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Writing Tips from Debbie Wilson

September 25, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

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.

debbieWwilson.com
https://twitter.com/DebbieWWilson
https://www.facebook.com/debbie.wilson.963871
https://www.pinterest.com/djwwilson/

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, editing advice, how to write, how to write a book, self-editing tips, writing advice, writing books, writing tips

Writing Tips from Dyann Shepard

August 14, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book? 

To be very honest I have not read a lot of books on writing. Embarrassing, I know. I have taken classes through Speak Up conference and Hope Writers, though. I liked Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont and Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. Eat that Frog is not specifically a writing book but the principles of doing the most difficult task first are transferable to writing because it is so easy to procrastinate.

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book?

I don’t have a book to note as the most underrated writing book. My goal for 2024 is to read more books about writing. I want to my writing to be excellent and to glorify Jesus.

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

My favorite is the Speak Up conference in July. I love the courses, the keynotes and the fellowship of Christian writers. My heart is filled to overflowing each year.

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

I enjoy the wonderful tips and tools from AWSA and Word Weavers, Inc., as well as Hope*Writers.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration?

Carol Kent is definitely my inspiration. I have had the privilege of being in a mentoring program with Carol for the past two years. She is encouraging, inspiring and always looking for ways to make others shine.  Each month she provides focused learning and an opportunity for us to ask questions.

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

To be honest, I haven’t had advice that I considered really bad.  I can always learn from others. What I have learned is to have more than one person read my writing.  Sometimes, a reader simply doesn’t get you.  I learned this when I wrote a piece for publication and submitted it for critique to two different editors.  One editor said I should remove a particular paragraph. The other editor said that same paragraph was her favorite and most meaningful.  

Why was it bad?

I did not see this as a bad experience but as an opportunity to learn. This experience taught me not be discouraged and to have more than one person critique my work.

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

Pray for your readers.  Pray for the one who needs to hear what God has put on your heart to share.

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

Keep honing your craft. Keep learning, then learn, learn and learn some more.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Do not edit as you write.  Dump it all out on the page, then go back and edit. Remove everything that is not pointing the reader to the message you want to convey.

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

Don’t give up and don’t fall prey to comparison.  Someone needs to hear God’s message through your voice.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

My newest release is my book, “Wisdom: Capturing the Power of our Words.” The book is based on a study of the tongue in Proverbs and my upcoming release is “Parables and Paradigms- 52 Devotional Essays of walking with Jesus in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.”  This is the working title but it may change. It will be released later in the year or early in 2024.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It is never too late and you are never too old to have a new calling from God. I wrote my first blog in December 2018 at the age of 71. God was pouring into my life many lessons I wanted to pass on.  I had never written before.  I didn’t like writing as a student. Suddenly, I could not stop writing.  It is my passion.  I realize I have limited years left and my heart’s desire is to share through the joys and sorrows of my life the truth that God will never leave you or forsake you.  As long as you have breath, God can and will use you if you are willing. I love the promise of Psalm 92:14 “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.


Dyann Shepard is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, and mentor. She loves to share the power of God to redeem, restore, and renew our lives especially through tumultuous storms.  Her passion is writing and speaking about the transforming power of Jesus in our daily lives when we open our hearts to Him.  A retired CPA, Dyann is a former staff member of CRU and was a Stephen’s Minister for many years.

www.dyannshepard.com

www.personalparables.com

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, editing tips, self-editing, writing advice, writing tips, writing tools

Writing Tips from Linda Evans Shepherd

May 8, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book?

I’ve read many books on topics ranging from article and novel writing, as well as plotting, and editing. My current favorite writing book is Save the Cat, The Last Book on Screenwriting You’ll Ever Need. I love to write screenplays, but I find that understanding story, whether for writing a movie, a book, or an article, will help you better connect your message to readers.

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

I’d have to say The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White and though it’s not as colorful as Save the Cat, it covers the fundamental principles of grammar, syntax, and style. Today, with so many authors trying to figure out the writing and publishing process without the benefit of an editor, it’s more important than ever that they study writing basics. For brilliant books, with enlightening truths inspired by God Himself, can be not only tarnished, but possibly overlooked when the author ignores the basic principles of writing.

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

I’m a huge fan of the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, but I’m in love with the Advanced Writers and Speakers Conference (AWSA.com), which precedes the Munce Christizan Book Expo for Christian booksellers. Yes, I founded AWSA and run the conference, which makes me a bit prejudiced. But I do this because I’m very passionate about helping women who both speak and write books not only develop a community and a support system but learn the latest from the best authors and presenters. Plus, we have the opportunity to serve the bookstores of CPE by leading the Sunday worship service and participating in their personality party, with book signings, as well as being a part of their expo.

