Tipful Tuesday: Got Nothing?

Got guilt? Not squeezing in time to write "each day", as many writing gurus demand for success? Not feeling completely inspired to write that next great scene? Not aware of what that next scene might even be? Don't fret! There are a couple of things I've discovered by jumping over that guilt, and sticking my tongue out to the should-be writing time that just isn't-going-to be:

1. I don't think it's reasonable to expect every day to have writing time in it (especially if you are living in a busy season of life). I always strive for some daily time, but I can't beat myself up for not doing it. It's exhausting to try and be so stringent. It sucks away my creativity and love of story. So, maybe I'm wrong, but, I'd say, don't be guilted into a black and white theory on the timeline of a writer.

2. Just because I'm not writing, doesn't mean my story's not moving forward. In times that I feel stuck, or I just don't have the desire to pour my heart on the page, I'll jot down some outlines, or notes, or even a segment of dialogue that will appear at some point in my story. Even if my word count isn't showing it, my story IS moving forward on non-writing days.

3. Write bad. Yep. If you have the time, and need to just write something to feel confident in your process, just do it. I swear it helps to just write whatever comes out, even if it's going to be slashed in edits. It gets that story-telling muscle moving. My crit partner Ashley Young Clark​ and I always cheer each other on before we delve into brain dump writing, knowing it's not gonna be great, but it's gonna be--and sometimes that's enough to get your story going! Actually, the brain dump writing can become the time when you give up control of the story, and let God direct it in a whole new way.

A Manuscript Reunion Revisited

I just had to pull this oldie and post it today. I am trucking through that 2013 manuscript...going through my second round of edits...and let me tell you...IT. IS. A. CHORE! I love the story one minute, then wail about it the next. I just feel like I need to find a cave and stay there until it's to my expectations--but then again, my expectations might be a teensy bit unreasonable!

Would love to hear from you all today! Ever dusted off an old manuscript? What challenges did you face?

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I can't stop my smile from growing when I hear a friend's voice on the phone or receive a piece of mail from a friend who I haven't seen in a while.

A couple weeks ago, I had a full day of smiling as I received phone calsl back to back from TWO AlleyCats and a note from another Cat that afternoon! Wow, talk about feeling loved. At least once (sometimes twice) a year, many of us AlleyCats spend some quality time face-to-face, reminiscing, brainstorming, supporting each other, and building special friendships of a lifetime.

In perfect writerly fashion, I am going to use our little reunions as a segue to my most recent encounter with an old manuscript that is suddenly rising from the drawer it was stuffed into.
I feel like I am reuniting with old friends as I remember the characters who I spent a a a a a LOT of time with three years ago.

While my AlleyCat sistas and I seem to mesh upon first squeal, there are differences with my fictional friends who make that manuscript reunion not only reminiscent, but a teensy bit awkward...and even deflating.

Have you ever picked up an old story and reacquainted yourself with the characters? What did you discover?

Did too much time pass by that you no longer have anything in common with your imaginary friends? I mean, do they seem shallow and flat and just a reminder of how much growing you've done while you were apart?

How about things that may have seem like scars or wounds in your characters' lives, now seem small in comparison to the real life experiences you as their creator have endured?

No matter how disappointing I might feel with the 2013 version of Angie's made-up people, it's a good thing in a way, because it reminds me that I am growing in my craft, my experience, and my knowledge. I look back and regret the failed submissions and unfruitful queries LESS. I get that 20/20 hindsight that I simply wasn't ready to introduce the world to those characters back then, and I now have the opportunity to develop deeper "relationship" with my people after all I've learned.

Writing is a beautiful thing when we grow, we learn, and remember our footsteps to creating a beautiful story, a perfectly flawed character, and find a most opportune chance to touch an audience--in perfect timing.

 I am just thankful that in my non-fiction life, I have friends like the AlleyCats who push me further down the road as a person, a writer, and a friend, so I can make my fiction shine even brighter.

