Friday, December 28, 2018

10 Ways to Find Plot Ideas

For some, there comes a time when you suddenly can't write anymore.  Or, maybe you just don't have any clue where to start.  We all get that problem at some point.  Even while writing blog posts.  You have no idea how long I stare at a computer screen before finally coming up with a post idea sometimes (care to help with that?  Fill out the form on the sidebar!).

So today I'm going to talk about ten ways to find a plot ideas.


1. Advice.  Seriously, getting others' opinions is gold.  Even if it's just one or two people, get someone you trust and ask them for ideas or advice.  Often, fresh minds will think of other—and sometimes better—things than you could, not to mention encouragement when you're convinced that you're completely worthless as a writer.  Writing partners are wonderful this way.

2. Music.  If you're a music lover like me, you probably already know how amazing music is when it comes to writing.  I've mentioned that it helps stimulate you when you're distracted, but I haven't mentioned the inspiring part.  Take one of your favorite songs and turn it into a story.  Or maybe use the title of the song as the title of your story.  Or maybe even simply take the first line of your favorite song and write your story from that.  One song that I've used for this purpose is God On the Mountain.


3. Books.  Be creative with this one.  If you have that one book(s) that you just love and have reread a few dozen times, write a fan fiction.  Even if it doesn't inspire you for your own story, it will get you writing again.  Or maybe take a favorite quote from said book and go from there. 

4. Titles.  Sometimes, all you need to give you that little nudge is a title for your story.  Book title generators are perfect for that kind of thing.  Even if it's something as random as The Girl and Her Slime, you never know what will strike your fancy and put an idea in your head.

5. Photos.  A picture is worth a thousand years old, or so states the adage.  Find 70 pictures, and you've got a nice-sized novel!  In all seriousness, though, pictures do help immensely.  My favorite way to find and save pictures is Pinterest, which I'm sure you've at least heard of.  Pinterest is full of inspiration waiting to happen.

6. Experience.  Has anything interesting or unique happened to you, recently or in the past?  Even something completely normal—write it!  The best thing about fiction is the name—fiction.  You can take completely true stories and turn them into something completely opposite or extraordinary and it will be completely acceptable—because it's fiction!

7. Prompts.  This is a no-brainer, really, but there are seriously so many writing prompts out there, and find the perfect one can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.  Some prompts have their own brands that you can find in specific genres, which is extremely helpful when you have a favorite genre that you like to write.  Google is simply but extremely helpful in finding prompts in said genre.


8. Experience.  Has anything interesting or unique happened to you, recently or in the past?  Even something completely normal—write it!  The best thing about fiction is the name—fiction.  You can take completely true stories and turn them into something completely opposite or extraordinary and it will be completely acceptable—because it's fiction!

9. Interviews.  Has someone you know done something you'd like to write about?  You could even write a research paper about the subject to use for future reference!  Take this person's experience and turn it into something incredible and breathtaking.  Even simply a grandparent, to see how their childhood differs from yours.  The possibilities are endless.

10. Hobbies.  Now, this might fall under the 'experience' category, but think about it for a moment.  If you have a hobby, chances are that you're an expert on the subject—no research required!  For example, one of my hobbies is playing music.  If I wanted to, I could write a story about a girl who plays piano to relax.  And then this would further stimulate questions from which I can derive inspiration: why does she need to relax?  Does anyone get annoyed when she plays?  Is she any good?  You could really take it anywhere.


I hope this helped you gain some inspiration!  What's your favorite method to find a plot?

Monday, December 24, 2018

Author Interview: Faith Potts {12 Days of Christmas}

Today, Christmas Eve, is our last author interview!  For our interviewee today we have the hostess of the 12 Days of Christmas blog party herself, Faith Potts!  Faith released her first Christmas book, Behold, this month.



About Faith:





Saved by God's grace, Faith Potts is a teenage writer and homeschool graduate, living with her family and beloved yellow labs in the North Carolina mountains. When she’s not weaving stories, consuming large amounts of coffee, reading stacks of books, or studying American Sign Language, she can be found laughing harder than is healthy, daydreaming, and—of course—blowing dandelions.



What inspired you to write a Christmas story?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved Christmas stories and what they represent. This is my favorite time of year, and I adore seeing that displayed in words. No matter the plot, trope, genre, or particular themes, I’ve loved nearly every Christmas story I’ve read—and they say writers write what they want to read. ;)

What inspired you to write Behold?
Being a short story collection, I wrote the stories inside Behold at different times and was motivated in various ways. Most of the stories were inspired by images, random thoughts, or Christmas miracles. And one of the stories, being a continuation of one of my other published works, was inspired by readers of that novella requesting more. 


