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The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » The Writing Life

The Writing Life

Write from Scars

By Bob Hostetleron September 21, 2023
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I learned recently that my agent—the man, the myth, the legend, Steve Laube—speaking at a writers conference, quoted something I’d said in a recent conference keynote. Yes, you read that right! The Great One actually quoted me! Me! And it wasn’t the usual “Can you believe anyone is that stupid?” sort of allusion. It was in a favorable context, as though I’d said something of value.

Well, slap my face and call me Red.

In my keynote, I had mentioned a Zoom meeting in which I was talking to a fellow writer and teacher of writing. She said she’d met me at a writers conference years before, in an editorial appointment (these are valuable features of many such events, providing writers the opportunity to meet with editors, agents, and accomplished authors, to receive feedback and advice—and even, every great once-in-a-while, a promise of publication). This person told me that she had handed me her manuscript; I read it; and when I finished reading, she said I asked, “Why are you angry?”

I was horrified. I said, “Nooo! I didn’t.”

She laughed and said, “Yes, you did.”

I said, “I’m so sorry.”

“No,” she said, “you were right. I was writing from a place of anger.”

I had no memory of that meeting. And I don’t think I’ve ever said something so blunt and unsympathetic to anyone else in an appointment. (Please don’t provide examples in the comments.)

But I had a point in telling that story to 500 or more writers. Because we’ve all suffered pain—in life, from family and friends, even in pursuing writing for publication.

But whatever pain haunts you and still hurts you, my advice is to give yourself the time and space to recover. Yes, writing about your pain may be cathartic; it may be therapeutic—for you. But it won’t help your reader if you’re still bleeding. It gets all over the pages. It makes a mess. It’s just not a good look.

If you’re writing something you intend for publication, don’t try to write about it while you’re still bleeding. Let it scab, let it heal, and even scar.

Write from scars, not open wounds; and you’ll be in a much better place to write something that will help others.

 

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Category: Pitching, The Writing Life, Theology, Writing Craft

Building a Back-to-School Writing Schedule

By Megan Brownon September 14, 2023
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Writing with kids in the family home is not a task for the faint of heart. When I was finishing up my first attempt at a book proposal, the editing process was completed while sitting on the edge of the bathtub while a tiny child proceeded to slosh seven million gallons of water onto the bathroom floor.  Simultaneously, my two older children were standing in the hallway, screaming at the top of …

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Category: The Writing Life

From Page to Stage: How To Adapt Your Writing Into a Captivating Speech With Kirsten Holmberg

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on September 12, 2023
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Public speaking is historically one of the best ways to sell books. Find out how you can turn your book into an engaging and memorable talk.
You can listen to this episode From Page to Stage: How To Adapt Your Writing Into a Captivating Speech With Kirsten Holmberg on Christian Publishing Show.

Read moreFrom Page to Stage: How To Adapt Your Writing Into a Captivating Speech With Kirsten Holmberg
Category: The Writing Life

A Prayer Before Writing

By Bob Hostetleron September 7, 2023
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Lord God Adonai, I am about to write. I have nothing to say, nothing to offer. I am a poor writer, and an even poorer Christian. And yet I must try to find words that will bring into being something that has never been before. Help me, Lord. Inspire me. Empower me. Flow through me. Grant that I may write better than I can write, and thus know that all the honor and glory and thanks belong to you, …

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Category: Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology

The Writing Journey

By Megan Brownon August 31, 2023
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I love maps. Very few things make me happier than the excitement of surveying the made-up lands of Narnia or Middle Earth. Scanning the page for landmarks, important features, or new locations makes the reading experience so much richer for me. In the same way, I like to utilize my love of maps and imagination to communicate timelines, identify benchmarks, and check progress. I even use them to …

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Category: The Writing Life

Food for Writing

By Bob Hostetleron August 29, 2023
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Some foods are better to eat than others when you’re writing. Right? It goes without saying (but I will say it anyway) that Cheetos are not the most keyboard-friendly food to snack on while you’re writing your next article, blog post, or book. And tacos get all over your keyboard, research, and outlines, right? So, I asked some Steve Laube Agency clients, “What IS the food you most …

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Category: The Writing Life

Impossible Books

By Dan Balowon August 16, 2023
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There are a lot of hard things in life. Some are downright impossible. Entrepreneur and media guru Patrick Bet-David says the ten hardest things in life are: Getting Married Parenting Becoming an entrepreneur Keeping your health Overcoming addiction The loss of a loved one Leaving people behind Handling success Trusting others Massive failure Many say the most difficult thing to do in all sports …

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Category: Inspiration, The Writing Life, Theology, Trends

Poetry: I Can’t Sell It, but I Recommend It

By Bob Hostetleron August 15, 2023
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Anyone who has read my “Who and What I’m Looking For” post on this site may be aware that poetry is not a genre I represent. I know, I know. Your poetry is different, and it would force me to make an exception. I hear you. But the likelihood of selling a book of poems is somewhere between nil and nada, even for you. I love you, but it’s true. (See how that rhymed?) Having said that, though, I …

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Category: The Writing Life

As an Author, Do I Owe Strangers a Gift?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 10, 2023
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When speaking to authors, I’m often reminded of a quote attributed to Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” When I wrote books for publication, a few favor-seekers would find me on social media and assume I had plenty of funds to send them gifts. If only that had been true! Books are expensive. Aren’t all published authors rich …

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Category: The Writing Life

Beyond First Drafts: How to Master the Art of Revision With Angela Hunt

By Thomas Umstattd, Jr.on August 8, 2023
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Award-winning author Angela Hunt shares her reproducible revision process that has helped her write, revise, and publish more than 150 books.
You can listen to this episode Beyond First Drafts: How to Master the Art of Revision With Angela Hunt on Christian Publishing Show.

Read moreBeyond First Drafts: How to Master the Art of Revision With Angela Hunt
Category: The Writing Life
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