20 Tips/Editors/Ditch Restrictions/Encouragement/Bad Houseplant

1. For those of you who write non-fiction, Julie Lavender posts at The Write Conversation about 20 Newspaper Writing Tips for 2020.

2.  Jane Friedman gives a comprehensive guide to finding and working with an editor. I hired after checking her out as best I could. We agreed to do a test run to see if we were a good match. I'm happy to say her help was invaluable. While the book has not yet been placed with a publisher, I'm confident that it's in great shape. (In case you're wondering who I hired - Deirdre Lockhart, of Brilliant Cut Editing.)

3.  WND reports on an important lesson learned during this pandemic. It's time to ditch restrictions on health care providers. I never knew about this problem until recently. It's quite an eye-opener.

4.  Nikki Koziarz posts at Encouragement for Today about fighting fear. Considering the prevalence of this in recent months, it's a timely subject.

5.  Over the years, I've grown a variety of houseplants. One of them was the Majesty Palm. It's stunning foliage attracted my attention, but I had no idea how finicky it was about light, temperature and watering requirements. Plant Care Today talks about this palm and gives tips on care. They warn anyone buying one that they're in for a challenge.

Writers:  Do you write non-fiction or fiction? What kind of craft articles would you like to see on here?

Readers:  Which articles I link to are your favorites? Current events, encouragment/devotional or fun stuff?

Photo Credit: Kay Pat

Pattern Recognition/Deep POV/California Pastors/Encouragement/Crocheting

1.  Has your novel been rejected multiple times? Writer Unboxed shares the secret to more efficient revision: pattern recognition. This is an excellent article for both the newbie and more experienced writer.

2.  Lisa Hall-Wilson talks about how to fix the problem when distance creeps into deep POV. In case you don't know what deep POV is, she also starts off with an excellent definition.

3. Faithwire reports on California pastors determined to open their doors on May 31st. They are not asking for permission.

4.  Alicia Bruxvoort posts at Encouragement for Today: "I Love the Way You're Loving Me!"

5.  Many folks have picked up new hobbies during the lockdown. Crocheting is a fun and rewarding activity. I discovered this board of Pinterest with lots of free and easy patterns.

Writers:  Do you actively study the writing craft? What kind of activities do you engage in to improve your writing?

Readers:  Have you picked up any new hobbies over the past month or two? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Bartek Ambrozek

Stay at Home/Debut Author/Re-opening the Economy/Devo/Masks

1.  How are you coping with the "Stay at Home" order? Tammy Karasek posts at The Write Conversation about how to make the most of the time.

2. Barbara Linn Probst posts at Writers in the Storm. She asks the questions, "What makes someone give a debut author a chance?"

3.  I thought it was important for everyone to be aware of the plan to re-open our economy. Breaking Christian News gives a detailed summary of the President's speech.

4.  Martin Wiles posts at The Write Conversation about , "No Body."

5.  I subscribe to the blog, Amish America. They had an interesting story about both Amish and English people producing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I think you'll enjoy this article.

Question for Authors/Writers:  Were you surprised by what makes someone pick up and buy a debut author's book? Please share your thoughts.

Question for Readers:  What influences you to pick up a debut author's book?

Photo Credit:  Jamie Brelsford

White Space/One Book/Statistics/Devo/Choir

1.  As writers, we think in terms of words. However, did you ever think about white space? This is the canvas upon which your words sit. White space gives readers an opportunity to catch their breath and to focus on the story. Ellen Buikema posts at Writers in the Storm and gives tips on how to keep your readers from experiencing sensory overload.

2.  Writers, are you frustrated because the book of your heart has been rejected a gazillion times? Shannon Taylor Vannatter, at Seriously Write, shares a story about how to move forward.

3.  While the media would have us believe that we're just keeping out innocent women and children, the truth is many dangerous criminals are trying or have succeeded in entering our borders. WND reports on the statistics of those arrested by ICE.

4.  Edie Melson, from The Write Conversation, posts on "Let Go of the Steering Wheel." Having made several drastic moves at the Lord's leading, this resonated with me.

5.  The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sings, "What a Beautiful Name." https://youtu.be/6Yc3exCsHCw

Writers:  How many books have you written? If you're published, how many did you write prior to being published? Please share your experience.

Readers:  Edie Melson's devotional hit home for me. Have you ever experienced following the Lord's leading into the great unknown? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Jenny Rollo

Crazy Life?/Storytelling/Corona Survivors/Devo/Colorful Succulents

1.  Beth K. Vogt posts at The Write Conversation. I don't know about you, but life's been crazy for years. Are we going to let it stop us from writing?

