FaithWriters.com-Christian Writers Forum

Joan floated through the door, slipping her hand in to Chuck's arm. It was just a few blocks walk to the theater. The twinkling stars augmented the memories of their first two dates. She did a double-take, though, when he purchased tickets for "Jaws." If she could just stay focused on the ...

In terms of your list of some elements, I love surprises, but tend to resent those that are contrived instead of crafted. In other words, If I can go back and see the subtle trail of clues I missed, that is fine, but if the author is plainly going out of their way to be deceptive, that turns me off....

In "Reflections of Love," I was just trying for street life, not actually anything ethnic. I am, of course, aware that realistic street language would not be suitable for FW. In "One Chance," I was trying to indicate that the MC was African-American, but didn't want to over do it...

Hi, Jan,
I've missed popping in here. I'm wondering if any of the characterization in either of these pieces falls outside of reasonable characterization?
http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=52700
http://www.faithwriters.com/wc-article- ... p?id=52024

*Imagining doing back flips and cartwheels*
I have been pinching myself all day, and coming back to see if it was really true! My first EC! I am in such amazing company! Congratulations to all!!!

If this is what happens after six months of writers block, bring it on! *grin*

"It’s tempting to use a word or phrase from the end as your title, because lots of times that’s where the ‘punch’ is. Resist it." But if it doesn't give anything away, it would be okay, right? "If your story is lighthearted, don’t give it a ponderous title with words of several syllab...

Steve, ROFL!

"For penance, I shall read the collected works of James Whitcomb Riley, a poet I loathe)."
Miss Jan, there is no need to endure this when any trilogy involving at least 800 pages will do.

...and for what has Miss Sophie been digging? :-) I really like and agree with what Steve and Carol said, but Chely made great points about being able to address a difficult topic more sensitively, or an over used topic creatively. I don't have any problem with people holding their own personal refl...

"Hmmmm, Holly. Is the paragraph symbolic of the wasted effort we expend in pursuing worthless pursuits?" Yes! Specifically digging for symbolism in otherwise enjoyable literature. How many people who would have enjoyed reading have been turned off to it by being compelled to dissect the re...

I move the metal detector slowly over the ground, finally hearing a faint beep. I move it in circles until I find the loudest tone, which is still quite faint. Placing my toe on that point, I pull a trowel from my tool belt, stoop, and commence digging. Each scoop of sand is run through the strainer...

"Little brains" my foot! Either your self-esteem has been assasinated, your self-awareness has amnesia, or you are exhibiting grotesquely false modesty.

...Or you have just never developed an appreciation of fantasy, which is okay, as I have never developed a taste for Shakespeare.

Now that I have surely sufficiently deprived any of my fellow students from peeking at my answers, (for what that's worth other than my LOTR questions, :-)) I will torment you, Miss Jan, with this lengthy pontification. :D I will go back after writing this book and read the replies beyond the first ...

I see that you are foreshadowing the next topic with the uncertainty of it's posting date. :D Probably one of my favorite masters of the surprise ending is William Sydney Porter, aka O'Henry. I also enjoy Ellis Peters' mysteries, particularly the Brother Cadfael books. Ironically, I seem to be rathe...

One other thought...

Prayer, other than listening for that still small voice, is a monologue, and can often be stream of consciousness.

Homework--I never liked homework... Well hello Cocoa. Have you been drinking from the bathtub again? Your head is all wet! Who could be calling at this hour of the morning? Too early for telemarketers... It's about time they got back to me about whether or not they like the dress I picked for the we...