Research/Location/Freedom

1.  Research can present some tricky problems. ShannonVannatter guest posts at Seriously Write, on the subject. What happens when all your normal research avenues fail?

2.  I read a fascinating article by Michael Hyatt on why the place you live can determine your success. Since I moved from an area where Christian writers were rare to a Pennsylvania location that provided support and training, I can testify to the validity of his findings.

3.  The recent Supreme Court decision on same-sex "marriage" will have far-reaching effects on both freedom of religion and freedom of speech. We're already seeing newspapers saying they won't print op-ed pieces against this. Check out the Family Research Council's full article. It's sobering.

One of the items mentioned was how an outcry would result from Americans. But will that materialize or will we sit back the way we did when prayer and the Ten Commandments were ripped from public schools? The heat is turning up on the proverbial frog in the frying pan. If we wait any longer to both act and pray, it will be too late for freedom.

Writers:  How do you get the information you need for your writing when your normal channels dry up?

Readers:  Do you need super intense details when you're reading a book that includes something like technology or careers? I once read a book that had so many techy elements that it resembled a textbook. I finally skipped over all those parts because I couldn't make sense out of them.

Photo Credit:  tijmen

Plotting/Devo/Chuckles/Cookies/Marketing

1.  For those writers who want to take a shot at plotting (not me, thank you very much), Wendy Paine Miller gives some pointers on the process.

2.  Devotional Time: Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, asks, "Am I carrying baggage or luggage?"

3.  A chuckle for you compliments of Linda O'Connell, at Write From The Heart.

4.  Jessica Nelson guest posts at Craftie Ladies of Love Inspired. "No Chocolate Chip Cookies? What?!?!

5.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives 32 Marketing Ideas to Promote Your Book.

Writers:     Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you every tried a plotting method? Please share.

Readers:  Which link was your favorite this week and why? What kind of links do you prefer?

Photo Credit:  Daino_16

Furnishing Your Character's House

Photo Credit:  Susan J. Reinhardt

I love to decorate. I especially love to find treasures at bargain prices. The lamp in the picture was a yard sale find, and fit my vision for my reading nook.

Writing a novel requires a lot of imagination. Not only do we have to develop multi-faceted characters, but also the entire stage upon which they share their story. Where can we get ideas for interior design for our characters' homes?

1.  We can find inspiration in our own homes. The above picture became my model for a lamp passed down from Ellie Zimmerman's Mom in my book, The Moses Conspiracy. It's a huge help to have a visual when writing a scene.

2.  Stroll through a furniture store, linen department, or any place that sells items for the home. Get a picture in your mind of what styles your characters would choose for their home.

3.  Browsing through magazines is another fabulous way to narrow down the choices for our home setting.

Writers:  Where do you find ideas for your characters' home sweet home?

Readers: Where do you get ideas for your own home?

Having Fun With Research

Photo Credit:  Susan J. Reinhardt

Nostalgia, vintage items, and antique shops have one thing in common: ME! I made the shadow box in the picture. I took older items and photos of my parents and made them into a collage.


Research doesn't have to be about reading textbooks or sifting through piles of boring clippings to find that one gem. My adrenaline flows at the mere thought of visiting a historical site or an antique shop. There's something about seeing memorabilia from bygone days that makes me rush back to my computer with fresh material.

This may seem odd since I'm writing Christian Speculative Fiction. Yet, I've seen how history can impact the future. Decisions and events have shaped our present.

So, my friends, go have fun with your research. Sample different cultures, foods, and sights both past and present.

Writers: What does your fun research look like?

Readers: What activities and hobbies make your heart sing?