2.  Yvonne Ortega posts at The Write Conversation about Storytelling for Authors, Part I. She's a successful speaker and shares the things that will take you from dull and boring to having the audience on the edge of their seats.

3.  The Corona Virus has been big news for quite awhile now. Faithwire shares the experiences of several people who were diagnosed with it and recovered. Check it out and be encouraged.

4. Jennie Allen posts at Faith Gateway on the subject, "Are you under attack - God is with you." Don't miss this excellent blog.

5.  Have you seen colorful succulents? They're stunning, but how do you achieve those dreamy hues? Kat, at The Succulent Eclectic, gives us tips on how to make it happen.

Writers:  How do you push past the craziness of life and keep writing?

Readers:  Which link did you find most valuable/encouraging? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Channah

Making the Leap/Revisions/China/Devo/Succulents

1.  John Peregine posts at the Writers in The Storm blog about the leap from non-fiction to fiction. Having made that particular jump myself 15 years ago, I was interested to see what he had to say. While my reasons for the switch were different, his journey resonated with me.

2.  Kris Spisak posts at Jane Friedman's blog on looking for problem areas when revising your novel. One tantalizing tidbit: Don't let your characters only react to what's happening to them, but let them be actively engaged by making their own choices (my words).

3.  While it deals with the coronovirus epidemic, China's government is cracking down on poems Christians write to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Read about it here.

4.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, talks about learning to thrive in the midst of chaos. Right now, that's a prime lesson for me.

5.  I'm fairly new to planting/tending succulents, but I'm loving it. With spring here, my craving to dig in the dirt is growing by the minute. This year, I want to try planting some outdoors, as well as indoors. Propagating plants is also attractive and saves money.

Kat, at The Succulent Eclectic, shares her favorite succulent tools. Since most of my gardening implements are the larger variety, I'm going to get these mini versions. Can't wait!

Writers:  Non-fiction writers have you ever considered writing a novel? Please share.

Readers:  What is your reading preference: fiction or non-fiction? Why?

Photo Credit: Jeff Hallam

Expressing Grief/2 Mistakes/Cash/Devo/Spring Garden Tips

1.  There are times when we experience great loss. The need to express ourselves in written form can become a torrent of words. Audrey Frank, at The Write Conversation, shares her experience with writing from this hard place. She has some good insights on how to make sure those words are helpful and not harsh.

2.  We haven't had many links recently on marketing. I found this article by Jane Friedman, at Publisher's Weekly. on two mistakes to avoid if you want support for your book.

3.  WND reports on a woman's cash being confiscated for no reason. There was no crime, no allegations, nothing. However, they deemed the fact she was traveling with a large amount of money "suspicious." The family is suing for the return of the money. There have been other instances of the TSA and DEA confiscating innocent people's money.

4.  Rhonda Rhea posts a devotional at The Write Conversation entitled, "Now That's Alarming." I enjoy her humorous take on things and how she leads into a more serious truth.

5.  Spring and visions of flowers dance toward our doorstep. I can see them approaching in the distance.  Here are 10 spring garden tips to prepare for those stunning blooms.

Writers:  Have you used writing to express your grief? What form did it take? Please share.

Readers:  What prompts you to help an author?

Photo Credit: Anders Engelbel

Early Attempts/Characters/Abortion/Devo/Instapot

1. Have you ever looked at earlier attempts at writing and decided to throw them in the trash or use them to start a cozy fire? Peggy Sue Wells posts at The Write Conversation and urges us to never throw away our writing.

2.  Lori Hatcher posts at The Write Conversation about, "Five Characters You Don't Want in Your Story."

3.  WND reports on the link between abortion and Satanism.  

4.  Lynn J. Simpson shares her thoughts on making God your all in all.

5.  Did you get an Instapot or other pressure cooker for Christmas? (I know that was a few months ago, but I think this post will help you. Mine sat in the box for months because I was intimidated.) One Good Thing By Jillee gives instructions complete with pictures.

Writers:  Have you kept your early writing attempts? Please share your thoughts.

Readers:  The writing links are not only for writers, but also for readers. What kind of tidbits have you picked up that you found interesting?

Photo Credit:  sanja gjenero

Book Blurbs/Do You Have What It Takes/Jesus Film/Testimony/Sleep Better

1. Although short, book cover blurbs are often more difficult to write than the manuscript. How do you condense a whole story into a few lines? Zoe M. McCarthy shares what she considers an easy way to write a book blurb.

