Nearly every writer feels pulled. Pulled between writing compulsion and family commitments. It can feel like being the increasingly fraying rope in a tug-of-war. In a writing course I once took, I was challenged to consider the hours poured into relational commitments as doubling my time. Instead of thinking that I'm being pulled away from … Continue reading Doubling time
Simmering fiction WIP
Writers often refer to their current WIP (Work In Progress). Since I am always working on several projects, I'm thinking of adopting the acronym MWIVGIP (Multiple Works In Various Genres In Progress). But it seems a tad awkward and I'm not sure how I'd pronounce it. One of my two current novels has a complicated … Continue reading Simmering fiction WIP
I get by with a little help from my friends
Although the lyrics of that old Beatles song fail to reflect the comprehensive character of my personal worldview, there's definitely a sense in which I get by with a little help from my friends. Every writer knows the importance of networking. A writer can't construct a platform without building name recognition, which requires networking through … Continue reading I get by with a little help from my friends
Best. Feeling. Ever!
Is there any greater delight than being productive and believing that you're doing exactly what God wants you to do? Today's a Wonderful Wednesday because I finished the introduction and Day 1 of a new devotional manuscript I'm writing. Writing can be such a struggle when you feel as if you're pulling every word out … Continue reading Best. Feeling. Ever!
Supplemental fiction
After getting past some big deadlines, including a couple of speaking engagements, I designated today for a full day dedicated to writing fiction. I intended to write only fiction, nothing but fiction, all day. It's over three hours since I first entered the office and I've yet to write one word of fiction. I'd hoped … Continue reading Supplemental fiction
Slow learner
Some life lessons we're slow to learn and God keeps teaching. Lessons like waiting, trusting, and resting. Even at my mature age, I'm still a novice. I try to wait patiently on God's will, trust completely in his provision, and rest calmly in his care. But when urgent matters continually pull me from my work … Continue reading Slow learner
Little One Lost reviews
Two reviews of my book Little One Lost: Living with Early Infant Loss are now available online. Both appear in publications of the OPC (Orthodox Presbyterian Church). Because I am not affiliated with this denomination, I'm a bit surprised but extremely grateful to the OPC pastors who picked up and reviewed the book. A review by John … Continue reading Little One Lost reviews
Creative writing interview
Today a student sent me questions for an interview. I found some of the questions thought-provoking and thought the interview might be worth sharing. How would you define creative writing? Creative writing is generally fiction and poetry, although more genres of nonfiction are being increasingly identified as creative. The most notable modern example is what's … Continue reading Creative writing interview
A Month of Sundays free at Challies!
Tim Challies is famous for his book reviews and "Free Stuff Fridays" on his blog: challies.com Today he's giving away packages from Reformation Heritage Books, including copies of my devotional, A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on Resting in God. Head over to challies.com to register for your chance to win!
The Nutcracker
On this fiction Friday, I'm posting a short story I wrote several years ago since it's appropriate for the season. The Nutcracker by Glenda Mathes With “Silent Night” playing in the background, Marti rubber-stamped paper lunch bags to proclaim, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Pints of strawberry jelly sparkled in straight rows … Continue reading The Nutcracker
Glenda Faye Mathes 