(updated Jan. 31, 2023) In a recent reader survey, several readers mentioned struggling with dialog, so today I’m pulling from the archive and updating it. Dialog must accomplish 1 or more of 9 tasks, according to award-winning author Cecil Murphey. Perhaps that’s why it can be so difficult to write. In real life we learn…
I have to admit finding motivation to write every day can be a struggle. On many days, it is a matter of self-discipline to sit down and write. So today I’d like to offer some suggestions that can help move us (I’m talking to myself here too) from the arena of self-discipline to being truly…
I’ve been reading a wonderful book written by Lynn Austin titled Hidden Places. More than once as I’ve read the gentle, lilting prose of this story I’ve said to myself “I wish I could write like this.” I bet you’ve found yourself saying the same thing as you’ve read books that gripped you with the…
Save yourself time and heartache over rejection. Analyze a magazine first, then submit to those that will be interested in your idea. Here’s what to look for. Front Page: design and headlines will help you determine the target audience. The ads: Who are their advertisers? Read enough of the ads to get a feel for…
Listed below are 11 types of magazine articles you can consider writing. Each one has it own requirements and purposes. The Devotional Article helps readers understand a biblical principle by applying a passage of Scripture to a life example. Devotionals are often short pieces of 300 words or less, but there are markets that accept…
I first met author J.A. Marx this summer when I interviewed her about her debut book, Destiny Defied. During that interview she spoke about publishing industry standards, so I asked her come back and share more. J.A. has made a special offer for my readers with her post today. See the details at the bottom…
Recently I had more than one person comment about their struggle with waiting. I’m talking about the wait between when you submit (or pitch) your work and when you hear back from the editor (or publisher). We all have a different tolerance level for waiting, and the instant society we live in compounds the problem. But we…
One of my favorite parts of being a blogger is interviewing authors. Today Sharon Garlock Spiegel joins us to discuss her new book Generations. Debra: Welcome to the blog, Sharon. Thank you for joining us. First of all, tell us a little about how you became interested in writing. Sharon: The writing just seems to…