by Kariss Lynch, @Kariss_Lynch What does it mean to dream with God? As writers, we are innately dreamers and creators, proof that we are created in the image of a Master Creator. I love that one way I connect with God is by practicing the gift He has given me. Doesn’t it make sense then that His number one adversary …
Learning to Set the Scene Without Bogging Down the Reader
Lindsay Harrel, @LindsayHarrel As writers, we all have our strengths. Some of us excel at plotting, creating compelling action that drives the story forward. Others are amazing developers of characters that readers can relate to and love. Still others set the scene and are fabulous at giving description, making us feel like we are right there immersed in the story. When …
My Favorite Writing Rule (That I Made Up)
by Angela Ruth Strong, @AngelaRStrong Blake Snyder made up some fun writing rules that he teaches in his book Save the Cat. Save the Cat is actually his most famous rule. It says you must make your characters likable by having them do something heroic in the beginning…like saving a cat. I appreciate these kinds of rules because they don’t …
Finding the Quirky in the Mundane
by David Rawlings, @DavidJRawlings I find characters memorable when they have a certain something that stays with me when they’re gone. That doesn’t mean they’ve got the stereotypical chiseled jaw and swept hairline, but it’s more that they’ve got a habit that is quirky. Quirky can be memorable. Like the character that sucks in air through his teeth while he’s thinking. Or …
Sketching Scenes
Sarah Sundin, @sarahsundin Ever had one of your characters shake someone’s hand—but a few sentences earlier he was carrying a huge box? Ever had a scene filled with cute banter—but nothing happens? We’ve all done something similar. One time I almost set a side character’s hair on fire when he scratched his head—I forgot he had a cigarette in hand (sorry …