A Tribute to a Friend

Bruce, we're all better because you were our friend.

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Today is the post I have dreaded writing for over a year.

Our writing comrade, fellow believer and close friend, Bruce Brady, is no longer with us. He was one of the small percentage who knew time was short, so many of us had the chance to say goodbye. My husband Kirk and I were privileged to be with him and Candice and their family at the end.

It doesn’t lesson the immense loss I feel.

Writing Success Through Cooperative Adaptation

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Find Writing Success by Using the Tools Available

What to do AFTER a Writing Conference

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Recently, a friend of mine, Cherrilynn Bisbano, posted a meme for 1 Chronicles 28:20 from The Living Bible translation. It says, “Be strong and courageous and GET TO WORK (emphasis added). Don’t be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.”

Why Networking at a Writing Conference is SO Important

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

For years, I’ve been saying the most important reason to attend writing conferences is networking. Today, I’ll give you a real-world example that supports my stance.

Unlike the business world, I define networking as establishing new friendships, and renewing old ones—regardless of any potential monetary benefit. It’s taking a genuine interest in others, simply for the joy of getting to know them.

Where to Find Free Editing for Your Manuscript

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

It’s writing conference time across the country. We hear many things at these gathers.

Some true.

Some not so true.

But one of the truths we always hear is that we need to edit our manuscripts before submitting them to agents and publishers.

A Tongue-in-Cheek Look at How Writing Conferences May Have Started

by Bruce Brady
@BDBrady007

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away (or maybe just down the lane), Mary, an aspiring novelist, sat down to lunch with friends. There was Nancy, a nonfiction author, and Jane, a blogger.

“Why don’t we get together once a month and share what we’re learning? I think this would help us improve our craft, increasing the chances of reaching our goals.” Nancy smiled.

“That’s a great idea!” Jane’s eyes sparkled.

Writers Change Lives

by Bruce Brady 
@BDBrady007

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:28 (NLT) 

What an awesome opportunity and responsibility!

The fact that God spoke the entire universe into existence is proof words are powerful.

Writing is a Gift

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

“Writing is an extreme privilege but it’s also a gift. It’s a gift to yourself and it’s a gift of giving a story to someone.” – Amy Tan

Amy’s words reminded me the Lord has blessed me with the privilege and gift of writing. It’s in my blood. I must write. Oh, I can ignore it for a season, but I can’t quit.

One Writer’s Love Affair with Telling Stories

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Once upon a time, in a life long, long ago, there was a young boy who fell in love with stories. He longed for the times he could grab a book or turn on the TV to lose himself in an adventure or fantasy that not only entertained, but also taught him important life lessons.

Growing up with Disney, he learned from Cinderella you can rise above your circumstances. Pinocchio taught him to trust the Father’s love and always tell the truth, no matter the consequences. He learned from Snow White there are kind-hearted who will help in his times of need. And the Absent Minded Professor encouraged him to never stop dreaming. And that it’s okay to be a little different.

When Writing Isn’t Easy

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

In his kindness, God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation (1 Peter 5:10 NLT).

Many of you know I’m dealing with the ups and downs of cancer. As always, God allows me to suffer for a while, then steps in to comfort me and show me how my suffering can be used to help others.

Writing Education - A Never-Ending Story

Writing Education - A Never-Ending Story

By Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:20-21 NLT).

Writing is continuing education.

In research science and academia there’s a saying, publish or perish. May I be so bold as to coin a phrase? Learn or burn.

Writing Lessons I’ve Learned from Cancer

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Cancer has its ups and downs.

Fortunately, my dependence on God has made the downs less deep and short in duration.

Wait! I’m glad God is keeping you out of the pits. But seriously? Cancer has ups?

I know it’s hard to believe, but…yes.

Teaching Through Writing—Writing Against the Grain

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 29:18-20 NLT).

Writing Success—Writing Against the Grain

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

But Elisha sent a messenger out to him with this message: “Go and wash yourself seven times in the Jordan River. Then your skin will be restored, and you will be healed of your leprosy. ”But Naaman became angry and stalked away. “I thought he would certainly come out to meet me!” he said. “I expected him to wave his hand over the leprosy and call on the name of the LORD his God and heal me!” (2 Kings 5:10-11)

How many times do we miss God’s miracles on our lives because He doesn't do things the way we expect?

