by Rachel Hauck I’ve written a lot about dialog over the years but it’s a topic worth repeating. Dialog. Is. Key. Talking is how we learn about people. The words they use, the tone of his or her voice, as well as interpreting someone’s body language, is how we form our opinion of people. As authors, we have to resist …
The Story Behind the Story
by Marianne Evans The creation of a series isn’t a solitary endeavor. Series novels require research, continuity, a solid plot base and characters that will see it through. Like a progressive measurement curve. But then…in steps…life. Christ. The power of love and family. Resurrection hope. Let me share with you the bittersweet love story of my sister and brother-in-law: Mary …
How Did They Do That?
By Kimberley Woodhouse I’m always fascinated with research. It’s one of my favorite things to do in my career. I find it so easy to get sucked in by an interesting time in history, an amazing person, or an absolutely breathtaking location. But if I had to give one piece of advice about research it would be this: Go visit …
Handling Disappointment & Unmet Expectations
By Donna L.H. Smith If I had a dollar for every time I’ve been disappointed in writing or life — or had unmet expectations — I’d be a rich woman. Because disappointment is a part of life and how we handle ourselves, our feelings, our responses when life throws us a sucker punch… Let me tell you a story. Eighteen …
7 Critical Questions to Ask Your Character
By DiAnn Mills Writers are bombarded with how to prep for writing an unforgettable character. We want every story to be deeper than the previous one, and that means depth of character. Over the years of writing, I’ve gathered many valuable resources. While I use an extensive character sketch that fits my method of writing and personality, the following are …
Writing from the Shadow of God
By Linda Thompson I’ve been asking the Lord what kind of encouragement I could pass on today, and He reminded me of this. A couple of years ago, I met a Bible character who really inspired me on my writing journey. Whenever I get blocked, I come back to his example. And I’d never heard of him before that day! …
Your Roots Are Showing
By Shirley Gould Working as a hairdresser for five years, I covered up a lot of roots. In those days when the bleached blonde hair grew out revealing their natural color, I’d apply bleach and toner to bring her back to the desired platinum shade. Today, it’s the popular style to let it grow out…they call it ombre. Later in …
The Ultimate Story
By Darlene L. Turner Recently, my pastor did a series on evangelism and spoke on how we need to tell our stories to reach others for Christ. Our mandate is to go into the world and share the gospel. This made me think about why and what we write. Sometimes I get caught up in the writing journey—the pitches, time …
How the Power of My Mom’s Walk with God Paved My Writing in Favor
by Lauren Gail Today, November 24, is no coincidence for this blog post as it is my mom’s birthday and this post is in her honor. Happy Birthday, Mom! Ever since my brother, David, and I were very young my mom has been a woman of faith and an example of God’s love. We’d climb on her and cuddle as …
Six Tips for Defeating Self-Doubt
by Kathy Harris Fear. It can paralyze. And no one knows that better than a writer who is filled with self-doubt. We may sit down to put words on the paper, but nothing comes out. Or, even worse, we may not sit down at all. If you’ve ever had this happen, you’re not alone. Almost every writer will deal with …