Want to be more productive as a writer? Commit to it. Even if you’re not published yet, identify yourself as a writer. Repeat after me, “I am a writer.” Now, look in the mirror and declare, “I am a writer.” Put Post It notes on your computer and every other …
Recent Blog Posts
Writing
Making Time Versus Finding Time
Okay. So you’ve made the decision you are a writer, or a golfer, a concert violinist, a lawyer. Whatever your heart’s desire is. And you’re ready to take the next step: making time to become the best you can be. And you stop, stumped, scratching your head. “How do I do …
Failing My Way to Success
Another rejection. The email glares at me. The words of the magazine editor are a thousand pinpricks. “Doesn’t meet the theme of our issue.” This came right after an agent responded to a query with “not interested.” Which came after several no responses at all from other agents and a …
Truth Through Story
Did you ever wonder why Jesus used parables so often to convey the basic truths he had come to teach? Stories like the faithful servant and the farmer sowing in different kinds of soil. Have you ever read a novel where the author’s agenda was so blatant the story suffered? …
The Best Writing Advice
Someone recently asked me, “What’s the best writing advice I ever received? “Get up earlier.” This came from my mentor, DiAnn Mills when I whined about not having enough time to write while also working a full time job. So I did. I began a daily routine of beginning my day …
Thou Shalt Write Every Day
THOU SHALT WRITE EVERY DAY. How often have we heard this or some variation of it? And how often did the guilt come the first day we couldn’t do it? How many times were we tempted to give it up, to quit? Please don’t. Yes, it is important to have …
Don’t Be Stupid
Time for another proverb for writers. It’s not often we read the word “stupid” in the Bible, especially directed against ourselves. But it’s there in Proverbs 12:1. I checked four different translations and they all had it. The Contemporary English Version seems the most direct: To accept correction is wise, to …
The Heart of Writing Is in the Rewriting
I can’t speak for other writers, but I seldom write one draft of a story and consider it done. As Dorothy Parker said in The Art of Fiction, “I would write a book, or a short story, at least three times–once to understand it, the second time to improve the prose, and a …
Proverbs for Writers
As the Lord leads, periodically I’ll be sharing what he’s spoken to me about writing and life. They won’t all be from the Book of Proverbs. I’ve found his inspiration and encouragement and direction throughout the Bible. The first one I want to share is: Write at his direction and …
Meet Morgan Busse
It’s an honor to welcome my writing friend, Morgan Busse, to my blog today. Tell us a little about yourself I am a wife, mother, and author. I write Christian fantasy and steampunk for the adult market. I’m married to a wonderful, wacky guy (who also happens to be …