Guest blog by Gabriela Pereira Of all aspects of the writing craft, dialogue is by far my favorite. Maybe it’s because dialogue makes me feel like I’m in the scene with the characters or lets me see their dynamic personalities bounce off each other. Or maybe it’s just because I’m impatient and don’t like to weed […] The post How to Create Dazzling Dialogue appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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. […] The post 8 Steps to Writing a Perfect Scene—Every Time appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

 Guest blog by Dr. Richard Lederer 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, […] The post Faith-Based Words and Phrases appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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 […] The post How to Fix Passive Voice appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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 […] The post 10 Ways To Create Immediate Character Empathy appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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 […] The post How to Write a Devotional: The Definitive Guide appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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 […] The post If You Really Want to Make It as a Writer appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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 […] The post 3 Tips for Featuring Multiple Main Characters in Your Story appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

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 […] The post How to Write a Series of Novels Your Readers Will Love appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more

You have a message to share with the world, but so far, people don’t seem interested. Are you wasting your time? You are if your nonfiction fails to engage an agent or publisher. You may have forgotten the importance of storytelling — yes, even in nonfiction. Adding stories to your nonfiction: Hooks your reader from […] The post How to Write an Anecdote and Why Stories Bring Your Nonfiction to Life appeared first on Jerry Jenkins | Proven Writing Tips ..read more