Characters/Writing Goals/Confiscated/Memorizing/Flowers

1.  Character development has a strong impact on dialogue. Chip MacGregor, at MacGregor Literary, gives tips on developing character voice.

2.  We're not too far off from the beginning of the year. Are you accomplishing your writing goals? I came across an article on Positive Writer on One Goal to be a Brilliant, Accomplished Writer (Are You Ready?) Be forewarned this isn't a Christian site, and he uses the term, "mantra," quite often. (Otherwise, it's okay - no profanity.)

3.  Christian Headlines reports on a Church Retreat Center being confiscated by the Iranian government.

4.  Jeanette Levellie, at Hope Splashes, shares 5 Ways Memorizing Scripture Can Enrich Your Life.

5.  Are you looking forward to spring as much as I am? Last year, I got such a late start on my garden. After I broke my wrist, it was impossible to finish. I've promised myself that I won't procrastinate in 2017. Here's a site to give you some inspiration.

Writers:  How do you make your characters different from each other in terms of personality?

Readers:  Are you longing for spring? Do you have a color palette in mind for this year's garden?

Photo Credit:  Filip George

Likeable/Slush Pile/Cliff Barrows/Finished?/Christmas Gifts

1.  Lisa Cron, the author of Wired for Story and Story Genius, joins the Writers in The Storm contributors. In her first article, she deals with the question, "What Does Likeable Really Mean?" Fiction writers hear this term tossed around all the time. Wouldn't you like to know what it means?"

2.  Here's one for all the Indie authors out there. Tracie Tyne Hilton, at The Write Conversation, discusses why an Indie Author Needs a Slush Pile. Yeah, catchy title. It's worth checking out.

3.  Christian Headlines reports that Cliff Barrows, friend and associate of Billy Graham, has passed away at age 93. I have fond memories of this great choirmaster. Way back in the sixties, Sweetie Mom and I sang in the choir at the New York Billy Graham Crusade. It was amazing how this kind man took hundreds of singers and transformed them into a choir.

4.  You don't have to be a writer to receive this encouraging message from Dena Netherton. :)

5.  Christmas preparations are in full swing around here. I love planning gift giving and try to find something special for each person on my list. Real Simple gives 6 Clever Items to Simplify Your Life. There are a couple of items on the list I wouldn't mind getting for Christmas. :)

Writers:  How does the term, "Likeable," translate in your stories? How do you keep readers from wanting to smack your characters?

Readers:  Do you search online for unique gifts for family and friends? Maybe you could pass along some of your tips. :)

Photo Credit:  John Siebert

Change/Article Basics/Prayer/Miracles/Unhappy Clutter

1.  Elaine Stock hosts Lisa Lickel on her blog. Lisa talks about how tough change is on us humans. It resonated with me as I was transplanted from one state to another 13 years ago. Her final conclusion made me smile.

2.  If you're into writing novels, have you considered working on some articles? I started out in the non-fiction arena, so this caught my eye. Check out Linda Gilden's tips, at The Write Conversation, on article writing basics.

3.  The United States recently went through one of the most contentious Presidential elections in its history. As a believer, I'm convinced prayer was a key factor. What about now? Can we sit back and relax? This article on Christian Headlines by the late Chuck Colson gives us much to ponder.

4.  I loved this story of a modern-day miracle and thought you might as well.

5.  Unhappy clutter/decor is the subject of a House Beautiful article. You might be surprised at the emotional impact it has on you.

Writers:  Have you considered writing articles in addition to your Great American Novel?
Please share.

Readers:  Do you read books purely for entertainment/escape from reality or have novels made an impact on your life? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Brian Lary

Platform/Characters/Christians Attacked/Perfectionism/Country Christmas

1.  Every writer has heard that word:  platform. What if yours is small? Katy Kaufman posts at The Write Conversation about pressing on.

2.  Creating characters can be mind boggling. Dave King, at Writer Unboxed, gives some guidance on how do develop their personalities and avoid having them all sound like you.

3.  Christian Headlines reports on Christians being attacked in refugee camps. While we are to pray for and love people, we cannot ignore or deny the facts.

4.  Dr. MaryAnn Diorio had another great post, dealing with perfectionism. She takes the wraps off this torment and reveals the causes.

5.  Although Christmas decorations have been out since early October, we're now in the season for real. :)  Country Living has 88 ideas for decorating your home with a country theme.