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

I love Zooming in our AWSA mastermind communities. We have a monthly live training, a Superstar group for authors who have written five or more books and a Protégé group for writers writing their first book, plus we have speaker, screenwriting, as well as fiction and nonfiction writers’ groups. These groups offer community, prayer, and training. I’m not a member of every group, but I absolutely love the groups I’m a part of, not only because of the professional friendships, but because of the continual live training which helps keep me on the cutting edge.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

One of my dearest friends is the amazing Bold Vision publisher Karen Porter, who also serves as the AWSA steering committee president. I’ve often spoken alongside her, and now we work together to lead the AWSA Certified Speakers course. Her insights into organizing talks and storytelling turns out to also be excellent writing advice. We’ve also worked together on several book projects, including the AWSA-led devotional, Arise to Peace.

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

The worst writing advice I ever received was to write faster by never making mistakes. I remember attending a writers’ conference and going to a class that promised to teach writers how to save time. However, the speaker’s emphasis on never making errors discouraged me. As a writer who struggles with mild dyslexia, I knew for me at least, that mistakes are a natural part of the writing process. Instead of striving for perfection in my first draft, I’ve concentrated on becoming a better self-editor. I’ve learned that by honing your editing skills, you can catch errors and improve your writing significantly. Turning in a well-edited manuscript is more important than turning in your first draft, no matter how much time you save by skipping the editing process.

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

Stop worrying about writing your first draft perfectly.  The problem is that when you stop to edit, your inner perfectionist interrupts your creative flow.  Work to perfect your writing once you start working on your second draft.  You’ll not only write faster, but your writing will also have a better flow.

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

New writers often struggle to find the time to write amidst their busy lives. However, even writing just one page a day can lead to a completed manuscript of up to 365 pages in a year. If finding time during the day is a challenge, consider setting aside time early in the morning before others in the household are awake, during a child’s naptime, or in the evening when the house is quiet. Another option is to make a weekly writing date with yourself, perhaps at a favorite coffee shop or other location outside the home. Remember, even writing once a week can lead to progress and ultimately a finished manuscript.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Listen to your writing.  I love to have my computer read my writing aloud to me as I view the screen.  That way, I can hear if I’ve left out a word, or jumbled a thought.  And I’m not ashamed to admit this, but spellcheck is a dear friend.  If you aren’t aware that your computer can read your writing aloud, google for instructions.

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

The thing that motivates me most is to imagine my readers reacting to my words.  When I can “see” my words making a difference, it’s easier to push through the roadblocks to publication.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

Make Time for Joy, Scripture-Powered Prayer to Brighten Your Day  paves the road to joy with scripture, then transcribes those verses into powerful prayers.  Perfect for daily reflection.  This is a book which will help you transform sadness into gladness as you rest on the love, joy, and provision that comes from God.


Despite the challenges that she faced as a young mother with a baby on her hip and a toddler in coma following a car crash, Linda Evans Shepherd was willing to say “Yes!” to God’s call to write a book. This led to a successful career as a writer, with thirty-eight books, many of which have won prestigious awards.

In addition to her writing, Linda has also been called to unite Christian women authors into an online group, which is now known as the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA). This group has grown to include 900 women communicators, who support and encourage each other in their mission to spread God’s love and compassion to a hurting world.

Linda has a new YouTube show called The Prayer Investigator, and is a publisher of the Leading Hearts Magazine, which has won multiple EPA awards, and she is also founded the AWSA’s yearly conference and the Golden Scroll and Christian Market Book Awards. Her latest book, Make Time for Joy, is inspiring readers to find joy in their daily lives.

To learn more about Linda’s ministries, go to LindaEvansShepherd.com, youtube.com/@gottopray, awsa.com LeadingHearts.com, AriseDaily.com, AriseEstherEvening.com/, and PeaceBlueprint.com.

You can interact with Linda at:

  • Facebook: LindaEvansShepherdAuthor
  • Twitter: @LindaShepherd

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, editing tips, encouragement for writers, Linda Evans Shepherd, self-editing, writing advice, writing encouragement, writing tips

Writing Tips from Darlene Turner

February 13, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book?

My go-to craft book is The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi. It is awesome!

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

It’s not a craft book, but a reference website. The best thesaurus is wordhippo.com. So good!

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

Ooo…that’s like choosing between children. LOL. I have two favorites – Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers and American Christian Fiction Writers conferences. They both offer amazing classes.

