How to Debut Your Blog

By Holly Parker

Words are everywhere. Our generation spreads news through social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter and personal blogs. The allure of seeing your thoughts in print shimmers with possibilities, but many questions still remain in the minds of true writers; those who want to add to the depth of society by sharing their hearts and talents with the world. They simply ask how to write something that stands out and how to get it out there for the world to see?

One extremely popular form of writing is to have a blog. Almost everyone has stumbled across a blog at some point, but the concept is still widely vague. I recently started a blog of my own and have adventured down the road of trial and error. For me, writing is something I have to do, and for anyone else looking for a way to test their material out, I would recommend trying this method. It is simple, relatively easy and you can control what you write, when you post and how the blog appears. I have provided several steps and tips below that have helped me discover blog success along the way. Good luck and happy blogging!

One: My blog started with preparation. For me, that meant praying over it, selecting a start date, brainstorming ideas, and launching a letter to friends and family about my decision. No matter your personal steps, preparation is essential before you become a blogger.

Two: I chose the site I wanted to use my blog through. There are many choices out there. Some are free and some you pay for. Research the difference between the two options and find out what is best for you. If you like other blogs, you can check what site they are using.

Three: I watched a tutorial about how to set up my blog and then chose the themes and appearances. This is where you can get creative and choose colors, backgrounds, fonts, etc. I also created the pages I wanted and what features I would include. This means things like subscriptions, comments, archives and so on.

Four: After setting my blog up, I wrote my first post. Often this is your introduction post telling about yourself and your blog. You pretty much control what happens at this point. You write and then you post! It's as simple as that!

And remember you can edit your blog on most sites whenever you like. I have changed and added to my blog, even after launching it and I am still learning! It is helpful to reply to comments people post so they feel like they are being heard. And lastly, spread the word. People won't likely stumble upon your blog. You've got to tell them about it!

As with anything, having a blog is all about trying new things and sharing yourself with others. Don't hesitate or be nervous...go for it! As character Cory Brand says in the movie, Home Run, "Nothing great happens when you hold back."

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Holly Parker is a southern writer from Birmingham, Alabama. She has invested in a number of different children at childcare programs and is currently employed by the library. She has an English degree from the University of Montevallo with a minor in Writing and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0. Holly is also very involved with her church and helping out with young people in her community. She loves to travel, read, watch Alabama football, take pictures and of course write! She enjoys writing all kinds of genres, but has a passion for blogging and writing Christian fiction. You can follow her blog at onlyhopeblog.com. Holly can be found on her blog: onlyhopeblog.com and on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holly.parker

The Hardest Writing Advice I Ever Received

By John W. Otte

The hardest writing advice I ever received can be summed up in one word: “Stop.”

Way back in 1999, I came up with a phenomenal idea: an epic science fiction tale. I worked on it, off and on, for six or seven years. Eventually I joined American Christian Fiction Writers and attended my first conference. I was confident that someone would recognize the genius of my story and snatch it up immediately.

That didn’t happen. Instead, I was told repeatedly by industry professionals that my story was flawed and didn’t work. I was crushed. I might have given up completely if it wasn’t for Deb Raney and Colleen Coble. They had read my first few chapters and really liked it. They were so encouraging that, when I went home, I was determined to roll up my sleeves and fix the story.

I spent another two years working on it. When the ACFW Conference came to my hometown of Minneapolis, I was sure that I was going to succeed. Since the conference was in my backyard, I volunteered to drive people from the airport to the hotel, and one of my passengers was going to be Colleen Coble! I was so excited to see her again, especially so I could thank her.

She was very gracious when I gushed about how much I appreciated her encouragement. She asked me what I was going to pitch this time around. My excitement practically boiled over as I said, “The same story I pitched two years ago!”

That’s when she said it: Maybe it was time for me to stop. Put the story up on the shelf and start something new. She pointed out that if I kept focusing on this one story, my writing could stagnate. I would learn so much by starting fresh with a new story and my craft would improve.

How could I do that? This was the story of my heart, the one that I had lived with for so long! I couldn’t possibly stop working on it!

That conference didn’t go so well either. The story was still flawed in spite of my attempted repairs. In the aftermath, I reluctantly decided to set the “story of my heart” aside and start a new one.

