Story Embers | Kristianne | Activity https://storyembers.org/members/kristianne-hassman/activity/ Activity feed for Kristianne. Wed, 06 May 2026 22:48:07 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en 30 hourly 2 aa88a5c82192b4ec6004fb43e164c700 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/the-secret-to-writing-depressed-but-not-hopeless-characters/comment-page-1/#comment-11770 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:23:00 -0400 This is incredibly helpful and insightful! As someone who has gone through depression multiple times, I really appreciate books like Sara Ella’s that honestly yet hopefully portray mental illness. Thank you for addressing these important topics!

In reply to - Josiah DeGraaf wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This is the second part of our series exploring the merits of Coral by Sara Ella. You can read the first installment here. Beware that this article and its co […] ]]> b228901ed579b3e603193a6d59747fce Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/3-ways-to-craft-magical-retellings-that-are-more-than-fairy-tales/comment-page-1/#comment-11769 Tue, 19 Jul 2022 10:20:35 -0400 I’m so excited about this series! I read Coral last year and enjoyed it so much. I agree that Sara Ella did a wonderful balancing light and dark in the book, without either being too heavy.

In reply to - Mariposa Aristeo wrote a new post 3 Ways to Craft Magical Retellings That Are More Than Fairy Tales Happily-ever-after is overrated.   Growing up, I was a Disney princess fangirl. My eight-year-old imagination […] ]]> aba43c1cc933f1c52de148da8521c8ef Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/second-place-winner-simple-dances/comment-page-1/#comment-11654 Sun, 15 May 2022 12:05:27 -0400 I love this! I really feel connected to the characters. Well done!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Dani Renee   Brown leaves battered Mr. Cotter’s beat-up truck as he pried open its door. He shook his head. How much time had withered since he last drove it? A year. He si […] ]]> 2eb99419fc12bddad52768b55b9d63ca Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/first-place-winner-the-girl-who-drove-the-getaway-car/comment-page-1/#comment-11653 Sun, 15 May 2022 11:41:23 -0400 This is beautiful, Rachel, and totally deserves first place! Your twists were so well-placed and really kept me interested!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Rachel Leitch   London, 1928   Mother’s favorite waltz warbled from the corner of the garage. I must have left the phonograph on a few hours ago, before the party. Beh […] ]]> 61c87854d2f031221f5e64cb073e1c1c Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/why-memorable-writers-need-to-experience-real-adventures/comment-page-1/#comment-7631 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 19:19:13 -0400 Wow, this is so helpful and insightful! Having grown up as a missionary kid, I can definitely say that my experiences have really enriched my writing. And while my whole life has been one big adventure, it’s always a good reminder to continue to step outside my comfort zone and have that desire to learn more so that I can grow as a…[Read more]

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Christopher Babcock   As Jesus walked along, he noticed a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me. I mean, if you want to. No pressure. And fe […] ]]> 084cee6d0f6c24ff344d671c06e2d408 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/lifewarden/comment-page-1/#comment-7370 Thu, 27 May 2021 19:06:41 -0400 This is beautiful!! I love the lyrical tone of your prose. Great job!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By K.M. Small   Madiya would do better on this final day of her existence. No wincing, weeping, or hiding. She would be the solemn, dutiful Lifewarden she always should have been. […] ]]> c54a92d5c829bb9ade45ac8c3626981c Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/time-management-isnt-enough-to-build-a-powerful-writing-habit/comment-page-1/#comment-6378 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 17:43:55 -0400 This is so helpful and practical! Using my mental energy wisely is something I struggle with, but this gives me a better idea of how to work on improving it. Thank you so much for this!

In reply to - Josiah DeGraaf wrote a new post In our annual survey for 2020, we asked participants what would revolutionize their writing lives. Apart from publication, the most common response by far was a consistent writing […] ]]> 79d045b78f7c7b8b7cd8e30aae86511e Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-fine-tune-your-pacing-to-craft-heart-pounding-action-scenes/comment-page-1/#comment-6278 Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:34:35 -0400 These tips are great! I’ve actually been wondering how to improve my pacing, and this helped a lot! I also love the way Brandon Sanderson crafts his action and pacing.

