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Quick Fiction Fixes – Dialogue info dumps
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! Avoid info dumps in dialogue.…
Surviving ICRS
I went. I saw. I came home with blistered feet. I’m talking about my first ICRS, the International Christian Retail Show, formerly known as CBA. I went this year because it was in Atlanta, about an hour’s drive from my house. How could I NOT go? I commuted, saving the cost of transportation and hotel.…
Getting Ready for School
Reposted from August 2004Well, it’s August and school is just around the corner. Several schools went back last week and more go this coming week. I’m pretty much ready to start schooling from an organizational standpoint, but I want to wait until after labor day. I grew up on the East coast and I just…
Mid-Week Motivation
Starting Your Day Out Right Scripture/Devotion The steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. ~Psalm 37:23 I am the poster child for Writer…Interrupted. At my house “quiet moment” is an oxymoron. That said, I never seem to get enough done, whether it’s praying, cleaning, writing,…
Writers should Read Nonfiction
by Ron Estrada I’m a sucker for war stories. A month ago or so I grabbed “Halsey’s Typhoon” on CD at my library. For those of you who didn’t spend your childhood watching Victory at Sea reruns (and why not?), Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s entire fleet was caught in the middle of a super typhoon while…
CSI: Up Close and Way Too Personal!
New York is a great place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there. Why? Because I’ve lived there!!! But never had I experienced anything like I did this afternoon. We’re visiting family in NY (5 towns near Kennedy airport) and we haven’t even been here 24 hours. Driving down the street toward my…
REVIEW: Island Inferno by Chuck Holton
Island Inferno by Chuck Holton This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingISLAND INFERNOby Chuck HoltonABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chuck served four years in the Elite 75th Ranger Regiment–the same unit profiled in the movie “Black Hawk Down.” Chuck saw combat in Panama in 1989. After leaving active duty, Chuck flew helicopters in the Wisconsin National Guard…
Some rules NOT to follow!
FUMBLE RULES (with thanks to Richards Lederer and Dowis in Sleeping Dogs Don’t Lay) This is a collection of self-contradictory rules of English. Enjoy. Remember, though, like most humor, there’s a serious lesson for the learning! 1. Each pronoun should agree with their antecedent. 2. Between you and I, pronoun case is important. 3. A…
Postive Parenting and NO Spanking?
This was written three years ago when I had abandoned one “authoritative” parenting philosophy that advocated spanking and tried to go the “non-punitive” route. What I’ve learned since is that the Holy Spirit should be your guide in disciplining your children, not a book! Reposted from June 2007 Believe it or not yesterday, Chris(9) was…