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 it the dark night of the soul. In …
Recent Blog Posts
Proverbs for Writers
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 …
What My Favorite Authors Have Taught Me
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 …
When I Don’t Know What to Do
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, …
Count the Cost
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. …
Testing Our Character
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 …
Building Compelling Characters
How do we build characters our readers want to follow? How do we engage the reader at an emotional level to where she will want to stay with them through the entire story? There are a slew of books, articles, workshops, podcasts and other forums that address this element. Let …
WHO DO WE WRITE FOR?
At a recent conference, someone posed this question: Am I a Christian author who writes fiction? OR, Am I an author who writes Christian fiction? I’ve talked with authors who want to write Christian fiction to reach the lost, not realizing that the lost may be the group of readers …
Realm Makers – A Strange New World
I’ve just returned from my first Realm Makers Conference. In a way it was like attending my first conference ever. Complete with the nervousness of pitching and my introversion on high alert. These people didn’t know me. How would I fit in? What was I thinking when I signed up? …
What Are They Not Saying, Part 2
How do we convey nonverbal communication to our readers? For the first installment in this series, click here. Nonverbal communication applies to more than dialogue exchanges. Look for ways to use the physical senses. In a project I’m currently working on, one of the characters in a dialogue scene said, “Tell …