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Writing Tips from A.C. Williams

March 13, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book?

Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass changed my entire understanding of how to tell a story. The entire section on emotional impact helped me truly understand the relationship between the words on the page and the readers themselves. I have used it (and its workbook) with everything I’ve written since 2012 or so.

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?

Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss is legit one of my favorite craft books. I mean, yeah, it’s British English and grammar, but if we can’t laugh about punctuation, what are we doing with our lives?

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?

My favorite writing conference of all time is Realm Makers. It’s specifically for speculative fiction writers of faith, but I have learned more about professionalism and the publishing industry from Realm Makers than nearly anywhere else. It’s an environment that feels like a family reunion every year, and with the annual award banquet doubling as a costume party, you can’t go wrong.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

Honestly, I just read a lot. I would like to listen to more podcasts and watch more YouTube videos about writing, but usually I just don’t have time. So I read and listen to audiobooks, preferably ones that are bestsellers so that I can learn what is popular in the industry. Oftentimes I do read craft books or books on marketing tactics and strategy as well.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

That’s a hard one. As far as impact and reach, I would say that an author who inspires me is J.K. Rowling. Whether you like what she writes or not, that woman has turned the world upside down multiple times in the last 20 years. She pretty much created the literary fandom concepts we are so familiar with in popular culture right now. She taught an entire generation how to read, how to fight for what’s right, and how to be brave when you don’t feel strong enough—all through a series of books. That’s what I want to do with my stories.

But I can’t in good conscience call J.K. Rowling a mentor because I don’t agree with most of her worldview. I’m certain she’s a good person, but I don’t want to be a good person. I want to live a life that honors God. So while J.K. Rowling’s industry-shaking achievements are a goal I want to aim for, the author I consider a mentor would probably be C.S. Lewis. He had an extraordinary gift of taking spiritual truth and making it simple enough that even children could understand it.

I want to write stories that turn the world upside down for Jesus. I want to tell stories that challenge the status quo and make readers ask questions about what they believe, no matter what side of the political or religious line they stand on. And I want to have a relationship with my readers that makes them feel like they’re part of my family.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?

I’m sure I’ve gotten bad writing advice, but I can’t remember any of it.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t be afraid to let your own life experiences inform the characters you create. That doesn’t mean you have to regurgitate every trauma you’ve survived on the page. Nobody wants to read that. But the struggles and trials you have survived in your life taught you something about yourself and about God. Don’t discount that. Use it. Because there’s a good chance someone else out there needs to hear what you learned in your dark valley.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

Just finish. That’s it. Don’t get bogged down with the details. Don’t get discouraged if it isn’t making sense. Stop editing as you write. Get to the finish line and go back and rewrite. You can’t edit a blank page.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Only take advice from people who actually understand and know the genre you’re writing in. If you’re writing a sci-fi adventure novel, and you give it to a beta reader who only reads regency romance, they aren’t going to have useful feedback for you. People who read regency romance are used to different expectations for their genres, and the same is true for sci-fi adventure.

Now, if you’re writing a sci-fi adventure that has elements of regency romance in it, absolutely give it to that beta reader. They will be able to give you better insight on the love story than an average sci-fi reader.

The bottom line is be careful who you accept critique and feedback from. Make sure your critique partners speak the same language you do before you implement their feedback in your writing.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.

A career as a professional author/storyteller is a long game. This is one of the most competitive industries in the world, whether you go the traditional route or not. Don’t rush it. The most successful storytellers are the ones who understand that we are all learners. Get excited about learning new things, and you’ll never have a disappointing day.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

My latest book is Karl Goodson and the Food Truck Fiasco, a hilarious novella from my superhero adventure series, Reishosan: Samurai Defenders. It’s a wild, hysterical ride through the streets of San Francisco in search of a lost engagement ring, and the fact that everyone looking for the ring is wearing samurai armor isn’t even the funniest part.


