
The Write Conversation
8,542 FOLLOWERS
Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She's a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. In keeping up with the leading edge of al things digital, Edie has become known as one of the go-to experts on social media for writers wanting to learn how to plug in.
The Write Conversation
5h ago
by Larry J. Leech II @LarryJLeechII
Mom likes to needle me that when I moved from baby talk to speaking English that I haven’t shut up since. Well, uh, she might be … uh, dare I write it, correct.
Well, I’m probably not the only one. Gosh, I hope not. One thing for sure is that people talk—every day. Even in the modern age in which written communication is often done with texts, emails, and instant messaging, people still speak words. Some might mumble. Others may babble. But words are spoken.
Writing spoken words in storytelling can be a little tricky. Keep these items in mind to ..read more
The Write Conversation
1d ago
by Martin Wiles @LinesFromGod
Christmas break gave some of our daughter and son-in-law’s boys extended time to stay with us for a few days here and there. But then, the final Saturday of Christmas break arrived.
We picked up a few pizzas, headed for their house, and planned to eat and play a board game before leaving. The older of the two loves board games and played with us. The younger took off to the playroom and confiscated his iPad. The other two meandered about, doing first one thing and then another.
When the time came for us to leave, my wife and I made our Pop and Me ..read more
The Write Conversation
2d ago
by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt
Perseverance ain’t fun.
That’s my three-word take on sticking with writing when it’s hard.
Some of you are probably thinking, “That’s not exactly brilliant, Beth.”
Hang around me long enough, writer friends, and you know I love quotes. What do other people have to say about perseverance?
“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English writer
“…hard works pay off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. If you don’t love something, then don’t do it.” Ray Bradbury (1920 ..read more
The Write Conversation
3d ago
by A.C. Williams @ACW_Author
Your book got published! Did you celebrate? Throw a party? Host a signing event? Getting to join the ranks of the traditionally published is a rare and unique gift nowadays.
So what happens when your traditional publisher shuts down?
Sadly, many small presses are having to close their doors. There are many reasons most of the time. As the former co-owner of a small press that had to close in 2023, I can testify that it’s a heartbreaking situation for both the publishers and the authors.
But as an author, what options do you have to salvage your s ..read more
The Write Conversation
4d ago
by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn
Ten years ago, in 2015, I went on my first-ever solo writing retreat. (You can read about it here, Is a Writing Retreat Right for You!)
My first book hadn’t come out yet, my children were still very young, and taking time away to write was still a novel concept.
Fast forward to 2025 and how things have changed! My children are significantly more self-sufficient, my writing career has grown in ways I never dared to dream, and taking time away to write has gone from being a rare treat to a crucial part of my process.
And y’all, the wr ..read more
The Write Conversation
5d ago
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Many of us hit places in our journey where we wonder if we're really cut out for writing. Insecurity and the general insanity of the business can whittle down our confidence until we're ready to throw in the towel. But there are some unexpected ways to confirm your calling, if you're willing to take a look at familiar things in different ways.
Today I'd like to share a list of things that can reverse that insecurity. If you find any of these familiar, you're definitely on the write . . . uh . . . right path.
12 Ways to Know You're Really a Writer
1. You ..read more
The Write Conversation
6d ago
by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells
Take a look at your manuscript. Does your first line compel the reader to take in the first paragraph? Is the opening paragraph an incentive to read the first chapter?
Remember
Your first line prompts the reader to read the first paragraph.
The first paragraph compels the reader to read the first chapter.
The first chapter invites the reader to finish the book.
The last chapter sells your next book.
I cringe when writers show me their work and they have written to the reader, “Don’t stop reading, you’ll see why later.” Or, “Stay with me, it will ..read more
The Write Conversation
1w ago
by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT
Recently, a friend asked me that question. Since I signed a book contract a few years ago, friends and associates have wondered when the book will be in stores. The publication has been pushed to a future date twice, so it is normal for folks to wonder what I am doing in the meantime. Hence, the question, “Are you still writing?”
Writers write—it is what we do. We pen books, articles, devotions, or shopping lists on paper. Words are our superpower, and we love spending time with them. But I must admit, my friend's question made me pause and reflect on my writing jou ..read more
The Write Conversation
1w ago
by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank
Join me the first Sunday of each month this year as we examine twelve spiritual practices for writers.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lead not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).
There is a kind of prayer called a prayer of intention. It is the practice of presenting oneself to the Lord and setting one’s intention toward Him in a specific way each day. The prayer of intention helps us practice trusting God on the writing journey.
Paying attention to what we think of first ..read more
The Write Conversation
1w ago
by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth
We have some smart people on this blog. Many are on top of social media and all of its recent changes. Others are having successful success at building platforms with beaucoup followers to promote their writing and teaching.
I’m not one of them.
Social media, technology, building platforms—they’re a jungle to me. Robert Frost wrote about two roads diverging in a yellow wood. This is more like the Atlanta highway system. Or a bowl of tangled spaghetti.
One problem with social media is it continues to change even as we speak. Companies come and go. Sometimes me ..read more