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Writer’s Block: Publishing 101
As writers, we often share a dream: to see our stories in print. In today’s video, we talk about the basics of publishing: some common publishing vocabulary, types of publishing, the reality of rejection, and what you, as a young writer, can be doing today to prepare to perhaps publish one day. As always, there’s a writing activity for you…
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How to Have an Extraordinary First Year of Marriage, Pt. 2
Last time, we saw six choices that can help make our first year of marriage—or any year, for that matter—extraordinary. Today, we’re going to look at six more. Whether we’re engaged, newly married, or married for decades, we can all start today, by God’s grace, to make our marriages the best they can be. #7: Be interested in what interests…
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How to Have an Extraordinary First Year of Marriage, Pt. 1
Just over a year ago, my husband and I said “I do.” Like most new couples, we received lots of advice, and we welcomed what wisdom others had to share. However, one reoccurring comment troubled me: “The first year of marriage is hard.” Although I understood that we would both have adjustments to make, I didn’t like this “survivalist” mentality.…
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How to Celebrate, Social-Distance Style
Yesterday marked James’ and my one-year anniversary. He had made a reservation at the restaurant connected with our honeymoon hotel in Tampa, but in light of COVID-19, those plans vaporized. I had given myself the pep-talk that all was well, and we’d celebrate at home, but the morning of, I found myself feeling low. Such a special day seemed to…
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4 Core Strengths in Marriage, Pt. 2
Today, I’m excited to share the second part of this Core Strengths series by my friend and author Tami Myer who blogs at Manna for Marriage. If you missed last week’s post, you can go back and review the first two strengths needed for your marriage by clicking here. Personally, this posts are timely, since James and I celebrate our…
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4 Core Strengths in Marriage, Pt. 1
If you received my newsletter this month (if not, you can get next month’s by clicking here), you may be looking forward to my friend Tami’s post as much as I am. Tami blogs at Manna for Marriage where she encourages and equips couples in their marriages. As my husband and I near our one-year anniversary, I asked if she…
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Writer’s Block: The Basics of Plot Structure
A story doesn’t just happen. The writer intentionally crafts it from start to finish–from inciting incident to denouement. In this meeting, we talk about the ten basic plots, the components of plot structure, and an example that helps visualize the whole process. As always, there’s a writing activity at the end to help you practice what you’ve learned. Join us…
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When Was Your Last Spiritual Spring Cleaning?
In college, my dorm mates and I dreaded “white glove,” the once-a-semester deep cleaning that bordered on the ridiculous. You could get called back in for so much as a strand of hair in the shower. As a clean freak by nature, though, I appreciated the concept, and today, pride myself in keeping a clean house. Well, I thought I…
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Writer’s Block: Poetry in Everyday Life
It’s February, a month famous for sharing sweet sentiments, so what better time is there to talk about poetry? Whether you want to craft a ditty for that special someone–or not–everyone can learn to enjoy and even write poetry. Most teens groan when their teacher talks about poetry in English class, but the truth is, we use poetry all the…
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Author Chat with Morgan L. Busse on her Ravenwood Saga
Last year, I discovered Morgan as an author when both our novels were finalists in the 2019 Selah Awards for Speculative Fiction. Her Mark of the Raven later took first place (so well-deserved). The Ravenwood Saga has made her my new favorite fantasy author, and today, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome her as a guest to the blog!…