Posts
Your 5-Point Novel Outline
by Ron Estrada As some of you may have surmised, I have recently converted fully into the camp of the planner\plotter. As a recovering panster, I feel it is my duty to immerse my fellow writers into the world of planning. I understand this will be a shock to some of your systems, so I’ll…
If You Think Writing Isn’t Work, Think Again!
It’s Labor Day and I bet most writers (if they’re not at the beach or pool) will be writing! Writing is hard work, don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. So sweat it out, people! And enjoy every minute! “Writing is total grunt work. A lot of people think it’s all about sitting and…
Missed Opportunities: If Only I’d Known!
Have you ever thought about the consequences of delayed obedience? I don’t mean physical punishments, but rather missed opportunities. Blessings that could have been yours if only you’d gone for it and done what you knew you should do when you knew you should do it. There are a few things my daughter absolutely hates.…
When Necessary, Use Words
I loved Sunday’s sermon even though it started out with this quote by Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” Words are my passion. My career. The way I pursue my mission in life. But it’s important to remember that what makes my words powerful really comes from what’s…
Why Bother to Write?
by Ron Estrada As I write this the blogoshpere is running rampant with stories about Miley Cyrus’ plunge into depths of entertainment depravity, Another shooting in Florida, The Australian baseball player who was murdered in the U.S., and this little scrap in Syria which, apparently, the U.S. will be fully immersed. All in a day’s…
You’re Not as Significant as You Think
I’ve been thinking a lot about my place in this world, my story. Mainly because what I seem to be reading and hearing, in a round about way from friends and pastors, seems to be saying the same thing. I’m not as significant as I think. I know, a while ago a wrote a post…
Why I Choose Not to Care So I Can Focus
It was an innocent post. Not innocuous, mind you, but innocent. Little more than a link, really. Within minutes a storm of political debate erupted. Opinions collided on the economy, healthcare reform, Christian rights and responsibilities and elitist strongholds over mercy. Hoo, boy. This shifted my whole morning. I expected to post the link, then…
Nineteen Years of Interruptions and A Lesson Learned
My Son is 19 today! Where has the time gone? I remember his birth so clearly, mainly because he came 4 1/2 weeks early, and I decided to bring him into this world without an epidural. (Didn’t make that mistake again.) Two Saturdays ago I dropped him off at college with no tears. He’s only…
Read to be Published
by Ron Estrada To pick up on the theme that Super G laid down yesterday, I wanted to talk about our reading strategy. Yes, I said strategy. If you’re the typical writer…interrupted, you personally know at least a dozen published authors. You also have a spouse and friends who say, “Oh you have to read…