Edie Melson's Blog, page 390

Nominate Your Favorite Blogs for Recognition!

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


As bloggers, we all love to be recognized for excellence. To help make that happen, this year, I’m kicking off a new tradition here on The Write Conversation. (drum roll please)
The 2015 Excellence in Blogging AwardThe blogs we’re looking to honor are publishing industry blogs that help writers grow and find success. I know, a lot of places already recognize blogs that do a good job. But I think we all look for a little something different when it comes to recognizing a job well done. So here’s how we’re going to approach this.
We’re going to separate blogs into 3 categories1. Established blogs that continue to show excellence every year.
2. Up and coming blogs that you love and expect to continue to grow.
3. Blogs that connect to readers (fiction or non-fiction), adding value to their lives.
Where are we going to get nominations? That’s where you come in. YOU are going to nominate these blogs. Yes, I do have some favorites. But I’m only one person. You all know of blogs that I’ve never even heard of. So this is your chance to give them a shout-out.
Guidelines for NominationLeave all nominations in the comments section below. For the nomination to be valid these are the things that must be included:The name and URL of nominated blogWhich of the 3 categories you’re nominating that blog for. (This one is critical. If you don’t include this, the nomination will NOT be counted.)Why you think the blog is valuable.
This is not going to be a popularity contest. Just because a blog gets several nominations won’t guarantee it will win an award. We will take that into account, but it won’t be the sole consideration.
FAQs Yes, you can nominate more than one blog—even more than one in each category.No, you may NOT nominate the same blog for multiple categories. We can't offer much, but we will provide a winners button for the sidebar of the winning blogs. (It will be revealed with the winners)At this point, our plan is to have 3 to 5 winners for each category. That may change due to the number of nominations.  You may nominate any blog EXCEPT this one. I already know you love this site. Now it's time to recognize others.The judges prefer to remain anonymous, but are part of the blogging team here at The Write Conversation.
How long will the contest run? We will close nominations next Monday (January 12) at midnight EST. Remember, all comments on this blog are moderated after a post has been up for 24 hours. You can still nominate blogs, but I will have to physically approve the comment (and I promise I will do so in a timely fashion).

We will announce the winners on Monday, January 19. If your blog is a winner, you will need to email me to get a special blog button to display in your sidebar.
Don't forget to join the conversation!BlessingsEdie
TWEETABLESGive your favorite blog a shout-out - nominate it for the Blogging Excellence award - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Nominate Your Favorite Blogs (as a reader & as a writer) for Recognition! - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Social Media Monday—Grow Your Blog’s Audience with Twitter

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I’ve never met anyone with a blog who doesn’t want it to grow. But what is the best way to make that growth happen? There are many schools of thought out there, but I'd like to share what has worked best for me.
One of the best ways to see that growth is to spend a little bit of time with Twitter. 
With the judicious use of Hashtags and a little consistent tweeting, you can add another layer to your blog audience. 
Here's How I've Used Twitter to Grow this Blog:
First,make certain you have your Twitter profile up-to-date. People who visit your profile on Twitter will often go a step further and take a peek at your blog. Here are the things you need to have:A picture, preferably a full face shot with a smile.A link to your blog.An interesting and informative bio. 
Next, plan tweets about your blog within the parameters of my unbreakable 5 to 1 rule. Not familiar with my rule? Here it is again: For every 5 social media updates only 1 can be about you. If the other five updates are valuable to your audience they will come to trust you and be much more likely to visit the links you provide.
Now use headline techniques to compose your tweets. These are the basic things to consider:It must provide the reader with a true glimpse of what to expect in your blog post.It needs to resonate with your reader’s urgency.It contains a compelling reason to visit the link.And most important: It does NOT give away the ending. Here’s a post I wrote on How to Utilize Headline Techniques to Compose Social Media Updates.  

Always include at least one Hashtag (and no more than three) to expose your tweet to new people. This step is key. If you’re not familiar with Hashtags, visit my post on Popular TwitterHashtags. 
Finally, be consistent in your use of Twitter. Try to schedule at least six Tweets every day, four to five days a week. You can do this in the morning by utilizing a scheduling program like Hootsuite.
Using these techniques I’ve increased both my Twitter followers and my blog traffic. But let’s not stop with me. What techniques do you find helpful to get people to your blog? Be sure to leave your own tips in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESLooking to grow your blog? Expert blogger & #SocialMedia Mentor @EdieMelsonsuggests Twitter (Click to Tweet)
Twitter is a valuabletool to help grow your blog. Learn how from expert blogger & #SocialMediaMentor @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

The Author of My Life

I don't know about you, but I've tried being the author of my own life. I much prefer to leave that responsibility up to someone more qualified. This year I'm turing the writing responsibilities over to the Author of all!


Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

I also invite you to use this image any way you like online. Post it to your blog, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, anywhere you'd like. All I ask is that you keep it intact, with my website watermark visible.
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,
Edie

TWEETABLE
Jan 1 began another blank chapter in my life. This year I'm letting the Author of all #write it - @EdieMelson  (Click to Tweet)

Life Lessons for Writers—Remember to Nurture the Child Within

by Bruce Brady @BruceDBrady


I like to begin each new year by reflecting on my past. I do this hoping to learn how I can make life better for myself, my loved ones, and for everyone I influence in some way.
This year, with the help of Mark Twain and Great Danes, it became clear that one of the most important things I can do—that we can do—is nurture our inner child.
Mr. Twain used Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn to show me how our most profound lessons are best learned when we see life through the eyes of a child. In the beginning, Tom and Huck focused on how to manipulate life to their advantage with little regard for the consequences. But their adventures taught them the benefits of self-sacrifice and serving the needs of others. Often adversity taught them their most valuable lessons.
Watching a young and an old great dane interact, I noticed the young one relentlessly tried to get her way, no matter how many times she was told “no.” The old dane, however, had heard “no” so often that she no longer tried to assert her will. Her desires have been replaced by those of her owners, and they aren’t nearly as fun as the ones she originally had. This can happen to us if we don’t tenaciously protect our hopes and dreams.
We live in a world that understands our desires can be manipulated to become the desires it has for us. We’re bombarded with messages that strongly suggest we take care of number one by manipulating the world around us for our own benefit, with little regard for the consequences. Before long, we find we’re all grown up and pursuing a career primarily to obtain all those things the world said would make us happy. And we keep chasing the happiness myth until we’ve suppressed the inner child who cries out for freedom—freedom from the trappings of the world—freedom to be free spirits we’re created to be.
Fortunately, our inner child never completely dies. With deliberate care, we can revive our childlike spirits and regain the innocence and freedom of youth. Think about the times you were most happy and you’ll discover it was those times when you allowed your inner child to take control.
My plea to all writers is, “Save the child within.” Write in such a way that keeps the dreams of youth alive. You can do this whether you write fiction or non-fiction. Simply appeal to the youthful emotions we all have. I’m not suggesting we promote irresponsibility or selfishness, just feed our readers’ desires to live with childlike abandon and hope. Nourish the playful, yet responsible person who lives inside us all.
And by saving the children in our readers, we’ll save the child in us too.

What do you do to save the children or save the child? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
TWEETABLESAs Writers we must Nurture the Child Within - thoughts from @BruceDBrady on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Life Lessons for Writers, Feed Your Inner Child - via @BruceDBrady on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.
When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.
“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”

A Tale of Two Sayings (Or What Driving Taught Me About Writing)

