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 …
As writers, we’re constantly making promises to our readers. Often they start with our title and cover. A cover of a couple looking longingly at each other promises romance. How disconcerting it would be to discover a horror story on the pages. Even though some romances can end up horrible. …
There are 5 questions to telling a story. Applying them to fiction will help us write amazing stories. I first heard them in college as they applied to journalism. The 5 questions or signposts or guides to writing great stories are: Who? Where? When? What? Why? WHO? These are our …
Creating a good villain really means to create a character who is nuanced and complex. Our villains can’t be black and white, two-dimensional stick figures. In my writing, I’ve discovered a couple of keys to making a good villain. One, they must have goals. Think of Michael Corleone in the …
All right, you’re feeling ready to start your novel. You’ve got your characters. You’ve got your plot. Now comes the next big question. Where does your story take place? When does your story take place? These two questions are crucial for creating the settings in which and with which your …
We’re a week into NANO for this year. How’s it going for you? Are you hitting the target of 1,667 words per day? Or are you feeling so far behind you’re ready to quit? Please don’t. NANO has value. Maybe not for every writer, but for many of us it’s …
Are you a pantser or an outliner? This question seems to get asked whenever two or more writers come together. Implied in the phrasing is that it’s an either or proposition. And if you disagree, the other person is obviously wrong. Outliners are viewed as control freaks who sacrifice creative …
Want to be more productive as a writer? Commit to it. Even if you’re not published yet, identify yourself as a writer. Repeat after me, “I am a writer.” Now, look in the mirror and declare, “I am a writer.” Put Post It notes on your computer and every other …
As the Lord leads, periodically I’ll be sharing what he’s spoken to me about writing and life. They won’t all be from the Book of Proverbs. I’ve found his inspiration and encouragement and direction throughout the Bible. The first one I want to share is: Write at his direction and …
Many times, when I meditate on God’s Word, my eyes are drawn to encouraging and uplifting verses like John 3:16, or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” or “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” And sometimes, as only God can do, He whacks …
