Thank you for your input. I agree with using the same God and Holy Spirit; my issue is more how to portay Jesus. I don’t agree with neglecting the death and resurrection, as that is what redeems us.

Now, while my tale isn’t about the death and resurrection, if I want it to have Christianity, at some point the “Jesus figure” would’ve had…[Read more]

Oh, that’s cool! Seven years is quite some time. How have you been finding it here?

Don’t worry about Afrikaans; I basically said that I can’t speak it well (and I’ve been here my whole life!). I learned only enough to get through school. My family is mostly English.

Ek’s ook van Suid Afrika, en my Afrikaans is so sleg soos ‘n pantoffel(?), want ek’s uitlink Engels. Wat van jy?

@naiya-dyani…[Read more]

For what it’s worth, my daily goal is 1,000. With full-time work, other responsibilities, and exercising (which also helps having a clearer mind for creative work, I might add), I have neither the time nor the energy for more. On some days I squeeze in 1,500 or more, but then others I barely do 500. So don’t feel bad about that. Start…[Read more]

This might sound abstract or even cheesy, but it’s what helped me in such a time, so hear me out. For me, the key to overcoming these obstacles is . . .  LOVE! (This doesn’t just apply to writing, but I’ll explain it in a writing context.)

When you fan the flames of love for something, and embrace that love, then your focus will shift…[Read more]

That makes sense, yes. Unless it doesn’t and I just think I understand…

Hmm, maybe that “nuh uh” feeling is good, like humility? Either way, you’ll figure it out. Maybe.

Those all sound very cool, but you got me at archery. I love it! Always used to do compound bows, but the bells and whistles make it too easy. This year I…[Read more]

Hello there!

I get the “wide and picky taste” thing, though to me that comes in different forms. I love classical/orchestral pieces, but also love the heavier, more symphonic, metal genres (though I am very careful when it comes to lyrics). It may seem like two extremes, but they’re really not that different. Every other type of…[Read more]

And someone’s read the Space Trilogy! I haven’t reached That Hideous Strength yet; I just finished Out of the Silent Planet and started Perelandra. So far, so good.

If Tolkien’s Middle Earth works count as Christian, though, then I’d probably go with The Children of Hurin. It’s tragic but so beautiful!

Ted Dekker’s Circle Series…[Read more]

When a story leans more towards young adult or teenage characters and themes, fewer older adults will enjoy it. Similarly, complicated and mature characters and themes may bore teenagers.

However, I would say that fiction doesn’t always have an age. There are works that can be equally enjoyed by both young and old readers. Take Lord of…[Read more]

Thanks; it helps to get feedback like this. I reached a point where I was utterly stumped, not for lack of ideas, but doubt as to whether they were good ideas.

As for the pagan gods being demons, I actually have something similar in the section I’m on. The “gods” show a religious group that the Dreamer will be their downfall, so they…[Read more]

@daeus-lamb Good idea. I hadn’t noticed the “users online” section!

This is a good point. From a writing perspective, Jesus’ life story is amazing–the perfect hero stands strong and fearless, teaching, leading, working wonders. He faces temptation, rejection, betrayal. Falsely accused, He is put to death. But that’s just the climax, not the end. He…[Read more]

This is a good point. From a writing perspective, Jesus’ life story is amazing–the perfect hero stands strong and fearless, teaching, leading, working wonders. He faces temptation, rejection, betrayal, and pain to the point where all seems lost. Falsely accused, He is put to death.…[Read more]

Alternatively (and perhaps this would be better) I should look for critique partners/groups that don’t have sessions but rather pass a piece around for…[Read more]

1. I can’t do physical writing conferences. I live in a small South African town far away from such lofty things, and there’s nothing in my local community (I’ve investigated). Though I’d prefer physical meetups, I recognize my solution HAS to be an online one.
2. As I haven’t been able to interact much…

[Read more]

It’s about time someone published a novel that opens with, “Once upon a time they lived happily ever after,” followed by 200 blank pages.

Also, that’s different but cool! What sort of images? People, places, events? A combination?

I was referring to Judaism after Christ’s coming. Does a priest trying to earn His way into God’s favor commune with the Holy…[Read more]

There’s no “right way”. We’re all different. I start with a basic idea of setting and plot (which I guess includes the theme), then the world, then characters. But I know some who start with characters, and some with worldbuilding. Heck, you even get…[Read more]

It can be challenging, but that keeps it interesting. I work mostly in Ruby, Java, and JavaScript (and of course whatever front-end languages are applicable.)

Hmm, favorite dish? I’m not sure I can choose a favorite, but if I had to choose one to eat right now, I’d go with boerewors en pap with a nice tomato-onion sauce. And…[Read more]

I write a variety of stories (it’s good to experiment), but mostly fantasy stories focusing on beauty in life and finding strength and hope in times of conflict or other trials. So…I like pretty descriptions and stories set in war (not for the violence, but the idea of protecting what one loves).…[Read more]

Then doing BSc Hons, I had to do a 80+ research paper. While the topic I chose fascinated me, I had to work under two supervisors. I had to send them my work every few weeks, and they would respond…[Read more]

I’m Michael. I write fantasy and sci-fi and have started dabbling in poetry. As a full-time programmer, I have to squeeze in hours for reading and writing, and I’ve neglected to interact with other writers. I’m hoping to change that here. From what I’ve seen, Story Embers’ content is top-notch while not backing away from Christian…[Read more]

Fair point. In my case, I started off with the character being pagan, with what I consider well-established culture and religion. In fact, for at least a first third of the story, the “Christian” faith is…[Read more]

I meant to say it’s my first time in these forums. Also a few typos to fix.

Lesson learned: edit first, then post.

On a side note, I love how Roman names tend to have suffixes related to gender, many being forms of -us and -ia (Julius and Julia).

What…[Read more]

Anyway, what’s your opinion on portraying God, Jesus, and/or the holy Spirit in fantasy? Should He be depicted at all? If so, how?

In my WIP, my underlying theme is finding hope, peace, and beauty in a war-torn world. While the story itself is about a…[Read more]