by Lynn H Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

It's hard to turn a parked car. It’s hard to turn a parked car.
Ever heard that one before? I can’t remember where I heard it first, but it’s so very true. You can be in the car, behind the wheel, motor running, ready to go. You may even have the brute strength to force the steering wheel to make the tires twist on the pavement.
But the car? It hasn’t moved, and it’s not going to until you put that baby in drive.
If one of your resolutions is “write more” then you’re going to have to put this writing thing in drive and actually WRITE.
If you’ve been writing and the goal is to land an agent then you’re going to have to actually query one (or three).
If you’re ready to go to a conference or take a course then you’re going to have to set aside some money and some time.
God is Sovereign and He can do anything, but as a general rule, when He gives us a dream, a calling, a passion, He expects us to get our rear in gear and do the hard work that comes with following Him.
All that stuff going on in your head? That’s you sitting in the driveway with the car running. Not going anywhere.
You may have gone to bed one night with an idea and awakened with a fully fleshed out plot. You may know your characters better than you know your friends. You may have dreamed up a world to rival Middle Earth.
Dreams don't get published, documents do.Guess what? Dreams don’t get published. Documents do.
You may have written the book, the poem, the article, the Bible study, the short story. It’s been polished and critiqued until it is a lean, mean, written machine. You think it’s time to send it out into the big bad world, but for some reason, you’re still waiting. You keep thinking it’s possible there’s more you should do to it so you keep tweaking it.
Guess what? Possibilities don’t land agents. Proposals do.
But what if you’ve done all that? You’ve been writing. You’ve been to conferences. You’ve queried agents. Maybe you’ve had some nibbles, or even some big bites, but as 2015 dawns, your hands are sweating on the wheel because you have no idea where you’re going.
You want to do to the right thing. Want to make the best of your time. Want to please the One you write for.
Should you revise the story again? Pitch to that other agent? Go to the conference close to home or the one with the focus on your writing? How on earth can you know?
This is where it gets tricky.
Because the path you’re supposed to follow and the one I’m supposed to follow won’t look the same. We have different abilities, situations, passions and interests.
What God wants to do with your writing will be unique. So if you’re writing and you’re scared about where you’re going, remember this…
You steer where you stare. You steer where you stare.
They teach us this when we learn how to drive. You can’t stare at the sides of the road or you’ll mess around and drive off in a ditch. You can, and should, glance around you, but ultimately, you need to keep your eyes to the front.
When it comes to your writing, you need to stop worrying about the others driving around you, quit staring at the steep edge you’re afraid you’ll fall into it, and keep your focus on the One who already knows your ultimate destination.
He hasn’t taken you on this road to leave you stranded in a ditch.
Keep focused on Him. Keep the car in drive. And hang on for the ride!
What about you? Are you sitting in park? Driving aimlessly? What would it look like for you to change that? Let’s talk about it.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!Lynn
TWEETABLESA Tale of 2 Sayings - Or what driving taught me about #writing - @LynnHBlacburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
We steer where we stare & other things that driving taught me about #writing -@LynnHBlackburn on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lynn Huggins Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after at http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com.

My ONE WORD for 2015

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


Since today is New Year's Eve, I thought I'd share my One Word for 2015.
I’ve long since given up making New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I use this time to allow God to redirect my steps onto the path He has for me. I’d like to take today to share how I go about that.
I began this process in 1996 when, at the urging of several godly friends, I began asking God for a verse to guide my steps during the coming year. He faithfully supplied that first verse and has done so every year since.
I’ve loved the practice of searching out His will, and it’s become a sweet time of fellowship as I listen for His voice. Then, in 2012, a new friend suggested I also ask Him to supply a single word for the coming year. (Thank you, Beth Vogt.) I did, and again the process added depth to my relationship with God.
This year I, after much prayer, I’ve chosen the word Yoke. This word encapsulates what it means to stay close to Jesus, and is amplified by Matthew 11:30.
I did some deeper study into this verse, and I’d like to share with you what I’ve been reminded of about Jesus’ yoke and the rest He has for me. There are three applications I’ve found from these verses. First, our yoke is personal. In biblical times the yoke of an ox was made from wood. It was hand carved—especially for that particular animal. It wasn’t interchangeable between animals.Second, our yoke is a partnership.A young, untrained ox was paired with a more mature ox that could guide and teach the young one and make his work easier.Finally, our yoke is perfectly fair and just. The word Yoke has the same Greek root word as the balance on a scale.I’ve shared my word for 2015, I’d love for you to share yours. Be sure to leave it, and/or your verse for this year in the comments section below.

Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLEHave you chosen #OneWord for 2015? Be sure to share it here - via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

