Story Embers | Natalie Cone | Activity https://storyembers.org/members/nataliecone/activity/ Activity feed for Natalie Cone. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:50:12 -0400 https://buddypress.org/?v= en 30 hourly 2 b71e002c66a32ce63d647115f1f0e246 Natalie Cone changed their profile picture https://storyembers.org/activity/p/105269/ Mon, 13 May 2024 12:55:25 -0400 0 270399b996199496abed8d733f3ecc3e Natalie Cone replied to the topic I WANT to plot, though! IS THIS OPTIMAL? in the forum Plotting https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104261/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:21:42 -0400 ROSE!!! Hi!! Awww, sending hugs!

Oh, whoa there, you’re untangling my brain webs a little too efficiently LOL!!

You know, I had just assumed I was bored, but … what if you’re right? What if it’s that paralysis thingy that weird-brains do when we’re trying to brain something it doesn’t want to brain?

I LOVE your description of…[Read more]

]]> 0 16b3623974a8249183a9e7eeab50f8ad Natalie Cone started the topic Has Overthinking blocked your creativity? OVERTHINK NO MORE! in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104253/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 20:43:31 -0400 I am a chronic overthinker.

When I become aware of my overthinking, I overthink my overthinking.

When I’m writing, overthinking can be a real hindrance. A real creativity killer.

So I Googled “Overthinking as an author” and found this little…[Read more]

]]> 0 417e9568fad547da31ab0ced1a97c130 Natalie Cone started the topic I WANT to plot, though! IS THIS OPTIMAL? in the forum Plotting https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104252/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:30:25 -0400 I searched through this Plot forum to look for keys I may be missing in the skill of plotting, because plotting is OPTIMAL. I found a topic titled “How do I prevent outlining from becoming a creativity killer?“. I clicked on it thinking it perfectly defined my current struggle. Only to realize — I POSTED THAT TOPIC!! Over 1.5 years ago. So…[Read more]

]]> 0 22c9ab8e46acb62b87a13f588342e4e4 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Dark Fantasy Among Christians? in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104161/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 03:30:57 -0400 🤣🤣 Not knocking you plotters out there! I would do it that way if I could, if my brain only worked that way! My friend has been trying to convince me that This Is The Way (he’s amazing… Not knocking him, either 🤣). I just couldn’t do it.

For longer stuff, I start making plot nots once I get a few thousand words into it. But never before. My…[Read more]

]]> 0 671b01f9995f138732ef74fcb369fe6d Natalie Cone replied to the topic Dark Fantasy Among Christians? in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104156/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:14:37 -0400 I love this question because I love hearing how other people come up with their ideas, too!

So often my ideas come to me in a single glimpse of a single scene. When I sit down to describe the scene, everything else before and after that scene suddenly appears. The more I write it out, the deeper it goes, and more unfolds.

It’s like a true…[Read more]

]]> 0 1612f0ccc11496f31588c7da8bc8bc8c Natalie Cone replied to the topic Dark Fantasy Among Christians? in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104150/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:29:00 -0400 I agree with this strongly. I appreciate your warning to pray about writing dark fantasy because it’s our job to shine a light. I agree there, too ut that’s where I e been messing up. When I START the story with plans to shine a light, it comes across as too pretty and shiny and pure. When I start with the shadows, by the time I’m at the end,…[Read more]

]]> 0 b0c2f161071bb987bd570761201f03fe Natalie Cone replied to the topic Dark Fantasy Among Christians? in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104149/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:22:02 -0400 this sounds incredible!! And lots of fun! Aren’t they always more lame on paper than it is inside our heads? I like the space inside my head. It’s quirky and fun. 🤣

 

 

]]> 0 8c9d7dec53e06061d0397c1a336b5075 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Dark Fantasy Among Christians? in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104136/ Wed, 15 Feb 2023 03:46:40 -0400 Hi Cathy! Your work sounds so intriguing!! I’m so happy to hear where you stand on Dark Fantasy. So I’m not alone, then?? 😅

