By Martha Rogers New Year’s is the time for resolutions, or so people say. Most of those who do make resolutions usually break them within the first month. Years ago, I quit making resolutions and started setting goals. These ranged anywhere from getting my office space organized to setting aside time to exercise. By setting short term and long term …
Resolution Inclusions for 2017
By Shirley E. Gould With Christmas in our rear-view mirror, we’ve over-eaten and gained a few pounds, we’ve maxed out the budget, opened our presents, enjoyed smiles of wonder on children’s faces, visited Grandma and are now ready to face the new year with fervor. It’s a time to slow down and review 2016. Good or bad with its ups …
The Writing Marathon
by Marianne Evans My son and husband are avid marathon runners. In fact, 2016 was a milestone for us because our son qualified for, and ran in, the Boston Marathon. I’m such a proud mama! Like his father before him, he trained, he became educated on the sport and its processes, and he committed himself to a regimen so strenuous …
We Can. We Will.
By Mary Lou Cheatham Isaiah, a man grieving the death of his king, entered the temple with a desire to seek some meaning in his life. God’s Shekinah glory filled the room in magnificence high above him. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here …
How Real Life Places can Help your Writing
by Rose Allen McCauley It seems like God almost had to hit me over the head with the idea for my latest novella, Hidden Courage, in The Courageous Brides Collection by Barbour. I received the submission request from my agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, but had not written anything historical for several years, so didn’t pay much attention. Then that fall …
For Your Doubtful Writer Days
by Chandra Smith Merry Christmas ACFW. Well, almost Christmas. Of all days, today when I sat down to write this blog post, I had one a what-makes-me-think-I-am-a-writer days. I opened the little book I keep at my desk. I have filled it with Bible verses and quotes to help me through these days. As I flipped the pages, inspiration showed …
Get Thee Behind Me
by Linda Robinson I always want to learn anything and everything to help me write better, so I can’t resist reading all blogs and articles that cross my path via email or social media. Books about learning the trade and refining one’s talents draw my attention, and I’ve bought many. But the more writing rules I read, the more boggled …
How to Make Your Writing Shine
by Liz Curtis Higgs Whether you’ve yet to be published or have a shelf full of novels with your name on the spine, here are four simple steps to improve your writing: read, write, listen, and refine. Read the best books in your genre, from time-tested classics to the latest award-winners. Study the rhythm of the words, the balance between …
Description That Draws the Reader Into Your Story World
By Ane Mulligan Description serves more purpose than simple describing a place or person. It can enhance or detract from a scene. It can be used to deepen characterization or confuse. Here’s some questions to ask yourself as you write: 1) Will the description draw my readers into the scene? 2) Can they picture it? Can you picture it? 3) …
Sabotaged!
By Andrea Boeshaar God has a purpose and plan for each of us. How do I know? God says so in His Word, the Holy Bible. (See Jeremiah 29:11) But sometimes we sabotage Divine plans with negative thoughts and fears. The battlefield truly is the mind and we can be our own worst enemies. If we allow ourselves to wallow …