspire and encourage readers to dig deeper for hidden gems in God’s Word SUPPORTS COGNITIVE FUNCTION: Adult brain teaser activities like word search puzzles engage areas of cognitive function, including problem- solving skills; making connections; enhancing memory, focus, and concentration; strengthening mental agility; expanding vocabulary; reinforcing spelling; and more.

18 Attitudes That Can Sabotage Your Writing Journey (and How to Overcome Them)

From Edie: Every writer faces mindset battles. Today I explore 18 common attitudes that hold writers back—and how we find encouragement to overcome each one. 

18 Attitudes That Can Sabotage Your Writing Journey (and How to Overcome Them)by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Becoming a writer takes more than learning grammar, studying craft, and building a network. Those are important, but they’re not enough. The truth is, much of the writing journey is fought—and won—in the mind. Our attitudes can either propel us forward or hold us back.
Too often, writers stumble not because of a lack of talent or opportunity, but because of hidden mental battles: discouragement, comparison, impatience, perfectionism, and more. If we’re not careful, these attitudes creep in and quietly derail our progress.
Today I want to shine a light on some of the most common mindsets that sabotage writers. Think of them as roadblocks you can avoid—or warning signs that it’s time to realign your thinking with God’s truth. Recognizing them is the first step to replacing them with faith, perseverance, and joy in the writing journey.
Attitudes of an Ineffective Writer
1. Trying to do it alone. Yes, in many ways writing is a solitary endeavor, but for the writer who is a believer, we must remember we write with God. He is our source of strength, inspiration, encouragement, and creativity.
2. Forgetting to pray first. Number 1 leads directly into number 2. By praying before we start typing, we change our perspective, acknowledge our need for God’s guidance, and submit our words to Him. This simple, consistent act has had more effect on my writing than any other thing I’ve ever done. 
3. Waiting too long to get started. I talk to writers—and wanna-be-writers—every day who are drowning in the reasons they’re not writing. They are postponing until everything in life is just right. Unfortunately, they don’t see the delay as the excuse it is. We all have “reasons” not to write. But the bottom line doesn’t change. Writers write. 
4. Refusing to be patient. Yes, it’s bad to put off beginning, but we shouldn’t go into this expecting instant results. There’s a lot to learn to become a writer. There’s no timetable. It takes as long as it takes. As long as we’re learning and growing, we’re doing well. 
5. Comparing ourselves to others. There will always be people who appear to have it easier. But none of us knows what’s gone before. I need to focus on my own journey. Comparisons lead to dissatisfaction and unrealistic expectations. 
6. Trying to do too much at once. Multitasking is a lie. Yes, we can have several projects going in the same timeframe, but we cannot work on them simultaneously. Part of learning to become a writer involves learning the art of setting priorities. 
7. Refusing to change. Instead of growing and adapting, this mindset expects the publishing world to adapt to them. 
8. Always expecting to be the exception. There are two ways things happen in the writing world—the normal way and the exception. It’s called an exception because it doesn’t happen often. Common sense needs to remind us that we cannot expect to live our publishing life as the exception. 
9. Forgetting the reason we started writing. The reason why can get us through almost any obstacle. When we forget why, the resilience we had slips through our fingers.
10. Focusing on the negative. Just like anywhere else, in publishing disappointments will come. We can choose to live in the negative, complaining and whining, or we can learn from the struggle and move forward. 
11. Waiting for perfection. Being patient is good. Expecting to someday be perfect is a pipedream. I write better today than yesterday, and I’ll write even better tomorrow. We do the best we’re capable of and keep moving. Perfection is a sinkhole that leads to nothing but defeat and failure.
12. Chasing trends instead of truth. It’s tempting to write whatever is currently “hot” in publishing, but chasing trends usually leads to frustration. By the time your book is ready, the trend may have passed. Staying true to your unique calling and voice lasts longer than any trend.
13. Ignoring feedback. Constructive criticism is a gift. Writers who refuse to listen to editors, critique partners, or beta readers miss opportunities to grow. Pride can be a major roadblock to progress.
14. Believing productivity equals worth. Word counts matter, but a writer’s value isn’t measured by daily output. Progress comes in seasons. Sometimes research, thinking, or prayer is the most important “work” of the day.
15. Isolating from the writing community. Beyond networking, writers need encouragement, accountability, and camaraderie. Avoiding community means missing out on growth, support, and opportunities.
16. Fearing rejection more than pursuing obedience. Rejections come with the territory. When fear of rejection outweighs obedience to write, we stop before we even begin. Courage to submit grows from trusting God with the results.
17. Over-romanticizing the writing life. Many picture writing as cozy coffee shops and endless inspiration. The truth? Writing is often hard, disciplined work. If we only write when inspired, we’ll rarely finish anything.
18. Letting success define identity. Publication, contracts, or bestseller lists don’t define a writer’s worth. Anchoring identity in God frees us from the roller coaster of approval, reviews, and sales numbers.
The writing journey isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about guarding our hearts and minds so we can persevere with joy. Attitudes like discouragement, comparison, and perfectionism may try to trip us up, but they don’t have to define our story. When we recognize these traps, surrender them to God, and choose healthier mindsets, we open the door for growth, creativity, and purpose.
Take a few minutes this week to reflect: Which of these attitudes do you struggle with most? What truth from God’s Word can you hold onto to replace that lie? The more intentional we are in protecting our mindset, the more freedom we’ll experience in our writing—and the more faithfully we’ll reflect the One who called us to write in the first place.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLE18 Attitudes That Can Sabotage Your Writing Journey (and How to Overcome Them) @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Edie uses the truths God has taught her as an author, photographer, and blogger to encourage others. She’s learned to embrace the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. As a sought-after speaker, she’s empowered and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others call on God’s strength during challenging times, often using creativity to empower this connection. She also knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences, and workshops on ways to use creativity to help strengthen our connection with God. 
She and husband Kirk have been married 43+ years with three grown sons and four grandchildren. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found with their big black dog hiking the mountains.

