Edie Melson's Blog, page 67

Let’s Remember the Five W's of Writing

Edie here. Today I'm over-the-moon-excited to celebrate our very own columnist, Tammy Karasek's newest (and first) book: Launch that Book ! Personally, I hire her for all my book launches, but she's booked almost a year in advance, so that's not always an option for others. Because of that, Tammy has shared some of her best tips and how-tos on launching a book in today's marketplace. Join me in celebrating Tammy, and her amazing gift!!! All the info on the book is at the bottom of the post. 

Let's Remember the Five W's of Writingby Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam
I don’t know about you my writing friends, but this year has been one of the fastest years for me in a very long time. Like most of you, I’ve had very high days and some low days, both in my personal life and my writing life. At times I sat and stared and wondered if I would stop writing, or find a strength deep inside to persevere. 
But writers are a creative lot, and we can figure out how to work things out for our writing most of the time. If we’ve learned anything from the dreadful year of 2020, we’ve learned to be resourceful and not stay alone in our writing world, so to speak. We know how to gather some writer friends into a Zoom chat for some fellowship, help with plot holes we didn’t see, brainstorm time, or some critique suggestions. We can send texts, emails or even a telephone call to hear a friendly voice that knows the rises and falls of the writer’s life. 
As we approach the end of this year, though, I’ve noticed a few people slowing down and retreating inward and away from other writers. Not just slow down, but almost like a funk is hovering over them. Myself included somewhat. It reminded me of something I used to tell our daughter at the end of every school year from middle school all the way through her Doctorate. I’d notice that in the last month or so she’d lose steam. I would offer the same advice each year. Finish strong, you’re almost done.
As writers, we may have lost our fervor to keep writing also. I’d offer the same thought to you as well as myself. Finish strong, dear writer, this year is almost done. To do that, let’s return to the five W’s of writing we base our stories on. 
1. WHO
Who are we writing for? We are instructed to write for a particular person or people group, but is that really who we should be writing for? Isn’t the One we want to please the most God? Then return to writing your words back to Him. He’ll make sure those words reach the people he chooses.
2. WHAT 
What is it that you’re trying to say? Is your message clear? Would your words encourage, teach or edify another person? Write those.
3. WHERE 
Where are you writing now? Do you write at home in the same spot every day? Are you a writer who writes in a coffee shop or library? Have you thought about a new spot to write to add some change or excitement to your writing time? If not, now would be a great time to create a special spot that brings you into the mood for writing, even if it’s just rearranging your writing space in a different way at home. Set yourself up for success. Change up your scenery if necessary. Buy a bouquet of flowers for the corner of your writing spot. With winter, it does get dreary, liven up the space you write.
4. WHEN
When do you write? Often, we see the musts of writing. You must write before others wake up. You must write every day. You must write 3,000 words a day. But what if those don’t work out well for you, is something wrong with you? No, that’s false. All that means is that it’s not how your body, schedule, or family functions. Search what works best for you and make that your own personal must of writing. Then do that.
5. WHY 
Why do you write? I loved the comment I read years ago regarding that question. “Why do you write? It’s because I can’t not.” Grammatically so wrong, but such truth in the words. We write because we can’t stop ourselves from doing it. Maybe this year has given you and I odd challenges, and maybe we’re not writing with the same determination we used to. I suggest we remember back to when God first gave us the nudge to write. When we realized He’d given us a calling to write the words he’d pour into us. Let’s return to that why.
As we wind down this year, let’s return to those five W’s as they apply to our writing lives. Instead of writing like it’s another chore to mark off of our list, may be all remember those reasons above and renew our excitement to write. 
Will you join me in giving the final weeks of this year everything you’ve got? 
Let’s finish strong, writing friends, this year is almost done.
TWEETABLELet’s Remember the Five W's of Writing from author @TickledPinkTam on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Launch That Book! by Tammy Karasek
Stressed over the details of how to launch your book?
Launch that Book will take you from stress to success in getting your book into the hands of those who need it. Tammy Karasek walks authors through a pragmatic management approach as she educates, equips, and encourages in getting the most mileage out of the book launch process.
Learn step-by-step
∙ how to gather a team
∙ exactly what to do with your team
∙ when and how to say farewell
Plus, so much more.
“I can’t say enough good things about her and her process to get the books into the hands of readers and onto the bestseller lists.”Lynette Eason, best-selling, award-winning author of the Extreme Measures series
Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and give them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out! A writer of Romance—with a splash of sass. She’s also The Launch Team Geek helping authors launch their books and also a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors. Don't miss her recent book, Launch that Book, just released in November. 
Her work was also published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. She’s also the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President and current Vice-President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. She’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation Blog, Novel Academy, MBT Monday Devotions, The Write Editing and more. Connect with Tammy at HTTPS://WWW.TAMMYKARASEK.COM.