2.  Susan DeFreitas posts at Jane Friedman's blog on, "How to Tell If You Have What It Takes to be a Writer."

3. Breaking Christian News reports on the Jesus film being translated into Sign Language. This will enable 70 million people to be reached with the Gospel.

4.  Pastor Tony Evans shares the glimpses his wife, Lois, had of heaven just before she passed away from cancer. I thought you might like this testimony. (Note: Tony and Lois are the parents of actress, Patricia Shirer. She starred in The War Room.)

5.  Plants make me smile. Here are some that actually help you sleep better. Check out this post at DIY For Daily.

Writers:  What writer tasks do you find most daunting and why?

Readers:  What general interest/reader topics would you like to see covered here?

Photo Credit:  Sergio Ianni

Theme/One Word/Land Grab/Breathe/January Gardening

1.  Erika Liodice, at Writer Unboxed, decided to try something different than the tired New Year Resolution route. She enlisted the help of fellow writers to come up with a plan of action. Her approach makes sense and doesn't put undue stress on an already burdensome to-do list.

2.  Tammy Karasek, at The Write Conversation, talks about her one word for the New Year. One word can focus your efforts.

3.  WND reports that the State of Indiana grabbed land owned by the Pavlock family for many years and did so without compensation. They are fighting this situation now in the courts.

4.  The word "breathe" seems to be popping up as I write today's post. Michael K.  Reynolds wrote a post with that word. Do you take time to "breathe?"

5.  The winter months are often a frustrating time for avid gardeners. Our Stoney Acres posts about the seedlings you can start in January.

Writers:  Do you ask the Lord or choose a word for each New Year?  Please share.

Readers:  What did you think of the Writer Unboxed article? Do you think this is something useful in your own life?

Photo Credit:  Jesper Noher

Time/Reality Check/Barna Study/Bible Reading Plan/Free Pattern

1.  Jael McHenry posts at Writer Unboxed. We've all heard we have to make time to write. She has an interesting take on this subject. Although Thanksgiving and Christmas are behind us, others will follow that place demands on our time. Good reading.

2.  Writing takes a lot of hard work. Cindy Sproles, at The Write Conversation, gives us encouragement as writers with a healthy dose of reality.

3.  Crosswalk.com reports on a Barna study of a Biblical worldview of pastors and leadership. It's not surprising that many Christian adults follow this pattern. I'm reminded of the Bereans in the Book of Acts. They received the word gladly but then studied for themselves. Hat tip to my friend, Jean Fischer, for alerting me to this article.

4.  Tim Suddeth posts at The Write Conversation on, "Is a Bible Reading Plan for You in 2020?" With the New Year upon us, it's something to consider.

5.   Rescued Paw Designs has a free ear warmer pattern for people who like to crochet. It's easy enough for beginners and fast enough for those of us in a time crunch. Note: You have to scroll down quite a bit to get to the free pattern. It's a fun project for a snowy, winter night.

Writers:  What were some of your mistaken ideas about the writing business?

Readers:  What are your thoughts on Bible Reading Plans?

Photo Credit:  Seigo Nohara

Never Give Up/Character Goals/Preacher Ejected/Devo/Herb Gardening Mistakes

1. Elva Cobb Martin posts at Seriously Write on the subject, "Never Give Up." After 26 rejections, she put her manuscript in the attic for 20 years. Check out how this story ends.

2.  Jim Dempsey, at Writer Unboxed, talks about character goals and what drives them. It all boils down to their values, and what's most important in their lives.

3.  WND reports on a lawsuit filed by a Portland, Oregon preacher, who was ejected from a city park for sharing a pro-life message.

4.  Tammy Karasek posts a devotional at The Write Conversation about Writers as Harvesters of Righteousness. The truths expressed can benefit both writers and readers. I hope you'll take a couple of minutes to read her words of wisdom.

5. I've grown herbs both indoors and outdoors. Like other gardeners, I've had my share of failures. I came across an article at Plant Care Today about "10 Herb Gardening Mistakes," and thought I'd pass it on to you.

Writers:  What values drive your character's goals? Please share.

Readers:  Current events impact our lives not only as writers, but also as readers. When attacks on freedom of speech and religion occur, we can sit back and allow them to succeed. I much prefer this preacher's approach. What is your opinion?