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Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she writes historical, historical romance, and dabbles in contemporary romance. Her first two novels come out Fall 2017. Angie is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Come hang out with me on social media!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken
Pinterest: pinterest.com/agdicken

How to Trade Stress Writing for Total, Absolute, Epic Excitement Writing

My children enjoy playing video games. They are willing to restart levels even entire games after hitting a roadblock. The competition is liken to a perpetual Super Bowl.

Starting at level one is so exciting for them. Their character bumps unto things, falls over cliffs, sinks in water, and any other variation on the obstacle gamers invent. My kids replay levels over and over until they pass to some mysterious, unseen next level. Poof. A new scene with new obstacles and pitfalls appears. And although they may sink or fall and will have to start the entire game all over, they do--with the energy of the Huns ready to overcome.

This is the life of a writer.

We start at level one and face obstacles like: 

* organizing/outlining an entire book
* disciplining ourselves to write everyday
* realizing that the first draft is not publishable quality
* finding out we have more to learn about grammar
* how to write a good beginning, middle, and end
* taking the time to read, read, read. BTW, The best way to learn the craft.
* holding the storyline to one main problem for one main character crafting strong villains
* accepting and growing from other writer's critiques

Once we hear that longed-for-music that indicates we have passed level one we move on to level two.

In level two we face obstacles like:

* humbling ourselves to reading our story outlaid to detect errors
* learning how to self edit
* learning how to add layers to the story and not let those layers steal the show start networking by:
     setting up author pages, blogs, twitter, etc accounts
     connecting with groups that can relate to your book
     participate in these groups without promoting a book. Become one of the gang. Be faithful to these and grow your tribe.
* learn how to develop your characters into 3-D characters who are so memorable their name along forms a picture in a 
     hearer's mind.
* enter contests. This will let others know your name, your genre, and possibly give you a contact to get your book published, 
    not to mention a critique.

Again the music plays indicating we have passed level two and have moved on to level three:

In level three we face obstacles like:

* Polish your manuscripts so they are the best example of a well written story.
* Start writing another story
* Send out proposals to agents/editors. 
                   OR 
* Research indie publishing. There are many resources out there to help you. Don't settle to 
      get your book published. Look for the gold. The one that will make your debut novel stand 
      out online and in stores.
* Up the networking. Branch out to more groups. Build your tribe. The more people who will  
      recognize your name, the more will be interested in looking at your book.
* Set up a newsletter and get off the ground.
* Research avenues to promote your book. Can you set up a radio interview, speak to a club, 
* Write an article in a magazine that has similar interests. 
* Enter contests. This will let others know your name, your genre, and possibly give you a 
      contact to get your book published, not to mention a critique.

At any time we can be sent back to the beginning of the game. Starting over with level one can be discouraging. But, we can learn from the kids who play video games. Shrug it off and allow yourself to be excited to play again. Always with the goal of publication in mind.

Oh, publication, BTW is not the end of the highest level. Publication is the door to yet another level. AND since I am still trying to get to that level, I have not seen the obstacles. I don't really know how many levels there are...or if anyone has reached the "top level."

Perhaps you have romped around on the Publication level of the Writing Game. What obstacles have you faced?

Perhaps you, like me are still romping around on levels one, two, and three. What other obstacles have you encountered?

I can't wait to read your comment(s)!

Photo Courtesy of header photo.

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Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary's list of a great ways to enjoy a day. These can be found in her stories as well.

Mary writes young adult mystery/suspense, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and tell Bible event stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids. She has finaled in several writing contests.

Visit Mary at her website, blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

All subscribers to Mary's newsletter will receive her new short story an intriguing suspense/mystery. Come, read a good story. To get your free gift, sign up for the newsletter at Mary's website or:

Subscribe to Mary Vee's Never Give Up Stories 

The Word, The written Word, A Christmas Reason to Keep Writing

Two days left to Christmas.

All those last minuted details are almost done. Time to take a break. Can I tempt you with freshly brewed virtual coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and cozy seating?

Sit back. Take a rest.

Close your eyes for a moment.

Photo Courtesy-"Adoration of the Shepherds"
by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622

Think about The Word.

John 1:1 says In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.

