Meeting one of my favorite authors, Mitch Albom, of Tuesday's with Morrie fame was a bucket list moment.

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From the Amy Foundation's Newsletter Pen & Sword (archived article) As a past First Place Amy Awards [$10,000] winning writer, Christina shared her suggestions for writers or wannabe writers.

 Writer's Toolbox

Q. What recommendations do you have for writers? 
A: Writers need to read constantly. I always keep a book, newspaper, or magazine with me wherever I go. I tend to like to read Christian recovery books, biographies, well-known columnists, inspirational pieces, and specific authors. But I try to be careful not to get stuck in reading only genres that I like. Having struggled with clinical depression myself, when it comes to reading, I try to concentrate on the advice found in Phil. 4:8, “Summing
it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful,not the ugly; things to praise, not
things to curse,” (The Message). 
Q: Do you have any encouragement for Christian writers as to how to use media resources to publish their work?
A: As time-consuming and seemingly narcissistic as social media can be, it is important for a writer to have a presence on the Internet for marketing purposes. Through mediums like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, one can create that presence in conjunction with maintaining a personal website or blog. Just make sure the information is current, or else these tools can actually work against you in a marketing sense. 
Q: How do you fit in time to write?
A: At this point of my life, I am free to concentrate solely on my writing and speaking career. For many years as a single Mom, I worked a full-time job. Pursuing writing always requires sacrifice and great discipline, but if you believe it is a calling, you will pay the price.
Q: How do you get your ideas for articles or books?
A: Often I pray and ask God to guide me in what He would like written. Also, since I have been a storyteller for many years, people occasionally share ideas. A knowledge of
what has been well-received in the past helps, too. Other times, the Holy Spirit will nudge me to pursue a topic I might otherwise overlook. Abortion, sexual abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and depression are all subjects I have written about extensively because I sensed God wanted to use my writing— and my own broken past—to reach those still struggling.

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The Amy Writing Award’s winner Christina Ryan Claypool shares how God has brought healing through her writing.

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Q: When did you begin writing?
A: I began writing in the early 1970s as a troubled teen. After surviving a near fatal suicide attempt, I was committed to Ohio’s Toledo State Mental Hospital. During those long months, I wrote about my feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and depression. God used writing to enable me to survive.
Q: What inspired you to write your Amy Award winning article?
A: As a journalist, I have witnessed Christians who experience traumatic events who share their stories in the light of God’s sustaining grace. It has empowered them to heal.
Therefore, I was prompted by God’s Spirit, to approach the Henderson family, who
are precious friends. I asked them if they would like me to write about their daughter’s brutal murder. It was Dale Henderson’s amazing story of a father’s forgiveness that emerged.
Q: How did you market your story?
A: As a freelance journalist, I have written many articles for Ohio’s The Lima News. I simply
approached my editor, and she approved the story idea. At the time, I wrote the article I was not aware of the Amy Awards.
Q: How did you hear about the Amy Awards?
A: I originally heard about the Amy Awards through the winter 2011 Northwest Ohio Christian Writers’ newsletter. It’s important for writers to network with others in their field, and to learn about writing possibilities like the Amy Awards.