Do You Have a Writer's Bucket List?

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I do. I started one many years ago (2014), and I wrote about it on The Write Conversation in the blog post titled, One Writer's Bucket List. I actually keep up with my list of writing dreams and wishes pretty regularly. However, I'd forgotten I'd actually written a post about it. 

So why write another one?

Because so much has changed since that first post. I don't think a blog post about writing bucket lists every ten years or so is too often, do you?

One of the biggest changes in my list is that it has morphed from being accomplishment focused to process focused. I know that shift has brought a lot of peace to me. Being judged by what I do (even by myself) can be exhausting—and sometimes a little depressing. 

This Writer's Current Writing Bucket List

1. Get to write and travel with my husband, Kirk Melson. This is happening more and more. Kirk used to write a column here on The Write Conversation called How Writing Ruined My Wife. And now he partners with Cynthia Cavanaugh and I in writing daily Bible commentary on Stop2Read!

2. Write a book my grandkids will enjoy. I've never dabbled in writing for children, but it's become an important goal now that I have 3 of them.

3. Be an active participant in more writers achieving their own publishing dreams. I discovered a long time ago how much I love encouraging others. 

4. Find a publisher for my devotional book that includes my photographs and my meditations. 

5. Make the New York Time's Bestseller list.

6. Have a movie made from one of my books.

My list is shorter than it once was. Partly because I've achieved a lot of what I used to think were just unreachable dreams. But I've also learned that those dreams don't always bring the long-term satisfaction I expected. With each book published, there's the fear that the next one won't be as good—or even find a publisher at all. With each new contract there is the added stress of meeting expectations. It's not all bad. I LOVE what I do. But just because I love it, doesn't mean it isn't still a lot of work. 

So let's look at a few things I have been able to do that bring long-term joy. 

Some Writing Practices that Have Brought Lasting Satisfaction

1. Getting to watch God work around and through me.

2. Becoming friends with some of my writing heroes and staying friends with those who began the journey with me.

3. Learning how to write with God, instead of just for God. 

4. Encouraging other writers and watching them achieve their goals.

5. Being the Director of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference.

6. Having this blog and the wonderful community of columnists and readers!

These are my thoughts on a writer’s bucket list. Now it’s time for you to share yours! Be sure to leave your insight in the comments below.

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

Writers Can Always Give the Gift of Reading

by Crystal Bowman
The Best Birthday Gift
My sister celebrated a milestone birthday a few months ago and I struggled with what kind of gift to give her. Flowers die, clothes go out of style, and who needs another “thing” to set around the house? Then the obvious occurred to me! She loves reading novels and I know a few authors who write novels. I typed a quick email to bestselling author, Eva Marie Everson, and asked her for suggestions. I not only purchased two books from her, but I asked her to sign them and personalize them for my sister. In a few days, they arrived at my house. I tucked them between pink and yellow tissue paper, placed them in a sparkly gift bag, added her favorite chocolates, and voilà—the perfect gift for a special sister. When she opened the gift at her birthday party, I took a picture of the two of us holding the books and sent the picture to Eva to use on her social media. A win-win-win for all!
Obtaining Autographed Books
In the past, it was necessary to attend a book signing or event where the author would be selling and autographing books. But in these days of social media, contacting an author is not that difficult. Facebook, Linked In, and author websites offer quick ways to send a message and make a request. Not all authors are open to selling autographed copies of books directly to the consumer, but many are, and you don’t know until you try.
Out-of-print Books
Last week I received an email from a teacher who used the contact form on my website to reach me. She was searching for one of my picture books that has been out of print for a few years. She asked if I had any I could sell her because she wanted to give them as Christmas gifts to some of her teacher friends who wanted copies of the book. I had a few in my book closet, signed them, and sent them her way.
Meaningful Stocking Stuffers
If you have kids or grandkids, adding a small board book to a Christmas stocking can provide quality reading time as well as eternal value. From A-B-C Bible stories and snuggly prayers to Noah’s ark and Baby Jesus, board books are just the right size for Christmas stockings and little hands. 
Inspiration and Encouragement
For the adults in your life, a book of inspirational devotions can offer weeks or months of encouragement as well as spiritual growth. Before you give a book, however, read it yourself or be familiar with the content to be sure the messages in the book are right for the person receiving the gift.
Entertainment
For those who use reading as a form of entertainment (or escape) the list of titles is endless. Si-fi thrillers, mysteries, romance novels, fantasy, and historical fiction will provide hours of entertainment for fiction enthusiasts. If you don’t know the person well enough, find out from someone close to them what their favorite genre is. I once received a 600-page novel that did not interest me and ended up in my Goodwill box. 
As you wrap up your Christmas shopping, consider giving the gift of reading. You know what they say: “It’s the gift that keeps on giving!”
TWEETABLEWriters Can Always Give the Gift of Reading from author Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Arise Daily, and Christian Children's Authors. She enjoys coaching children's writers as well as teaching at writers conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she likes going for walks and spending time with her huggable grandkids. She and her husband live in Michigan and Florida and try to avoid snowstorms.
WWW.CRYSTALBOWMAN.COMWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTAL.BOWMANWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTALJBOWMANWWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CRYSTALBOWMANAUTHOR

