So, you feel a calling from God to use the talents He’s given you for the work of His kingdom?
Congratulations.
Now comes the tougher part. The God-directed call to touch readers’ hearts is a worthy goal. But like any ability or skill—athletics, music—writing must be honed. It is part art and part craft.
Many people say they’ve always wanted to write a book. Few have the patience and stick-to-it-iveness to battle self-doubt or the self-discipline to see the goal accomplished.
To become a highly effective Christian writer according to God’s definition of success will require faith and courage. To become the writer God has called you to be will necessitate a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, your routine and open yourself to growth and change.
These habits are not just for writers of Christian literature but for all Christian writers—whether their writing journey takes them to the CBA or ABA markets.
Here are some tips to live and write by:
1. Be a person God can use to glorify His name.
•Be humble
•Be teachable
•Be in the Word and get to know Him
•Be about prayer
•Be surrendered to His will for His timing and His way
2. Glue your butt in the writing chair and write every day.
3. Read and study the master writers in your genre in both the ABA and CBA markets.
4. Join ACFW, RWA and other professional writing organizations to dialogue with other published and unpublished writers.
5. Meet regularly with a local circle of like-minded writer friends for encouragement.
6. Attend the best writer conferences your budget allows—at least one conference a year.
7. Learn to edit yourself brutally.
8. Develop Teflon-coated skin when the rejections start to pile up.
9. Related to #8, persist, mature and endure.
10. It’s worth repeating again— Be a person God can use to glorify His name and that others will enjoy working with.
Habit #1 would seem self-evident to a Christian writer. But caught up in deadlines, submissions, or whatever—it’s all too easy to neglect the heart preparation that it takes to become all God desires for you to be. You can only write as good a story as the story you are living. He is much more interested in who you are in Him versus any book you could ever write.
Make it your goal to become a vessel of honor that God can use to pour out His vision and His heart for a world that desperately needs to hear the good news about Him.
Attitude and self-discipline are essential qualities for every highly effective writer. Put your money and time where your mouth is and work hard at your craft. Have a servant’s heart. It’s not all about you. Have a generous spirit that helps other writers along their writing journey, too. Writing is a collaborative partnership—you, God and others.
No matter where you are on the writing journey—unpubbed, debut or multi-published/award-winning—I find that periodically I need to check my attitude and my motivations so that my writing will indeed be about Him and not me.
Be willing to give back to God your dreams and expectations. Make your one desire Him—not publication, bestseller lists, etc. Try not to tell God what to do, how to do it and when. Remember—there is a God and you are not Him. As Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, once said, “He is to be preeminent in all things.”
Is He above all things in your life? Who sits on the throne in your life? Who calls the shots? Or has the dream taken precedence over the ultimate Dreamweaver?
After making a lifestyle of the ten habits of highly effective Christian writers listed above, lay those dreams within the palm of His Hand.
There is no safer place for them to be.
Are there other habits of highly effective Christian writers that you would add to the list? What has been your experience?
Today’s Giveaway—Indicate in the comment section if you’d like to be entered in the giveaway for one of the 2 copies of The Deputy’s Perfect Match. Winners announced in the Seekerville Weekend Edition.
The Deputy’s Perfect Match
His Librarian Sweetheart
Still nursing old heartache, deputy sheriff Charlie Pruitt vowed he'd never get close to another woman again. But that's easier said than done when librarian Evy Shaw arrives in his small coastal Virginia town with a secret—one Charlie's determined to uncover. When Charlie joins Evy's all-female book club, he gets more than he anticipated when the romantic reads stoke a real attraction to Evy. Falling for the pretty librarian wasn't part of the plan, but when the truth behind Evy's suspicious behavior comes to light, will love be enough to bind them together?
Welcome back to Seekerville, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, and I especially fond of the Teflon.
I would add, PRETZEL. Be flexible. Be willing to be a pretzel.
I brought hot coffee and tea, and ...wait for it...cinnamon danish!
I'm super excited about your new release especially because the heroine has glasses.
Safe in the Fireman's Arms had glasses and I consider your release and mine a strike for glasses wearing beautiful women everywhere. May the lens be with us!!
The heroine wears glasses AND converse!
