Even the best writers struggle with maintaining their productivity, with translating the rush of a new idea into a habit that can get words down on the page even during their "bad days" and under pressing deadlines. And writers on all levels (at least including myself) are always looking for ways to write more with... Continue Reading →
Creating Strong Character Arcs
If you've ever been asked to dissect a story in an academic setting, you've probably been asked to differentiate between solid and flexible characters (or a synonym of those two words). Solid characters may be well written. They may be instrumental in moving the plot along—but they don’t grow, and that makes them, frankly, very... Continue Reading →
Balancing the Scales: Being a Christian Writer
I remember vividly a conversation I had with my mother. Years ago, about my writing. I was in high school, but I wasn't as rebellious as I could've been. My stories were still barely prodding in the direction of "secular". But one or two curse words were enough to raise the alarm bell. We had... Continue Reading →
Demise of Publishing?
After studying the different ways that the marketing and publishing industries have changed, even in the last few years, I would say that I am more encouraged about the future than discouraged. That is not to say that my level of discouragement has not also grown. After all, it is much harder for an author... Continue Reading →
The Wanderer, Pt. 5
The first part of this series can be found here. I apologize in advance for the short length of this part. I didn't anticipate this series becoming as long at it has, and I'm still searching for the best way to continue it. After dinner, Paul approached him again. He approached with that same stubborn... Continue Reading →
The Wanderer, Pt. 4
The first part of this story can be found here. In the morning, James awoke with a start. A sudden large noise, like a rifle echoing out from the trees. He sat up and looked around. Paul was sitting near the fireplace. Henry was nowhere to be seen. He’d barely moved when Paul said, “Sleep well?”... Continue Reading →
How Important is Grammar?
Grammar can be one of the "ugly words" of the writing community. That's because, if it's not used in the right way, grammar can stifle writing just as fast as smashing someone's keyboard. Without the way to express their ideas, many would-be writers simply give up. Faced with a wall of rules, they view grammar... Continue Reading →
The Wanderer, Pt. 3
Part One Part Two The wanderer shrank from the sudden light. A shadow occupied the doorway. It raised a lantern, spreading struggling beams across the ground. One of the hunters stared at him with low eyebrows. The hardness of the face surprised him. It was as if he’d stumbled upon a mountain, and behind... Continue Reading →
Sharing My Work
For me, at least, it's natural to be apprehensive about sharing my writing. Not any writing at all-- for papers and essays, I have no problems at all. Because while those have my voice, they don't reflect me nearly as well as my stories and poems. I don't put as much of my heart into... Continue Reading →
The Wanderer, Pt. 2
Without further ado, here is Part Two to the short story that I began last week. Here is the first part of the story, if you're interested. The wanderer kept thinking about the men. The image of the hunters crossing the maze of trunks seared his mind. They were the only spot of light left. His... Continue Reading →
Michael Nellis 