Every Word Counts

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Hello from Crystal Bowman, writing from sunny Florida where the air is getting warmer every day. I’ve been writing for children for more than twenty years and am still learning. When it comes to writing for children, the more you learn and the more you know, the harder it gets. I write mostly for the preschool market, but also write devotions for beginning readers as well as for kids ages 6-10.

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Tips from the Pros: Maureen Pratt

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Greetings from lovely Mount Dora, Florida, where we’re experiencing a few welcome weeks of spring before we move into our sticky summer weather. Today, I’ll share a special encore interview with author Maureen Pratt. Maureen comes to publishing from the unique perspective of a lupus and hypothyroid patient who also serves as an advocate for others suffering from chronic disease. Far from negative, her books and her speaking provide hope, help, and practical inspiration. Welcome, Maureen! How many books do you have published, and what are a few of your latest titles?  I have seven published books, and my newest one is releasing this spring: Don’t Panic!:…

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Start a Writing Ritual

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Hi Everyone, it’s Judith Couchman. My assignment for this year focuses on blogging about writing: technique; practical pointers, encouragement, and such. I hope this helps you. If it’s hard to just plop into a chair and start writing—and many of us can’t—a morning ritual could effectively and meaningfully initiate your work day.

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Stories, Parables & Movie Scripts: Basic screenplay writing with reference to HOW TO SUCCEED IN HOLLYWOOD (WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SOUL) Part VII Is Originality Fading in Hollywood?

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Some of the top movies of all time include GONE WITH THE WIND, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, BEN HUR, E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL, and FORREST GUMP, none of which had a sequel. Where are the big stand-alone movies today? Of 2015’s top ten movies, seven were part of a series, and one of the remaining three could one day become the start a series. Hollywood refers to these as “franchise” movies because they become a brand, like a franchise.

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Perseverance PR

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This month, Dr James Dobson aired a two day interview with us on Family Talk radio on our book Red Hot Monogamy.  (Radio Show Day 1; Day 2) Dr Dobson is one of the most respected leaders in marriage and family ministry. He was the founder of Focus on the Family in 1977 and now almost 40 years later, he is still on air sharing Biblical wisdom around the world.

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From Tragedy to Triumph

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Dianne Barker here with encouragement for your hard place. Yes, I saw you there…stooped under that load and stumbling. I noticed the tears, too, and heard your heart’s cry. Why is life so complicated?

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Tips from the Pros: Roseanna M. White

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Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the joy of interviewing historical novelist Roseanna M. White. I’ve enjoyed chatting with Roseanna at writing conferences and online, and I know you’ll enjoy hearing from her! Roseanna, how many books do you have published? What are a few of your latest titles? The Reluctant Duchess is my eleventh published title, following The Lost Heiress in the Ladies of the Manor Series from Bethany House. In September the series will finish with A Lady Unrivaled, and I also have a biblical-era Christmas story coming out the first of November, called Giver…

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Writing Articles as a Marketing Tool

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by Sarah Hamaker, reluctant marketer Articles can be a fantastic marketing tool for writers. After all, writers are passionate and articulate about our subjects, which can translate well into shorter pieces for blogs, magazines, newspapers and other forums, both online and in print.

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What’s In A Name?

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Greetings from Kathy Collard Miller in the Southern California desert near Palm Springs. What’s in a name? Ask the clerk at the Los Angeles Superior Court, where, for a fee and the cost of filing a legal advertisement, anyone over the age of 18 can have his name changed. A newspaper article published years ago gave some examples of the name changes. Georgia Ricotta wanted her name changed. After all, who would want to be identified with a cheese? Her new name? Anna Novelli. “I picked my last name from a TV series,” the new Anna says.

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Tips from the Pros: Torry Martin

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So, I met this author, screenplay writer, comedian, speaker, teacher, and ex-reindeer handler at the Florida Christian Writers Conference a couple of years ago. I had the privilege of attending his continuing class on screenwriting.  At that time, he was editing his new book, and we got to hear a chapter (the one with the Christmas lawn ornaments and the BB gun?). Since then, I’ve watched as God has blessed this author with one awesome opportunity after another. So, let me introduce you to my friend, Torry Martin! Welcome, Torry! It’s been a busy year for you in many areas….

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