Elizabeth Raum is a prolific writer of history in both fiction and non-fiction. Her most recent title, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776, is available from Chicken Scratch Books. Q: Where did you get the idea for your most recent book, A Kidnapping in Kentucky, 1776? A: I've always been fascinated with our country's history. I…
The Gatekeeper’s Daughter: in revision
When I first started writing, I naïvely thought that once the manuscript had been accepted for publication, the hard work was done. Now that my middle-grade fantasy, The Gatekeeper's Daughter, has found a place at Chicken Scratch Books, I'm learning that the hard work is just beginning. My editor's letter set out the changes that…
Creating relatable characters in Christian YA: An interview with Candice Pedraza Yamnitz
UNBETROTHED by Candice Pedraza Yamnitz caught my eye with its beautiful cover. I was curious as to what inspired its author and reached out to her with the following questions. Q. Tell us about UNBETROTHED. Where did you find the inspiration for the book? When did you first start writing it? What was the writing…
New writers’ workshop
Do you have a desire to write a book but don't know where to start? Do you have a great idea burning in your soul, keeping you up at night but you have no idea how to get it written? If so, know that you are not alone. I have written four novels for young…
Inspiration for Writers
As writers, we may feel that our most productive time is spent getting the words down. But where do we find those words to begin with? And when we are burned out and our well is dry, where can we go for inspiration? Are you a writer first? A mom? A dad? Are you a…
Investing in our stories
The same spirit that drives a writer to take a hybrid or indie approach to publishing can lead to the decision to take on every facet of publishing single-handedly. Writing, editing, formatting and cover design can be done independently depending on the writer’s abilities but there is an argument to be made for partnering with…
Creativity in Marketing
I was struck recently by the concept of imagination. Why did God give us an imagination? One reason, perhaps, is to fuel our creativity. To allow us to think more broadly and give us a chance to consider things we might not have considered if we were to think logically all the time. The gifts…
