Ever had a hard time starting a story? You see it in your mind. You see the conflict, the characters, the action unfolding. You just don’t know how to get there from here. You just don’t know where to start. ...
Read More »How to make evil characters complex
Yesterday I warned against flattening your characters, especially the “enemy” ones you want your readers to hate. Today, I want to provide some tangible advice on how to accomplish this. Below are some simple suggestions to make your villains, antagonists, ...
Read More »Don’t flatten your enemies
Remember how Jesus said, “Love your enemies?” The same has to be true for those characters you hate when you write a novel. I’ve been watching a lot of Lost on Netflix with my wife lately. We’re absolutely hooked on ...
Read More »Veterans corral horses to take rein of own lives
MAPLE PARK, Ill., — Three horses trotted, kicking up clouds of dust in the enclosed arena, as men and women took turns directing them into designated “pockets.” They worked in pairs, each time trying a new method. Some clapped. Others ...
Read More »A New York Times Magazine editor was my professor once
It’s true. I took a class at the University of Pittsburgh once taught by (now) deputy editor for the New York Times Magazine, Joel Lovell. You’re probably thinking, “Come on! You expect me to believe that? Why didn’t you use ...
Read More »My son bought me a Lego Ninja
My son bought me a Lego Ninja for Christmas. It’s attached to a keyring, and the feet light up like two mini flashlights when you press the logo on his chest. Phoenix was two years old when he picked it ...
Read More »What are you so angry for?
(Feature photo by Rainy-Lain) Christians often say that non-believers have a Christ-shaped hole in their heart. That once you accept Jesus, that endless pit will be filled. As though, once you accept Jesus, you will have complete satisfaction and contentment ...
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