That story would eventually be called “Numb” and it was recently announced as a finalist for the 2014 Christy Awards.

As much as it pained me, Colleen’s advice was spot-on accurate. I could have kept obsessing over that broken story so much that I’d never have been published. But because I was willing to shelve it, I was able to grow as a writer. I might work on that story again someday, but for now, it’ll stay on the shelf.

It’s not easy to stop, but sometimes, that’s the best thing we can do. We stop obsessing over a story that’s consumed too much of our time and attention so we can move on to something better.

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John W. Otte leads a double life. By day, he’s a Lutheran minister, husband, and father of two. He graduated from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a theatre major, and then from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. By night, he writes unusual stories of geeky grace. His books include; Numb, Kynetic: On Target, Gauntlet Goes to Prom, Failstate, and Failstate: Legends. He lives in South St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife and two boys. Social Media Links: Website: www.johnwotte.com Twitter: @JohnWOtte Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorjohnwotte

Write the Vision

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

“Write the vision and make it plain upon tables…” Habakkuk 2:2. This is a verse from the Old Testament I often think about. The prophet Habakkuk was given a vision from God and was told to write it down. “Write it down that he may run that readeth it.” How specific, how clear are the instructions. How fortunate for a writer to be given such a vision and told what to do with it. Fortunate indeed but many times that is how things come to writers.

Unlike Habakkuk our vision may not be of a prophetic nature but it can be a vision just the same. Our vision may be a story that comes to us imagined or not. It could have been an actual occurrence that we have yet to recognize as a worthy story to write. It is times like this we may need the command similar to Habakkuk’s, “write the vision”.

One way to determine if the vision is one worthy of writing down is to write them all down. If not as a complete work, write it down as a thought, a paragraph or a short story. That way the clarity of the moment is saved and can be revisited or shared. Shared with someone you can trust to give you an honest evaluation and question your direction and purpose. What you are looking for is the command to “write it down”.

We may not be a Habakkuk but I believe our talents are God given. Whether or not our visions are I can’t always say. I do know that once the vision comes, action must be taken. Don’t hesitate. Write it down. Our creativity will not be available unless we obey the command. Creativity will be determined by taking action, obeying the command and writing it down. It can be as simple as “write the vision.”       

   

             

  

Inspiration Happens Without Warning

By Nancy Roe

I’m a published author. I still giggle when I say it because it was a dream of mine in sixth grade. After college and working almost thirty years in the administrative field, my dream became a reality at fifty. Now, I’m currently writing my third book.

Quite often, my best ideas come when I least expect it—while I’m walking the dog, getting groceries, in the shower, or lying in bed. How many times have you thought of a brilliant idea, then told yourself you’ll write it down later? And how many times have you actually remembered the idea? I admit I don’t have the greatest memory, that’s why I write down the idea right away.

A pen and paper are two of my favorite things. On occasion, I’ll use the voice memo feature on my iPhone, but that can be distracting for others, especially if you’re at the movies. I have pen and paper in my purse, on my nightstand, and in every room of my house—even in the shower! Aqua Notes (a waterproof notepad and pencil) allows me to write down thoughts while I’m washing my hair. Now why couldn’t I have thought of that!

The other day, I spotted a man walking down the sidewalk in a suit, tie, and sneakers. Several options for a character developed. He was on his way to his first interview and didn’t own dress shoes. His car broke down and he put on his gym shoes to walk to the nearest gas station. He got blood on his dress shoes while dragging a dead body into the river, and traded shoes with a homeless person. One random glance and I had three story lines.

The next time you’re taking a coffee break, waiting in line to pick up your child from school, or picking up the dry cleaning, look at your surroundings and take notes. I keep my random observations and thoughts—character names, character traits, décor, clothing, hairstyles, speech phrases, hobbies, fears, occupations—in a pocket folder. When I start staring at blank computer screen, I’ll grab my folder and browse through the scrapes of paper.

You never know when or where inspiration will strike, so be prepared.

