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
Discipline
How Do I Find the Time…?
Many times, people come up to me and say they want to write a book but can’t find the time. Aspiring writers, people who are making an effort to write, often say the same thing. Both groups cite full time jobs, church obligations, family responsibilities and activities that prevent or …
The Blank Page
“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.” William Faulkner How many of us hesitate to start writing? Even authors who have been at it for a while have this hesitation. This is sometimes referred to a writer’s block. …
Self-Editing: Effective Writing Habit 2
The second habit a writer needs to develop is self-editing. Whether we traditionally publish, but especially if we self publish, we need to produce a manuscript as clean and professional as we possibly can. The first step to getting our foot in the door in either realm is to be …
Making Time Versus Finding Time
Okay. So you’ve made the decision you are a writer, or a golfer, a concert violinist, a lawyer. Whatever your heart’s desire is. And you’re ready to take the next step: making time to become the best you can be. And you stop, stumped, scratching your head. “How do I do …
Accepting Criticism
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 …
Wrestling With Email
Back in the Sixties, there was a movie called The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming. It’s a very funny movie about a Russian submarine that runs aground on an island off the New England coast. The shenanigans and chaos that ensue are hysterical. One of my favorite scenes …
The Critique Group Part 2
Okay. You’ve made the plunge and decided to join a critique group. What should you expect? One is respect for each of us as a person and as a group. Be on time at the beginning and at the end. Respect each other as people and as colleagues striving to be …
Creating Time
Okay. So you’ve made the decision you are a writer, or a golfer, a concert violinist, a lawyer. Whatever your heart’s desire is. And you’re ready to take the next step: making time to become the best you can be. And you stop, stumped, scratching your head. “How do I do …
Character Testing
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 …