DeleteFlexible is so true. I, too, had to fight for the heroine of The Deputy's Perfect Match to have glasses. Beautiful Glasses-Wearing Women of the World Unite! :)
DeleteLaughing!!!!!
DeletePretzel--love it, Tina!
DeleteAnd I love your heroines with glasses!
And my second Wishing Bridge story has a heroine with glasses... Theadora Anastas, smart, Greek and takes no prisoners... She figures if they re-cast Jane Eyre anytime soon, she'd be perfect for the part.
DeleteWe girls with glasses have to stick together!
Another shout out for girls with glasses! :)
DeleteI love the Teflon bit as well!
LOL, Tina, that is a hoot! Especially since glasses seem to be all the rage for smart and beautiful girls, at least on TV these days!
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Cinnamon danish...okay I'm all in for that Tina! I may have to eat one now and stash one for in the morning, if I can resist it's alluring aroma & gooey goodness that calls my name, what a temptress, lol!! (The danish NOT you, that is!)
ReplyDeleteLisa, what a comprehensive list you have compiled! I'm a reader and boy can I relate as such. Instead of saying "writer" I can say "Christian" or...how can I be the best Christ follower possible? By living it, breathing it, practicing it, getting to know the How-fors in His word (a great instruction book), sticking it out in tough times (with God's help of course), keeping in prayers, etc! As for #5 (Meet regularly), I can apply that to being in church when the doors are open so I can hear the Word and be among like-minded people, "As iron sharpens iron" sort of thing. I can learn things from my fellow church family, be encouraged or an encourager, lift each other up and all that good stuff! I know this is geared towards writers, but I see so many areas of my own life I can apply this to. What an encouraging post for this reader today :-) I love this: "Writing is a collaborative partnership—you, God and others.", I can substitute "Walking Christ-like". No man (or woman) is an island ;-) We need each other!
I'd love for you to add my name to the dish, hat, bowl, etc for a chance to win a copy of your book. I have to agree with Tina on the heroine with the glasses! I wear them and I've just seen too many "perfect" couples on the covers of books....Glasses wearing normal people unite! HAHA!
You are so right, Trixi. These are habits of life as Christians we should all practice. Thanks for joining the conversation.
DeleteHi Lisa, thank you for this great post. I especially like #8 & #9 and then I love your statement, After making a lifestyle of the ten habits of highly effective Christian writers listed above, lay those dreams within the palm of His Hand.
ReplyDeletePlease toss my name in for your giveaway. Thank you for the chance to win.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
Thanks for stopping by, Cindy. Happy Monday. :)
DeleteIt's great to see you, Lisa. These are all great habits to develop. I try to stay focused on "Be surrendered to His will for His timing and His way." Writing is such a waiting game so keeping in mind that His timing isn't always in the same time zone as ours is important. Please toss in my name. Thanks for visiting today.
ReplyDeletePatience aka waiting is so hard. As is trust when a contract doesn't fall your way, etc . . . Yet as in life and faith, be yielded is of fundamental importance. Thanks for joining in.
DeleteI so agree, Jill! That's been tough for me.
DeleteYour post is full of wisdom, Lisa. Thank you. I was trying to pick out my favorite but they're all such great points. You wrote, "He is much more interested in who you are in Him versus any book you could ever write." Oh, absolutely! Taking it a step further, when I get stuck about what God's will is in my life, especially with respect to writing, I remember His will is that I transform to be more like Jesus. Exactly which story I write next, or which agent I query, and all the details will work themselves out. He'll sift them for me. And, above all, I believe, he blesses hard work, humility and tenacity. So, as TINA always says, "Never give up, never surrender!"
ReplyDeleteAnd sometimes the sifting—which is oh, so hard—is His blessing and best in me, to me, and for me. I love that statement by Tina. She and Winston are so right. :)
DeleteChurchill and Radcliffe, both very wise. ; )
Delete"No" is so hard to hear but I remind myself that it may be a greater blessing than a "yes."