Small vs. Large Writers Conferences: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose

From Edie: Not sure which writers conference to attend? Discover the differences between small and large events and how to pick the right one for you.

Small vs. Large Writers Conferences: Pros, Cons, and How to Chooseby Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted
Yearly, writers conferences pop up across the country. They range in size, format, and cost, and it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you. Of course, only you really know your specific needs, but I'd like to offer you some guidance on how to choose an appropriate conference that best suits you.
Size
Conferences will range in size across the country. Disclaimer: Please note that none of the conferences I mention have offered me anything to give them a shout out, other than their kindness and willingness to help writers. I don't have access to a full list across the country and what I do share is a drop in the bucket compared to what is available.
Size may be a genuine factor in your decision to attend a conference. Depending on your personal confidence level, you may feel good about jumping into a conference like the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference or the ACFW Writers Conference. Held each May in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge has become the country's premier conference. What does that mean? Well, size-wise, Blue Ridge will average from 500-600+ attendees, but in my opinion, what sets it aside as "premier" is that it addresses most genres in fiction and non-fiction, where ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) focuses on Christian fiction. Size-wise, the attendees are probably equal, give or take a few hundred. Both have a variety of publishers in attendance, as well as authors, mentors, and agents at your disposal. Any conference will offer you the opportunity to network with industry professionals, but because of the size of these two, the opportunities are a bit wider.
Which one of these conferences is best for you? Again, it depends on your needs. It is always a bit awkward if this is your first conference to jump into the deep end. With lists of classes to choose from, available industry professionals, and contests you can enter, you must be ready for the tsunami that will wash over you when you walk through the doors. These conferences offer so much. Are you prepared to take a giant leap? Are you comfortable in large crowds? For many first-time conferees, the size of these events can be overwhelming. When you don't know what to expect or how to maneuver through it, it can be scary. Should you decide to tackle one of these larger conferences, then do your homework before you arrive. Familiarize yourself with the faculty and classes. Have a plan of what and where to go. 
Their schedules are posted on their websites in advance. You'll see the teachers, the subjects, and faculty bios. However, the one mistake I see new conferees make is taking classes above their skill level. It's fine if you choose to do that, but I'm not sure that is the best way to get the most out of a conference. Choose classes that address where you are currently in your writing path. By doing this, you are face-to-face with professionals whom you can talk to and ask questions. Folks who can help you where you are in your writing. Taking classes above your skill set may lead to confusion, frustration, and wasted time by learning out of order. Trust me, I know this for a fact. It happened to me because I didn't have someone who offered me this advice. I went into my first conference, picking classes that I thought I could use. Though I learned a lot, my writing wasn't at a level where I could apply what I learned. I got ahead of myself, and it meant backtracking to learn the ins and outs of plotting before I tied up an ending. If you're new to writing, consider classes that teach you the basics in fiction and non-fiction, learn the industry lingo, explore the types of editors you may need, and learn about voice and description. If you are more advanced and your manuscript is nearly completed or completed, consider classes that will help you write a proposal, or help you understand what happens once you are signed with an agent. There is a process, and you need to learn what agents and publishers will expect from you. This is what I mean by taking classes that address your current writing stage. A new writer with an idea and an unfinished manuscript is not ready for an agent. Remember, keep the process in order. Write, polish, complete the manuscript, then begin to submit. If you do this, you'll save yourself a lot of frustration.
Cost
Cost is a vital issue. Remember, it is not cheap to run a conference, and most faculty members are paid a small stipend plus their travel expenses. Professionals attend conferences because they believe in the value of helping rising writers. Some conferences can pay for flights while others simply cannot, so when you look at the price of a conference, look at it from a different angle, other than, "Oh, that's expensive." 
Having said that, it is essential to stay within your financial constraints. Only you know how much you can afford, and you will have to take into account flights, driving, gas, housing, and meals in addition to the conference fee. Start saving a year in advance. You'd be surprised how quickly you can save your costs by saving $20 a week. The other side of this coin is simple: You have to spend money to make money. If you want to be a teacher, you have to go to school to learn how. If you want to be a writer, attending a conference can have a similar effect. 
Many directors try to offer housing and meals along with their conference fees, or they will try to work with hotels close by to secure a small discount. Directors do their best to help conferees by making the expenses as all-inclusive as possible. So yes, there is a significant cost to attending a conference, but one that is well worth the money spent. The benefits far outweigh the costs. I firmly believe that folks find the money for the things they want. So, begin to save so that your expenses on the tail end are lessened. Remember, attending a conference is an investment in your career.
Retreat vs Conference
Retreat vs conference is a biggy because the two are nothing alike, and newer writers may find themselves confused by not understanding the differences. A retreat is wonderful, and though they are nice for newer writers, they're probably not going to offer what you are expecting. A retreat is generally very small. They will range in size from six to a larger group of thirty, and though they offer some "refining" or polishing type classes, their biggest advantage is writing time with a small number of peers. Those polishing classes are going to help them put the shine on a manuscript that is complete or nearly complete. Retreats are going to place you in a situation where you can share your work in small groups and get those critiques that help refine your work. The peer-to-peer time is worth a mint. Having that designated and uninterrupted writing time will take a writer who is stalled to the finish line. 
Small Conferences
Never let anyone tell you a small conference is a bad investment. Most try to offer those vital things found in a larger conference, such as appointments, agents, and publishers. The difference is that there may not be as many faculty members, but that doesn't mean that small isn't good. Small conferences offer an intimacy that larger conferences cannot house simply because of the number of folks attending. They provide a prime opportunity for you to network, to make peer friends who will walk with you throughout your career. Small conferences are wonderful encouragers, and generally make themselves available to conferees year-round. Faculty members get to know conferees, and that means building great future relationships in the industry. More and more small conferences are popping up across the country. 
You only need to do the infamous "Google search" and find one close to you. I am not familiar with the complete list of conferences. 
However, here is a short list of writing conferences I know about.  Florida Christian Writers Conference St. David's Christian Writers Conference Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Montrose Christian Writers Conference Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference Kentucky Christian Writers Conference Asheville Christian Writers Conference Carolina Christian Writers Conference Seaside Scribes Christian Writers Conference Write to Publish Taylor University Professional Writers Conference The Well Southern Christian Writers Conference
And this is only a few. There are more across the country. My apologies for conferences not listed, but these were just a few off the top of my head. The point is, conferences are available. Find one that suits your needs and means. Then attend.
TWEETABLESmall vs. Large Writers Conferences: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose from @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. Having served for a number of years as a managing editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and Ironstream Media, Cindy now works as a mentor, coach, and freelance editor. She is the co-founder of Writing Right Author Mentoring Services with Lori Marett and she is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Cindy is also the co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries and WWW.CHRISTIANDEVOTIONS.US, as well as WWW.INSPIREAFIRE.COM. Her devotions are in newspapers and magazines nationwide, and her novels have become award-winning best-selling works. She is a popular speaker at conferences and a natural encourager. Cindy is a mountain girl, born and raised in the Appalachian mountains, where she and her husband still reside. She has raised four sons and now resorts to raising chickens where the pecking order is easier to manage. You can visit Cindy at WWW.CINDYSPROLES.COM or www.wramsforwriters.com.