Writers:  How do you craft your characters?

Readers:  What kind of decorations do you use for Christmas? Homemade? Traditional? Special colors/themes? 

Photo Credit:  V. Flores

Photos/Suspense/Tebow/Devo/Leftovers

1.  Molly Jo Realy guest posts at The Write Conversation. Do photo social media sites like Instagram help a writer? She explores that question and gives suggestions on how to take advantage of their popularity.

2.  Here's Part II of Donna L.H. Smith's series on Creating Suspense. She defines the terms "mystery" and "suspense."

3.  Christian Headlines reports on Tim Tebow praying for a man having a seizure. This athlete knows what's important and isn't afraid to act out his faith in public. We need more Tim Tebows in sports.

4.  Dr. MaryAnn Diorio talks about How to Drive Out the Darkness.

5.  Did you enjoy Thanksgiving? If your refrigerators are bulging like turkey just out of the oven, here is a recipe you might want to try. (Aren't we blessed with such bounty?)

Writers:  Have you experimented with photo social media sites? Please share.

Readers:  What do you make with your leftovers? We always enjoyed a second (and third) turkey dinner, as well as snacking on cold leftovers.

Photo Credit:  Adriaan de man

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

Revisions/Suspense/3 Parents/ Devo/Fall Decor

1.  At one time or another, a novelist will face a stubborn revision. Janice Hardy guest posts at Writers in the Storm. She give five reasons why your revision isn't working.

2.  Donna H. L. Smith is doing a series on her blog about suspense in novels. It's beginner friendly for all the newbies out there. :)

3.  Christian Headlines reports on the first baby born with the DNA of three parents. They have no idea what long-term effects will occur. This child and others born in this manner will have to be followed, as well as their offspring. Scientists experimenting with our DNA brings to mind the whole Nazi eugenics disaster.

4.  Ceil Ryan, at Surrounded by the Spirit, talks about God's grace in her latest post.

5.  HGTV gives fall decorating ideas. The slideshow may help jumpstart your creativity as Thanksgiving approaches.

Writers:  What steps do you take when a manuscript is giving you problems? Please share.

Readers:  Do you put up decorations for the changing seasons? Please share some of your favorites with us.

Photo Credit:  Michael &Christa Richert

Melodrama/Roots/Baal/Devo/Recipe

1.  Years ago, I read a book that was supposed to be Sci-Fi/suspense. Instead, the characters came off as unrealistic and melodramatic, giving them a cartoonish appearance. Zoe M. McCarthy deals with the subject of melodrama.

2.  Dave King, at Writer Unboxed, talks about giving your characters roots. This resonated with me since I'm a transplant from New York City to Pennsylvania. Check out this fascinating way to give your story some punch.

3. This news item made me want to wail and mourn. Christian Headlines reports on NY city's plans to go forward building the arch of Baal. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel brought the judgment of God down on their heads by worshipping the Baals.

4. Alisa Hope Wagner, at Faith Imagined, does a verse meditation on 2 Timothy 2:8-9. Though the writer was in chains, the Word of God is never chained.

5.  There's a chill in the air, and baking cookies is on my mind. I saw this recipe for Almond Joy Cookies on Facebook. There's only four ingredients. Here's the original link to the recipe.

Writers:  What are some ways you can inject conflict/interest in your story by focusing on regional differences? Are there some instances in your own life that might prove useful? Please share.

Readers:  Do you enjoy reading books with an outsider coming into an area and causing conflict/misunderstanding? Please share an example.

Photo Credit:  Francisco Ramos

Anaphora?/Inciting Incident/Research/Devo/Recipe

1.  Do you know what Anaphora is? I didn't either. Check out Margie Lawson's post at Writers in the Storm on this writing device. It was so good that I bookmarked it.

2.  What's so important about the "Inciting Incident?" Zoe M. McCarthy gives us the scoop on how it plunges the character onto his/her journey.

3.  Christian Headlines ran an article on new research that suggests earth was created specially to sustain life.

4.  Quiet Spirit has a devotional on Isaiah 41:10 - one of my favorite verses.

5.  We're galloping toward Thanksgiving. Now, is the time to experiment with some new recipes for the holiday season. Kraft recipes has a video for No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Layered Dessert. The no-bake part makes it hit with me already!

Writers:  What did you think of the article on Anaphora?

