by Anne Mateer I’m a pantser. I thrill at the thought of starting a story with just a character or a situation, only a hazy destination in mind. I love discovering new twists and turns and characters along the way. But there is a peril to pantsing that I didn’t realize until publication: the synopsis before the story. As a …
40 Days of Prayer: Day 23
Day 23 The volunteer workers Romans 6:13b–Present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Father, we lift our voice to you in praise today. We thank you for the men and women who have volunteered their time and resources to bless us. Thank you for giving them a heart …
Ridin’ the Beach Ain’t Ridin’ the Range
Janet Chester Bly Copyright©2012 In writing fiction, sometimes you’ve got to know your animals. My sons and I had to do some study on horse behavior when we worked on author Stephen Bly’s last novel. In Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, Brannon leaves the comfort and security of his Arizona ranch to head to Oregon to find his missing U.S. Marshal …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 24
For the technology to work Verse: I Corinthians 14:33a–For God is not a God of confusion. Lord God Almighty, even the most sophisticated piece of technology is a poor imitation of Your creative Power. But at the ACFW conference, our desire is to use it to give You glory–to amplify the sounds of worship, to aid and assist Your servants …
ACFW Conference: Friday Night Tips
By Mindy Obenhaus Are you getting as excited about conference as I am? Now I know you think you’re coming to Dallas, but you’re not. You’re coming to Grapevine. So as a resident of this fine town, let me be the first to welcome you. Grapevine has loads to offer. From our historic downtown to Grapevine Mills Mall and plenty …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 25
Day 25 For all attending to have a servant’s heart toward those around them John 3:34-35–A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. Father, as we …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 26
Day 26 First-time attendees Philippians 4:6–Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Father God, we thank You for providing for these people to attend the conference for the first time. I pray that Your abundant provision will overflow onto their families’ finances. I pray for special …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 27
Day 27 Conference staff 1 Thessalonians 1:3a–Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love . . . Father God, thank you for the many people on the ACFW conference staff. So many of them are writers themselves, and we know that the time they spend getting everything ready for that one week takes many hours from …
Demons and Darlings
by Michelle Arch After three years in Chapman University’s MFA program and six semesters of writing workshops, conferences, and purposeful study of the craft of writing, I have debunked any notion that existed in my mind that writing is a peaceful, innocuous, inner journey of the soul. Naïve pre-enrollment images of my writer self stretched out on a blanket in …
40 Days of Prayer – Day 28
Day 28 Spotlight Sessions Proverbs 2:6–For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Father God, Your Word says that You give wisdom, and we ask You to pour out insights and understanding upon those who teach the Spotlight Sessions. Help them know what is on Your heart for them to share. As they teach, strengthen their …