My WIP is a short story (possibly novelette depending on where the ending lands) about a teen boy who enters the dark, forbidden woods where monsters lurk who used to be human. I may post a link on here once it’s…[Read more]

]]> 0 1ad755eb24293ebf75b02c238e102edd Natalie Cone's profile was updated https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104132/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:35:21 -0400 0 c4c0b1a8af5252ec98da54c314ab19a5 Natalie Cone started the topic Dark Fantasy Among Christians? in the forum Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104131/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:32:21 -0400 Does anyone write Dark Fantasy? Tell me what yours look like.

Do you have Christian themes or allegories for Christ? Is there always a bright ending? Do you always end with hope? Do you include go deep into the shadows, or do you make sure to keep it on the lighter side?

Dark Fantasy has always been what my soul bleeds.

I quit. I quit trying to…[Read more]

]]> 0 0db881287a98b49596b564ce64ac352e Natalie Cone changed their profile picture https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104130/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:50:18 -0400 0 9e11c19f7abcc54177df38bda93a0356 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Hello! in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104129/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:21:24 -0400 Welcome! It’s so refreshing to be part of a group who writes all sorts of genres, but we all love Jesus! I hope you feel welcome here.

]]> 0 2f315a2360ed1ad29270315f615a4425 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Obligatory introductory post ;) in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/104128/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 22:20:21 -0400 Welcome! I’m glad you’re here! Lots of good people, good posts, and lots of great ways to learn and connect on here. 🥰

]]> 0 a894bf5b730869a33f9c080e9f1f7bd4 Natalie Cone replied to the topic How Do You Organize Your Writing? in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94351/ Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:52:17 -0400 @ashley-tegart

I love this!! There’s something satisfying and magical about using pen and paper. ❤️

 

@sparrowhawke Yes Trello can be dragged and changed around. You have lists (brainstorming, first draft, second draft, characters, etc) and within the lists you create cards. You can link documents to the cards, so if you’re like me, and you…[Read more]

]]> 0 481f19815f4cce91498c93cf075ea2a7 Natalie Cone replied to the topic How Do You Organize Your Writing? in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94338/ Thu, 05 Aug 2021 01:40:07 -0400 I love using Trello. I’m frustratingly visual, so organizational methods that tuck everything away neatly make me want to cry 😆. I WANT to use (and want to love) scrivener because it’s so easy to move everything around, but there’s something about it that fries my brain cells. It’s just not smooth enough for me.

 

I also use a large bulletin…[Read more]

]]> 0 929e1c1620b2c315a2666dc921dabe9f Natalie Cone started the topic Writing Mentor in the forum General Writing Discussions https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94337/ Thu, 05 Aug 2021 01:31:12 -0400 Right now I’m going through the free Mindset course by Story Embers. In this video where Daeus is interviewing Jaquelle Ferris, she suggests finding a writing mentor, even if it’s a local writers group of some kind.

Do you have a writing mentor? If you don’t, what do you wish for in a writing mentor?

]]> 0 115c3946c5203bdfbd3c0822b0c2bb41 Natalie Cone's profile was updated https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94197/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 02:11:20 -0400 0 c2255d27395477547b5d1084b3c4f0b5 Natalie Cone joined the group Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94196/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:45:11 -0400 0 bb58a9f99e35524156f09f4ba05d3cb7 Natalie Cone joined the group Horror Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94195/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:36:02 -0400 0 358192b6f757ad1d699f8c05fb6fa7d4 Natalie Cone replied to the topic How do I prevent outlining from becoming a creativity killer? in the forum Plotting https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94194/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:35:30 -0400 @ashley-tegart I love your comment so much! It’s so funny to me how differently you feel about the drafting process, and it’s fun to see the different tricks you do to make it more fun for yourself. Regarding brainstorming on paper — Oh, there is something so exquisite about a lovely notebook and just the right pen! I recently found a leather…[Read more]

