How to craft happy endings

, by

Have you ever worked on a piece so much that you practically memorized it? That was me when, for the umpteenth time, I rewrote the first chapter of the novel I had completed. The story, engaging and the characters, sassy and insightful. The end product was, well, in my opinion, pretty wonderful. Then it happened. I got it back from the editor. I swallowed hard and my shoulders drooped with disbelief. The whole thing was riddled with corrections, questions, and endless suggestions for improvements. I cringed, but accepting the changes was imperative because the editor had in mind a great…

Read More

How to find reassurance

, by

“Over a hundred years? Who in the world wants to live that long!” my friend said as she read the story of the man who has been documented as living the longest in modern times—a Bolivian man, reported to be 123 years old. His story perked my interest because this toothless man and I have two things in common: we’re both from Bolivia and we both eat Quinoa.

Read More

A Surefire Way to Fail at Writing

, by

If you want to avoid failing at writing, then this could be the most important blog post you will ever read. You see, I’ve failed at writing, so I’m highly qualified to tell you what caused me to fail. I’m also highly qualified to tell you how I turned my failure into success.

Read More

Tension And Conflict Part I

, by

Welcome to CAN’s new website from Gail Gaymer Martin. Today I will begin a new series on Tension and Confict which is a driving force in fiction writing. I hope you enjoy the seven articles on this topic. The Set Up to Tension and Conflict I recently presented a workshop on tension and conflict. The topic offers many steps to writing a good novel. I began this workshop with the basic elements needed to begin a novel because it sets up how conflict begins. Conflict is a concept you know is vital to any story. It is what drives your…

Read More

Are You a Scribe of the Kingdom?

, by

Hi, writers! Dave Fessenden here to ask you a question: Are you a scribe of the Kingdom? Tucked away in the last chapter of Romans is a seemingly obscure verse: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord” (16:22). Tertius was a scribe, and the ministry he performed was an important one. Though his function was little more than that of a secretary, Tertius stands as an example to Christian writers: he faithfully committed to paper the things he heard from the Apostle Paul.

Read More

Helping turn the corner of pain

, by

  I’m dancing in my blindness and rejoicing in my disability. Crazy statement, isn’t it? But I think you’ll agree with the reason I have joy dancing in my soul. First, my friend, who has been there for me for years, always answers, “No problem…that was easy,” each of the dozen times I ask her to format documents, to post these blogs, or perform research for me.

Read More

How can I be courageous?

, by

It was the strangest thing. My pillow was lumpy. What in the world? I thought as I reached inside the pillowcase and pulled out several of my favorite scarves one right after the other—my red, green, and lavender. “Young lady,” I called out to my six-year-old granddaughter. I lifted one in the air. “Did you do this?” ”Uh, uh…yes.” I frowned. “Haven’t I told you that if you played with them, you must fold them and put them back where they belong?” “Yes.” “And haven’t I told you that we must have a place for everything and…” She completed the…

Read More

Fail Your Way to Success

, by

Hi, Dave Fessenden here with some thoughts on writing for this Friday blog. Right now, I’m working on the sequel to my first novel (The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy), and having to remind myself of some of the things I’ve told others about writer’s block. One thing I’ve learned about tackling a new project is this: don’t expect to succeed.

Read More