Writing Tips from Dr. Ronda Wells
What is your favorite writing craft book?
Don Maass’ Writing the Breakout Novel
Which do you think is the most underrated writing craft book?
Crafting Fiction: In theory, in Practice by Marvin Diogenes and Clyde Moneyhun. Why? It was my first writing book. It’s advanced, but the exercises we did at that conference opened my eyes on how to write much better.
What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference.
What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
Blogs I find via Twitter – Edie Melson’s Write to the Heart, for e.g.
Who is your writing mentor/inspiration?
Colleen Coble
Why?
I got frustrated years ago when a book offer fell through and I lost my agent. Colleen told me I was way too good to quit. So, I kept going.
What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?
You must follow Save the Cat!
Why was it bad?
Read Kill the Dog by Paul Guyout
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Write for yourself first.
What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
Read craft books, but also read, read, read the best writers in literary fiction.
What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
Have your own written standard editing list that you go through every time.
Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Don’t give up. I’ve won awards, published small pieces, and only just this year got my first check for a magazine article. Still seeking that elusive first book contract. Publishing constantly changes, so expect it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Learn what you can, but it’s so easy to attend another conference or online class and forget to write.
Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
I have an article appearing in the March 2024 Guideposts’ Angels on Earth magazine.
Doctor by day, writer by night—Dr. Ronda Wells is an award-winning author who has written inspirational fiction for over twenty-five years. She has helped numerous other Christian writers to create authentic medical scenes for their books. A lifelong Hoosier, Ronda is a wife, mom, and grandma who lives in central Indiana and loves to travel. Her wholesome stories from the heartland illustrate extraordinary faith among the conflicts of ordinary life. Visit her website to get a free recipe from her contemporary inspirational romance, Harvest of Hope, at www.rondawellsbooks.com, and check out her published online devotionals at Arise Daily.