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	<title>Story Embers | Sarah Burns | Activity</title>
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=157761</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:00:08 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="https://storyembers.org/?p=157761" rel="nofollow ugc">4 Tips for Respectfully Writing Disabled Characters</a></strong><a href="https://storyembers.org/?p=157761" rel="nofollow ugc"><img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/0CA88356-0588-417A-87D6-A62E56F36D2C.jpeg" /></a> “Write what you know!” the experts insist—except in the case of, well, everything, because fiction is inherently composed of lives you’ve never lived. <a href="https://storyembers.org/?p=157761" rel="nofollow ugc"><span>[&hellip;]</span></a></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns&#039;s profile was updated</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/105361/</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 23:12:35 -0400</pubDate>

				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=159403</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 2024 20:00:22 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You don&#8217;t have to look far to find someone talking about gay rights, whether on the news, social media, or—you guessed it—in fiction. At the library where I work, pro-LGBTQ+ novels are packed so tightly onto the [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cassies-Pearl.jpeg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=158288</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 11 Sep 2023 21:00:30 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Writers are a brutal sect. We spend our free time inventing new methods of torturing characters, all while cackling like gremlins over the tears of heartbroken readers. “I’m off to kill someone” is a phrase tosse [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Memory-knife.jpeg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-write-healthy-enemies-to-lovers/comment-page-1/#comment-12134</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 25 May 2023 22:37:33 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First of all, this was hysterically entertaining. My eyeballs are blessed to have skimmed these words.</p>
<p>Secondly, THANK YOU FOR WRITING THIS. When done well, enemies-to-lovers makes for extremely compelling romance (Anne and Gilbert are one of my favorite literary couples) but it&#8217;s become one of my least favorite YA tropes, mainly because so&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-104673"><a href="https://storyembers.org/how-to-write-healthy-enemies-to-lovers/comment-page-1/#comment-12134" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/gabriellepollack/" rel="nofollow ugc">Gabrielle Pollack</a> wrote a new post If you grew up in the early 2000s, you probably mutilated a daisy at least once to help you guess whether your crush shared your feelings. You’d pluck off the petals one by one, r [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-introduce-a-large-cast-of-characters-without-confusing-readers/comment-page-1/#comment-12053</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:38:18 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>…I  despise myself for not thinking of that example earlier and using it in the article. You’re brilliant.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Some books make me feel like I’m Bilbo Baggins, unsuspectingly opening my door to a heap of dwarves tumbling across the threshold. Characters, titles, relationships, and family d [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-introduce-a-large-cast-of-characters-without-confusing-readers/comment-page-1/#comment-12052</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:36:50 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m delighted to be of service! Glad this was helpful for you.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Some books make me feel like I’m Bilbo Baggins, unsuspectingly opening my door to a heap of dwarves tumbling across the threshold. Characters, titles, relationships, and family d [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=156736</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 2023 21:00:40 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Some books make me feel like I’m Bilbo Baggins, unsuspectingly opening my door to a heap of dwarves tumbling across the threshold. Characters, titles, relationships, and family dynamics zig-zag past my eyes, c [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/9784CC9D-E665-4CFA-BD20-EBD77C28FF94.jpeg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/loving-readers-with-your-stories-involves-more-than-sharing-the-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-12031</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:48:27 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>YIKES, I don&#8217;t remember that part, though it&#8217;s been a while since I read them. Those books are a minefield of horrible content. I was so stuck on the part where she married her dad&#8217;s best friend that I don&#8217;t remember much else. &#x1f623;</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approac [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/loving-readers-with-your-stories-involves-more-than-sharing-the-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-12030</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:46:10 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks! Glad it resonated with you!</p>
				<strong>In reply to</strong> -
				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approac [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/loving-readers-with-your-stories-involves-more-than-sharing-the-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-12029</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:45:42 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>THANK YOU! </p>