A Writer’s Prayerful Offering of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 (NLT)
What gifts can I bring to the King this season? From my treasure chest of writing tools, what can I humbly offer Jesus? I pondered the Wise Men’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and came up with three prayers to take me through the Christmas season and into the new year.
A Golden Prayer
So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7 ESV 
Dear God, please guide every word I write with pen, pencil, or computer. Whether I write tight or expound prolifically, give me words that will praise you as the most Holy of Holies, as the only true God, as the Creator and Maker of all. May the words I put on paper, whether they result in publication or temporary rejection, glorify and honor you as the Almighty Father. May the words I speak or print reveal Jesus Christ to others and point them to you. Amen. 
A Fragrant Frankincense Prayer
And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2 ESV
Dearest Lord Jesus, help me walk in love daily. Wherever my writing path takes me, may every step be a fragrant offering to you. Let the words I write and publish exhibit my love for you and my love for others. Help me choose words carefully, so that every fellow author, editor, publisher, or reader will feel Christ’s love flowing through me. May my love be genuine, sincere, and kind in each step of the journey. Thank you for loving me. Help me love you more deeply and in turn, love others more sacrificially. In Your precious name, amen. 
An Overflowing Prayer
You prepare a feast before me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:5 NLT 
Most gracious heavenly Father, thank you for the anointing and calling you’ve given me to write for your kingdom’s purposes. Thank you for the abundant and extravagant gifts you give me each day, the ones I acknowledge and the ones I fail to recognize. Thank you for the feast of writing friends, the bounty of writing opportunities, the banquet of wisdom and expertise of writers, editors, and publishers who’ve come before me, the buffet of readers and supporters, and the filling of your presence that is most precious of all. My cup overflows with blessings, Lord, and I am so grateful for your good gifts. May I prove faithful to share those gifts with others. Amen. 
As the 2023 writing year comes to a close, what prayers and gifts do you bring to the newborn King? 
TWEETABLEA Writer’s Prayerful Offering of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh from @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Julie is excited about the Christmas season and spending time with family during that time. She’s also excited about the release of two books since October: the bilingual edition of her award-winning, Amazon bestselling, Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime and Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers

A Writer's Perspective on the Special Words of Christmas

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
One publishing word that comes to mind right now is the word “seasonal.” What does that mean to writers? Any piece of writing that is tied to a particular time of the year is considered seasonal. 
Obviously, right now we think of Christmas articles and books. But now that the season is upon us, it is too late to think of submitting articles and books for this year. But we have also just celebrated Thanksgiving, and magazines love to get articles for holidays that people don’t write much about. Find a fresh new way to write about Thanksgiving, Christmas or other holidays and you will see how hungry magazines are for fresh voices. 
The time to begin thinking about Christmas articles is in the spring and summer. Yes, April is a good time to put on the Christmas music, turn the air conditioner down low to put a chill in the air, and put on your thinking cap.
Market guides suggest six to twelve months ahead for “seasonal” articles. When summer has ended, it is time to put on your Easter bonnet and think about submitting articles for Easter. Look at the calendar for other “seasons.” Perhaps you can find one that is not as well-known yet celebrated that would pique an editor’s interest.
It is only the first half of December. You have plenty of time to write a seasonal blog. You could touch someone’s life and help him or her have the best Christmas ever. Do you have an hour or two today that you could use to submit to an online blog or even your own blog still waiting for Christmas material?
Christmas Words to Inspire Writers
Merry. We hear this word paired with Christmas this time of the year. And, indeed, we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Writers should also be merry. It’s biblical. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). Writers should write from the overflow of their hearts, so a merry heart is a good thing for a writer.
Decorate. We scramble to bring out the trees, angels, and nativities that have lived all year in boxes in the attic. We want our homes to be warm and inviting. Whatever it takes for our writing to have the same warmth and invitation to partake should be included in every manuscript. It doesn’t mean multi-colored ink or confetti that pops out of each submission. But our writing should exude the quality of writing and excellent heartfelt message that makes readers want to stay with us.
Wreath. Wreaths come in all shapes and sizes. But they have one thing in common—they are all round. The shape is never ending and flows from one place to another. The publishing process sometimes seems never ending. But as you go from place to place on the circle, you are constantly learning and building relationships. If you work hard enough and don’t give up, at some point that manuscript or book you are working on will find its bow.
Jesus. After all, we are celebrating Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season. We sing songs, participate in plays, and get together with friends to celebrate this life-changing occasion.
How does this affect our writing? If we are writers who are believers, our job during the Christmas season is to continue the celebration of Jesus’ birth and let the message of His love shine through everything we write. Our job is to be missionaries in print and to show the world how much God loves us through the gift of His son. This is the greatest word of Christmas.
TWEETABLEA Writer's Perspective on the Special Words of Christmas from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Linda Gilden is an experienced, bestselling writer, speaker, award-winning editor, marketer, and speaking coach, ghostwriter, and writing coach. Author of 40 books and 2,000+ magazine articles, Linda appreciates a great story. She believes with our stories, we can change the world one word at a time and loves to encourage others to do that through writing coaching and personal tutoring. Her newest book was released in November: Trading Shadows: Exchanging a life of secrets, fear, and doubt for a life of freedom with the Almighty.