How Writers Can Defeat Discouragement and Disappointment

From Edie: Struggling with writing setbacks? Larry shares how to defeat discouragement and disappointment using prayer, encouragement, and proven writing habits.

How Writers Can Defeat Discouragement and Disappointmentby Larry J. Leech, II @LarryJLeechII
Discouragement and Disappointment. The bully brothers of the writing world.
Formidable foes. They’re relentless. Annoying. Often like a faucet that drips. 
They chirp in our ears with things such as:“That’s a stupid idea.”“No one will read this.“Ha, you couldn’t have come up with a better verb than that.”“You’re a horrible writer.”“If readers knew what a terrible person you have been, they’d want nothing to do with you.”“You really think you can edit? You’re a joke.”If we are not careful, the enemy and his minions can overwhelm us with invasive thoughts. Maybe for weeks on end, day after day after day after day. That kind of continuous action is meant to annoy us, trip us up, derail us, get us off our game. Maybe to the point that we throw in the towel.
The ‘D’ brothers seem so, so strong. But they are weak. 
When we have the right weapons to fight them.
Praying. Listening to worship music. Reading scripture. Taking a moment and getting away from your computer. Calling a friend. Texting an accountability partner. All good weapons. Don’t be afraid to use them. You’re in a fight. 
We can’t be like Eyeore and walk around with our head down and mumbling. Yes, in this writing gig, no matter how difficult it may be, we will experience discouragement and disappointment. We do in life, right? So why should we be exempt in our writing? Especially when we write to glorify God.
When we dwell on the words of the ‘D’ brothers, we push what we should be doing out of the forefront of our mind. We focus on them. If we do that long enough, we will ultimately push God out of our writing process. 
Of course, the ‘D’ brothers will be back. Be ready. But don’t give in and don’t believe a word they say. They are minions of the ultimate liar. 
What weapons do you use to fight off the attacks of the ‘D’ brothers?
TWEETABLEHow Writers Can Defeat Discouragement and Disappointment from @LarryJLeechII on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Usually with a hot beverage nearby, Larry J. Leech II spends his days working with words—as a writing coach of award-winning authors, as well as Acquisitions Editor and Master Book Coach for Illumify Media. More than forty years ago, Larry started his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania where he covered prep sports, college sports, and the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In 2004, after 2,300 published articles, Larry shifted to book publishing. Since that time, he has ghostwritten thirty books, edited more than 450 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. For nearly two decades Larry has taught at numerous general market and inspirational conferences nationwide. When he has a minute, Larry likes to hang out on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find out more about him on his website: larryleech.com.

Spiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Work

From Edie: Writing with enthusiasm transforms our work. Audrey shows us how to learn how to embrace Colossians 3:23–24 and write from the soul for God’s glory and eternal reward.


Spiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Workby Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank
Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24, NET).
I was trudging through the fourth straight hour of research into the unreached, unengaged people groups in North Africa. Unreached and unengaged mean there are no Christians and no viable church in a given population. In just one North African country, there are 34 unreached, unengaged people groups, equaling over 40 million people.
This year, I committed to the Lord that I would send a prayer prompt every week to ramp up prayer for this part of the world.
As I finished the edits on the last one, I noticed how irritable I had become. Riotous thoughts marched through my stinking heart. Thoughts like, “I could be doing writing that pays me for my four hours.” (Prideful! Who said anyone would pay me for my writing?)
Although my task started with holy conviction, I was not working at it with enthusiasm. As I grumbled, I grew more selfish. I was working for myself and my reward. The women in one Saharan tribe, so heavily veiled they leave only one small circle to peek through, who aren’t allowed to speak to the opposite sex, or ever leave their communities, seemed far away. All I wanted was what I wanted, and my hypocrisy stung like a wasp stuck in my shirt on a bike ride.
But God is kind. The glorious good news is that although our selfishness may be very near at any given day, so is His grace. Just pausing to notice how we are working literally makes a world of difference.
Whatever you are doing…
Conjugation carries meaning, and Paul’s particular use of the present progressive here in Greek implies that he was referring to whatever work his readers were already doing. Not good intentions for future work.
What are you already writing right now?
…work at it with enthusiasm…
Enthusiasm means from the soul. The Greek word is ψυχή (psychē). It conveys life, breath, and the essence of what makes us move and exist.
When I write with life and breath, from the very essence of what makes me move and exist, I empower other souls to rise and intercede for the nations.
What is the essence of what makes you move and exist? Write about it!
…as to the Lord and not for people…
We necessarily operate in a world of other people. Writers need mentors, editors, agents, and publishers. But Christian writers write from our souls for the One who gave our souls life. When we check submission guidelines and carefully follow them, we do it with excellence because it honors God and people. When we accept an editor’s stinging critique, we surrender to the Lord and ask what He would teach us through the disappointment. He is our constant, and we work as unto Him, not people. We cannot go wrong if we practice this. Our words will go where they are meant to go, according to His will. And that is what matters most.
…because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward. Serve the Lord Christ.
How can Christian writers practice working with enthusiasm? The secret lies in the source of our reward for all that hard work. Am I so focused on my reward that the reward the Lord gives seems unattractive?
I’m working to see the nations in heaven with me one day. Now that’s a reward worth working for.
The practice of work is soul work.
What will you write from your soul today?
Lord, I want to write for You, with all my heart. I set my eyes on the only reward that matters. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TWEETABLESpiritual Practices for Writers: The Practice of Work from @AudreyCFrank on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don't Miss The Other Spiritual Practices for Writers! JANUARY: THE PRACTICE OF PLANNING
FEBRUARY: THE PRACTICE OF TRUSTING
MARCH: THE PRACTICE OF HOPING
APRIL: THE PRACTICE OF WAITING
MAY: THE PRACTICE OF DISCIPLINE
JUNE: THE PRACTICE OF PERSEVERANCE JULY: THE PRACTICE OF PROCLAIMING AUGUST: THE PRACTICE OF HUMILITY SEPTEMBER: THE PRACTICE OF WORK
Audrey Frank is an author, speaker, and storyteller. The stories she shares are brave and true. They give voice to those whose words are silenced by shame, the hard things in life that don’t make sense, and the losses that leave us wondering if we will survive. Audrey and her family have spent over twenty years living and working among different cultures and world views, and she has found that God’s story of redemption spans every geography and culture. He is the God of Instead, giving honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, hope instead of despair. Although she has three different degrees in communication and intercultural studies, Audrey’s greatest credential is that she is known and loved by the One who made her.

Audrey is the author of Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World (Harvest House Publishers), an outpouring of Audrey’s heart to introduce others to the God of Instead. Shame is not unique to the developing world, the plight of the women behind veils, young girls trafficked across borders; shame is lurking in hearts everywhere. Through powerful stories from women around the world, Covered Glory illuminates the power of the Gospel to remove shame, giving honor instead. Available at favorite booksellers: BARNES & NOBLE, BOOKS A MILLION, AMAZON.

