Often times, writers who pen Christian fiction are labeled by the secular world as an “odd lot.” We might be viewed as bores, prudes, or “holier-than-thou.” And for those of us who write faith-based romance…well, let’s just say that adds another colorful adjective to the mix. Ironically, many of the detractors of Christian fiction would seem to be the very folks …
The Happily Ever After Factor
In my previous posts Isn’t It Romantic and 10 Reasons Why I Write (Faith-based) Romance, I touched on matters of the heart and why I write what I do. The art of romance shouldn’t be rocket science, but many times, the perception of romance is so distorted by what media and television purport it should be, our views become skewed and God’s original …
Taking the "Un" out of "Professional"
Today I thought I’d do a bit of gardening and tackle some sensitive issues. Weeding through certain life matters aren’t always pleasant, but necessary. Though I’m speaking from primarily a writer’s point of view, this would be applicable to most professions. As a child and young adult, I dreamed of being a writer. I lived and breathed writing. I loved words–writing …
The Next Chapter
I think because I write, I equate a lot of life’s stages to writing. Perhaps, it’s the other way around. Writing probably intersects with various chapters of my life, too. If we think about the natural order of progression, it might not make sense to non-writers the twists and turns that authors take at certain life junctures. In society’s eyes, …
Going For Broke
I’ve always been a “go for broke” kind of person. In other words, I believe anything that’s worth doing is worth doing well. I think when we’re younger, we tend to hang back a bit because of fear. Not just reluctance–fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of peer perceptions. And maybe, as odd as it sounds, even fear of success. In …
Earmarks of Greatness
Dreams big. Doesn’t settle for just a bite. Goes for the whole enchilada! Failure is not an option. Goofs, yes. Giving up, no. Recognizes talents and shares them. Realizes gifts and invites others to open them. 4. Ditches doubt and develops perseverance. Is passionate about a ministry and knows God will equip us with what’s needed to get the job done. …
Beside the Still Waters
The 23rd Psalm. I memorized it at a young age. For most Christians, it’s as familiar as the back of our hands. Even non-believers can recite much of the passage without batting an eye. Depending which version of the Bible we read, the words are pretty easy, too. I like to study God’s word early in the morning. My mind …
Pulling Weeds and Planting Seeds
Making every word count. This is the advice of most literary professionals. Editors, agents, and critique experts espouse brevity over lengthy passages of empty prose. Since there are literally thousands of writers vying for readers’ attention (and hard-earned dollars), it would seem only prudent that we heed that advice. Unless, of course, our goal is to write for ourselves and …
Spinning Tales
For those who write, the wheels are always turning and it can be difficult to get our thoughts to “turn off.” Inspiration strikes when we least expect it–while driving, taking a shower, at family get-togethers, or even while dozing off at night. And if you’re blessed to live in a particularly beautiful neck of the woods like I am, spinning tales …
Hopping in the Saddle
Who doesn’t like to ride a brightly painted pony on a whimsical carousel? There’s just something about a carousel pony that draws us in. Perhaps its his hooves in flight, his regal appearance, or the upbeat music that persuades us to hop up in the saddle and give it a go. I know when our own children were small, I used to love riding beside them …