Should Christian fiction authors repeat themes and phrases?

repeat themes

If you’re an avid reader, you no doubt have several favorite authors. You might also have a favorite genre. For example, do you typically gravitate toward Christian fiction or romance novels or thrillers? (Sometimes, all three of these topics can be found in one story!) As you become familiar with a specific author’s work, you … Read more

Why does Stephen King hate adverbs?

stephen king

Truth be told, we don’t really (Oops, there’s one!) know if he does. The prolific dark fantasy, sci-fi, suspense-thriller author is credited with a whimsical quote about this part of speech. Stephen King is said to have quipped that “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”  Stephen King isn’t the only icon, editor or … Read more

(Almost) anyone can become a writer

writer

Most people consider the writing process as a creative function. This is true even for non-fiction topics. You might say that someone was “born to sing” or “born to act on stage” because he or she seems to perform effortlessly. Many people say similar things about authors. Have you read a book and thought, “Wow! … Read more

Authors, avoid these 3 Christian fiction mistakes

Christian fiction

When you realized that you could combine your deep faith and walk with Christ with your writing skills and ability to earn a living, you no doubt found it a cause for celebration. You’ve always wanted to write books and have also always wanted to share your faith with others. Writing Christian fiction enables you … Read more

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