As a fiction writer, I’m drawn to stories—different kinds of stories, really, because I realize one way to improve my craft is to understand the human condition. By nature, I’m also very curious and I enjoy people. I want to know what makes them tick. I want to know what motivates them. How choices, lifestyles, and culture influence their decisions …
Inspiration for Your Friday
Stories intrigue us. A great story piques our interest and holds us captive until the very end. (Remember Wednesday’s post?) This week I came across this inspirational nugget by Joanna Davidson. Short, sweet, and ohh so hanky-worthy, it’s the perfect example of what makes us turn pages. Joanna’s story moved me. It carved a trail upon my heart, imprinting a …
Why I Cheer for the Underdog
I feel things deeply. I adore gallantry and old-fashioned romance. I have a deep reverence for God, country, and tradition. I cheer for the underdog. I rail against injustice. Suffering in any form disturbs me. I want to help because I’m a doer. In junior high, I once had a teacher refer to me as “an old soul” after I …
The Story We Must Tell
A familiar voice I’ll always remember was Paul Harvey’s. The Rest of the Story Harvey won over millions with his easy-going demeanor and his “regular guy” persona. I was a young girl when I first heard the radio broadcaster and I liked him immediately. Something about the way Paul Harvey spoke and how he carried himself on air resonated with me. He seemed real. Someone I’d want to know better. He …
Our Bling Thing: The Story
I’m a very visual person, but then again, I suppose a lot of creatives are. I revel in the sights, sounds, and people around me. I want to experience life full-steam-ahead. I want to know what makes folks tick. I’m passionate about Christ and I want to share Him through the stories I create. I believe as Christian writers we’re called to bring …
When Our Characters Refuse to Walk the Straight and Narrow
Think back to your favorite characters in a well-loved movie or novel. What is it that you remember most about them? The way they dressed? How they spoke? Their personality traits–the essence of who they were and what made them unique? Granted, the story was probably the first thing that captured your attention, but without characters there wouldn’t have been a …
Chopping Down Trees without Getting Arrested
Welcome back! Happy New Year! I pray that you had a very Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season. Speaking of the holidays, did you happen to watch any of the Christmas movies that saturated television this year? I rarely sit for hours on end camped in front of the T.V., but this holiday season, I did manage to squeeze in …
Setting or Story? Which Grabs Your Attention First?
When selecting a book to read or buy, like most folks, my eyes automatically scan the cover for telltale clues as to what the book’s about. Many times, if the cover art is intriguing, it’ll cause me to give the book a second glance and I’ll at least peruse the book a little longer. I’ll probably read the back cover copy and …