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) …
Inserting Spontaneous Humor
By Lynn Hobbs Have you ever read a Christian fiction book; either romance, suspense, or historical, and were amused by an unexpected sense of humor from one of the characters? I find it outstanding. If you were to ask me what the hardest part of writing is that I have encountered, I’d have to reply inserting spontaneous humor. I have …
3 Things Writers Can Learn From Volleyball Players
By Beth K. Vogt My youngest daughter plays volleyball. Well, she doesn’t just “play” volleyball – she competes year-round, first on her high school varsity team, and then on a club volleyball team. This girl is all about volleyball – kind of like writers are all about writing. After watching dozens of high school games this fall, I realized volleyball …
The Lost and Found of Writing
By Victoria Buck A writer once used social media to direct this question to other writers: Do you write to avoid doing other things? This was something to ponder. What sort of things? Do I twist the plot to avoid cleaning house? Do I write another chapter so I don’t have meet the demands of running a small business with …