Photo Credit: John Nyberg

Emotions/A Hiding Plot/Christians Banned/Devo/Geraniums

1.  Lisa Hall-Wilson, at Writers in the Storm, talks about writing emotions in deep point of view. Don't let that frighten you. She's an excellent teacher, and I've learned a lot reading her articles. :)

2.  Janice Hardy, at Writing in the Storm, posts on, "Getting Lost When Your Plot Hides Behind the Details." Sometimes we have an idea for a story, and it isn't working. She gives a great example and then dissects it.

3.  When a Christian band was excluded from a concert on public property, they asked the ACLJ for help. The lawyers met with the organizers and pointed out that the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the free speech rights of individuals. Check out this informative article on WND.

4.  Peggy Sue Wells posts, at The Write Conversation, about Cec Murphy and how his experience on the mission field impacted his writing.

5.  Geraniums add so much beauty to a garden.  Instead of buying new plants every year, why not try overwintering them?  I found these instructions at Nikki Lynn Design.

Writers and Readers: Which link resonated with you this week? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Kym McLeod

Storytelling/Theme/Free Speech Ban/Devo/Budget Fall Deco

1.  Peter Selgin, at Jane Friedman's blog, talks about vivid storytelling. This article also gives writers a glimpse into a strong edit of a first page. One main lesson was, "don't confuse your readers."

2.  Jenny Hansen, at Writers in The Storm, teaches about finding the theme of our story. We all recognize that books focus on a particular aspect such as forgiveness, joy, purpose, and love. Jenny gives us tips and examples on how to identify that aspect of our story.

3.  Four students from Wheaton College are suing the City of Chicago for banning them from sharing the Gospel in local parks. Several times they were told they could not talk about religion under a rule that bans disruptive behavior. The students are countering this is in violation to their free-speech rights. Check out this story at Christian Headlines.

4.  Rhonda Rhea, at The Write Conversation, gives a humorous encouragement about, "Less Burden, More Joy."

5.  I found The Budget Decorator website that gives easy and inexpensive fall decorating ideas. The colors are so pretty this time of year. Why not give your home a touch of the season?

Writers:  When writing a story, do you have an underlying theme in mind? Please share.

Readers:  What kind of decorations do you put up for fall?

Photo Credit: David Mackenzie

Agents/Scents/Right to Know Law/Devo/Herbs

1.  Getting an agent is akin to grasping the brass ring. So many publishers require agents to submit manuscripts. Rachel Pieh Jones posted at Jane Friedman's blog about, "What Happened After I Lost My Agent - Twice." This article gives specific suggestions on how to handle rejection, including our attitudes toward our writing and ourselves. (You'll see from our devotional below the tie-in. I needed this, and I'm sure many others do as well.)

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy talks about introducing scents into stories. Her posts always give me great ideas.

3.  WND reports on a judge's ruling that The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania forfeiture records are subject to the Right to Know Law. The government can take - yes, TAKE - property and money even if no criminal charges are filed. This is definitely a must-read article.

4.  Beth K. Vogt posts an encouraging word at The Write Conversation. While it's geared toward writers, the principles apply to everyone. What kind of words are you speaking - strong ones or weak ones?

5.  Winter is fast approaching. You can have fresh herbs by growing them indoors in pots. Check out this post at Easy  Balcony Gardening for instructions.

Writers:  Which writing post resonated with you? Please share.

Readers:  Do you have an indoor garden during the winter (things you'd normally grow outside in good weather)? Please share what types of plants you select. I'm especially interested in saving the beautiful geranium that graced my porch all summer.

Photo Credit: Gerson Ben David

Online Safety/Character Emotions/Yale Prof/Perseverance/Coffee

1.   Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation gives 8 Tips for Writers to Stay Safe Online. The cyber world has many criminals looking for an easy mark. Protect yourself by taking some simple steps.

2.   Jerry Jenkins tells us how to skillfully reveal our characters' emotions. I was unable to do a normal link, so I'm posting the entire one here.

https://jerryjenkins.com/character-emotions/?inf_contact_key=3e8f0c0200b2feab60674dbd9dc9d14ef651f238aa2edbb9c8b7cff03e0b16a0

3.  Finally, a Yale professor rejects Darwinism and points to Intelligent Design as a serious theory. Check out this article at Christian Headlines.

4.  Whether you're a writer or reader, there are areas in life where perseverance is required if you're going to succeed. Christopher Wells posts an inspiring word at Seriously Write.

5.   I learned something recently from a houseplant post on housefur.com: Houseplants love coffee! Instead of dumping leftover coffee down the drain, you can use it as a natural fertilizer for your plants.

Writers:  What are some measures you take to stay safe online?

Readers:  What topics regarding current events interest you?