In reply to - Lori Z. Scott wrote a new post Action scenes strap readers in for a thrilling ride—or at least that’s what they’re supposed to do. Every millisecond must be engaging and accurately portray what’s happening. If the […] ]]> e60a0024e6e9c11a550245d70bae06a9 Kristianne replied to the topic WW2 novella - Beta Readers Wanted in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88364/ Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:45:52 -0400 @abigail-rebekah

Awesome! 🙂

]]> 0 9b049d42e77a9d68fc681059a59dd3d7 Kristianne replied to the topic WW2 novella - Beta Readers Wanted in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88305/ Sat, 16 Jan 2021 09:46:15 -0400 @abigail-rebekah

I just don’t know what February and the beginning of March will look like, so I don’t want to make any commitments I can’t keep. I would really love to though! But if you’re looking for second round readers later on this year, I would definitely be able to read through it then.

Thanks for understanding! 😀 That’s great!

]]> 0 ade1b3a01da884bc4b265324ff975d92 Kristianne replied to the topic My Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88304/ Sat, 16 Jan 2021 09:24:37 -0400 @erynne

Nice! I have three sisters and a brother.

Oh yes, he’s a great character!

]]> 0 bddae2b789ddf59c2991821f7b363843 Kristianne replied to the topic Short Story here! in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88303/ Sat, 16 Jan 2021 08:27:44 -0400 @vivian-grant

Oh, and by the way, that’s fine if fancy dialogue tags are your thing. I totally understand because I used to use them a lot too! I was just suggesting what my writing teacher had pointed out. The reader won’t think you’re boring if you use “said” a lot since the dialogue, not the tags are the most important part. The tags are just…[Read more]

]]> 0 22a4930fb865113c7c932b4c213d099d Kristianne replied to the topic Short Story here! in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88302/ Sat, 16 Jan 2021 08:21:11 -0400 @vivian-grant

That makes sense. And you’re welcome! I’m glad I could help! 🙂

]]> 0 8c95cd0715b6f7ea756a43885c46afb5 Kristianne replied to the topic Short Story here! in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88269/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 17:48:07 -0400 @vivian-grant

Ooh, it’s so creepy, but I love it! The ending is really powerful, and I love how you developed the theme of needing to be informed about the danger to know how to fight it. It reminds me of this quote by C.S. Lewis: “Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and h…[Read more]

]]> 0 393c944f5f2366662a91b05726f76071 Kristianne replied to the topic WW2 novella - Beta Readers Wanted in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88264/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:24:25 -0400 @abigail-rebekah

Your story sounds really interesting and I would love to read it as I’m a huge fan of WWII romance. Unfortunately though, my family will be very busy moving the month of February, so I won’t be able to do it. 🙁 But I think your story sounds wonderful, and I hope you’ll be able to find beta readers for it!

]]> 0 008b9bdaf6279ef242edd33e42007e89 Kristianne replied to the topic My Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88263/ Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:19:01 -0400 @erynne

It sounds like you’ve made great progress! (And that makes total sense! Inspiration can come at any time, even when it might not seem to make sense 😉

Oh cool! How many siblings do you have? And I agree, Peet is a very interesting character with a neat backstory. I love that he has a redemptive character arc. Lol, you do have to be careful! XD

]]> 0 1183fd4cfb5aa8658daf183f866b992b Kristianne replied to the topic Fresh Perspectives Appreciated :) in the forum Characters https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88184/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 16:55:40 -0400 @claire-h

You’re welcome! I guess I just kind of assumed she was living with him from what you said up above? But this was also my first time reading about your story, so I’m sure I have some things wrong . . .  I’m glad my ideas were somewhat helpful though! XD

]]> 0 3b2eed781585bd082f4fd8f3d0bda56b Kristianne replied to the topic My Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88125/ Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:10:28 -0400 @erynne

I totally get that. If I have too many stories going on at once, I end up not finishing any of them! :p I actually think editing is kind of fun because you get to go back and figure out problems and make your story better. It’s writing the first draft that I really don’t like because it feels so . . . rough and imperfect. XD

Thank you!…[Read more]

]]> 0 e5a0ae08662ee116027f4a642e8dec98 Kristianne replied to the topic Fresh Perspectives Appreciated :) in the forum Characters https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88124/ Mon, 11 Jan 2021 17:01:04 -0400 @writergirl101 Thanks for tagging me! I don’t know how much help I can be, but I shall try! 🙂

