Plotting the Suspense Novel by DiAnn Mills

Do you write suspense, or have you considered writing in that genre? Award-winning and best-selling author DiAnn Mills is here today with tips and strategies for plotting your novel. Enjoy! ~ Annette

DiAnn Mills

Plotting the suspense novel uses creativity, imagination, and knowing the characters inside and out to create an edge-of-the-seat experience. The story line is filled with action and propels the story forward while the reader senses a deep concern for the protagonist.

In a successful suspense story, a writer has six feats to accomplish for the reader.

What is Your Superpower? by Pattie Frampton

What is Your Superpower? 

I hate excuses. Just ask my kids. While they were growing up, excuses were strongly discouraged, and they often came with consequences.

Me?

Making excuses is my superpower!

Marketability: The Author’s Secret Weapon by Lisa Phillips

I had my plot all figured out.

Famous singer placed in witness protection finds herself in danger. Protected by a handsome US Marshal, she winds up falling for him as they race for safety. My editor’s response: “characters with artistic careers don’t sell.” Say what?!

First of all, the fact she knew that was great. My editor knew what the reader wanted down to a degree so specific she could tell me my character needed career advice. So I revised.

What does the reader want? Because once we figure that out, we can give it to them. (More or less.) I write Christian romantic suspense. It’s a pretty narrow genre, with a lot of fantastic authors—some who put out longer books less frequently, and some who put out shorter books every few weeks. Subscription services like KU, and platforms like Kobo serve readers in different countries and all walks of life. Across the world—and right in my neighborhood. We can thank pioneers like Terri Blackstock, and Dee Henderson for helping to grow the popularity of Christian suspense books over the past decades. And we’re gaining new readers every day, people who weren’t even aware that there are Christian fiction novels out there. We’ve been around for years, and there’s no sign that I can see that Christian romantic suspense is going anywhere. (Except to my Kindle app.)

So how do we find out what the reader wants? By being a reader. Sure, you could call it “market research” and claim all your purchases as business expenses, but all this means is looking at the titles in your genre on all the sales platforms, and reading them. Ones you think you’d like. Ones you think you won’t like. Ones that sell baffling amounts of copies. Traditional. Indie. Short. Long.

Figure out what you like best about your genre, and then write a book that encompasses all those things. But what if I don’t read the genre I write in? Um…why would you write something you wouldn’t want to read? That’s my first question. And I’ll probably leave it there. If you’re just in this to sell books, we readers can tell if you’ve got no love for what you’re writing. I’m a pretty eclectic reader, but there’s something about Christian romantic suspense that checks the most boxes for me. So that’s what I write—with a unique voice only I can bring.

Hone your craft Do authors in your genre use short, punchy sentences? Fragments. Lyrical prose. Third person. Past tense. Do they split the POV between two characters, or more? Do they use scene breaks, or is each chapter one POV? Do they start with an exciting, hooky scene? Does the romance develop quickly or slowly? How much time do the characters spend on the page together? Are writers in my genre writing a lot about one topic, or another – which books are ranked higher on Amazon? Is it a fad, a trend, or a way of life? If a book in your genre grabs you – analyze why. Use that knowledge in your own books. Put your own spin on it.

Read the reviews… …of the top books in your genre. What are the biggest complaints? I did that yesterday, and one struck me. The author had two timelines, and goes back and forth through the story—the past was written in third person past tense, and the present in third person present tense. Makes sense to me. Except for most people, present tense is hard to read. And switching between can be jarring. If I was going to write a book like that? I would seriously consider what to do about it.

Maybe a book has too many characters to keep track of—how many did the author use? Or it started slowly—how did the author write the beginning? Maybe the story just wasn’t believable—can you figure out what lost the reader? Some things are simply reader preference—of the individual reader—but if you find several reviews on a book that say essentially the same thing, then it’s worth looking at what the author did.

And then editing your book with this in mind. Leaving your novel for a few weeks (or so) and coming back with fresh eyes is a great way to see it as a reader might. I’ll often put it on my Kindle, and read it like any other book. Sometimes I like what I find. Sometimes I see holes, or contrivances. Dialogue that’s out of character. Things that come out of nowhere with no transition.