I'm sitting here in tears. This advice honestly couldn't have come at a better time. Four years ago I submitted a story to Love Inspired and after three years and three requested revisions, it was ultimately rejected last year. I was devastated. I took that as a sign that I wasn't supposed to write inspirational romance, and I put it on the back-burner for a very long time. Of course, God has His own special way of gently nudging, and He wouldn't let me put my dream to rest. It stayed on my mind constantly. So, now I'm in the process of trying again, and I just recently started working on a new inspirational romance series. It's like I've been filled with a renewed since of purpose and hope. Thank you SO much for your advice, Lisa. Please add my name to the giveaway. I love your books! Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing, Stephanie. Something similar happened to me years ago in regards to writing children's books. But looking back I see now that I wasn't ready for the writing that God had for me to do. The story I was living wasn't yet where He wanted me to be—I wasn't ready (nor able yet) to tell the story He had for me to tell. God's blessings on you as you carry on with this great adventure God has for you. :)
DeleteThank you so much, Lisa!
DeleteStephanie, I think most of us can relate to this... and we just keep writing. Nora Roberts once said (and I'm paraphrasing here...) "The most successful authors aren't necessarily the most talented... they're the ones who did not quit."
DeleteThere is sage wisdom in that statement.
I had a dozen books rejected by Love Inspired over the years.... until Winter's End was contracted. Seven years later we're releasing book #20 this NOVEMBER... and I'm thrilled. And two re-releases, too... so don't give up. Stay in the game, no matter the odds. And keep writing!
Book #20 in 7 years?! Wow. Your story is really encouraging, Ruthy. "Nothing can take the place of persistence." Calvin Coolidge said those words and it's so true. Talent, genius and education aren't as powerful as determination.
DeleteDon't give up, Stephanie.
DeleteRuth, Josee, and Sandy - Thank you so much for the encouragement. You ladies are awesome. *HUGS*
DeleteStephanie, one thing to remember is that NO is to that project. Not to you! I have pulled a project that I got requested revisions on because I knew I wasn't in a place where my skill set could do what was asked of me. No shame in that. Today, yes, I could do what they requested. Seven years ago. Nope. And better to admit it and start on a new project.
DeleteJosee, I am over the moon.... this is my dream and I'm getting to live it. I can't say enough about sticking to things, hanging in there, and that daily writing.... and those are just the Love Inspired stories, I had such a nice backlog of finished books when I got the call that it was like a bank account... now it took a while to polish and "withdraw" from that account, but I'm nothing if not patient... and determined!
DeleteStay in there. A little each day sure does add up over time!
TINA, that's such an important distinction you made. No to the project, not the person.
DeleteSatan loves to confuse the two. Pride's tricky because whether you think too much or too little of yourself, the point is, you're still thinking about yourself.
Ruthy, stories like yours and the other seekers are SO encouraging! I'm going to keep writing and plan on having a nice fat "bank account!"
DeleteJosee, it was NYT bestselling author Madelyn Hunter who told me to do that years ago. She looked me in the eye and said "You've got what it takes, you're on the right track, and someday, some editor is going to recognize it and they're going to grab a story and then they'll say... "Ruth. What else have you got for us?"
DeleteAnd you'll be ready.
And Josee, it took a few more years, but that is exactly how it happened. :)
We hang in. We write!
Lisa, I loved your article! It sparked something in me. I had wonderful writing dreams before a worsening chronic pain condition (fibromyalgia) made them seem impossible. Before it became severe, I finished NaNoWriMo five times (2004-2009). I feel that my dreams must be hanging on by a thread because even after all these years, they just don't go away, even though the majority of the time, I feel discouraged and hopeless that I will ever accomplish any writing again. But now and then, when I read articles like this, I feel like just maybe I can do it! Thank you for some much-needed encouragement! Please enter me in your contest. Your story sounds great! ~Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing your struggles with us today. I am reminded of something choreographer George Ballanchine said once. He didn't want dancers who could dance; he wanted dancers who HAD to dance. God has given you this gift and this desire that will not go away. The end product (book, blog, article, speaking opportunity) may not be as you first envisioned. But obedience is the true measure of success as you abide in Him. That kind of fruit remains. Blessings to you.
DeleteThe ASL in my posting name was another thing I was pursuing years ago that fibromyalgia took from me. After successfully taking two college courses in it, I had too much pain in my arms and hands to continue or even to practice. Does anyone know how I can change my posting name? Thanks in advance!
DeleteThank you very much, Lisa!
