Tips for Writers to Keep Your Online Presence Safe and Accurate

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I’ve been in the writing industry for a while (about a quarter century *gulp*). And two small habits I developed early on have been absolutely invaluable to my career. These two things have kept me from missing opportunities, provided valuable contacts, and enabled me to head off some cloning and hacking situations. 

What are they?

The Characters We Write Must Have Traits, Habits, and Flaws

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I'm a people watcher. I'm sure most of you who are writers do the same. I pick up numerous character traits that way. I even read a cartoon the other day containing a terrific character trait, and I knew it would be perfect for one of my characters in my WIP. 

I keep a list of those I like—both good, bad, funny, and unusual traits. I've gathered these from people I know, things I've seen people do when I'm out and about. I've listed some but I have compiled an exhaustive list for me to choose my characters' traits. Here are a few of those.

Struggles of a Writer

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

I’m not sure where your mind is in regard to your writing at this point in the year, but I know many writers around me are struggling with the good enoughs. I know, that’s not a real word—but it sure is a real issue. I’ve heard too many times lately—I’m not good enough, I don’t know if I should be writing or who do I think I am calling myself a writer? I’m not excluding myself from this problem, either. Those words have flashed through my mind on occasion. 

Tips to Help a Writer Refill & Refresh Your Creative Spirit

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We all have times when life spirals out of control. Maybe it’s too many writing deadlines, a family crisis or holiday madness. Whatever it is, it can drain us dry. I’ve learned that these dry times come when I don’t the luxury of taking a couple of weeks off to rest and recover. I’ve had to figure out how to keep going and recover while I'm doing it.

The Benefits of Working with a Writing Coach

by Crystal Bowman

Back in the day—like thirty years ago—I met with a children’s editor who was interested in my idea for a beginning reader series. He liked the first two stories I had submitted and said they had potential. Then he passed me off to his assistant who worked with me for several months to make the stories worthy of bringing to the publishing board. My rewritten stories finally went before the “powers that be” who liked them enough to offer a contract for a four-book series. The books were published years later, and another four-book contract followed. 

10 Steps to Building Your Author Platform for Greater Impact

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

In today's world, brimming with people seeking hope and direction, your words hold immense power. They can comfort, inspire, and transform lives. But even the most heartfelt and divinely inspired messages require a platform to effectively reach those who need to hear it. 

First, don’t get overwhelmed. You can’t complete all these tasks at once. It takes time. Writing is a journey. So create a marketing plan and plot what you plan to accomplish.

Lessons Learned after 15 Years of Blogging

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Can you believe it? Writer's Digest Magazine just announced their 26th Annual 101 Best Websites for Writers List. Thanks to all of you, we made the list again! The Write Conversation has been on the list since 2017. I'm humbled and excited by the inclusion.

It's hard to believe this blog began just over 15 years ago.