Back-to-School Lessons for Writers: Why Learning the Rules Matters

From Edie: Writers, take a lesson from school days—rules matter. Find out why learning them first is key to growth, creativity, and storytelling success.

Back-to-School Lessons for Writers: Why Learning the Rules Mattersby Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth
At this time of year, returning to school is on many of our minds. Even for us, who no longer attend or must wait in the pickup line after school. (Although I have a niece who’s a principal and three who are teachers.) Maybe it’s all the notebooks and Crayola boxes displayed at the front of stores. Or it could be the back-to-school commercials. Or possibly, it’s all the frowns on the little kid’s faces and the big smiles on their parents’.
The start of school is like finding a Pandora’s box of what-ifs. It reminds us of the many questions we had as we looked forward to a new year of school. Will I make new friends? Will I like the teacher? Will the teacher like me?
When I think back to grade school, I remember the first day of first grade at the old Gramling Elementary. That was before they had kindergarten or pre-K. (No, it wasn’t a one-room schoolhouse, but close.) On my first day of school, Mom took a picture of me at the front door with a big grin and new school clothes (which, I’m sure, looked a lot different after recess.). I had no way of knowing the learning curve just to get through that first year.
In the first year of school, teachers instill the importance of rules in their students. And there are lots of rules. Some were posted on the walls, but most were rules your teacher had to explain. Repeatedly. And I had multiple sets of rules to learn. The teachers had rules for the class. No talking. Raise your hand. Stand in line. Hands to yourself. Don’t throw paper airplanes. Don’t throw Sherman out the window. All kinds of rules.
There was whole other set of rules for the school bus. Stay in your seat. Keep your hands to yourself. No shouting. But I didn’t have to worry about learning them at first. I rode the bus with my older brother and four high-school “friends”. Picture two high school football players seating in the seat with Spanky from Little Rascals wedged between them. That was my bus ride. I couldn’t take a breath until they let me off at my house.
But the most important set of rules the first grader had to learn was left for recess. These you learned from experience, and you didn’t dare forget them. As a first grader, you were the low man on the totem pole and had to know your place. Don’t speak to an upperclassman. Don’t pull Tammy’s pigtails. (She wore cowgirl boots and wasn’t afraid to use them.) And don’t be seen talking to a girl, unless she was a cousin.
A lot of these rules sound silly now, (Except for not talking to girls.) but they had an important role in helping us mature. To kids (and to too many adults), the world centers on them. Some of the most important lessons a new student learns are how to get along with others, how to share, and that others are just as important as themselves.
For a new writer, they also face a plethora of rules to learn. And they may feel like they did in their algebra class. They feel like they will never use them, but learning the rules enables the writers to develop their own writings and voices. It’s how you learn the craft of writing, and how you learn to be a contributing member of the writing community. 
Yet, writing rules are like the rules for first grade (and that first set of jeans), they are meant to be outgrown. W. Somerset (Now that’s a good name for your next child.) Maugham is credited with saying, “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” That sums up a lot of writing. There are guidelines, suggestions, and wise advice to help every writer no matter what their genre or type of writing. However, there are no hard set, universal rules that cover every situation. That’s where our creativity, experience, and uniqueness come into play.
When you look at the best writers, the most popular writers, the ones who earn the most acclaim, they’re the ones who’ve dedicated the years and the effort to learn their craft. To write their sentences clearly, yet succinctly. To study their genres. And to know how and when to turn the tropes on their heads.
I didn’t know when I walked through those doors that first day that it was only the first of many years of classes, lessons, and hard work. Learning, like becoming the best writer you can be, doesn’t happen over night. They both take a lot of work and a lifetime of experience.
Yet at the same time, all writers start in the same place. With discoveries and relationships to make, and chances to take. We all have our school stories to tell, but we have to admit, those classes and lessons went a long way to making us who we became.
And learning the rules of writing, and when to use them, will take you a long way on your writing journey. To … who knows. But the journey will be quite an adventure.
TWEETABLEBack-to-School Lessons for Writers: Why Learning the Rules Matters from @TimSuddeth on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Tim Suddeth is a stay-at-home dad and butler for his wonderful, adult son with autism. He has written numerous blogs posts, short stories, and three novels waiting for publication. He is a frequent attendee at writers conferences, including the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and a member of Word Weavers and ACFW. He lives near Greenville, SC where he shares a house with a bossy Shorky and three too-curious Persians. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter, as well as at www.timingreenville.com and www.openingamystery.com.

Editing for Self-Published Authors: Types of Edits and How to Find the Right Editor

From Edie: From copyediting to developmental, editing is vital for self-published authors. Find out from Amy which edit you need and how to choose the right editor.