@claire-h

Your story sounds really interesting! And I really like your villain. I’ve noticed a serious lack of good villains in fiction! 😉

For the first question, I think giving him a bad memory he wants to get rid of is a good motivation. Maybe he…[Read more]

]]> 0 d9b6932b96928b8542e2cda9770797a6 Kristianne's profile was updated https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88104/ Sun, 10 Jan 2021 12:09:04 -0400 0 c12dd99756aa90fdc627f807cb81847a Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic My Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88103/ Sun, 10 Jan 2021 12:06:06 -0400 @erynne

That’s great that you’re almost done your first draft! (I assume it’s your first draft?) Ah yes, editing . . . not so fun! Although, I actually kind of prefer editing to writing the first draft.

Here’s the synopsis of my story, since it will probably give you the best idea of what it’s about:

Widowed and childless, Princess Charlotte of…[Read more]

]]> 0 de6d925b4f9a2d30edfa351dfc1a7787 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic My Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88068/ Sat, 09 Jan 2021 10:10:41 -0400 @erynne

That sounds very interesting! I’m also writing a fantasy story about a princess. 🙂 How far are you in the writing process?

I loved the Nancy Drew books when I was younger! That’s great you’re reading the Wingfeather Saga. They are amazing books!! Patricia St. John has written some great books. My favorite of hers is Star of Light.

Some…[Read more]

]]> 0 2314b468924251f07baeed30659db15e Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic My Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/88047/ Fri, 08 Jan 2021 09:41:25 -0400 Hi Erynne! (love that spelling by the way) Welcome to Story Embers!

I enjoy writing fantasy too! What is your adventure fantasy story about? What are some of your favorite books/authors?

]]> 0 f00c9a5e5611382e690509010e2feb17 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-develop-writing-habits-that-can-survive-a-fluctuating-schedule/comment-page-1/#comment-6080 Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:59:38 -0400 This is so helpful! I especially found the first tip about creating rituals involving the five senses interesting. When my week doesn’t work out the way I wanted it to, I often find it hard to stay consistent in my writing. So thank you for these reminders! I really needed this.

In reply to - Rose Sheffler wrote a new post Like most of us, you probably dream of circumstances that allow you to write for several hours a day without making any sacrifices or experiencing any interruptions. But the reality […] ]]> 908b2b34f3189be9910ea8099b4e68d4 Kristianne posted an update: Hi friends! I just recently started a writing and book review […] https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87822/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 19:57:27 -0400 Hi friends! I just recently started a writing and book review blog called Whimsical Wanderings! On here, I’ll be sharing all about the writing life, books and movies I love, personality types, MK life, my faith, and the occasional update on my writing projects. It would mean a lot to me if you checked it out and followed it, if you’re interested!…[Read more]

]]> 0 1ffc2376aa5df90e3b5a0719901c4e07 Kristianne's profile was updated https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87821/ Wed, 30 Dec 2020 19:54:28 -0400 0 8ca8afad563ecb1b5ef1877da010ca79 Kristianne's profile was updated https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87724/ Sun, 27 Dec 2020 15:26:15 -0400 0 148e7d3ebf124e14cdc2a339441afa61 Kristianne posted an update: @sparrowhawke Hi and welcome to Story Embers! I noticed that […] https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87359/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:44:49 -0400 @sparrowhawke Hi and welcome to Story Embers! I noticed that one of your favorite authors is Rosey Mucklestone. Are you an OYANer?

]]> 0 865efa70e74ba55f813e57b04054b8e4 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic My Landing Page--At Last! in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87358/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:37:38 -0400 I checked it out and it looks really nice! Great job! I signed up for your newsletter too. I love your writing voice, by the way! It’s so conversational and friendly 🙂

]]> 0 eb1650f8b34ee0471817d68eb7e013d4 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic I'm Starting a New Blog Series--Want to Join? in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87357/ Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:35:32 -0400 @zee

That’s really neat! It’s so kind of you to be willing to do that! 😀

]]> 0 a2cbd4773c61a9ff37794108d2750e2c Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/5-ways-insecure-writers-can-build-the-confidence-to-be-creative/comment-page-1/#comment-5924 Sat, 12 Dec 2020 17:03:45 -0400 This is so practical and encouraging! I struggle with insecurity and discouragement a lot with my writing, so this is so helpful.