DeleteYou should be able to change your posting name by clicking on your name in the post. That will bring up your profile. Then click on the tab that says Edit Profile and you should be able to make any changes you want. Hope this helps!
DeleteLisa, I love this post. God knows what we need to hear when we need to hear it, and sometimes even before we know we need to hear it. A piece of the message last night at church was directed right at me, but of course the speaker didn't know that. After he said what he did, I realized that was for and I didn't even know I needed to hear that! That's what this post today has done for me as well. Thank you! 2. Glue your butt in the writing chair and write every day.- I need this in huge colorful letters on a posterboard.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Sally, about item 2. I'd rather be watching Netflix. :)
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on The Deputy's Perfect Match! Thanks for the reminder of why we're writing. You're a great encourager!
Thanks for stopping by, Jackie.
DeleteI think you about covered everything on your list. I especially like how you said writing is a partnership between God and yourself. You can really see that when you get that subplot or motif out of the blue, and you look back at your story and see all these isolated scenes and behaviors that suddenly make sense and click together with the new arrival. It's just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAs is your new book. I love the cover, and the story sounds so sweet and amusing!
Thanks so much, Boo. Happy writing. :)
DeleteLisa reading this:
ReplyDeleteHere are some tips to live and write by:
1. Be a person God can use to glorify His name.
•Be humble
•Be teachable
•Be in the Word and get to know Him
•Be about prayer
•Be surrendered to His will for His timing and His way
You say to 'live and write' by...so true. As I read this I kept thinking this is for ALL of life, not just writing.
I do think we can learn so much by reading other great writers.
ReplyDeleteOf course, that suits me since I am a book-reading NUT!
I think you're right, Mary. We need to make sure we don't neglect to fill the creative well—with the Author of life and books. We were readers before we were writers.
DeleteWe've seen so many Villagers sail from Unpubbed Island because of these things. They were humble and teachable and all about bowing to God's timing and instruction.
DeleteThere is great wisdom in these words! I'm reading about Elon Musk now... and read Immaculee Ilibagiza's "Left to Tell" about the Rwandan genocide.... I tend to read out of genre and non-fiction. It feeds my story hunter within.....
DeleteSo many good books, so little time.
Because in the end, I'd rather write them than read them!!!! Now that I can!!!! BIG SMILE!!!
Lisa, it's wonderful to have you and your wisdom in Seekerville! Your post ministered to me today. I especially was struck by: You can only write as good a story as the story you are living. I've learned to put time with God first.
ReplyDeleteI love your cover and the blurb! How fun that the hero joins the heroine librarian's an all-female book club and they're reading romance. LOL
Janet
God wants to write His story through our story (ies). I had a lot of fun writing the tough deputy sheriff navigating the all female "hen party" book club. :)
DeleteLisa, writing for God is a privilege!
DeleteThe story sounds like so much fun. I'm making a trip to Walmart to get your book.
Janet
What a lovely post, Lisa. Thank you for encouraging us, and reminding us about what this writing journey is really all about.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words. Journey on!
DeleteThank you for this great post. I love your books. Please enter me in the drawing. We do sometimes need to be reminded and encouraged to keep on in this writing journey God has called us to.
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I'm thankful for the fellowship we have here in Seekerville.
DeleteGood morning Lisa and welcome to Seekerville. Thanks for a lovely reminder that in spite of the fact we are "called" to write, we still need to follow all the steps to learn craft, skill and a large dose of determination to write well. Have fun today and thanks again for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Great to be here and catch up with everyone.
DeleteYou got it, Sandra. Craft and God. Hand in hand.
DeleteGood morning Lisa and Seekers!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I love it. What a great reminder that we need to keep God first. I can't even tell you how many desperate prayers have gone up saying that exact thing. Lord, I need you because without Your inspiration, this is worthless.
I especially love this quote:You can only write as good a story as the story you are living. He is much more interested in who you are in Him versus any book you could ever write.
I love that so much I'm making a wallpaper out of it for my phone.
That is the lesson God has been teaching me and continues to show me in my writing journey. Mainly it has been a journey of discovery my utter dependence on Him. As Colossians 1 says—He must be preeminent over all things, especially the writing. Thanks for joining the conversation. :)
DeleteThanks for the inspiring post, Lisa. I need to keep all these points in mind.