I’m Making a List—of the Best Writing, Publishing & Marketing Books in 2014

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Today’s post relies heavily on your participation.
I’m going to share the book industry books that have helped me the most this year. 
But I’m only one person and can only read so many books. Think of the to-be-read list we’ll compile when we put our heads together!
Edie’s Picks of Best Writing, Publishing and Marketing Books for 2014 Imagination @ Work , by Alton Gansky, Kindle ebook $2.99Alton Gansky, author of over 40 books, shares thoughts about the creative life. Imagination @ Work is a compilation of short essays dealing with creativity in general and writing in particular. "Creatives share a bond. It doesn't matter if it's someone writing a rock-and-roll song, or dabbing paint on a canvas, or walking the stage in front of a crowd of theater-goers, the creative spirit is attracted to others of like mind." These short essays are meant to inspire, instruct, entertain, and occasionally raise a smile from the reader.
The Dance of Character and Plot , DiAnn Mills, Kindle ebook $9.99, paperback $13.96 (Amazon)When a writer steps onto the page of a novel, a dance of rhythm and beauty begins. The writer is inspired to create story, and that passion unfolds onto the pages of a vibrant novel.
Do you have a burning passion to pen a novel but don't know where to begin? Have you been writing but your work still remains unpublished? Are you ready to take positive steps toward pursuing your dream of creating a polished novel? Look no further!
The Dance of Character and Plot by award-winning author and writing coach DiAnn Mills will show you how to write a novel from idea to self-editing. This step-by-step instructional guide is packed with clear and concise information, examples of techniques, and fresh exercises to apply to your writing project.
Conversations with a Writing Coach , Susan May Warren, Kindle ebook $6.99 Best-selling, Christy and RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren, founder of My Book Therapy, the craft and coaching community for novelists, has been coaching and training writers for over a decade, helping them realize their dream of becoming a published author.
Empowering. Essential. Fun. These are words describe the conversations Susan has had with thousands of students over a decade. Writing books are helpful, but they can be overwhelming and challenging to understand. Sometimes all writers need is someone to sit down beside them, believe in them, and patiently walk through the novel creation process, step-by-step. Now you can join the conversation!
She discusses high level story pitches, and how to decide what story to write, character creation and story structure, and an easy method to creating a story summary. She covers scene building, and how to create tension, then goes deeper, with emotional layering, storyworld and dialogue. Most of all, each conversation is delivered as if the student is sharing a cup of coffee, the language and explanations accessible. Writers will sit down with an idea…and leave with a novel.
Story Trumps Structure: How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules , Steven James, Kindle ebook $9.99, Paperback $14.84 (Amazon)Don't limit your fiction - LIBERATE ITAll too often, following the "rules" of writing can constrict rather than inspire you. With Story Trumps Structure, you can shed those rules - about three-act structure, rising action, outlining, and more - to craft your most powerful, emotional, and gripping stories.Award-winning novelist Steven James explains how to trust the narrative process to make your story believable, compelling, and engaging, and debunks the common myths that hold writers back from creating their best work.Ditch your outline and learn to write organically.Set up promises for readers - and deliver on them.Discover how to craft a satisfying climax.Master the subtleties of characterization.Add mind-blowing twists to your fiction.
When you focus on what lies at the heart of story - tension, desire, crisis, escalation, struggle, discovery - rather than plot templates and formulas, you'll begin to break out of the box and write fiction that resonates with your readers. Story Trumps Structure will transform the way you think about stories and the way you write them, forever.
Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsters and Everyone in Between , James Scott Bell,  Kindle ebook $2.99, paperback $11.99 (Amazon) A powerful secret, and a fresh approach to writing bestselling fiction!
What's the best way to write a "next level" novel? Some writers start at the beginning and let the story unfold without a plan. They are called "pantsers," because they write by the "seat of the pants."
Other writers plan and outline and know the ending before they start. These are the "plotters."
The two sides never seem to agree with each other on the best approach.
But what if it's not the beginning or the end that is the key to a successful book? What if, amazing as it may seem, the place to begin writing your novel is in the very middle of the story?
According to #1 bestselling writing teacher James Scott Bell, that's exactly where you'll find your story's heart and heat. Bell's "Mirror Moment" is the secret, and its power is available to any writer, at any stage of the writing process.
Bringing together years of craft study and personal discovery, Bell presents a truly unique approach to writing a novel, one that will stand the test of time and serve you all your writing life.
How to Write Dazzling Dialogue: The Fastest Way to Improve Any Manuscript , James Scott Bell, Kindle ebook $3.99, Paperback $10.79 (Amazon)There is one sure-fire way of improving your novel fast. . .
You may know the fundamentals of how to write fiction. You may be more than competent in plot, structure and characters. But if your dialogue is dull it will drag the whole story down.
On the other hand, if your dialogue is crisp and full of tension it immediately grabs the reader. And if that reader is an agent or editor, sharp dialogue will give them instant assurance that you know what you're doing as a writer.
Writing a bestseller or hot screenplay is no easy task, but dazzling dialogue is an absolute essential if you want to get there.
The best part is, the skills of the dialogue craft are easy to understand and put into practice. #1 bestselling writing coach James Scott Bell has put together and expanded upon the dialogue lectures from his popular writing seminars. In How to Write Dazzling Dialogue you'll learn:
What fictional dialogue is ... and isn'tThe 11 secrets of crafting memorable dialogueThe 5 essential tasks of dialogue5 ways to improve your dialogue ear4 can't-miss methods to increase conflict and tension in any dialogue exchangeThe top 10 dialogue issues, and how to resolve them
You'll also see dazzling dialogue in action with examples from hit novels and screenplays.
Don't sabotage your chances of selling your work to readers or publishers because the dialogue is unexceptional. Dazzle them with what the characters say. How to Write Dazzling Dialogue will give you the tools to do it.
How to Make a Living as a Writer , James Scott Bell, $2.99 Kindle ebook, Paperback $11.44 (Amazon)It's the best time on Earth to be a writer
More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone.
Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing.
In How to Make a Living as a Writer, you'll learn the secrets of writing for profit and increasing your chances of making a living wage from your work. Here are some of the subjects covered:
- The 7 Secrets of Writing Success - The 8 Essentials of Your Writing Business - How to Reach Your Goals - Keys to a Winning System - How to Stay Relentless - Unlocking Your Creativity - How to Write More, Faster - Comparing Traditional and Self-Publishing - How to Go Traditional - How to Go Indie - How to Form Multiple Streams of Writing Income - How to Write a Novel in a Month - How to Choose Non-Fiction Subjects - How to Keep a Positive Mental Attitude - Resources for Further Study
And much more, all to help you write what you love and earn what you’re worth.
The Extroverted Writer: AnAuthor's Guide to Marketing and Building a Platform , Amanda Leudeke, (I know this book came out in 2013, but it’s been such a valuable book, I had to include it!) $2.99 Kindle ebook, Paperback $8.09 (Amazon)Take control of your writing career and develop an online following that sells books and propels you forward!
Whether you’re a published author or new to the industry, THE EXTROVERTED WRITER gives you the tools you need to gain a readership through:FacebookTwitterBloggingWebsitesAnd MORE!
Literary agent Amanda Luedeke uses her background in corporate marketing to show readers that even if you’re an introvert you can have a great online author following by tapping into the reader-packed world of social media. From ideas to tips to absolute musts, THE EXTROVERTED WRITER builds on Amanda’s successful “Thursdays with Amanda” blog posts on ChipMacGregor.com. This easy-to-read guide breaks down the most popular social media sites and online options to give YOU the tools you need to be effective when engaging with your readers.
Whether you’re new to social media or a longtime pro…whether you have dozens of books under your belt or are still waiting for your first deal, this book is for you.
These are my picks this year. I’m sure I’m leaving out some good one, but I know you can fill in the gaps. Be sure to leave your picks in the comments section below. And to sweeten the pot, I’m giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky commenter so you can add the book of your choice to your library!
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESIt’s time to make a list... of valuable #writing books – don’t let your favorites be left out! – via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
The Most valuable #Writing, #Publishing & Marketing Books in 2014 – what would you add? @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Social Media Monday—Get Your Blog Ready for a GREAT 2015

