Your Best Writing Life

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] Writing conflict into stories is essential for producing a successful book. Stay tuned. Today’s guest will provide tips for creating effective conflicts for your characters. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in.  During this fourth episode of the Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn how to write effective conflict. My industry expert is DiAnn Mills. DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, and Selah awards, and was a finalist in the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol Award contests. DiAnn teaches writing all over the country. DiAnn explains the following tips to improve the effectiveness of conflict when you write fiction. These tips also help with writing nonfiction. What creates more conflict? * Incorrect understanding of what is going on. * The character doesn’t have all the information. * The character is being lied to or deceived. * The character isn’t sure he/she is making the right decision. For your copy of Diann’s Characterization Sketch, email Diann@DiAnnMills.com [Diann@DiAnnMills.com] Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part One [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/developing-your-story-setting/] Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part Two [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/how-listening-makes-us-better-writers/] Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part Three [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/how-listening-makes-us-better-writers/] Learn more about Diann Mills below.  - diannmills.com [https://diannmills.com]  - facebook.com [https://facebook.com/diannmills]/diannmills  - x.com/diannmills [https://x.com/diannmills]  - diannmills.com/articles [https://diannmills.com/articles]  - bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills [https://bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills]  - instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/ [http://instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/] Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] If you've ever thought about becoming a published author, today’s episode will dispel some myths you might believe to be true. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn about several Publishing Myths that hold you back from becoming a successful author. My industry expert is… W. Terry Whalin. Terry understands both sides of the editorial desk--as an editor and a writer. He worked as a magazine editor whose work has appeared in more than 50 publications. A former book acquisitions editor for several publishers and a former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing.  He has written more than 60 books through traditional publishers, covering a wide range of topics, from children’s books to biographies and co-authored works. Over 20 years ago, Terry wrote a diet book in eleven days called First Place by Carole Lewis, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Terry’s newest book is 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed [https://www.10publishingmyths.com/] (Morgan James Publishing). We cover several myths found in Terry's book during today's episode. You can get your physical copy for only $10 (includes shipping), plus this special comes with over $200 worth of free bonuses. Get Terry's special offer at publishingoffer.com [https://publishingoffer.com] Check out the 11th Myth here for your free chapter - https://Terrylinks.com/11thmyth [https://Terrylinks.com/11thmyth] Click to receive Terry's Book Proposal ebook. [https://Bookproposals.ws]     Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] During this third episode of the Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn How to Work Smart in Your Writing Career. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. My industry expert is DiAnn Mills. DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won two Christy Awards, Golden Scroll, and Selah awards, and was a finalist in the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn teaches writing all over the country. Here are today's 11 Ways to Work Smart in Your Writing Career  [http://www.blueridgeconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11-Ways-to-Work-Smart-in-Your-Writing-Career-all-levels.pdf] You also get a bonus download - 11 More Ways to Work Smart in Your Writing Career  [http://www.blueridgeconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/11-More-Ways-to-Work-Smart-in-Your-Writing-Career.pdf] Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part One [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/developing-your-story-setting/] Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer Part Two [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/how-listening-makes-us-better-writers/] Links You can find out more about … in our show notes as well. - diannmills.com [https://diannmills.com] - facebook.com [https://facebook.com/diannmills]/diannmills - x.com/diannmills [https://x.com/diannmills] - diannmills.com/articles [https://diannmills.com/articles] - bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills [https://bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills] - instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/ [http://instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/] Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] Are you prepared to take the podcasting world by storm? Today’s guest shares tips to help you become the guest that podcasters can’t wait to interview.  Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in. During this episode, you’ll learn how to Be A Writer Podcasters Love to Interview. My industry expert is… Shelly Snead. She is a writer, an award-winning blogger, and host of UnPerfect, a podcast for Christian Women who desire to fully live the lives they’ve been dealt. She’s been miraculously married for 29 years and is “mom” to four kids, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and a spoiled mutt she rescued in a weak moment. How to Be A Writer Podcasters Love to Interview Talking Points: 1.    What is the first step a writer should take before requesting an interview on a specific podcast? a.    Study the Podcast you are asking to be interviewed for.   b.    (Discussion of how a writer can know if they are a good fit for a podcast).   2.     How should a writer adjust their mindset when preparing for a podcast interview? a.    Focus on serving rather than promoting.  b.    (most important tip - requires a mindset shift, discussion of why it’s not really about your “book”)   3.     How can a writer assist the podcast host in preparing for the interview? a.    Provide a list of suggested questions for your topic or a subtopic of your book.  b.    (discussion of a press release, suggested topics, even ways that fiction writers can land interviews) Downloadable Giveaway - https://shellysnead.com/yourbestwritinglife/ [https://shellysnead.com/yourbestwritinglife/]  You can find out more about Shelly in our show notes. www.shellysnead.com [http://www.shellysnead.com] (website) https://shellysnead.substack.com/subscribe [https://shellysnead.substack.com/subscribe]  Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]

What did you think of this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1127762/open_sms] As a Christian writer, strong listening skills can enhance readers' enjoyment.  Stay tuned. Today’s guest will share three ways to boost your writing-related listening skills. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mts of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. I’m so glad you’re listening in.  During this part two episode of Savvy Skills for the Beginning Writer series, you’ll learn How Listening Makes Us Better Writers. My industry expert is DiAnn Mills. DiAnn is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. She has won two Christy Awards, Golden Scroll, and Selah awards, and was a finalist in the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. DiAnn teaches writing all over the country. Three ways to increase your writerly listening skills: 1. Listen with your whole body and mind. Shut out the rest of the world and concentrate on the audible voice. 2. Listen with empathy. Put yourself in the speaker’s shoes. What differences will this audible contribution make in your writing? 3. Listen with purpose. A writer aims to put themselves aside and write as the character. Download DiAnn's How Listening Makes Us Better Writers PDF [http://www.blueridgeconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/How-Listening-Makes-Us-Better-Writers.pdf] You can find out more about DiAnn Mills in our show notes.  - diannmills.com [https://diannmills.com]  - facebook.com [https://facebook.com/diannmills]/diannmills  - x.com/diannmills [https://x.com/diannmills]  - diannmills.com/articles [https://diannmills.com/articles]  - bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills [https://bookbub.com/authors/diann-mills]  - instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/ [http://instagram.com/diannmillsauthor/] Visit Your Best Writing Life website [https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/]. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life [https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourBestWritingLife/] Your host - Linda Goldfarb [http://lindagoldfarb.com/] #1 Podcast in the "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024" [https://www.trainingauthors.com/resources-for-christian-writers-2024/]. Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awardshttps://www.sparkmedia.ventures/site/awards] Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast [https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/]