A.C. Williams is an author and writing coach with fifteen published books. She loves cats, country living, and all things Japanese. She’d rather be barefoot, and if she isn’t, her socks will never match. A senior partner at Uncommon Universes Press, she is a Realm Award Winner and the 2022 Arise Daily Writer of the Year. She also contributes to two blogs ranked in Writer’s Digest’s Top 101 sites for authors.

You can find me and my books at www.amycwilliams.com or subscribe to read my daily devotions at www.alwayspeachy.com.

Filed Under: writing Tagged With: A.C. Williams, author interview, editing tips, fiction writing, self-editing, writing books, writing fiction, writing tips, writing tools

Writing Tips from Lauren Crews

February 27, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What’s your favorite craft book?

Currently, The Art of The Tale by Steven James and Tom Morrisey. Although the book is directed more towards speakers, I am finding value. I am a nonfiction writer, and a teacher by profession, so everything I do leans toward the academic. I need help to be a good storyteller, but I recognize how valuable it is in writing and speaking. The book helped me find how to connect with my audience through a story.

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?

7 Cheat Sheets to Cut Editing Costs by Debra Butterfield It is underrated because it is a small, thin, self-published book packed with a wealth of beneficial information. Debra is an acquisition editor for CrossRiver Media, and her book is like having an opportunity to sit with an editor one-on-one.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers’ conference?

Florida Christian Writers’ Conference. It was the first conference I attended and where I got my start in writing. They offer a good variety of appointments with agents and publishers. I’ve also used their writing contests to test my work. If I place, that is a piece I keep working on towards publishing. If I don’t place, I know it needs much more work before I should consider publishing.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

For both writing tips but also for the business of writing, I like the following podcasts:

The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

The Christian Woman’s Business Podcast with Esther Littlefield

Your Best Writing Life with Linda Goldfarb

Take The Stage with Mary Snyder

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

I don’t really have one. I never thought I’d be a writer. I have always dreamed of being a lawyer. I’d love to have a mentor.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?

I haven’t really received lousy writing advice. I guess I’ve been fortunate.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

To really pray about how God wanted my message released. Did it need to be validated through traditional publishing, or are my ministry and reputation strong enough to validate it through self-publishing? Another good piece of writing advice as a non-fiction writer was to pause after a point and insert a question. It slows my reader down, and they have to think about my topic and apply the information I’m offering. I’ve tried to use that in everything I write.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

Find a critique group. Your goal is to become a better writer, and unless you hear honest feedback on your work, you won’t know what improvements to make. I would recommend Word Weavers over your friends or family.  

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

They always say to write tight, and the best way I have figured out how to do this is to give myself a word limit, say four hundred words. I focus on strong verbs and good imagery words. If I can write something within that limit, it still sounds good, and it meets the limit, then it’s tight. It is a hard task to master, but giving yourself a word limit is good practice.

Another tip is that if you publish traditionally, you will have an editor, but you should still do some editing. I always pay to have my book partially edited, even before I turn it in. If I can’t afford to edit the entire book, I will have them do every other chapter. I pay close attention to what they find and look for it in the other chapters.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.

If this is God’s book for you, it will get published. It may take a while, especially the traditionally published route, but there is much to learn. Take advantage of every opportunity He puts on your path to publishing.

My next book, Word Made Flesh: Echoes of Jesus in the Hebrew Alphabet. It is scheduled to release with End Game Press in the summer of 2024.

Lauren Crews holds an MDiv from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and is a multi-award-winning author. Her book Strength of a Woman: Why You Are Proverbs 31 won Christian Market Book of the Year. She is passionate about God’s word and teaching the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. Her experience as a women’s ministry leader, speaker, Bible teacher, and public-school teacher equips Lauren to easily share deep truths that will encourage your faith. Lauren completed the AWSA coaching certification and works with new authors desiring to up their social media game. Lauren lives in Florida with her husband and two brown dogs who have their humans well-trained

www.LaurenCrews.com
Facebook: Lauren Crews
Instagram and Twitter: @LaurenCrewsA2Z
Tik Tok: LaurenC.A2Z

Filed Under: writing Tagged With: author interview, editing tips, how to write, podcasts for writers, self-editing, writing nonfiction, writing podcasts, writing tips, writing tools

Just Write by James Scott Bell (book review)

February 25, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Writers are given a wealth of opportunities to cultivate a successful writing life, break out, and find an audience for their work. Yet so many writers, from beginners to veterans, find their careers stuck in neutral.

