Adventuring in Utah Gave Me Insight into Important Writing Truths: Part 2 Take it Slow and Don’t Grab the Reins

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

This month, we’re continuing my 5-part series on Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks. Last week we were in Zion National Park. This month, we’re in Bryce Canyon. (Links to previous posts at the bottom)

Bryce Canyon National Park is home to the world’s largest collection of hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock carved by water, ice, and gravity. The hoodoos are everywhere, and they create a landscape unlike anything I’ve ever seen!

When we arrived at Bryce Canyon, we took the Queen’s Garden trail to the Navajo Loop. The Queen’s Garden Trail takes you to the canyon floor, and while it is the less steep route down, it still requires some careful walking in order to maintain control. 

There were several areas where we had to lean back as we walked, take short steps, and keep our eyes focused on the trail. When we reached the bottom, we walked around a bit before joining the Navajo Loop trail for the hike back to the top. And that’s when the fun really began. Because the Navajo Loop is mostly steep switchbacks that keep going … and going … and going…

A Love Letter to Writing

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

Why do we write? Why do YOU write?

Sometimes, especially when I’ve just gotten a rejection letter or a bad review, or someone has scribbled edits across a manuscript, I wonder why I write. Why do I stick the rejection letter into a file and go write something else, or take a big, deep, cleansing breath and start working through the red ink? 

A Writer Can Rely on the Unreliable Narrator POV

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

Point of View signifies who is telling or narrating the story. 

Occasionally, the reader is surprised to discover that the narrator is far from reliable. Yes, the narrator is relaying the tale but their POV is skewed. The slant can be caused from a variety of reasons. 

July Calendar Inspiration for Writing Social Media Posts, Articles, and Blog Posts

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson 

July is just around the corner, so let's get started on writing ideas. The calendar is a great place to start when we’re looking for writing ideas. Crazy (and even legit) holidays are great conversation starters for social media sites, articles, and blogging. This month is especially fun for writers because of all the writing/reading related holidays. How many can you find? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section at the end of the post. 

Embracing the Rhythm of the Writing Life When Change Hits

image copyright Edie Melson, Photography

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Sunsets in the Blue Ridge Mountains are breathtaking.

Sunset and sunrise are always special times for me. There’s a rhythm and a special calm that comes with endings and beginnings. This expected rhythm of life helps me re-center my life to a place of calm. When circumstances are out of control, the fact there is still a normal ebb and flow helps me remember God is always in charge.

Sunset also reminds me there is beauty in change—if we take time to appreciate it. Sometimes we find a poignant clarity that everything has a time and place. These provide a time of reflection—and for me—a time to store up memories and insights from the day. But there’s also a promise in the sunset—a certainty that a new day is coming. This is critical to remember when life changes.

So, what does this have to do with the writing life?

Not Every Quirk Is a Flaw: How to Identify a True Character Flaw in Storytelling

by Zena Dell Lowe @ZenaDellLowe

Writers are often told their protagonist needs a “fatal flaw”—something that must be overcome for growth to happen. But what many don’t realize is this: Not every character trait that causes problems is a flaw that must be fixed.

In fact, mislabeling quirks, wounds, or virtues as flaws can weaken your story. To build authentic, compelling characters and arcs, we need to learn how to tell the difference.

Three Questions Writers Can Ask When Feeling Overwhelmed or Confused

by Lori Hatcher

What should I write today? An article? A blog post? Or maybe a chapter in my WIP?

Maybe I should edit what I’ve already written and polish it for publication.

Should I attend a writers conference this year? If so, which one?

Or maybe I should spend my time and money on an online course or hire a coach.

This fascinating/frustrating/joyful/discouraging/exhilarating/maddening writing world has more arms than an octopus and more routes than Google maps. When we consider the myriad of possibilities, we can become paralyzed by indecision. These feelings cloud our judgment and steal our ability to work efficiently. Like a tornado victim after a storm, we scan the 360 of our writing lives and struggle to figure out where to begin.