If you’re a writer, author, literary agent, publisher, or publicist, you get this title. It’s that time of year when all doors close to submissions and interactions with those in the industry. If you plan to reach out to editors and agents this month, odds are you’ll soon get an auto-reply that they are closed […]
Archive | Book Craft
Imposter’s Syndrome
Am I good enough? Should I be doing this? Will anyone like what I’ve created? Ahh, Imposter Syndrome. The inner critic dialogue triggered by self-doubt and criticism. We all experience it, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I recently was asked to speak on a topic near and dear to my heart—writing. Afterwards, I […]
Writer’s Corner: The Magic of a Mentor
5 Things To Do To Experience the Magic of a Mentoring Relationship Developing a relationship with a mentor, and becoming a mentor, is a must for successful any kind of professional development. Not only does a mentor provide you with an avenue of learning scripted specifically in answer to your most burning questions, but they will […]
Carving Out Time for Writing
Often authors, writers, aspiring authors, journalists, and those who journal, struggle with finding time. For many it seems like a luxury to do so, or a guilty pleasure. Many people believe the writing life is a combination of taking naps and walking in nature for inspiration, then opening a laptop at a favorite café and […]
Writing That Gets Noticed: Find Your Voice, Become a Better Storyteller, Get Published.
This ultimate writer’s handbook by Estelle Erasmus is something I wish I’d read when I entered the world of journalism. Ironically, those are the very same words the author opens her introduction with. To answer the call, she’s created a must-have resource for both the new writer and the seasoned writer who need direction, inspiration, […]
Advice From Pros: Kim Childress with Childress Ink
Kim Childress is the founding publisher of Childress Ink, a publishing resource, publicity, and product development company centered around books. Thirty years in publishing, Kim is an award-winning editor, author, speaker, and reviewer, including book editor for Girls’ Life magazine since its 1994 debut, and previous middle grade acquisitions editor for HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Zondervan). […]
Writer’s Corner: How to Weave Exposition into Your Book Like A Pro
This is a tough topic. Why? Maybe you’re like me and coming to the fiction writing world through a side door, instead of crossing over the threshold like a pro. Yup, I admit, I wrote a lot of books before I knew the fundamentals and yes, probably what the heck I was doing. So, as […]
Writer’s Corner: 5 Elements of an Eye-Catching Query Letter
Advice is everywhere. You can search for great samples, read agent and editor’s interviews, or swing by Writer’s Digest for the instruction on eye-catching queries. I recommend doing all three in your pursuit of crafting something compelling. But before you do, keep these five elements in mind: Share Details: It’s amazing how many query letters […]
The Ups and Downs of Book Signings
It’s the icing on the cake. The cherry on the sundae. The crowning glory. When you look at the long line of people snaking out the bookstore waiting to meet you and get a signed copy of your book, your heart soars. It’s the ultimate validation that you’ve made it as an author. Or is […]
Finding a Good Critique Partner
Critiquing is a critical part of the author’s journey. Whatever your writing, beta readers and writing buddies are a must. If you don’t ask for feedback, you’re not going to produce your best product. So, put ego aside and get psyched to find yourself a stellar critique partner, one who is willing to be honest, […]