Author Archives: Steph Nickel
Don’t Fear Rejection by Steph Beth Nickel
“We regret to inform you …” None of us wants to read an email that begins this way. In the Olden Days The best rejection letter I ever received via snail mail (remember that?) was a barely legible bullet list. The final option on the page was “Because our mother told us to.” Talk about… Read more »
Where Do You Find Inspiration? Lynne Collier
As you plan a new writing project, where do you find inspiration? Do you have a fantastic title idea then sit at a blank page and wait for fantastic words to appear? Or do you get a sudden idea for a complete novel with character profiles and names and find yourself frantically searching for a… Read more »
Does Your Voice Matter by Lynne Collier
It took me a few years to get serious about writing. Like most writers, I questioned if my writing voice could possibly be important to the world. Especially today with all the self-published books on Amazon because the need for a royalty publisher is no longer necessary for publication. In the beginning, it seemed overwhelming… Read more »
Are Passion and Purpose Compatible by Steph Beth Nickel
When Direction is Needed Just because you’re passionate about something doesn’t necessarily mean you should pursue it. But, conversely, that passion may be evidence of God’s call on your life. Discernment needed! I used to refer to myself as eclectically interested and eclectically involved. These are still true of me. However, I’m learning the importance… Read more »
Scheduling the SMART Way by Tracy Krauss
Last time I mentioned the importance of creating some kind of schedule if one wishes to be a productive writer. This includes creating SMART goals for various projects. More on those in a bit. I recommend blocking out time that is specifically for writing – not social media, not marketing, not checking emails… Just writing…. Read more »
Office Hours by Tracy Krauss
I love a schedule. I’m a list maker and get genuinely excited about calendars, dayplanners, and online tools. During this season of COVID, I have found that keeping a schedule is even more important for my mental health than previously. It helps me to stay focused, gives me a sense of purpose (and a reason… Read more »
Perfection Spells Paralysis by Pamela Mytroen
I’ve always had a difficult time making decisions. Once when I couldn’t decide which shoes to buy, I bought every pair I tried on for fear of missing out on the colour of one pair, the price of another, and the style of the other two. They were all great quality, and all four pair… Read more »
Pitch Perfect by Pamela Mytroen
Are you still waiting for publications to ask you for your stellar stories? Don’t wait! Whether you’re a regular writer with specific content assigned, or you haven’t broken in to the market yet, you can still pitch your own ideas. Publications appreciate potential stories, and it’s also an opportunity to write something about which you… Read more »
Lists for Writers by Steph Beth Nickel
Many of us would be lost without our To-Do list. And what about our grocery list? If you’re anything like me, a trip to the grocery store without a list usually means picking up several sale items I know we’ll use someday as well as several snacks that catch my eye. I definitely don’t trust… Read more »
Is Writing All Over Me? by Brenda J. Wood
I feel an obligation to write. Therefore, I read articles about writing. I join online teaching events. I buy books about writing. I write books about writing. I teach writing classes. I am all over writing, but is writing all over me? As a Christian, what are my writing obligations? Can I write what I… Read more »