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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 8 months ago
How Parents Can Build Sustainable Writing Habits
Writing at any stage of life can be difficult. Some stages present especially complex challenges, like raising children. Your time, resources, and even […] -
Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 2 years, 1 month ago
Has your work-in-progress ever taken a dark turn? You thought you were writing about teenagers falling in love for the first time, but instead you ended up with scenes where the characters crossed physical […]
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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 3 years ago
With minimal scrolling through search engine results, you can gather an abundance of information on writing stories, but what about the grueling process that follows it? How do you rearrange your mess into an […]
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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 3 years, 2 months ago
Has a story’s setting ever intrigued you even more than the plot? Think of the gloomy weather on the moors that reflects the characters’ turbulent emotions in Wuthering Heights, or the unforgiving sand drifts wro […]
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, Loving Readers with Your Stories Involves More Than Sharing the Gospel 3 years, 2 months ago
Loving readers by displaying compassion in story teller is such a tall order, but the examples you included to demonstrate giving characters opportunities for redemption illustrates that disposition so well. Wonderful advice and examples.
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, Bearing God’s Image as a Storyteller Involves More Than Exploring Christian Themes 3 years, 2 months ago
I love the concept that as image bearers we are “signposts pointing to God”. Asking myself what image bearing, as the goal of sub creation, looks like in my own story telling. There’s so much to chew on here!
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, Taking Dominion with Your Stories Involves More Than Fighting Culture Wars 3 years, 2 months ago
Nothing speaks like a good garden metaphor! Loved what you said about the Spirit’s power being greater than our worries regarding subtlety. Wonderful article and a great reminder to crack open my Bible and read some Genesis.
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, Stewarding Your Gifts as a Storyteller Involves More Than Honing Techniques 3 years, 2 months ago
Hi Katie! Thanks for reading 🙂
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, Stewarding Your Gifts as a Storyteller Involves More Than Honing Techniques 3 years, 2 months ago
To live in the present is definitely a good reminder. We writer’s spend a lot of time in our own heads which can make being faithful moment by moment difficult. You’re absolutely right—God won’t abandon us even when we lose touch. Thank you for reading the article!
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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 3 years, 3 months ago
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 each topic, read our int […]
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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 3 years, 4 months ago
Millions of books release each year—yes, millions. Between traditional and indie publishing, the number of new titles entering the market is staggering. Maybe those statistics boost your confidence that someday y […]
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I love the plant and gardening analogies! They will help me to remember your tips 🙂
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, How to Keep Side Characters from Stealing the Show 3 years, 8 months ago
Thanks for reading, Sara! Happy writing 🙂
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, How to Keep Side Characters from Stealing the Show 3 years, 8 months ago
That sounds like an awesome exercise. I’m sure it would bring out some surprising answers. I’ll have to try it sometime. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, How to Keep Side Characters from Stealing the Show 3 years, 8 months ago
Hi Kristen! Thanks for reading. I wish your protagonist the best of luck amidst all the interesting side characters.
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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 3 years, 8 months ago
From Dr. Watson to Samwise Gamgee to Jane Bennet, no beloved classic would be as engaging without side characters. They’re the protagonists of untold stories that thrive between the lines. But have beta readers e […]
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Great article, Rachel! This is super helpful for my current WIP!
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Hi Kristen! Thanks for reading. I wish your protagonist the best of luck amidst all the interesting side characters.
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Ooh, just what I needed!!! Really looking forward to these fun exercises. 😀 Another one I’ve found useful for developing/getting-to-know-your-charrie is to do an interview with them. Grab a writing buddy and have them hammer you with questions, which you’ll answer as your character. I’ve done it over forums, but it’s honestly a lot more fun and idea-inducing if you do it over a Zoom call or in person. Makes you have to think fast. 😛 Thanks so much for the article!
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That sounds like an awesome exercise. I’m sure it would bring out some surprising answers. I’ll have to try it sometime. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Thanks for reading, Sara! Happy writing 🙂
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, How to Explain Your Story's Premise without Getting Tongue-Tied 3 years, 10 months ago
Wonderfully said, Sarah! When we can articulate our stories to ourselves, we can articulate them to others. You’ve provided a fantastic formula.
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, 3 Reasons to Finish Your Work-in-Progress Before Starting a New Project 3 years, 11 months ago
Hi Jenna! I’m glad it was helpful. I was definitely reminding myself as well. I have a shiny story idea, but right now I need to stay the course. I hope this summer produces some story endings for you!
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Rachel Gilson wrote a new post 3 years, 11 months ago
An idea captures your attention, and after mulling it over for a few weeks, you begin to pursue it. The story flows naturally until you pass 20,000 words and realize you’re not sure why your protagonist made a l […]
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Hi Jenna! I’m glad it was helpful. I was definitely reminding myself as well. I have a shiny story idea, but right now I need to stay the course. I hope this summer produces some story endings for you!
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, 4 Ways to Keep Complicated Worldbuilding Relevant to Your Story 3 years, 11 months ago
I’d recommend the Name of the Wind, however I haven’t read the sequel. I’ve heard positive things about it, but also that its content level is more mature.
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Rachel Gilson commented on the post, 4 Ways to Keep Complicated Worldbuilding Relevant to Your Story 4 years ago
Thanks for reading, Sarah. If you ever want a sounding board for your world building woes/ideas, give me a holler. I live for this stuff!
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To live in the present is definitely a good reminder. We writer’s spend a lot of time in our own heads which can make being faithful moment by moment difficult. You’re absolutely right—God won’t abandon us even when we lose touch. Thank you for reading the article!
Hi Katie! Thanks for reading 🙂
Ah yes, another article I know I’ll reread often. This is such a perfect blend of encouragement, inspiration, and practically.