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When Nancy Roe was twelve, she wrote an autobiography for a sixth grade English assignment. After all these years, and several moves, she still has the tattered and yellowed manuscript held together by two pieces of black yarn and three brass fasteners. In the last chapter, Nancy wrote that she wanted to be an author. Dreams do come true! Nancy published Organize The Nancy Way…the low-cost,fun, creative way to get your life in shape. Nancy published her first mystery novel, Secrets Can Be Deadly. The Nancy Way®.  Each article Nancy writes on her website is based on one of these six words: Organize. Read. Eat. Create. Laugh. Learn. You’ll find articles on organizing tips, recipes, craft ideas, computer tips, grammar tips, and unusual holidays. Even her dog, Shadow, writes an article—there has to be humor, and he’s a funny guy! Nancy is a Midwest farm girl at heart and currently lives in Tennessee with her husband and four-legged child. Follow Nancy: …Website: http://www.TheNancyWay.com

   …Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheNancyWay

   …Twitter: http://twitter.com/thenancyway 

   …Pinterest:http://pinterest.com/thenancyway

   …Amazon: http://NancyRoeOnAmazon.com

Tripping Your Way to Success

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director, Southern Writers Magazine

A good analogy might be Jennifer Lawrence at the 2013 Academy Awards. You'll recall that the graceful beauty tripped on her gown while ascending the steps to accept her Oscar for Best Actress. A lesser thespian might have let the stumble spoil their acceptance speech, but the star of Silver Linings Playbook laughed it off and went home with the gold.

The ability to "shake it off" is a prerequisite to success echoed in every field, from entertainment to sports to high finance. The pros know that the easiest way to hit a roadblock is to let a trip trip you up.

It is said that songwriters have to write a lot of bad songs before they can write a good one.  That sentiment has been repeated so often by so many songsmiths that it has become a cliché, and like most clichés it has its basis in truth.  Of course, the same applies to any writing. We have to be willing to write a lot of bad paragraphs before we can inherently understand what makes a good one.

We learn more from our mistakes than we do from our successes. (Which do we dwell on more?) Going from good to great in whatever we do requires abandoning fear of failure and developing a willingness to take chances that take us out of our comfort zone.

Comedy icon Jerry Seinfeld recalls that he was "out of your mind nervous" the first time he appeared on Carson. Even now, decades later, he admits, "I'm very respectful of anyone who attempts to stand on that stage. It's a very difficult thing just to stand there." Yet he adds that it is that very discomfort that fuels him as a performer. "The worst thing is when you get comfortable. That's why success is the enemy of comedy."

Each week on TV we are treated to an endless array of workplace competition shows where standup comics, amateur chefs, tattoo artists and runway models are thrown new challenges and face possible elimination. The good news is, real life doesn't eliminate us when we mess up. The greater the error, the greater we stand to learn from it. In that spirit, we should be proud to make mistakes that are epic.

One of the finest writers I know told me last week that she was appalled when she re-read something she wrote a mere few months ago. Letting something sit and then visiting it with new eyes once the initial infatuation is over is one of a writer's most valuable experiences. Many successful authors have learned to write their first draft like a writer, and revise the second draft like an editor. 

As hockey legend Wayne Gretzky said, "You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don't take." In the creative arts, don't be afraid to challenge yourself beyond what you know. If you've fallen in love with writing, falling is part of the fun.

Create a Writing Guide to Make Writing—and Finishing—Your Manuscript Easy

By Nina Amir

Many writers never complete their books because writing an entire manuscript feels daunting. However, a writing guide based on your book provides a step-by-step process and makes the task feel manageable.

Each time you begin a writing period, use this six-step process, which has been adapted from my book, The Author Training Manual: Develop Marketable Ideas, Craft Books That Sell, Become the Author Publishers Want, and Self-Publish Effectively. 

1.     Create a folder on your computer called “[Your Book Title] Writing Guide.” Place within it the following 3 documents:

     1.     An overview of your book, including a book pitch, a book description or synopsis, a list of reader benefits (even for fiction)

2.     Your book’s table of contents

3.     Your book’s chapter summaries—actually chapter-by-chapter synopsis for both fiction and nonfiction (preferred)—or a synopsis (just for fiction)

2.     Create chapter documents and place them in the Writing Guide folder. Open a document for each chapter. Copy and paste that chapter’s summary, or the section of your synopsis that pertains to it, into the document twice. Leave the first summary intact. For nonfiction, break the second duplicate summary into bullet points or subheadings with spaces in between. (If you find it easier, you can determine what questions you need to answer, what benefits you need to provide, or what solutions your need to provide to address the topics about which you need to write.) For fiction, break the second duplicate summary into scenes, shorter dramatic arcs, or flashbacks. Do so with separate sentences, short phrases or paragraphs with spaces between.

