by Dr. Dwight David Croy There is a very common story told about a four-year-old girl who was concentrating on drawing a picture of God. Very intense, very serious, putting her all into an important project in her mind. An adult teacher, thinking to help instruct the little girl in correct theology, said to her, “You know, according to the …
How Understanding Hebrew Concepts May Revolutionize Your Storytelling
by Donna Wichelman In recent months, I’ve discovered the rich Hebrew concepts of Tohu V’Vohu and Shalom, which have revolutionized how I’ve started to think about my storytelling. This comes at a time when I’m starting to develop a World War II slip-time novel, called the Power of the Thorn, which takes place at a time in human history when …
Baking a Novel
by Roxanne Hicks I run a tearoom in my backyard during the summer months for the same reason I write novels. Creativity is a kick, and even more so when I bring a smile to a friend’s face. Writing is as diverse as baking, and almost as flavorful. Some flavor combinations work well together, and others, not so much. As …
An Odd Verse about Writing
by Dwight David Croy Let me share with you a verse that you may think is counterintuitive to fiction writing. II John 1:12 says, “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” This …
New Year, New Tricks
By Angela Hunt I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions . . . probably because I’m failed at so many in years past. What I do believe in is learning new tricks, and the new year is the perfect opportunity to start learning a few. I like to try something new with each book I write. Of course, the subject …
Name that Christmas Movie!
By Dana Mentink Christmas gives me ALL the feels! Every year I find myself wanting to relive all those special nostalgic moments from holidays past. Certainly Christmases have changed lately, with several tragic losses in the Mentink clan. I’m sure we’ve all got stories about holidays missed and mourned. Nonetheless, I persevere in hanging onto those precious holiday moments of …
Christmas Quotes by Writers
By DiAnn Mills Have you ever read what other writers have said about Christmas? Curiosity, like a writerly-child (I made that up), propelled me to explore several quotes. These are so special that I wanted to share twelve of them with you. “Do give books—religious or otherwise—for Christmas. They’re never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.” ~Lenore Hershey “Christmas! ‘Tis the …
Building a Home, Building a Novel
By Diane E. Samson My husband and I have been in the process of building a home for the last 18 months. Our new place will be ready in December, and as all the various design pieces come together so it looks like an actual home, I can’t help but notice the similarities this experience has been to bringing a …
Is Fiction True?
by Suzanne Lee The Truth “Is this a true story?” asked the form. “Is it about someone you know?” “Is it about you?” Yes, I replied. No. It is fiction, and so, complete invention, and also, seamless truth. A million of us, nameless, have lived its myriad parts, fought, loved, wept, laughed, hoped, hurt, gone on when breath was pain, …
Three Word Pictures to Describe my Writing
by Dwight David Croy My writing thought life is best described as a percolator, puzzle, and a microscope. Time is needed to think, think, and think before writing. A percolator cannot be rushed but it is working on that perfect cup of coffee. My generation is from the “Java Jive” sung by the “Ink Spots.” Most words in that song …