February 2018 Around the Web

Sandra Ardoin @SandraArdoin

My schedule got a bit off-track for February, so the month’s Around the Web is coming out in…yes…March. But the posts are still as good.

INSPIRATION

“My fault lines have to rub up against Christ’s fault-less lines before the pressure is released and the tsunami of God’s love can flood the spaces that have resident fears and doubts.” ~ From a wonderful article of faith, fear, and a God who gives by Pearl Allard on Emily Conrad’s blog.

“How Keeping a List of Victories Can Help Gain Freedom Over Fear” by Cathy Baker provides the inspiration to note the little victories and encouragements God provides when fear paralyzes us.

READING

Sitting beside every writer is a cup filled with their favorite beverage. This fun post on Family Fiction gives readers an idea of eleven writers’ favorite order at their local coffee shop.

I know Valentine’s Day is over, but “Ten Book Lover Conversation Hearts (That Really Should Exist)” from Bethany House was too fun not to include. Which is your favorite?

What is your idea of a romance novel? Cammi Woodall gives her opinion in “Happily Ever After or Not?” on the Inspired Prompt blog.

WRITING

How do we find joy in our writing when there’s so much to do and so many who seem to be doing it better than us? “Finding the Joy,” a post on Seekerville from Cheryl St. John, is long but so on target.

It’s that age-old question. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Or in a writer’s case…which is more important, character or plot? James Scott Bell gives his opinion in “Why Plot is Essential to Character” from the Kill Zone blog.

Don’t let that “fictional bubble” pop! “Tips to Keep Your Readers Reading” from Cindy Sproles on The Write Conversation. Not much that we don’t already know, but I enjoyed the reminder.

“When you truly know your audience, writing from your faith should be hard…” Dan Balow wrote a thought-provoking post for Christian writers on the Steve Laube Agency blog, “Markets Are Different Than You Think.” What was your first thought while reading this one? Mine was that readers want emotional depth in a story. That depth comes from the characters’ struggles and how they react to them in more than a surface or fairy tale manner, just as readers (as we all) struggle to understand and deal with personal issues and cultural questions.

Was there a particular blog post/article you read in February that spoke to you? Share it in the comments.