3.     Before each writing period, open your writing guide and review the first three documents. Do this to remind yourself of the book you want to create and to stay focused on your idea and the promises you are making to readers. In particular, read the pitch to stay focused on your book’s topic or the story you want to tell. Refer to this anytime you feel lost, stuck, or off track. Refer back to the list of benefits to remind yourself of the value readers expect from your book and to be sure you deliver it.

4.     Write using the bulleted chapter summaries. Open a chapter document. Review the complete summary at the top to remind yourself of the content of that particular chapter. Then, write your chapter moving from bullet point to bullet point, section to section, scene to scene (writing in the space underneath each) until you get to the end of your chapter.

5.     Reread your chapter summary or synopsis. When done, skim over your draft chapter and determine if you achieved all your stated goals. Did you cover everything in the summary? If not, make notes on what you left out so you can add those points in your second draft.

6.     Return to your “[Book Title] Writing Guide.” Reread the pitch, book description, and list of benefits and consider whether during your writing period you delivered on the promise of the entire book in this particular chapter.

Use this guide to easily write your book and craft a marketable manuscript as well.

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Nina Amir, author of the bestselling How to Blog a Book: Write, Publish, and Promote Your Work One Post at a Time (Writers Digest Books) and The Author Training Manual: Develop Marketable Ideas, CraftBooks That Sell, Become the Author Publishers Want, and Self-Publish Effectively (Writers Digest Books), transforms writers into inspired, successful authors, authorpreneurs and blogpreneurs. Known as the Inspiration to Creation Coach, she moves her clients from ideas to finished books as well as to careers as authors by helping them combine their passion and purpose so they create products that positively and meaningfully impact the world. A sought-after author, book, blog-to-book, and results coach, some of Nina’s clients have sold 300,000+ copies of their books, landed deals with major publishing houses and created thriving businesses around their books. She writes four blogs, including Write Nonfiction Now and How to Blog a Book, self-published 12 books and founded National Nonfiction Writing Month, aka the Write Nonfiction in November Challenge.

Planning My Book from Out of Chaos

By Carol Ingram

“I began writing spiritual poetry some years ago when I was going through the Spiritual Direction Internship with the Benedictine Sisters in Beech Grove, Indiana. Under their loving care and guidance, I came to appreciate nature in new ways and began to see all of creation as a reflection of God. As I wrote about what I saw and experienced in nature through the medium of poetry I realized that what I was doing was prayer. My husband, Terry, saw what was happening in me and encouraged me by buying me a nice camera. That really expanded my interest in nature and in capturing what I was seeing as well as experiencing. And so, whenever I was in nature I took pictures and wrote when I felt inspired. 

The first part of Out of Chaos is what I consider natural/elemental poems and prayers.

Part 2 of Out of Chaos is scripture based and comes from my lifelong love of scripture. Through the teaching of the Spiritual Direction Internship and the Academy for Spiritual Formation, I began praying with scripture, which expanded to praying specifically with the Psalms these past few years. This way of praying has become a part of my spiritual disciplines and writing prayers and poetry as a response to this type of prayer became quite natural for me.

Part 3 in Out of Chaos is collection of poems and prayers that come from living life as a Christian. These poems and prayers reflect the joys, struggles and questions that come in following the teachings of Jesus. Several of them are about my Dad who passed away this past year. What I learned in writing these poems and prayers is they must be authentic in emotion. They must include the whole range of how we feel, not just how we think we should respond to life as a Christian.

I decided to publish a collection of these works as a part of my experience in the 2-year Academy for Spiritual Formation. During the Academy, which is held at a retreat center in Alabama I was surrounded by great teaching and nature with daily times for silence and reflection. This was a perfect place for my gifts to be nurtured and the writing increased in depth and frequency. A piece of the 2-year Academy is to know that what we are doing and learning is ultimately for the sake of others. They encourage us in the second year to think of how we might share our experience of transformation with others. I felt led to compile my poetry, and prayer into a book, which also incorporated my photos. The inspiration behind the project was to invite others to think of prayer in expanded ways.