4 Tips to Help Writers Make Nonfiction Engaging

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted
Let's face it. Non-fiction can become like a dry cracker. Once you chew it, it sticks to your throat. 
Experienced non-fiction writers will tell you that making their writing engaging takes work. They've learned over the years as they've honed their craft that, just as in fiction, non-fiction readers demand more.
Like any work we write, staying on top of what readers like is essential. Time to read is a pressing issue in our world today. Since the major buyers of books are women, we are looking at moms who are squeezing their daily work into an already busy schedule. When do they read? 
What I'm about to share is not an industry standard. It's simply years of observation and discussion with readers. I have discovered these things have helped my writing excel with readers.
My husband and I made a few trips to the local bookstore to people-watch readers. Here's what I found true with 90% of the 100 readers we observed and logged.The cover draws a reader in. They pick the book up and flip it over.They read the back text (so you should make that back text engaging).Next, they turn to chapter one and skim through the first page.Then, they begin to count pages. 
Yes, they count pages. I didn't understand this until I finally began to walk up to individual readers and tell them about my research. I asked why do you count pages? The answer from almost every reader was they wanted to know how long the chapters were. When I asked why, the response was simple. "I have thirty minutes in the school pick-up line. I need to be able to read a chapter in about thirty minutes."
It was mind-blowing that readers were physically counting pages to see if the chapters could be completed in the short period they allowed for reading. Of course, all the readers weren't moms, but the answer stayed pretty much the same. It was a fifteen-minute coffee break at work or time between appointments. The point is that readers pay attention to how much time they have to read and digest a chapter, be it fiction or non-fiction. They didn't seem to care if there were forty chapters, just that they could read through them quickly. 
I have since begun to share with readers the importance of shorter chapters. Our non-fiction books tend to have longer chapters. Longer isn't necessarily a bad thing because, in this area of writing, authors are sharing information. However, it is important to take heed of reader trends. Breaking chapters into smaller bites is more enticing to those busy folks who buy the bulk of our books. From my research, I recommend that non-fiction chapters run no more than 2200 words. This will translate to six to nine pages in a 9x6 book, depending on spacing, dialogue, charts, etc. 
All this plays a part in the mental "view" of the book and the time allotted. The point is, with the 100 readers we talked with, if a chapter is over nine pages, it starts to "look" like they cannot read it in a thirty-minute time frame. White space plays a big part in how long a chapter "looks." If there is a lot of white space (for instance, there are sections that are bullet-pointed or holding charts and graphs), readers are more forgiving and willing to press through longer chapters. But if those pages are strictly text, hitting that eight-to-nine-page count starts to push the reader away. 
Again, I stress this is NOT industry standard. It is personal research and the facts I have found after talking to 100 readers in a bookstore. Throughout the years, this has proven true for me in my writing. 
Here are 4 Tips to Help Your Nonfiction Work Read Well
1. Add emotion: Emotion is not just for fiction. When we write books filled with important information, learning to find stories or using personal experiences will add emotion. Look for words that move away from the usual blah and add interest and feeling instead. Including these emotional additives intentionally in your book allows the reader to connect to you and the information you are trying to convey.2. Remember to keep your writing on an understandable level: Many times, we see information become top-heavy. In other words, the information is important but difficult to process. When you find chunks like this in your work, break them apart. It's important to remember your reader may not know technical terms, so when you address a special education term, for example, Individual Educational Plan or IEP, don't assume your readers understand or even know what that means. Take a line or two and explain that an IEP, or Individual Educational Plan, is a written and detailed plan used by teachers to teach and address your child's specific needs. When we do this, we keep our readers from scratching their heads. Instead, they walk away understanding an IEP and feel empowered because now they know.3. Humor is not a bad thing: Sometimes, when topics are challenging, inserting a touch of humor to lighten the moment helps your reader take a breath. A dab of humor helps those who face rough times see that even when topics are tough, laughter can help them see a moment of relief. Remember Mary Poppins when she sang just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down? Truer words couldn't have been spoken or sung. Humor breaks the tension and allows the reader to relax—even if it's just for a moment. Humor ignites hope, so don't be afraid to insert a smile for the reader.4. Write conversationally: One thing that stiffens non-fiction is prim and proper language. Grant you, there are textbooks, and then there are Christian Living books. Textbooks will be more proper (for lack of better words). Still, a good Christian Living book, where you are walking a reader through topics when you can help them problem solve or find refuge and hope, is more relatable when they're written conversationally. Readers connect to the author and feel their emotions, sympathy, and hope. Teach with strength, but write with emotions. A conversational writing style will move mountains for the readers. 
These are just a few things to help your non-fiction writing move from dry to relatable. Practice. Study how others write their non-fiction, and then find the style that helps you most.
TWEETABLE4 Tips to Help Writers Make Nonfiction Engaging 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.

Don't Get Trapped by an Unrealistic Holiday Writing Deadline

by Larry J. Leech II @LarryJLeechII
Holy holiday, Batman! It’s two weeks before Christmas! Two weeks!
Uh, so much to do. So much. Shopping. Baking. Company party. More shopping. A friend’s party. More baking. And, don’t forget, wrapping presents! 
Oh, the stress. So much unnecessary stress.
Stop.
Just stop.
We know this should be the most wonderful time of year. But for many, because of unrealistic goals and expectations, this ends up being the most stressful time of the year.
But it doesn’t have to be. And shouldn’t be.
I know, sounds like I’m getting preachy here, but just my passion coming out to share what I learned years ago—change a self-imposed writing related deadline from December 31 to December 15. I’ve written and spoken about this numerous times. Don’t create unwanted stress. Sit with family and / or friends on December 27 and laugh and reminisce, not think about finishing your book. Or chapter. Or whatever you feel needs done before the calendar flips over to the new year.
Yes, December 31 is an easy date to pick for numerous reasons. But I recommend you pick another date. Years ago, I chose December 15 so I could unwind for a few days from work and recalibrate my brain in plenty of time to get into a festive mood. Just four days away, December 15 might be tough for you wrap up what you want. So, this year, maybe you pick December 18.
Whatever day you pick, allow yourself to take a deep breath, relax, and laugh with family and friends. And give your brain a break from the grind of writing and editing. 
Now, grab your favorite holiday-season beverage (egg nog is mine) and enjoy a truly holy holiday.
TWEETABLEDon't Get Trapped by an Unrealistic Holiday Writing Deadline from @LarryJLeechII on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Editor-in-Chief at Bold Vision Books and writing coach of award-winning authors, Larry J. Leech II has spent more than forty years writing and editing. He started his career as a sportswriter in southwestern Pennsylvania where he covered prep, college, and pro sports, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. 
In 2004, after 2,300 published articles, Larry moved into the book publishing industry. Since that time, he has ghostwritten 30 books, edited more than 400 manuscripts, and coached hundreds of authors through the writing and publication process. You can find him online on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Keeping the Grinch Out of Our Writing

