Not meaning to beat a dead horse, but the FaithWriters’ Conference is only 14 days away! Once again, here are the basic details – it’s not too late to sign up!

Nurturing the Whole Writer

August 12 and 13, 2011—Holiday Inn, Livonia, M

Registration: $82 for FW Platinum Members

$92 for all others

Click here to register or for more information

So, maybe you’re signed up for the sessions you want, and you’re […]

Writing isn’t just a matter of getting words on paper, is it? We need inspiration to write, and energy to keep our minds and imaginations going. And many of of us turn to, of course, sweets.

Personally, anything crunchy helps me think clearer. Potato chips, cheerios, cookies, crackers. I also often need something to wet my whistle – so I often have a glass of water or maybe milk beside me when I’m really thinking.

Of course, chocolate is also a favorite. […]

LESSONS FROM A BEETLE
By Amy Michelle Wiley

I was in our tiny laundry room when a rustling noise and bit of movement startled me. I was relieved to see it was only a little black beetle, minding his own business as he rushed along the floor, blindly hugging the baseboard to ensure he didn’t loose his way. He wasn’t daunted by any bits of debris he came across, clambering quickly over them and continuing on his way.

But then he […]

SEVEN TIPS FOR NAMING CHARACTERS

By Valerie Comer

An Esmerelda by any other name would be just as sweet, wouldn’t she? I think not.

What we name our characters is important. If you’re like me, the story swirling around in your head can’t begin to mesh until you’ve found just the right name. Here are some tips.

1. Ethnicity
While many people these days give their kids any name they like with no regard to ethnic background (Siobhan […]

The past couple Monday posts have focused on a couple of our talented FaithWriters’ members – winners and placers in the Writing Challenge Best of the Best. Each had their own little story.

But I know there are several others out there, and we probably don’t know you very well, if at all. So, today we’re going to change that.

I’ve put together a few questions for you to answer in the comments. (and just to be fair, of course, I’ll answer […]

THREE weeks until the FaithWriters Writing Conference in Livonia – and it isn’t too late to register! We’d love to see you there.

Here are the basics:

Nurturing the Whole Writer

August 12 and 13, 2011—Holiday Inn, Livonia, M

Registration: $82 for FW Platinum Members

$92 for all others

Click here to register or for more information

Check out the conference threads on the FW boards to see what folks are talking about. Need […]

Did you know that this is National Zoo Keeper Week? (neither did I, until I went searching) Every year, the third week in July is set aside to recognize zoo keepers’ roles as educational and wildlife ambassadors.

Animals are fascinating creatures–at least in my opinion. The Lord certainly was creative when he made so many different varieties, don’t you think? The long neck of the giraffe, the quills of a porcupine, the colorful feathers of the peacock. And if it weren’t […]

WAITING
By Lili Richey Willard

Do you hate to wait? I do! I hate waiting in lines, on the phone, in traffic…even for special days or events to arrive. I simply hate to wait.

Yet the ability to wait is something that the LORD values in those of us who can do it gracefully. Unfortunately, that is NOT me!

I want it now. Doesn’t matter what it is, where it is, or how it is. I am like a […]

COMMON MISTAKES IN WRITING FICTION

By Dorothy Love

The first writers’ conference I ever attended was the Short Course in Professional Writing at the University of Oklahoma, an intensive five days of classes and panels featuring some of the most important writers and teachers from across the country. Jack Bickham, who taught fiction writing there, gave a wonderful lecture that was later expanded and published as The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes. […]

First, just in case you missed it, here’s Jim McWhinnie’s 1st place BoB interview on the blog. Lynda’s Interview

AND, my interview with Eliza Evans, here at the blog, for her 2nd place BoB accomplishment from last week. Click Here

Today, I have the privilege of introducing a long-time (you’ll hear how long a bit down!) FWer and challenge “enterer.” Melanie (call me “Mel”) Kerr has almost 300 posts on her FaithWriters’ profile, and her wonderful poem, “The Frog And The Leper,” […]