Writing Advice from Yvonne M. Morgan
What is your favorite writing craft book?
I love The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. I refer to it almost every time I write. The book helps me use more showing than telling. I highly recommend it to every writer.
Which do you think is the most underrated writing craft book? Why?
I’m not sure how many people heard of it, but I enjoyed Perfecting Plot: Charting the Hero’s Journey by William Bernhardt. This book is short but jam-packed with lots of useful information. I found it an easy read with great ideas.
What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
My favorite conference is the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. It happens every year in late May. I learn a lot at the conference and come home feeling refreshed in my spirit and in my writing. The cost of the conference is reasonable and I believe it’s worth every penny.
What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
I follow several authors for great writing tips. The ones I rely on the most are “Your Best Writing Life” by Linda Goldfarb and “The Write Conversation” on Blogspot. They provide invaluable tips.
Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
I find inspiration from J.D. Wininger. He is a Christian blogger and author. His words always encourage me in my faith. He writes from his ranch and turns events on the ranch into faith lessons. J.D. has been a wonderful resource for me when I struggle with my writing. He encourages me and prays for me.
What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
The worst writing advice I ever received was from an editor who asked me why I thought I could write a unique Bible study. He thought others had already written the best Bible studies, so what could I add? I disagreed because I believe God can give me different words that will reach someone who didn’t respond to other written works. If God gives us a message, we should share it even if it only reaches one person.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
The best writing advice I ever received was from an editor who recommended writing in different genres, even just for fun, to improve my skills. I learned a lot about character development and setting scenes from writing fiction.
What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
The best writing tip for new authors is to never give up. Your first version will need a lot of work, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Remember, you are writing for our Heavenly Father, so write something that will make Him happy.
What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
My best self-editing tip is to not edit until the manuscript is finished. If you keep stopping to edit as you go, you might never finish writing the book. Let the words flow and then go back and edit.
Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
For frustrated or discouraged writers, my most encouraging tip is to keep going. When I submitted my first manuscript, an editor asked if English was my first language, which devastated me. But I believed God called me to write, so I didn’t give up. I kept trying, learning, and writing. I still question my purpose when I receive the first round of edits from my editor, but I dig in and do the work to make the book the best it can be for the glory of God.
Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
In my recent book, titled ‘Gypsy for God,’ I take readers on a journey of self-discovery and purpose. The story revolves around Kathleen, a middle-aged woman who finds herself at a crossroads after losing her job. Fueled by fear and doubt, she embarks on a quest to find meaning in her life. By starting a new career as a travel agent, Kathleen flourishes, but her fears continue to hold her back from truly living.
However, everything changes when she has an unexpected encounter that reveals God’s plans for her. As Kathleen travels to different countries, she discovers the true purpose of her life. ‘Gypsy for God’ offers a message of hope for readers of all ages and backgrounds, reminding us it’s never too late to find our calling. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and inspiring tale of faith, courage, and purpose. Experience the transformative power of God in ‘Gypsy for God’ and uncover your own unexpected purpose in life.
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Yvonne is an award-winning Christian author, blogger, and speaker. She enjoys writing stories to deepen our relationship with God. Her passions are prayer, travel, and mission work. Yvonne was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is a wife, mom, grandmother, and child of God. After the death of her son many years ago, Yvonne learned to trust the Lord in all circumstances. Throughout the years, God called her to start a charity for orphans in other countries and to become a writer.