Robert Carnes’ devotional The Original Storyteller: Become a Better Storyteller in 30 Days states its intended purpose outright. It is a guide meant to aid writers in both their craft and faith. “Writers” in this case largely refers to novelists and memoirists; the series of devotions focus on matters especially pertinent to them: character development, thematic motifs, foreshadowing, et cetera.
Writing Life
Alphabet Adventure: P is for Ponder
In Luke 2, the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth, the author reports the shepherds receive the news of Jesus’ arrival and hurry straight to Bethlehem. The shepherds then share the words spoken about the baby boy. They also disclose the messengers of those words: angels, a multitude of the heavenly host.
Alphabet Adventure: O is for Onerous
During the holidays, everything aims to be cheerful and bright. Some tasks, however, remain onerous. They are burdens that must be accomplished to reach the joy of “decking the halls.”
Seating arrangements seem like a good example. You can seat your mother-in-law by a certain aunt but not by your mother or odd uncle. Even buying presents can become onerous. Consider, for instance, when you seek to buy a gift for that impossible-to-buy-for person. The holiday season becomes dreary, a landscape more suited to Ebenezer Scrooge than to you.
Fortunately, the letter “o” begins some words less bleak than onerous. They might not align with the festive season precisely, but they are fun. If nothing else, they offer a break from the holiday hustle and bustle. [Read more…] about Alphabet Adventure: O is for Onerous
How to Open a New Book
I recently received the latest installment in The Stormlight Archive. (If you’re not familiar with the series, ask—or don’t. You could get drawn into a loooong conversation about Brandon Sanderson.) My giddiness at receiving the book knew almost no bounds. A book that weighs at least three pounds? Yes! Twelve-hundred-plus pages? Sign me up!
Alphabet Adventure: N is for Noteworthy
I read (a lot). The fact means I stumble across both good and bad literature. Some books, however, rise above those categories. (Neil Gaiman prefers “like” and “love,” and, I have to admit, I agree with him. Some books are okay, but some sink deep into my soul.)
Creative Life Truths: You Can’t do it Alone
The other week, I shared a cup of coffee with a new acquaintance. He asked about my art, so I told him about Write Right and how I place her into books, fairytales, and nursery rhymes. He listened, and then he asked if I had ever thought of letting her time travel in order to meet poets.
[Read more…] about Creative Life Truths: You Can’t do it Alone