By Cynthia Herron @C_Herronauthor All of us have met people who are “different eggs.” Different eggs march (or roll) to the beat of a very distinct drum. They come from various walks of life and they have a unique approach to the world around them. Maybe you’re one of those eggs–a delightful creative who thinks in the abstract and acts …
Something to Write About
by Suzanne Lee I was eight years old when I first put a poem on paper. I had sung and dreamed many before then, an unconscious imitator of Nash, Stephenson, and Walter de la Mare, of Shakespeare’s elegant conversational cadences, of the rich flavor of hymns and chants in Latin and English that had pervaded my childhood, and of the …
Write Like a Four-Year-Old
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 …
The Value of Writing Short Stories
by Glynn Young In the seven months since my last novel Brookhaven was published, I’ve been focused on talking about it, writing about it, publicizing it, sending out copies, and all the usual things you do to promote your book. I haven’t done much writing of anything else or anything new. An idea for a new novel has been percolating …
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
by Rebecca Reed I don’t know about you, but I get excited when I think of a new story idea. I spend time thinking about characters, backstory, motivations, settings, and events. I call this “story noodling” and I love this activity. At some point, the newness wears off. Writing becomes less fun and more like work. I make excuses to …
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 …