A collection of short stories honoring the birth of the Savior


From two siblings caught up in the harrowing days of World War II to separated foster children in the US…

From a memorable road trip across the Southeast to the reunion of a war-torn family... 

You’ll be swept into the Christmas spirit with the endearing stories tucked inside these pages. The storylines range from family to romance to the bond of community, with settings scattered across America and beyond.



Behold the beauty of the Savior’s birth with this gathering of stories that warm the soul and bless the heart. 

What aspect of Christmas is your favorite to write about?
The hope, the love, the joy. Except for the occasional Scrooge, people are so much more generous, loving, and hopeful during the Christmas season. To me, it’s a peek into what the world would be like if we all truly appreciated the Savior who died for us and sought to faithfully serve Him—all year round. 

Did you write your Christmas book during the Christmas season, or all year round?
Behold is a collection of short stories, most of which were written during the Christmas season. One of the stories, however, was written during this past summer/fall. Getting into a snowy mood while it was nearly 80 degrees was tricky. ;)

What is one aspect in your book that you have a personal connection with?
As I already said, I love Christmastime and everything that comes along with the season. Several characters throughout Behold are journeying home for the holidays. Whether it’s a literal jaunt or a passage they don’t even realize they’re on at the time, the search to find where you truly belong at this time of year is special to me. 

What is one thing that you want all your readers to get out of your Christmas book?
To remember to behold. I doesn’t really matter if you don’t get the gift you think you just have to have, if you don’t sip hot cocoa or take a sleigh ride or have a white Christmas, if your tree isn’t perfect or your family photo looks like it should belong in a “caption this” contest. What matters at Christmas—and the rest of the year—is that we remember to stay in awe of the One who created us and withholds no good gift from those who love Him. 



Thank you for taking time to do this, Faith!
Visit her blog for the rest of participants:

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Sunday, December 23, 2018

Christmas Writing Music {12 Days of Christmas}

Today's post is rather self-explanatory.  I've gathered a few songs—instrumentals, so you won't be distracted by words while writing—to help you write those stories that you were inspired by my epic prompts.

I Saw Three Ships—Lindsey Stirling


We Three Kings—The Piano Guys


Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy—Vitamin String Quartet


Sleigh Ride—Boston Pops Orchestra


O Come, O Come Emmanuel/Greensleeves—Simply Three


Little Drummer Boy/Do You Hear What I Hear—The Piano Guys


Jingle Bells—Craig Duncan



Tomorrow will be our last interview, so be sure to stop by!

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Saturday, December 22, 2018

Author Interview: Ryana Miller {12 Days of Christmas}

Day 9 of 12 is here already; Christmas is nearly here.  I hope everyone is enjoying their celebration preparations, whether it be decorating, cooking, or snitching the food.


Today we have another special guest—Ryana Miller!  Ryana has published one Christmas story, Coffee Shop Christmas.  Before we get into the interview, let's take a look at her bio:

Hey! I'm Ryana Lynn Miller and I'm  from Central North Carolina! I am currently the oldest at home, being third in line out of seven kids. I am an Independent Fundamental Baptist and staunchly Pro-Life.

When I'm not writing Historical Fiction or a Christmas Novella about First Responders,  I might be found making cards, researching Creation Science, singing with my siblings, learning about web design (I must stress the learning part!) and spending time outdoors. I also teach history in my family's Homeschool and I help in our family's ministry, representing fbnradio.com. (Please check out our site!)

I graduated from homeschool in 2013. I knew that I wanted to be an author, but I had no idea how much work was involved! My first novel was published in 2015/2016 (Printing around Christmas and New Years is not a good idea!) four years after I wrote the first draft.

You can visit Ryana's website and find her blog at lifeofheritage.com.


What inspired you to write a Christmas story?
Actually, two authors inspired my desire to write a Christmas story, Sarah Maxwell of Titus2.com and Victoria Minks of www.victoriaminks.com. Both had written Christmas stories that I loved and I realized, there really aren't enough good Christmas stories out there. I decided to "join the club."

What inspired you to write Coffee Shop Christmas?
Long story on this one. I found an article on how to write an outline for a novella and wanted to give it a try. Not long before, I had read a story by Victoria set in a Coffee Shop and I loved the setting. I thought it would make a cozy scene for a Christmas story, so I went with that. The outline was vague, but fun, I'd never done anything like that before. I threw a small police line in the story as as nod to my heroes. ;) Then I put it all away and forgot about it. That was fall 2015.

