Edie Melson's Blog, page 29

The Power of Motivation in Your Writing: Understanding Your Character’s Inner Drive

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe
As writers, we know that character development is essential to crafting a compelling story. But what makes a character truly memorable? In my experience, it all comes down to motivation.
Motivation is the driving force behind a character's actions and decisions. It's what propels them forward and gives them purpose. Understanding your characters' motivations is key to creating a believable and relatable cast of characters. So how do you go about developing your characters' motivations? 
Here are some tips to get you started understanding the inner drive of the characters you write:
1. Understand the psychology of motivation
Motivation is a complex psychological phenomenon that has been studied extensively in the field of psychology. In general, motivation can be thought of as the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. There are many different theories of motivation, but some of the most well-known include Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-determination theory, and achievement motivation theory.
Personally, I recommend trying to keep it simple. It essentially comes down to what your character wants and WHY they want it so badly. What does your character think they will gain once they have attained their goal? If your character wants that desired promotion at work, what does he believe that will give him? If he wants to be voted Senior Class President, what does he think he will gain? Maybe what he really wants is to win the girl, and this becomes a way to win her over. If so, why does he believe he’s not worthy of her unless he achieves this victory? Why does he believe she won’t love him back unless he wins? Where are those beliefs coming from? 
Motivation always points back to the fundamental beliefs that your character holds about the world, others, and self.
2. Connect motivation to character backstory
Consequently, the only way to create authentic and believable character motivations is to tie them to the character's backstory. For example, a character who grew up in poverty might be motivated by a desire for financial stability, but to make the story powerful, you want to tie that motivation to the fundamental belief that the character has surrounding that goal, and that means you must tie it to their past. 
What does that character believe will happen once he attains financial stability? He attaches meaning to the idea of financial stability based on what he lacked as a child. So, in that character’s mind, perhaps financial stability means family. It means love and safety and no more chaos and trauma, which is really what that character wants but never had. This is a far more powerful motivation than mere financial gain.
3. Make sure motivation is consistent with character traits and back story
Your characters' motivations should be consistent with their personalities and histories. A timid character is unlikely to be motivated by a desire for power unless the attainment of power holds some other meaning for that character. In other words, you must attach meaning to the object of their desire that is consistent with what that character would REALLY want or need based on their past. You, as the writer, must understand the WHY behind the want in order to maintain a consistent and credible character that the audience wants to see win. 
4. Create internal and external motivations
The key here is to create both internal and external motivations. Internal motivations are those that stem from a character's past, his personality, his primary beliefs, and his values, while external motivations are those that come from the outside world, such as a desire for money or fame. By creating both internal and external motivations, you add depth and complexity to your characters. The external motivation becomes a tangible expression of the character’s primary objective—whatever it is they are pursuing over the course of the telling. The internal motivation, on the other hand, ties into the character’s need—whatever deep wound they have deep down that they’re trying to heal as the story unfolds.
5. Use motivation to drive the plot
Use your character’s motivation to drive the plot forward. The obstacles and challenges that your character faces should be directly tied to their objective goals, which must be directly tied to their motivations—why are they pursuing this goal in the first place? Every action and decision should ultimately be guided by their internal and external desires. Otherwise, your character will not be consistent, sympathetic, or complex enough to keep your readers engaged.
The bottom line is that motivation is a powerful tool for character development. By understanding the psychology of motivation, connecting it to character backstory, making it consistent with character traits, creating both internal and external motivations, and using it to drive the plot, you can create truly compelling and memorable characters. 
TWEETABLEThe Power of Motivation in Your Writing: Understanding Your Character’s Inner Drive from @ZenaDellLowe on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Zena has worked professionally in the entertainment industry for over 20 years as a writer, producer, director, actress, and story consultant. Zena also teaches advanced classes on writing all over the country. As a writer, Zena has won numerous awards for her work. She also has several feature film projects in development through her independent production company, Mission Ranch Films. In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Zena launched The Storyteller’s Mission with Zena Dell Lowe, a podcast designed to serve the whole artist, not just focus on craft. In 2021, Zena launched The Storyteller’s Mission Online Platform, where she offers advanced classes and other key services to writers. Zena loves story and loves to support storytellers. Her passion is to equip artists of all levels to achieve excellence at their craft, so that they will truly have everything they need to change the world for the better through story.
To find out more about Zena or her current courses and projects, check out her websites at WWW.MISSIONRANCHFILMS.COM and WWW.THESTORYTELLERSMISSION.COM