Which brings me to my next point: Develop a business mindset. If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you’re a long way to viewing the market in terms of what might sell—and what might have a harder time holding onto your readers. But there’s another step.

The moment your book is written, it’s no longer a book. Yes, you heard me. Once you’ve got all those words down. Edited, or just a first draft: that book is now a product. It’s not your baby, or your sweet story, or your life’s work (even if you took 20 years to finish it). It’s a product looking for a customer.

Especially if you’re an indie author, but also if you’re looking to get traditionally published and hook that editor or agent. You have to let go of what your story “is” and be willing to revise—sometimes huge chunks of it—to get it to a place where it’s salable. The market, and readers, know what they like. If you don’t write what sells, guess what? It won’t sell.

And how do I know this, you ask? The difference in sales rankings between my latest, Last Chance County series, and my supernatural books that I write under a penname…apparently for fun, and not for any actual money.

Maybe it’s the story that doesn’t drive readers to your next book. Maybe it’s a description that doesn’t grab in the first few words. Maybe it’s a cheap or self-created cover. I’ve done some of those myself. Occasionally they work, but more occasionally they’re terrible (and I get my cover designer to make me something new).

Your product is a whole package, with multiple entry points. Some readers only look at the cover. Some look at the description. Or reviews. Or editorial comments. Your Facebook page. A blog or newsletter. Bookbub. Goodreads. Who knows how readers will find you?

Make what they discover the best it can be. And exactly what they’re looking for.

And speaking of books that are exactly what you’re looking for *wink* check out this upcoming box set. What, you say? Another bundle of short stories? NO WAY!! These are all full length novels from Christian suspense/romance’s biggest authors. Bestsellers. Award winners. Amazing women it’s been a pleasure to work on this with.

Figure out what you like best about your genre, and then write a book that encompasses all those things.

Order your copy of DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS now!

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. He's from California, but nobody's perfect. It wasn't until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she's discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two kids and an all black Airedale known as The Dark Lord Elevator.

Raise Your Hand by Sandra Ardoin

It pains me to admit this, but I am not perfect. Yes, I know. It stunned me to learn that I had flaws, too.

In addition, I’m not a perfect writer. Ask anyone who has critiqued or edited my work. My commas are, all, over, the, place. I love ellipses… (and parenthesis) and em—dashes. I don’t shout too often! But I do have a tendency toward inner thoughts. And don’t even get me started on the excess baggage I place in my sentences. I mean, who needs two words when you can use six?

I’ve read social media posts from new authors eager to get their books up on Amazon and start selling. They will admit they don’t go through the manuscript more than once or twice and forego an editor peeking at it. 

Hope for the Lonely Writer by Sondra Kraak

It has been said that writing is lonely work, and I won’t argue this point. A writer sits alone at a desk and must draw out words from the creative recesses of their mind and put them into a beautiful order on the page.

No one can do the work for the writer.

There is a legitimacy to this ache of loneliness. We were made for relationships, and loneliness can be a symptom that something about those relationships is broken. It can also be a symptom that we are placing our expectations for fulfillment in people and not in our heavenly Father.

Writing While Moving to a New Home

Have you ever tried keeping up with writing goals while moving to a new home? That is exactly what is happening with me. 

My husband and I decided to purchase a new home in the same neighborhood, just a different section. We moved to South Carolina about three years ago and have been renting until we could choose our “forever” neighborhood.

Formula and Familiarity vs. the Brilliance of Something New by JoAnn Durgin

Formula and Familiarity 

vs. the Brilliance of Something New 

Allen Arnold is a well-respected speaker and the author of The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create, a brilliant blend of storytelling and teaching. Allen spent more than twenty years in the publishing industry, so he knows his stuff about writing, promoting, and selling books. It was a privilege to hear Allen speak and teach at a writers’ conference in southern California a few years ago. I follow him on Twitter, and this recent observation caught my attention:

Writing a Series by Susan Sleeman

Writers often think in terms of one book, but for some reason I’ve never thought that way. I’ve always approached my plots based on an overarching theme that would contain a series of books featuring different protagonists.