]]> 0 d119a50a2b85dbfbdaeec9965bcecbd2 Natalie Cone posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94138/#acomment-94193 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:17:45 -0400 @obrian-of-the-surface-world Thank you for the kind words! I checked out your blog and subscribed! I’m looking forward to reading more. I’m glad you found my blog! Poor thing is just sitting out there unused. I did great sending out a weekly newsletter, for a time, and then it just ended. I couldn’t keep it up. The podcast has been taken down,…[Read more]

In reply to - Brian Stansell replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself @nataliecone Hi Natalie, Just wanted to make sure we didn’t lose you out there.  If there is any help we can be to you, […] ]]> d05e416cd85983a623fc7dab8f5ac87e Natalie Cone posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94171/#acomment-94192 Fri, 30 Jul 2021 01:06:29 -0400 That’s great advice. I do love writing writing short stories because I ALWAYS pants those, and it’s so much fun. By the time I’m finished I look back over it and realize there are parallels, symbolisms, and balance that wasn’t the intention in the beginning. So far, the novels I’ve finished have followed the same process pattern … I just start…[Read more]

In reply to - Daeus Lamb replied to the topic How do I prevent outlining from becoming a creativity killer? in the forum Plotting @nataliecone Hey Natalie! The crazy thing is, each person is different, so I can’t really give […] ]]> 47068e2acc69d114e1986be6a4f0c9c6 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Howdy, all. in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94191/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 00:59:31 -0400 Nice to meet you! It looks like you fit right in already! I’m brand new here, as well. I am absolutely blown away at how much activity and help goes on around here. It feels like a sweet kind of family dynamic.

]]> 0 9fdf6d9d46ad4ac77ad6e68616c0629b Natalie Cone started the topic How do I prevent outlining from becoming a creativity killer? in the forum Plotting https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94158/ Thu, 29 Jul 2021 17:27:50 -0400 As a homeschool mom, I know planning is KEY. I am super organized and really enjoy the planning process. I heart spreadsheets and love making them pretty with multicolor rows, etc. It makes a huge difference in the daily grind, and it’s a real sanity-saver.

I believe it to be same with storytelling. I enjoy the planning process there, as well.…[Read more]

]]> 0 456be344a4804ef5390795f2c1f5f651 Natalie Cone posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94138/#acomment-94153 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:49:31 -0400 I would love to send a short story. I’m rusty and still trying to get my sea legs for the ocean waves of writing again. I have (had) a blog at nataliecone.com, but the site keeps crashing and I haven’t updated it in forever. I was actually just talking with my husband about possibly shutting it down because I’m so lost as a writer right now, I…[Read more]

In reply to - Brian Stansell replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself @nataliecone Hi Natalie, Just wanted to make sure we didn’t lose you out there.  If there is any help we can be to you, […] ]]> c4e1b3ebc14c5122657957feee926ed2 Natalie Cone posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94138/#acomment-94152 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:47:10 -0400 Thank you!! There are other parts of your comments I’ve been wanting to reply to, but got sidetracked with lesson planning for our upcoming homeschool year. 🙂

In reply to - Brian Stansell replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself @nataliecone Hi Natalie, Just wanted to make sure we didn’t lose you out there.  If there is any help we can be to you, […] ]]> 014efc00a25a5ad8508e47f293081ea2 Natalie Cone posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/activity/p/92936/#acomment-94151 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 15:44:31 -0400 Thanks @obrian-of-the-surface-world ! I already have Audacity and use it for podcasting. Thanks for the suggestion! It’s a great resource. I’ve got a techie side, too, and it’s a lot of fun to play with.