4 Tips for Going the Distance in Writing (and in Marriage)

by Lori Hatcher
Forty years ago today, I walked down the aisle with a bouquet of bridal shower bows practicing for my wedding. My soon-to-be husband, David, standing at the altar, grinned so big his eyes turned into tiny slits. With the naivete of youth and the faith of children, we were twenty-four hours away from committing our lives to each other forever.
In sickness and in health (yep). In poverty and in wealth (still waiting on the wealth part). Forsaking all others (yes and amen). ‘Til death do us part.
So far, so good.
Occasionally younger friends will ask us what’s the secret to staying married. It occurred to me today that some of the advice we share applies to the writing life, too. 
4 Tips for Going the Distance in Writing (and in marriage)
1. Don’t quit.
Seriously?
Seriously. 
Whether God has called you to marriage or to writing, don’t be quick to look for a reason to quit. Both are holy callings. He has a plan and a purpose for your marriage and your words or He wouldn’t have given them to you. He intends to use them to lighten someone’s load, cheer their heart, or lead them to salvation. Don’t miss the joy of serving Him by quitting. Forty years from now, you’ll be glad you persevered.
2. Put God first.
Marriage can quickly turn from being an illustration of God’s committed love to becoming “all about me.” The writing life can also seem like a me-first business. Build a platform. Build a brand. Build a tribe.
Putting God first in writing can seem counterintuitive. Read my Bible and pray before I jump into the pressing deadlines? Connect that writer friend with a publisher because she has the skills they’re looking for, not me? Share that post or article someone else wrote because it will point people to God and bring Him glory?
Yes and yes. The business of Christian writing (and Christian marriage) isn’t one of self-exaltation. It’s one of self-abasement. As John the Baptist, the one whom Jesus said was “none greater,” (Matthew 11:11) said, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). 
In the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom, He who humbles himself will be exalted (James 4:10). Most importantly, God is glorified.
3. Put another before yourself.
As in marriage, the Christian writing life isn’t about putting ourselves first. My friend Vonda Skelton once said, “We’re the only business where we train our competition, because it’s not competition. We’re all on the same team. When one wins, we all win.” 
My friend Cindy Sproles said, “The world is big enough and broken enough to need all of us, sharing our words and pointing people to Jesus.”
In marriage and in writing, when we work as a team, helping each other fulfill the calling God has placed upon our lives, God is glorified and others are drawn closer to Him.
4. Don’t forget to have fun.
Sometimes I get so busy about the business of Christian writing (and being married) that I forget to have fun. When this happens, it’s time to revisit what made me fall in love with my calling (and my spouse).
Did you start out writing poetry? Newspaper articles? Devotional pieces? Why not pull out a pen and dabble? Or try something you’ve never tried before: flash fiction or fantasy. Even if the result isn’t publishable, the creative experience can recharge your energy and make you smile. Take your writing (and your spouse) on a date every now and then, just for fun.
Tomorrow, December 28, we’ll open Apple Music and play the songs friends sang at our wedding. We’ll laugh about how we cleaned rice out of the car for months afterward. And we’ll thank God for His kindness and mercy in not only bringing us together but keeping us together.
We’ll promise anew not to quit, to put God first, to put each other ahead of ourselves, and remember to have fun. 
I’ll do the same for my writing life, because I’m in this for a lifetime.
How about you?
TWEETABLE4 Tips for Going the Distance in Writing (and in Marriage) from Lori Hatcher on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lori Hatcher is a writing instructor, freelance editor, and author of six devotional books with Our Daily Bread Publishing. She loves to share tips and tricks that make authors’ lives easier with local writers groups and at conferences. One of her favorite workshops is “20 Writing Life Hacks, How to Write Better, Faster, Smarter.” Connect with her next at Carolina Christian Writers Conference and Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

