Did you ever set out on a road trip or a vacation, and somewhere along the way, miss a turn and realize you were lost? (Perhaps, that’s why I don’t drive in big cities. Turning around in the middle of a four lane freeway is a bit of a stretch when there’s traffic crisscrossing in front of me from all directions.) Today, we have GPS …
Put Down Your Drumstick and Let's Talk Turkey: Encouragement for Writers
Do you find that there are certain times of the year when you feel more productive? Do you ever feel like George Bailey did in It’s a Wonderful Life–that you could lasso the moon given half the chance? I think, for me, those times are probably the summer months. There are a lot more distractions (outdoor activities, weekend commitments, traveling, …
Put Down Your Drumstick and Let’s Talk Turkey: Encouragement for Writers
Do you find that there are certain times of the year when you feel more productive? Do you ever feel like George Bailey did in It’s a Wonderful Life–that you could lasso the moon given half the chance? I think, for me, those times are probably the summer months. There are a lot more distractions (outdoor activities, weekend commitments, traveling, …
Setting or Story? Which Grabs Your Attention First?
When selecting a book to read or buy, like most folks, my eyes automatically scan the cover for telltale clues as to what the book’s about. Many times, if the cover art is intriguing, it’ll cause me to give the book a second glance and I’ll at least peruse the book a little longer. I’ll probably read the back cover copy and …
Pass the Romance, Hold the Profanity…Writing (Faith-based) Romance in Today's World
For writers of faith-based romance, it seems to be a never-ending battle to keep up with the changing times, yet not fall prey to trends, euphemisms, and depiction of sin without repentance. We want to meet readers where they are and address real-life issues, but not offend. We want to offer the meat and potatoes, but not go overboard on …
Christ, Christian Fiction, and Church: They're Not for the Fainthearted
For those who write Christian fiction, it can sometimes be an uphill battle to dispel the various fallacies that abound. I have to admit though, I’m still surprised by the notion that if one pens novels with spiritual themes, then regardless what the story’s about, it must be boring with a capital “B.” I have to wonder if the detractors have actually …
Do Authors Need Taglines?
Recently, I’ve heard a lot of discussion about author branding, taglines, platform, etc. 20 years or so ago, I’m not sure that I’d ever heard those terms. Of course, that was before the internet age, the social media frenzy, and the push for self-promotion. Once upon a time, much of the way an author was defined was left up to …
On Stage or from a Book…Which View is Best?
Artists are visual people, and whether we craft novels, scripts, sculptures, or paintings the concept is all about “the story”. Through our books, plays, or art we create with our hands, we initially envision the message we wish to convey. We devise a course of action, set out on the journey, and arrive at our destination. Our way may not …
Marketing: Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Hungry.
Since I’ve returned from the 2011 ACFW conference, I’ve tried to share some tips that you might find helpful. I know what it’s like to be on a journey that can, at times, be very lonely, and to hunger for bread crumbs of information about the craft (the ministry) that we love so much. I’ve found that journeys never really end; we …
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 …