The Word is Jesus. Where would we be without the Word? Consider all that Jesus has done for you this year. This includes good and bad, ups and downs, joyful and sorrow. Let's focus on the positives.  Go ahead. Name five incredible moments when Jesus just made you so happy. It's okay to smile. We are, too.

Photo Courtesy

Now think about the written Word. 

These words are contained in our Bibles. So many truths. So many lessons. Compassion. Guidance. Truth. Stories told by Jesus and others. Some are parables, some are tellings of events. All were spoken to godly men who recorded them for the benefit of every reader.

Close your eyes again. Think of a verse you learned as a child or long ago. Which one sticks in your mind? Say the words slowly, think about them. Sometimes when we recall a verse, God reveals a new meaning in our heart. Did that happen to you just now? What a great feeling.

Photo Courtesy

Lastly, think about your writing gift.

This gift wasn't a surprise to God. The talent didn't just magically appear one day. Even if you didn't discover you wanted to be a writer until you became an adult, God knew. All those years before you decided to write, He spent preparing you. There is a lifetime of fodder in your mind!

The stories we write under God's calling, are not "inspired" as the Bible is. They are, though, tools used by God to help readers. Some stories lead readers to a fellowship of believers, some help a reader to understand a truth, some illustrate to the reader he or she is not alone in their struggle, etc.

Our stories are so very valuable. God will multiply every gift He gives when used by those who love Him. 

Maybe you are in the beginning phases of honing your writing craft. This is great news! Don't give up. Never give up. 

God told His one and only Son, Jesus, to leave the perfect place (heaven). Jesus allowed Himself to be veiled in human flesh. Thirty-three years later Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross, and three days after--He rose, victoriously from death.

God has given and given and given to us. 
Let's give Jesus a gift by writing the stories He calls us to write.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

God Loves You!

photo courtesy:  1st photo

I can't wait to read your comment(s)!

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If you found any typos in today's post...sorry about that. 

Mary writes young adult mystery/suspense Christian fiction, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids. She has finaled in several writing contests.

Visit Mary at her website, blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

All subscribers to Mary's newsletter will receive her new short story an intriguing suspense/mystery. Based on real events in Denmark. To get your free gift, sign up for the newsletter at Mary's website.  Come enjoy a good story.

What If I Am The Faint of Heart?

Since I started writing toward publication almost ten years ago, I have heard time and again that this dream is not for the faint of heart.

And, throughout the process, I have definitely felt the struggle of wanting to quit and wondering if I am one of the "faint of heart". But, I am also very competitive, and I force myself to believe, "my heart is stronger and my passion will drive me".

But, sometimes, I just want to hold up the big white flag and surrender.

Have you ever felt this way?

It's like I signed up for a marathon and realized I am not really a runner.

I sacrificed much...mainly nights=SLEEP, weekends=PLAY, lunch dates=FRIENDS, family time=LOVE...for...stories nobody want, or at least, want to give a chance.

Ever felt that way?

Yeah, I'd like to write, "I am the faint of heart...I QUIT!...This is for the birds! Give me a realistic dream, please."

I think something I've convinced myself of, is that the dream is only reality when I have success. The dream doesn't count until then. So when I want to throw in the towel, I feel like I am turning my back on a dream that hasn't even started.

But what if I've lived the dream for these past nine years, and my heart wants a break? I want to NOT care. I want to sit here and soak in the moments without trying to play scenes in my mind and figure out the next black moment. I want the torment of striving to be over.

I think every artist feels this way. I mean, Van Gogh cut off his ear for the madness of wanting to
create.
Yeah, I know that writing is in me. That more stories are in me. That I am going to find more word count down the road.

But right now? I think my heart is weary. My mind wants to wake up to reality and leave the dream alone for a bit.

Ever felt this way?

For me, I am the newest NaNoWriMo dropout, a writer turned reader, and a mama-writer minus the writer....for a season of a faint of heart.

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Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

The Terrifying Benefits of Public Speaking for Writers

Public speaking is one of the best marketing tools available to writers. 

However...

Public speaking seems downright scary. 

