How to Use ChatGPT (the Write Way)

Writing a novel with ChatGPT is exhausting. I should know, for I just spent the last few months doing so. But that’s for another blog post. Today, I want to talk about how people are using ChatGPT the wrong way. If you ask ChatGPT to write you a novel, it will likely say something along … More How to Use ChatGPT (the Write Way)

A Different Kind of Writing Prompt

Writing prompts are used by students and writers alike to challenge their creativity and/or to improve writing skills. They can be presented in a variety of ways – phrases, questions, topics – the sky’s the limit. Their purpose is to present you with an idea or thought that you can expand upon, allowing you to … More A Different Kind of Writing Prompt

Writers Need Rest to Maintain Their Creativity, Part 1

Writers often need rest in areas other than just sleep in order to maintain their creativity. … More Writers Need Rest to Maintain Their Creativity, Part 1

Use Project Gutenberg for Research

What do carpet beetles, Plato, and the diary of a politician from the 1600s all have in common? You can find all of them on the website Project Gutenberg for free. If you are unfamiliar with the website, buckle up—we are diving into the public domain! Project Gutenberg is a website that offers over 60,000 … More Use Project Gutenberg for Research

Find Some Ivory Tower Time to Create

An ivory tower is often defined as a place where a person is cut off from the responsibilities of the world so they can pursue their own interests without interruption. Creative people may sometimes long for a perfect ivory tower where they can spend endless, uninterrupted hours creating. But maybe your ivory tower looks more … More Find Some Ivory Tower Time to Create

A Creative Cache to Inspire Your Writing Ideas

One question I am often asked when I give talks on writing is, “Where do you get your ideas?” Ideas for writing come from a plethora of areas: through prayer (my number one resource), from situations I’ve experienced, from things I’ve read or heard about, through things I see on a walk or from places … More A Creative Cache to Inspire Your Writing Ideas

Stained Glass Windows Have a Story to Tell  

Stained glass windows have a story to tell of creation, the fall, and redemption and restoration, and so do we. … More Stained Glass Windows Have a Story to Tell  

Creating Characters Who Have Hearts and Souls

Each year 5th graders in the school where I teach become buddies with a kindergartner. They sit with them in chapel, listen to them read, and also write and illustrate a picture book for their kindergarten buddy. The 5th graders created characters and wrote their stories. Their teacher then asked me to help them with … More Creating Characters Who Have Hearts and Souls

Who Made You? Staying Grounded While Working in Creative Fields

Basic faith questions can help us stay grounded when we discuss our creative gifts and how to use them in the world … More Who Made You? Staying Grounded While Working in Creative Fields