Readers:  What are some of your favorite scripture verses for dealing with fear?

Photo Credit:  Ned Horton

Opening Lines/Marketing Secrets/Movies/Celebration/Thrifting

1.  Do you want to hook your reader? Zoe M. McCarthy instructs us to look for the mystery in the opening line of our books.

2.  Wow! Edie Melson delivers some great book marketing secrets. Check them out here.

3.  Did you see The Passion of the Christ? Christian Headlines reports Mel Gibson's next project may be a sequel, covering the resurrection.

4.  Dena Netherton celebrates an answer to a 40-year prayer.

                                                                                                     

5.  For all the collectors out there, A La Carte shares her Friday Finds. So much fun to see what she found thrifting!

Writers:  What was your favorite book marketing secret?

Readers:  Are you a movie buff? What did you think of Mel Gibson's plan to do a movie on the resurrection?

Photo Credit:  Debbie Schiel

Quick Lesson/Platform/Christian Athletes/Fun Story/Tackling Tasks

1.         Jerry B. Jenkins gives a quick lesson on the writing process. He goes through a series of questions to help sharpen his prose. Good stuff.

2.         Chad R. Allen shares strategies on how to build your platform and write your book.

3.         Christian Headlines reports on World Series veteran giving his testimony to fans after a game. Years ago, I remember being impressed with Christian baseball players. It's good for people of all ages to have role models.

4.         Lynn Simpson tells about an adventure that occurred while she was on her blog break. Hilarious!

5.         We all have days when the workload makes us want to hide under the covers. Carol, At Everything Home With Carol, shares her secret of tackling all those tasks.

Writers and Readers:  What link was your favorite this week?


Photo Credit:  mooncross

Picture Books/Characters/Acquitted/Close to Home/Book Decor

1.  People think writing for kids is easy. Once you read 6 Essentials in Writing Picture Books, you'll have a different perspective. Joanne Sher guest posts at Zoe M. McCarthy's blog.

2.  Kathleen McCleary, at Writer Unboxed, talks about developing characters organically. She attended her 35th college reunion and asked questions. They always brought responses that were the beginnings of a story - loss, success, etc. Some of her methods appeal to my Seat-of-the-Pants writing style. Check it out.

3.  ChristianHeadlines.com reports that David Daleiden was acquitted of trying to sell baby body parts. The investigative reporter, whose videos sparked an outcry against Planned Parenthood, became the target of their supporters. Get the details here.

4.  Author, Blogger, and Facebook friend, Wendy Paine Miller, reflects on tragedy no longer seeming far away.

5.  When I came across the blog, Thrifty Style at 67, I parked there for quite a long time. This post on book decor begged entrance to a Friday Potpourri post. Enjoy!

Writers:  How do you create your characters? Do you do character charts or allow them to reveal their lives to you naturally? Please share.

Readers: What did you think of the book decor blog post? Do you use books as part of your decor? Please share.

Photo Credit:  

Controversy/Inner Dialogue/Genocide/Legal/Freelance

1.  There's a lot of controversy in the Christian publishing community over how far writers can push the boundaries when it comes to profanity, sexual content, and violence. Bruce Brady, at The Write Conversation, tackles this subject head-on.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy talks about writing inner dialogue that speaks to the reader. As always, her posts are mini-workshops.

3.  Christian Headlines reports that few Christian Syrians are obtaining refugee status despite the declaration that ISIS is committing genocide.

4.  Jennifer, at Pen and Prosper, points out 3 legal issues that can enhance your blogging.

5.  Jean Fischer always writes informative posts. Here she does a Q&A on 11 Questions You Shouldn't Ask A Freelance Writer.

Writers:  What's your opinion on pushing the boundaries in Christian Fiction?

Readers:  Do you read only Christian Fiction? How do you feel about authors wanting to add more realism to their stories?

Photo Credit:  Simon Gurney

Action Scenes/Sequelphobia/Headlines/Pray/Jessica Nelson Cover

1.  Jessie Rita Hoffman guest posts at Writer Unboxed. Writing an action scene can make or break a novel. She gives some excellent instruction on how to make your scene effective.

2.  Barbara Hartzler guest posted at Elaine Stock's blog a few weeks ago. The title grabbed me:  Do You Suffer From Sequelphobia? Every writer who has a successful first book wonders whether or not they can do it again.