The solution is simple: Just write. Write yourself past fears, doubts, and setbacks, and use your desire for writing excellence to deeply immerse yourself in the craft.

In Just Write, best-selling author and veteran writing coach James Scott Bell shows you how to develop unforgettable stories while leading a rewarding writing life. You’ll learn how to master the nuances of fiction, discover what readers really want, and persevere through the challenges of getting started, conquering writer’s block, and dealing with rejection. Look inside to discover how to:

BRAINSTORM NEW CONCEPTS for your fiction and develop a believable premise.

CREATE MEMORABLE CHARACTERS that keep your readers coming back for more.

STUDY CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY NOVELS to improve your writing.

EFFECTIVELY MARKET YOURSELF as a writer.

MANAGE YOUR TIME to maintain peak efficiency.
Fulfilling writing careers are developed through hard work, an investment in practice, and complete dedication to the process. Don’t succumb to excuses or procrastination. Dive into your career with gusto and enthusiasm. Fall in love with writing every day. Just write.


I’m a fan of JSB’s instructional books, so I was excited to pick up this one. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew it would be good.

I was right.

If you’ve read any of his other books on writing, the first half of the book might be a bit of a repeat. Still, as I read it, it reminded me of some things I’d forgotten, and I went back to manuscript with a breakthrough idea for my previously stuck story.

Never underestimate the power of reminding yourself about things you already know.

What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was the second half of the book. “Creating a Rewarding Writing Life” really doesn’t do it justice. This book should be called Just Write: Creating Unforgettable Fiction and the Truth About (and encouragement for) Indie Publishing. I wouldn’t hesitate to give this book to any author considering self publishing. I would INSIST that frustrated indie authors read it. JSB is honest about what it means to self publish and he gives great advice for authors.

Another great book. I’ll definitely re-read this one.

(Note: most of his examples are older and for thriller/suspense. They might not translate perfectly for other genres, but the idea still works.)

Get your copy here!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Filed Under: writing Tagged With: book marketing, book review, fiction writing, independent publishing, indie publishing, James Scott Bell, marketing tips, self-publishing, writing fiction, writing tips

Writing Tips from Darlene Turner

February 13, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book?

My go-to craft book is The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. It is awesome!

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?

It’s not a craft book, but a reference website. The best thesaurus is wordhippo.com. So good!

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?

Ooo…that’s like choosing between children. LOL. I have two favorites – Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers conferences. They both offer amazing classes.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

YouTube is an awesome resource for learning. I’ve used it often. It’s amazing what you can find there.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

DiAnn Mills has been influential in my writing journey. I first met her when she was my mentor with the Craftsman course through Jerry Jenkins, but she’s continued to guide me and has become a dear friend.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?

Write what you know. I feel that limits our writing. If we only wrote what we know, we wouldn’t learn other fascinating facts during research.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t compare yourself to other writers. This is a tough one as I’ve failed many times at it! However, it’s important to remember that every author’s journey is different. Some take longer than others to publication.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

Start working on your email list now. Don’t wait until your published. Interaction with readers is trending toward using newsletters, so it’s important to grow it right away.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Keep a list of your most repetitive words and then once your manuscript is complete, search on them and replace some. I do this all the time now and I still re-use the same words. LOL.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.

