Backstory/Cliches/Free Speech/Puppies/Cranberry Glass

1.  Writers in the Storm often has thorough articles about the craft, and this is no exception. Piper Bayard tackles the bugaboo of many writers: backstory. She has a unique method for eliminating it.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives One Important Reason to Limit Cliches in Your Stories. My critique partner always said that I loved cliches. It's taken quite a while to break that habit, and a few still appear in my first drafts. This is an excellent article for every writer: newbies to advanced. A refresher never hurt anyone.

3  WND reports on a court case that compromises free speech.

4.  Bonnie Leon talks about how God used her puppy to teach her an important lesson.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, shared her cranberry glass collection with readers. They are stunning. Then again, most glassware makes my heart skip a beat. I thought you might enjoy this post.

Writers: What kind of craft challenges bother you the most? Backstory? POV? Cliches? Anything else? Please share.

Readers:  Which link was your favorite this week? Why?

Photo Credit:  Rasto Belan

Editing Tips/What It Takes/Christians in China/Devo/Vintage Doilies

1.  I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing. Julie Glover, at Writers in The Storm, give some easy edits to make your story flow better.

2. Are you a wanna-be-writer or newbie writer? You'll want to read this honest and blunt post by Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, on what it takes to reach your publication goals.

3.  Christian Headlines shares the latest news on what's happening with Christians in China. I never want to take for granted the freedom to worship. We are truly blessed and need to protect that right vigorously.

4. MaryAnn Diorio posts on, "Is Fear Quenching Your Faith."

5. Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, shares the beautiful vintage doilies she found at a recent sale. These made me so nostalgic. I still have some my Mom crocheted years ago. A friend made one for a wedding gift, which I have on one of my nightstands. They're so pretty, and I appreciate all the hard work that goes into them.

Writers:  Which editing tip helped you the most (either in this article or elsewhere)?

Readers:  Do you have any vintage pieces from your family? Please share.

Photo Credit: Zsuzsa N.K.

Batching/Writing Through Hard Times/China/Devo/Shopping

1.  Cathy Baker posts at The Write Conversation about a time-management system called, "Batching," and how it inspires creativity.

                                                                                                                 

2.  Kimberley Woodhouse posts at Seriously Write about how to write through life's hard times.

3.  Breaking Christian News reports that the church in China is living another chapter of the Book of Acts in spite of increasing pressure.

4.  Wendy Pope, at Crosscards, shares how her life became complete when she not only received Jesus but fully included Him into her happily-ever-after.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, shares her shopping adventures while on vacation. What kinds of items do you buy when on holiday?

Writers:  How do you maintain your writing productivity during life's hard times?

Readers:  What are some of your favorite things to do while on vacation?

Photo Credit:  Torli Roberts

Journaling/Marketing/Shocking Proposal/Impossibilities/Purple

1.  Nicole Gulotta, at Positive Writer, talks about 5 Very Effective Journaling Methods. If you've journaled in the past but stalled out, you might find her suggestions helpful.

2.  Marketing is a key part of an author's job these days. Zoe M. McCarthy shares some of the things she did to prepare for her first book launch and what she's doing for the second book.

3.  Newsmax reports on a Chicago professor's shocking proposal: Kill Deformed Newborns. Is it really so surprising this step from abortion to infanticide?

4.  Adelee Russell, at Rewritten, talks about God making a way when it seems impossible.

5.  I have a love for the color purple. I'm drawn to clothing, decor, and flowers in its various hues. Susan, at Writing Straight From the Heart, talked about her father's lavender irises. By the way, she has some really fun blog links on her sidebar.

Writers:  Do you journal? How do you go about it?

Readers:  What's your favorite color? Do you use it for clothing, decor, and plants? Please share.

Photo Credit:  vada0214

Dual Timeframe/Chapters/Former Terrorist/Defeating Fear/Re-Purpose

1.  I saw the phrase, "dual timeframe book," the other day. I did a search and found this article by K. M. Weiland. It's a technique I've seen in a few books and thought you might want to give it a try.

2.  Greer Macallister guest posts at Writers in the Storm on, "The Art of Chapter." She gives spot-on advice regarding length, powerful opening sentences, and the need for mini-closure for the reader.

3.  Julianne Hale wrote a novel based on the real-life transformation of a former terrorist. This is a perfect example of how fiction can impact and inform readers. Check out this article at Christian Headlines.

