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How I Write: Joan Benson

July 18, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Writing can be an isolating endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be–there are ways to connect, and author Joan Benson has made some great connections that have helped her on her writing journey.

Thanks for being here! Let’s start with the most important question: what do you write? How did you pick your genre?

My debut traditionally published novel, His Gift, is historical fiction based on a true story from my mother’s life. Because the main character of His Gift is 18, the novel is technically YA. However, many of my readers have been adults of all ages. The story resonates with anyone of any age who has dared to dream and experienced loss.

Since the writing of His Gift, I have co-authored four children’s picture books called The Cornerstone Series. These stories are written to help little ones grasp biblical truth despite anti-Christian ideologies pressing on every side.

I currently am working on a contemporary fiction novel (YA-NA) dealing with the topic of the value of human life. So, I guess you can see that I write according to the purpose I feel God has given me and which audience he has laid on my heart. This defies most marketing branding, but it seems to be who I am as a writer.

What’s the most difficult part of writing your genre? How do you work through those challenges?

For historical fiction, the hardest part was getting an innate sense of the era. My mother’s diaries gave me some direction and an idea of her voice as a teen. However, they were scant in comparison to the length and depth of a novel. I did a lot of online research in the beginning. Then, when I couldn’t locate the information I wanted, I hired library researchers at the Detroit Library to dig through microfiche and old newspapers. Finally, I was able to make an in-person visit to the actual setting of the story in Michigan. That was a thrilling adventure, and I am grateful I could do such a trip. I realize not all historical fiction authors can do first-person research.

The next challenge was using the historical details without making the novel read like an encyclopedia. All that research was to make the story sing with authenticity, not detract from the storyline.

What’s your favorite writer’s conference?

My favorite writer’s conference is my most recent. I had the privilege of God “making a way where there seemed no way” for me to attend the Greater Philly Christian Writers’ Conference in the summer of 2018. My husband had some health issues, and we also had two small dogs he would have to care for. Even still, he encouraged me to go. I met a younger writer who wanted to attend the conference, and though we had never met before, after twelve hours of road trip, the Lord knit our hearts together as only He can do. The conference was a blessing filled with learning and networking. Even more, I met my wonderful agent, David Fessenden there. Since my husband’s health problems do not allow me to travel now, the Lord used that conference to position me with an agent, a publisher, and many lifelong connections.

In addition, the Lord and I had some serious heart-to-heart talks in the wee hours of the night, even as exhausted as I was from the long and busy days. After these times in deep prayer, I was certain of the direction he wanted me to go with my future writing. It was surely a God-encountering conference for this author.

What’s your writing process—plotter, panster, or something else?

I would say I began writing as I felt the inspiration, more of a by-the-seat-of-my-pants, i.e., a pantster, as they say. As a former educator, reading specialist and writing coach, I knew the plot structure I needed before I began. However, I let the muse lead me from one element to another not knowing for sure how it would develop.

How did you find your agent? What advice do you have for new authors trying to find the right agent?

I found my agent at the GPCWC, as I mentioned. He liked my historical novel and saw promise for it when others did not. He also was willing to take a chance on me with a bare essence of an author platform in place. Some agents and editors thought people would not want to read about The Great Depression, and I’m sure some readers feel that way. However, given the Christian theme of overcoming loss, His Gift lifts the reader to see how God steps into our messes, often redeeming them and showing us His grace.

As for picking an agent, I guess it would be a matter of finding someone who likes what you do, and if he or she does, then there will be a mutual benefit and blessing. Conferences are probably the best place to meet potential agents. Be prepared with a gracious heart and your proposal ready according to the recommended standards. Then pray for God’s leading!

What’s surprised you most about the publishing process?

One of the most surprising things about the publishing process was the rigor of in-house editing despite my ability to “write clean.” My editor even told me so while we still had to make several rounds of jot-and-tittle perfecting. I also didn’t realize the impact of Amazon reviews and how important it is to get ranking immediately when the book is first launched. I learned if you are independently published instead of with a traditional publisher, there were more ways to advertise on Amazon and control the book’s exposure through KDP. Amazon has more recently added ways for traditionally published authors to develop advertising, but it wasn’t so in 2020 when my first release came out.

What advice do you have for new authors?

