Taking an idea from your mind and developing it in writing can be quite challenging. Even if you earn a living doing it, that doesn’t mean you won’t face obstacles. Is there an author who hasn’t experienced writer’s block at some point? Probably not. Advanced technology has brought convenience and on-hand assistance to the modern … Read more
One of the best ways to slow down or prevent cognitive decline is to keep your brain active. This doesn’t necessarily mean that all activities are good for the brain; in fact, some activities are more beneficial than others. For example, mindlessly scrolling on social media for hours on end is not going to fuel … Read more
If you’re sitting away waiting for a wave of inspiration for your next novel, you’ll likely be waiting a long time. That’s because inspiration isn’t typically something you stumble upon; it’s something you must seek. So then, when it comes to new book ideas, where should you seek inspiration? No two authors are the same. What … Read more
What is your favorite reading genre? Perhaps you have several. C.S. Lewis, Karen Kingsbury, Janette Oke and Jan Karon are some big hitters when it comes to writing best-selling Christian fiction stories. If titles, such as “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “Redemption,” “Love Comes Softly,” or “The Mitford Years” ring a bell, you … Read more
Most people who consider themselves avid readers of the classics are familiar with one of the best-selling holiday novels of all time. A mere mention of the phrase “Bah humbug!” is the only clue needed to know what story this is. The timeless classic, “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens is a dark narrative featuring … Read more
Whether you’re preparing to embark on your maiden voyage as a writer or have already published several books, finding ways to stimulate creativity is always helpful for an author. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought the unfolding events you were experiencing would make a great book? In fact, drawing from personal … Read more
You’ve been creating the story in your head for a while now. Characters are coming to life and various elements, such as plot and setting are vivid in your mind. Before writing a novel, however, you must make an important decision. You must decide on a point of view (POV). A novel that lacks a … Read more
You’ve always wanted to see your name on a book cover as an author. You have several start-up manuscripts in a file on your PC. You’ve decided it’s time to take the plunge to finish a novel and submit it to a publisher. That’s great if you avoid the mistakes new writers make. Making mistakes … Read more
Many best-selling authors use pseudonyms. Think of this as a stage name for actors, except in the writing industry instead. Novelists choose to publish under pseudonyms for various reasons. For example, George Eliot, author of the iconic novel, “Middlemarch,” was, in fact, Mary Ann Evans, who chose a male pseudonym to fight against biased toward … Read more
Current literacy statistics for adults in the United States are startling. More than 50% demonstrate reading skills equivalent to levels for fifth grade and below. While people with remedial reading skills like this are often still able to function in their daily lives, many struggle, especially regarding cognitive skills, as well as comprehension and reasoning … Read more