If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you know that it can be a hugely draining endeavor. You will spend hours plugging away at your keyboard praying that what you are writing will sometime be read and appreciated by others. And if you’re realistic, you know there are no guarantees that will happen. Writing is a tireless dictator. …
The Power of Words
I make my living with words. Whether’s it’s teaching graduate classes at a Big Ten university or writing, words are my livelihood. I’ve had a love affair with words since I learned to read. I still vividly remember being a first grader and told I couldn’t read a book because it was at a sixth grade level. Guess which book …
A Writer’s Survival Guide
Writing is a dream job, but it’s not an easy job. We’ve all read the quote about how writing it like opening a vein and bleeding onto the page. Easy peasy, right? Strugging to survive writing? @Cara_Putman offers 5 tips to thrive. Click To Tweet Not in the back and forth of real life. Real life with its interruptions, …
Looking for a Writer’s Conference? Come to ACFW
In less than 40 days, one of my favorite times of the year happens. The ACFW conference! I’ll never forget my first time at conference in 2005. I went with a fellow writer from Indiana — a gal I’d met once or twice — yet, we became fast friends in the six hour drive to Nashville. I met Tracie Peterson for the first time …
5 Benefits of Accountability Groups
I’m a big believer in accountability. Recently a gang of us at the Writers Alley have come together to eat healthy and exercise in preparation for ACFW. This conference is the highlight of the year for many of us. This got me to thinking about why accountability groups are so helpful. No matter the kind of change you are making, knowing that …
To Brand or Not to Brand…
One of the things I do as I read multiple books from an author is try to evaluate what promise that writer is making to readers with each book. As they write one more book, they’re making an addition to the promise…or breaking the promise and potentially losing readers.
The Story Behind the Story: Francesca Battistelli
If you’re like me, then you love learning the story behind the story. Whether it’s an artist’s inspiration for a painting, a musician’s inspiration for a song, or an author’s spark that launched a story, I love getting behind the curtain. That’s why I loved finding this video about Francesca Battistelli‘s newest release. The kids and I are loving the …
Writing Tip: Easter Eggs
In honor of Easter, here’s a delightful short film from Pixar on Easter Eggs. Those are fun little surprises buried in a book or movie that delight readers and viewers who find them. They are fun to include as you write more books. For example, in my Christmas novella that releases in October, I have a fun tie back/Easter egg …
3 Signs Research is Your New Best Friend
If you’ve been a writer long, you may have discovered something…something that is causing your rooms to feel smaller. Your checkbook to feel lighter. Your desk to feel like a leaning tower. You’ve discovered that to write an exceptional book, you must conduct mounds of research. I can’t tell you how many times my husband has asked if I’m really …
Shadowed by Grace is available! How to help an Author
“With an authentic knowledge of World War II history, a gentle hand of artistry, and a heart for true love, Cara Putman has written a story that stole my heart.” Cindy Woodsmall. Last night I was thrilled to discover that Amazon already has Shadowed by Grace available on Kindle. It releases everywhere January 1st, so this is early, but I’m …