My advice for new authors is the same as what I was told as I began this journey. I wondered how I would know when to stop revising. It seemed like I could revise until the cows came home, and every time I reread, I could see another way to improve it. My mentor, Craig von Buseck, multi-published author and teacher, said when the story was “told,” and I had done my due diligence, stop, knowing the next book would be better than the last. Wisdom.

Other advice would be to read-read-read whatever genre you write, and then write-write-write what the Lord is leading you to write. The more you do both, the more efficient you will be. I would never advise someone to write to the market, looking for a niche in which you can publish. Write your dream, your passion, your hope.

What does your revision process look like?

Oh, the revision process is such a tangled web, is it not? I tend to revise as I write. I think that’s the teacher in me. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t leave mechanical mistakes, especially when I change one part of a sentence, but don’t revise the whole of it. Often revising as you go slows down the drafting process and many writers find it better to just get the words on the page. So, I try to “write clean” as I draft, but then go back and nit-pick both for content, plot structure, dialogue, etc. It really depends on who you are and how you think to find the best revision process, in my opinion.


Joan C Benson is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author/speaker. She has been writing professionally for over thirty years, in addition to her career as an educator, serving primarily as a reading specialist. Her debut historical fiction novel, His Gift, was released in 2020. She has been published in multiple Christian magazines including LifeWay’s “ParentLife,” and Regent University’s “The Christian Leader.” She has published devotional writings on CBN.com. Joan also contributed to children’s ministry curriculum for LifeWay Publishing for twelve years. She and her husband, Jan, live in Chesapeake, VA, with their Bichon Frise, Cupcake.

Buy links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649490305/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/his-gift-joan-c-benson/1137413827?ean=9781649490308

https://www.joancbenson.com/

www.bensonjj.blog

https://www.facebook.com/YIHAVEHOPE

https://twitter.com/11Ccaj4life

https://www.instagram.com/joancbenson/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20555254.Joan_C_Benson

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, fiction writing, historical fiction, picture books, writing fiction, writing tips, writing tools, YA fiction

How I Write: Kathy Cassel

July 3, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Many people think writing for children is easy–that is not the case. Just ask Kathy Cassel, author of young adult fiction. She works with pros to help her write her books, but she doesn’t work with a traditional book editor. Keep reading to find out why!

What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

I love reading YA books, or in reality listening to them on CD while I drive. Most of the books have themes of depression, suicide, death and so on. Sadly, the books don’t offer any real answers or hope, and I felt a strong call to switch from devotion books to YA fiction that would reach teens with the message that there is a God, and he has a plan for them. If they walk away from the story with that hope, then I’ve succeeded in planting a seed of faith.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?

When asked how I get an idea or how long it takes the write story, I don’t have an answer. For instance, long before Thousand Lies, I would make up stories in my head (while trying to fall asleep mostly) about a girl who needed to find out the truth about her identity and runs away to find out. This included her jumping in the box car of a passing train, hitchhiking, and other means of travel. I had various ideas about her real identity, whether either parent was really her parents, and why she might suspect otherwise.

When I actually decided to write a story about a girl who finds out she’s not who she thought she was, it was different than the stories in my head. I wrote it in weeks, but had to do a lot of rewrites. Just when it looked like the book might be finished, I messaged my fiction coach, “What if Bailey’s birth dad is still alive and comes after her?” That idea totally changed the story and made it a much stronger story.

What’s your favorite book on writing? What do you like about it?

James Scott Bell’s Write Your Novel from the Middle. I reread it before starting each new book because it helps me focus on the true story.

What writing book do you want to read next

James Scott Bell’s Conflict and Suspense because I think it will help me better structure my stories. But I have little reading time, so I hope it’s on audible!

What’s your favorite writers conference?

I was blessed to be able to go to the ACFW convention in Texas the last year it was in person before Covid hit. It was great to connect with so many other authors and to learn from some of the best fiction authors.

If you’ve ever worked with a freelance editor, how did you find that editor? How would you describe the experience?

I have a fiction coach that I work with from the idea stage (Does this story work? Is it realistic? Is the structure sound) to the actual writing and revisions (this scene isn’t realistic, let’s try this instead) to even the final edits for my last book. My first experience with a fiction coach was not a positive one, but the one I work with now is amazing! In both cases we connected at a writer’s conference. It’s important to find the right person or it can be very discouraging.