Abusive Language in our Writing

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29 NLT).

Last month, this verse prompted me to write a miniseries on graphic description and abusive language in Writing Against the Grain. Today, let’s discuss the popular belief that we must use foul language to sell books because, “That’s what the public wants.”

“It’s how people talk.”

Sometimes it’s better not to give the public what they want.

Writing Against the Grain

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Writing against the grain.

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. - Romans 8:1-2 NLT

“To sell more books, you have to write for the contemporary reader. That means you must include illicit behavior as acceptable in your characters and their stories.”

This is a compilation of what I’ve heard and read from authors who write for the Christian market and the general market. It’s a mindset that is growing—most notably in the self-publishing arena.

Writing with a Purpose

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. - Isaiah 50:5

I’m moving!

I didn’t want to, but I’m moving. I’m leaving my church and friends behind, and relocating to a place I once considered undesirable. It’s a transient-filled town that thrives on tourism. It’s also noted for its abundant crime. I don’t really like crowds, and I’m certainly not a fan of lawlessness. I prefer peaceful quiet, so when I heard the words “let’s move here” come out of me, I questioned whether my motive was simply an impulse to care for my wife should she be widowed.

Many of you know I’m living with cancer and could be called home at any time. When I suggested we move, I thought the Lord was leading me to this place I don’t particularly like so that my wife would have family support when I leave this world. But I was wrong.

As soon as we committed to moving, God showed me—us—His reason for our painful packing. A new ministry. One He revealed through my wife. He often speaks to me through her about important matters. (I wish He’d stop doing that—it’s very humbling.)

So what does our next chapter have to do with you, and writing? It comes down to obedience. As the verse says, when He spoke to us, we listened and didn’t rebel. Our submission to His lead has resulted in a home sale and move that has gone eerily smooth—with the exception of the painful packing experience. And this is the promise He makes to us all. When we follow Him, He smooths our paths (Exodus 23:20).

The ideas and words will flow as we obediently write for Him. Sure there will be bumps along the way. Sometimes they result from our taking control away from Him. Other times, He wants us to involve others in our writing process—because we were created for community.

The Lord created us to have an intimate relationship with Him. He also wants us to tell others about His desire to be deeply involved with every man, woman, and child. A relationship where we know He loves us and submit to His lead, knowing He will provide our best possible outcome. We can’t communicate the depths of His love without first developing a kinship with those we encounter. It’s the way He designed us.

While personal relationships are most effective for sharing His love, our writing can reach hundreds, thousands, even millions of people. Our words will influence those who read or hear them. Our stories have the power to change lives.

This is an exciting possibility and an awesome responsibility. When we write from a world view, we will most likely excite human lusts and fears. But when we write for Him, we can lift our readers to new heights. We can help them reach their full potential. We can lead them to the greatest relationship they’ll ever have. These are some of the best reasons to listen to and write for Him.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

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Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”

Born to be a Writer

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Were you born to be a writer?

Ten months ago I was told I had a year to live, maybe two. My body was being consumed by tumors resulting from “Stage IV, aggressive, incurable metastatic prostate cancer.” It was a sobering statement.

Thoughts of my imminent death led me down paths I’d not considered before. My attention turned to getting my life in order and positioning my wife in a situation that would provide constant support after I died. This became my primary focus. Hardly a thought was given to writing.

Writers Can Do Grammar

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

Today is Grammar Day. If not for Edie Melson’s regular Calendar Days posts, I would not have known this fact.

While I believe story is king, grammar is an important part of our writing. Its proper use helps ensure a pleasant experience for our readers. And, we hope, keeps them coming back for more. 

Researching the definition of grammar reveals myriad opinions. Some say it is merely a set of rules governing the permissible sentence construct in a given language. Some insist it encompasses morphology and syntax. Most writers, however, include not only the aforementioned, but spelling and punctuation as well. I know I do.

So to honor Grammar Day—and have a little fun—I offer the following for your perusal.

Writers, Rewrite the Masters to Improve Your Writing

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

The other day I began reading a New York Times best-selling novel with a critical eye and noticed something I thought odd. It could have been written better.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I’m better than that author. I’m certainly not. My point here is to make us all aware of a couple truths, and an idea.