Tim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate until 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred major newspapers worldwide. Tim has eight novels and two non-fiction titles published. His first book, a […]
Interview with Author Tim Downs Read More »
Carla Stewart is the 2007 ACFW Genesis winner in historical fiction. Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs received a 4.5 star review from Romantic Times : “This first-person narrative contains resolute characters and vivid descriptions of a small Texas community in the 1950’s. If her debut is any indication, Stewart has a promising future.” Christian Retailing,
Interview with Carla Stewart (and her debut novel Chasing Lilacs) Read More »
In reading Mark’s gospel account recently, Mark 15:16 stuck out to me, the verse where the soldiers mock Jesus. It wasn’t bad enough that Jesus hung on a cross, they felt the need to cast lots for his clothing and mock and spit on Him. Let me put this into perspective. When I read the
Spiritual Thought – Do we mock Jesus? Read More »
There is no recipe to writing a novel. There are many do’s and don’ts. The thing to remember about writing rules is that you need to learn those rules so that when you break a rule you are fully aware of it. Whose POV (point of view) do you use for a novel? Whoever has
Which POV to chose for your novel? Read More »
All four gospels state that Pilate had a notice prepared that said “King of the Jews” and had it fastened to Jesus’ cross. Many protested this notice, but Pilate stated “What I have written, I have written.” (John 19:22) I find Pilate an interesting character. If he didn’t believe, or wasn’t seeking the truth, why
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Place one stick of melted butter in the bottom of a 13″ X 9″ glass pan. Pour 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs evenly on top of the butter. Pour one can sweetened condensed milk evenly over mixture. Spread one cup of butterscotch chips then one cup milk chocolate chips
My BSF leader, Angela Vaughn, talked about praying back scripture. If you have a loved one that you are praying for, here is a list to encourage you to do just that! John 6:44 Father, draw ______ to Jesus. Matt 13:15 That______’s spiritual eyes and ears would be opened. John 16:8 That ______ would have
The power of praying back scripture Read More »
If you need help writing a scene, see my scene construction post. Now that you have the scene written, let’s tighten it! For each scene, you must make sure you anchor the reader by answering the five W’s, as Susan May Warren calls them. Who are the players? (which characters are in the scene?) What
What does it take to be a follower of Jesus Christ? It starts with believing (Romans 10:9). If the belief is true (in the heart) then a believer will produce fruit (John 15:4). As I was reading the gospel of Luke recently, it occurred to me that the thief on the cross could do nothing
Every scene must have: a description (what’s going to happen in the scene) a goal for the POV character the conflict that happens in the scene that prevents the character from achieving their goal kick it up a notch. After the conflict, give the character a disaster so they can’t achieve their goal a scene
Scene construction Read More »