Jerry B. Jenkins's Blog

Guest post by C.S. Lakin

You know how complex writing a novel can be.

You not only have to come up with a great premise, engaging characters, high stakes, and conflict that pushes the protagonist toward his goal, but you must also learn how write a scene that compels readers—and fill your book with them.

That is a lot harder than some think. Many writers spend a moment thinking up a vignette but give little regard to the scene’s purpose.

While a checklist can help analyze the structure, it doesn...

As Christians approach Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, this seems like a good time to think about the influence of faith on the words we speak and hear and write and read every day.

We think of carnivals as traveling entertainments with rides, sideshows, games, cotton candy, and balloons; but the first carnivals were pre-Lenten celebrations — a last fling before penitence. The Latin word parts, carne, “meat, flesh,” and vale, “farewell,”...

Acquisition editors have eagle-eyes for both talent and for amateurs.

They’re looking for stuff to buy and publish, and most are so overwhelmed with submissions, they’ve learned to quickly spot anything that allows them to set your piece aside.

Sound cruel? They don’t want reject your writing. But because of their work loads (and their goal—finding something they know will sell), once they see the mark of a novice, they’re on to the next manuscript.

Even experienced writers see their work land i...

Need fast, practical help getting readers to care about your main character? Enjoy this blog by my friend and colleague, an award-winning, bestselling novelist. JJ

Guest post by Brandilyn Collins

Regardless of genre, novelists must create empathy for protagonists at their first appearance. Mere action isn’t enough! The most interesting plot won’t matter to readers if they don’t care about your main character. Here’s how to make that happen. Most of these work best when combined with at least one...

Do you enjoy writing?

Are you passionate about helping others grow in their spiritual lives?

If you answered yes and yes, then you’ll enjoy learning the art of writing thought-provoking devotionals.

There are many, many ways to write a devotional. But the principles that tie them together? Mostly the same.

And in this guide, I’ll lay out some of the most popular and effective methods—as well as show you some strategies for coming up with great devotional ideas.

Ready? Let’s start with the basics...

Guest post by Chris Fabry

If you really want to make it as a writer, find somebody.

If you want to reach some level of success, as in “get published by a publisher,” find somebody.

If you are tired of dreaming alone, find somebody.

If your spouse doesn’t understand your obsession, don’t try to make them understand. Find somebody.

I can take you to the bookstore in Chicago where I first had the dream. I stood outside, looking over the titles in the window, and whispered, “Someday a book of mine i...

Writing a novel with multiple main characters  can seem insurmountable. Who’s on stage when, and what do you do with the others at the same time?

When your top priority is crystal clarity for your reader, you must somehow weave different perspectives in a way that makes sense.

Common wisdom says you get one perspective or point-of-view (POV) character per scene, preferably per chapter, and usually per book.

My latest novel, The Valley of the Dry Bones, has one perspective character throughout. T...

Writing a series is daunting.

Each installment must both stand alone and work as part of the whole. You’re forced to keep up with all the elements you exploit in a single novel and make sure they serve the entire entity: characters, plot, settings, everything.

Having written six adult series and ten children’s series, I can say I learned quickly that I had to re-read the previous title before starting the next, every time.

Was that really necessary?

The one time I tried to shortcut the process ...

You’ve done the hard part.

You’ve spent ages researching, writing, and rewriting until you finally feel your book is ready to share with the world.

Not so fast.

Your next step is one of the most important. Writing a query letter can determine whether a literary agent asks to see more or sends you a cordial form letter intended to let you down easy.

It’s time to move from author to salesman.

You’re about to make a virtual sales call, and your query letter makes the first impression.

Nothing can b...

Book publishing can be…

Especially when you face it alone.

But even I don’t try to navigate the publishing world by myself, despite having been an author, an editor, a publisher, and a writing coach over the last 45 years.

That’s why I have an agent.

To land a traditional publishing deal—where the publishing house pays you and takes 100% of the financial risk, you’ll need an agent, too.

But know this: While you may b...