That inspiration needed nurturing and so I began to talk with my writer/editor son who asked me all the right questions about what I wanted the book to be. Through his questions and encouragements, this book began to take form. I was able to sort out what I wanted to include in the work and what did not fit this project. The format of three sections began to take shape. I did not begin with the name of the book and the name of the three sections. I began with the writing and let the creative process of shaping the book unfold. It was Michael’s encouragement to make the whole book a creative work of art that inspired me to find a shape and a format for the book.

Before, I was focused on each piece and the next piece I would write, with no idea of how they might all fit together. What helped me most was knowing why I was doing the book in the first place. It is not just a project; it is a tool for expanding the ministry of prayer. I believe poetry and photography can be prayer. I believe being in nature, appreciating nature, capturing glimpses of nature can all be a doorway to prayer. I believe the discipline of praying with scripture is formative and can help us move through the toughest times in our journey with integrity and hope. And so, I offer this book to you as an inspiration to expand your image and experience of prayer, to tread deeply in nature and scripture as a resource for prayer and to live your life in an attitude of prayer. Our life with God is our prayer life.”

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Carol Ingram, a writer and Spiritual Director living in Eads, Tennessee. Carol has been married to her high school sweetheart, Terry for over 30 years. They have two sons, both whom are married and one granddaughter. Carol is a recent graduate of the 2-year Academy for Spiritual Formation, completed her training as a Spiritual Director with the Benedictine Sisters in Beech Grove, Indiana and is trained as a Stephen Leader. She is a member of Collierville United Methodist Church and a member of Collierville Christian Writer’s. This is her first published work of poetry and prayer. Out of Chaos is a small collection of poetry, prayers and photography released by beardsANDbicycles on April 1, 2014 through Create Space and then April 15, 2014 through Amazon.

Southern Writers Magazine Has an App—It's Official

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

Working at Southern Writers Magazine, I'm surrounded by passionate professionals who are constantly looking for ways to improve the magazine, website, and our blog, Suite T. Our goal is to help authors and writers-in-progress achieve their goals. Providing tools within the magazine, to help navigate the book business from your writing start to a successfully marketed book.

The latest tool developed is our own App for desktop and iPad. Yes, Southern Writers Magazine can be accessed via the iTunes Store. Go to your iTunes, type in "SouthernWriters," and install via the open button. You can also google "Southern Writers Magazine App" and access the app. You can read free item samples from a magazine and of course, you have the option to buy the full issue and a subscription. It allows you to learn and take a peek at Southern Writers Magazine.

Another feature on iTunes is a direct link to the magazine's social media links. In the upper left hand corner is a "list" icon. Just click on the link, and you can view the latest author posts on Suite T. You can get the blog sent to you everyday by signing up your email from the blog page. You will benefit from the advice of other authors.

You never know when a tidbit of another author's advice can help you become a better writer. 

Inspiring Other’s Through a Heart that is Deeply Connected to God

By Diane K Chamberlain

There are some, who ask me how I write my devotionals so eloquently, while others stand amazed, as to the words that come from my devotions. First, you must realize that when someone writes devotions; the devotions should never come from themselves but only through the words that God gives us, in our spirits.

Devotionals should become tools to cultivate a life and produce new growth and if God isn’t the main ingredient to the writing; then nothing will be produced, from the words that have been written. When I begin to write my devotions; the first thing I do, is connect with God through a quiet moment of prayer. By doing this; I am allowing God’s presence to enter my heart, so that His words become mine. In other words; I am laying aside all my thoughts, so that He can place His thoughts within me. By doing this; I am allowing God to be seen, through my writings; to others who need His help and guidance.

You may ask me…Diane, how did you come to this place in your life, where you began to experience God’s presence, so deeply within your spirit?  This gift for writing definitely didn’t come by my own means but rather, it came through a long journey, of pain and heartache. God used; what I saw as defeat; to exchange my old heart of pride, for a heart that could become humble and willing to listen to His voice, rather than my own. One thing we must realize; is that we will never be able to truly experience the presence of God like this; if we are allowing our own moments of pride to get in the way.

Devotions should always come from a heart that allows the reader to experience the same love that entered the writer; otherwise the devotion will never serve its purpose. When I write devotions; I actually see myself, as God’s secretary, while I dictate His words, to others in need. I have come to see that when my own words get in the way; then the reader will never have the chance to experience the message that God is trying to convey to them.