’Tis the Season for Christmas Memories

by Henry Mclaughlin @RiverBendSagas
As the day of Jesus’ birth rushes by, I’m reminiscing more and more. I’m not sure how accurate the memories are, but they’re bringing back feelings of warmth and some head-shaking reminders as well.
When our first child, Sean, was born, we decided that, from then on, Christmas Day would be at our house. I remembered my childhood Christmases and being dragged from relative to relative, leaving my new toys at home. I would not do that to our kids. And it worked out pretty well. My parents came over for breakfast and my wife’s parents came for dinner.
One Christmas, when Sean was a precocious eighteen months old, talking constantly and as mobile as a hamster on steroids, my father came over early to watch him while my wife and I went to church. Dad, who was a superb cook, also said he would start breakfast.
We came home to find Dad hard at work in the kitchen. And we found Sean plopped in his car seat in the living room.
This was the 1960s, folks. In those the days, car seats weren’t the massive safety contraptions we have now. On an aluminum frame that hung over the back of the seat, they were simple vinyl seats with a thin plastic belt to supposedly hold the child in place. They were designed so the kid could see out the windshield.
Dad had hung the car seat over the back of one of the living room chairs. Sean was quite content in the seat, watching his Poppy, maneuvering the plastic steering wheel that snapped onto the frame, and tapping the plastic horn that didn’t work because he had worn it out.
I looked at Dad. Dad looked at me and shrugged. “He wouldn’t stay out of my way.”
Another thing Dad did was to have toys at his house that matched toys our kids had at home. One was the Inch Worm, a riding toy kids would bounce on to make it move and with each move the thing made a loud click.
When visiting his house one day, one of our boys climbed on Dad’s version of the Inch Worm. The thing moved but didn’t make a sound. I said to Dad, “It’s broken.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. “I didn’t put the clicker in. I didn’t want to hear that noise every time it moved.” He stared at me and grinned. “Don’t tell me. You actually put the clicker in?” He laughed. “You are your mother’s son.”
Dad and Sean are both in heaven now, and I’m sure they’re having a great time together and probably driving St. Peter nuts.
Have you ever had the experience of a Christmas memory appear in the fiction piece you’re working? Uninvited? I did. My characters acted it out exactly how I remembered it. One of the serendipitous things about being a pantser—you open the door to your mind for your characters to explore your past, present, and future. They pull stuff into your story. And many times, it makes sense, and you leave it in. And sometimes, your characters won’t let you take it out without a fight.
What is your favorite Christmas memory? How can you weave into your WIP?
TWEETABLE’Tis the Season for Christmas Memories from Henry Mclaughlin (@RiverBendSagas) on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest.
Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 
Connect with Henry on his BLOG, TWITTER and FACEBOOK.

Merry Christmas!

 

Take a Different Look at Christmas this Year

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

I’ve always celebrated Christmas as the time of Jesus’ birth. It’s a joyful time—after all, when is the birth of a baby not a reason to celebrate? It’s marked with angel choruses, gifts of the magi, and celebration to end all celebrations.

In contrast, I’ve always approached Easter as a more somber time—certainly a time of ultimate triumph. But one that was preceded by the agony of Jesus on a cross. To me, Easter was when Christ laid down His life for us.
Now I’ve begun to look at things a little differently.
a few years ago I was challenged by a friend to view Christmas in a new light. She pointed out that His birth on earth was when Jesus left His Heavenly glory.
The more I considered this, the more sharply I saw the contrast of His life in Heaven. I had always looked at Christmas as a gift—which it is—instead of seeing past the present to the sacrifice it must have been. Jesus’ birth truly was the time when He laid down His life for us.
These are my thoughts on what Jesus really sacrificed by coming into this world:He exchanged Heavenly robes for swaddling garments of ragged cloth.He exchanged the chorus of angels praising him day and night with the voices of cattle in a lowly manger.He exchanged the power and authority of being God in Heaven with that of living as a helpless—fully human—baby.He exchanged the protection of angels with the dubious protection of human parents.He exchanged immortality with a life that would end in physical death. (Yes, He was fully resurrected, but He had to go through the process of living to dying to reconcile us with God).He exchanged perfect—intimate—fellowship with God for a relationship with us.
I will never see Christmas the same way again. How about you?
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8
TWEETABLETake a Different Look at Christmas this Year from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through her camera lens. She’s a writer who feels lost without that device & an unexpected speaker who loves to encourage an audience. She also embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative. She knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats, conferences & workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Careseries & reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. Her blog, The Write Conversation is recognized as one of the top 101 industry resources. 
She and husband Kirk have been married 40 years and raised three sons. They live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and can often be found hiking—with Edie clinging to the edge of a precipice for the perfect camera angle and Kirk patiently carrying her camera bag and tripod. Connect with her on her website, www.EdieMelson.com and through social media.

What This Author Wants for Christmas

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and all my shopping is done. I braved the mall early in the month and already it was a zoo. The presents I give are so different from a few decades ago—all right SEVERAL decades ago. Then it was toys and clothes. Now, it's candy, books, and Amazon cards.
Not as much fun but more practical. 
Also more practical is after 45 out of 54 years of marriage—where my husband has gone shopping in December to take advantage of the sales and bought himself everything I had on his Christmas list—I finally learned. I do the same. I'm guaranteed of getting what I want. 
But what I really want isn't in a store. I can't buy it off a shelf. I have to search for it diligently. What is that? Tools for my writer's toolbox. I want to continually grow in my craft, and to do that, I need new tools or refine the old ones.
I recently came across on the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Blog. The post is Whatever Happened to Writing Subtlety , by Arron Gansky. This art goes beyond show don't tell. I think it also deepens the POV. 
Too often, we don't trust our reader to "get it" and therefore explain what we have already shown them. 
Laila's eyes narrow and her lips twist into a mask of anger. "Just because you think he's your—"
I removed the "twist into a mask of anger." The reader gets that. They can see Laila's face and understand she's angry. 
Laila's eyes narrow and her lips twist. "Just because you think he's your—"
I can hear y’all now. “I want to be sure they get it.” I promise you, they will. But if you’re really unsure, you could add something like spittle flies from her mouth. 
I was several chapters into my new book but stopped and went back to see where I could be a little more subtle. After all, nobody wants to be hit over the head, but that's what some of us do even unintentionally. I found at least one place in each chapter where I lacked the art of subtlety.
Thank you, Aaron, for this year’s Christmas toolbox gift for writers.
TWEETABLEWhat This Author Wants for Christmas from @AneMulligan on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Ane Mulligan lives life from a director’s chair, both in theatre and at her desk creating novels. Entranced with story by age three, at five she saw PETER PAN onstage and was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. One day, her passions collided, and an award-winning, bestselling novelist emerged. She believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups and lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, The Write Conversation, and Blue Ridge Conference Blog.