<p>I think that drawing from our experiences and growth is what tips storytelling over the edge into genuine truthfulness and encouragement. It&#8217;s the difference between reading a self-help manual or watching your grandmother demonstrate the skills she&#8217;s learned. &#x2764;</p>
				<strong>In reply to</strong> -
				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approac [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/stewarding-your-gifts-as-a-storyteller-involves-more-than-honing-techniques/comment-page-1/#comment-12028</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:39:24 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ah yes, another article I know I&#8217;ll reread often. This is such a perfect blend of encouragement, inspiration, and practically.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/rachelgilson/" rel="nofollow ugc">Rachel Gilson</a> wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the final installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we ran this series and how we approached eac [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/loving-readers-with-your-stories-involves-more-than-sharing-the-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-12014</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:30:57 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks! I so agree &#8212; there&#8217;s a reason classic lit is referenced so much in this, because the classics are RIPE with compassionate storytelling, and it&#8217;s one of the reasons they&#8217;re so powerful.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approac [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/loving-readers-with-your-stories-involves-more-than-sharing-the-gospel/comment-page-1/#comment-12013</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:28:47 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank you! I think compassion is one of the most important things to get right in fiction, especially for Christians. (Poor point #3, it&#8217;s so unloved&#8230; 😉 )</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approac [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=156344</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2023 21:00:20 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on pursuing the storyteller’s great commission. To learn why we’re running this series and how we’re approaching each topic, read ou [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/EAC81297-7EE8-4F05-912F-70FCF67B8D62.jpeg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/why-childrens-fiction-writers-need-to-provide-readers-with-good-role-models/comment-page-1/#comment-11956</link>
				<pubDate>Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:12:32 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey Eloise! Glad you enjoyed this! I agree, epic heroes were always my favorites as well. As long as you take care to develop them realistically, with flaws and weaknesses, there&#8217;s no reason for them to be perceived as cheesy or less interesting than antiheroes. Good luck in your quest to unlock the un-preachiness of your novel!</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post In 2013, hoards of little girls aspired to be Queen Elsa. French braids became the standard hairstyle, Halloween turned into an Arendelle-themed costume party, and “Let It Go” pla [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=155855</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:00:43 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In 2013, hoards of little girls aspired to be Queen Elsa. French braids became the standard hairstyle, Halloween turned into an Arendelle-themed costume party, and “Let It Go” played in a never-ending loop unt [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/D2CBE740-3497-4197-88B1-989F0320BB04.jpeg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=152467</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:00:26 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I joined the writing community as a teenager, my peers insisted that I launch a blog to build a following (or else I’d doom myself to obscurity). Running with this misguided notion, I opened a WordPress a [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Blogging-and-fiction-writing.jpg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/4-tips-to-help-you-overcome-the-crippling-terror-of-the-blank-page/comment-page-1/#comment-11819</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2022 22:18:58 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Writing and madness are intrinsically connected. Can’t have one without the other. 😉</p>
<p>I think our creativity is like a boulder sitting on the edge of a cliff, and the little silly scribbles nudge it over the edge so it can hurtle into the real work. I’m glad this method works for you!</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post I have a phobia of blank pages. No matter how excited I am about a project, as soon as I open a new document, my creativity seizes up. My eyes twitch. And cowardice disguises itself as [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/4-tips-to-help-you-overcome-the-crippling-terror-of-the-blank-page/comment-page-1/#comment-11818</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2022 22:12:55 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Let’s go, Team End-With-the-Intro! &#x1f973;</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post I have a phobia of blank pages. No matter how excited I am about a project, as soon as I open a new document, my creativity seizes up. My eyes twitch. And cowardice disguises itself as [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/4-tips-to-help-you-overcome-the-crippling-terror-of-the-blank-page/comment-page-1/#comment-11817</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2022 22:10:53 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Difficult things usually are simple when you take them apart piece by piece. They just like to dress up in scary costumes to frighten us from doing them. 😉</p>
