Archive for February 2007
The Three Chapter Rule
In a recent critique I was told my opening needed to move quicker. I thought I had done that after scrapping the first opening. But I heeded their wise advice and went back and hacked and pushed things up, and I’m very happy to say the pacing starts off on roll and keeps going. I’m…
Read MoreMy Flabby Flesh
No, I’m not taking about the extra baby fat I can’t seem to get rid of. I’m talking about the lazy, selfish part of me that gets tired of doing the right thing. Well, I’m glad I didn’t listen to my flesh yesterday because my obedience really blessed someone in need. Let us not become…
Read MoreWarning: Field Trip Gripe Fest
Why are the things meant to be fun, like a field trip to the zoo, always a struggle? The idea was simple. Go to the zoo. Bring our nature journals and write a few things about the different buildings. It’d be an easy school day. Right? Not with my kids. I can’t remember how it…
Read MoreQuick Fiction Fixes – Too many action beats
We’re all busy, whether working full-time or chasing/chauffeuring kids around all day. Yet we’re also writers, striving to get our words on paper and then polish it to a sparkle. This column gives quick fixes for fiction manuscripts specifically for busy writers. Pick and choose what works best for you! Too many action beats The…
Read MoreHomeschool MeMe
Home School Meme 1) One homeschooling book you have enjoyed. Haven’t really read one all the way through. Though I have a couple I should probably pick up again. 2) One resource you wouldn’t be without. My homeschool co-op, the internet, manipulatives, games, videos, the library (they know me by name, I don’t need a…
Read MoreWord Power
My children and I have been studying the history of our English language. The many regional variations of speech in America alone is an amazing thing to study. In doing so, I found myself comparing these different dialects to the elusive “voice” we writers attempt to describe or try to pinpoint. Isn’t it funny, for…
Read MoreSo What’s Lent All About?
I grew up observing the season of Lent, often giving up candy or chocolate. One year I remember giving up bread! The idea was to give up something I loved…for Jesus. Even after I left the church of my youth I carried on the tradition. For one thing, it was a way I could curb…
Read MoreMid-Week Motivation
Starting Your Day Out Right Scripture, Short Devotion So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.…
Read MoreNew Member – Ron Estrada and Contributor
By Ron Estrada If any of you have been over to my blog, The Marketing Writer, you know that I’ve kept my focus on the marketing end of this writing life. Thus the clever title. My post for Monday will be about blogging and why it’s critical to keep a narrow focus. No discussion of…
Read MoreSolving Sibling Arguements?
**Thought this photo needed some clarification! My boys were taking a fencing class and DO NOT solve arguements this way! I just wanted a catchy title!:) So cancel all those calls to DHS, please! 🙂
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