Jamie Arpin-Ricci's Blog, page 11

The Ultimate Secrets of Writing by Stephen King

A brilliant mind.

(Why not gets something great to read for before the weekend arrives?)

Taking A Writing Retreat

The following is an excerpt from “The Introvert Writer”, now available for pre-order:

Even with our best efforts to make and protect the needed space to write, sometimes it is not enough. When I working my way through large revisions in the editing process or trying to meet a looming deadline, I often find it necessary to get away entirely. This is where the writing retreat can be invaluable to the writer, most especially the introvert writer. In fact, for those of you who are not yet writing...

Monday Quotable – Honest Brokenness

“There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.”
-Jamie Arpin-Ricci, from “Vulnerable Faith”

Join The Introvert Writer Community

I am excited to announce that I am getting close to releasing my new ebook, “The Introvert Writer”, a resource that helps writers who identify as introverts to make the most of their unique personality while overcoming the obstacles that might hold them back.

Until the release of the book, you can connect with some amazing content and even more amazing people at the newly formed Facebook group, “The Introvert Writer”. The group is a place where you can learn about being an introvert writer, c...

How To Write A Non-Fiction Book

While I have recently shifted in my writing career to try my hand at fiction, most of my published work has been non-fiction. I started out writing for newspapers and the occasional magazine, but made the move to full-length books just over a decade ago. Yet with all those years of experience, the most helpful thing I learned about writing non-fiction came from my high school English teacher, Mrs. Stapleton.

The lesson, which came when we were starting to learn how to write essays, was remark...

The Sinner Saint

I am excited to announce that my new novella, “The Sinner Saint” (Paraclete Press), will be releasing very soon. The book cover (pictured above) was actually my design. The publisher liked it so much they decided to keep it. Having re-designed covers for “Living Christ Together” and “Looking Forward” (as well as “Ups & Downs in Canada”) over the last few weeks, I feel like I am on a roll.

“The Sinner Saint” is the thrilling and moving story of St. Patrick’s capture, liberation and return to...

7 Things Every Writer Needs To Know

If you follow my blog posts on writing, you will know that I am a big fan of Jane Friedman, a writing & publishing expert. I am especially a strong proponent of her “How To Publish A Book” course. Today, the great folks at Self Publishing Advice posted this helpful video of Jane exploring seven critical things every author needs to know (and implement) in order to succeed. Head over there and check out the video.

Here is my list of 7 things every writer needs to know. I was pleased to see th...

Free Novel! Start Reading ‘Isinglass’ Today

I have to apologize for the blog silence this week. We have been hosting a Métis speaker this week who has been sharing in our community about indigenous worldview and concepts of justice. It has been fantastic! However, we found that the our host facility did not have functioning internet. I apologize for the lack of posts!

However, I am excited to share with you a new project I am embarking on. For those of you who enjoyed “The Last Verdict” and wrote me asking when I was going to write mor...

Book Covers & Knowing Your Genre

It’s happened to me so many times and it is so disconcert: I’m talking with friends in a restaurant, deeply engaged in the conversation. I reach over for my Coke without even looking, bring it my lips, take a big gulp and… almost spew the whole mouthful onto my unsuspecting friends. What was it I just drank? Not Coke!

Nope. It was water. How is it that something as bland and flavorless as water can trigger such a powerful disgust impulse? Because my brain was prepared for something very diffe...

To All The Introvert Writers

I am an introvert.

When you read these words, how do you hear them? Does it somehow sound confessional, as though I am admitting a personal failing? In truth, many people feel this way. It’s no wonder, given a wider culture that celebrates the charismatic, externally confident individual.

I felt this most clearly in my early twenties when a colleague pulled me aside and chastised me for being so socially aloof. “You need to come out with us in the evenings and weekends. It’s unhealthy for you...