How do you self-edit your manuscript?

I am not the world’s best editor, but the first thing I do is a word search for “that” and “just,” which are the two words I over use. I normally have to take out 25 to 50 of each. I also sometimes have to make myself cut scenes I really like because they don’t move the story forward. I think that’s common mistake in fiction writing. Adding things to the story that actually slow it down rather than make it more interesting.


For talented teen photographer Bailey Collins, small-town life is good if predictable. Great friends. Loving if overly-protective parents. Academic and artistic success. An amazing new boyfriend.

Until a school field trip to a Chicago photography exhibit turns upside-down everything Bailey has believed about her life. Why are the baby pictures missing from her own past exhibited under another child’s name? Who is this elusive artist whose own identity appears as much a mystery as her exhibit? Or the hostile stranger bizarrely claiming to be Bailey’s birth father?

Above all, if everything about Bailey’s life is a lie, who are the people she has always called Mom and Dad? And if they can’t be trusted, how can she trust the loving God in whom they’ve taught her to place her faith? As a mountain of unraveling lies place both Bailey and those she cares about in danger, she sets out on a peril-filled quest to expose the truth. Will uncovering her true identity bring the closure and purpose Bailey seeks—or turn out to be the worst mistake of her life?


Kathy Cassel is author of more a dozen fiction and non-fiction titles for preteens and teens, including 2021 Selah Award finalist Freerunner and the iParenting award winner Christian Girls Guide series. Kathy has lived on three different continents with her USAF husband, has eight children, five adopted from Haiti and the United States, and four grandchildren. To better relate to her characters, she enjoys learning their skills such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riding a motorcycle, but draws the line at sky diving.

Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/Kathy-Cassel-author-127514438647724
Website https://www.kathycassel.com/
Instagram: kathycassel17
TikTok:  Novel_Experience
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?ref=nav_profile_authordash (author dashboard)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20300951.Kathy_Cassel (author profile)
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathy-cassel (profile)

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, self-editing, writing coach, writing fiction, writing tips, writing young adult books, young adult fiction

How I Write: Tara Taffera

June 20, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Tara Taffera’s making a name for herself in contemporary Christian romance. You might not know her name yet, and she’s okay with that–it’s part of her process. Today, she’s introducing herself to MY section of the publishing world and telling us a bit about her writing life.

Thank you so much for being here. Let’s start with the basics: what do you write? How did you pick your genre?
I write contemporary Christian romance. Writing in that genre was the easy choice as it’s what I love to read.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?
It takes me seven months on average to write, edit and publish. I do have a full-time job, so the writing and editing happens early in the morning and on the weekends.

What’s your favorite book on writing?
Right now, it’s How to Write a Swoon-Worthy Romance Novel by Victorine Lieske, which I learned about from your blog (I’m so glad I could help! LOVE that book and wish more people knew about it). I have seen others recommend it as well. What sticks with the me the most is her description of the romance levels and how those should increase throughout the novel. When I wrote my last book, I kept that in mind during the writing and editing process.

What writing book do you want to read next? Why?
I just purchased Advantage by Joe Solari and I’m excited to read that. I heard him speak recently during a virtual session hosted by the Fiction Marketing Academy. This session was so helpful and encouraging to me. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything you must do from writing to marketing, but he talks about the long game, and how to develop fans. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you build your reader base, it will happen. It’s what I really needed to hear. “It’s a round-after-round-game,” was one of his quotes that stuck with me.

That sounds amazing (adds it to wish list). What’s your favorite writers conference? What do you like about it?
I have only attended the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference (FCWC) and I absolutely loved it. I can’t say enough about the connections I made, and how much I learned. It was the most amazing experience. I would love to go back, but I also look forward to traveling to others in the next few years as well. I would love to attend Blue Ridge and ACFW.

How do you combat writer’s block?
When I sit at my desk and think about what I want to write, it never comes. For some reason, if I think about it while driving or laying in bed, or in the shower, inspiration always strikes.

How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different? Describe your strategy.
For my first three books, I was more of a pantser. I just started a new series and am using an outline method I discovered through another speaker at the Fiction Market Academy. I’m excited to see by the end of this novel, which approach I liked most.

