November 2016 New Releases The latest news from the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) on books coming out in November from Christian authors. More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website. Biblical: Slender Reeds: Jochebed’s Hope by Texie Susan Gregory — In a deadly race to save her […]
Four tips for using hashtags for writers
Authors, in your social media efforts, it would be a great idea to incorporate relevant hashtags. Not too many, of course–that confuses your reader. Just one or two, carefully chosen. So, what is a hashtag? It’s a search keyword preceded by a pound sign. Not just any word or bunch of words shoved together. Words […]
The basis of a strong plot
Writers, does your main character have an overriding goal for the middle section of your book? One that makes him or her reach outside his comfort zone, again and again? In a sense, could you call him a hero on a journey? Or is your main character dodging something, reacting to the actions of others, […]
Author Happiness
What does “happiness” mean for you as an author? Getting an agent? Finding a publisher? Or do you prefer to shoot for the moon and won’t be happy until you reach the best-seller list? Take a few minutes to think about it? What would it truly take to satisfy you as an author? Now that […]
Five ways to compel the reader into your book
Writers, let’s say you’ve got a great plot, characters that learn and change, and so much more. But the book isn’t attracting fans. What could be wrong? Perhaps you need to take a good look at the bonding moment between reader and main character in the first few paragraphs of your book. Is there something […]
Biblical Advice for How to Accept a Critique
King David gives some excellent advice in the following verse about accepting constructive criticism: Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. Ps. 141:5a (NLT) If you’ve ever learned from a tough critique, the advice in this verse probably sounds familiar. […]
Four ways to use snippets in marketing your book
Writers, I am sure you have noticed that the social media interaction on the Internet is getting briefer and briefer. In fact, to get attention on Facebook, the best thing often seems to be putting a short line or two on an image. In our social media marketing, we need to go with the flow. […]
Do authors need author websites?
What’s an author website for? Do you really need one? Do you need one if you aren’t published yet? Here’s what an author website is for: engaging potential readers. Yes, you really need an author website, and you need it as soon as you can do it–that is, as soon as you can identify who […]
Facebook falls behind?
Many writers have been focusing marketing efforts on Facebook. That’s fine for reaching some people, especially other writers. But who is missing? Many smartphone users, especially younger ones, are staying away from Facebook, where they may have gotten burned. They’ve learned that it’s a permanent record, maybe not a great place to share their whereabouts […]
Is blogging necessary for authors?
Some writers just aren’t cut out for regular blogging. In fact they can’t think of something they’d less rather do. Publishers seem to want it though. What to do? Author and writing educator Susan May Warren has a thought: don’t blog. Instead, have a website with a newsletter signup on the first page. And use […]