by Linda Dindzans My writing journey began in early 2013 when I decided that what I had planned as a sabbatical from my ENT practice was actually retirement. The call to put down my scalpel and pick up my pen was clear, but the journey ahead was entirely uncharted. Early on, I committed to developing my craft through conferences, online …
Overcoming the Messy Middle of Writing and Life
by Lana Christian @LanaCWrites As authors, we have a love-hate relationship with the messy middle of our novels. We can’t wait to get past it. We wonder how we’ll get through it. (Sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it?) In the messy middle, our characters often make wrong choices. Barriers block their goals. Their lows get lower. Revelation and resolution …
When YA Isn’t Enough
By Daniel P. Warner The tone of the story has more of a YA feel than a book marketed to adults. I stared at the words in the rejection email, trying to make sense of them. Even at that early stage in my writing journey, I recognized how valuable it was to get feedback deeper than a form letter. But …
Take Time to Spur One Another On
by Stephanie Cardel @stephaniecardel “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10: 24-25, NIV). I didn’t become a Christian until …
I Can’t Write
by Cynthia Hickey My days have passed, my plans are shattered. Yet the desires of my heart 12 turn night into day; in the face of the darkness light is near. Job 17: 11-12 Writing is a tough business. Someone once told me you can learn the craft of writing, but to be a storyteller is a gift from God. …
Hook, Line, Sold
by Kristine Delano Writers love to talk about authentic character arcs, narrative drive, and the emotional symbolism of rain. Publishers, meanwhile, are sitting in meetings asking one terrifying question: “But what is it about?” Your hook. A strong hook is the difference between someone politely nodding while mentally grocery shopping and someone blurting out, “Wait, she has to investigate her …
When You Hit a Writing Drought
by Glynn Young Since the time I was a reporter for my college newspaper, longer ago than I care to admit, writing has been an integral part of my life. I’ve been a reporter, editor, newsletter editor, speechwriter, public relations manager, novelist, short story writer, non-fiction book author, blogger, book reviewer, essayist, poet, and more. Writing has been central in …
Fiction is Evangelistic
by Dr. Dwight David Croy My first impulse to write was to provide books to boys 13-17 with a male perspective after teaching in a Juvenile Department of Safety and Justice program. Their limitless anger, broken families, lack of fathers, mentors, and narrow view of success catapulted me to write. Each writer has a springboard to write. Our central motivation …
Building Suspense in Any Genre
by Elle E. Kay @ElleEKay777 Some genres lend themselves to suspense more than others, but every fiction genre requires it in one form or another. For those of us who write thrillers and romantic suspense, the concept of danger around the next bend or a ticking clock is an ever-present reality, but even if you write romance or fantasy, suspense …
Heritage Drives
by Georgia Curtis Ling @GeorgiaCLing It was one of those frantic mornings. I was treating the scenic, unfamiliar back road like a speedway, entirely focused on making it to the grocery store. I was completely disconnected, caught up in the stress of the day—until I saw it. The unexpected sight brought me back to reality. I slammed on the brakes …