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In The Crucible
Do your favorite authors live the perfect life? The picture in my mind shows they’ve had a healthy breakfast and walked the dog. They take their coffee to their immaculate study and move into a creative state so potent birdsongs and sunshine burst forth after every word they type. They finish a novel just in time to jog, make a healthy lunch, and talk with friends throughout the afternoon. When their spouse arrives home, dinner somehow appears on the table, and they connect on the couch talking about what they did during the day. A movie or reading by firelight and a good night’s sleep prepare them for the next day’s…
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Write Bravely: Dare to Live Your Dream
“Writing begins and ends with loving Jesus.” Gregory Coles Idahope Christian Writer’s Conference taught us to write bravely. We learned we can break the industry formula or master writing forms with conviction. We not only write bravely but also edit and market with confidence. Greg Coles offered six powerful thoughts on bravery. To write bravely, we must remember that our vulnerability as writers is a gift to believers and ourselves. Our writing comes from the heart; thus, it begins and ends with loving Jesus. Write bravely! Not all views expressed are those of every member of ICW.
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Move On, Dear Writer
Recently, I listened to a masterclass from author Dan Brown. He mentioned you can get to a point in the editing process where you edit out the “magic” from the first few drafts. The excitement, and the fire—the thing that made the story special. Similarly, I once heard in a class from Robin Lee Hatcher (February 2024 Monthly Meeting Speaker!) that there comes a point when you need to stop researching your historical and write it. Because you can research forever… especially if, like her, you enjoy research. Participants in critique groups can polish the first 30% of their story for years, even a decade, but never finish a manuscript.…
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God’s Strength is Made Perfect in Weakness
Do you ever wonder how people survive through pain, suffering or trauma? Could you be a catalyst to help them overcome the blocks and limits that seem to keep them stuck?
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Could you imagine losing the Son of God?
I cannot imagine what Mary and Joseph were feeling, especially if they knew that Jesus was the Son of God. I mean, they must have been going out of their minds.
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The Taming of the Inner Critic
It isn’t uncommon to write because you read something that lacked, and you thought you could do better. It’s probably true that it lacked–not all writing is going to move you to silent awe. Then the idea grows, and you experience an almost ethereal thrill. The process happening is beyond you. It’s so good. Your story is the best. Of course, you plummet during re-reading or editing. “I don’t even know what I was thinking. How can I decipher this?” Your writing is the worst. The truth is, it’s neither. It’s just writing. And that is a normal process, especially when you are close to the work and bleeding on…
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Write for Yourself, First
Don't be afraid to write down the ugly, either in content or craft. God is in the business of bringing beauty from ashes. So write it out. He isn't afraid of bad spelling or grammar any more than he is of your honesty.
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The Rescue
The sweat on her skin chilled. “Every second longer we’re inside increases how hard it will be to fight our way out of here.”
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Only You Can Write Your Story
New writers can feel scared to share their stories. But ideas are not worth as much as the work. And the spirit a writer imbues is more valuable than you realize.
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Little Steps
I hadn’t seen my friend in a while. She looked good. I asked if she’d lost weight.“Yes.”I asked how.“I started watching what I ate. And I ate a little less.” She was at least the third person in a handful of weeks who I’d noticed looking stronger, more confident, and fit. All of them said something similar. They made a few changes over a long period. Changes so small that no one really noticed the first six months. Typically, I would prefer a new dress size the first day I skip dessert, but that isn’t genuine change. It’s a miracle. Little Compromises Have you ever been warned that small compromises…
