By Roxanne Rustand I was sitting here, debating about what to write for this blog post, when I thought about the wonderful authors, both inspirational and secular, who have influenced my own writing journey so much–whether through the wonderful books they’ve written, or the writing workshops they’ve given at conferences over the years. My very first writer’s conference was in …
Facing Your Fear
By Tamara D. Fickas I was a shy child. The one who wouldn’t talk in first grade. A high school student no one remembered because I couldn’t carry on a conversation with anyone. In college, I wasn’t chose during Sorority Rush because I was so quiet. I was quite forgotten, unremarkable. The one thing I thought I did well was …
And the Greatest of These…
by Kathy Harris Read today’s headlines and you quickly realize there’s a lack of love in our world. Not the Fifty Shades of Grey kind of love. Or even the self-promoting, entitlement kind of self-love that our culture encourages. Our world needs more of the agape love that Jesus instructed us to have for one another. What does that have …
Correct Order
By Lynn Hobbs Usually, I write and edit one book or one short story at a time before beginning another. Like some authors, I have a lot of interruptions. In trying to allow for a smooth transition to ‘jump back to where I left off’ in whatever I am writing, I list ideas I want to consider before I stop. …
What I learned about writing from Samson’s Dad
By Melissa Tagg When I was a kid we had these VHS tapes of animated Bible stories. We watched them over and over. The one I remember most? Samson. And I think the reason I remember it so well is every time I watched it I had a crazy hope that it’d turn out differently. That Samson would be smarter. …
Mzungu
By Shirley Gould As a missionary in Kenya, East Africa, I was affectionately called an mzungu. (To say it properly, hum the m, then say zoon goo.) When I asked my Kenyan guard what that meant, he would laugh nervously and shy away. When he would pass by, I would ask again, “What is an mzungu?” He would say “Oh …
What’s True Love?
By C.E. Hilbert “And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva… So tweasure your wuv.” The Princess Bride (1987) I adore this quote from the cult classic Princess Bride. But, really what is “true love“? Is it the feeling that a mother has for her newborn? Is it that moment when you realize that your life is incomplete without another …
Can Readers See Your Heart?
By Lisa Godfrees As writers, it’s safe to say that we all have a heart for a good story. Otherwise, why do we write? And why would writers be some of the most avid readers? As Christian authors, what we give our readers has to be more than a great story. People read Christian fiction because of the hope it …
How to Create and Cultivate Community
By Emilie Hendryx I can’t help but draw similarities between life as a Christ follower and life as a writer. They both take dedication, belief, creativity, and community among other things. It’s that last one that I really want to draw out though. Community: A group of people holding a particular characteristic in common. I’m part of a church plant …
Rediscover the Wonder
By Sarah Hamaker I rushed along, hurrying through my errands and worrying about my ever-lengthening to-do list. I had things to do, places to go, people to see, and it all had to be done right this very minute. This scenario wasn’t uncommon in my life a few years ago. Like many of us, I packed as much into one …