Editing for Self-Published Authors: Types of Edits and How to Find the Right Editorby A.C. Williams @ACW_Author
Your manuscript is written. You’ve celebrated. You’ve done your research and prepared for every potential scenario, and now it’s time to start working on the finished product. Right? 
Wrong. There is more to producing a competitive quality novel than just writing it and making sure it has a good cover and that you know where it’s being distributed. There’s a very important step that you would be remiss as an author to overlook: Editing. 
So far in this series on self-publishing, we’ve talked about setting your goals, understanding your legal rights as a self-published author, ISBNs, distribution channels, market research, and book cover design. But before any of that happens, you really must have some kind of edit. 
Editing has many variations, and you might need one variation more than another. But no matter which kind of edit you opt for, you really need another pair of eyes on what you have written. When you have lived and breathed your story for a long time, you become blind to its shortcomings. You can’t see the problems. You might recognize that it isn’t perfect, but you can’t see how to fix it. That’s why you need an editor. 
However, there are some caveats to consider before you hire out this important element of producing a book. 
Here are some questions to ask before you get started with an editor. 
1. Does this editor understand my genre? 
While many editors have experience in editing multiple genres, not all of them do. Some editors have specialties. It’s not a good idea to give your historical romance manuscript to an editor who specializes in suspense/thriller editor. Additionally, if you write science fiction or fantasy, giving your manuscript to someone who only edits contemporary romance won’t end well. Those genres all contain specific elements that are unique to their genre, and an editor who doesn’t understand those genres won’t know to look for them.
Fascinating point of fact: In my personal experience, editors who are good at science fiction and fantasy usually have experience editing most other genres. However, editors who specialize in the romance or thriller genres are usually only familiar with their own genres. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but again (in my experience), if an editor can manage a sci-fi/fantasy manuscript, they can usually handle anything.
2. Does this editor understand my brand and vision?
Don’t underestimate the value of your own brand. The vision you have for your career as a storyteller may play a role in how you interact with your editor. If you already know that you are going to rapid release multiple novellas, that will affect the arrangement you make with your editing deadlines. Or if you write a specific type of genre (like sci-fi comedy or cozy fantasy), you need to make sure your editor understands the direction you are going with the story and the audience you are trying to reach. 
3. Does this editor offer the kind of editing I need?
While people may use different terminology for these variations, there are really three different kinds of editing: Copyediting, Line editing, and Developmental Editing. Each one is completely different, and each one is billed at a different rate per word. 
Types of EditsCopyediting is basically proofreading. It’s checking for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. It’s granular and detailed and nit-picky, and it is actually the least expensive form of editing. 
Line editing is a bit larger in scale. It deals with word choice and sentence structure and the cadence of dialog. It focuses on how words and phrases come together on the page and whether or not what the author is trying to say is effectively communicated. 
Developmental (or structural) editing is the most expensive kind of editing, usually because it requires a lot of experience and insight from the editor to do it. This is the process of reviewing your worldbuilding, your character arcs, and your overall plot structure. This is looking for holes in your story and brainstorming ways to fix them.
You can always find the most recent per-word rates at the Editorial Freelancers Association (www.the-efa.org/rates), but usually those amounts change depending on the experience level of your editor. Some editors also offer coaching packages in connection with their edits. 
My editor charges $.04/word for her developmental edits, and I use her exclusively for my large-scaled science-fiction series books. They are so complicated most of the time that I need her to review them, as we have worked together for 15 years, and she understands what I’m trying to accomplish with my writing. She is worth more than I can ever pay her, honestly. 
I don’t use a professional editor for my romance books, however. I use a beta reader team of industry friends and reader friends who are well-read. Between their insight and my own research that I have done into the genre, I can usually get away without a professional edit. But when I wrote my first romantic book over 10 years ago, I did have it edited. 
Regardless, if you’re just getting started, don’t sleep on your edit. Don’t skip this part. It’s expensive, but you get what you pay for. And if you get the right editor, you’ll end up with a partner who will cheer you on for years. What’s even better? You might even pick up a few tricks that you can repurpose in the future.
TWEETABLEEditing for Self-Published Authors: Types of Edits and How to Find the Right Editor from @ACW_Author on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don't Miss the Rest of the Posts in This Series on Self Publishing: PART 1: WHY DO YOU WANT YOUR BOOK TO BE RE-PUBLISHED? PART 2: WHY CONTRACTS MATTER IF AN AUTHOR PLANS TO SELF PUBLISH PART 3: DO I NEED AN ISBN IF I SELF-PUBLISH MY BOOK? PART 4: HOW DO I DELIVER MY SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK TO A READER? PART 5: HOW DOES A COMP TITLE HELP A SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK'S MARKETING PLAN? PART 6: DO I REALLY NEED A PROFESSIONAL BOOK COVER FOR MY NOVEL? PART 7: EDITING FOR SELF-PUBLISHED AUTHORS: TYPES OF EDITS AND HOW TO FIIND THE RIGHT EDITOR
A.C. Williams, also known as Amy C. Williams, is a coffee-drinking, sushi-eating, story-telling nerd who loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. Author of more than 20 books, she keeps her fiction readers laughing with wildly imaginative adventures about samurai superheroes, clumsy church secretaries, and goofy malfunctioning androids; her non-fiction readers just laugh at her and the hysterical life experiences she’s survived. If that’s your cup of tea (or coffee), join the fun at www.amycwilliams.com.