Recently, I had a series of devotional e-books released, titled… “A Collection ofWritings: Inspired by God.” As you can tell by the title; these are words that God shared with me; to bring hope back into my life and inspire me, while walking through some very overwhelming moments of pain and heartache. Just think…if I would have written the words that I felt God wanted me to write, rather than the words that God longed for me to write; then I wouldn’t be in a place, where I could reach out and help others in need. I have truly come to see that writing devotions; has to come, from a heart that is deeply connected to God.

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As a child Diane lived in the outskirts of a small town in Michigan, where we only lived a pathway away from where my favorite great-grandfather lived. I loved his place because he had an orchard with all kinds of things to enjoy and explore. While playing outside one day, with my brothers and sister, I suddenly fell to the ground, while experiencing a great amount of pain. Little did I know that this first doctor's visit would take me on a long journey...through 21 major knee operations, in an attempt to correct a congenital problem in both of my knees. To this day, I still live with a deteriorating left knee and a rod in my right leg. To check out the writings that God has inspired me to write, through His words of love and renewed hope, follow the link… http://www.dianekchamberlainsbooks.info

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DianChamberlain 
Pinterest Link: http://pinterest.com/dkchamberlain/  

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/DianKChamberlain

Books Being Destroyed

By Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief, Southern Writers Magazine

In reading information about printing a few weeks ago, I ran across this article that I felt authors would find quite interesting. The title was: WHAT HAPPENS TO UNSOLD PRINT BOOKS?

On one trip to a printer for a press inspection about twenty years ago, I was surprised to see a fabric sided basket truck (like a hospital laundry bin) full of books with no covers. It was actually in the sample room, and I was surprised that all the covers had been torn off the books.

When I asked what the books were for, I learned that unused overage had to be destroyed, and in addition to keeping a record of the books destroyed (one cover per book), this rendered the books unsalable. While this seemed a bit brutal to me at the time, I came to understand that customers who had purchased the books in stores would not be happy to learn that other people were getting their copies for free. Hence, it was actually fair for the printer to deface and discard unused books.

When the books have been sent to a brick and mortar bookstore, or for that matter to a fulfillment center for an online store such as Amazon, it is also cheaper for the store to not return any unused books to the publisher but rather to tear the covers off and return them for reimbursement (i.e., covers cost less to ship than complete books).

In either case, the goal is to keep track of any unsold books and make sure they don't get distributed for free.

The moral of the story? Many, many books end up unread, in landfills, and while understandable, it's still a shame. So if you're involved in publishing and have influence over the copy count for a press run, be mindful of how many books you will really need—as best you can, given that it's impossible to accurately predict future sales. (Printing Industry Exchange…Steve Waxman)

While it is true we can’t predict future sales…we can be mindful of how many books we have printed on a run.

As a person, I understand the reasoning on the above. But it made me wonder how authors would feel to know their book was taken off a bookshelf in a bookstore/distributor, and the cover ripped off, and the pages destroyed.  After all that is the author’s “baby”. They worked hard on this creation, pouring their hearts, time and talent into it. Then to see this done or know that it is done to any of theirs could be difficult.

As an author, do you have thoughts about this process? Are there other things that can be done besides ripping covers off and destroying the guts of the book?

No Excuse Writing

By Diane Bator

Excuses, excuses...

I've been a writer since I was a kid. By kid, I mean big enough to hold a crayon and make squiggles that passed for...well, nothing to most eyes, but fabulous words to me. Over the years, I've carved out my own writing time between work, family, and other obligations. While I could use life as an excuse not to write, I chose to make writing a priority. I write while waiting for appointments, for kids at karate and soccer, for dinner to cook, and at writing group meetings. There are no excuses when ten other writers are waiting for you to read your latest fifteen minute blurb based on prompts that are supposed to motivate, yet sometimes do intimidate. . 

Yes, it's hard to write a book. Yes, it's hard to get an agent or a publisher to read your work. Yes, it can be even harder to get your family on board while you slave over a hot keyboard. But you will never get the story that's buried in your head into a book you can hold in your hands if you make excuses and don't plant your butt in a chair to write.

"But I don't have an office. Can't write without an office." -- for the record, I write on my couch, at my kitchen table, in coffee shops, on my back deck. No office.

