Rae Poynter's Blog, page 4

Breaking it Off: When to Give Up on Your WIP

I’m going to venture into unpopular territory today.

Today is not about pep talks and positivity-at-all-costs. Rather, I’ve been searching for something greater than blind optimism, that something greater being sober wisdom.

You see, over these last few weeks I’ve come to an uncomfortable realization. And on this grey-tinged fall day, I’m coming out to say it: I’m calling it quits on my work-in-progress. Yes, that work-in-progress. The one that I’m 70,000 words and five years into. The one I’...

North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | August

Since moving to Minnesota’s North Shore I’ve had people ask what it’s really like to live here year-round. In this month-by-month journal, I take you through the full year to give you a glimpse of What it’s Really Like.

Natalie Babbitt wrote in Tuck Everlasting that the first week of August “hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat in a Ferris Wheel when it pauses at its turning.” When thinking of what to write about for August entry, my mind kept...

When Writing Sucks: How to Deal with Writer’s Burnout

Greetings, Writer Tribe!

Last week I wrote about how taking the plunge and claiming the name writer can influence your thoughts and work. At the beginning of the week I set my goal to write two blog posts, two freelance articles for the paper, and two chapters of my novel. All of which I did…except for the novel bit.

I have this love/hate relationship with my current novel. It’s a YA fantasy set in the lovely and magical Northern Minnesota (the place I live and love the most!). I adore my cha...

North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | July

Since moving to Minnesota’s North Shore I’ve had people ask what it’s really like to live here year-round. In this month-by-month journal, I take you through the full year to give you a glimpse of What it’s Really Like.

Oh, July. Sweet midsummer. That time when the earth hums with activity: with bumblebee parties in our perennials, hummingbirds that peek in the window, and the distant rumble of canoe-topped cars running up and down the Gunflint Trail. Life is sweet in July. It’s good.

[image error]My firs...

Set-Apart Femininity Review #9: This used to be me. And I’m sorry.

Oh my goodness we made it!

This the last blog review of this book. By me. Ever. Huroo!

To be honest, this book has turned out way, way worse than I thought. I thought I was choosing something that would spark conversations on women in the church and understanding gender roles in the modern world. I didn’t expect to be running into prosperity gospel teachings and the sacred/secular divide and a cold indignation toward those who don’t follow this book’s advice. Sorry to expose y’all to that.

Bu...

Why You Need to Suck It Up and Call Yourself a Writer

So here’s a little story.

I’ve been writing since before I could write. Literally, I created a stapled together “book” at the ripe old age of five and handed it to my mom so she could write the words I wanted on each page (because, you know, not being able to read complicates things). Ever since then, I’ve been compulsively writing, wanting to write, or thinking about writing. It’s defined my life ever since I can remember.

And I only started calling myself a writer this year.

I get it. Calli...

Set-Apart Femininity Review #8: Marriage, expectations, and reality

Here’s an interesting question: do our expectations alter reality?

This chapter of Set-Apart Femininity is focused on marriage, and the author expresses dismay at the falling marriage rates and the fact that the divorce rate for Christians is not significantly lower, despite Christianity’s traditional position against divorce.

Her solution is along these lines: as long as you do certain things to form a healthy foundation for a “happily ever after” love story, then you absolutely will have a...

Set-Apart Femininity Review #7: Mental health and miracles

PSA before we get started: My book is on sale on Amazon this week. Like, really on sale. So if you want to check it out but don’t feel like spending much, this is your chance!

Now for the book review, which…oh gosh.

Friends, today is going to be a fun exercise in Rae trying to remain even-keeled and logical in the face of infuriating subject material.

To be honest, this book has really turned out a lot worse than I thought it would be. I thought I was picking a book that would bring up some i...

North Shore Life: What’s it Really Like? | June

A year and a half ago, my husband Stephen and I moved up to Grand Marais, Minnesota: a small, artsy town on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Apart from earning the title of America’s Coolest Small Town and being adorable to boot, Grand Marais also sits at the base of the Gunflint Trail and is one of the starting points for many Boundary Waters Canoe Area trips. As a result, many midwesterners know, have visited, and love this little village.

[image error]Grand Marais, MN

So ever since making the move to...

Set-Apart Femininity Review #6: Mix-gender friendships and making the first move

This week’s chapter in Set-Apart Femininity is entitled “Sacred Mystique: Femininity that changes men into princes.” The idea behind this chapter is that long ago, women were masters at the art of feminine mystique, and the aura of mystery they exuded was very alluring to men and caused men to become wooing warriors and capture the heart of one of these elusive princesses (p. 107). Now, however, our modern culture has caused women to become too assertive (or adulterous), and this forwardness...