As an author, the less you say, the better. Strunk and White ring this bell in Rule 17 — omit needless words. But what if your theme eludes description? Novelist Jennifer DuBois provides an example of what to do in her Word Craft column from last Saturday: In the middle of a novel about music […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Commuting
(1) If you work from home you have zero commuting costs. Or wardrobe costs. Or going-out-for-lunch costs. You also never leave work. (2) If you work a mile from home you can walk, ride your bike, drive, or take a longboard. Pretty nice. Also pretty easy to work evenings and weekends. (3) If you work […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Communication in Marriage
(1) It’s the water that keeps your relationship hydrated. You’re friends. You trust each other. So talk about what you’re thinking, feeling, planning, doing, learning, and believing. That’s what friends do. (2) Do it with love. Affection is nice, but love goes the distance. It reaches deep and rouses kindness — a reliable guardrail for steering […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Writing Fiction (from The Hunger Games)
(1) Tension. Something’s not right about all this. (2) Respect. A strong, competent hero. (3) Empathy. Characters I care for. (4) Conflict. Most of these characters are in mortal danger. (5) Enemies. Opposition that is believable and overwhelming. (6) Romance. Between characters I’m rooting for, but with plenty of #1, above. (7) Resolution? Wrap things […]
Seven Things I’ve Learned About Doing Right (from Psalm 15)
Not everything done in God’s name brings Him glory. According to King David, author of Psalm 15, genuinely godly people* . . . (1) Walk with integrity. (2) Do what is right and just. (3) Tell the truth. (4) Don’t slander, do evil to a neighbor, or take up a reproach against a friend. (5) […]
