-
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 time. It adds beauty and extra dimension to writing, songs, and creative expressions. In this meeting, we’ll talk about the basics of meter, the difference between rhyme and free verse, and some common poetic devices. Then, at the end, I’ll share a writing activity so you can practice being your…
-
Everyone’s Going to Prom but Me
Have you ever complained or even silently whispered, “Everyone’s going to prom but me”? “Uh, Kristen,” you say. “Prom season is over.” To that, I reply, “You’re right. I’m not really talking about prom.” Last week, I had the chance to catch up with one of my close friends for the first time in a while. She asked how marriage is treating me, and I told her we’re doing great. Life is just overwhelmingly busy, and I don’t have time to do all the things I want or think I should. Plus, I confessed that I need to get off social media. It just makes me feel “less than” when…
-
Where Do You Find Inspiration?
A common question people ask writers is where we find our inspiration. Regardless of your trade or career, you find inspiration for your craft somewhere or from something. However, the source isn’t always remarkable and doesn’t have to be. Today, I’d like to share some places I find inspiration to help encourage you to seek out your own. From Creation The Genesis record of creation repeats the words “And God saw that it was good” multiple times. Although man’s sin corrupted God’s flawless design, we still see the intentional purpose God crafted into His creation. No wonder when I run, hike, or otherwise adventure in this world, I constantly find…
-
The Revisionary Wins Selah Award
My heart nearly beat out of my chest as Eva Marie Everson, the Blue Ridge Conference Awards Director, called my name. Not just for finaling in two awards (an honor in itself) but for winning them both. Last week, The Revisionary won one of Christian Fiction’s most notable awards, the Selah, in its category of Speculative Fiction. It also received the Directors’ Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction. One of the best parts was celebrating with friends who also received awards. I remember meeting Lindsey Brackett at the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference a few years ago when we were just talking about our book projects, and now, she won three…
-
Trust and Obey
My grandmother’s favorite hymn was “Trust and Obey.” As a little girl, I liked the hymn just because she did. Now that she’s gone, its beautiful simplicity and her memory endear it even more to me. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus. Sometimes, however, that faith gets tried with fire. As a missionary wife and mother, my grandmother experienced death threats against her husband, buried her firstborn son in South America, and before her own home-going much later in life, suffered the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s. Trust and obey? Last week, author and teacher Dr. Dennis E. Hensley or “Doc Hensley” served as keynote…