What advice do you have for new authors?
Find other authors and learn from them. I love meeting other authors and sharing information, asking what works for them and then figuring out what works best for me. I have several authors I network with monthly, and it has been so helpful. I also recommend joining an association or two. The information I gained from the Christian Authors Network and the American Christian Fiction Writers has been more than valuable. It’s a great way to network, ask questions, and learn about marketing opportunities.

If you’ve ever worked with a freelance editor, how did you find that editor? How would you describe the experience?
For books one and two, I didn’t hire an outside editor. When I went to the FCWC, I learned this is a necessity, and immediately decided I would hire an editor for book three. It was the best decision. I am part of Word Weavers and there is an author in my group (Sara Turnquist) whose writing I admire. I went to her website and found that she offers editing services. She made my book so much better. She found a major issue with one of my characters which required a lot of cutting and rewriting. The result was much improved over the first draft she read. I know it’s my best book thus far, and a lot of that has to do with her advice, as well as everything I learned along the way. Many people who have read all three books in my series agree as well.


Elizabeth Carlson turns heads wherever she goes but has never moved on from Tyler Williams, with whom she shared a whirlwind relationship her senior year of high school. After only a month together, Elizabeth ran away from her past and her broken family. Ten years later, Tyler comes crashing back in her life, eager for a second chance. But she can’t forgive him for the order he issued all those years ago.

Slowly, a high school romance turns into so much more, but her secrets, and his anger, threaten to ruin their happily ever after. Will God’s grace and love lead them back to each other?


Tara Taffera is an avid reader and the author of A Divine Love Series. She writes contemporary Christian romance enveloped in God’s grace and love. Book two in her series, Love Unfailing, won the silver medal in the 2022 Illumination Book Awards in the romance category. The program shines a light on Exemplary Christian Books. Love Unfailing was also a semi-finalist in the Indies Today Awards.

She lives in Virginia with her husband of 25 years, a non-reader himself who provides valuable advice on her books—all those baseball scenes! He is one of her biggest cheerleaders, along with her three daughters.

www.tarataffera.com

www.facebook.com/authortarataffera

www.instagram.com/tarataffera

www.twitter.com/tarataffera

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, fiction writing, writing books, writing conferences, writing fiction, writing tips, writing tools

How I Write: Julie Zine Coleman

June 6, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Julie Zine Coleman did what most writers dream about — she signed a book contract with a major publishing house for her first book! But she also did something else…she put a lot of time and work into making that manuscript shine!

Today, Julie’s going to share some of her tips and secrets with us. Welcome (and thank you!)

What do you write? How did you pick your genre?

I am a Bible teacher, so my goal in my writing is to teach the Bible! For twenty years, I taught in Christian Schools (mostly fifth grade) and my favorite part of the day was teaching God’s Word to my students. I was also given many opportunities to speak for women’s events and retreats and loved doing that with all my heart. One year, I was given a big teaching award and was booked to speak for several area educator events. As I returned to my seat after speaking for one of them, the lady next to me commented, “You should do this for a living.” I told her I would love that, but had no idea how to get started. She told me, “You need to write a book.”

She got me thinking. I went home, opened my file for a recent retreat I had just given, and made each session into a book chapter. That was the beginning. And I’ve never looked back.

What’s the most difficult part of writing your genre? How do you work through those challenges?

I’ve never been a natural at academics, so the intense research required for a book is always a challenge for me. I had to develop a system of notetaking and footnote recording that would keep me from hours of trying to find a source later in the process. I needed to create outlines to keep me focused and on point. The hardest thing was creating the needed space in my schedule to get a project finished. I’m still learning organizational skills and will probably always be challenged on that part of writing.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?

My first manuscript took about six months, not including the chapters already written for my proposal. The next one was a compilation of devotionals from 72 authors, which was a different kind of challenge, which ended up being no easier than writing a book myself! That was done in about seven months. My recent release again took about seven months before I sent the initial manuscript off to Kregel.

My husband is my best editor, and he and I went through the entire manuscript three times, chopping, adding, fixing, etc. There was also a great deal of editing after that initial submission, back and forth to Kregel for a couple of months. I sent in the first draft in September, and we did not have the final draft until March or April of the following year.

However long it takes, editing should be embraced. It makes our work clearer, cleaner, and takes it to a new level of professionalism with each pass. Worth every minute. Many eyes make for the cleanest finished product.