Adventuring in Utah Gave Me Insight Into Important Writing Truths Part 4: Choose Your Trail Companions Wisely

From Edie: Lynn shares how writing is a journey best shared. See how lessons from Canyonlands reveal the importance of choosing supportive companions along the trail.

Adventuring in Utah Gave Me Insight Into Important Writing Truths Part 4: Choose Your Trail Companions Wiselyby Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn
Canyonlands National Park was the fourth park we visited on our tour of Utah’s Mighty 5. By the time we reached it, we had already seen a lot of beauty. So you might think that we would have been a bit jaded at this point.
Nope. Canyonlands was shockingly overwhelming in its otherness. 
Canyonlands has four distinct regions, but due to time restraints and accessibility, we stayed in the Islands in the Sky area. The Island in the Sky mesa is situated on sandstone cliffs that tower 1,000 feet above the surrounding area. Everywhere you look, there’s something a little bit different to see. More mesas, rivers carved through rock, and the Shafer trail - a road used first by settlers and later by the US military to access the canyon floor. 
And no matter how many pictures we took, none of them could capture the vastness of the view. 
As I thought about Canyonlands in relation to the writing life, I was struck by the way this generous landscape could accommodate countless perspectives. It was the perfect metaphor for the writing community. There's room for everyone and every opinion, but the people we choose to travel with can make or break our journey.
There's Room for Everyone
I know I’ve already used the word “vast” but it’s the best way to describe Canyonlands. The pictures don’t do it justice. Unless you’ve seen it for yourself, your mind simply can’t process how wide open and, okay, I’m going to say it again, vast, the space is.
In the same way, there’s room for everyone in the writing world. Every voice, every genre, every style. 
When writers start thinking they’re in a competition with other authors, they’ve fallen into a scarcity mindset. The writing landscape is abundant. There is plenty of space for all of us! 
Gracious Trail Companions vs. The View Blockers
Throughout our time in Utah, almost everyone we met was generous and accommodating. People offered to take photos, made room on the path for others to pass, and shared encouragement with those struggling on the trails. 
In the same way, most of the writers I’ve encountered have been gracious companions. They’ve freely offered advice, encouragement, and perspective. They’ve prayed for me, laughed with me, and sometimes cried with me. I have a few friends who will light a candle in solidarity with me when I have to “burn” a few chapters, and I’m mourning their loss. There are also authors who don’t know me personally, but who share my work with their readers with no sense of competition or jealousy. It’s pure joy to journey with them! 
Unfortunately, we did run into a few “view blockers” during our trip. Some people hogged the best viewpoints, took excessive numbers of photos, and seemed oblivious to the people around them. The rudeness was astonishing. Especially because it came as such a contrast to the kindness of the majority of our fellow park visitors. 
Similarly, there will be view blockers in the writing life as well. I wish I could say they don’t exist, but they do. You’ll encounter people who have the scarcity mindset we discussed earlier, and it’ll influence their interactions. When you encounter these individuals, take note of who they are, guard your heart, pray for them, and then move on. If you let their hostility and rudeness sour you to the writing community, you’ll miss out on so much joy. Take the high road and let them be their own selfish selves. 
Some Trails Require Different Companions
As we made our way through Utah’s beautiful parks, one thing became clear to us almost immediately. There were hikes our family could enjoy together, and hikes where we had to split up. You’ll find the same thing is true in your writing life. 
You’ll need different companions at different stages. 
Initially, you’ll need other beginners to share the learning curve with. I’m still friends with many people from the 2010 newbie class at my first writing conference! They’ve been a gift! 
As you progress in your journey, you’ll hit the point where you can’t claim beginner status, but there’s still so much to learn. When you get there, you’ll need people at a similar skill level to brainstorm with and who can give you honest feedback. 
And when you’re published, you’ll still need help! I leaned heavily on authors who’d been published for years to give me insight and help me understand the publication process. Ten years past my first release, and I still ask for advice from others who have more knowledge than I do. 
The bottom line is that it’s okay if your writing community morphs as you grow as a writer. It should change. That’s normal! 
Embrace the Vastness Ahead!
Just as Canyonlands revealed new vistas with every turn, your writing journey will continue to surprise you with beauty - often when you least expect it. And while the trail ahead may be uncertain, with the right companions, you'll discover that the writing life is every bit as vast and full of possibility as that breathtaking Utah landscape. Choose your trail companions wisely and remember that there's always room for one more voice in this magnificent writing community we’re blessed to call ours.
Grace and peace,Lynn
TWEETABLEAdventuring in Utah Gave Me Insight Into Important Writing Truths Part 4: Choose Your Trail Companions Wisely - @LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Adventuring in Utah Gave Me Insight into Important Writing Truths Part 1: The Brutal Beginning Part 2: Take it Slow and Don't Grab the Reins Part 3: 6 Things I Learned about Writing at Capitol Reef Part 4: Choose Your Trail Companions Wisely
Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern 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 by putting them into terrifying situations while she's sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.

