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 …
5 Reasons Why You Should Read Love Inspired Novels
By Lisa Jordan I read a discussion recently where a reader was concerned about the content and quality of Love Inspired novels because the parent publisher releases secular romance novels as well. This particular reader didn’t want to support a company whose values contradicted with her own. Every reader needs to choose her books based on her own convictions. However, …
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 …
Fiction You Can Believe
By Lee Carver We are well acquainted with the expression “willful suspension of disbelief.” The story may be total fiction, but we are drawn into it to the extent that we choose to believe it could happen. We want to be so lost in a gripping story that we never drop the book or e-reader to our laps and say, …
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 …
Balance
By Patricia Bradley Earlier this week I received a call from a non-writing friend who invited me to go shopping. The conversation went something like this: “I can’t,” I said, “I have a deadline. Maybe next time.” “You’ll have a deadline then, too,” replied my friend. I’m thinking, yes, I certainly hope so, but then my friend added, “You need …
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 …
Summer Writing
by Roxanne Rustand Howdy from the Midwest! I hope you all had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend holiday, and had a chance to be with family or friends. Can you believe that the holiday has already come and gone? How can summer be flying by so quickly? Though for those of you going to the wonderful ACFW conference in …