If you’ve written multiple books, which was harder: the first book or the following books? Why?

My most recent release was definitely the hardest. Each chapter was an in-depth teaching on one of the passages traditionally used to limit women. I had to leave any preconceived notions behind and start fresh with every passage. I didn’t want to read into what was actually there in black and white.

What I found was pretty stunning for a girl who wore a head covering to church and kept her mouth shut. So many of those passages have been taken out of context, then grouped together to form a doctrine that none of them were meant to mean to begin with. I struggled to be extremely accurate in my interpretation, because I didn’t want to put words in God’s mouth. I’ve never prayed so hard over a passage as I did with these!

But God was faithful, and I believe what he led me to write on each one. I hope you will feel the same after you read it!

How did you find and pick your agent? What tips do you have for others looking for an agent?

I had a meeting at a writer’s conference with a publisher who expressed an interest in my manuscript. She recommended me to a guy who was just setting up an agency to take on new clients. I emailed him my manuscript, and he wrote back the next day and said he would take me on. He pitched to 12 publishers, and Thomas Nelson made an offer. I was his first sale!

For those out there still hoping for representation, find out who you know that has one. They can write introductions for you. Writer’s conferences are your best shot to meet people face to face to get the best impression of them. And PRAY. God can lead you to just the right person.

What’s surprised you the most about the publishing process?

I was amazed at how long it takes to get a book published. I started pitching in 2004. I had the first hard copy of my book in hand in 2013.

What advice do you have for new authors?

Be patient. Learning to publish is a process. Listen to the feedback that you get, especially the professionals in the industry. Do what they say. They know what they are talking about!

How do you self-edit your manuscript?

Never ever dash something off without 24 hours before sending. Go over it again and again, then wait for a time and go over it again. Get other eyes on what you write. Did they understand it? Could they find the main point? What didn’t they understand? Their input will bring clarity to your work.


Many Christian women are torn between how the church has taught traditional gender roles and the liberty they see secular society afford to women. But what if the church’s conventional teachings on the place of women aren’t really biblical at all?

On Purpose is a serious study on the verses in the Bible that have often been interpreted to define the role of women in the church, at home, and in the workplace. Each chapter focuses on a single passage, considering what it meant to the original recipients, understanding each author’s intent, and applying its true meaning in today’s cultural setting. With each chapter, Julie Coleman thoroughly reveals how the timeless principles in the Bible actually teach freedom for women. In fact, when rightly understood, these verses are a wake-up call that we are handicapping the church’s role on earth by limiting women unnecessarily. Instead, men and women should be working side by side for the advancement of the kingdom of God.

Written without anger or judgment, and with no agenda but to delve deep into the Bible, On Purpose is an enlightening study offering a fresh, scriptural perspective. It’s time to set women free to answer God’s call on their lives–and set the church free to function the way God truly desires.


Julie Coleman dedicates herself to helping others understand and know an unexpected God. After an award-winning teaching career, she left the classroom behind to earn a M.A. in biblical studies from Capital Bible Seminary. She now spends her time writing, blogging, professionally editing, and teaching at New Hope Chapel.

Julie and her husband have four children and six grandchildren and live in Maryland. You can learn more about Julie at www.juliecoleman.org.

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, Bible studies, Christian nonfiction, Christian publishing, editing tips, writing Bible studies, writing nonfiction, writing tips

How I Write: Billie D. Jauss

May 31, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

When Billie originally agreed to chat with me about her writing style, she didn’t know my main focus is fiction. However, I assured her the I (and my readers!) also read and enjoy nonfiction, so I encouraged her to answer the questions anyway.

I’m so happy she did! If you’re looking for some nonfiction writing tips, you’ve come to the right place.

Thank you so much for talking with me today.What do you write? How did you pick your genre?

I write Christian living/Spiritual Growth non-fiction. I began writing devotions for BaseballChapel.org after meeting the coordinator at a Christian baseball conference. Sitting by the pool in some downtime, we talked about my baseball experience and my walk with Jesus. She encouraged me to write devotions.

Fast forward ten years, another friend encouraged me to work through a book she was writing, Write a Novel in 10 Minutes a Day. My love for writing and acceptance of being a writer began during that process. The merging of the two led me back to writing nonfiction to help women overcome obstacles in life so that they can experience peace of mind.

