Today’s video is an inspiration. There is creativity inside us all because we are made in the image of God.
Watch and be inspired to persevere in your craft.
Thanks to Barbara Diggs for suggesting today’s Fun Friday!
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Writing Sympathetic Characters
Have you ever stopped reading a novel because you didn’t like or weren’t interested in the characters or you couldn’t muster enough caring about them to stick with them for 300 pages? Here are a few tips to try to keep this reaction from happening to your readers: 1. Portray your character as a true victim. Do use caution, so you don’t venture into melodrama. People like rooting for the underdog, …
Still More Carrots and Sticks
Several weeks ago, I posted some of the responses I received from some of my favorite writers (who are also clients) to the question, “Do you motivate yourself to write with a ‘carrot’ (reward) or a ‘stick?’” I was fascinated by the volume and variety of the responses, the last of which I relay below. I hope you find them as enlightening and encouraging as I do. “When I’m facing a deadline, …
045 How to Avoid the #1 Cause of Bad Book Covers: Design by Committee
Today we are going to talk about design. This is an important topic and not one many people in the publishing industry have formal training in. Just like everyone thinks they can write a book, everyone thinks they understand design. Ignorance of the complexities of a profession is not a suitable replacement for mastering those complexities. But, before we can talk about good and bad design, we …
045 How to Avoid the #1 Cause of Bad Book Covers: Design by Committee
How to Avoid the #1 Cause of Bad Book Covers: Design by Committee
You can listen to this episode 045 How to Avoid the #1 Cause of Bad Book Covers: Design by Committee on Christian Publishing Show.
Always Be Learning
During the Summer of 1978 the #1 hit on Christian radio was the classic “He’s Alive” by Don Francisco (click here to listen). That same Summer I attended a Christian music festival in Estes Park, Colorado and decided to take a class on songwriting being taught by Jimmy and Carol Owens. I settled into my chair near the back of the room with notepad ready.
Just as the class was about to start a …
Fun Fridays – October 4, 2019
This video came out three months ago and has already had almost two million views on YouTube. But this “Evolution of Worship Music” is worty to be watched again if you’ve already seen it. And worthy to be enjoyed for the first time if you have not. Enjoy!
I Want to Read This!
A couple of weeks ago, I shared ideas about stakes versus conflict and the importance of making stakes and conflict both high and riveting. I also shared examples of pretexts that no one would care to read. Here is one: Reginald just bought a private jet; but the air traffic controllers have gone on strike, meaning he will have to delay his vacation in Paris. Believe it or not, after I wrote the …
I Almost Quit Writing
Nearly twenty years ago, I was totally spent as a writer. I’d endured a three-year process of revision and revulsion on one book that had me doubting my ability and drained of all enthusiasm for writing. I’d had a good run. I’d authored or coauthored numerous articles and books. I’d won awards and appeared on best-seller lists. I didn’t need the stresses of editing and revision, contracts and …
044 How to Become a Better Writer with Jeff Goins
Today we are getting back to the fundamentals and talking about how to become a better more successful writer. And who better to talk to about this than Jeff Goins? Jeff a writer, speaker, and podcaster. He is the best-selling author of five books, including You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) and Real Artists Don’t Starve (Affiliate Links). His award-winning blog GoinsWriter.com is …