There are a token few authors/writers who can stand in front of an audience and wax eloquently about a given topic while engaging listeners for say thirty minutes without sweating. The rest of us prefer to hide in our caves or hover in introvert cliques.

BUT, public speaking still is one of the best marketing tools available to writers. Way better than posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., which entice readers for a only a brief moment. 

Speaking to an audience:

1. Offers a setting where the listener can be fully engaged in your message.

2. Provides an avenue for people to meet you personally.

3. Give listeners a chance to ask you questions and hear your immediate feedback. 

4. Helps listeners understand you are interested in them by use of eye contact, hand shakes, responding to their greetings and comments, and willingness to speak face to face.

5. You can sell your books afterwards or for those of us who are not published yet, we can have a flyer about our current WIP to hand out.


So how can we convince ourselves to peel off the scary and take advantage of these benefits? The key is total preparation and a bucketload of gumption. 

1. Choose three topics you could talk about. The material does not need to be about writing. What do you really like to do? 

*Is there a craft you enjoy? (scrapbooking, quilting, cooking, woodworking, gardening, etc.)
*What is the theme in your current WIP? (homeless, marriage, dating, abortion, traveling, genealogies, etc)
*What is something you would like to learn? (more about the writing craft, how to play an instrument, how to set up a neighborhood Bible study, how to host a book club, how to ski, how to hike safely, how to plan menus for special diets, time management, etc)

2. Write an outline of the main points you would like to share. Research, making sure to have a list of resources for the curious listeners. Write the exact words of your presentation, bolding key points (Did you know our pastors have their sermon printed out word for word? Of course they deviate when needed, but it is there for them if needed). 

3. Read the script you just wrote out loud and time it. Does the script need to be longer? Shorter?

4. Practice in front of family members. Did you feel nervous? Good. Was your talk longer or shorter as a result? This is great information. Adjust the script to fit the thirty minute time.

5. Make a list of places you could present any of your three scripts. Some presentations are best for specific audiences, (for example a library, an elementary school, junior high, high school or college, ladies Bible study, church gathering, community gathering, girl/boy scouts, 4H, craft clubs, etc.) 

Be open minded. With a little tweaking, the same presentation could be given to a ladies group or an elementary school group. Prepare the tweaked version ahead of time. You never know when someone might invite you to speak.

6. Design a simple advertisement. This can be a post card, flyer, etc. Include basic information about you as a writer. List all your available topics to present along with a brief summary for each. Include contact information. Send to the organizations. Post them in libraries, coffee shops, and other community bulletin boards.

Recommendation-do not charge until you have some experience. The purpose of these opportunities is to get your presence (not just name) out there.

7. Take every opportunity offered. Even if you think five-year olds won't listen to a presentation about quilting, or a teen group won't listen to a talk about writing, or a senior group won't be interested in dating, you might be really surprised. AND each listener has friends and family who could be interested in your next published book!

The last piece of advice: kick yourself out the door and go. Stand strong. Ask God to calm your jitters. Your listeners will not bring apples or shotguns. ;)

When you try - amazing things happen. I know! I spoke at the Great Lakes ACFW group meeting, June 2014. They gave me an honorarium and paid for my lunch. What meant more to me, though, was the tremendous feedback and the successful opportunity to get my presence out there. 

"After fifteen years of writing and knocking on publishing house doors finally relying on self-publication to get my work out there, I found Mary’s insights about pre-publication work not only valuable but essential knowledge that I lacked.  Her interactive presentation was not condescending, which produced incentives for further goal setting and hope for the future."

And guess what--you can do it, too!

I know there is so much more to say on this topic - like handouts, etc, maybe another time.

What concerns do you have about becoming a speaker?

I can't wait to read your comment!

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If you found any typos in today's post...sorry about that. 

Mary has moved to Michigan with her husband, closer to her three college kids. She misses the mountains of Montana, but loves seeing family more often. She writes young adult mystery/adventure Christian fiction, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids.

Visit Mary at her website and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

How an Epic Fail Can Be A Slinky of Goodness

Photo Courtesy

Any rejection: a word, a look, a letter, or an action digs into our hearts like a dagger. The hardest armadillo shell can be penetrated with one slit. 