In reply to - Brian Stansell started the topic Audio Cinema in the forum Fantasy Writers Hey Fellow Writers, So I have been given permission from above…(No, not THAT far above 😉 ) to start a new Topic that challenges us to st […] ]]> bbf94a69de47a3a06ab13b3cbb7c1b27 Natalie Cone posted a new activity comment https://storyembers.org/activity/p/92936/#acomment-94029 Sat, 24 Jul 2021 04:10:57 -0400 Count me in!! Is this still going on?

In reply to - Brian Stansell started the topic Audio Cinema in the forum Fantasy Writers Hey Fellow Writers, So I have been given permission from above…(No, not THAT far above 😉 ) to start a new Topic that challenges us to st […] ]]> 4dcd06e6f096ea168732aed1548e3b44 Natalie Cone joined the group Fantasy Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94028/ Sat, 24 Jul 2021 04:09:06 -0400 1 5cc2d43bb1c39dccd4c24532c2807b33 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94012/ Fri, 23 Jul 2021 19:00:48 -0400 High fives!! The premise of mine right now … It’s more like a short story series, which I would love to release one at a time on my website/blog. The story has androids, war, hope, heartbreak, loyalty, and a terra-formed planet. It’s been tons of fun. Tell me about yours!!

And thanks for your encouragement about short story writing still…[Read more]

]]> 1 a1a3e8b3e5116b0aec404b5bd981f32e Natalie Cone replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/94011/ Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:52:45 -0400 @obrian-of-the-surface-world I’ve read your latest response three times with tear-filled eyes and I need to go through it a few more. Here’s what’s hitting me hard about your words: everything you have said in this thread DIRECTLY addresses the original post that was lost … Plus more. Several times I’ve read over my post to see if, somehow, the…[Read more]

]]> 1 f76c94b1931bc7cb47d14e8621e06b01 Natalie Cone joined the group Sci-fi Writers https://storyembers.org/activity/p/93984/ Thu, 22 Jul 2021 04:14:18 -0400 0 e4b0f1c1b702b61fd05b165ed3b0f560 Natalie Cone joined the group Writers of Children’s/Middle-Grade Books https://storyembers.org/activity/p/93983/ Thu, 22 Jul 2021 04:11:16 -0400 0 dd7b41aea9ee4e5b81b1028fbccb09a2 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/93982/ Thu, 22 Jul 2021 04:04:42 -0400 Brian, thanks for the helpful info and encouragement! You said, “We are often a misunderstood group because God calls each one of us down a unique path of gift expression.” This was a comfort to me, as I feel like a misfit in every atmosphere. You also said you guys needed some short story writers, which also is music to my soul, because it seems…[Read more]

]]> 0 ddf98eec6b2c7deb20ea218ab1de12d7 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/93981/ Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:53:31 -0400 Hi!! Nice to meet you, Lily!

Short stories are definitely fun! Oddly, my short stories are all over the place regarding genre. My novel attempts are Middle Grade or the occasional YA.

What about you?

]]> 0 32ae4b5c9136bf6a488686e1ac8962f1 Natalie Cone replied to the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/93980/ Thu, 22 Jul 2021 03:49:37 -0400 Hi!! I’m so happy to see your comments! I’m sorry if it seemed my post was complaining … The irony in the moment wasn’t lost on me. 😆

 

Joy, nice to meet you! Your questions are fun ones!

1) What themes do you most enjoy incorporating into your stories?

Darkness, irony, triumph, courage, crossroads, hope

2) What are some of your favorite…[Read more]

]]> 0 6aaf15ff8f2ff813a296e4982385a6c3 Natalie Cone started the topic Lost Short Story Writer in the forum Introduce Yourself https://storyembers.org/activity/p/93952/ Wed, 21 Jul 2021 16:39:16 -0400 I spent an hour pouring my heart out. It was a beautiful and heartfelt post. Then I tapped “submit”, received an error, and the entire post was lost.

The irony is amusing, in a bitter way, considering the title of this post.

I don’t have any more time to introduce myself, so I’ll just say Hi. I like writing short stories. Novels seem impossible…[Read more]

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