Category: Writing

Guest Post, Writing

New Writer Advice & Author Interview

by Robyn HookLeave a Comment on New Writer Advice & Author Interview
New Writer Advice & Author Interview

This week I’m sharing about my writing on Amanda Wen’s blog. I hope you’ll check out the author interview here, and let me know what you think! For those of you just starting your writer journey, here are a few things I’ve learned.

Tips for New Writers

  1. Get involved with a professional organization. If you’re a Christian writer then check out American Christian Fiction Writers and get involved! So far, the best thing about my writer journey has been making new author friends like Amanda. We first met online when we made the finals together in several writing contests. Then we had a great time rooming together with Laurie Germaine at the 2017 ACFW conference.
  2. Join a critique group even if you think you don’t need the help. It’s impossible to identify the mistakes you don’t know you’ve made. Besides, if you happen to already be an amazing writer then helping someone else learn how to improve their skills is a great way to give back and strengthen your editor-eye. Through ACFW’s Scribes online critique group, I’ve connected with dozens of other writers and many have become close friends.
  3. Writing Contests are a great way to get anonymous feedback and see how your manuscript holds up among other authors. Amanda beat me in the First Impressions contest and even landed her agent after receiving a request for her full manuscript from a contest judge. Even though I didn’t win that year, I figured I was in good company!

Don’t forget to check out the interview, and if you enjoy reading contemporary or historical inspirational romance, be sure to sign up for Amanda’s newsletter and stay connected. She has written an incredible time-slip novel you’ll love!

 

Author Spotlight: Robyn Hook

The online writing community is fabulous and supportive, but there’s just no substitute for knowing someone in person! Today’s guest is one of those precious writer-pals who’s become an in-person friend as well, thanks to being my roomie last year at ACFW. It gives me great joy to welcome today’s guest, Robyn Hook!

Hi, Robyn! Thanks for hanging with us!

Thank you so much! It’s wonderful to be here!

What inspired you to start writing? What are you working on now?

Read more on Amanda Wen’s site. 

 

 

 

 

Guest Post, Writing

Write Realistic Foreign Characters: Six Tips

by Robyn Hook12 Comments on Write Realistic Foreign Characters: Six Tips
Write Realistic Foreign Characters: Six Tips

 

When a member of my writing group asked how to make her British character authentic, I knew just who to approach. My good friend, Rebekah Millet, has done an amazing job creating a genuine, foreign hero. And I’m thrilled to share her advice with you here!

Continue reading “Write Realistic Foreign Characters: Six Tips” →

Guest Post, Writing

Self-Editing: Three Quick Tips

by Robyn Hook20 Comments on Self-Editing: Three Quick Tips
Self-Editing: Three Quick Tips

I’ve invited my friend and fellow contemporary inspirational author, Rebekah Millet to share some editing tips. Get to know Rebekah because you’re in for a treat when her novel is released! So be sure to sign-up for her newsletter and enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card before you go.

Continue reading “Self-Editing: Three Quick Tips” →

Book Review, Writing

How a Writing Conference Helped Me Empathize with My Favorite Elf

by Robyn Hook6 Comments on How a Writing Conference Helped Me Empathize with My Favorite Elf
How a Writing Conference Helped Me Empathize with My Favorite Elf

I recently met one of my critique partners, Laurie Germaine, in person at the ACFW conference. We had so much fun sharing a room with Amanda Wen at the amazing Gaylord Hotel in Grapevine, Texas. And in case you’re wondering, not one of my fears that spawned this blog post about my conference anxiety came true. Although, I did have a close call with the hotel hair dryer finally deciding to roar to life just as I was about to leave the room. Thank God, I heard it and turned the possessed thing off in time, but as I flipped the switch, terror seeped into my bones. A vision of Robyn Hook burning down the beautiful hotel was a horror I hadn’t even imagined might have come true.

Just like Tinsel Kuchler—my favorite human-sized elf from Laurie’s novel! I understood a little of how poor Tinsel must have felt when she set the chemistry lab at her high school ablaze. She caused an explosion that ruined a stash of presents and sent the elves into panic mode to save Christmas. Thankfully, the current Santa’s hot, teenaged grandson and future Santa, Niklas Kringle, was there to lead everyone to safety. And yes, I admit it, I have a crush on this young Santa before the red suit and jelly belly! Continue reading “How a Writing Conference Helped Me Empathize with My Favorite Elf” →

Writing

My Ride from Sceptic to Writer

by Robyn Hook19 Comments on My Ride from Sceptic to Writer
My Ride from Sceptic to Writer

I’m leaving for my first writer’s conference this Thursday. Gulp. Yes, it’s the conference that inspired this ridiculous story about my fears. I’m not really worried I’ll make all those mistakes and I know I’ve been blessed tremendously by experienced authors who have helped me create the materials I need to pitch my story to agents and acquisitions editors, but I’m nervous! And this will be the first time I leave my kids and husband alone together for three consecutive nights. So please, please pray for all of us.

In honor of this conference—where I’ll put on my writer-hat and announce to the world I have a story for them—I’m sharing a little of my journey from sceptic writer. Hope you enjoy! Continue reading “My Ride from Sceptic to Writer” →

Devotional, Writing

Wasted Time and God’s Blessings: The Writing Dream I Ignored

by Robyn Hook1 Comment on Wasted Time and God’s Blessings: The Writing Dream I Ignored
Wasted Time and God’s Blessings: The Writing Dream I Ignored

The first time I wrote fictional dialogue, it was an assignment for my British Literature class at Abilene Christian University. On the day we would receive our scores, I was eager to see if my creativity had paid off.

My professor, Dr. Jack Welch, tall and lanky with gray at his temples, faced our class and grinned, a twinkle in his eyes.

That look, I’d seen it before. I settled back in my desk and prepared to be entertained by his dry humor.

Continue reading “Wasted Time and God’s Blessings: The Writing Dream I Ignored” →