An Invitation to Join Stop2Read for Daily Bible Reading

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Staying connected to God is critical for writers who are believers. He is our strength, our encouragement, and our source. One way I practice that personally is by reading and studying the Bible daily. 
Because of some personal challenges in our family in recent years, I've become passionate about the time I spend in God's word. I truly cannot make it through a day without first spending time in God's Word. But in addition to that—I want others to experience the life-changing process of a daily, deep walk with God. And that's where Stop2Read comes in. It's a community of others who make reading God's Word a priority.

How Stop2Read Began
In late 2022, I shared an idea I had for a group that read God's word daily with my friend, Cynthia Cavanaugh. And in January 2023, Stop2Read was born. 
This group spent 2023 and 2024 reading through the Bible. A lot of us have taken part in programs that read the Bible through in a year, but I wanted an opportunity to spend more time and go a little deeper. 
To say these past two years have been life-changing for me is a HUGE understatement. 
We opened our group to anyone who wanted to join us and ended up with approximately 300 committed members—men and women. Cynthia and I began writing commentaries on what we were reading every week-day, Monday through Friday. But quickly we were joined by our core team, Kirk Melson, Beth Vogt, and Beth's husband, Rob. 
Beginning in 2025, we will again be reading the Bible through in two years. This time around we're going to use a chronological method of reading. At the beginning of each month we provide a PDF of the daily Bible reading. Also, every day we provide a Bible verse reference that we recommend for writing in your journal. 
We have found that beyond reading and taking notes, writing out Bible verses, chapters, and even entire books, brings a depth to our relationship with God. We strongly encourage this practice in the group. 
We will still be writing commentaries 5 days a week, but they focus on context as well as application. 
Today, I'd like to invite you to join us on this journey. 
Details about Stop2Read
While we do have a website, www.Stop2Read.com and a private Facebook group, Stop2Read . Our commentaries and discussions take place on the Mighty Network in our private Stop2Read group there. We chose that particular group because we don't have to worry about censorship and can fully discuss what God's word has to say on any topic we choose without worrying about being banned or deleted. 
Here are some of the reasons we chose the Mighty Network: It’s free for all usersIt’s privateIt’s easy to useIt allows those who choose to not use social media a way to interact without compromising
Every day—on the Mighty Network—we will post the Bible reading and a commentary (Monday - Friday)  from one of us. We encourage discussion and insight from all members.
The reading begins in the book of Genesis in January of 2025 and will end in the book of Revelation in December of 2026. Every month we provide several PDFs to help you manage your journey.
Needless to say, this group is open to men and women. We also don't have a required version or translation of the Bible. We believe the best Bible translation is the one you will read. 
This is the link to sign up for our email list and get an invitation to join the Stop2Read group on the Mighty Network. (This link takes you to the email list that Cynthia Cavanaugh curates). 
Below is an example of one of our commentaries. 
January 5, 2023 (Commentary by Edie Melson) Genesis 6 Here we are, 6 chapters into Genesis, and God is grieved about the creation He had originally pronounced good. I find that incredibly sad how quickly human beings can get off track.
At the beginning of this chapter, there are several mentions of mysterious beings —sons of God and the Nephilim. No one knows who these were and the speculations range from angels and demons to aliens. This topic (about who they were) makes for some interesting conversation, but we must not let it derail us from the parts of God’s word that are understandable and critical to walking closely with Him.
I also find verse 3 interesting. Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.' I originally thought this verse told us that the life span of any given person would be limited to one hundred and twenty years. However, there are several instances that I can think of off the top of my head where this isn’t the case. For example, all the patriarchs from Noah to Abraham lived well over 120 years.
Reread this verse with me and consider that it could also mean that within one hundred and twenty years, God would destroy all those who were alive at that time. That is exactly what happened when He sent the flood—with the exception of Noah and his immediate family.
However as interesting as the beginning of the chapter is, I also want to discuss something that’s often misunderstood. Consider Genesis 6:6 The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. It’s important, I think to take time and really look at the word regretted. The Hebrew word for regretted is yin'nā'hem, from the root word nacham. This word is referring to emotions, like sadness and even pain. There is not, in this word, an implication that God felt He’d made an error with His creation. This verse is about the anguish He was experiencing at the sin embraced by mankind.
When our middle son was in preschool his shoulder was dislocated in an accident. I felt intense sadness and anguish at the pain the doctor caused as he reset the shoulder in its place. I did not regret that it had been done—only that it had to be done.
It’s so sad that God was the one grieved by the sins of men (and women) while they had no regret or urge to repent.
But God hadn’t given up on humanity completely. Verse 9 states that Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. We go on to read how God warns Noah that he is going to destroy the earth and all that lives there. And He instructs Noah to build an Ark. I always thought an Ark was a boat. The original word is tebah, which refers to a box, chest or a basket. This specific word is used to describe only two things in the Bible, the ark that Noah built and the basket that carried Moses to safety when He was a baby. The word for the Ark of the Covenant is actually a different word, aron, although the definition is the same for tebah.
Back to the ark Noah is building. While we aren’t given all the steps taken to build it, notice that there are no references to oars, rudder or sails. The ark was built to float, not be guided by its inhabitants to a specific destination. It gave Noah and his family—along with the animals within it— protection and provision.
I’m getting long winded, so I’ll leave the discussion of the rest of the story to Cynthia tomorrow.
Write His Word Verse: Genesis 3:21
Study suggestions for those who want to go deeper: If you’re interested, dig a little deeper and see if you develop an opinion about what the Nephilim and sons of God are. We are tempted to think we live in an evil time—and I won’t debate that the world is going downhill fast. But read again what verse 5 says.I’ve heard it taught that there was no such thing as rain until the flood came. Investigate this statement for yourself by searching scripture and come to your own conclusion. Consider Noah’s faithfulness. Verse 22 tells us Noah did everything God commanded. Mark all the things God commanded Noah to do in your Bible.
Our team hopes you will prayerfully consider joining us in 2025. If you are interested, you're welcome to jump in now, for the December readings. Feel free to post any questions in the comments section below!
Don't forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLEAn Invitation to Join Stop2Read for Daily Bible Reading from @EdieMelson and @CavCynthia (Click to Tweet)
Edie Melson & Cynthia Cavanaugh have discovered the incredible strength and peace that comes from studying God’s word daily. They’ve been through difficult times and each of them cites the time spent in God’s Word as the practice that helped them navigate through the chaos. Now they have a passion—formed in the crucible of need—to help others develop that same life-sustaining practice.

