Posts
Recognizing Lies and Beating Them with Truth
If you write fiction, you may know all about crafting lies that drive your characters, but have you ever had to beat the lies in your own real-life story? As I write this, my head and heart are full of the lessons and fellowship of my first ACFW national conference. It is both a spiritual…
Moral Premise Workshop Week 1 – Ironic Hook
by Ron Estrada I’m going to spend the next few months going through the story creation steps outlined in Stanley Williams’ excellent book, The Moral Premise. For those of you who’ve been following me, you know that I’ve become a student of Story Structure this year. This is my next educational step in my writing…
Life’s Transitions: When the Writing Slows Down
Sometimes interruptions in life bring about transition. Sometimes the transitions are welcomed like a new baby or bigger home, other times they are devastating like the loss of a job or loved one. As a writer…interrupted, it’s inevitable that life’s transition may cause us to slow down on writing. It may even seem like writing…
The Mid-Point Moment
by Ron Estrada Your novel’s midpoint is often compared to the center pole on a circus tent. Without it, you get a long, sagging middle supported only by the first and second plot points, which are too far apart to hold your reader’s attention. Larry Brooks, author of Story Engineering, suggest the midpoint be a…
Interruptions that Recharge: Dancing the Weekend Away!
Yep, that’s right. I missed a Monday post again. But I have a darn good reason. I was taking a much needed swing dance weekend (Last one was over a year ago,) and I just drove into town today in time to pickup my kids from school! I don’t have the words to describe the awesomeness…
The Moral Premise
by Ron Estrada Up until recently I associated “premise” within the field of debate. It’s important to understand your premise if you are going to argue a point. For example, it’s fairly common for a Christian to argue the truth of Jesus’ claims based on what is written in the Bible. The problem is that…
Friday Flashback: Ramblings with Author Ronie Kendig
Flashback Fridays: We’re taking a look at where these writing moms and dads were years ago. Up today, an interview with Ronie from April 20, 2006! Check out her website for what she’s writing today! Ronie, thanks so much for agreeing to share your life and struggles with me. I was drawn to you because…
Top 10 Lessons Learned at ACFW
by Ron Estrada I, your humble reporter, attended the ACFW Writer’s Conference last weekend. It was the first time I’d attended since 2005. As you can guess, I found myself…interrupted after that point. If you can swing it, get there. The fellowship alone is worth the price. Start saving your pennies now for ACFW next…
Conference Debriefing: Easing Back into the Real World
Repost Sept 27, 2012 Conference is over. You met with like-minded people, heard amazing speakers, and spoke with an editor or to, but you’re back home and easing into the real world. Normal life must continue despite all the emotions and excitement you’ve just experience, so how do you handle it all? Rest You’re body…
5 Rules to Avoid Disappointments
As everyone travels back from ACFW today, I’m sure that among the highs, some of you have been hit with crushing disappointments. Maybe the editor/agent meeting didn’t go as planned, or you found yourself overwhelmed and feeling like an outsider. Know you’re not alone. I didn’t attend the conference, but I struggled with disappointments this…