Twisting “Write What You Know”

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips, writing Leave a Comment

by Gail Gaymer Martin When writers search for plot ideas, seasoned authors often respond write what you know, but I’ve found that this phrase means more than I’d thought. If we stick with what we know, our books could become boring, but one way to write what I know is through experiences. I’ve done this more than once. Being a …

Plotting and Structure of Novels

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, Story Structure, tips, writing Leave a Comment

by Brenda Taylor Plotting novels is a chore for me, because I am a panster by nature. Instead of sitting for a great length of time thinking, plotting, and structuring a story, I want to write and let the storyline fall where it may. I’ve learned, however, my panster method is not the best way. It leaves too much to …

Story Structure

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, Story Structure, writing Leave a Comment

By Katherine Reay As I begin a new story, my mind turns to structure. No matter how much I say I’m an “organic” writer, I need solid hooks on which to hang my musings. I can get lost easily if the basics of the road aren’t cleared in front of me. Whether you think the “rules” of structure are important …

First Drafts: Fast and Free

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips, writing Leave a Comment

By Katherine Reay As I write this, The Bronte Plot launches in two weeks and my next manuscript is due in a few days… As you read it, both are behind me. And at both times, I’m buried in first drafts. My son is working on college application essays and one of my daughters is tackling her first two high …

Weaving a Story Web

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips, writing Leave a Comment

by Ann H. Gabhart I’m guessing some of you may have walked into a spider web at some time in your life. You probably weren’t that happy to be wrapped in those silken threads while swatting at your hair to make sure the spider didn’t hide out there to later crawl down your shirt. But have you ever taken the …

Five Life-saving Steps to Writing a Novella

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips, writing 4 Comments

By Davalynn Spencer I recently turned in my fourth contracted novella and I’ve learned a thing or three about writing these delightful little gems. Emphasis on the word “little.” My first novella developed from my traditional pantser perspective. It was a stand-alone and I could have all the words I wanted just so I didn’t end up with a full-length …

3 Writing Cues from The Flash

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips Leave a Comment

By Beth K. Vogt “The Flash” is must-watch TV in the Vogt household. On Tuesday nights, my husband, teen daughter, and I hunker down in the family room eager to see what’s going to happen in Central City, home to Barry Gordon, a.k.a. The Flash, as well as his friends and enemies. I walk away from every episode thinking, “I …

What Happens Next?

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips, writing Leave a Comment

By Karen H. Richardson Writers have many methods for developing their story. Some are very methodical and create detailed outlines. Some have a spreadsheet that lists chapters, summaries and potential word counts. While others use writing software such as Scrivener to write and organize their thoughts. Me, I’ve tried a little of all of these methods. More than likely as …

Should Christians Write Fiction that Challenges Social Injustices?

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Friends of ACFW, Plots, research, Social Media, tips, writing Leave a Comment

By Christen Civiletto Morris Great fiction has sometimes changed the way the world thinks. Readers may have identified so closely with a character’s plight that inaction at the end of the story was not an option. Or, an author’s vivid portrayal of filthy housing conditions, chain gangs, or slavery sparked a movement that fostered social change. Books like Harriet Beecher …

Creative Outlines

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Brainstorming, Friends of ACFW, Plots, tips Leave a Comment

by Donna K. Rice Several years ago, while browsing an airport bookshop, I spotted Idea Mapping by Jamie Nast. Intrigued, I picked it up and took it along on my journey. The book explores the process of taking ideas, speeches, business concepts, or whatever project you might think of and mapping it out on one page using bubbles, connecting arrows, …