We are experiencing what might be called by some, interesting times. Others might call it downright scary or at least unsettling. I’m reminded of a favorite Bible passage: Philippians 4:6-7. The answer to anxiety is found right there!
…Do not
writers
Are You a Patron of the Arts?
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Over the centuries, a “patron of the arts” referred to (usually) the very wealthy and/or influential who commissioned artists, supported young or budding artists until they could support themselves, advocated for art of all kinds, and served …
Poets Know It: Writing Tips from Poetry’s Lips
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Roses are red.
Violets are blue.
Or violet.
Whatever.
Note the violet color of these violets.
Whether you ingest poetry through song lyrics or fairytales or children’s books or the Psalms or poetry readings in …
Top Ten Things Good Books Are Missing
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
What are the Top Ten things that make a great book?
- Great cover
- Great title
- Intriguing beginning
- Fascinating characters
- A believable but interesting plot
- Surprising heroes
- Well-timed plot twists
- Meaningful takeaway value for the reader
- Written
Beefing Up Your Author Bio
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Writers are often asked for a bio–usually 30-50 words. Sometimes 100. A strong, compelling bio says a lot about an author.
How can we make sure we’re truly beefing up our author bios without making them muscle-bound?…
Acting and Writing
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Acting is a unique artform, but it’s also a vital skill for writers.
Accomplished actors become the characters they’re tasked to portray. They “crawl into the skin” of the hero, heroine, villain. Actors often talk about enjoying …
Fun with Words
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Words can be fun.
Overheard in many a Panera/Starbucks/home office:
“What are you doing over there?”
“Having fun with words. I’m a writer.”
Serious writers are often…well…serious.
Intense research. Deadlines. Reading books on the craft of writing. …
Instinct, Insight, Imagination–Authors’ and Agents’ Tools for Success
Instinct, Insight, Imagination
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Instinct. Insight. Imagination. Agents and authors share the need for all three.
Writers utilize instinct, insight, and imagination to create books, blog posts, back cover copy, marketing materials, and career plans.
And agents tap …
Instinct, Insight, Imagination–Authors’ and Agents’ Tools for SuccessRead More
I’ve Looked at Agent Life from Both Sides Now
Blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Ten years ago, I thought I knew what an agent did with his or her time.
As an aspiring writer, I sat through every agent panel at conferences and soaked up their wisdom (most of it …
Writers Conferences and Networking
Blogger: Michelle Ule
Filling in for Rachel, Janet and Wendy over the next three days as they attend, and I write about, the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference.