throwback posts – Almost An Author

All Writers Need Encouragement

It’s time for another Third Anniversary Throwback Thursday. One of our goals at Almost an Author is to encourage aspiring writers. Writing is a calling, but it can be lonely, frustrating, and wearisome. Writers face rejection, doubt, and discouragement.

This collection of posts was written with those truths in mind.

Come Out Swinging: Fighting Fear as a Writer

The writer’s life is not for the faint of heart. There are moments that are downright scary. That first writer’s conference, critiques, contest entries, appointments with an editor/publisher, the blank page—all potentially terrifying. If you’re like me, you’ve wasted precious writing time paralyzed by fears and insecurities. But enough is enough. Here are three ways to face our fears head-on: Read more.

13 Things that can Steal Your Writing Joy

Writers have a love/hate relationship with putting words on paper. Sometimes it’s difficult because of the process. Other times we sabotage ourselves. Today I’d like to share my list of things that steal your writing joy. Read more.

What if?

Have you ever ignored the Spirit’s nudge? Opted not to put pen to the thought? Bought into the thinking, “Why bother?” Do you realize you could be the favor, the blessing, the encouragement, the hope, the answer to someone’s prayers? Read more.

Dreamers Wanted

Dreaming is not a waste of time, it is a necessity to rescue and redeem our limited time. I challenge you to ask God to awaken the dreams he’s sown into your soul and spirit so long ago. Stop listening to the naysayers and the doomsdayers. Blow off the dust, take it in your hands, hold it close to your heart, and nurture that dream until it becomes all that God says it will be. Read more.

Souls Perish from Procrastination in Writing

What if Queen Esther had procrastinated instead of facing the king? We writers have plenty or reasons to procrastinate. If God has given us something to say, then it is important. It’s our responsibility. Souls hang in the balance. You better get to writing because “who knows but that you have [been given this story or message] for such a time as this.” Read more.

Looking Back: Early A3 Posts

Almost an Author is celebrating its third anniversary. Why not take a moment to look back at some of the original posts?

Over the last three years, quite a few talented writers have dropped by Almost an Author to give advice and encouragement. Some have been with Almost an Author from the beginning. Others have joined along the way. Some have moved on to other pursuits.

A few are still writing columns. (Although not necessarily on the original subject.)

Here are a few posts from the early days of Almost an Author by columnists who have stuck around. Their advice is as valid today as it was then. Enjoy.

Hurry! I need patience

Some days feel like Finals Week in Patience 101. Writing and publishing are a major part of this learning experience. Sometimes I have to step back and remember it was God Who planted this dream of writing and publishing in my heart, and it is God Who will see it come to fruition, in His time and in His way. But, man, I wish He’d hurry! Read more.

The Importance of Emotional Continuity

When actors (or fictional characters) enter a scene, they bring with them a certain attitude and emotional state that is a result of the moment before they appear. We expect continuity between a character’s emotional state in the previous scene and how they behave the next time we meet them. Read more.

Just a Writer

Do you ever feel like “just a writer?” “Just” a wannabe author? “Just” a wordsmith who spends hours inventing characters and hoping someone will read your work? I encourage you to throw out the word “just” from your thinking. Treat it like yesterday’s trash that’s contaminating your mind. You are not “just” a writer. You are “A WRITER!” Read more.

Storytelling – What Makes a Story Great?

What is it about a story that makes it compelling? Is it the characters? Is it the plot? Is it the element of surprise? Is it the challenges? Is it danger? I submit, it’s all of them, skillfully put together, woven like a tapestry to make an impression on our minds and in our hearts. Read more.

Query Letter Basics

If you want to pitch articles to magazines, you need to know how to write a query letter. The query is your calling card. It is your sales letter that includes the subject of the article, who you are, and why you are qualified to write it. This post reviews the basics of what you need to know to craft a good query. Read more.