by Martin Miles @LinesFromGod
Thanksgiving hadn’t arrived, but I was feeling grinchy.
I love the Grinch. Since I’m known as a strict teacher who requires a lot of my English students, my students think I like him because of his mean nature. They also think I hate Christmas, yet expect me to decorate my room in Grinches every year because they believe it fits my character. 
So, when the teacher across the hall put up her Christmas décor two weeks before Thanksgiving, I knew I had to get busy. My wife ordered a small Christmas tree to decorate with my Grinch ornaments, then pulled out all my Grinches and placed them all over the room. We completed the décor by hanging a sign over my door that read, “Merry Grinchmas.” 
Some of my eighth graders—who don’t visit my room because I teach them in the computer lab—stopped by to reminisce. My sixth graders were awed, since this was the first time they had witnessed my grinchiness, while the seventh graders remembered it all from the previous year. 
But what my students don’t realize until I tell them is that it’s not the Grinch’s mean and nasty nature I like, nor that he hates Christmas. Occasionally, one of my students will remember what solved the Grinch’s problem. His heart was too small. It needed to grow. And when he witnessed the love of the Who’s down in Whoville, his heart grew. He was transformed. Then, he loved Christmas. And that’s what I love about the Grinch—what he became, not what he was initially. 
Many of God’s people in the Old Testament had Grinch hearts—too small. 
“And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).
God called His children stony and stubborn. It took a few captivities in foreign lands to change their perspective. It also took God’s love shown through discipline--a little harsher method than the Grinch experienced. Yet, the result was the same. 
All of us can feel a little grinchy at times. One of my wife’s favorite restaurants makes me feel that way every time I visit because of their poor customer service. Sometimes, my grinchiness comes out. At other times, I hold it in. 
But life can be challenging in many more serious ways—financial setbacks, relationship crumbles, disease, family disruption, unemployment, dissatisfaction, disappointment, rebellious children. 
We writers aren’t immune to grinchiness either. Sometimes, it even enters our writing, and when it does, everyone suffers. No, we can’t cover up the truth—and sometimes that’s harsh—but we can deliver it with love. Our readers need encouragement. Everyone does. God has given us good news—news we celebrate at Christmas—and we can share it through fiction and nonfiction. 
At other times, our disappointment bleeds over into our writing. We’ve received too many rejection letters from publishers or potential agents. Something came up, and we didn’t get to attend the conference. More doors seem to be closing than opening. Or life has interfered with our writing. Before we know—and sometimes without our knowing it—we get grinchy. 
Letting God replace our stony hearts with forgiveness and grace certainly helps, but this doesn’t mean life will be smooth sailing from then on. We just view things from a different perspective. 
That was the key for the Grinch—a different perspective. When feeling a little grinchy because life has gone sour our writing journey hasn’t turned out as we imagined, we must remember God has not stepped away from the throne. He’s still in control, still has our best interests at heart, still has a writing plan for us, and still loves us. And knowing that will keep our hearts from going into Grinch mode. 
How do you typically react when you’re feeling a little grinchy?
TWEETABLEKeeping the Grinch Out of Our Writing from author Martin Wiles (@LinesFromGod) on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Martin Wiles is the founder of Love Lines from God (WWW.LOVELINESFROMGOD.COM) and serves as Managing Editor for Christian Devotions and Directing Editor for VineWords. He has authored six books and has been published in numerous publications. His most recent book, DON'T JUST LIVE...REALLY LIVE, debuted in October of 2021. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, author, and pastor.

