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Of Mysteries, Sacred Things, and Finishing
“Flannery O’Connor is one of my favorite storytellers… In Mystery and Manners, she wrote of the challenges to write about religious insight in an age of modern doubt and skepticism. But times have changed since 1959 when she wrote this. Since that time, Modernism has given fully to Postmodernism, and now our culture seeks transformation instead of doubt or play. Skepticism about the spiritual is coming to its breaking point. People yearn for transformative experience. We see all around us a desire for the mystical… People seek transformation where it can be found, most notably in the gothic or shadows…”* As I zero in on the final chapters of what…
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Your Writing Voice: Read To Write
“Peter, I haven’t read a single book about how to write.” The load of books I carried flew from my hands. Like missiles, they launched into the air. “You’ve got to be kidding me! I find that impossible to believe.” I was at a book signing, and next to my table was one of the world’s leading authors. I’d been setting up my table when she dropped the bomb. And now, as I looked past raining copies of my book, Gideon’s Call, I saw shame and embarrassment in the author’s eyes. How to fix this? Being a beginner in the author world, I couldn’t afford to offend. “Your books read as…
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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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The Writer’s Rendezvous: How to Get the Most From a Writer’s Conference
Idahope Christian Writer’s Conference is on the horizon! All the behind-the-scenes work is about to come to fruition, and we’re so thankful to those dedicated to ICW who put on the conference so we writers can stumble from our caves and socialize for a short time. Even the most hardened writing hermit joins other scribes to fellowship and connect at conferences. I’m glad you’re going to be there with us. Here are a few tips writers have learned to maximize your conference experience over the years. Before You Go When You’re There After the Conference Writing conferences are an inspiring time for writers. I hope you enjoy Idahope’s conference as…
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Values and Doubt: The Writer’s Glory
My daughter searched her purse, pulled out her phone, and glanced through her messages. “Ah, here it is. I wrote it down last night.” I set down my fork and sat back. “Lay your wisdom on me.” “Okay. It just seemed like something you might need during hard times.” “Interesting. Sure, let me hear it.” She glanced over her screen. “I’m not sure how helpful it is.” “Won’t know until you tell me.” “Because sometimes thoughts that come at night aren’t always brilliant.” “And sometimes they are.” I sipped my iced tea. “But we’ll never know until you tell me.” “The trouble is, I don’t know if anyone will like…
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Generate Your Author Voice: The Wordsmith’s Feud
At a writer’s conference, I spotted a famous author who had five minutes before attendees joined her at the dinner table. In her hands, she clutched an E-book reader. I peered over her shoulder and saw a vast array of titles. She snatched a few moments to read a couple of pages. I’m happy to report I didn’t interrupt her. However, she was reading her colleague’s work, her competition’s book. Interesting. At another conference, I sat at a table with famous authors whose combined sales were over 50 million copies. No, I didn’t dare speak. However, their conversation circled books they’ve read and writers who know their craft. All were…
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Build the Heart of a Writer
On my property is a miniature barn. In the darkest corner, an old chest sits. If someone found the chest, the hinges would creak as they opened the lid. Inside are stacks of papers. Each document is covered in secret codes. Except they’re not codes. That’s my handwriting. Those pages record the secret paths to publication and writing success, all the information I gathered from writing conferences. In hindsight, the research wasn’t a hidden path, and the information didn’t give me writing success. I needed the information for context and scope. Through the conferences, I learned the language of the publishers. So, what is the secret to publication? What is your journey…
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The Truth About Authors’ Characters
We’re writers, so, characters are important. In fact, our characters are so real that our spouses are jealous, parents are confused, children are impatient, and siblings avoid us in the hallway. Characters hold immense significance. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the absurdity of our situation. Our imaginary friends, while captivating, should not overshadow our real relationships, which are equally, if not more, important. Here are a few practical tips for managing the coexistence of the real and imaginary worlds within your mind. Stay calm, especially when you’ve had a eureka moment for your character. Jumping up in a church missions meeting and yelling, “So that’s why your promiscuous behavior…
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Real Cowboys Don’t Share
In the early days of ICW, my first novel attempt included a scene where two cowboys met in a café. They each ordered coffee but decided they didn’t need a whole cinnamon roll, so they split one. Peter Leavell’s pithy reaction? Real cowboys don’t share cinnamon rolls!!! Years later, that line still makes me laugh. But there you have it—six words that explain why we writers need critique groups. Thanks to my husband’s job transfers, I’ve participated in several critique groups around the West. I’ve reviewed all kinds of raw writing and submitted my share. In the midst of the good, the bad and the ugly—my submissions included—I have learned…
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Grammar Police: You are Under a Rest
What if there were grammar police? Imagine having a bench warrant for your arrest based on the syntax you murdered in your Facebook post. Perhaps you robbed the preposition store because you couldn’t afford a direct object? Or worse, you played Hallmark cards and cheated using a split infinitive. The rules are in place for a reason. There is a minimum expectation that you will understand what I write. The entire enterprise is pounded into our brains, starting with some must-watch viewing: Sesame Street. This blog is brought to you by the letter W and the number 6. When we follow the rules, our idea or story is clear. Stephen…
