3 Questions to Maintain Story Momentum When You’re Out of Ideas

by Allison Raymond | Articles | 1 Comment

The first time I set out to write a novel, I ground to a stop on the twenty-ninth page. A year later, I decided to toy with a different premise. That time, I reached sixty-two pages before I hit a blank I couldn’t push past. In both of these attempts, I wrestled with the same problem: I had a vision for the beginning and the ending, but I couldn’t figure out how to connect them. In fact, my plot refused to stretch beyond a few chapters.

How to Overcome the Two Types of Long-Term Writer’s Block

by Gabrielle Pollack | Articles | 9 Comments

Writer’s block comes in a wide variety of shapes, and it can last anywhere from a few hours to months or even years. No one has all the solutions, but that isn’t an excuse to stop searching. Certain mindsets and circumstances tend to trigger writer’s block—and making a concerted effort to counter those negative patterns can reawaken inspiration.

How to Spot and Remove 5 Flaws That Can Throw Readers Out of Your Story

by Lori Z. Scott | Articles | 1 Comment

A few summers ago, I visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Every little detail—the buildings, layout, animatronics, costumes, food, and music—whispered authenticity. As I explored, I got swept up in the magic and thrill of discovery. If I hadn’t known better, I would have believed that Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade actually existed, even if only on another plane that my muggle eyes couldn’t see. I wanted my surroundings to be real, so I embraced the playacting, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

3 Tips on Writing from a Mother’s POV (Even If You Aren’t One)

by Rose Sheffler | Articles | 1 Comment

Every human perspective has value, but some are second nature to writers while others are more unfamiliar and intimidating to explore. That isn’t an excuse to exclude characters who are in different life stages than us, however. As Christian storytellers, our goal is to represent the full spectrum of the human experience, no matter how tricky it can be.

Can’t Finish Your Novel? The Problem May Be Your Midpoint

by Lori Z. Scott | Articles | 7 Comments

My son is a skilled storyteller. He has notebooks and online files bursting with magic and mystery. When he visits, I often sit like a child at his feet and beg him to read his latest chapter. He always indulges me, settling into his deep narrator voice. When he stops, I pry him for sneak peeks at what’s ahead because, like a soap opera, I long for the next part of the adventure.

3 Reasons That Character Names Matter

by Rose Sheffler | Articles | 10 Comments

I’ve noticed a growing and concerning trend among writers when they’re developing a cast of characters. In an effort to make a protagonist memorable, they slap on a unique, edgy, and complex moniker and call it a day. The conviction that names carry more significance than just a pretty string of letters has been lost.

How to Surprise Readers with Your Story’s Theme

by Gabrielle Pollack | Articles | 2 Comments

When we get too desperate to make an impact, we risk building messages without biblical foundations. We’ll preach against conventional wisdom simply to set off debates in readers’ minds. But opposing current trends doesn’t automatically transform us into revolutionaries. When we revolve a story around unpopular ideas, we’re playing hit or miss with the truth. A compelling message requires more than going against the grain.

Time Management Isn’t Enough to Build a Powerful Writing Habit

by Josiah DeGraaf | Articles | 10 Comments

Finding time to build up a word count is a widespread need in the writing community. That’s why so many articles offer advice on balancing life and writing (including the ones we’ve published on this site). But even if you manage to squeeze writing into your days, you may worry that you’re being unproductive. Your ideas trickle out, so you only type a few sentences, or social media distracts you. That’s happened to all of us, including me.

3 Creative Ways to Choose the Theme for Your Next Novel

by Lori Z. Scott | Articles | 2 Comments

One of the downloadable worksheets here at Story Embers defines theme as “the broad moral topic or idea that your story addresses.” In general, you should be able to capture it with a single word, such as love, peace, kindness, courage, gratitude, or hope. If your manuscript is crafted well, anyone who picks it up will find clues in the title, word choices, plot, and symbolism to help them recognize the underlying meaning. But developing a relevant theme can be intimidating. How do you weave it into your novel in a way that’s both natural and impactful?

How to Write Character Interactions That Scream Authenticity

by Gabrielle Pollack | Articles | 0 Comments

The newest character who’s taken up residence inside your mind is a vibrant being with compelling desires and deep emotions. But the instant you pluck him out and flatten him onto a page, he becomes limper than wet cardboard. You love this character. So how do you pump blood into his paper veins?

3 Questions to Maintain Story Momentum When You’re Out of Ideas

How to Overcome the Two Types of Long-Term Writer’s Block

How to Spot and Remove 5 Flaws That Can Throw Readers Out of Your Story

3 Tips on Writing from a Mother’s POV (Even If You Aren’t One)

Can’t Finish Your Novel? The Problem May Be Your Midpoint

3 Reasons That Character Names Matter

How to Surprise Readers with Your Story’s Theme

Time Management Isn’t Enough to Build a Powerful Writing Habit

3 Creative Ways to Choose the Theme for Your Next Novel

How to Write Character Interactions That Scream Authenticity

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