3.  Christian Headlines presented an article on the targeting of Christian colleges for their gender views. When are we going to stand up to the bullies, who want to take our religious freedoms away?

4.  Canadian blogger, Lynn Simpson, posts on the devastating fires in her region. She comes to the conclusion there are no words to express what's happening. Only pray.

5.  Readers - Watch for the release of Jessica Nelson's novel, "A Hasty Betrothal," coming out in August 2016. I've read a couple of her books, and they're wonderful stories.

Writers:  What problems do you run into when writing action scenes?

Readers:  When reading a series, are you often disappointed by the second book? Please share.

Comparisons/10 Fixes/Support/Photos/Not Winning

1.  Chuck Sambuchino guest posts at Writers in the Storm. We all learn from other authors, but there are some comparisons that should be avoided. He gives Five Comparisons Not to Make For Your Book.

2.  Zoe M. McCarthy gives 10 Fixes to Edit Unclear and Wordy Sentences.

3.  Christianheadlines.com reports on how Christian support groups and churches are influential in helping people overcome addictions.

4.  Are you drawn to photography? Carol J. Garvin posts many of her pictures.

5.  Vicki Hinze guest posts on Elaine Stock's blog. She talks about those times when you don't win and why they have significance.

Writers:  How do you find comparable books for your book proposals? Do you read in your genre?

Readers:  Vicki's article about not winning can impact us whether or not we're writers. Have you ever had a situation where someone else needed to win?

Photo Credit:  Colin Adamson

Helping Authors/Deep Edit/Prayer/Devo/Introverts

1.  Penny Sansevieri gives 5 Quick Ways to Help Your Favorite Author.

2.  Margie Lawson does a deep edit of Susan Donovan's prologue at Writers In The Storm. Wow! This emphasizes the importance of word choice. It's a great piece on writing craft.

3. I love hearing testimonies about how God moved in a person's life. Christianheadlines.com shares how a pastor and his wife prayed for a boy hit by a truck.

4. We all have "one of those days" from time to time. Dena Netherton talks about her own day and how it led to a pity party. I thought her suggestion at the end was great, and I pray the Lord will remind me to do this on a regular basis.

5.  Jeanette Levellie gives tips on how to relate to an introvert. She plans to do a similar post on extroverts. I can't wait. :)

Writers:  What was your favorite part of Margie Lawson's deep edit of Susan Donovan's prologue? Why?

Readers:  Are you or someone you love an introvert? Which tip spoke to you the most?

Photo Credit:  Matthew Bowden

 

Blogging Smarter/Subsidiary Rights/God's Not Dead/Social Media/Recipes

1.  Jennifer Slattery guest posts at The Write Conversation on Blogging Smarter by Narrowing Your Scope. If you're already blogging as a fiction writer but want to eventually write non-fiction (or vice versa), how do you build another platform by maintaining the one you've already established?

2. Susan Spann guest posts at Writers in the Storm with Part 2 addressing Subsidiary Rights. Now this may seem like a dull subject, but it's essential when dealing with publishing contracts. What you don't know can cost you big time. I suggest bookmarking this article for future reference.

3.  Christianheadlines.com reports on cast members of God's Not Dead speaking out about their faith.

4.  Social Media can eat up a ton of time. Edie Melson, at The Write Conversation, gives 7 Reasons Your Social Media Life Is Busier Than It Should Be.

5.  Jeanette Levellie shared some easy recipes (only 4 ingredients) on her blog around Easter. I thought you might enjoy them.

Writers:  How do you keep social media from eating up all your time?

Readers:  Have you seen any of the recent faith-based movies like God's Not Dead, The War Room, or Risen? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Svilen Mileve

Writing Spaces/Goals/Headlines/Devo/Risks

1.  Zoe M. McCarthy blogs about writing spaces that could change how you create.

2.  Erin Buterbaugh, at MacGregor Literary, talks about setting realistic goals.

3.  Christianheadlines.com reports on the disruption of Christians worshiping and the storming of homes in Pakistan. Please remember to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, who daily risk their lives to serve Jesus Christ.

4.  I believe Adelee Russell's devotional will touch many hearts. Do you feel damaged?

5.  I'm not a natural risk taker, but Lynn Simpson's post, at Connecting Stories, gave me something to chew on.

Writers:  What are your goals for 2016?

Readers:  Are you a risk taker or do you hesitate to make changes? Please share.

Photo Credit:  Louis Hall