Why you ask? Readers like series books. Period. They love them. Whether it’s the same main character book after book, or different leading characters, readers love to see people grow and change. Experience spiritual change and growth. To come in and out of character’s lives. To watch the character fall in love. Have children. Maybe even grow old together.

Publishers also like series books. In today’s ever-changing publishing environment, publishers want an author to commit to them just as they are committing to the author. Publishers invest time and money growing an author’s reader base and it’s a much better investment if they spread the cost between several books.

Those are business reasons behind writing a series, but let me give you three reasons why you as an author might want to try this approach.

1. You get to know the characters very well and have a chance to reveal what makes them tick over the course of several books. Revealing bits and pieces book by book to pique the reader’s interest is such fun. Foreshadowing the main character for the next book not only reveals the character in an interesting way, but it also makes the secondary characters in your current book so much richer.

2. Once you research the main characters for the series, your work is done for several books. In my Homeland Heroes romantic suspense series, I had to dig into and discover the past of six leading characters in detail before I began the first book. A lot of work you say? Yes, at the beginning of each series there is a lot of work, but when it comes time to write the books, each one gets easier and easier because you know the characters so well. The last book, practically writes itself. Okay, I’m exaggerating here to make a point, but the time spent up front is well worth it in the end.

3. Writing a series is like spending your days with old friends. From the moment you sit down at your computer to the time you turn it off for the day, you spent your time with people you know. People you care about. And what could be more fun as a writer than that?

So I’ve shared my feelings about series, what do you think? As a reader do you like them? As a writer to do write them?

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives.

Readers like series books. Period. They love them. Whether it’s the same main character book after book, or different leading characters, readers love to see people grow and change. Experience spiritual change and growth. To come in and out of character’s lives. To watch the character fall in love. Have children. @susansleeman @seriouslywrite

Writing a series is like spending your days with old friends. From the moment you sit down at your computer to the time you turn it off for the day, you spent your time with people you know. People you care about. And what could be more fun as a writer than that? @susansleeman @seriouslywrite

SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over forty novels with more than a million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real. In addition to writing, Susan also hosts TheSuspenseZone.com. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, a very special son-in-law, and an adorable grandson. To learn more about Susan’s books sign up for her monthly email that includes exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and other goodies. http://www.susansleeman.com/susans-newsletter/

Or stop by any of these locations on the web. 

Website - http://www.susansleeman.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/SusanSleemanBooks 

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/susansleeman 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/susansleeman/ 

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4053429.Susan_Sleeman 

BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-sleeman 

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Susan-Sleeman/e/B003ANF6Z8 

Review Site - http://www.TheSuspenseZone.com

Great is His Faithfulness By Patty Smith Hall

This week was supposed to be our yearly vacation to the beach. It’s that one time throughout the year that my husband and I would completely disconnect from our phones and computers and enjoy some much-needed downtime. I’d take morning walks along the shoreline as I listened to my devotions, then join Danny in the pool for an hour before going back upstairs. While he settled into his game, I’d grab my book and a cold drink, and hunker down on the balcony for a long stretch of uninterrupted reading.

But the rise in COVID cases as well numerous doctor’s appointments for Danny pushed us to stay home this year.

Bummer.

The Dawn by Shannon Redmon

Sometimes I wonder if I misunderstood God’s call on my life to be a published author.

Often these moments, filled with doubt, arise after I receive rejected book proposals or struggle to come up with interesting story ideas. I’ve even been known to write several chapters into a story and scrap the whole thing because I didn’t think it was good enough or even worse – that I’m not good enough?

Then God, in his loving grace, gives me a verse of encouragement,

“The path of the righteous is like a dawning light, that shines more and more until the perfect day.” Proverbs 4:18 (ASV)

When light dawns in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the sun doesn’t just pop up all at once, bright and ready to go. The warming star takes its time, inching into early hours of morning. But rise it does, with a plethora of colors sure to make an accomplished painter envy the hues. Strokes of pinks, oranges, reds and blue streak the sky beckoning anyone willing to leave the comfort of fluffy duvets and padded mattresses.

