"Start a novel is like opening a door on a misty landscape; you can see very little, but you can smell the earth and feel the wind blowing." Iris Murdoch Writing a book—or a short story—is very much a challenging process, especially if attempting it for the first time. Generally, any story starts with an … Continue reading Going on an Adventure ~ The Writer’s Journey Part 1
Category: Writing Advice and Tips
My Querying Journey
As most of you know by this point, I am going to be published in April 2021! Of course, this didn't magically just happen, and like most people after they signed, I'm writing a post about how I went from a nervous writer querying for the first time to signing the publishing contract. You excited? … Continue reading My Querying Journey
Self-Evaluation of Writing
In light of some comments and thoughts expressed during #PitMad on Twitter yesterday, I wanted to share some lessons I've learned through the writing and querying process. I've seen a lot of people, not just during this recent pitching session, but in general, speaking of how discouraged they feel about their writing when they see … Continue reading Self-Evaluation of Writing
Becoming a Master Puppeteer — From Writer to Published Author
Writing is a long and complicated process. Most people think that you just have to sit at a table with a notebook and pen/pencil, or a typewriter, or a laptop and just word away the hours. And then get published. But in reality, it's so much more than that. I never realized how much work … Continue reading Becoming a Master Puppeteer — From Writer to Published Author
GENRE ~ What Christian Writers Should Be Aware Of
As Christians, we are called to glorify God in all that we say and do. As Christian writers, this calling extends into the work that we create, whether it's fiction or nonfiction. As someone who hasn't written nonfiction, I will not be discussing that branch of literature—though I'm sure it's obvious how one could … Continue reading GENRE ~ What Christian Writers Should Be Aware Of
Words We Wrote
I don't usually post poetry on here. And I don't really intend to make it a habit. But these words popped into my head when showering the other night; I was laughing at the memories of my writing buddies and I discussing our characters; people we know who share the character personalities or people we've … Continue reading Words We Wrote
Why Christians Should Not Read Smut
If you're reading this, I'm already surprised. Why? Because most people will probably a) not read because they're afraid I might get explicit because of the title, b) don't want to be preached at, c) already think they know what I'm going to say and not read it anyway. However, if you are reading this, … Continue reading Why Christians Should Not Read Smut
A Key Comparison
One of the things I have observed over the last few months is the odd similarities between writing and piano tuning. If you know anything about either, you might be laughing. But it's no joke. As some of you know, back in August I took up a piano tuning apprenticeship. It's been challenging, there's so much … Continue reading A Key Comparison
Writing Tropes Part 7: Evil King
At long last, we come to the end. It's been an interesting journey, that's for certain. I've learned a lot--and I hope you all have too. But without further ado, let's tackle the last writing trope I'm going to talk about: the Evil King. Before we begin, let's make this a bit of a broader … Continue reading Writing Tropes Part 7: Evil King
Writing Tropes Part 6: Secret Princess
Here we come to the second to last installment in this writing mini-series! Today, let's talk about another of the minor writing tropes: Secret Princess. The Secret Princess is either one of the main characters or is one of the secondary characters in the story that interacts with the main character at one point during the … Continue reading Writing Tropes Part 6: Secret Princess
The Dancing Bardess 