Writing Tips from Loretta Eidson
What is your favorite writing book?
I love using the Thesaurus collection by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglist. These books are beneficial in describing emotions, rural settings, positive and negative traits, occupations, conflicts, and emotional wounds. You just can’t go wrong with these writing resources.
Which do you think is the most underrated writing craft book? Why?
Because I wanted to understand what POV (Point of View) meant in writing fiction, I searched for books explaining the term. I discovered a small book by Jill Elizabeth Nelson, Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View. Sometimes, these small books can pack a more powerful punch than a lot of the thicker instructional books. Mind you, all writing craft books are beneficial, but finding one that speaks directly to you is worth the search.
What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
As much as I love and appreciate ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference, I look forward to the mountainous surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference the most. The relaxed, peaceful setting takes me away from city life for a few days and is refreshing.
What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
YouTube and podcasts are useful sources, but I could add reading teaching blogs to the mix. I know the Steve Laube Agency blogs are great places for educational writing tips and information on publishers, contracts, plotting, etc.
Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
When I first started writing, I was fortunate enough to have DiAnn Mills as my mentor. Today, she is still my go-to person when I need help. I’ve since connected with a small group of Love Inspired Suspense authors. We call ourselves The Suspense Squad. If these ladies can’t solve a dilemma for me, I go back to DiAnn or ask my agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, to advise me.
What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
I wouldn’t say it was the worst writing advice, but to instruct writers to write every day puts undue stress on aspiring writers, like me, back in the day. We all have families, jobs, and responsibilities outside our writing careers. If you can write every day, that’s fantastic and beneficial. It helps you stay on track, but if not, you haven’t failed in your writing journey. Pick up where you left off and enjoy the writing journey.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Write what you know or at least do your research and write as close to the truth as possible because readers want truth, even in a fiction novel.
What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
There are so many writing tips for new authors, it’s hard to select the best. My advice is to 1) be yourself and 2) don’t allow being a published author to give you the big head. Remain humble, teachable, and Christlike.
What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
My best advice for self-editing is to watch out for repetitive words. Reword sentences to avoid repetition. Some of the most commonly overused are: that, and, the, so, just, very, like, etc. It’s easy to start each sentence in a paragraph with He or She, but even those repetitions get monotonous.
Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Don’t give up. There were many times I wanted to throw my hands up and say, “Forget it.”
I had to step away from my keyboard and regroup. It’s amazing how refreshing a break from writing can rejuvenate thought processes. Take a walk, eat some chocolate, or go to a movie. Let your mind rest a bit. We all get frustrated and discouraged at times, but the key is to press in and, again, don’t give up.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Always follow guidelines. Be sure to research the agent or editor you want to pitch your story to and make sure they accept the genre you write. It can be embarrassing otherwise.
Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
My upcoming release is December 26, 2023. The Marine’s Deadly Reunion. I can hardly wait for everyone to read about US Marine Jake Fisher, Police Sargeant Daria Gordon, and eighteen-month-old Emma. It’s available for preorder on Amazon.
Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in situations where they must trust God to pull them through. Loretta is an AWSA certified coach and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray. She is published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense.
Loretta has four grown children, thirteen grands, and four great-grands. She loves chocolate, caramel, iced tea, and coffee. She lives in North Mississippi, close to her family.
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