At just the right moment, the sun emerges from behind the mountains' dark and rocky faces, distributing its light across irregular topography, stretching rays across the land into the welcoming arms of a new day.

Then I realize...We are a dawning light.

We might start off slow, barely a blip on the writer’s scene. Maybe we are unpublished, unagented with only the undeniable call placed in our hearts by the One who created us. We shine more and more with every word, every blog, every story until one day God’s light emerges through our work, illuminating others with his warmth and love.

This is the kind of writer I want to be. One that does not give into doubt and questions, but one that allows God to disperse His story, His words and His light into a darkened world.

What say you?

As writers, we're a dawning light. We shine more brilliantly with every word, blog, & story until one day God’s light emerges through our work, illuminating others with His warmth & love. @shannon_redmon #seriouslywrite

✐📖✎✐📖✎✐📖✎✐📖✎✐📖✎✐📖✎

Shannon Redmon remembers the first grown up book she checked out from the neighborhood book mobile. A Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen and ballroom parties captivated her attention. For her mother, the silence must have been a pleasant break from non-stop teenage chatter, but for Shannon, those stories whipped up a desire and passion for writing.

There’s nothing better than the power of a captivating novel, a moving song or zeal for a performance that punches souls with awe. A rainbow displayed after a horrific storm or expansive views on a mountaintop bring nuggets of joy into our lives. Shannon hopes her stories immerse readers into that same kind of amazement, encouraging faith, hope and love, guiding our hearts to the One who created us all.
Shannon’s writing has been published in Spark magazine, Splickety magazine, the Lightning Blog, The Horse of My Dreams a compilation book with other authors published by Revell, and the Seriously Write blog. Her stories have been selected as a semi-finalist and finalist of the ACFW Genesis Contest and won first place in the Foundation’s Awards. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. The StoryMoore Blog is named in memory of her father, Donald Eugene Moore.

Connect with Shannon:
www.shannonredmon.com
The StoryMoore Blog
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Shannon's debut, Cave of Secrets, releases in October 1st and is available now for pre-order.

Fight the Good Fight by Patty Nicholas-Boyte

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

As I prayed about what God would have me say to writers in the middle of a pandemic, he reminded me of this passage. When Paul wrote this to Timothy, he was in the last days of his life. He reflected on his ministry and he gave final words of encouragement to the young pastor. 

I think of the many times I have fought through a deadline or a difficult assignment. Sometimes just the act of putting words to a page can be a fight. When Paul said he fought the good fight, I know he was talking about ministry, however, I know that God has called me to be a writer as part of my ministry.

In the Amplified version, “fight the good fight,” tells that “the fight that is worthy, honorable and noble.” Writing is a noble cause, it is worthy and it is honorable. Therefore, it is worth the fight. The passage also tells us to finish the race. 

Of the many things in life like a marathon writing is at the top of my list, as I sure it is for other writers. Writing takes practice, hard work and perseverance. The fight is not giving up. No matter how many times we receive a rejection, no matter how many times we struggle to find the time to write and have to squeeze something else in life to eek out an hour here or there to work on a project, keep working. 

I find my best writing comes when I have spent time with God first, even if I only have a limited amount of time, if I seek His will for my project, it always flows better and when I am persistent, I can finally get to the two most satisfying words for a writer. “The End.” 

What will you do with the fight you are battling? What kind of race would you say you are running and are you weary? Remember the words of Paul to his protégé Timothy. Fight the good fight. Do not give up. God has given you a voice, and words to share with others. He will see you through and He also gives good rewards when we are faithful.

Multi award winning writer, Patty Nicholas-Boyte lives with her Husband Brian in the mountains of North Carolina. She is a busy event planner for the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove, and is a member of the Blue Ridge Writers Group. She is a mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of three. She writes Bible studies and devotionals as well as contemporary romance. 

She is a regular contributor to the Cove Blog.

