Thursday, March 28, 2024

Proverbs for Writers


by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

There is so much wise counsel in the book of Proverbs. Like many believers, I spend time in this book almost every day. Sometimes a single verse or a few verses grab my attention. Other times, I’ll read an entire chapter. Often, what I read will speak to a specific area in my life. The following are some verses I believe apply to all of us, but especially those of us who are pursuing the dream of being writers.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Writing the Perfect Flashback


by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Flashbacks often have a bad reputation in the writing world. Writers hear warnings like, “Avoid a flashback like the plague.” I confess I’ve said that. But maybe I should have investigated further. Maybe I wasn’t fair to the purpose of this literary technique.

Let’s talk about definitions so we understand the meaning of a flashback.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Dipping the Quill Deeper: Another Story of Legacy


by Eva Marie Everson @EversonAuthor

I find the concept of legacy to be a fascinating one. I don’t think most of us intentionally set out to leave a legacy. I believe that, for the most part, the majority of us are just living our lives. We want to do well in our work, we want to do well by our families. But the days that follow the days slip up on us, often without a lot of thought when we are in the process of them. How often have I, now that I’m nearing my 8th decade, said, “Where did the years go?”

Monday, March 25, 2024

How Does a Writer Find Stories


by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

In a Facebook group I'm in, one of the members asked how we all find our stories. It's revealed some interesting ways. 

Sunday, March 24, 2024

12 Bible Verses to Pray Over Your Writing


by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

One of my only non-negotiable rules for my own writing is this:

Pray first. 

Before my fingers hit the keyboard or pick up a pen, I try to remember to always take time to talk to God. I admit, there are times when I get in a hurry, or when I forget. But I always try to stop and pray as soon as I realize my mistake. 

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Unveiling Subtext: The Power of Indirect Communication in Story


by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Everybody talks about the importance of subtext—those subtle layers of communication beneath the surface of the narrative—but understanding it intellectually and executing it effectively are two different beasts. Today I want to dive into the practical intricacies of how you can create subtext in your story, but first, we must have a better grasp of what subtext is. 

Friday, March 22, 2024

Three Steps for Crafting a Compelling Speaking Presentation


by Lori Hatcher

Your writing has opened up opportunities to speak. You realize your life experiences and spiritual insight can make a difference in other people’s lives. You know what you want to say, but you aren’t sure how best to say it. 

Toastmasters International speaker Ryan Avery studied 25 years of the International Speech Contest winners to determine which elements are most important in crafting a memorable, moving, and motivating speech. He included these three elements in his speech, “Trust Is a Must,” and walked away as the 2012 Toastmasters International World Champion.