You might think because I write Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction my story worlds are a delightful Sunday-Go-to-Meeting escape. Well, I can’t fib. That’s somewhat true…to a point. However— As a conscientious writer whose goal is to share a great story, I strive to balance the delightful with reality-based conflict in a heartfelt, homespun way. Today’s readers want meat-and-potatoes stories that resonate. …
The World We Create
As a fiction writer, I’m drawn to stories—different kinds of stories, really, because I realize one way to improve my craft is to understand the human condition. By nature, I’m also very curious and I enjoy people. I want to know what makes them tick. I want to know what motivates them. How choices, lifestyles, and culture influence their decisions …
Does Our Brand Convey Who We Really Are?
Two of my favorite, feel-good television shows are The Andy Griffith Show and The Waltons. They remind me of small-town America where I grew up. I love the nostalgia, simplicity, and homespun values, yet there’s also the delicious taste of bittersweet. For example—Sheriff Andy Taylor raised little Opie without a mama, but Aunt Bee stood in the gap and made us believe …
What Comes to Mind When Others Hear Your Name?
First impressions are everything. So are second ones, third ones, and ones that others will remember 10 years from now. What comes to mind when others hear your name? What feelings will your name generate? Will you leave folks with a mac and cheese kind of warmth or will folks feel the need to wipe off the persimmon residue? Recently, …
Blending In or Standing Out? (A Word about Author Branding)
For newer authors just starting out, we may get so caught up in the whirlwind moments of writing that we neglect the one thing that will set us apart from other writers–our brand. Recently, I was privileged to hear Shannon Vannatter speak at a branding and marketing workshop while at the 2011 ACFW conference. Shannon is a talented inspirational romance author whose …