I visited my folks and caught a glimpse of the Masterpiece Theater show Victoria. It looked quite good, and there was a lovely scene of a young Victoria singing while her husband tries to accompany her on piano. It struck me just how much culture and entertainment have changed. So I ask you, if you could, how would– or could–you build a culture differently within your family? Neighborhood? Novel?!
Category Archives: Audiences
Editing down theology
Editing down words and editing down theology are two totally different things. Both can stink. In fact, both can be excruciating.
The Child Conundrum
I have another two drafts I’m working on. I don’t want to talk too much about it publicly, but let me know if you’d like to give me any behind-the-scene advice on it. It’s another children’s book, theological in nature, but right now I’m facing what I call the Child Conundrum.
Filed under Audiences, Question Asked, Writer Troubles
Christian Fiction
I meant to post this ages ago: Publisher’s Weekly wrote a piece titled, “Christian Fiction Keeps its Allure.”
Filed under Audiences, Writer's Life
Priority or Emphasis
It’s always hard to figure out which in a series of ideas should receive priority or emphasis. What should be included/what should be left out. Bible studies are especially hard, because there is simply so much depth and interconnection in God’s Word!
Filed under As Christian Writers, As Theological Writers, Audiences, Bible Studies
Arguably Perfect
Characters are so hard to get right. I just read a book with arguably perfect people in it. Now I don’t mean that altogether literally—no discussion of sin or perfection was involved, but there was very little room for either personal growth or ongoing flaws.
Filed under Audiences, Characters
Plot Stakes?
Saw a cool article via Facebook last night discussing, “What are the stakes?” It basically posits that an audience will only read what matters to them. If the plot stakes are too low, they will either bypass your work altogether or may lose interest along the way. Basically, the story falls flat. But, as writers, we can consider our stakes from the very outset and help use them as a tool to retain focus and readability.
Filed under Audiences, Writing Tips
Harsh words for children
There are many harsh words for children: rebukes, judgments, condemnations, mean whispers, and raw shouts. Then there are life lessons to learn, too. Today’s post links to a post that talks about some of the harsher elements in classic fairytales: harsh words with children as a direct, intentional audience. Continue reading
Filed under Audiences
Shared Idea: Statistically Speaking
I’ve been having ideas for novels lately, so I’ll share one with you today. So often parents raise children so that the children assume and expect that they will escape negative statistics, mediocrity, or normalcy. I suggest a novel that explores a young woman’s struggle, realizing she is fitting into one statistic after another. To add a soul-searching element that could also help people with practical issues, the author could directly address a single mother bringing her out-of-wedlock child to a disappointed congregation.
Filed under As Christian Writers, Audiences, Shared Writing Ideas
Young Adult Audience
Audiences are pretty important. Even when we write for ourselves, we write for an audience. So let’s dig into various audiences on occasion. What are our connotations with YA fiction and its young adult audience? Continue reading
Filed under Audiences