Image from Pixabay A request to beta-read an as-yet-unpublished novel recently brought to mind again the challenges of writing a novel-length story. Two books that were a lifeline for me when I was writing my two Bible fiction novels were How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson and The 12… Continue reading Help for novel construction
"Spring Song" - Violet Nesdoly (Watercolor on 140 lb. cold press paper, 9x6 inches). This week I’m taking in a three-session webinar on the artist’s mindset led by artist coach and mentor Matt Tommey. Yesterday’s lecture was followed by a Q&A where Tommey answered submitted questions. The first question and his answer opened a window… Continue reading Seasons in a Creative’s Life
Two weeks from today (November 2nd) has been marked on my calendar for weeks. It’s the day of our one-day writing conference: “Storytelling: Bringing the Past to Life.” If you’re a Vancouver area writer, you’ll want to give this a look. Here is the delectable lineup: 9:00 a.m. - “The Drama of Biblical Fiction” by… Continue reading Mini-conference on Storytelling
As the Ink Flows: Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers by Glenda Dekkema My rating: 5 of 5 stars Though books of devotions abound, As the Ink Flows is a unique collection of ninety meditations written by five Canadian writers for writers—and speakers too. Section divisions (The Craft; Inspiration; Know Yourself; Well-Being; Personalities; and Faithfulness) demonstrate… Continue reading As the Ink Flows (review)
It’s been really quiet here as I’ve switched my focus from writing to learning to draw. (Somehow the same creative muscles seem to be involved in both, and lately, learning to get things down visually has captured my interest.) However, there is a writing project that I’ve been working on since 2014—a sequel to my… Continue reading An end…and a beginning?
A Writer's Notebook In the last few years I have become bored with journaling. Oh, I still journal a bit. But I sure don’t fill the reams of paper I used to. A downside of this is that I no longer have the bulk of material to sift through for possible writing ideas that I… Continue reading A Writer’s Notebook
I'll bet you don't even remember the days when a computer was the newest thing in writing gadgetry. With the plethora of apps and add-ons that has bombarded us over the last years, these days it's almost a full-time job to keep up with the latest. I don't think I have. But I do have… Continue reading Eleven must-haves in my writer toolkit
Abundant Rain Journal: A Devotional Journal for Writers of Faith by Marcia Lee Laycock My rating: 5 of 5 stars Marcia Laycock's Abundant Rain Journal is a devotional journal that will be of special interest to Christian writers. Each of the 30 one-page meditations deals with some aspect of the writer's life. Laycock's own experience… Continue reading Abundant Rain Journal (Review)
One of the things I love about writing is having pieces accepted for publication. One of the things that I don't love is the publicizing and marketing that's needed when those publications are books. But I know I need to do my part. So when the newest Hot Apple Cider anthology (Hot Apple Cider with… Continue reading The gift of people
Flex Your Spirit by Kimberley Payne My rating: 4 of 5 stars In Flex Your Spirit—Discover a New Way to Express Yourself with God Through Journal Writing and Stretching, author and lifestyle coach Kimberley Payne promises to “...unite physical and spiritual health to help you lose weight and develop a deeper relationship with God” –… Continue reading Flex Your Spirit (review)
Violet Nesdoly 