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?

*Nods sagely* I know exactly what you mean. For me, boredom and “I don’t know what the next step is so I can’t do it” often feel the exact sam…[Read more]

Heya Natalie, it’s Rose again!

 I’m positive I’m undiagnosed ADHD, but whatever. Would ADHD make a difference in optimal writing method choices?

Well, short answer, yes XD I’m neurodivergent myself, and it DEFINITELY affects the way I write and my process. On the ADHD front let me drag Cath out of the shadows… @this-is-not-an-alien…[Read more]

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 pantser way of doing things. For YEARS I’ve tried to train myself to plot and wri…

[Read more]

I have been summoned from the depths of school-induced digital hibernation!!!!

@nataliecone

Hi Natalie, I’m Rose! I’ve been very inactive here recently, but it’s lovely to meet you!

Welll… Gilded Blood jumps wildly between a fun, light “Chaos teenagers on an adventure” fantasy and some extremely dark subjects XD…[Read more]

Why do you summon me?

@nataliecone

This link will take you to a good article by Flannery O’Conner that might help you sort through some of your conflict. It’s kinda funny I was just rereading this today. I think the Holy Spirit must have bonked me. 😄

The main point is that if you are pursuing the art that God put in…[Read more]

I like to print out my drafts, if I can! I find that I notice different things when I read my draft digitally vs. on paper. I don’t color-coordinate my brainstorming notes, but I do color-coordinate the notes I make in my printed draft. I tend to lose my notes because I can’t remember where in the notebook (or even which notebook) I…[Read more]

The mentor section of the [breakthrough] course was good advice, but I really wish they went into more detail, because clearly different…[Read more]

Thanks! I might have to check out Trello when it comes time to making scene cards.

@noahcochran

Yes, I really love how easy to use Google Drive is–it’s a lot cleaner to me than Office. And it works better on saving my stuff than OneDrive ever does. I love using bulleted lists when brainstorming–it makes everything a lot…[Read more]

Hi Natalie!

Thank you for mentioning me, Noah, and Brian!

@obrian-of-the-surface-world

Wait, what? I do?   XD Thank you so much, Brian!

@noah-cochran

She has only been writing for around a year she tells me, so she is still an amateur (though quite a good one if you ask me),

Thank you! Yep, entirely correct! I have no clue wha…[Read more]

I was interested in how each of you uses the concept of subtext in your personal writing,…[Read more]

Hey Natalie! A writing mentor would be fantastic to have, in particular one who is a successful full time writer (or has been in the past), as having a mentor or private tutor in many academic or career areas would be. However, it is very possible to teach yourself writing, by using the many online or book resources on how to write…[Read more]

Hi Natalie,

I think a lot of us here are sort of co-mentoring in a way, rather than serving as a dedicated mentor.  Seems like that sort of thing might best be done by seeking a published author who writes the kinds of stories you wish to write or has been around a while and knows something more experiential about the business.  T…[Read more]

I got Scrivener for my birthday and I really love it! It helps keep everything organized without having to open dozens of folders for it.

@joy-caroline

Also, Scrivener is awesome for organizing notes and other things. I use it once in a while and would recommend!

At first I didn’t think Scrivener would be useful for me, but the…[Read more]

…AND I have added one additional question that goes to the value of this fun exercise. 😎  12 Disciples – 12 Tribes of Israel – 12 Gates in the Heavenly City – 12 – Eggs in a Dozen… (Okay, I’ll admit I got carried away with this last…[Read more]

Hi Joelle,

Whew! It has been a long and busy week.
Trying to catch up on responding to posts.

So, let me clarify a little.  These snippets of scenes are extracted from anywhere in a longer work, so they will often be introduced without context or backstory.  We are just looking at the intrinsic value of a single scene, which m…[Read more]

I say an Amen! to Daeus (@daeus-lamb) on this one.

He is right. If you over plan or write an outline that is too dense or detailed, all of your creative energy and the mystery of discovery will be spent on the dry bones of a story, that needs the flesh, blood, muscle, sinews, breaths, sweat, and tears to fully come…[Read more]

That’s awesome you found a nice journal! Yes, a good pen and journal makes all the difference. I love sitting at a coffee shop with a mocha and my pen/notebook! 😃

For my current WIP the bands I listen to a lot are Project 86 and Red, both Christian rock bands (especially when I’m brainstorming). I don’t always listen to music with…[Read more]

Hey Natalie!

The crazy thing is, each person is different, so I can’t really give you a one size fits all solution, but I could give a couple suggestions and maybe one will help.

First, if you don’t mind writing short stories (they’re great practice!) that might be an excellent way to find your groove. You can try full own…[Read more]

Hi Natalie,

Just wanted to make sure we didn’t lose you out there.  If there is any help we can be to you, please let us know.

I would love to read one of your short stories if you are willing to share them.
Let us know when and if you get a blog going so we can follow what you’re up to in your writing journey and…[Read more]

You’re always welcomed on my team!

Cool!  I have a nephew that loves sci-fi styled stories!  What’s your blog’s link?  I’d love to visit sometime!

Mine is a fantasy novel; it’s about two siblings who rescue a lost phoenix and try to keep her safe from a tyrannical king and his minion.

Hi Natalie!  I like your choice of themes.

Ah, I’m working on a middle-grade novel too!  What’s the premise of yours, if you don’t mind me asking? *high-fives fellow middle-grade writer*

nataliecone wrote:

“You also said you guys needed some short story writers, which also is music to my soul, because it seems most “real” write…[Read more]

Good morning Natalie,

It is ironic, isn’t it, that the Bible has many very dark accounts in it, yet some Christian publishers shy away from authentic darkness that emerges into hope.  In my Bible, Psalms 23 tells me that God walks with me in the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” and teaches me to “Fear no evil, for [His] rod (of…[Read more]

Darkness, irony, triumph, courage, crossroads, hope

Those are all great themes! Triumph, courage, and hope are ones I particularly enjoy incorporating in my own stories as well. 🙂

Savvy series by Ingrid Law, Pax by Sara Pennypacker, Monstrous Devices by Damien Love, The Colossus Rises by Peter Lerangis

Must admit I’ve never heard of…[Read more]

Hi Natalie,

Welcome to the crew for you. We are often a misunderstood group because God calls each one of us down a unique path of gift expression. Even those closest to us won’t understand our drive and passion, because they may be gifted in other areas.  It is not about fitting in, but finding where you fit, and I think you have…[Read more]

Hi! I’m Joy. It’s great to meet you, Natalie, and welcome to the SE community!

Aw, I’m so sorry you lost your first post. That unfortunately happens once in a while.

Can’t wait to get to know you, and if you don’t mind, I’ll start with a few questions. 🙂

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

2) What…[Read more]

Lately, I’ve become obsessed with six word stories (and no, in case you were wondering, I didn’t come up with the above story; wished I did, though 😊.  According to rumors, it’s a famous short story written by Hemingway, though, not proven).

I really like the idea of compacting a whole story just to a handful…[Read more]

Oops, let me clarify: tag Daeus in the Guidelines and FAQ section if you need help or something isn’t working. 🙂

Hi, Natalie.  I’m Lily.  Welcome to the S.E forum!  I hope you enjoy your stay here.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

I’m so sorry about your first post!  The forum has been going through some glitches lately, though hopefully it’s been smoothed out (if you’re still experiencing problems, you can tag Daeus in the supp…[Read more]