A couple of years ago, I started a series of “Story Studies” that covered some of the most influential childhood stories that shaped my writing. In the process of writing that series, I came to realize something: I don’t remember a lot of the books I would consider my “all-time favorites” and “major influences.” Because …
Category: The Writing Life
Story Study: Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – Part 2
Coincidentally, this post was published on the birthday of the greatest father in the galaxy… Darth Vader! Just kidding. It’s my Dad’s birthday. And he loves Star Wars, as I mentioned in Part 1 of my Star Wars story study. Happy birthday, Dad! * I don’t know what’s more controversial these days, the prequels or …
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July 2020 Writing Update & Reflections on Rough Drafts
Wow! 2020 is halfway done! I don’t know about you, but I feel like this new decade has already felt like a full decade… The coming of June meant it was back to work and school for me, but much to my surprise, the rhythm of summer so far has not been as hectic as …
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Story Study: Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga – Part 1
Since The Rise of Skywalker recently brought the 9-episode Star Wars: Skywalker Saga to an end, I decided to rewatch all of the main films as a study in story during my break from school in May. Though I am extremely familiar with Star Wars, as my dad is a huge fan, I hadn’t seen …
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June 2020 Writing Update
Happy summer! Gone are the days of writing outside – we’re already hitting the 90s in Texas. Unsurprisingly. And, sadly, gone are the days of time freed up for (fiction) writing. I’m back at classes as of today. Still, I’m grateful for all that I accomplished last month and hope to keep up some sort …
The Enneagram and Writing Characters
Ah, the Enneagram. Some embrace it wholeheartedly. Some use it as an excuse for their behavior. Some dismiss it as just another personality test. Some, who have no idea what the Enneagram even is, might be cautious. For writers, though, I encourage you to learn about this tool and use it—because I believe it’s powerful …
May 2020 Writing Update
It’s hard for me to even know how to write this writing update. I’m in a period of questioning my writing vocation, so this month’s post will be less about progress/goals and more reflection/processing. I should start by saying that I did not meet my April goal of editing Our Company of Fools. However, this …
April 2020 Writing Update
March was a strange month, as I’m sure we’re all feeling in some way or another. I hope that you are healthy and safe. For my fellow college students, let’s finish this semester strong, shall we? And for those of us who are anxious, let us find peace and comfort in the truth that God …
March 2020 Writing Update
Trying to keep up with my writing goals and aspirations while being a graduate student is difficult. I learned that very quickly last semester. Yet halfway through the second semester of my program, I’m still frustrated with my lack of progress. My frustration, I think, is partly because writing is a deep part of who …
February 2020 Writing Update
I’m back with monthly writing updates! As a response to my indecision in January, I’ve decided to proceed with Leah Pool’s saga. At the moment, I’m doing that by (slowly) reading through the existing drafts I wrote of the immediate sequel, Onward to Tryon. Similar to the reoutlining approach I used for The Queen of …
By Madelynn Orion 