I experienced two what might be called failures recently. In the space of three days. On Saturday, I received a rejection from an agent. On Monday, a publisher declined to consider my manuscript. It was the same book in both instances. To me they were failures. Something about my writing …
This past weekend I had the privilege of teaching two classes at the Roanoke Texas Writers Conference. I tasted once again the enthusiasm of writers eager to learn, to share their own experiences and to help each other. I was reminded once again of the communities we writers form—communities as …
There is a scene in Star Wars, Episode IV, where Luke is attacking the Death Star, about to drop a bomb down a chute to the core of the weapon. His wing commander tells him, “Wait for it. Wait for it.” Did you know the Lord tells us basically the …
Writers spend a lot of time alone. Especially in our actual writing. While this is vitally necessary as we pursue our dreams and answer God’s call to write, there is a risk. It opens the door for Satan, the enemy of our souls, to slip in and plant seeds of …
Sometimes all of us, writers included, get in a state of being that’s been called many things. Some call it a funk. Others call it the valley of dry bones. Or the valley of the shadow of death. Recently, one blogger called the dark night of the soul. In baseball, …
After you read the blog, continue down the page and check out the new feature I’m thinking of adding. I’d appreciate your thoughts and feedback on it. We’re all familiar with proverbs either in the Bible or in the secular world. The other day I was reading in the book …
Recently, a reader asked me what authors have influenced me the most. Who have I learned from? I think every author I’ve ever read has influenced me in some way. Either as examples of how to write or how not to write. I’ll focus on the positive side of the …
Have you ever been in that place where you don’t know what to do? Sometimes it’s minor decision, such as which restaurant to go to or what to have for lunch. Other times, it’s a major decision. Should I take this job? Buy this house? Marry this person? Every day, …
There’s a verse in the Bible that reads, “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?” Luke 14:28 NLT Pursuing the dream of writing can be expensive. …
Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. Psalm 105:19 (NLT) In the Old Testament, God tested Joseph. A lot. Mistreated by his brothers. Sold into slavery. Falsely accused of rape. Thrown into prison. Forgotten by those he helped. Did you ever wonder why Joseph had …