Epic fail.

This is the moment when we must choose to heal or allow infection to take us down.

I can empathize with any of you. I have seen rejections, and I've been sprinkled with the occasional compliment. And like you, the punch of a rejection can hold me down longer than a compliment will raise me up. I'd much prefer to be like a slinky or super ball, forever bouncing back up, but this is NOT an easy job.

Photo Courtesy

So what can we do about it?

First of all, choose to be healed. (There won't be a second in today's post because allowing a rejection infection to take us down will not be an option).

Let's look at the different forms of medicine available to put the spring back in our writing spirits.

1.  The Balm- [def according to dictionary.com: anything that heals, soothes, or mitigates pain]

At any moment a negative thought about writing pops in your head, apply music that makes you want to dance, look at photos of people you love, watch a HAPPY chic flick, go for a walk, call your friends-NOT TO LAMENT but to hear something positive, hug ANYTHING (this includes hubby, kids, pets--probably not goldfish, stuffed animals, etc). 

2.  The Injection- [def according to dictionary.com: used for medicinal purposes]

Can you feel the sting? Yes. This is the rejection. The one filled with corrections, red, new places to start the story, changes for the title, names of character, need more this--less of that, etc. 

Photo by Mary Vee

Being a writer requires sensitivity. We all desire to write, sell our books, and have readers enjoy/rave about our stories or articles, However, if we become locked in to our own ideas despite the marketing numbers, we fail to provide the very product readers yearn to have.

Yes, we should write the story in our heart.

Yes, we should write what we know.

But like salt and sugar these are essential ingredients to an overall product. They do not stand alone. 

Even a book written just for you deserves to be written with the utmost quality. You are special, too!

The good news about an injection is the sting WILL go away.

3.  The tablet/capsule- [def according to dictionary.com: a small globular or rounded mass of medicinal substance, usually covered with a hard coating, that is to be swallowed whole.]

The hard coating is our help. It comes in the form of prayers, friends smiles, hugs, kind words, etc. This will not take away the nasty tasting medicine that is to follow, but will prepare our hearts and give us strength to endure what is to come. 

Typically, a fluid is used to aid the tablet/capsule consumption. Jesus is our living water. He doesn't take away the pain, but He will ease the moment. Talk to Him. He is there beside you, holding you up.

4.  Therapy-[def according to dictionary.com: an act, hobby, task, program, etc., that relieves tension]  

a. Did you know that it takes a spark of happy to write something happy? Name a person who means a lot to you. Good. Now--yes, I am bringing a medieval idea here to the page--hand write that person an encouraging note. Or share, in handwriting, some good news with the person. Ooooo this is tough, right? I know. Coming up with any positive words is like squeezing water from a dust devil, because we only want to be miserable right now. Trust me, no pain, no gain. The easy part will be to send the note once you've rewritten it without the scratched words. 

b. Run a mile. A whole mile? Yep. Run? Okay, you can jog or even walk briskly. Get the air bursting into your lungs to cleanse the hurt. You are gonna feel so good!

c. Read the comments in the crit, judge's remarks, editor's notes-ONE AT A TIME. Chew on their thoughts. Look at your copy. Consider the intended lesson, not the color of the type. Can you fix, change, reword your work to address the issue? If your spirit is spent after addressing this first thought, set the crit aside and do number 1 above. If you have been inspired by the change, go to the next remark on the page.

d. If you ever need a place to be encouraged, prayed for, given kudos for any size accomplishment come here to the Writer's Alley. We are bursting with cyber hugs, smiles, and all around encouragements, because we have all been in your shoes. Some, like me, still are :)

How can we get the slinky of goodness moving today? Do you have a need? A prayer request? A praise you'r bursting to share?

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If you found any typos in today's post...sorry about that. 

Mary has moved to Michigan with her husband, closer to her three college kids. She misses the mountains of Montana, but loves seeing family more often. She writes young adult mystery/adventure Christian fiction, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids.