How to Write Scenes That Drive Plot and Deepen Character

From Edie: Scenes are story DNA. Find out how to craft scenes that propel plot, raise stakes, and reveal character in powerful, memorable ways.

How to Write Scenes That Drive Plot and Deepen Characterby Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer
Scenes are the heartbeat of a story. Scenes pulse with emotion and tension. Scenes create plot. But a single scene, no matter how vivid, can’t carry a story alone. Each one builds on another, one by one, interlocking with character, and leading readers farther into the story. Understanding how they work together and evolve is essential to creating a functional and cohesive story.
What Is a Scene, Really?
A scene is more than a chunk of prose; it’s actually a tiny unit of change. At its core, it describes a moment in which something shifts—emotionally, relationally, or plot-wise. It usually contains:A goal or desire (what the character wants)Conflict or obstacle (what stands in the way)A turning point or decision (what changes)A consequence (what’s different now)
Remember, scenes aren’t static. We need to create scenes that not only fit into the story but are dynamic engines of transformation. When they are strung together with intention, we create a rhythm that propels the story forward. We want our stories to make sense, and scenes are the vehicles to get there.
Writing Scenes as Building Blocks: The Principle of Causality
Great fiction doesn’t just have scenes—it has scenes that cause each other.
This is the heartbeat of causality: each scene should arise organically from the one before it. If you can rearrange your scenes without changing the story, something’s off. Readers crave narrative momentum, and that momentum comes from cause and effect.
Consider this sequence:A character discovers a secret letter. Her aunt has written her mother about “the adoption.”She confronts her brother about it. The date on the letter is near her birthdate. Was she adopted?He reveals a hidden truth. Yes, she was adopted. Now, she has to deal with a turn of events that shatters her worldview. Why wasn’t she told? Who is she really?Each of these scenes builds on the last. The letter births the confrontation, which leads to revelation and reaction. If the confrontation happened before the letter was found, it wouldn’t make sense. That’s causality – and story architecture at work.
Scene Sequences: Building Arcs Within Arcs
Scenes don’t just build the story—they build subplots, relationships, and emotional arcs. They’re layered like onions (or, as Shrek says, ice cream sundaes). 
Here’s an example of a relationship arc built through scenes:Scene 1: Two characters meet and clash. Scene 4: They’re forced to work together.Scene 7: They share a vulnerable moment.Scene 10: One betrays the other.Scene 13: They reconcile.
Each scene builds emotional complexity. The betrayal in Scene 10 only matters because of what came before. The reconciliation in Scene 13 only resonates because of the pain and growth between them.
When planning your scenes, ask:What arc is this scene contributing to?What emotional beat does it hit?What groundwork does it lay for future scenes?
Scene Logic vs. Scene Emotion
Scenes operate on two levels: logical and emotional.
Logical Setup:What needs to happen for the plot to progress?What information must be revealed?What decisions must be made?
Emotional Setup:What mood or tone should dominate?What emotional shift should occur?How does this scene deepen the reader’s connection to the character?
The best scenes balance both. A courtroom scene might logically resolve a legal conflict, but emotionally, it might reveal a character’s shame, pride, or desperation. That duality makes scenes memorable.
Scene Stakes: Why This Moment Matters
Every scene should answer the question: Why now?
If a scene could happen earlier or later without impact, it may lack urgency. To set up a scene with stakes:Introduce time pressure (a deadline, a ticking clock)Raise emotional risk (what the character stands to lose)Create external consequences (what happens if they fail)Layer internal conflict (what they fear or desire)
Stakes don’t have to be life-or-death. They can be subtle—a missed opportunity, a broken promise, a moment of silence that says too much. But they must matter.
Scene Planning: A Practical Framework
So. When planning your scenes, ask yourself these questions:What does this scene accomplish?What’s at risk either emotionally or in the plot?What tension drives the scene?What shifts by the end of the scene?How does this scene connect to the next?
Final Thoughts: Scenes as Story DNA
Scenes are not just parts of a story—they are the story. Each one carries the DNA of your narrative: character, conflict, emotion, and change. Knowing and planning, even if you’re a pantster, can fill in holes you may not have even thought of. 
When scenes build on each other with intention, they create a living, breathing story that grows in complexity and resonance. They turn moments into meaning. They turn fiction into truth.
So as you write, don’t just ask, “What happens next?” Ask, “What must happen next?” Let each scene be inevitable, surprising, and alive.
Because in the end, stories are not made of words—they’re made of scenes that matter.
Do you plan your scenes/plot? Or do you just write? Remember, whatever works for you is the way you should write.
TWEETABLEHow to Write Scenes That Drive Plot and Deepen Character from @SarahSallyHamer on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Sarah (Sally) Hamer, B.S., MLA, 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 twenty years, she also teaches online for Margie Lawson at WWW.MARGIELAWSON.COM and atHTTPS://NOSTRESSWRITING.COM/. Sally is a free-lance editor and book coach, with many of her students and clients becoming successful, award-winning authors. You can find her at SALLY@MINDPOTENTIAL.ORG