For many of us who returned from the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference, we’re still trying to play catch-up. My time spent in Dallas with fellow writers and industry professionals was awesome, but I’m still a wee bit exhausted from the whirlwind of activity. And wouldn’t you know? I developed an upper respiratory infection over the past two days. …
Social Media: Take Charge and Kiss the Guilt Goodbye
There’s no doubt that authors today need to be active in social networking. To what degree is somewhat debatable, but it’s generally thought that a blog, Twitter, and Facebook are great places to start. While there are dozens of social media avenues, those are the three I’ve chosen for now. (Eventually, I might see the point of Pinterest, but at present, I just don’t …
Can Great Leadership be Faked?
When I was in grade school, I dreaded the possibility of one day having a specific teacher. Even as a youngster, I recognized his leadership style as iron fisted and unyielding. Mr. Downer* (not his real name, of course) was tall, dark, and anything BUT handsome. His brooding countenance just didn’t lend itself to attractiveness. He never had a kind word …
Staying Upbeat When We Encounter the Forest
As a little girl, I was afraid of the dark. It’s still not one of my favorite things, but over the years, I’ve learned to compensate. (Aren’t nightlights wonderful?) I was thinking about “the dark” again recently and how fear, tension, and negativity affect our mindset and self-esteem. People who live in the dark often do so willingly. They choose fear over …
How to Write Blog Posts That Jump off the Page
When I began blogging sometime ago, I did so with the desire to connect. I knew little about social media and even less about blog posts. What I did know—I liked writing, I adored reading, and I enjoyed mingling with like-minded people. I’d studied other folks’ blogs, and I began to subscribe to a few of my favorites. Topics that interested …
Please Join Me as I Dish
Today I’m the featured guest on Jill Kemerer’s blog. Please join me as I dish! I became acquainted with Jill last year as she gave me a quick lesson in Twitter 101. As well as being friends, we’re agency mates at Books and Such Literary Agency. Jill is an inspirational romance author. She’s one of those people who never met …