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.

Writing Tips from Dyann Shepard

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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

Writing Tips from Susan Mathis

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What is your favorite craft book?

Plot and Structure – James Scott Bell

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

Writing the Breakout Novel – Donald Maass   It’s a practical, empowering classic craft book.

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

ACFW-CS Write in the Springs. On April 19-20, 2024, Misty Beller will present “Writing for Success: From story concept to published author” at Glen Eyrie Conference Center’s Great Hall! This conference is limited to eighty people, so it’s personal, relational, and inspiring.

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

It may sound silly, but the online Thesaurus because I can pop on there and find just the right word when I get stuck. Smiles.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

Melanie Dobson. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow and love love love her writing. She inspires me to grow and try new things, too.

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

After a career as a journalist, the editorial director at Focus on the Family, and a published author of fifteen non-fiction books and hundreds of articles, an agent said I couldn’t/shouldn’t write fiction. WRONG! I’ve written eleven award-winning stories to date. If God inspires you to write, then you should write.

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

Be a lifelong learner. Never, ever think you know it all. Keep on learning.

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

Study the craft. Read craft books. Watch videos. Join a writers group. Go to writers conferences.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Your brain works in two different realms…the creative and the logical/editing. Don’t mix your creative writing with your self-editing. Do each at different times. For me, when I’m writing, I have a hot cup of tea and scented candle to set my creative mood. When I’m editing, it’s cold tea, a hard chair, and an all-business mood. And I do them on different days. It works!

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

Never give up. If God’s called you to write, keep writing, even if it’s a random scene every day.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Thanks for having me on your blog, Karin. LOVE your stories!

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

A Summer at Thousand Island House

She came to work with the children, not fall in love.

Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to spend her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.

But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has ten in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment andA Summer at Thousand Island House.

Her book awards include two Illumination Book Awards, three American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

Where can people find you online?

Buy links: Amazon | Barnes&Nobles | Wild Heart Books

Book trailer: A Summer at Thousand Island House book trailer

Social media links: Website |Author Central |  Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Blog | Goodreads l Instagram| Book Bub| 

Writing Tips from Michele McCarthy

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What is your favorite craft book?

I don’t know that this is considered a craft book, but one I use is Children’s Writer’s Word Book-Mogilner

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

Your Guide to Marketing Christian Books- Sarah Bolme—we can all use pointers in the marketing arena.

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

Florida Christian Writers Conference

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

I will go with Rene Tatullupe’s Lyrical Language Lab—as a children’s writer, I need that rhythm and beat reminder!

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?

My writing inspiration comes from the hundreds of books I’ve read, enjoying a phrase or humor that paints a picture in my mind.

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

I’ve been blessed; seems I have encouragers all around me.

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

Let your words sit for a while. Come back with a fresh perspective.

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

In the natural, write. Jot ideas down quickly. Read. In the Spiritual, pray. Does God have you on a specific assignment? Are you being led by Him?

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Give your work time, set it aside, come back to it. Allow others to contribute opinions or ideas.

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

Get involved in a critique group, perhaps through Word Weavers. Each meeting gives you encouragement and sage advice for this big adventure.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

Across the Sky. Two books with the same title, one a picture book, the other an elementary to adult chapter book. Both point to God’s love letter written across the sky through the constellations that tell the story of Christ.

Michel McCarthy is an author, teacher, and speaker. She taught middle school grammar and reading. She’s a wife, mom, and grandmom to six grandchildren. If she has a piece of paper, she’ll doodle and draw, and she can’t keep her head out of a book.She enjoys journaling and writing poetry, but she never thought she would become an author. Never say never! 

You can find her online at www.michelemccarthybooks.com

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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Karin understood my advertising and marketing writing needs and accomplished the project in record time. She asked all the right questions up front to equip herself with enough … [more]

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Substantive Fiction Editing: A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out … [more]

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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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Fiction: Substantive Editing Classes Substantive Editing for Fiction 101 In Substantive Fiction Editing 101, we’ll look at the basics of a well-written novel and learn how to help our … [more]