by Janet Lee Barton Oh, you may be finished with the manuscript-as it is right now. You may have gone over it multiple times-had critique partners, family and/or friends read through it several times, too. Then you send it out. But it still doesn’t mean you’re finished. You may have an agent or publisher interested in it, and even get …
The Hope of Your Calling
by Nikki Arana There is a ritual that I observe every morning that is my way of inviting God to speak to me. I reach for my Bible next to my bed and open it. I read the random page that I find myself looking at. Recently it was in Ephesians 4. I began to read – There is one …
Slaying the Green, Two-headed Monster
by Mary Ellis Jealousy and envy-God gave His people specific instructions in the Tenth Commandment: Thou shalt not covet. But we as Christians know this goes far beyond our neighbor’s ox or donkey, and thus becomes the hardest law to keep. Human beings are naturally wired to be envious. We spend much of our lives secretly jealous of something. As …
When God Tells Us ‘Wait’
by Casey Herringshaw “Oh, but God, why?” Not able to attend the conference. The perfect agent or editor says no. The mentorship we crave is nowhere within reach. “But God, I’m there. Can’t You see I’m ready?” Um…would you be where you are right now, if you were “ready”? We all have such a pre-conceived idea of what ready means. …
Six Lessons The Casual Vacancy Teaches Authors
by Jordyn Redwood If you are reading this post and unaware, the novel The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s foray into the realm outside of Harry Potter-the YA series that made her a billionaire-literally. First of all, I did read all of the Harry Potter books. I didn’t enjoy the last few as much as I enjoyed the first few. …
The Heroine Behind The Story
by Janet Chester Bly Most of Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot, happens in or near Gearhart, Oregon in 1905. The railroad opened up more tourists for this seacoast village, tucked between crashing surf and Pacific forests. One of its most prominent citizens, Narcissa Kinney, insisted that the city council proclaim this a ‘dry town,’ which it remained for more than seventy …
When In Doubt…Smile!
By Tina Radcliffe More often than not you’re going to run into obstacles on this writing journey. Those moments when you feel overwhelmed seem to appear out of nowhere, just when you thought you had everything mapped out. Obstacles can be anything from time issues, looming contractual deadlines, massive revisions, plot holes, self-doubt, writer’s block, life crisis versus writing or …
Let’s Get Emotional
By Margaret Brownley Think back to your earliest childhood memory. You were probably three, four or perhaps even five at the time. Now think about how you felt. You might have been scared or hurt. Perhaps you felt giddy with joy or maybe even lonely and confused. Whatever the emotion, it was strong enough to make a deep and lasting …
The Good, The Bad, and the Gutless
by DiAnn Mills You’re an excellent writer. You’ve spent hours developing your character, but something’s missing. Frustration is eating a hole into your creativity because your character is too proud to admit he might not be perfect. You have: •Researched your character’s personality. •Interviewed him and asked tough questions. •Developed a unique voice and dialogue. •Established a setting that promises …
Peace and Safety Fear and Conflict
by Davalynn Spencer Okay, I admit it. I talk to my characters. Sort of. Basically, they let me peek into their lives and see what they’re up to. I’m glad they trust me that much, because how else could I accurately tell their story? However, we don’t always see eye to eye. For example, I recently stood at the top …