by Betsy Lowery We writers often evaluate the nuances of meaning between two similar words as we seek the “right” word to use. It’s not unheard of for me to poll my friends: How would you describe the difference between “acceptable” and “adequate”? Or between “maturity” and “wisdom”? If asked to “tell something unusual about myself,” I could admit to …
Am I the Only One Who Struggles?
By C. Kevin Thompson Watch this video, then we’ll talk. Do you feel a little small after watching that video? Insignificant, perhaps? Hopefully awestruck, though, right? Now, read this article, then come back for the finale. I watched this video and read this article within a couple of weeks of one another. Although the article was not quite so factual, …
Becoming a Writer of Excellence
By Donna L.H. Smith This is something we all strive for, but let’s face it. As “excellent” as we can become, mistakes happen in publishing, both on the author’s side and on the editor’s. I recently read and reviewed a book by one of my favorite authors and found at least two instances of POV problems, and at least one …
Writing to Discover Truth … and Yourself
By Ian Acheson Golly gosh, I’ve struggled writing the sequel to Angelguard. The basic story of Angelguard fell out of me. I was a complete novice (well, I still am really) but the story just kept coming. I’d turn up to the blank page and out it would come. Nine months later it was done. The first draft. Not to …
We All Need A Little Brave
By Catherine West When Sara Bereilles’ song Brave (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUQsqBqxoR4) first came out, the tune got me. It’s catchy. It makes you want to get up and dance. But then I started really listening. And the words . . . yes. Those words. Ooo, boy. Hit me hard. Because I knew. I wasn’t brave. Not by a long shot. And maybe …
Do You Want to be an American Ninja Warrior Writer?
By Beth K. Vogt I’m one of the 6 to 7 million viewers who watch American Ninja Warrior (ANW). I cheer from the comfort of my home as (mostly) ultra-athletic men and women jump, swing, run, and climb their way through a series of obstacles for the chance to “beat that wall!” You’ll never see me run the obstacle course …
A Lot Like Life
By Kariss Lynch Four funerals in six weeks. Six weeks of grieving and celebrating and laughing and crying. Six weeks of wrestling with the Lord and wondering why. Six weeks without writing, because how do you write when you can’t iron out the journey or the answers to the journey in your own head? When you only have the emotional …
Milestones
By Martha Rogers This past week marked two important milestones in my life. Eighty years ago, on June 22, 1936 I was born to John and Dorothy Whiteman in Dallas, Texas. The second one came on the same day as my seventy-third birthday in 2009. My agent called and said Strang Communications wanted to offer me a contract and would …
Come Out of The Corner
By Chandra Smith In March I shared about a dream one of my ancestors had that inspired one of my manuscripts. I encouraged you to dream your stories. Anyone who has been writing for a while understands when discouragement comes, it is easy to give up and go sit in the corner of insecurity. I am a professional dog trainer. …
Collisions with Purpose
By Norma Gail Sometimes life is like getting rear-ended, bouncing around like a rubber ball as the car does a complete 360, colliding with the median and curb, making you wonder if it will ever stop. The only question my mind can form is “God, why?” The world around me became silent a little over a month ago. I can …