It’s Not Just a Blank Piece of Paper

I’m sure you have seen one or two old movies or TV shows where someone takes a blank piece of paper, feeds it into the roller of an old fashioned manual typewriter, and begins to peck out a story with gusto (His Girl Friday and Murder, She Wrote immediately come to mind). Even though most … More It’s Not Just a Blank Piece of Paper

Are Your Senses Turned On?

I just returned from a trip to Colorado to visit my niece. One of the highlights of the trip was taking the Royal Gorge Route train ride based in Cañon City. Because this trip had been planned in advance, I decided to make it a writing exercise. I wanted to be intentional about using my … More Are Your Senses Turned On?

Do I Need a Degree to Be an Author? Plus, Top Ten Virtual Writing Programs

An English program can provide a structured environment for learning from experienced professors and receiving feedback on your work. However, an English program can be expensive, and the financial investment might not lead to financial gain. There are other paths to becoming a successful writer that do not involve pursuing an English degree. Many authors … More Do I Need a Degree to Be an Author? Plus, Top Ten Virtual Writing Programs

Find Some Ivory Tower Time to Create

An ivory tower is often defined as a place where a person is cut off from the responsibilities of the world so they can pursue their own interests without interruption. Creative people may sometimes long for a perfect ivory tower where they can spend endless, uninterrupted hours creating. But maybe your ivory tower looks more … More Find Some Ivory Tower Time to Create

Improving the Spaces Where We Create

Ways to Improve our Creative Space … More Improving the Spaces Where We Create

TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING A TITLE

Whether you’ve been in the publishing industry for years or are just starting out as a newbie, you’ve probably already realized that titles are important. Choosing a great book title catches an editor’s eye. A book title with pizzazz grabs the attention of social media. Choosing a book’s winning title can make the difference in … More TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING A TITLE

Tips for 5 Best Gifts to Give Yourself as a Writer

Are you hurrying and scurrying to get your last-minute shopping done? Is your writing set aside in the hustle and bustle of the season? Are you still looking for presents for your spouse…kids…grandkids…parents…friends…and writer friends, too? This year, don’t forget to wrap some holiday cheer for yourself as a writer, too! Even if these won’t … More Tips for 5 Best Gifts to Give Yourself as a Writer

Amazing Hack for Writing the Setting of a Story

There’s no way around it. Writing a children’s novel takes time. I know writer friends and writing challenges that boast they can whip out a picture book in one day. Not so with a children’s novel. The setting of the story. The plot. The characters. The shortest time frame most people can claim for writing … More Amazing Hack for Writing the Setting of a Story

5 Poetry Writing Tips for Children’s Authors

How can poetry writing tips improve your children’s books? Join Karley Conklin for 5 ways poetry can strengthen your fiction writing. … More 5 Poetry Writing Tips for Children’s Authors

Handling God’s Word with Your Words  – Part 1

Do you communicate a biblical worldview when you write? This is not hte same as being preachy! … More Handling God’s Word with Your Words  – Part 1