8 Unexpected Things to Learn about Writing from Charles Dickens & Ebenezer Scrooge

by James C. Magruder @JamesCMagruder
It’s Christmas time and what better event to attend than the theatrical production of Charles Dickens’ beloved story, A Christmas Carol. Fifteen family members attended with me in what has become an annual family tradition.
This moving story rejuvenates my Christmas spirit because, as Dickens intended, it speaks to the heart about love, charity, kindness, the plight of the poor, and human suffering, while inspiring all of us to make our life count.
At intermission, I gazed around the ornate Pabst Theater in Milwaukee and let my mind drift. How do you write a timeless classic? How did Dickens pen a story that strikes a chord in the heart and soul of everyone that reads it generation after generation?
A Christmas Carol is still the bestselling Christmas book of all time. Watching this story come to life reminds me of eight writing tips we can glean from Charles Dickens and his beloved character, Ebenezer Scrooge. 
Writing Tips from Charles Dickens & Ebenezer Scrooge
1. Write a story that resonates. Dickens hit on all the elements that create a good story. A flawed main character (Scrooge). Timing (Christmas time). Setting (London). Values (kindness, forgiveness, repentance, restitution). Uniqueness (The Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future). Conflict (Scrooge’s internal struggle to choose between love or money). Crisis (His impending death). Climax (His moment of decision). Resolution (His change of heart). Conclusion (Restored relationships, Tiny Tim survives).
2. Start with a memorable character. Who could be more memorable than irascible Ebenezer Scrooge? We love him despite his defects.
3. Write what you know. Writing 101 says “write what you know.” Dickens knew London; he lived there. He knew poverty; his parents were delivered to debtors’ prison while he, at 12, worked in a warehouse for six shillings a week.
4. Write with passion. Dickens’ sister-in-law wrote that she had never seen Dickens write with such fervor than when he wrote A Christmas Carol. In just six weeks he wrote a story for the ages. Within two months of its debut, eight theater companies adapted and mounted the story on stage. Critics hailed it “a national institution” a year later. It would become his most memorable work. He was 31.
5. Let your subconscious do some of the work. Like so many writers, Dickens got away from his work—to do his work. His sister-in-law once reported that he “walked about the black streets of London, fifteen or twenty miles, many a night” while plotting this endearing story.
6. Introduce an innovative element. Dickens used common literary techniques with flashback and flash-forward devices. Yet, he did it innovatively with the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.
7. Maintain a disciplined writing schedule. Dickens wrote steadily and fervently and completed this classic in six weeks. His masterpiece was published on December 19, 1843.
8. Give the reader something to chew on. This is perhaps the crowning achievement of this classic tale. It gives us pause every time we read it or see it. A question always lingers in my head. How can my life benefit others?
These are just a few writing tips to remember every Christmas from Charles Dickens. But what can we learn about being a better writer from crusty old Ebenezer Scrooge?
We can learn how a complex, multidimensional main character has the power to capture and captivate an audience—for generations. And, we can learn that although Charles Dickens made Ebenezer Scrooge, it’s also true that Ebenezer Scrooge made Charles Dickens.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
TWEETABLE