<p>I relate. That practice is the one I tend to implement the most.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post I have a phobia of blank pages. No matter how excited I am about a project, as soon as I open a new document, my creativity seizes up. My eyes twitch. And cowardice disguises itself as [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/4-tips-to-help-you-overcome-the-crippling-terror-of-the-blank-page/comment-page-1/#comment-11816</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2022 22:06:41 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thankee and thankee! I’m glad you were encouraged! Henceforth, may all blank pages quake at the sight of you. </p>
<p>(And the bio compliment made my day. I wanted to write one people would truly enjoy reading, so it’s nice to hear I’ve succeeded.)</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post I have a phobia of blank pages. No matter how excited I am about a project, as soon as I open a new document, my creativity seizes up. My eyes twitch. And cowardice disguises itself as [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=152162</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2022 14:00:02 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have a phobia of blank pages. No matter how excited I am about a project, as soon as I open a new document, my creativity seizes up. My eyes twitch. And cowardice disguises itself as procrastination, urging me [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Overcoming-fear-of-blank-page.jpg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-explain-your-storys-premise-without-getting-tongue-tied/comment-page-1/#comment-11784</link>
				<pubDate>Sat, 23 Jul 2022 17:09:51 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks, Martin! I count this as high praise. I was endeavoring to write the kind of article I personally needed but couldn&#8217;t seem to find, and fortunately, it worked. &#x1f605;</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangl [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-explain-your-storys-premise-without-getting-tongue-tied/comment-page-1/#comment-11754</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2022 20:17:23 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ah, thank you Rachel! It took many awkward moments to learn this, but I’m glad something useful came from the pain. &#x1f605;</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangl [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-explain-your-storys-premise-without-getting-tongue-tied/comment-page-1/#comment-11753</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2022 20:08:47 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Who woulda thunk, indeed. It’s too bad they can’t just do things for no reason. That would save so much time.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangl [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-explain-your-storys-premise-without-getting-tongue-tied/comment-page-1/#comment-11752</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2022 20:07:41 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanks! Hope it helps!</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangl [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-explain-your-storys-premise-without-getting-tongue-tied/comment-page-1/#comment-11751</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 10 Jul 2022 20:07:23 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I deeply relate. Explaining the theme used to be my go-to when put on the spot. Glad this could be of service!</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangl [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-explain-your-storys-premise-without-getting-tongue-tied/comment-page-1/#comment-11726</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:02:04 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>GO FORTH AND DO IT!!</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangl [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=151297</link>
				<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:00:25 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A few years ago, an inquisitive stranger cornered me with a seemingly innocuous question: “What’s your book about?” Instead of rattling off a zinger, my brain blanked, my tongue tangled, and I stuttered somet [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Explain-your-premise.jpg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=150685</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2022 14:00:23 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have a confession to make that may shock anyone who beta read my first novel, which sported a gruff, pipe-smoking wizard, a quest involving a mythical object of doom, and the line “All we have to decide is w [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Imitating-authors.jpg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/3-common-problems-writers-must-avoid-to-craft-realistic-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-11609</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:32:29 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Rachel! Thanks for the encouragement! Yeah, there&#8217;s definitely a wealth of possible traumas that are simple and easy to connect with &#8212; they just take a little extra thought.</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Distracted, diabolical, or dead is the standard for most fictional parents. If they don’t perish in a horrific accident (thus giving the protagonist an excuse to dress in black for e [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/3-common-problems-writers-must-avoid-to-craft-realistic-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-11608</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:30:42 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Conclusion: The Wingfeather Saga is superior. 😉 Alas, including parents will never be easy, but at least it can be done. Thank you for reading!