It has been 19 years.
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How Do I Identify the Needs of My Readers?
The “Your Questions Answered” Series __________ Could you offer some help for identifying the needs of readers? I am a strong biblical writer and want to share what I’ve learned, but it is hard for me to link it with a particular need. Ask yourself: What does the Bible say about relationships, such as: Marriage Children Parents Siblings Extended family Church Friends What does the Bible say about: …
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
Many years ago, when Hector was a pup (look it up), I made the fateful decision to start writing full-time. Sounds like a dream, no? Well, in some ways, it was. But several things made that transition possible. First, I had already enjoyed some success as an author, having published my first book and contracted (if I recall correctly, and that’s never a given) my next two books. Second, one day I …
Fun Fridays – September 7, 2020
You can tell by now I enjoy virtuoso performances of all types (including those by writers!). Today’s video is the indefatigable Lang Lang playing Franz Lizst’s “La Campanella.” I’ve programmed the link to start at the 2:14 mark to highlight the extraordinary finger work needed to play this piece at this speed. The fingers are literally a blur. It also made me wonder …
What are the Upcoming Trends in Fiction?
The “Your Questions Answered” Series __________ What do you see as the upcoming trends in fiction? Do you think chicklit will ever make a comeback? I don’t make a point of trying to predict trends. To borrow a line from Steve Laube, “By the time you spot a trend, it’s too late.” Recall that if I were to sell a novel on Buddhists traveling to Pluto and, as a result, converting to Christianity while …
Can Silence Make You a Better Writer?
Decades ago, when I was barely out of diapers, I started taking annual (sometimes twice-yearly) prayer retreats at the Abbey of Gethsemani in the hills of central Kentucky. It’s a silent Trappist monastery, and it’s been a boon to my prayer life. A lifeline, sometimes. It’s also been a boon to my writing life. Once I’ve checked in and been immersed in and surrounded by silence (interrupted only by …
How to Use Scrivener with David Martin
Writing is hard. But using the right tools can make it easier. One popular tool many authors rely on is Scrivener. But others find it impenetrable. This is why I am excited to introduce our guest today. He is an ordained pastor, church planter, author, and a creative Christian coach who has as much passion for prayer as he does for productivity. He trains Christians to get their message and value …
How to Use Scrivener with David Martin
Writing is hard. But using the right tools can make it easier. One popular tool many authors rely on is Scrivener. But others find it impenetrable. This is why I am excited to introduce our guest today. He is an ordained pastor, church planter, author, and creative Christian coach who has as much passion for […]
You can listen to this episode How to Use Scrivener with David Martin on Christian …
Only Hours Left to Save the Writers Conference at Mount Hermon
As you may recall, nearly six weeks ago we began a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funding to ensure that the writers conference at Mount Hermon could proceed as planned in 2021. (Click here for the campaign page and for more details.) We are at 61% of the goal as of this writing, which is rather incredible with over 220 people contributing!. But we are still short. The campaign will end at …
Fun Fridays – August 28, 2020
Today’s video is “The Bugler’s Holiday” by four members of the Boston Pops. Wow! My oldest brother is an excellent trumpet player and played this in college when part of the Seattle Pacific University trumpet trio. Back then this was a relatively new song. Me? I was inspired by my brother and tried to play trumpet in junior high, using one of his old instruments. …