Category Archives: Writing essentials

I am thrilled to pass on the news that my novel “Scars” was announced on June 13th as a winner at The Word Guild of Canada online awards gala. It won in the category Christian Fiction Books – Suspense/Speculative. It … Continue reading →

Writing is a solitary occupation. Whether the writer is an amateur just starting to struggle with the nuances of point of view and active verbs, (like me), or a professional typing away to meet the latest deadline, he or she … Continue reading →

Here’s one I like even though I have yet to experience a writing deadline. “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” Douglas Adams – English humorist and novelist  

I like mysteries. They are definitely one of my favorite genres. (The other is historical fiction, so I get especially pleased when I find a book that combines the two, like Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael series or Ruth Downie’s Medicus.) … Continue reading →

I like dialogue. I enjoy reading it and writing it. Dialogue is an invaluable component of any story. It allows you to advance the plot, fill in back story, develop characters, reveal conflict, and increase tension. Dialogue must realistic but … Continue reading →

W. Paul Young has written another book. He now offers us the novel Cross Roads, from Faith Words Publishing. Young, as I’m sure you know, was the author of the controversial and wildly successful The Shack. Of course, a lot … Continue reading →

Go to http://http://bit.ly/U1748E  to view the video. And remember “Hot Apple Cider” and “A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider“ can both be purchased through The Word Guild website or through Amazon

There’s a scene in the Steve Martin movie The Jerk in which Martin jumps up and down and exclaims “The new phone book’s here, the new phone book’s here!” When his employer asks why he’s getting so excited over nothing, … Continue reading →