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Get your blog ready for a great 2015.This time between Christmas and New Year’s Day is often a no-man’s land of lethargy and laziness…at least for me. Part of it has to do with the surfeit of calories and gatherings. The rest seems to stem from re-evaluation.
I can’t seem to help it. The approach of New Year’s, with its focus on resolutions, pulls me into a period of introspection. Actually, it’s a good thing. It gives me a chance to look back over the past year and decide what worked and what didn’t. It also gives me a push toward trying something different.
Today I’d like to invite you to join me in one aspect of this journey and get your blog ready for a great 2015. Click on your own site and look at it with these thoughts in mind. Here’s the checklist I use to evaluate my sites. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to fit your needs.ChecklistMake sure your site hasn’t become too cluttered in the sidebar area. Clean out any old links and add any you’ve been considering.Take a look at the position of your sidebar gadgets. Many times during the year I’ll add something and it will push other things down. It’s important that you have your email and RSS signups at the top where people can get regular updates when you post. Be sure all your links, especially social media, are working.Also be sure to check all your links, especially for social media. Nothing’s more frustrating than a visitor trying to connect with you further and come up with a dead end.Recheck your default font. Sometimes you’ll find you’ve drifted into a different one. Whatever font you use, make certain it’s easily readable…on all screens.Update your about me section on your site. Include the things that have happened over the past year in regard to publication, job changes, awards, and anything else applicable.If you have a calendar with your speaking engagements, update it as well.Also be sure to update any lists you have of other sites, like those for writers, photographers or others.Now take out your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, ereader, whatever) and make certain your site is optimized for mobile viewing. This is vital because at least two-thirds of all visitors to your site will be looking at it from a mobile device and that number will continue to increase!Reassess what action you want your reader to take after viewing your blog. Maybe you want them to share your site with their friends/readers. Perhaps you’re selling a book. Even if it’s only to follow you on Twitter, make sure it’s easy for them to see what you want and then execute it!
Update Your Schedule Update your schedule.This is also a good time to look at your blog posting schedule and evaluate the popularity and efficiency of your different topics. You can do this by utilizing the stats section of your blogger dashboard or of your specific blogging platform.First, look at the most popular posts of the past year. Do they fall into a specific category or theme? If this isn’t the main focus of your blog consider making it a bigger part of your posting schedule.Next look at the day of the week when you get your most hits. Does it correspond to your posting date or is it the following day? You may need to tweak when your email notification is sent out.Finally, Google the subject of those popular posts. Don’t plug in the exact title of those blogs, instead try a more generic subject search. The purpose of this is to see where within that search your blog entry is falling.
We all benefit from a yearly checkup and our blog is no different. I’d love to hear how you use this time to get ready for the New Year ahead!

