Writing Goals and Dreams for 2016

Are you prepared for this new year? We are spinning off of Tamsen Horton’s Quarterly Planning system (click here to see it!). See how Bethany, Jean, and Johnnie each plan out their writing and business calendars here:

How to set realistic goals:

  1. Know what works your business may not work for everyone and vice versa!
  2. Know your core why or reason you established your business. Your why is crucial to your goals, dreams, and living a fulfilled life.
  3. Planning helps you respect your time, including the weekends and rest time!

Writer’s Chat Overview


Tip: Turn off the computer to get more things done! Be sure to establish boundaries for family time and sleep, although as an entrepreneur, you are going to lose some sleep.

[Tweet “Your why is crucial to your goals, dreams, and living a fulfilled life. @_kevinbuchanan”]


I am currently reading Essentialism by Greg McKeown {kindle version here}. – This has inspired my weekly goal setting idea.


Jean’s new book Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, an advent devotional just released on Amazon. {Click here for the kindle version.}


Final Thoughts

  • You can control your platform, your pitch, and your proposal to further your writing career.
  • Get serious. Join the Serious Writer Academy.
  • Don’t forget about upcoming Florida Christian Writers Conference in 2016. Be sure to sign up and dedicate your time to becoming a better writer.
  • As @Jeanwise says, “You can’t plan all day, you have to take action!”

Writers Chat: Writing and Researching Historical Fiction

We have a treat today on Writers Chat! Our guest is New York Times bestselling author Liz Tolsma, who talks about writing and researching historical romance.

Historical Fiction: The dilemma of what is true and what is fiction.

Writer’s Chat Blab with Liz Tolsma, Johnnie Alexander , and Jean Wise.


Liz Tolsma’s Journey

  • Historical fiction inspired her in the 5th grade
  • Decided to follow her passion, but it wasn’t easy
  • Getting published did not happen overnight
  • The Lord perfected the timing in her writing
  • Inspired by true events in her family’s military history

What are you allowed to write about a real person without misinterpreting their past?

    • Be true to their character
    • Be careful not to defame them
    • Research their past
    • Find a primary source such as a diary
    • Interview people who knew them

Where do you find firsthand accounts?

    • Google is a great source, but always verify your research
    • Never rely on Wiki, although it can lead you to a good source
    • Librarians serve as a great resource
    • Use your own family history as a story idea
    • Collect photos for your character ideas

Use Pinterest to inspire locations in your book. Check out Liz’s Pinterest page here


Final Thoughts

  • When characters surprise you or the story leads you in a different direction, you can experience the true joy of writing
  • Reach other through your writing and tailor your message to different audiences
  • True stories can inspire your writing
  • You are meeting the people right now that could inspire a best selling novel

Contact Liz on Facebook and Twitter and visit her website here

Inside a Writer’s Toolkit

Inside a Writer’s Toolkit

Today’s topic is resources – the tools we use to make our lives easier. Join us to hear about your favorite tips and tools, as well as add some great apps to your arsenal.

The live stream and replay are below. To subscribe to the show or join in the chat, please click here to go to the stream.