8 Unexpected Things to Learn about Writing from Charles Dickens & Ebenezer Scrooge from 

@JamesCMagruder on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

James C. Magruder writes reflective essays and contemporary Christian fiction. He is author of The Glimpse, an inspirational novel and The Desert Between Us, releasing April 23, 2024. His articles have been published in Writer’s Digest, Writer’s Journal, eleven Chicken Soup for the Soul books, HomeLife and other magazines. He blogs about maximizing life by reducing the speed you live it in his blog called PAUSE MORE. RUSH LESS. You can follow him at: Jamescmagruder.com.

Writers, Give Yourself a Christmas Gift

by Crystal Bowman
Do you have a lot of names on your Christmas list, or just a few? No matter how long your list is, don’t forget to add your name to the list as well. Writers work hard and it can be a lonely world, so treat yourself to something that will put a smile on your face. 
Here are a few suggestions:Purchase some quality ink pens or sharpies for book signings. The ultra fine sharpies work great on back covers or interior title pages. Is your personal journal getting worn out? Pick out a new one that has a fun cover or design that fits your style. Order some personalized stationery or note cards that are professional, yet reflective of your personality. A handwritten note rather than a text or email is always appreciated these days.Buy some colorful, decorative folders rather than those boring manilla folders. Do you remember how cool it was to pick out folders for school? Trigger that memory with some fun new folders.Purchase an adult coloring book and pack of colored pencils. My favorite are Zebra Zensations mechanical colored pencils since you don’t need a pencil sharpener. When my brain needs rest, coloring is relaxing and creative.Buy a book in a different genre. I have been a nonfiction reader most of my life. A few years ago (thanks to Eva Marie Everson) I started reading novels and love them. If you have more wiggle room in your budget, hire a writing coach or professional editor to help you work on your next project. A good place to find one is on the Reedsy website where you can review profiles of editors and coaches and find one that fits your needs. You can request a bid before you make a commitment. As Ginny Cruz suggested in a previous post, attend a writers conference. It’s a worthwhile investment in your writing career as you network with other writers and learn from the pros. You will never regret it!
No matter if you shop online or in stores, buy yourself a Christmas gift this year. And don’t feel guilty! You deserve it!
TWEETABLEWriters, Give Yourself a Christmas Gift from author Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Arise Daily, and Christian Children's Authors. She enjoys coaching children's writers as well as teaching at writers conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she likes going for walks and spending time with her huggable grandkids. She and her husband live in Michigan and Florida and try to avoid snowstorms.
WWW.CRYSTALBOWMAN.COMWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTAL.BOWMANWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CRYSTALJBOWMANWWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CRYSTALBOWMANAUTHOR

How to Become an Award-Winning Author

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga
Have you ever wondered how to elevate your book from just another title on the shelf to an award-winning status? Or perhaps, how to transition from being a writer to an award-winning author? The key might be simpler than you think: enter book awards and contests.
To achieve these prestigious titles, I strongly recommend submitting your work to various book competitions. It took entering my third book into several contests before I earned the title of an award-winning author. Persistence is crucial, so don't be discouraged if success doesn't come immediately.
For those looking to get started, you can find a comprehensive list of over forty book contests at cipa.podia.com. This resource will help you identify which contests might be the best fit for your book.
But becoming an award-winning author doesn’t stop with your book receiving awards. Your marketing efforts can also earn you recognition. Every fall, the Christian Authors Network (CAN) hosts the Excellence in Marketing Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your marketing skills and gain acknowledgment for your creative promotional strategies. Consider entering this contest next year to not only promote your work but also to possibly earn the title of an award-winning author in marketing.
I am also excited to announce the finalists for this year’s CAN Marketing Awards, as well as the finalists for the Christian Indie Awards. These individuals and titles represent the dedication and excellence of these authors. Join us in celebrating their achievements!
Remember, every entry is a step closer to becoming an award-winning author. Good luck, and may your literary journey be fruitful and rewarding.
Christian Authors Network 2025 Excellence in Marketing Awards Finalist

