Include these 7 things in your cover letter to a publisher

cover letter

Submitting a manuscript to a publishing company is exciting but stressful, especially if it’s your first time. The most important thing to keep in mind is that there is no standard across the board. This means that each publisher may have unique and specific guidelines for submission. Always make sure you visit a publisher’s website … Read more

4 ways to inspire a love of reading in your kids

love of reading

Current literacy data for children in the United States of America is startling. Approximately 40% of students throughout the country are unable to read at basic levels for their age groups. For some demographics — like low-income fourth graders, the percentage is at least 30% higher. It is imperative that parents, grandparents and guardians put … Read more

Add a shocking turn of events to keep readers interested

shocking

Sometimes, it’s nice to read a plain and simple story. Predictability and consistency are not necessarily bad things for a novel. In a busy, often hectic world, readers enjoy being able to occasionally kick back and relax with an easy-on-the-heart-and-mind type of book. However, writers can also keep readers interested in a novel by adding … Read more

The top 7 reasons authors procrastinate

procrastinate

If you’re a writer, it has probably happened to you. You’re headed to your desk or favorite writing spot to tackle a project. Suddenly, you veer off toward the kitchen and make yourself a cup of tea, instead. Or you start scrolling on social media or performing mundane tasks, like cleaning out your junk drawer. … Read more

5 good reasons to write a book

write a book

To write or not to write—that is the question. While this may be a friendly play on words from our good friend, Shakespeare, if you’ve been on the fence as to whether you should take the plunge as a Christian fiction novelist, this post is for you. There are several good reasons to write a … Read more

5 tips for success when hosting a book club

book club

If curling up in a favorite chair with a stack of novels and your favorite snack sounds better than a night out onthe town, then you must be an avid reader. Face it—you’re a bookworm and proud of it. If you’ve been wishing for a way to “find your tribe” or hang out with friends who … Read more

Jan Karon shares wise gems for Christian writers

Christian writers

If the names Father Tim, Cynthia, Miss Sady, Billy, Dooley and Barnabas are familiar to you, then you just might be a Jan Karon fan. Karon is the author of the famous Mitford series. She was delighted to make it to the number two spot on the New York Times’ best seller list some years … Read more

Conquer writer’s block with these 5 tips

writer's block

It happens to all authors at some point, even the most prolific. One day, you sit down to write and wind up staring at a blank page. Instead of ideas flowing easily from your mind to the computer screen or notepad, you’re at a loss for words. It feels like someone has “plugged” the portal. … Read more