Show, don’t tell. It’s been hammered into our brains through every English class, creative writing course, and book for aspiring novelists. Always they tell us “show, don’t tell” until we can’t unhear or forget the words. Until they become mere sounds and we discount them due to familiarity. Like when someone says “eat healthy” or “Jesus loves you.” Sometimes we…
Category: Writing
Remind Me Later
I type happily away on my computer, writing my current novel, engrossed in a scene of drama, betrayal, fear, doubt, and growing tension — all ready to swallow my character up in a maw of darkness, or give way in a moment of light. The climax approaches — the stakes are beyond the stratosphere — he’s giving in — he’s…
It’s Not Easy
About half the time I’m driving–to work, to church, traveling, or just running errands–I like to listen to podcasts, lectures, sermons, audiobooks, etc. I like to feel I’m being productive, to not just drive but also to try to improve my mind. The other half of the time, I need to unwind and I like to play music. Usually Pandora…
Genesis
In the beginning was the Word. That’s the opening of the biblical book of John in the New Testament. But it’s also the truth regarding one of my favorite forms of storytelling–filmmaking. I recently attended the third annual Christian Worldview Film Festival in San Antonio, Texas. I’ve been attending Christian film festivals since 2007, and I’ve seen the world of…
Printer Ink is Expensive
New month, new project. I was finally able to wrap up my work on Firmament: Gestern, book five in the series, last month, and now I’m ready to move ahead with publishing the fourth! I”m extra excited about this one. First, because it’s a plotline I’ve wanted to use for years and I think people are really going to enjoy…
Star Trek Fanfic — Once Upon a Time
Since it’s been forever since I shared one of my fanfics with you, I take a moment to share another story from the academy days saga with you. Enjoy the absurdity! Once Upon a Time or Of Kingdoms and Haircuts “Once upon a time, in a magical kingdom far, far away, there was a wealthy, brave, talented, noble, intelligent, daring,…
I’m Hungry
I was talking to a friend yesterday, a musician, and he was excitedly filling me in on some gigs he’d been able to play recently. At one point, we were talking about the joy of being able to make money doing what you love. He said, “You know, people try to say ‘It’s not about the money, it’s just about…
Once Percent Inspiration
You know that saying “Genius is about one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration”? It’s like that with writing. Except writers generally don’t perspire. Unless they are scribbling away in mid-summer with broken air conditioning. But the same principle applies. It’s about one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent behind-in-chair-fingers-on-keyboard (or pen in hand, if that’s your thing). But that’s not…
Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs
Appearances can be deceiving. Awhile back, I wrote a post about how, despite the blatant immorality and atheism, the TV show House, M.D. actually has a more biblical worldview than you might expect. On the flip side, I’ve seen many shows that, while they seem much more moral on the surface, can actually harbor far more dangerous messages. I think…
An Awesome Black Friday Sale
I know that’s a lame post title, but I wanted to be straightforward and let y’all know what was up so you can take advantage of it! It’s that time of year. The time for buying presents, making wish lists, and planning New Year’s Resolutions. If any of those activities involve books for you, Indie Christian Authors has a perfect…