Learn how Christian authors can organically incorporate their worldview without writing preachy novels that fall flat.
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Ways to Delight a Literary Agent
Last week I highlighted some things that tend to annoy a literary agent. Let’s flip that around and reflect on a few things that get our attention. Another drum roll please: 1. Follow the guidelines on an agency’s website. (Those are there for a reason. It helps sift, at one level, those who are wanting to be professionals and those who aren’t. Note they are …
Fun Fridays – February 10, 2023
A guitar has six strings. Right? Okay, there are 12 string guitars too. But 14? Watch this artist on display. The video is only a minute long; but if you’ve ever tried to play the guitar, you might be left breathless. (If you cannot see the video in your email newsletter, click through to the site to view it.)
Five Reasons to Read Christian Romance Novels to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Since Valentine’s Day is near, we have plenty of time to read romance novels before the big hearts, flowers, and candy day arrives! Here are some excellent reasons to read terrific Christian romance novels before and after February 14: Christian romance novels emphasize the couple’s relationship with the Lord. Many secular stories never reveal the characters’ spiritual lives. Readers can reach the …
Voices of Courage: Why Military Writers are Important
Successful books always come from a writer’s inspired, creative mind and heart. Every time we attempt to make publishing a science, making it more about business nuts and bolts, rather than art, serendipitous creativity seems to find a way around the science, nuts, and bolts. Effective and wise business planning is important, but Christian publishing’s guiding principle should be Proverbs …
12 Ways to Annoy a Literary Agent
This article is written in jest, but with decades of truth behind it. No, we agents are not infallible and aren’t always right. We try not to sound arrogant or snooty. We genuinely would like to see you succeed, whether we are your agent or not! Our hope is you learn from what others have done or done incorrectly. Drum roll please: 1. Call a week after sending your proposal to ask what we …
Fun Fridays – February 3, 2023
Cleanse your palate today with a video of a wonderful barbershop quartet. For you singers out there, you know how difficult this creative piece is to perform–but delightful in every way. (If unable to view this in your email newsletter, please visit the website itself.)
6 Joys of Finishing a Writing Project
The Bible says, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, KJV). Or, as another version puts it, “It is better to finish something than to start it” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NCV). That wisdom applies to everyone on God’s green earth, I’m sure; but it sure feels like it applies more to writers and the writing life. Can I get a witness? I see that hand. Seriously, as …
The Cuts of Success
Finally! Your dream of becoming a published author has come true! You’ve worked hard, probably years, to reach this point. You want to share your excitement with anyone who’ll listen. Most people should be happy for you, but sometimes responses can be unexpected: “Oh. I’ve never heard of that (magazine/publisher/imprint).” “That’s nice that you write children’s books. I only buy Caldecott …
Start Writing Your Book
“I’m going to write a book someday” is a frequent statement heard by every editor, agent, or published author. I tend to believe the sentiment, but that is where it ends for many–a sentiment. A survey done for Thriftbooks in late 2021 (link here) found that more than half of the respondents thought they had an idea for a novel. Of those, six percent were halfway done, and …