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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 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

The Essential Books on Writing Boxed Set by Bryn Donovan

October 29, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

Get all three books for writers in one collection perfect for novelists, screenwriters, short story writers, and National Novel Writing Month enthusiasts!

From editor, author, and writing coach Bryn Donovan, you’ll turn to these essential tools on writing again and again to write faster, write more, and write your best work yet.

5,000 Writing Prompts
Blurb: Creative writing prompts for many genres, including fantasy, science fiction, mystery, thriller, romance, young adult, and poetry, as well as prompts for writing about yourself, blog writing, and more. Use it for your work in progress or for a good way to free your imagination from writer’s block!

Master Lists for Writers
Blurb: A reference book and thesaurus designed to make the writing process go more quickly by offering lists for common writing elements…from facial expressions and physical descriptions to conflicts, plots, and character names. Please note that Master Lists for Writers does include adult content for romance writers.

Review: I’m reviewing these two together because I had the same thoughts about both. Here you go:

These books are everything the titles promises: THOUSANDS of ideas on a variety of lists to help motivate and inspire any writer. Whether your a newbie who needs an idea of how to get started or a veteran who needs a fresh idea, you can’t open this book without finding something to inspire you.

(There are some formatting issues, but if you can look past those, this book will get your creativity flowing.)

Blank Page to Final Draft
Blurb: a step-by-step handbook to prep for, write, and edit a novel from with either getting published traditionally or successful self-publishing in mind. It contains help with pacing, dialogue, character development, and more. Even if you’re in the middle of writing a draft, it can provide clarity and a guide for revision.

Review: This was a very different type of writing book. IMO, it’s more of a motivational book than craft book, and I can see it being the go-to book for new writers because of it’s step-by-step approach.

Donovan’s book includes lots of tips and advice, but it’s value isn’t in teaching you fiction-writing techniques (though there are several discussed); it’s value is in walking you step-by-step through writing a novel. Like the title says, it starts with a blank page and gives you the steps you need to finish your first draft.

If you need to strengthen your POV or showing skills, I wouldn’t recommend this book, but if you’re not sure how to start your novel–or you keep starting novels without ever finishing them–I wouldn’t hesitate to pass this along. Donovan’s info and tone are perfect for the struggling, discouraged writer who needs an experienced cheerleader.

Get your boxed set here!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Filed Under: book reviews Tagged With: book reviews, fiction writing, fiction writing tips, writing advice, writing books, writing fiction, writing prompts, writing tips

Guide to Fiction Writing by Phyllis A. Whitney (book review)

October 3, 2022 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

One of today’s leading novelists gives practical advice on how to write publishable fiction. Planning a novel, characterization, suspense, flashbacks, beginnings, and endings are all covered; a checklist for revision is also included.


Published in 1982, I wasn’t sure about this book at first, but someone recommended it so I thought I’d try it.

This was such a refreshing read. It isn’t a universal writing book (if you do this, then this will happen), but it really is a look at Whitney’s writing process. With 75 published novels from 1941-1997, she obviously had some success, but what I appreciate about her approach is that she simply explains what worked for her (passed away in 2008).

I’ve read quite a few writing books, so I found it fascinating how many things have changed as well as how many have stayed the same. She discusses many things that we have different names for these days, but the basics are the same. I especially appreciated her comments on how many new writers make excuses and fear edits. I hear the same things today, including comments about how it was easier to publish “back in the day,” but Whitney’s book makes it clear that most of the struggles are still the same.

If you’re looking for a new approach to writing books, it’s definitely worth picking up — sometimes we tune out tips because we’ve heard the same phrases over and over again, and her different terms and styles make you pay attention. There are a few things to keep in mind though:

  1. Flashbacks, Transitions, & Time: Some of that chapter will apply for those writing dual/split timeline novels, but flashbacks are a bit out of style in the 2020s.
  2. Getting Your Novel Published: Most of this info is outdated. Ignore her tips on working the process (of submitting and agents–those no longer apply), but heed her encouragement on surviving the process (it’s a marathon, not a sprint).

Rated PG.

Get your copy here!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Filed Under: book reviews Tagged With: book review, fiction writing, writing books, writing fiction, writing tips, writing tools

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

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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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