Hi! Maureen Pratt here with my monthly blog. A friend of mine and I recently got into an interesting discussion about how much of the programming on television and many of today’s movies contain fundamentally unlikeable characters who do some pretty awful things. And yet, they draw an audience, sometimes rave reviews, and, sometimes, too, awards and accolades. As a reporter, I’ve had to write stories about subjects that I don’t necessarily "resonate" with. I’ve also had to interview people with whom I personally disagree or who are not exactly the kind of people I’d want to share a meal…
Month: February 2014
This is our archive pageHow Effective Is Your Author Website?
Greetings from Jackie! One of the most effective ways to communicate with your readers is through your author/speaker website. How can you make your site better? Your author website is your online “storefront.” It represents you and your writing to your readers. It gives you credibility. It builds your brand. It gives you the opportunity to showcase your books—and sell them. In addition to social media, your website is a place to connect and build community. Jane Friedman, a media industry expert, calls the author website “the No. 1 calling card for a digital-age author.” Today, there are many options for…
Tips from the Pros: Cara C. Putman
Greetings from Sarah Sundin! Today I’m delighted to interview dear friend and fellow WWII fiction writer Cara C. Putman. In fact, Cara, Tricia Goyer, and I have written a Christmas novella collection that will be coming out in October 2014 (Where Treetops Glisten). While researching my story, I had the joy of staying with Cara’s family and watching this lawyer/multi-published author/homeschooling mom in action—and with a continual smile on her face. Cara, how many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles? My 17th novel just released. Shadowed by Grace is set in Italy during…
LONDONDERRY DREAMING by Christine Lindsay
Londonderry Dreaming of the Passport to Romance series Acclaimed New York artist, Naomi Boyd, and music therapist, Keith Wilson, loved one another five years ago, until her grandfather with his influence over Naomi separated them. That root of bitterness keeps them apart until a letter from Keith’s grandmother, Ruth, draws Naomi to Londonderry to find she’s too late. Ruth has passed on. After the death of his beloved grandmother, Keith has also come to Londonderry only to open the door to his past…Naomi…beautiful as ever, the girl who broke his heart….
How can I be courageous?
It was the strangest thing. My pillow was lumpy. What in the world? I thought as I reached inside the pillowcase and pulled out several of my favorite scarves one right after the other—my red, green, and lavender. “Young lady,” I called out to my six-year-old granddaughter. I lifted one in the air. “Did you do this?” ”Uh, uh…yes.” I frowned. “Haven’t I told you that if you played with them, you must fold them and put them back where they belong?” “Yes.” “And haven’t I told you that we must have a place for everything and…” She completed the…
Catch Us if You CAN!
The Christian Author’s Network is pleased to announce its first Spring Scavenger Hunt! Enjoy meeting Christian Author Network members on their own blogs as you seek clues for the chance to win our grand prize: $200 in gift cards from CBD, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon, plus 29 free books, one from each participating CAN author! 2nd & 3rd Prizes: each a $50 Amazon or B&N or CBD gift certificate! · Catch us on this hunt beginning at Noon on Friday, 03/21/14 and ending at Midnight on Thursday, 03/27/14. Check…
Fail Your Way to Success
Hi, Dave Fessenden here with some thoughts on writing for this Friday blog. Right now, I’m working on the sequel to my first novel (The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy), and having to remind myself of some of the things I’ve told others about writer’s block. One thing I’ve learned about tackling a new project is this: don’t expect to succeed.
Tips from the Pros: Anne Greene
Greetings from (this week) sunny central Florida. While we rejoice that our temperatures have now climbed back into the 80s, we also realize many of you are hoping yours will soon reach double digits. As I post, I’m praying God will send some of this area’s warmth to the less-than-sunny climes. But no matter what the weather where you live, you’ll enjoy today’s interview with novelist Anne Greene. Not only does she spell her name the right way (all L.M. Montgomery fans know about "Anne with an e"), but she has some interesting experiences and ideas to share as well….
WRITERS WHO SPEAK – 5 COMMON PITFALLS
Golden Keyes Parsons sending greetings from a frigid Central Texas winter day. We moved from the mountains to get away from the cold! Nevertheless, I'm warm and cozy by the fire, ready to share more tips about speaking. When we prepare our message or talk for a group, we anticipate they will listen with rapt attention to every word. The truth is …
Romance With Hooks
Happy Valentine's Day from Gail Gaymer Martin at www.gailgaymermartin.com. What could be more appropriate than to talke about romance on this special romantic day. Though I told you'd I'd send more on using tone in fiction, today you'll learn more about writing romance and how to hook your reader. Every novel needs a variety of hooks to keep the reader turning pages. Romance is no exception. Hanging on to the reader’s interest can result from story hooks based on a theme or a twisted premise. Opening hooks keep the reader captivated by using accepted techniques that grab the reader’s…
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