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in the drawing. The book sounds great.
Thanks for stopping by. Happy Monday. :)
DeleteHi Lisa
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this post with very wise advice. I especially like your comment about God being more interested in who you are in Him rather than any book you could write. My husband does business workouts mostly for believers. Usually they believe that surely God will bless their business because it's such a great thing for His kingdom. And sometimes He does. But somewhere along the line Rick has to tell the business owner that God is interested in saving people not businesses. It can be hard to remember when we have so much passion for what we do.
I'd love to be in the drawing for your book.
Thanks, Barbara. Hope your day is filled with His purpose. It's pouring rain where I live and will be all day, which makes it a wonderful day to curl up with a book or tackle that proposal I have to compose. I need to follow my own advice and get to work. :)
DeleteBarb, that's powerful advice!!
DeleteWelcome back, Lisa!
ReplyDeletePersist, mature and endure. Absolutely! I wrote and submitted book manuscripts and collected tons of rejections for 25 years before my first book contract in 2008. I persisted, even through great discouragement, and each rejection and "almost" was definitely a learning experience. With almost 20 books in print now, I continually remind myself what I'd have missed out on if I'd given up.
I think persistence and perseverance are key to more than just the writing life. I'm sure your loyal band of readers are so glad you persisted, too.
DeleteLisa, I love that you listed mature. I don't think I've read that being needed for writing. But it's so true. The publishing world is like a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. It's easy to get discouraged and criticize. Maybe even get angry.
ReplyDelete(I realize you may've used mature as in grow, but I'll twist it as needed. LOL )
I think you're right, Connie. It's and/or/both. Thanks for dropping in. :)
DeleteHi, Lisa! Thank you for sharing these good habits. I always have room for improvement in these areas. Congrats on your new release! I believe I remember your mentioning this story at the ACFW conference least year. A book club romance with lots of secrets sounds like my cup of tea. :) Would loved to be entered for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteSo great to touch base with you, Natalie. Much blessings on your writing. Hope our paths will cross at conference this year, too.
DeleteWell done, Lisa. And just what I needed today.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd like to be entered in the giveaway for one of the 2 copies of The Deputy’s Perfect Match.
May God bless you and all of Seekerville!
Glad this was an encouragement to you. Thanks for dropping in.
DeleteAwesome list, Lisa. And since I'm not very effective and seem to have a few bad habits, I cannot think of anything else to add to your wonderful list.
ReplyDeleteYou can only write as good a story as the story you are living. wowzer. that's my big take-away for today. thank you, thank you, thank you.
I also plan to place my dreams in the Lord's hands as well - just as soon as I clarify them in my mind. I realized reading today's post that my dream has gotten a little fuzzy/hazy?
I LOVE your books, so please put my name in the draw.
Thanks again for this wonderful post. A keeper!
Deb, sometimes our story is that little boy, clinging to our hand.... and sometimes that story is dealing with the aftermath of 9/11 or a flood or hospicing a loved one....
DeleteYour story doesn't have to be huge.... to be told.
Sometimes the simplest stories are the most resounding.
Thanks so much, Deb, for your kind words. You made my day. Best wishes for your writing offerings to the Lord. :)
DeleteI love what you said, Ruth. And a beauty to be savored in the simplicity of obedience. :)
DeleteLisa, you put that beautifully... the simplicity of obedience.... Thank you for the perfect reminder!
DeleteSorry for being MIA. 100 degrees here yesterday. I had to hit the yard work early. EARRRRLY!
ReplyDeleteIt's pouring rain here. Maybe the out of season tropical storm? Thanks for hosting me today.
DeleteYou guys seem to get as much rain as Seattle!!
Delete100 degrees? In April?! I could NOT handle that kind of heat.
DeleteOregon coast has had almost non-stop rain!! I want Spring...we're drenched here, sheesh!!
DeleteTina, I hope you'll at least be enjoying the fruit of your labors (literally)!
DeleteThanks for sharing these good habits that I need to remember to keep. This was a very interesting and inspirational post.
ReplyDeleteYour book looks really interesting. I would love to be entered for it.
It was a good reminder for me as well, Nicki. Happy Monday.
DeleteLisa...lovely post. And such a great reminder. I would love to be entered into the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHey Dana! Thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteLisa, welcome! I just LOVE your LI cover!!
