Write Now Editing

Writing Tips from Debbie Wilson

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What is your favorite craft book?
On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?
I can’t think of one.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. Love seeing fellow authors and always learn a lot.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
I’m a member of Jerry Jenkin’s Writers Guild, and I’ve enjoyed some of Thomas Umstattd Jr.’s writing courses with Author Media.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
When I became serious about writing I took courses from Jerry Jenkins Writing for the Soul. DiAnn Mills was my mentor. She is a caring and wise mentor.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
This is more of an experience than advice. At my first writer’s conference, I met with an agent whose first questions was, “Tell me about your national platform.” I’d spoken and ministered in different parts of the country, but I didn’t have a national platform. His body language told me he wasn’t interested in anything I had to say after that. I left wondering if I’d made a mistake even attending the conference.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Work on your craft.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
I’d repeat the above. Work on your craft. I’ll add, learning a new skill takes time. Give yourself grace and enjoy the process of discovering your lane.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
Jerry Jenkins says to be a fierce self-editor. I love watching him edit drafts. Use action verbs instead of passive, show don’t tell, and give the reader credit. In other words, resist the urge to explain everything. Your reader gets it.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Do the work and growth will come. Keep expanding your skills and knowledge. As I think Jon Acuff said, “Don’t compare your beginning with someone else’s middle.”

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
Little Strength, Big God presents timeless truths to slay our giants.This Christian Living/Bible study looks at those who became strong in battle. Consider their predicaments.

What if you had to choose between―

– Drowning your baby or letting your worst enemy raise him?
– Bowing before an idol or being thrown into a fiery furnace?
– Compromising your convictions or being tossed to the lions?
– Living in fear or leading ill-equipped volunteers against an intimidating enemy?

The believers who faced these decisions felt their limitations yet found strength in the Lord. We can too! The men and women highlighted in the last half of Hebrews 11 help us turn our weaknesses into strengths for God’s glory.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Karin, thank you for your writing and encouragement to writers. And thanks for inviting me to be with you today.

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God at debbieWwilson.com.

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Writing for Story by Jon Franklin (book review)

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The new “nonfiction”—the adaptation of storytelling techniques to journalistic articles in the manner of Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, and John McPhee—is an innovative genre that has been awarded virtually every Pulitzer Prize for literary journalism since 1979. And now Jon Franklin, himself a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and undisputed master of the great American nonfiction short story, shares the secrets of his success. Franklin shows how to make factual pieces come alive by applying the literary techniques of complication/resolution, flashback, foreshadowing, and pace. He illustrates his points with a close analysis and annotation of two of his most acclaimed stories, so that the reader can see, step-by-step, just how they were created.

This lively, easy-to-follow guide combines readability and excitement with the best of expository prose and illuminates the techniques that beginning journalists—and more experienced ones, too—will find immensely helpful:

— Stalking the true short story
— Drafting an effective outline
— Structuring the rough copy
— Polishing like a pro
— And the tips, tools, and techniques that will put your stories on the cutting edge

With many years of fiction-writing experience behind me, I’ve been wanting to strengthen my nonfiction-writing skills. Someone recommended this book.

It’s a fascinating read full of amazing information. It’s also quite dated, as it was written in 1986. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it, though. Just remember a few things as you read through it:

  • The universal truths Franklin discusses (the importance of structure, active writing, character developments, etc.) are universal–they still apply today. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing.
  • His process (note cards) can still work, but he wrote before computers existed. Use his information and apply it to your modern technique. (The same is true for the submission process.)
  • Read the last chapter. Realize the truth in it–Franklin and his successful contemporaries spent YEARS learning and practicing. Think about that.

I’m glad I read this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to write feature stories or short nonfiction pieces.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3QROGqK

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stein on Writing by Sol Stein (book review)

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Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for all writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether they are newcomers or old hands, students or instructors, amateurs or professionals. As the always clear and direct Stein explains here, “This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions–how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place.”

With examples from bestsellers as well as from students’ drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called “triage” method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.

A long read but worth the time, this book is a bit outdated but still incredibly relevant.

Written in 1995, many things in publishing have changed since this was published (the entire last chapter of this book is basically worthless as a resources guide), but the heart of writing never misses a beat — you need fully developed characters, a solid plot, and tension in novels, and nonfiction needs to tell the truth in a captivating way.

Whether your write fiction, nonfiction, or articles, there really is something for every writer in this book. Not to mention its fascinating to see how much has changed in less than 30 years, especially regarding commercial or “popular” fiction. Stein seemed to have a bit of an issue with popular fiction (what we call genre fiction today). I wasn’t writing in 1995 so I don’t know what the industry standards were, but most of the craft techniques he taught in this book do, in fact, apply to today’s genre fiction–craft matters, and successful writers spend years studying it.

If you want to write better books, I highly recommend this one. Get your copy here!

Writing Tips from Pegg Thomas

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Do you need some inspiration today? Are you frustrated with your writing?

Sit back and let award-winning author and editor Pegg Thomas encourage you (and maybe introduce you to some new writing resources!).

What is your favorite craft book?

My favorite is Writing Deep Viewpoint by Kathy Tyers.

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

The dictionary. People seriously need to broaden their vocabularies so their books are less language redundant. There. See how many people have to look that up. 😉 Seriously, you don’t want to flummox the reader, but you don’t want the monotonous repetition of words, either.

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

Maranatha Christian Writers Conference near Muskegon, Michigan. Love it.

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

Podcasts

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

My granddad. That man could tell a STORY!

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

Write what you know. Really? How about doing a little research, broadening your horizons, digging deep to know the characters, the setting, and what makes your conflict work? Much better than writing just your viewpoint of your little world.

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

“That book ain’t gonna write itself.”

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

Go to an in-person writers’ conference. There really is nothing to compare with those for hands-on learning and elbow-rubbing with the professionals in your chosen field. Yes, it costs money, but most forms of education do. And without education, you don’t get very far.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Look for the telling words: saw, felt, heard, thought, imaged, seemed, smelled, etc. and nix every one that you can. Sometimes you can’t—sometimes they are necessary—but most of the time they are just shallow writing.

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

The mightiest oak was once just a little nut that held its ground.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’m happy to be one half of 2 Editors for 5 Minutes with my good friend, Karin Beery!

Cobalt Skies released on January 17—coincidently (or not) on my birthday! It’s the 2nd in my series, A More Perfect Union. A post-Civil War story that joins a Union cavalryman and a Southern widow, both with more baggage than the Union Pacific, and both on a journey to a new life in the West.

Pegg Thomas lives on a homestead farm in Northern Michigan with Michael, her husband of *mumble* years. They raise chickens and keep a few barn cats, along with Murphy the spoiled rotten dog. When not working or writing, Pegg can be found in her barn, her garden, her kitchen, or sitting at her spinning wheel creating yarn to turn into her signature wool shawls. https://PeggThomas.com

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Writing Tips from Lauren Crews

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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
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ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
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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Lover of all things fiction, I also love University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, kayaking, gluten-free cupcakes, and my husband.

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