Devotions are published in compilations by Lighthouse Bible Studies.
facebook.com/patty.l.nicholas
twitter.com/PattyNicholas2
https://thecove.org/blog

My Journey to Publication by Jeanette Morris

Writers may have similar or vastly different reasons for pursuing publication. Regardless, we can all learn from each other along the way. Today, author Jeanette Morris shares her personal journey. ~ Dawn

My Journey to Publication 

I was a voracious reader as a child (and still am.) I loved the children’s classics, like Alice in Wonderland, Black Beauty, Heidi–and actually still have my collection of those treasurers. I also devoured Nancy Drew mysteries as a pre-teen. My taste in reading changed dramatically when I read Elizabeth George Speare’s The Bronze Bow.

Don’t Feel LEFT Out By Patti Jo Moore

Happy Left-Hander’s Day, my friends! Yes, August 13 is a special day for those of us who are southpaws. I’d be curious to know if anyone reading this post today is a leftie! If you are, I’m sure you’ve learned over the years that our world is not a “left-handed world” LOL. At one time, my doctor used a sign-in sheet for patients. The pen was attached to the clipboard—on the right side, of course. Not a big deal, but a little awkward for those of us using our left hand.

One spring semester in college I took a tennis class, and happened to be the only leftie in the entire class. When the instructor noticed, I received “special instruction” (yes, at nineteen I was embarrassed because I just wanted to blend in with the class). 😉

There have actually been times when I’ve written a check in the grocery store and a curious shopper behind me would ask, “How on earth do you write using that hand?” I would smile politely and tell them if I used my other hand, the check wouldn’t be legible!

After hearing various comments and even jokes over the years about left-handers, I always notice when an employee in a store is a leftie. I’ve gotten in the habit of smiling and telling them that I’m also a leftie, and then I add: “You know we’re special.” 😊 It’s fun to see their reaction, because they always nod and agree heartily with me.

As writers, we may identify with lefties at times in how we do things. Maybe you’re in a critique group with writers who are extensive plotters, with numerous details ironed out before writing a story. Maybe you’re the only one in the group who does not plot out your story, but instead you just write—learning what happens as you go along. Or maybe a certain type of fiction is taking off, and some of your writer friends have jumped on the bandwagon, all writing stories in that genre. You might start wondering if you, too, should head in that direction, even though that’s not where your heart is. After all, most folks seem to like being “part of the group” and participating in what our friends and colleagues are doing (or in this case, writing).

But just as it would be foolish for a left-handed person to force herself to use her right hand, it’s not good for writers to force themselves to write in a style or genre that’s not where their heart is. In my humble, left-handed 😉 opinion, I think if a writer doesn’t truly have her/his heart in a story, it shows. Readers are smart, and they can discern more than authors realize sometimes. So may I encourage my fellow writers to do what works for you, and don’t feel left out if your style or genre is different from those around you. Just keep writing!

If you are a leftie, what challenges have you noticed in using your left hand?

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 

But just as it would be foolish for a left-handed person to force herself to use her right hand, it’s not good for writers to force themselves to write in a style or genre that’s not where their heart is. @seriouslywrite @weldon_terri

Amazon Buy Link

Sadie's Dream

In a coastal Georgia town in 1900, a young woman prepares to serve as a missionary in Africa.

After being jilted the previous year, she's certain she's meant to remain single.

When she meets a handsome businessman from Savannah, she begins struggling with doubts.

Over time she learns that the Lord's plans are best, and dreams really can come true. 

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her two sweet grandbabies) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

Write On by Theresa Hall

My writing is awful. I’ll never get published. I should just quit.

If you’ve ever said these words to yourself, you’re not alone. I don’t know of a single writer who hasn’t felt this way. And the rejections certainly don’t help. Trust me, I’ve had my share. I wrote several full manuscripts that will never be published. And for good reason. They’re awful. But do I regret writing them? Not at all. I learned something from every single one.

Writers, Take Off Your Mask by Marie Wells Coutu

Due to the pandemic, many of us are wearing masks these days when we must go out in public. Others resist the idea of mandatory mask-wearing or are simply unable to cover their face due to conditions other than COVID-19 that make mask-wearing unpleasant or even dangerous.

But I’m not about to get political here or to criticize those who do or those who don’t.