ReplyDeleteI also loved your post. Best quote of the day: "Remember—there is a God and you are not Him."
Amen to that! Thanks so much for sharing with us today and inspiring me.
It is always fun to hang out with the Seeker ladies. Hope our paths cross this year at a conference.
DeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing you in Seekerville! Thanks for sharing your delightful post with us today.
I always take my writing to prayer, asking the Lord to place the story He wants on my heart. I also ask that it will be written in such a way that it touches the one reader He wants the story to impact.
Wishing you continued success and much love!
Also, I reassess on a yearly basis where I am and ask if I'm walking the path He wants me to walk. I like to ensure that he doesn't have another project in mind for me. So far, he has continued to affirm my desire to write, but I'm open to anything else he might want for me to do in the future.
Not sure how my "wishing" line ended up in the middle of the comment, instead of at the end. :)
DeleteSuch great wisdom. I keep the writer's prayer on my desk as an inspiration and guide. Thanks for all you do to encourage fellow writers. :)
DeleteI just noticed the Converse sneakers on your heroine!! LOVE THAT!!!!
ReplyDeleteShe—Evy Shaw rocks the Converse sneakers. :)
DeleteLisa, thank you for these great ten points about writing. I think when a writer is ready to show her work to others, get feedback and learn from it, that's a big step. I spent Saturday at a writer's workshop and I learn something from every conference or workshop I attend. Thank you for these tips.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Tanya. I love learning and going to workshops/conferences. It is so important to grow in your craft.
DeleteWow, such a powerful post. I loved all of it, but I want to print this out and keep it by my computer: "Put your money and time where your mouth is and work hard at your craft. Have a servant’s heart. It’s not all about you. Have a generous spirit that helps other writers along their writing journey, too. Writing is a collaborative partnership—you, God and others." Thank you for the tips, advice and reminders. Congratulations on your new book - love the cover!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Laura. Thanks for joining the conversation. Happy writing.
DeleteLaura, wasn't that just perfect?????
DeleteIt has been so wonderful to be back in the Seekerville community. May your life—and words—tell beautiful and powerful stories for His glory.
ReplyDeleteWonderful list to keep us on track. #2 is job #1. Welcome to back to Seekervile! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam. :)
DeleteLove your post. Please throw my name in the drawing. We had a busy day at school with a visiting author. She talked about sticking with her story, improving it and persevering through many rejections.
ReplyDeleteAt school as a student or teacher, I loved when authors came.
DeleteLISA!!!
ReplyDeletePlease forgive me tardiness, but I am having a blast spending time with my grandkiddos right now, whom I only see two or three times a year since they live so far away. Consequently, I don't get on the computer as much as I'd like, so I apologize.
Wonderful post, my friend, and SUCH an important message as well!
You asked: "Is He above all things in your life? Who sits on the throne in your life? Who calls the shots? Or has the dream taken precedence over the ultimate Dreamweaver?"
Oh my goodness, EXCELLENT questions, ALL, my friend, and ones I had to ask myself when I took a sabbatical two years ago to focus more on God, family, and writing for the sheer joy of writing. God was definitely on the throne of my life, but what I realized before the sabbatical was that too many things hovered at the foot of the throne. So the sabbatical really helped me to pulll back from writing/contracts/proposals for a season to refocus on the very questions you asked. It was the best decision I have ever made in my writing because it opened my eyes to the truth of your following statement:
"Be willing to give back to God your dreams and expectations. Make your one desire Him—not publication, bestseller lists, etc. Try not to tell God what to do, how to do it and when. "
I am forever grateful to God for opening my eyes to this profound truth and literally saving me from myself.
Hugs,
Julie
Great list, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteI'm an awful plotter! The second I read today's blog post title I knew I needed to stop and read it.
ReplyDeleteMy question may be overly simple or perhaps stupid, but I'll think I have a plot and then things fall apart. How do I know when my plot will sustain an entire book?
And I'd Love to have the phone consultation, but all the prizes sound great. Enter me for EVERYTHING!
DeleteSo much wonderful advice for writing and for living! Thank you and yes, I would like to be entered in the giveaway for one of the 2 copies of The Deputy’s Perfect Match.
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com