“Rejection does not define who we are unless we let it.” (Rene Gutteridge) Rene Gutteridge is one of the major influencers in my writing life. From a critique at one of my first writers’ conferences to her teaching at conferences to her own novels and her blogs and articles on …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Frequently, when speaking with readers and other writers, the subject of theme or message comes up. What is the message of the story? What themes run through the story? What does the story say about the human condition? Themes are not always blatant or obvious. If they are, it may …
Are you like me? Every day starts with a list of things that have to be done. Many people can get through their day with a mental list. I’m not one of them. I need my written list. After it’s written, it needs to be prioritized. And then stuff happens. …
Are you like me? Every day starts with a list of things that have to be done? Many people can get through their day with a mental list. I’m not one of them. I need my written list. After it’s written it needs to be prioritized. And then stuff happens. …
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, …