</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Distracted, diabolical, or dead is the standard for most fictional parents. If they don’t perish in a horrific accident (thus giving the protagonist an excuse to dress in black for e [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/3-common-problems-writers-must-avoid-to-craft-realistic-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-11607</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:23:20 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thank you so much! And I agree; bad/absent parents are definitely a thing and have a necessary place in children&#8217;s literature, when done correctly. (Kate DiCamillo comes to mind&#8230; I think everything she&#8217;s ever written focuses in some way on children coping with broken families, and her books are absolutely gut-wrenching.) But more often than not&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-100587"><a href="https://storyembers.org/3-common-problems-writers-must-avoid-to-craft-realistic-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-11607" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Distracted, diabolical, or dead is the standard for most fictional parents. If they don’t perish in a horrific accident (thus giving the protagonist an excuse to dress in black for e [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/3-common-problems-writers-must-avoid-to-craft-realistic-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-11606</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 23:21:37 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I think to some extent drastic differences make sense, as people do change depending on the stage of life they&#8217;re in, but I get what you&#8217;re saying. Even if a person grows out of their childhood traits, they still have the same base personality. (Just a more mature version.) It makes no sense to expunge all personality in favor of a flat&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-100586"><a href="https://storyembers.org/3-common-problems-writers-must-avoid-to-craft-realistic-parents/comment-page-1/#comment-11606" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
				<strong>In reply to</strong> -
				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/ethryndal/" rel="nofollow ugc">Sarah Burns</a> wrote a new post Distracted, diabolical, or dead is the standard for most fictional parents. If they don’t perish in a horrific accident (thus giving the protagonist an excuse to dress in black for e [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns wrote a new post</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/?p=149366</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:00:59 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Distracted, diabolical, or dead is the standard for most fictional parents. If they don’t perish in a horrific accident (thus giving the protagonist an excuse to dress in black for eternity), they masquerade as t [&hellip;] <img loading="lazy" src="https://storyembers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Crafting-realistic-parents.jpg" /></p>
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				<title>Sarah Burns posted a new activity comment</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/how-to-write-characters-who-are-smarter-than-you/comment-page-1/#comment-11590</link>
				<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:24:17 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My sickly brain cells are blessing you for these words of wisdom. My characters are blessing you for not having to inherit their author’s lacking intellect. This is a fabulous article. &#x1f389;</p>
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				<a href="https://storyembers.org/members/joshbarrera93/" rel="nofollow ugc">Joshua Barrera</a> wrote a new post As writers, we habitually draw from our own experiences to develop and relate to the characters in our stories. If our protagonist needs to learn bravery, we reflect on moments when [&hellip;]			]]></content:encoded>
				
				
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				<title>Sarah Burns changed their profile picture</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/99412/</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 13 Feb 2022 04:09:34 -0400</pubDate>

				
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				<title>Sarah Burns&#039;s profile was updated</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/99408/</link>
				<pubDate>Sat, 12 Feb 2022 16:24:41 -0400</pubDate>

				
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				<title>Sarah Baran started the topic The Elements of an Eerie Antagonist - what makes a villain frightening? in the forum New Wessex Writing Discussions</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/63254/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 02:29:27 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Okay, folks, I want to talk about VILLAINS.</p>
<p>(Wow, so surprising.)</p>
<p>I was wondering why some villains have the power to terrify us while others are more like a tired and sarcastic uncle in background. I see lots and lots of complex &amp; sympathetic baddies (Kylo Ren, Loki), and tons of deranged psychos (Thanos, Mother Gothel, the White Witch), but&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-63254"><a href="https://storyembers.org/activity/p/63254/" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Three announcements in the forum Announcements</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/63253/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 02:23:17 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I&#8217;m up for a group chat! I feel like Hangouts would be more practical, for the sake of those who don&#8217;t have facebook accounts, but either works for me.</p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Time to write a mystery in the forum Announcements</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61913/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2019 21:08:52 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href='https://storyembers.org/members/daeus-lamb/' rel="nofollow ugc">@Daeus-Lamb</a> Wait, I thought the detective, the guy with amnesia, and the MC were all the same person&#8230;?