 

Category 

Title 

Author

Physical Media 

#NoFilter: Unmasking The Woman God Created You To Be  

Jodi Hendricks

Physical Media 

I Am Not the King 

Allen Taylor

Online Presentation 

Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts  

Donna Wyland

Online Presentation 

A Gingerbread House 

Julie Lavender

Online Presentation 

A Fifth of the Story  

Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

Online Presentation 

Praying Personalities: Finding Your Natural Prayer Style  

Janet McHenry 

Online Presentation

The Dance of Easter 

Sally Cressman 

Broadcast Media 

The Sharing Sisters

Carissa Lovvorn 

Broadcast Media

 

 

2025 Christian Indie Award Finalists 

ChristianAward.com             

 

Category            

Title

Author/Publisher

Anthology

Today is Where the Gift Is

Justin Rossow (ed) / Next Step Press

Anthology

God’s Good Work: Stories to Treasure and Tales to Ponder

Lorilyn Roberts / Rear Guard Publishing

Bible Study

Enough: Finding Contentment in a World of Wanting and Wandering

Lisa Lewis Koster / Credo House Publishers

Bible Study

The Bible Companion Book 2: Leviticus-Deuteronomy

Karen Westbrook Moderow / Jordanwest Publications

Bible Study

Graced: How God Redeems and Restores the Broken

Teresa Whiting /  Beauty in the Brokenness Ministries 

Bible Study

Creation and the Flood: A DEEP Bible Study of Genesis 1–11

Samantha Mero 

Business Finance

The Biblical Path to Financial Freedom

Seth M. Jones 

Business Finance

Thank God It’s Monday (?)

Tom C. Petersen / Morgan James Publishing 

Children’s Picture Books

The Dachshund Dash

Michelle Medlock Adams / End Game Press

Children’s Picture Books 

Twinkle, the Littlest Star

Leslie Colburn / Cross My Heart Press

Children’s Picture Books

I’m Okay, Momma!

Jackie Freeman 

Children’s Picture Books

The Tale of the Little Black Cloud

Karen Brough / Heart Hope Publishing 

Children’s Picture Books

The Best Trophy

Jennifer Noel Wilson / Redemption Press 

Children’s 8-12

Jar of Tears: Moms Aren’t Supposed to Die

Kathleen Templeton / Lemons & Sunshine Press

Children’s 8-12

The Forgotten Islands

Bryan Webb 

Children’s 8-12

Mrs. MacKenzie’s Candle

Bryan Webb 

Children’s 8-12

Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God

Sandra Kay Chambers 

Christian Education

Genocide Prophecy: Autism, the church and a New (American) Reich

Brian Haack 

Christian Education

Creating Dynamic Podcasts & Audiobooks

Linda Goldfarb / Bold Vision Books

Christian Education

Redemptive Botany of the Bible

J. Christopher McMichael / Petra Press Publishing

Christian Living

The Higher Faith

Paul Balius / Hakodesh Publishing

Christian Living

Purpose Made: 12 Steps to Discovering Your God-given Purpose and Living an Abundant Life

Sarah Ritchie 

Christian Living

Only by Divine Design

Dorene Stark / Stellar Studio

Christian Living

No Other Gods

Marja Verschoor-Meijers  / Frisse Kijk

Christian Living

The Question Habit

Mandy Pallock / Shribble Publishing

Christian Living

Take Heart: The Overcomer’s Path Through Conflict

Gary Wooden / Covenant Books

Devotional 

Focus: 45 Devotionals to Keep Jesus in the Picture

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes (Author), Ms. Arianna Dunn (Author), Ms. Vonyee Carrington (Author), Mrs. Evelyn Collins (Author), Mrs. Monica Hopper (Author), Mr. Andy Hollifield (Author), Ms Michelle Davis (Author), Mrs. Kelly Anne Evans (Author), Dr. Rodney Combs (Author), Mrs. DiAnn Mills (Author) / Dressed in Love Press

