Writers should read as much as they write. As Stephen King puts it, “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” Reading helps you as a writer by letting you see what kind of stories are out there and observing how others’ write. … Continue reading How to Fit in More Reading
Writing Tips
How Music Can Help You Write
Sometimes silence is a good thing for writers. I love to sit with my dog and look out the window together, letting my mind wander and brainstorm. But most of the time I’m listening to music. And I think there are many benefits to listening to music while you write. I’ve always felt that different … Continue reading How Music Can Help You Write
My 5 Favorite Writing Quotes
I love quotes. I think the main reason I love Instagram is because of the way people can display quotes and Bible verses on beautiful images. Quotes can encourage. They can be something to look to when you feel stuck or uninspired. I love turning to quotes about writing when I need a little boost … Continue reading My 5 Favorite Writing Quotes
Writing/Work/Life Balance
Despite the importance of writing/work/life balance for writers, I haven’t written about this topic before because it had never been an issue for me. I’m very blessed in that my husband earns enough at his job that I can stay home to write. I babysit as a way to bring in some extra money, but … Continue reading Writing/Work/Life Balance
How to Name Characters
I can’t start working on a piece of writing until I have the right names for my main characters. Characters are, after all, like your children, and you need to take the time to find the perfect name. And once you do find the right name, the character becomes real. I love scouring my baby … Continue reading How to Name Characters
5 Tips on Starting a Writing Project
Writing a novel is a daunting task. Starting with nothing but an idea and a blank page, you have to come up with thousands of words to tell a story. Hours of brainstorming, world-building, drafting, and editing are before you, and it’s one of the scariest places to be. I’m at the beginning right now. … Continue reading 5 Tips on Starting a Writing Project
A Writing Resource You Should Be Using: Hoopla Digital
A while back I wrote about falling in love with audiobooks and how listening to books is a great way to fit in more reading in your life. At the time I had just discovered the app Hoopla Digital—a resource my library lets me use for free—and I had no idea how life-changing this app … Continue reading A Writing Resource You Should Be Using: Hoopla Digital
How to Get Ideas: Sermons
Writers are always asked how they come up with their ideas, but it’s often hard to know exactly where a story idea comes from. Ideas seem to come from anywhere and everywhere, and they sometimes come when you’re not even trying. But for those who are newer to writing and for those who are having … Continue reading How to Get Ideas: Sermons
Give Yourself a Break
Are you burnt out from trying to reach your goals? Last week I wrote a reflection about how I’m falling behind with my 2018 goals. I discussed how I was going to refocus, since focus is my word for the year. I realized I needed to focus on God and what he is doing in … Continue reading Give Yourself a Break
How to Get Ideas: First Lines
Writers are always asked how they come up with their ideas, but it’s often hard to know exactly where a story idea comes from. Ideas seem to come from anywhere and everywhere, and they sometimes come when you’re not even trying. But for those who are newer to writing and for those who are having … Continue reading How to Get Ideas: First Lines
Bri Marino Creates 