When we write something, we hope that those we share it with will receive it positively. If we choose to share it in the first place, that is. More often than not, it takes a lot of convincing to get writers (myself included) to share our work with someone else, frequently because we’re scared of …
Category: The Writing Life
Book Review: The Irresistible Novel
One of the most influential books on the writing craft I’ve read is Jeff Gerke’s The Irresistible Novel. I had the privilege of hearing some of the book’s content in person from Gerke at a conference I attended in 2014, and loved his session so much, I bought the book to further understand what makes …
Called to Write
Reflections from a College Graduate’s Summer Break College is meant to be a place where we can discover who we truly are. It’s where we can find ourselves, forge our identities, and make strides towards achieving our dreams. After easing us through the transition from dependence on our parents to independence, it is the launching …
How My English Degree Influenced My Writing
How My English Degree Influenced My Writing I graduated from college this past weekend with a B.A. in English. Though I wasn’t particularly sure how it would help, I picked my English major with the desire to improve my writing ability. Now that I’ve completed my degree, I see that my college education truly has …
Continue reading How My English Degree Influenced My Writing
Staying Motivated
Staying Motivated Now that classes are done and only final exams remain, I’ve reached that odd point in the semester where I have a lot more free time than I’m used to. Usually I’m excited at the prospect of this extra time on my hands, but it tends to just make me lazy, even when …
What I Learned from a Technology Fast
What I Learned from a Technology Fast Technology is certainly a gift to our society today, and I am grateful for it. But I was certainly surprised at how difficult it was for me to not want my phone or to watch Netflix within a 24 hour span this weekend. As part of a class …
The Creativity of God
The Creativity of God Have you ever read or watched something and wished that you were that creative? Inventive? Original? Do you read your own writing and lament that you can’t seem to find an original idea? To bring your world to life? That your characters feel stiff? Go ahead and open your Bible to …
Why Rest is Good for Your Writing
Why Rest is Good for Your Writing Last week was my Spring Break, and I sure did need it. Time away from school and work allowed me to reconnect with my writing. I also took a trip to a beach town and drew inspiration from the sounds of the ocean, the quaint and colorful houses, …
Book Review: Go Teen Writers
Go Teen Writers, by Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson, has been a part of my life since 2013, when I was first introduced to it (and the authors) at the One Year Adventure Novel Summer Workshop. Still to this day, it is a resource that I continually refer to as I work to polish my …