Photo Credit:  David Guglielmo

Writing Break?/Caregiving/Banned!/Devo/Fall Veggies

1.  Have you taken a long writing break? I don't mean a week or two or even a month. I'm talking about a year or more. Whatever happened to get you off track, it's tough to get back into the groove. This article at Write by the Sea on how to start writing again will give you some ideas.

2.  Tim Suddeth, at The Write Conversation, gives advice to writers who are also caregivers.  

3.  Faithwire reports on how Apple News banned pro-life outlet for showing intolerance without any explanation. It's becoming more and more obvious that social media giants are censoring conservative news content.

4.  Jeanette Levellie posts on the subject of Trading Places or Problems.

5.  Do you think it's too late to plant veggies in September? Check out this post at Garden Therapy for speedy fall vegetables.

Writers:  Are you a caregiver and also a writer? How do you balance the two?

Readers:  What are your favorite fall activities?

Photo Credit:  Eduardo Schafer

Isolation/Platform/Intelligent Design/Devo/Progress Report

1.  Frank McKinley, at the Positive Writer, talks about why writing in isolation is good for you. My own experience mirrored his. I get too distracted if the Internet, email, music, or other things are vying for my attention. Check it out. You may find a tip that makes your writing life more productive.

2.  Platform is one of those words writers love to hate. Publishers demand Social Media numbers most of us can only dream about. Lisa Hall-Wilson addresses how to build a platform on Facebook. She has a unique way of approaching the subject that I found helpful.

3. Christian Astrophysicist offers a brilliant reply to Richard Dawkins criticism of intelligent design. See the article on Faithwire. Home school people - you might find this valuable for your curriculum.

4.  Rhonda Rhea's devotional on The Write Conversation tells us about "Scratching Where It Itches." I'm sure that captured your attention. LOL! She uses humor to talk about a serious subject.

5.  You may recall that I've started a modest succulent collection. I'm not a great photographer, but the photo at the top of this post shows that I haven't killed any of them yet! My Jade plant is growing so fast that it will need a bigger pot soon. 

Can anyone identify the plants in the pictures below? I know one of them is  an  Echevieria (Sp?). There are so many varieties that I'm having a hard time locating their names. The one in front is so pretty with green leaves tipped in red.

Writers:  Please share some of your platform-building hacks.

Readers:  Are you a gardener/houseplant lover? What was your favorite project this summer?

Photo Credit:  Susan J. Reinhardt

Excellence/Dialogue/Life Begins/Devo/Veggie Gardening

1.  Tammy Karasek posts at The Write Conversation about giving your best when you write. Do you allow a deadline, a bad mood, or anything else to prevent you from giving your best to the reader?

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives us a delightful blog post on writing dialogue. Have you ever read a book where the character uses a word of phrase that doesn't fit their age or time period? It pulls you out of the story, right? All skills levels will benefit from this post.

3.  WND reports on a survey of biologists concerning when life begins. This article nails it.

4.  Michael K. Reynolds writes about the easiest way to thank God. I often link to his devotionals because they resonate with me. Perhaps they'll bless you as well.

5.  Plant Care Today has an article on 8 Things Not to Do in the Vegetable Garden. Years ago, a relative created a massive garden plot when they wanted some lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for summer salads. The resulting crop necessitated a crash course in canning.

Writers:  Which writing post helped you the most? Why?

Readers:  Do you have any examples of characters saying things that didn't fit their time period or age? Please share.

Photo Credit: elementa1

Reviews/Marketing Myths/Chick-fil-A/Speakers/Drying Herbs

1.  Amazon reviews affect readers' buying decisions. How do you get those reviews for your book? Check out Penny Sansevieri's article at Jane Friedman's blog.

2.  Lisa Hall Wilson talks about 6 Marketing Myths That Harm Fiction Writers. The Internet and the publishing industry seem to be changing at warp speed. Methods that were the gold standard years ago do not necessarily apply today. Check out her post.

3.  Faithwire tells how Chick-fil-A almost shut down in the 1980's. See what turned their business into a success. They are now the third largest restaurant chain.

4.  Yvonne Ortega posts at The Write Conversation on Spiritual Preparation for Speakers. Whether you're an author, minister, teacher, or counselor, this article can benefit you.

5.  If you use herbs in your cooking, you might like this article on how to dry them without sacrificing flavor. The Backyard Garden Lover gives several methods that produce excellent results.

Writers:  Which marketing myths surprised you? Please share.

Readers:  Do you review books on Amazon or other sellers? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Ana Labate