If you've ever wanted to write a book, but were not sure how to start or what to do once you type the words "The End", hanging out with other writers can make all the difference. I've found this in my own life. I've done writing courses, and borrowed all the books from the writing section of the library (pop over here to read more about how I got started writing), but it's the conversations - even the conversations you eavesdrop - where you learn the breadth of practical advice writers need to navigate the publishing industry! This is one of the reasons I attend writers conferences, and teach at them too. 
This month, I'll be teaching several classes and sharing a keynote at the Write His Answer Online Christian Writers Conference, and I was interested to reach out to Marlene Bagnull, the conference director, to learn more about her heart for this particular event. Marlene has spent literally decades in this role, pouring her heart into equipping and building up other writers. She's something of an inspiration!

​One of the things that really interests me is what keeps a writer writing. Rejections, rewrites, marketing and less enthusiastic sales can make it hard to remember why we started out in the first place. But the "writing why" matters and, oftentimes, it’s what keeps writers going when things get tough.
I asked three writers recently, about the "why" behind their work and what keeps them going when discouragement sets in. Janet McHenry is the author of 27 traditionally published books, including eight on the topic of prayer. Maureen Miller has just published her debut novel, and Dr. Ronda Wells is a writer for Guideposts and will be launching her second novel this year. Three very different writers, but a similar thread of faith holding them steady. I hope you find this interview as encouraging as I did!

I hesitated writing this post. I mean, why add more words to a topic that seems to be bouncing around the internet like a high speed pinball. Opinions, enthusiasm, suspicion, outrage. It’s all there.
So why add my thoughts to the noise? Well, I knew I needed to wrestle out my position on AI - as an author, but also as a person. I also knew that I'm probably not the only one. So I share my thoughts here. My AI WIP (wrestlings-in-progress)... 

​Writers always have a reason for why they start writing. Sometimes it’s the development of a childhood hobby. Sometimes it’s writing the book they wish they had. Sometimes, it’s a response to heartache and suffering. A response that not only offers healing and space to process personal grief, but often becomes a gift to others traveling a similar journey. I took some time last month to interview three such authors who write about faith in times of suffering. 

​I write for children. Sometimes for teens, occasionally for adults, but mostly for children. So, maybe I’m a little biased, but I obviously think writing for children is important. I decided to ask three Christian children’s writers about their approach to writing. I wanted to find out what they write, but also why they write it. What motivates and inspires them? What is, essentially, the heart of a children’s writer?