In reply to - Allison Raymond wrote a new post Everyone questions their worth at one point or another—but especially those of us in creative industries, such as writing, because we face so much rejection.   Whenever we pr […] ]]> 169328030140b5b96873a98ac25396d0 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic I'm Starting a New Blog Series--Want to Join? in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/87152/ Sat, 12 Dec 2020 13:48:25 -0400 @zee

What a great opportunity! I will definitely consider participating in this, although my WIP is still in its very rough stages.

]]> 0 ca43b825e1dbe3b5d55d68029eda0de0 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/valleys/comment-page-1/#comment-5921 Sat, 12 Dec 2020 13:43:19 -0400 Wow! This is amazingly poignant and deep!!

In reply to - Hope Ann wrote a new post I see a child stand at the valley entrance. Alone. Forlorn. Blood on his feet. Tears on his cheeks. The shadows draw him in. I can’t… I can’t reach him; Pull him back. I can’t […] ]]> d6ccfee6f4083751ac4c91cf4ddd94dc Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/3-ways-you-can-use-mirroring-to-craft-a-resolution-that-truly-resonates/comment-page-1/#comment-5920 Sat, 12 Dec 2020 13:41:35 -0400 What a fascinating and insightful article! I love stories that use ring structure, and I can’t wait to incorporate it into my own writing. By the way, I love how you used the ring structure in your article!

In reply to - Martin Detwiler wrote a new post Meaningful stories leave you with memorable solutions to complex issues.   A story shouldn’t stand behind a podium and spell out the lessons you’re supposed to learn from it. But […] ]]> 132714c281fddd2689cc953b7e8a04fb Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic Outlines in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/86700/ Tue, 01 Dec 2020 11:36:37 -0400 @zee

I’ve always done some sort of outline before I start, because I feel like I’m wasting my time if I don’t come up with a plan before I start writing. It helps for me to know exactly what I’m writing and where I’m going with the story or else I just kind of wander around and don’t get much done.

]]> 0 b86452e4e65f78f855c1cd9c7b5f32ac Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-should-christian-authors-portray-trials-of-faith/comment-page-1/#comment-5724 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:43:54 -0400 Wow, such a great article! This gives me a better picture of how to portray suffering, loss, and eventually hope in my current WIP. Thank you so much!

In reply to - Rose Sheffler wrote a new post Editor’s Note: This article is the third installment in our four-part series on how to balance darkness and hope in fiction. To learn why we’re doing this series and how we’re appro […] ]]> 3044831abe666f46cf8bd83b196a9722 Kristianne changed their profile picture https://storyembers.org/activity/p/86036/ Fri, 06 Nov 2020 08:58:16 -0400 0 c3e7c75e3b52e7923f56bd8927613a44 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/second-place-winner-skeleton/comment-page-1/#comment-5662 Sun, 18 Oct 2020 15:07:16 -0400 This was such a captivating story! I loved how we learn a little more about the two women and their relationship as the investigation progresses. Great job!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Darlene N. Böcek   Dec. 24. Victim discovered 3 min. off San Pasqual Valley Road/Highway 78. Mile marker 12. Female. Mid 20s. Face down. Homicide suspected. No attempted burial. T […] ]]> 69f306bcd0dba4561b862f9cd21be187 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/first-place-winner-something-green/comment-page-1/#comment-5647 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 09:28:17 -0400 This story is absolutely beautiful. It actually brought tears to my eyes. You did such a great job developing the atmosphere of hopelessness and suffering and also bringing out the hope the prisoner found in the flower. Well done!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Bethany Fehr   Green. Not eaten. Not trampled into the dust. Food, or maybe poison. It didn’t matter which.   Prisoner 13358 hadn’t been actively searching for either. If he ha […] ]]> 03e06688869742bae51ba1aa322bcd87 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/3-ways-to-make-unique-fantasy-worlds-less-confusing/comment-page-1/#comment-5639 Sat, 10 Oct 2020 07:32:41 -0400 These are great tips! I also love how Brandon Sanderson balances explanation and questions in his Way of Kings series. I especially find his evocative names to be helpful since you can easily remember the names of places and objects based simply on their function or main characteristic. I’ll be coming back to this article as I craft my own world!