</p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Catching Up in the forum New Wessex Writing Discussions</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61910/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2019 20:54:41 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>That art is superb, by the way. He sounds adorable. Do you prefer writing/reading antiheroes, or the good ol&#8217; knights in shining armor?</p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Catching Up in the forum New Wessex Writing Discussions</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61909/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jul 2019 20:51:43 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href='https://storyembers.org/members/noodle-mum/' rel="nofollow ugc">@noodle-mum</a> I love that so much. That username has much more personality behind it than I was expecting. Also, 10 siblings? That&#8217;s <em>fantastic</em>!! Big families are wonderful. My best friend is the third-oldest of 12, and her family&#8217;s dynamic is spectacular. (For <em>me</em>, at least, who gets to stand on the sidelines and be an objective bystander to the&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-61909"><a href="https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61909/" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Catching Up in the forum New Wessex Writing Discussions</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61761/</link>
				<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jul 2019 04:09:26 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href='https://storyembers.org/members/noodle-mum/' rel="nofollow ugc">@noodle-mum</a> Well hello there! I&#8217;ve only just met you, but you share my opinions on pineapples and pizza, and therefore, I think I&#8217;m going to like you. &#x1f609;</p>
<p>So, uh&#8230; what&#8217;s the story behind your username? It intrigues me.</p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Eowyn in the forum New Wessex Writing Discussions</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61559/</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:02:18 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For those of you who&#8217;ve seen the <em>How to Train Your Dragon</em> trilogy, I think Astrid is another good example of an Eowyn-arc. In the first film she&#8217;s an independent, rough-em-tough-em fighter girl who takes care of herself and doesn&#8217;t need anyone else&#8217;s help, but her so-called &#8220;strength&#8221; and determination to succeed above everyone else comes across&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-61559"><a href="https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61559/" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Eowyn in the forum New Wessex Writing Discussions</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61558/</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:00:47 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href='https://storyembers.org/members/kate/' rel="nofollow ugc">@KATE</a> I WAS JUST CONTEMPLATING THIS!!!! I always wondered why male characters are allowed to be strong in ways that don&#8217;t pertain to fighting, but women aren&#8217;t. Sure, we have Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir who are all physically strong people, but I&#8217;ve yet to hear it be said that Samwise Gamgee is weak simply because he&#8217;s only 3 feet tall&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-61558"><a href="https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61558/" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic We were thinking... in the forum Announcements</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61487/</link>
				<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jul 2019 01:29:40 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To be bluntly honest, I feel like this idea would be really popular at first, but eventually fizzle out once the novelty wore off. There are already ways to have our questions answered, so you&#8217;d be providing a &#8220;new&#8221; feature that&#8217;s essentially doing the exact same thing that the forum is already doing. I mean, I guess having staff members answer&hellip;<span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-61487"><a href="https://storyembers.org/activity/p/61487/" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic The winner is... in the forum Announcements</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/32609/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2018 02:18:12 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href='https://storyembers.org/members/r-m-archer/' rel="nofollow ugc">@r-m-archer</a> Thaaaanks!!And I&#8217;m pretty sure the multiple guild thing is only those who are apart of both a writing guild AND an art guild. At least, as far as I can tell.</p>
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				<title>Sarah Baran replied to the topic Ethryndal Day in the forum Annual Theme Discussion</title>
				<link>https://storyembers.org/activity/p/32601/</link>
				<pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2018 02:01:02 -0400</pubDate>

									<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Folks, I have been mostly gone for the last four days with no access to internet, and will be gone again tomorrow. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my stuff/answer my questions &#8212; I will (hopefully) be able to discuss stuff more in depth with you guys on Wednesday.</p>
<p><a href='https://storyembers.org/members/daeus-lamb/' rel="nofollow ugc">@daeus-lamb</a> <a href='https://storyembers.org/members/r-m-archer/' rel="nofollow ugc">@r-m-archer</a> <a href='https://storyembers.org/members/literatureforthelight/' rel="nofollow ugc">@literatureforthelight</a> <a href='https://storyembers.org/members/germaine-han/' rel="nofollow ugc">@germaine-han</a> <a href='https://storyembers.org/members/eden-anderson/' rel="nofollow ugc">@eden-and&hellip;</a><span class="activity-read-more" id="activity-read-more-32601"><a href="https://storyembers.org/activity/p/32601/" rel="nofollow ugc">[Read more]</a></span></p>
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