If you receive an email that indicates the editor/agent is interested but wants you to revise something in your manuscript/proposal. DO IT and resubmit. You just never know!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Work hard but also take time for yourself! Exercise, get ample rest, enjoy “ME” time. Grab a treat (doesn’t have to be food…maybe go to a movie, read a book) when you reach a milestone (ie finishing a manuscript, hitting a bestseller list, etc). And…find a writers community. Most authors are introverts, but we still need each other!

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

My upcoming book is called Alaskan Avalanche Escape and it releases on February 21, 2023. I’m excited as it’s my first book that is also available in audiobook!! Here’s a sneak peek:

Sabotage in the mountains … can this K-9 sniff out the truth?

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive?

Pre-order links:

Amazon com – https://amzn.to/3xDe5u0
Amazon ca – https://amzn.to/3f6qqQM
Audiobook – https://amzn.to/3VC3LeI


Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. 

Website: https://darlenelturner.com/
Facebook (author page): https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK
Facebook (personal): https://bit.ly/3kLG5ST
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT
BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2x2Batz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenel.turner/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19553274.Darlene_L_Turner
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-L-Turner/e/B083RC78GW

Filed Under: writing Tagged With: author interview, editing tips, fiction writing, self-editing, writing advice, writing conferences, writing fiction, writing resources, writing tips, writing tools

Writing Tips from Cherrilynn Bisbano

January 30, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book?

Writer to Writer by Cecil Murphy. Cecil gives tips and tools for everything from book proposals to grammar.

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?

Writer to Writer by Cecil Murphy. This book has bite size nuggets of writing advice. A writer can read for hours or just glean from one minute of scanning the book.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. It’s like writers heaven with worship, workshops, and great food. I have the honor of teaching book proposals this year.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

I’m old fashioned and love to hear a person’s voice. I phone a friend. I’m blessed to know many writers who are best-selling authors and take the time to help others.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

Cecil Murphy. He’s honest about my writing, yet kind. He told me where my writing needed improvement and gave me the tools to improve. He helps many writers behind the scenes. I’m inspired to help others now.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?

Only write what you know. Personally, I love to learn. I immerse myself in study, talk to the experts, and then write about the topic. If I stuck with just what I knew, my books would be boring, and I’d miss out on the adventure of learning.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t compare yourself to others. Compare your writing to your previous stuff. If your improving, keep learning and never stop. No one is a perfect writer.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

Listen and learn. Go to as many writing conferences as you can. They are an investment in your writing.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

I know this seems lazy, but use Grammarly, Pro Writing Aid, or another document checker before you hit send, even if your manuscript was professionally edited.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.

When I’m frustrated or discouraged, I walk, pray, or call a writing friend. Every writer gets frustrated and discouraged—it’s part of the job description.

I think of writers like Stephen King, Jerry Jenkins, and others who received many rejections, even after writing a best-selling book. Rejection is part of the writing process. Your book may be good, however, the publisher may have one like it, or it’s not the genre they are looking for at the time.

Thank you for the opportunity to share. My passion is helping writers achieve their goals. If I helped in any way, I am grateful.


Experience Immanuel Daily is a 30-day devotional that can be used as an Advent reader, personal, or group Bible study. It uses Bible characters to demonstrate how Immanuel manifests himself through trials, daily tasks, and emotional difficulties. The book will be out this year.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer in both fiction and non-fiction. Her passion is helping other writers fulfill their dream of completing a book, article, or memoir through coaching, teaching on-line or at conferences. She loves Christ, chocolate, coffee, and cats. She is an avid sea glass hunter who loves spending time with friends and family. Cherrilynn’s husband of 24 years joins her in editing projects. Her 21 year old son is a musician and attends Ground 40 ministries.

www.cherrilynnbisbano.com
Facebook: Cherrilynn Bisbano Author
Instagram: Cherrilynn3
LinkedIn: Cherrilynn Bisbano
Twitter: @bisbanowrites

Filed Under: best practices, writing Tagged With: editing tips, fiction writing, self-editing, writing books, writing conferences, writing fiction, writing resources, writing tips, writing tools

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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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