For Writers

Good Old Number 35

This past year, I had the chance to work with some authors on a continuity series for Harlequin. The editors gave us information about all of our characters and plots. It was our job as authors to put together the hundreds of details that make the series unique and completely real feeling. I soon realized that I was out of my league.

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Genre Happenings

Bonnets, Buggies, and Quilts
Think You Know Amish?

The gas powered lights are dim in the Amish store and the aisles are cramped with goods that cater to both Englisch and Amish alike. The book section is especially crowded as mothers from both worlds scan the shelves for things suitable for their families to read. I see the traditional Little House titles, books by Amish authors, and some classics like...

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DiAnn Direct

Symbolism in Writing: Part I

Writers often struggle to incorporate symbolism into their manuscripts. This month we’ll begin discussing symbolism, why it’s an important tool in creating quality fiction, and how to successfully incorporate this literary device into a manuscript. Story is about characters trying to solve a problem, a journey with twists and turns. Symbolism touches the reader with subtle understanding.

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The Well Writer

Amish Wellness Lessons
by Serena B. Miller

“Do you know any Amish people?” my agent asked, during a phone call discussing my nonexistent career back in 2009. “Two Amish men are building a barn in back of my house right now, does that count?” “It sure does! I’ve been thinking . . . your name is Miller. You live in Ohio. If you can write an Amish book, I have an editor who might buy it.”

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Author By Night

Novel Programming

It seems counter intuitive to many people that someone with an educational background in science and math and a professional background in computer programming could also write novels. It’s often assumed that creative thinking and logical thinking are inversely proportional to each another.

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