Editing Tips/What It Takes/Christians in China/Devo/Vintage Doilies

1.  I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing. Julie Glover, at Writers in The Storm, give some easy edits to make your story flow better.

2. Are you a wanna-be-writer or newbie writer? You'll want to read this honest and blunt post by Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, on what it takes to reach your publication goals.

3.  Christian Headlines shares the latest news on what's happening with Christians in China. I never want to take for granted the freedom to worship. We are truly blessed and need to protect that right vigorously.

4. MaryAnn Diorio posts on, "Is Fear Quenching Your Faith."

5. Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, shares the beautiful vintage doilies she found at a recent sale. These made me so nostalgic. I still have some my Mom crocheted years ago. A friend made one for a wedding gift, which I have on one of my nightstands. They're so pretty, and I appreciate all the hard work that goes into them.

Writers:  Which editing tip helped you the most (either in this article or elsewhere)?

Readers:  Do you have any vintage pieces from your family? Please share.

Photo Credit: Zsuzsa N.K.

Short Podcasts/Details/Locker Room/Devo/Paris

1. Dr. MaryAnn Diorio has several short podcasts for writers. I thought you might enjoy them.

2.  Details, details. Cindy Ervin-Huff shares how important accurate details are in your novels.

3. Wow! I was horrified when I read the WND story about two Planet Fitness locations allowing men in the women's locker room. Their policy wasn't mentioned in the contracts, and the woman who complained had her membership revoked. Before signing up with them, make sure to ask about their policy.

4.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, asks, Baggage or Luggage-Which Am I Carrying?

5.  Linda, at A La Carte shares some fun tablescapes with a Paris theme. Most of the items were bought at thrift stores. Check out her blog here.

Writers:  Have you ever ventured into the area of podcasting? Please share your experience.

Readers:  I thought Linda's Paris themed table was a nice change of pace. What kind of table settings have you tried to surprise your friends and family?

Photo Credit:  Eva Serna

Spring Social Media/Imagery/Conversions/Devo/Recipe

1.  Molly Jo Realy guest posts at The Write Conversation on how to Green Thumb Your Social Media.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy's blog is a perennial favorite. In this post, she writes about the importance of imagery and how to create strong mental pictures for your reader.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports on how a NY Times reporter came across a group of Christians, who converted from Islam.

4.  MaryAnn Diorio asks, "Are you a tongue twister?"

5.  Recipe for a PURPLE cake! How could I pass that up? http://peasandpeonies.com/vanilla-purple-cake-with-lemon-buttercream/

Writers:  Do you have a social media plan? What are some of the things you do to feed your garden?

Readers:  What did you think of today's devotional by MaryAnn Diorio?

Photo Credit:  Sarah Williams

Helping Authors/Keep Swimming/Religious Expression/Change/Pottery

1.  As a reader, I often want to purchase a lot of books. Since I'm not independently wealthy, I've had to find other ways to support the authors I enjoy. Inky Girl gives some great tips on how you can help your favorite authors.

2.  Are you struggling with writing? Chad Allen quotes Nemo: "Just keep swimming." Discover 5 Scientifically Verified Benefits to Writing.

3.  Christian Headlines reports on a bill passed by Kentucky to protect religious expression in public schools.

4.  Dr. MaryAnn Diorio talks about how to make change our ally.

5.  Do you like pottery? You might be amazed at the items Linda, at A La Carte, found. One of these days I'm going to take a pottery class. There's something about fashioning a plate, vase, or mug that appeals to me. 

Writers and Readers:  Does change make your insides quiver or are you a natural-born risk taker? Why?

Photo Credit:  Jose A. Warletta

Platform/Characters/Christians Attacked/Perfectionism/Country Christmas

1.  Every writer has heard that word:  platform. What if yours is small? Katy Kaufman posts at The Write Conversation about pressing on.

2.  Creating characters can be mind boggling. Dave King, at Writer Unboxed, gives some guidance on how do develop their personalities and avoid having them all sound like you.

3.  Christian Headlines reports on Christians being attacked in refugee camps. While we are to pray for and love people, we cannot ignore or deny the facts.

4.  Dr. MaryAnn Diorio had another great post, dealing with perfectionism. She takes the wraps off this torment and reveals the causes.

5.  Although Christmas decorations have been out since early October, we're now in the season for real. :)  Country Living has 88 ideas for decorating your home with a country theme.

Writers:  How do you craft your characters?

Readers:  What kind of decorations do you use for Christmas? Homemade? Traditional? Special colors/themes? 

Photo Credit:  V. Flores

Photos/Suspense/Tebow/Devo/Leftovers

1.  Molly Jo Realy guest posts at The Write Conversation. Do photo social media sites like Instagram help a writer? She explores that question and gives suggestions on how to take advantage of their popularity.

2.  Here's Part II of Donna L.H. Smith's series on Creating Suspense. She defines the terms "mystery" and "suspense."

3.  Christian Headlines reports on Tim Tebow praying for a man having a seizure. This athlete knows what's important and isn't afraid to act out his faith in public. We need more Tim Tebows in sports.

4.  Dr. MaryAnn Diorio talks about How to Drive Out the Darkness.

5.  Did you enjoy Thanksgiving? If your refrigerators are bulging like turkey just out of the oven, here is a recipe you might want to try. (Aren't we blessed with such bounty?)

Writers:  Have you experimented with photo social media sites? Please share.

Readers:  What do you make with your leftovers? We always enjoyed a second (and third) turkey dinner, as well as snacking on cold leftovers.

Photo Credit:  Adriaan de man

Turning Point/No Regrets/Bill Meyers/Burnout/Decisions

1.  Ocieanna Fleiss guest posts at Seriously Write about a major turning point in her life. Don't miss this inspiring story.

2.  I keep finding encouraging posts. Someone out there besides me must need them. :) Kristi Ann Hunter wrote about Living Without Regrets on Elaine Stock's blog, Everyone's Story.

3. Here we go again! Bill Meyers, whose books have sold over 8 million copies, shares an experience he had while producing a movie.

4.  Are you headed for burn-out? Whether or not you're a writer, you'll benefit from this piece. Children's Author, Kristi Holl says, "Beware! Burnout Ahead."

5.  Do you have a major decision to make? MaryAnn Diorio gives 5 Questions To Ask Yourself When Making Tough Decisions.

Writers:  How do you avoid burnout?

Readers:  I loved how God gave Bill Meyers wisdom in a difficult situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

Photo Credit:  Marcel Hol

Unsolicited Manuscripts/Mentor Character/Clips/Vocal/PC in the Church

1.  Cindy Sproles guest posts at The Write Conversation. Are you discouraged because most publishers don't take unsolicited manuscripts? Discover ways to get around that barrier.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy shows how a mentor character can work wonders for your story.

3.  When I was writing non-fiction exclusively, editors and writers impressed on me the necessity for "clips." These are examples of your published works. Linda Gilden guest posts at The Write Conversation on this subject and covers the question of how to get clips if you're a new writer.

4.  Many writers and readers are involved with other creative forms, like singing. Recently, I discovered vocal lessons on YouTube. How cool is that? I've subscribed to Mark Baxter's YouTube channel. Even if you don't sing, it might be great if your character is a singer or to pass it along to your choir director.

5.  Dr. MaryAnn Diorio addresses political correctness in the church.

Writers:   I liked the mentor character post a lot. Several books I've read lately have one. Do you write mentor characters in your fiction?

Readers:  Do you or someone close to you sing? What did you think of the vocal coach on YouTube?