Visit Mary at her website and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

12 Days of Christmas....ALLEY STYLE!

On the first day of Christmas, The AlleyCats could see......
The first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.



On the second day of Christmas, The AlleyCats could see.....
Two cats a-stylin'
And the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.





On the third day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see.....


Three hungry pals,

two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the fourth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
Four looney tunes,
three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the fifth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
FIVE Agented gals
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the sixth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the seventh day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Seven Seekers Smilin'
Six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the eighth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
Eight Cats a-meetin',
Seven Seekers smilin', six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the ninth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Nine pals a-posting
Eight Cats a-meetin, seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the tenth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Ten who write for Jesus,
Nine pals a-posting, eight Cats a-meetin', seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see....
Eleven Carol winners,
Ten who write for Jesus, Nine pals a-posting, eight Cats a-meetin', seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

On the twelth day of Christmas, The Alley Cats could see...
Twelve new months for blogging,
Eleven Carol winners, ten who write for Jesus, Nine pals a-posting, eight Cats a-meetin', seven Seekers smiling, six voices singing,
FIVE Agented gals,
Four looney tunes, three hungry pals, two cats a-stylin', and the first Cat to fulfill her writing dream.

Merry Christmas!! From our Alley to yours :-)
Angie, Ashley, Casey, Cindy, Julia, Karen, Krista, Mary, Pepper, and Sherrinda

A Writer's Top 10 New Year Resolutions

You may be one of those big goal setters, ready to tackle your list of New Year resolutions on January 1st. Or you may be like me, hating those long lists of goals that never get filled, and deciding to pick just One Word to use as the lens through which you look at your life this year. (See Seekerville's post about One Word and see my post here to see my one word.)

But a writer is different from the average person. A writer needs goals. We need resolutions to help us traverse the rocky journey of the writing life. So I've put together a writer's top 10 resolutions for this new year of 2011.

10. Start and finish a new novel. Pretty basic, but the hallmark of a writer is not just starting a book, but finishing a book.

9. Edit your finished novel. You can't pitch an unedited novel, because, well, it would never get looked at. Polish that baby up!

8. Join a critique group or get a critique partner. You can edit your book on your own, but you will never see all it's mistakes and problems on your own. You need another pair of eyes to help you story bleed red with correction, making it the book it needs to be. ACFW offers a critique pool. To sign up, go HER E. (You have to be a member to access this site.)

7. Write a synopsis. The dreaded synopsis is not quite so daunting a task if you learn how to do it right. Camy Tang has a fabulous synopsis worksheet that takes you step by step through the process. I have used it and can honestly say it was the only thing that got me through it! You can order it for $5 HERE. Also, Kaye Dacus has a post about it that is very helpful. Access it HERE.

6. Query for an agent. The sad truth is that if you go the traditional publishing route, you need an agent to get your manuscript looked at. Do your research when locating agents to query. Find the right one for your genre and style. Michael Hyatt has a great list of literary agents who represent Christian authors HERE.

5. Go to a writing conference. Conferences offer a wealth of information in regards to writing and all things publishing. Many provide opportunities to meet agents and editors--a great place to get your foot in the door and get some experience pitching. For a good list of Christian writing conferences, go HERE.

4. Read several books on the writing craft. There are many good books on writing that provide tools necessary in developing a well written book that will grab the reader. For a list of resources, see our Resource Shop Page above or go HERE. Also, author Jody Hedlund has an extensive list of writing books HERE.

3. Subscribe to great blogs about writing and the writing life. Of course, all our Alley Cat Gals here have fabulous blogs and you can access them in the side bar. Here are a few others that are extremely helpful.

• Kaye Dacus
• Jody Hedlund
• Seekerville
• Stephanie Smith (this is a list of writing contests for the year)

2. Read. Yes, read books in the genre you are writing. Read books in a variety of genres. Read for pleasure. Read to "research". Read, read, read!

1. Write every day. Writers write and writers should keep up the practice. 1000 words a day will get you a book in about three months. So write to your heart's delight, letting your creativity and words flow free.

So there are my Top Ten Resolutions for writers. What would you add to the list?