I’m talking about a different type of mask—the kind that we put on to keep others at a distance. Not “social distancing” or physical distancing, but emotional distancing. To prevent people from actually knowing us, our fears, our weaknesses, our insecurities.

I saw this humorous face mask: Beneath a handlebar mustache were the words, “If you can read this, I mustache you to step back.”

Many people could relate to this sentiment even before the pandemic. At times, we simply don’t want others to get too close. We are unwilling to be vulnerable, to reveal our true selves.

To write fiction—or nonfiction—that connects with readers, the mask must come off. It’s easier with fiction, since we can deal with our own issues through our characters, especially since no one needs to know they’re based on real life.

Someone once said, “Writing is easy. You just open a vein and bleed.”*

It means if we remove our “masks,” we can deal with our own issues through our characters. In other words, as we “bleed on the page,” we face our own struggles, too.

For example, if you feel guilty, then find forgiveness writing a character’s journey out of her guilt.

Struggling with anger? Help your character learn how to manage his anger, and you may learn new ways to manage your own.

Facing a desperate situation? Write until your character overcomes those seemingly impossible obstacles and discovers hope. You may even find a little of that hope along the way.

So take off your mask and inspire your readers to live an authentic life.

When we remove the mask, open our heart, and bleed onto the page, our stories become real @mwcoutu @MaryAFelkins #amwriting #masks #authenticity

Once we writers remove our “masks,” we can deal with our own issues through our stories. @mwcoutu @MaryAFelkins #amwriting #authenticity #writermasks

I'll Take Door Number W for Writer, Please

Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing. Toby Mac 

My day job (property management) was intolerable. I've a flat spot on my forehead from smacking my head on the wall. As customers rushed to my office in hopes I would fix their self-inflicted problems, I

Peter Leavell

would reach for a massive lever, pull, and a trap door would open below their feet, sending them to a soft landing elsewhere. Freed from their insatiable needs, I would turn back to my laptop and sneak a few words on my laptop. In theory. I never wrote at work. 

At home, the kids were so eager to see me—and my wife starved for adult conversation—I tried to push my need to write off into the late night so I could devote uninterrupted time with them. 

Don’t Be Job’s Friends by Melinda V. Inman

Don’t Be Job’s Friends 

Though most of us have gone through hard times, we’ve probably never before suffered such an intense period of refining. The lessons we’re learning, shared with our readers while the hardships are still in progress, have provided countless opportunities to engender renewed confidence in Christ.

Consistency and Accountability by Sally Shupe

Do you struggle with dieting, exercising, getting things done, or actually getting written words on a page? I am here to confess that I do!

I thought I had things under control. I was exercising, watching what I ate, and getting some words written down. Until I realized that wasn’t enough. It was hit or miss if I exercised. I found I wasn’t eating healthy foods like I had been. Other things were taking over my writing time. What should you do when you find this happening?

Target Your Marketing by Ane Mulligan

In today’s publishing world, we have to do more promotion for our books. But who should we be trying to reach? Readers, of course. Okay, you knew that. But exactly who are these readers?

Psalm 19 for Writers by Emily Conrad

Christian writers have a lot of company in telling the world stories of grace and truth about God.

And I don’t mean that our company is other writers.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the sky displays his handiwork.

Its words carry to the distant horizon.

Psalm 19:1, and 4b NET

That’s right. We might work with critique partners, editors, agents, and others, but one of our coworkers when we set out to tell stories to magnify God’s holy name is the sky itself.

That's a humbling thought.

When God’s Timing Differs from Yours by Patricia Lee

Patricia Lee

Today's guest, Patricia Lee, has an interesting experience to share about how God surprised her with His timing. Enjoy! ~ Annette

Ten years ago, when I was yet an unpublished wannabe, a writers’ conference speaker challenged those in the audience who hadn’t found a publishing home to write something totally different. Shake up our writing. See what other voice we could find.

I took the challenge to heart and wrote a tongue-in-cheek story filled with the clumsy awkwardness of falling in love. Only I chose a widow and a widower and a divorcée. I wrote to make people laugh. I wanted readers to love the characters.