What’s the most challenging part of writing your genre? How do you work through those challenges?

I don’t want to write what I think others want to read when writing about Spiritual Growth. I want to experience it myself to help with each small step of the process, so the hardest part is living it out before the idea for the book begins to simmer.

I’m a list maker and note taker. I start with a list of the experience unfolding. I’m a processor, so I need to write it down in a journal. In time, the Lord begins to show me through his Word the lesson he desires for me to learn. As the lessons unfold, I see a pattern, a process. Then I dig into God’s Word to help layout a practical plan to grow in our faith by overcoming those obstacles to make room for the Lord to move in and through our lives.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?

It takes me about three months to write the book. The longer process is the book proposal I write to pitch to publishing houses. The more time and effort I take to lay out the chapters and summarize them, the less time it takes to write the book.

As I go through the writing process, I have two wonderful editors who read through the content, chapter by chapter. They help me see if the flow works, if the content is encouraging and inspiring, and if I’ve made any huge blunders. Editing goes along during the three months of writing the book.

When writing for a traditional publishing house, my experience has been a three-to-six-month process. When it’s complete, and you see the book all laid out, it is such a satisfying experience.

If you’ve written multiple books, which was harder: the first or the following books?

It took me many years to identify as a writer, much less an author. Imposter syndrome is real. After my first book, I began to doubt my abilities. I questioned everything. Not until I overcame the negative thoughts and replaced them with truth could I move forward. That process led to my second book, Distraction Detox: Release Emotional Barriers, Restructure Priorities, Realize God’s Best.

What’s your favorite writers’ conference?

My favorite conference was the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. The professionalism of the conference was outstanding. The level of teaching was better than any other conference I had attended. I loved that you could be in a class with many newbies and veteran best sellers.

After 2020, Mt Hermon canceled the conference. However, another has risen from those ashes. Vision Christian Writers Conference has taken its place.

What’s your writing day like?

Each day is different. When writing the book, I schedule time each day to write. I take much-needed breaks to take a walk, what a TV show, or just sit by the pool. Living in Southwest Florida is a benefit!

When not actively writing a book, I have days when I focus on social media posts, my podcast scripts, and the daily devotion, Morning’ Son’shine, that I send by email.

But each day, I write something. If I change it up each day, I don’t get bored or stuck. The ideas and freshness come as I change up my subjects.

What does your revision process look like?

I love to print out the chapter and revise it. Using a red pen, I read and edit line by line. Arrows are drawn to reposition paragraphs. I even write notes to myself. Then I go back to the keyboard to rewrite the chapter. After many revisions for each chapter, I send it to my editors. When I receive their notes, I print them out again and repeat the process.

I know it takes a lot of ink and paper, but I am a visual person and need the lines and space to revise.

What’s surprised you the most about the publishing process?

The most surprising to me was the length of time it takes to publish. From the time I pitch a book proposal, it gets accepted, and the book is written, edited, and released, it can take about two years. When I began writing, I didn’t realize it took that long. I understand now that the process is methodically planned out and is in the book’s best interest.

What advice do you have for new authors?

  • Pray a lot before you write the first word.
  • Embrace the process.
  • Release the self-limiting thoughts that are holding you back.
  • Dig into God’s Word to lead and guide you.
  • Show yourself some grace.
  • Enjoy the ride. It’s so much fun!

Billie Jauss is the author of Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More and Distraction Detox. She helps women overcome obstacles so that they can find peace and purpose. She is also a speaker and the host of the start small BELIEVE BIG podcast. Billie and Dave, a Major League Baseball coach, spend the summers chasing baseball and the off-season in southwest Florida.

Website: www.billiejauss.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billiejaussauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billie_jauss/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/billiejauss

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, Christian nonfiction, editing tips, self-editing, writing nonfiction, writing tips, writing tools

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ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

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Karin understood my advertising and marketing writing needs and accomplished the project in record time. She asked all the right questions up front to equip herself with enough … [more]

Editing

Substantive Fiction Editing: A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out … [more]

Author Page

Lover of all things fiction, I also love University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, kayaking, gluten-free cupcakes, and my husband.

Resources

Fiction: Substantive Editing Classes Substantive Editing for Fiction 101 In Substantive Fiction Editing 101, we’ll look at the basics of a well-written novel and learn how to help our … [more]

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