Writers, Start 2024 Off Strong with One Word

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt
How’s your December going, my friends?
If you’re like me, the last month of 2023 showed up a lot quicker than you expected. And there are only 22 days left until 2024 arrives!
Each one of us could look back over our shoulder at the past 12 months and recall personal and professional ups and downs. Joys and disappointments. Answered and not yet answered prayers. 
With the new year approaching, this is also the time of year when we ponder personal and professional resolutions.
It’s also when I wave my arms and yell, “Stop!” about doing the whole resolution tradition. Making the “I will” and the “I won’t” list seems so positive—until you lose the list in February and can’t remember half the things you wrote down.
There’s an alternative to starting the new year off right without making a list of goals:
Consider choosing One Word for 2024. 
This will be my 19th year choosing One Word to focus on for 365 days—and never once have I lost track of what word I chose as the days, weeks, and months progressed. You can misplace a list of resolutions, but one word? Almost impossible to lose track of a single word. Even more important, God has used the process of focusing on one word to change me in significant ways that influence all areas of my life. 
Some of my One Words have been: GratitudeHopeKindnessTrustConfidenceInheritance
Last year, my One Word was “pray”—the verb, not the noun “prayer,” because praying is active. This quote by Mother Teresa inspired me: “God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” 
This was only the third time I’ve repeated a One Word from the previous year. I also repeated the One Word “forgiveness” and the One Word “listen” because as I mulled over my One Word for the coming year, God didn’t move me past the One Word I had focused on the previous year. 
Interested in trying One Word in the new year? Four Tips to Choose Your One Word for 2024Pray about your One Word. God usually provides me with a scripture verse that anchors me to my One Word.Be attentive for a visual. I’ve used a photo or some sort of graphic to remind me of my One Word. I’ve also worn a necklace or bracelet engraved with my One Word. Dive into your One Word. Consider reading books related to your One Word. The year I focused on the One Word gratitude, I incorporated a gratitude journal. Read My One Word by authors Mike Ashcraft and Rachel Olsen. This is a helpful resource to learn how to choose One Word. I also recommend checking out their website, My One Word . It’s motivating to see One Words other people have chosen.For 2024, my One Word is “rest.” I’ve been learning about sabbath the last part of this year and want to continue to do so in the coming months. I’d love to know if you focus on One Word each year and if you’ve chosen a word for 2024 or why you prefer to do resolutions.
TWEETABLEWriters, Start 2024 Off Strong with One Word suggestions from @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, released June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

A Christmas Gift Every Writer Should Give Themselves

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
'Tis the season for giving. Today I'd like to suggest a gift you can give yourself. 
Most writers I know are part of a conflicted group. 
We’re driven to write—spending time composing poetry, writing books, researching articles. We doodle titles, character names, and plot ideas on scraps of paper. All the while feeling guilty about the time we spend pursuing our dream. I call it writer's guilt.
Everyone of us has felt the tug of war deep inside. it’s all part and parcel when you work at home. 
I’ve fought the battle for years—sometimes more successfully than others. And the craziest thing is the guilt is pretty much self imposed. My family is frequently more supportive of my writing time than I am. So this Christmas I'm gifting myself with freedom from guilt and time to write.
Time to Write
Years ago I made a conscious decision to give myself permission to make writing a priority. I gave myself the gift of time to write. Sometimes it would have been easier to avoid the blank page and not risk the failure. But I refused to cave into the fear.
Has it been worth it?
You bet it has! Not only have I gotten farther along with my goals and dreams, but it’s given me a self-confidence I didn’t expect. The more I make writing a priority, the better I get at it. Then the more success I have, which leads to the courage to push myself and reach for the stars.
Steps to Take to Make Writing Time a Priority
1. Come up with a schedule and keep regular, consistent hours. Notice I said regular hours—not normal ones. For years I wrote with young children. That meant writing in the afternoons and after they were in bed. Just because you’re working odd hours doesn’t mean you can’t have a schedule.
2. Respect your dream. If your best friend, or child had a dream you’d encourage them to pursue it. Give yourself the same support that you’d give someone else. Trust me, you’re worth it!
3. Be consistent. If you’re not accepting calls from your mother-in-law because you’re working, don’t spend the afternoon on the phone with your best friend. Stay focused on your writing. This is even more critical if your time is at a premium.
4. Recruit a support team. Instead of adversaries, enlist your friends and family to help you reach your writing goals. Communicate those goals, clearly and frequently. Ask for their help to reach them. After all, what mother doesn’t want to help her baby succeed!
5. Share your victories. Let those that help you share in the joy of goals accomplished and milestones reached.
What do you do to make your writing time a priority? What interruptions do you struggle with the most? Share your thoughts and we’ll all support each other.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLEA Christmas Gift Every Writer Should Give Themselves from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.