"But I had a great idea, but Stephen King stole it." -- There are a zillion books out there about zombies and vampires. Many books share a concept; only one book will contain your words, your descriptions, and your passion.

"But I hate using computers, they hate me." (Yes, I have heard this one!) -- These days, the Internet is the best way to contact and keep in touch with agents, publishers, writing groups, and so on. Learning new things is part of keeping young and networking. The Internet is also a great source of research material.

"But my family thinks I'm crazy." -- I think I'm crazy, but that's never stopped me. Book number three has just been published and I have many more on the way! It's all about following your passion.

"I have a great book, movie script, and a related theme park, but have so far received rejection after rejection." -- Every great writer has received at least one rejection. If you keep receiving rejections and can't figure out why, recruit people you know will give you an honest critique. Mom doesn't count unless she's a professional editor, sorry. Many times the biggest mistake new writers make is not having someone help with a good edit, you don' want to give publishers/editors migraines.

Stop making excuses. Everyone can find ten or fifteen minutes in their day to put words to paper and every book is created exactly the same way:  one word at a time.

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Diane Bator has been a writer since she was able to hold a pencil and tell a story. An avid hiker, Reiki Master, and martial artist, she loves to make a mess in the kitchen and putters in the garden at will. Joining the Headwaters Writers' Group in 2007 was the catalyst for her unearthing several old writing projects. Her first murder mystery, Murder on Manitou, was published after winning a writing contest in 2010. Since obtaining her agent, Dawn Dowdle, she has gone on to write the Wild Blue Mysteries series, published by Books We Love, and has another mystery series on the way. She lives in Southern Ontario, Canada with her husband, three kids, and a cat who thinks he's a Husky.

My Writing Story In One Word—Persevere

By Max Everhart

I first began writing seriously about nine years ago when I was working on a Master’s degree in English, and almost every day between then and now, I’ve received and read literally hundreds, perhaps thousands of tips on being a successful writer.

And almost all of them were good.

Almost.

But the best advice I ever read was from the novelist Richard Bach: “A professional writer is an amateur writer who didn’t quit.”

Indeed. 

Perseverance, in my opinion, is the most important quality a writer can possess. Perseverance is the ultimate trump card, and it’s far more important than talent or luck or even connections in the publishing world, although all of those are wonderful and certainly helpful.  But perseverance is what is going to get a writer to sit down and write.  Everyday.  No matter what.   

Perseverance, it ain’t sexy, but it’s powerful, especially if you are one of the chosen ones who have talent.   

And here’s the best part: you’re not born with perseverance; it can be learned and developed.  The only real question you should ever ask yourself is, “How hard am I willing to work to become a successful writer?”  

Which brings me to my debut novel Go Go Gato.  I did some calculations and figured out that by the time a publisher accepted that book in October of 2013, I’d already written roughly 300,000 words of fiction, which didn’t include the four or five stories that had been published in small journals and literary magazines. (Note: I made no money on these stories).  However, the 300,000 words did include twenty or so unpublished short stories and one full-length novel that my wife, God bless her, correctly concluded was “not good at all.”

Now, all those rejections I received from editors, agents, publishers, and even my wife were painful, but the pain was useful.  It was instructive.  Those rejections forced me to dig deeper, and I came to a sobering conclusion: I wasn’t good enough, yet.  Those editors, agents, publishers, and yes, my wife, they were right to reject my work.  Just as I was right to work harder at my craft, to keep sending my best possible work out into the world, and now, on August 1^st, my dream of being a published novelist will come true.  Only took nine years.  But it was worth it.     

Bottom line, we spend time on the things we value most, so if you want to be a successful writer, work hard, harder, hardest. 

In a word: persevere. 

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MAX EVERHART has a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Alabama, Birmingham. His short stories have been published in CutBank, Elysian Fields Quarterly, Slow Trains Journal, and juked. His short story, "The Man Who Wore No Pants," was selected by Michael Knight for Best of the Net 2010 and was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and Dzanc Books' Best of the Web Anthology. Currently, he teaches English and Creative Writing at Northeastern Technical College and Coker College. Go Go Gato is his first novel, and the first book in the Eli Sharpe Mystery series. His website is http://www.maxeverhart.com and his social media contacts are; www.maxeverhart30.wordpress.com  https://twitter.com/maxeverhart14 

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