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings
Edie

TWEETALBES
Get your blog ready for a great 2015 - Tips from #SocialMedia Mentor @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Use the time between Christmas & New Year's to get your blog ready for 2015 - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

3 More Secrets Writers Won't Tell You About Themselves

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

We writers are a funny bunch.Writers are a funny bunch, and only other writers really understand some of the idiosyncrasies that plague us. 
To exist in polite society, we try to keep our quirks on the down low, but some of them spill out into our everyday lives. 
Last month I shared four secrets writers won’t tell you about themselves, and today I’ve compiled three more.

Three more secrets writers won’t tell you about themselves1. We’re late. A lot. Not because we don’t value others’ time or the commitments we’ve made, but because sometimes, in the middle of a perfectly planned day, a great idea for an article, blog post, or book chapter just POPS into our heads. If we don’t capture it, it will be gone forever. Other times we sit down at the keyboard to write for only an hour. When we lift our fingers from the keys, we discover that three have elapsed. These periods of inspiration can completely eclipse our dental appointments, carpool duties, or mother-in-laws’ birthday dinners (Sorry, Mom).
We edit EVERYTHING!2. We edit everything. The pastor’s sermon. The church bulletin. The discharge papers from the hospital. Even the Bible.
Really?
Really. We determine there are far too many thats in the gospel of John—today’s editors would never stand for it.
As long as we do this silently, we seldom get into trouble, but heaven help us if we slip and point out an error. ‘Tis far far better to keep silent and retain friends than to pull out thy red pen and loseth them.
We sometimes make ourselves cry.3. We sometimes make ourselves cry—with our own writing. This is usually because, whether we write fiction or non-fiction, we write from our hearts. If we didn’t believe our messages, we wouldn’t be writing them. If we weren’t passionate about our subjects, we’d never choose them. Nineteenth-century columnist “Red” Smith described writing this way: “You simply sit down at the typewriter, open your veins, and bleed.”
One of my favorite poets, Robert Frost, affirmed that a tender writing heart is appropriate and effective when he said, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.”
Mechanics collect past editions of Chilton’s Auto Repair Manual, estheticians have a deep-seated fear of wrinkles, and writers, well, we have our own set of secrets. I’m sure you have a few of your own. If you’d like to share them with this like-minded band of writers, leave a comment below and join the conversation.
What are some of your writer-related secrets? Be sure to share them in the comments section below!
TWEETABLESWriters are a funny bunch - secrets only other writers understand - via @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
3 More Secrets Writers Won't Tell You About Themselves - via @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher is the editor of Reach Out, Columbia magazine and the author of two devotional books. Her second, Hungry for God…Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women released this month. A blogger, writing instructor, and women’s ministry 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 Twitter at @LoriHatcher2 or on Facebook - Hungry for God, Starving for Time.

Merry Christmas 2014

Merry Christmas to you all!



I hope your day is filled with joy and blessings!