It’s election day. Let’s not talk about that. Let’s focus on something less angsty and more opportune! It’s always exciting to hear about open submission opportunities and 100 Ton Press has made such an announcement! In particular, they have a call for stories to be included in an upcoming collection, They Don’t Know I’m a Christian at the Coffee Shop. Sure sounds like a good thing to think and write about on an election day or any other day. 🙂
Category Archives: Writing Exercises
Character Building
I had an introspective thought and then turned to wondering whether it had implications for character building on two levels. Let me know what you think.
Filed under Writing Exercises
Writing Camp
I can’t believe I almost forgot to post about it! If you’re looking for some extra writing support, this is it: writing camp through Camp NaNoWriMo! Have you heard about it? I’m trying it out for the first time this July. It’s an online deal, with or without cyber-cabinmates, to encourage you to write, write, write!
Filed under Writing Exercises
Too Many Thoughts
I’m pretty pleased with how much I’ve been writing. Admittedly, I’m not actually working on the projects I’d hoped to, but doesn’t that happen to all of us sometimes? Still, I’ve been working on an article on a new thought, which is nice. I like thinking through things from different angles, so I prefer to write about newer-to-me subjects, but I have too many thoughts! It is so hard for me to figure out what should stay in and what should be cut out!
Filed under Writer Troubles, Writing Exercises
Open Submissions
Technically, I think people should write about what they care about—or what they can’t help but write about. Still, writing exercises and practice have their place. If you just want to gain a little experience, or if you like a little guidance to help get your writing going, then here’s a little something that might help: an online source of open submissions.
Filed under As Christian Writers, Writing Exercises
The Child Exercise
Let me tell you about one of my favorite writing exercises: the child exercise. Maybe it could be compared to outlining—I wouldn’t know, I’m still learning that method—but I find it a powerful tool to focus on content while disciplining my words. Continue reading
Filed under Writing Exercises
CCLE Essay Contest
I like to think of this blog as a family-friendly place, so I’m happy to pass along writing contests for even our youngest, up-and-coming writers. You might recall I mentioned a homeschooling contest here. This next one, a CCLE Essay Contest, is nice in part because it could be a nice writing exercise for us as well. Want to work on your structure? Want to solidify your arguing lines of defense? Want to jot something down and feel a little free affirmation? Continue reading
Filed under Books to Purchase, Contests, Writing Exercises
National Poetry Month & Contest
This April marks the 20th anniversary of National Poetry Month. To celebrate, let’s gather up the names (and books, if possible) of living Lutheran poets & hymnists. Send them to me by comment or Facebook, and I’ll add them to my Lutheran Authors page in April. And, for now, here’s a little writing exercise (for you grownups) and a writing contest for homeschooled kiddos ages 7-19. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA for short) has three creative angles that will be sure to be a lot of fun, whatever your age.
Filed under Contests, Poetry, Writing Exercises
This Guy
There was this guy. In a lot of ways, this guy could be any other guy, and that doesn’t really make him main character material. That is, sometimes being mundane sort of sets the scene to explore what’s actually different or valuable underneath. Isn’t that the point of plot and character development? But what if I told you . . .
Means of Grace
I’ve worked up three possible entries for the hymn contest (six days left!). While part of me liked the idea of playing around with the famous Reformation phrases and expressions, you know, like by grace through faith and justification, what I turned out really emphasized the means of grace.
Since we are nearing the end of this writing exercise—It’s increasingly clear to me that that’s what this is for me, rather than a seriously competitive entry!—it’s been pretty good. It’s been a rather devotional experience with a nicely theological depth to it. How do we confess our faith, and how do we do it with others? What elements of Scriptural imagery and vocabulary leap quickest to our tongues (and typing)? Are there things we avoid, or things that prove extra tricky? For me, lately, I kept returning, again and again, to the means of grace. Continue reading