I want to share writing ideas. I’m not in a time or place where I can write all that can be said, and, if you can beat me to it, then have at it! (Though please try to do a very good job! And, doctrinal reviewers, be diligent and strict!) There is plenty of room for more writers and more writing! Continue reading
Monthly Archives: January 2016
Titles and Titillation
Sorry! Hate to break it to you, but we don’t have to call ourselves Writers, with that capital W. Continue reading
Filed under Writer's Life
Rules for Christian Writing
I am not going to tell you that Christian writing has to follow a certain structure or belong to a certain genre (Are Christian novels really more Christian than devotions or Christian textbooks?). But what about containing certain necessary elements? By all means–and I mean that–avoid seeping people in lies or leading astray, but . . . Continue reading
Filed under As Theological Writers
Rhymes Old-School and New
I started to write when I was young. I’d write poetry when I should have been listening to math lessons or I’d scribble away in the last few minutes of class.
When I got a little older, I’d write the alphabet vertically down the far right side of my wide-lined paper and I would inwardly curse because I’d skip the first few lines at the top for some random aesthetic appeal and I’d have to write XYZ on the same line. Every time. Because: teenager.
But I liked the pattern of starting to write. Centering the page, writing the alphabet, and starting from a place of confidence: “I know my letters. I know my words. Let’s put something together!” Continue reading
Filed under Hymns, Poetry, Wordplay, Writing Tools
Uninspired Poetry
Inspiration is something I hope to write about here every now and again. It seems to me that people who believe in the inspiration of Scripture can explore the lesser inspiration toward writing and the arts in a wide variety of ways. I mean, when God Himself can inspire, in addition to His creation, inspiration can become an incredibly intricate, multi-tiered concept!
Having said that, I’ve been writing lately much more from habit than from any sort of inner passion. Continue reading
Filed under Hymns, Poetry, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
Poetry Exercises
Poetry is more than a form. It is a tool. Are you bored? Try some rhymes. Are you stuck? Feel the rhythm of a single expression; move it a little faster until you can gain a little momentum for yourself with it.
As an exercise, you can brainstorm off a single word or thought. You can work on your pacing by taking one scene and writing a single couplet, a stanza, a half-page, etc. You can step out of any problematic piece you may be working on to work on dialogue, intensity, or asides. Continue reading
Filed under Hymns, Poetry, Writing Exercises
Simply an Exercise
A person’s head can be full of inner voices as a writer. There may be characters, scenarios, and expressions jumbled on top of a personal to do list, grocery list, and the conversation you happen to be having at any particular moment.
Of course, there are the worries and self-doubt too. Maybe even nagging criticisms (from yourself and others). Let me remind you of a beautiful, beautiful expression, “Simply an exercise.” Continue reading
Filed under Wordplay, Writing Exercises
Dropbox
I’m in no way affiliated with Dropbox, but it’s such a great idea and tool for writers!
Basically, you join Dropbox, which becomes something of a location on your computer, save files to it (including files for collaboration or files too large to easily email), and then access them anywhere over the Internet. You literally follow the same saving procedure as usual, but indicate Dropbox as a starting point rather than Desktop, Downloads, etc. To access your files from your regular computer, you simply click the Dropbox icon, which–surprise, surprise–is an open box.
An important writer’s rule for me is to have a single working manuscript. Continue reading
Filed under Writing Tips, Writing Tools
Innocence
There’s such a thing as innocence,
Though some prefer just “in a sense.”
In dissonance of ignorance,
The truth convicts us, “In no sense!
The world has lost its innocence.”
Puns aren’t the most respected form of wordplay, but the things one can find in individual languages is amazing! Who knows what awesome puns may be out there around the world?
Filed under Wordplay
Suggestions & Submissions Welcome
I think a blog focused on words and the Word has a lot of options. I hope to talk about exercises people may have forgotten and tips to get juices flowing. At some point, I hope we can get into critique–it’s role and how to start implementing it, but to do that I’ll need participation.
I’m not a teacher here, but one who offers encouragement. Can you help me build a bit of participation?
Please comment with any recommendations. As I get more content up, more people will come.
Also, what would be better, a regular Saturday post or less regular posts two-three times a week?
Filed under Uncategorized