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

YouTube is an awesome resource for learning. I’ve used it often. It’s amazing what you can find there.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

DiAnn Mills has been influential in my writing journey. I first met her when she was my mentor with the Craftsman course through Jerry Jenkins, but she’s continued to guide me and has become a dear friend.

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

Write what you know. I feel that limits our writing. If we only wrote what we know, we wouldn’t learn other fascinating facts during research.

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

Don’t compare yourself to other writers. This is a tough one as I’ve failed many times at it! However, it’s important to remember that every author’s journey is different. Some take longer than others to publication.

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

Start working on your email list now. Don’t wait until your published. Interaction with readers is trending toward using newsletters, so it’s important to grow it right away.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Keep a list of your most repetitive words and then once your manuscript is complete, search on them and replace some. I do this all the time now and I still re-use the same words. LOL.

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

If you receive an email that indicates the editor/agent is interested but wants you to revise something in your manuscript/proposal. DO IT and resubmit. You just never know!

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Work hard but also take time for yourself! Exercise, get ample rest, enjoy “ME” time. Grab a treat (doesn’t have to be food…maybe go to a movie, read a book) when you reach a milestone (ie finishing a manuscript, hitting a bestseller list, etc). And…find a writers community. Most authors are introverts, but we still need each other!

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

My upcoming book is called Alaskan Avalanche Escape and it releases on February 21, 2023. I’m excited as it’s my first book that is also available in audiobook!! Here’s a sneak peek:

Sabotage in the mountains … can this K-9 sniff out the truth?

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive?

Pre-order links:

Amazon com – https://amzn.to/3xDe5u0
Amazon ca – https://amzn.to/3f6qqQM
Audiobook – https://amzn.to/3VC3LeI


Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. 

Website: https://darlenelturner.com/
Facebook (author page): https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK
Facebook (personal): https://bit.ly/3kLG5ST
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT
BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2x2Batz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenel.turner/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19553274.Darlene_L_Turner
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-L-Turner/e/B083RC78GW

Filed Under: writing Tagged With: author interview, editing tips, fiction writing, self-editing, writing advice, writing conferences, writing fiction, writing resources, writing tips, writing tools

No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty (book review)

January 23, 2023 by Karin Beery Leave a Comment

You’ve always wanted to write, but . . . just haven’t gotten around to it. No Plot? No Problem! is the kick in the pants you’ve been waiting for.

Let Chris Baty, founder of the rockin’ literary marathon National Novel Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo), guide you through four exciting weeks of hard-core noveling. Baty’s pep talks and essential survival strategies cover the initial momentum and energy of Week One, the critical “plot flashes” of Week Two, the “Can I quit now?” impulses of Week Three, and the champagne and roar of the crowd during Week Four. Whether you’re a first-time novelist who just can’t seem to get pen to paper or a results-oriented writer seeking a creative on-ramp into the world of publishing, this is the adventure for you.

So what are you waiting for? The No Plot? approach worked for the thousands of people who’ve signed up for NaNoWriMo, and it can work for you! Let No Plot? No Problem! help you get fired up and on the right track.


This book was recommended to me by another writer, so I picked it up to see what it’s about. I didn’t know anything about it before hand, so I didn’t realize it’s essentially a guide on how to succeed at NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Though the book is geared toward completing NaNoWriMo (writing 50,000 words in thirty days), this book could also be titled “How to Finish Your First Draft,” as the emphasis really is on finishing that first round of your book in all it’s terribly glory.

I know many people who do well plotting and outlining manuscripts for weeks (or months) before writing — this book isn’t for them. It’s for those writers who can’t seem to finish the first draft.

This book won’t tell you how to write well or how to create dynamic characters. The point is to simply FINISH THAT MANUSCRIPT! If that’s your biggest struggle, this is the book for you.

A couple of things worth mentioning:

  1. This really is written for people ACTIVELY writing 50,000 words/month. If you aren’t, then you can skip four chapters near the end (one for each week of a monthly writing spree).
  2. The font is a bit smaller than usual, which isn’t a huge issue, but I did find it hard to read the gray sidebars. Not only was the font smaller, but the thin letters on the gray page were hard to read. I skipped most of those as it wasn’t worth the effort to try to read them (younger people might not have that issue).

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone struggling to finish their first draft. This truly is a book about how to get yourself to write 50,000 words/month, but it’s not going to help you write something coherent. (You’ll have to edit for that.)

Get your copy here!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Filed Under: book reviews Tagged With: book review, fiction writing, fiction writing tips, rough drafts, writing advice, writing tips

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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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