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Zachary Holbrook   You pick up a new fantasy novel. The cover is beautiful, the blurb intriguing. You’re eager to be immersed in an intricately crafted world—but after turn […] ]]> 811b76eecff2ddd8dd3dc93b71f8475b Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/how-to-breathe-new-life-into-stereotyped-settings/comment-page-1/#comment-5604 Mon, 28 Sep 2020 14:57:53 -0400 This is so helpful! I’m writing a medieval fantasy, so I this post gives me some ideas on how to change it up a bit to make it more original.

In reply to - Allison Raymond wrote a new post When you think of fantasy, what surroundings come to mind?   If you’re like me, you probably imagine a dense forest with a spired castle or leering dragon in the background. A kn […] ]]> 77cbd0f75ac5bc41f8b122c42c479c5f Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic A Game of Next in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/85109/ Sat, 26 Sep 2020 09:35:42 -0400 With trembling hands, he wiped away the blood on his wrists and turned to assess the damage done.

]]> 0 218214135cce76b4689d0530cafb5712 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic A Game of Next in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/85078/ Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:50:41 -0400 He threw his arms over his face as glass and bits of wood rained down on him.

]]> 0 4c6c7d17773b927a2aa6a459de47b545 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic Pet Peeves in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/84842/ Sat, 19 Sep 2020 09:10:14 -0400 @zee I have SO many grammar pet peeves! My biggest peeve is when people use “try and” instead of “try to.” Also, when people misuse “sit” and “set” ALL. THE. TIME.

]]> 0 7de31feed81380c63bc7c60bd860420d Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic Timberwolf's Introduction in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/84841/ Sat, 19 Sep 2020 09:06:39 -0400 Hi @wandering-timberwolf! It’s nice to see another OYANer on here! 😀

]]> 0 19c24fe2b51503d52dad24d124112865 Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic Hello Everyone :) in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/84765/ Wed, 16 Sep 2020 19:58:27 -0400 @claire_tucker

That would be fun!

Yay!!

]]> 0 53934df4ba17a4568f9bbea186c1767e Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic Hello Everyone :) in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/83919/ Sat, 22 Aug 2020 13:11:50 -0400 @claire_tucker

Oh neat! I live in Johannesburg. 🙂

Your story sounds fascinating! I would love to read it sometime when you start writing it! I’m also working on world-building at the moment. I’ve written about twelve chapters of my story so far, but I realized that I needed to figure out my world before continuing.

]]> 0 30401954bb198d08ce9c233d2d09fd96 Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/the-plot-thickens-3-ingredients-that-can-beef-up-a-simplistic-plot/comment-page-1/#comment-5475 Sat, 22 Aug 2020 12:12:32 -0400 Such helpful tips! I will keep these in mind as I continue working on my WIP.

In reply to - Lori Z. Scott wrote a new post You’ve probably heard the idiom “the plot thickens.” It describes situations or events that lead to more complex twists in a story. Plots that lack depth are like watery gravy— […] ]]> cc5fae47f72f87a6301d06d69dd418cd Kristianne posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/the-impossibility-of-joy/comment-page-1/#comment-5456 Sun, 16 Aug 2020 15:14:36 -0400 This is absolutely beautiful!! I love the friend-like relationship you portray between Joy and Sorrow. It reminds me that they don’t have to exist in an either-or relationship. In fact, we can often experience both at once, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

In reply to - Story Embers wrote a new post By Sarah Spradlin   I feel it, a certain heaviness in my heart as I’m making my way home one evening. Joy and Sorrow are very nearly always together, are very nearly always mi […] ]]> 0510fdfcd916383b561f6f55b4af9dec Kristianne Hassman replied to the topic Hello Everyone :) in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/83567/ Sat, 15 Aug 2020 10:03:01 -0400 @claire_tucker

Hi Claire, welcome to the forum! That’s so neat that you’re South African! I also live in South Africa since my family are missionaries. We’re Americans though. 🙂

I also enjoy writing fantasy. Are you currently working on a novel or story? If so, what is it about?

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