4.  Lynn J. Simpson posted, "The Call - Part 2 - The Present." It spoke to my heart.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From the Heart, talks about new uses for old things. Hmm, what can I do with some of the stuff I have around my house?

Writers:  How do manage your chapters? Do you have a particular plan you follow?

Readers:  Have you ever re-purposed an item in your house? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Mario Alberto Magallanes Trejo

Tough Times/Phishing Scam/Uber and NFL Player/Devo/Miniatures

1.  Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, shares how Writing Through the Tough Times Brings Discovery.

2.  Keeping your gmail account safe can be tricky. Here's an article by Wordfence.com that details a new phishing  scam.

3.  I recently read a neat story on Breaking Christian News about an Uber driver (who is a pastor) leading an NFL player to Christ. Enjoy!

   

4.  Beth K. Vogt posts at The Write Conversation concerning The Thoughts That Make Us Strong - a good word for writers and readers alike.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, collects miniatures. I find them so appealing and sweet, but so far have resisted the temptation to take up the hobby.

Writers:  How do you make time to write?

Readers:  Is there a hobby that attracts you, but you've resisted the temptation to dabble in it? Please share.

Better Writing/Writing Pace/Russia/Devo/Collecting

1.  Do you want to become a better writer? Zoe M. McCarthy gives 7 Tips Besides "Write, Write, Write" To Become a Better Writer.

2.  It's rare to see blog posts on writing pace. At Writer Unboxed, Donald Maas discusses Four Kinds of Pace. (The pace of a novel refers to how fast or slow the story moves.) There's a lot to digest here.

3.  Christian Headlines reports on an American missionary being prosecuted under Russia's new anti-evangelism law. When the old Soviet Socialist Republic fell, the Gospel was welcomed and people were free to worship. Even then, I had a strong sense this window of opportunity would be temporary. Let's pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ.

4.  Lynn Simpson shares Psalm 46 interspersed with her photography. I read it several times, allowing the Scripture to sink into my heart.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From The Heart, adores dolls. I can relate. In this post, she introduces us to her latest find: a lovely Asian girl.

Writers:  What steps are you taking to become a better writer?

Readers:  Do you find it difficult to pass up a bargain on one of your collectibles? Please share. If you haven't figured out what tempts me, it's dolls. :)

Photo Credit:  Idigital

Non-Disclosure/Public Speaking/China/Writing Output/Planters

1.  Susan Spann, at Writers In The Storm, gives important advice on non-disclosure clauses in publishing contracts. She urges writers to consult an attorney if they see one in their contract. This is a must read for authors.

2.  Whether you're a non-fiction or fiction writer, marketing is part of the package. Zoe M. McCarthy gives tips on building confidence for public speaking.

3.  Many Christians experience persecution throughout the world. China Christians were forbidden to hold a prayer meeting recently. Please check out the post on how China is cracking down on believers.

4.  Jody Hedlund gives 3 Tips to Help Increase Writing Output. I'm going to try #3. :)

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight From the Heart, shares her experience with the hazards of using breakable containers outdoors.

Writers:  Do you have speaking engagements? How do you handle the jitters?

Readers:  Do you garden? What types of unusual planters have you used outdoors?

Photo Credit:  Brad Harrison

Bookstore/Stuck/Character Names/Quotes/Re-Purpose

Bookstore/Stuck/Character Names/Quotes/Re-Purpose

1.  Cindy Sproles tells a heartwarming story of an independent bookstore owner, who promoted her debut novel. Check in out on The Write Conversation.

2.  Have you been working on a writing project and feel stuck? For me, it's a lot like trying to get something sticky off my hands.  Mary Denman shares her experience and how it kept her from moving forward with her writing.

3.  Naming characters can be a challenge. Laurel Garver, at Laurel's Leaves, gives Five Things to Consider When Naming Characters.

4.  Do you enjoy motivational quotes? Jennifer Brown Banks, at Pen and Prosper, gives several I've never heard before.

5.  Susan, at Writing Straight from the Heart, talks about making do with what you've got. This post shows how her husband created an herb garden out of old kitty litter cans and plastic tubs.

Writers:  How do you choose names for your characters? I've often looked at baby name sites.

Readers:  Have you ever re-purposed something most people throw away? Please share.

Photo Credit:  deziner02