Devotional

Joined by God: Unconventional Devotions for Christian Couples

Shellie Arnold / Kaleidoscope Publishing

Devotional

Farmhouse Devotions: God’s Glory in the Ordinary

Cheryl Schuermann

Devotional

When the Other Boot Drops

Jeff Keene II / WordCrafts Press

General Fiction

Fall Back and Find Me

Sarah Hanks 

General Fiction

Ride A Summer Wind

Ann Cavera / Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

General Fiction

Driving Timmy’s Car

Barbara Tucker Ketchum 

General Fiction

Fallen Graces

Jim Sano 

Gift

Dog at the Tinsel Tree: Susie’s Story

Denise Lee Branco / Strolling Hills Publishing, LLC

Gift

5 Minutes of Gratitude

Gail Scoates 

Gift

He Chose Me

Diamante Lavendar 

Historical Fiction

But, Even Now

Jennifer Thomas and Denae Jones / Woodsong Publishing

Historical Fiction

The Wanderer Scorned

Natasha Woodcraft / Broad Place Publishing

Historical Fiction

Winds of Ruach

D.M. Griffin 

Historical Fiction

Petra: An Unbroken Legacy

Lisa L. Dorsey 

Memoir / Biography

Glimpses of God’s Glory: One Woman’s Near Death Experience

Pam Farrel 

Memoir / Biography

Travels of a Wimpy Mum: Finding courage through the Book of James

Vanessa Foran / 598 Press

Memoir / Biography

God Had a Hand on Me, a Memoir About Pain, Healing, and Victory

Kim Dotson 

Memoir / Biography

Walking Mama Home: A Caregiver’s Journey

Aileen A. Gronewold / Blue Sage Press

Memoir / Biography

Beloved Outcast: The Quest for True Belonging

Cherie Denna / Bold Vision Books

Memoir / Biography

Overlooked

Bridgette Cameron Ridenour 

Mystery / Suspense

A Fifth Of The Story

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes / End Game Press

Mystery / Suspense

Tangled Secrets: A Suspense Thriller

S.F. Baumgartner / F.B. Publishing

Mystery / Suspense

Dead Weight: An Abbi Kincaid Suspense Novel

Kathy Cassel

Mystery / Suspense

Sweet Deceit

Sally Jo Pitts 

Mystery / Suspense

The Lost Letter

Steve Feazel 

Novella

In God We Trust, Our Founding Fathers Said

Miriam Pecknpaw / c fern cook

Novella 

Who Will Rescue Us? A Love Story

Judy DuCharme / Ambassador International

Personal Growth

Praying the Word of Grace

Jonah Priour / Lovebuilt Press

Personal Growth

Slaying the Onion: Unveil the Layers of your Story to Reveal Your Highest Potential

April Ballestero / Kaleidoscope Publishing

Personal Growth

The Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence and Vision in Midlife

Dawn Damon / Bold Vision Books

Personal Growth

Crush Your Divorce and Keep the Faith

Bree Sullivan-Howell, J.D. 

Poetry

Tales of the Captain

Christopher A. Hostettler 

Poetry

Gone Before: A Grief Journey in Poems

Ruth Fanshaw / Original Text Publications

Relationships / Family

Raising Kids to Follow Christ: Instilling a Lifelong Trust in God 

Lee Ann Mancini 

Relationships / Family

Walking Mama Home: A Caregiver’s Journey

Aileen A Gronewold / Blue Sage Press

Relationships / Family

Take a Deep Breath Relax “Cuz You Got this!” 

Lois Goudeau / Christian Faith Publishing

Romance

Blind Date with a Book Nerd

Erica Dansereau & Britt Howard / 

Romance

Christmas in the Castle Library

Ann Swindell / WhiteCrown

Romance

Elizabeth’s Cross

Londa Hayden / Lighthouse Christian Publishing

Speculative

Bright Eternity: A Novel

Daniel Zeigler 

Speculative

Kill Shot

Angela L Gold

Speculative

Eve of Chaos

D.I. Telbat 

Theology 

When the Roman Bough Breaks

Jeff Nottingham / Intelligent Design Press

Theology

Dear Saints: Catechesis on Sacraments

Jacob Huether 

Young Adult

Ride a Summer Wind

Ann Cavera / Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

Young Adult 

Fences Left Broken

Kristen Terrette / Elk Lake Publishing

Young Adult

Rise of the Y

Angela D. Shelton / Two Oaks Publishing, LLC

 

TWEETABLEHow to Become an Award-Winning Author from @SusanNealYoga on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS: Susan’s mission is to improve the health of the body of Christ. She has her RN and MBA degrees, as well as a master’s in health science. She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHwith the American Association of Christian Counselors. She published five books, the Selah award winner 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE FOR 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES, HEALTHY LIVING JOURNAL, SCRIPTURE YOGAa #1 Amazon best-selling yoga book, and YOGA FOR BEGINNERSwhich ranked #3. She published two sets of Christian Yoga Card Decks and two Christian Yoga DVDs that are available at CHRISTINAYOGA.COM. Her digital product HOW TO PREVENT, IMPROVE, AND REVERSE ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA is a great resource. To learn more about Susan visit her website SUSANUNEAL.COM You can also connect with Susan on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.