Peter Leavell
Peter Leavell, a graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history and a MA in English Literature, was the 2011 winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing’s Best award for First-Time Author, along with multiple other awards. An author, blogger, ghostwriter, teacher, historian, and jogger, Peter lives in Boise, Idaho.
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The Writer / Advocator: Confidence Tips
Every successful novelist has had to do something very distasteful before they were published. They had to advocate for themselves. If you’re the typical writer, being assertive makes you scream inside. A few years ago, a writer told me he could quickly sell two hundred books at a sale. “Hand the person your book. Then he or she will HAVE to either buy it or hand it back to you.” He handed me his book and I read the back cover. “Looks good.” “And now…” He drew out the last word and crossed his arms. “It’s only fifteen dollars.” I tried to hand back his book, but there was a…
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Grit for Breakfast: The Writer’s Choice
You’re writing and on top of the world. Words flow smoothly and you’re the best writer, ever. Then, something happens...
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CHAPEL OF THE SACRED BRAMBLE
Like a wary desert leopard, the monastery crouched halfway up Mount Sinai’s rocky slope. Judas eyed the rugged peak and wondered if those who built the hermitage thought they would somehow protect Moses’ sacred encounters with Jehovah. The full moon hovered just above the barren mountain, casting a silver glow against the monastery wall and the noiseless structures contained within.
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Overcoming Doubt: The Writer’s Joy
The novel writer’s journey comes with doubt. What if they don’t like my story? What if I’m not a good writer? Sometimes the concerns attack like a chihuahua nipping at your ankles. At other times, it feels as if a wolf pack is hunting you down. Even a seasoned novelist who is about to launch their 80th novel feels trepidation. There are two major issues about these feelings. Imagining troubles ahead is often a problem. You’re borrowing the possibilities of tomorrow to disrupt the flow of today. And yet, these emotions of doubt are real. That’s why the Bible gives us a powerful prescription on how to deal with these…
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So You Want To Be A Writer
Every journey begins with the first step. If your shoelaces are tied together, the first step may result in a tumble, injury, and a lifetime of medical bills. Tied shoelaces are not the best way to begin a journey. So, you want to be a writer. Where do you begin? How do you keep from tripping over your own feet? Think of the word write as a noun (I’m a writer!) and then as a verb (I write). The Writer: Now Write: Writing is a bit like jogging. Your first run may feel a bit more elegant than it looks to the observer. Who cares? Write. Then do it again…