In the summer 2016, after all the negative media coverage began towards our law enforcement, I pulled out my outline and read it. I knew the time was right. After rewriting my plot, and adding a lot more police involvement, I sat down and drafted it.




While for some, Christmas is a time of pleasant memories, for others, it is a reminder of past tragedies. Police widow Katherine Shannon is one such person. Since the death of her husband a year ago, she has made ends meet running a coffee shop across from the town police station. But as time goes on, she’s questioning whether she should keep the shop open or if maybe God has something else in mind for her.


Can a cup of coffee really make a difference in this world? Can a coffee shop be used for God’s glory? Can God use burnt cookies and salted caramel lattés to open a door for Christian service? Or an overheard conversation to touch a heart? (Mark 9:41)



Through a series of God orchestrated events, she will find her answer. Come along and join Katherine as she finds God’s will for her life. Once you visit The Coffee Shop, you’ll never be the same.


What aspect of Christmas is your favorite to write about?
Hmmm...for this story, I loved creating the setting. To me, Christmas smells and feels a certain way or it just ain't right,lol! But telling the Christmas story was probably the best part. I have my protagonist telling the story of Christmas and Easter to a writer, so playing with the writer's mind's eye was fun, describing the smells, sights and feels as she thought it would be. As a writer, it was easy to do, haha!

Did you write your Christmas book during the Christmas season, or all year round?
No, I actually wrote the story in October, edited it in November, and set it aside again.

What is one aspect in your book that you have a personal connection with?
Good question. There are a few scattered through my story. The policeman in a wreck it's based on a neighbor of mine growing up who wrapped his patrol car around around tree. Thank God he survived, though he was badly injured.  Another is the book references in the story :^) and a reference to a grandpa fighting in WWII. My Great-grandfather served in the army during that war, so that was a nod to him, even though the only similarity he has to the story is the fact that he served :^)

I don't know if this counts, but this book really taught me a lot about how much my police force means to me. It drew me to find out more about them and realize how much they sacrifice for us. Of all my books, this one is has my heart.

What is one thing you want all your readers to get out of your Christmas book?
I'm gonna cheat and give you two;^)

First, I want people to look for opportunities to do work for Christ. Whether it's witnessing or encouraging someone, there is work to do if you'll look for it.

Second, respect your policeman. They are people just like me and you and they volunteer for all the stress that goes with the job to protect and serve...even if you don't like them. They are True heroes and need our prayers.

Shout out to Chief Hicks, Officer Allen and the Denton Police Department!  You are heroes! Thank you for your service! 



Thank you for joining us today, Ryana!
Tomorrow we have some Christmas music to help you write your Christmas WIP.
Check out Faith's blog for the rest of the participators, as well as the giveaway!

Click on the image to be redirected to Faith's blog

Friday, December 21, 2018

20 Christmas Plot Starters {12 Days of Christmas}

Want to write a Christmas story but not sure where to start?  I'm back with 20 prompts for you!  


The first day of Christmas did not bring a partridge, and definitely not a pear tree.  Actually, a pear tree would've been preferable.


The snowflakes fell gently, blanketing the scene in a shimmering landscape broken only by the occasional tree on the slope.


"I'm sorry, there's nothing more I can do."  Those eight words sent them all to their knees in prayer for a Christmas miracle.


Pinching myself didn't wake me up from finding my three-year-old son wrapped in the lights that were supposed to end up on the tree.  The flashing lights gave me a headache that worsened at the mischievous glint in his eyes that promised more to come.


A Christmas without him wasn't what she had in mind.  Actually, nothing about this holiday was as she had imagined when the words "I do" escaped her lips.  But she hung the stockings on the mantle, his monogrammed initials deepening the ache in her heart.


I'm only a sheep, and I know animals are supposed to scare easily, but even I knew something was way off when the sky suddenly filled with angels.


"Go ahead," they said.  "It'll be hilarious," they said.  I should've known that the words "spike the eggnog" would have disastrous consequences the moment they popped out of the mouth of the same people that told me that cats love water.


It never grows old, that story of Christ's birth.  The manger, the star, the shepherds, the wise men.  Even though my thoughts were filled with visions of sugar plums when I went to bed that Christmas Eve, the Christmas story came to life in my dreams in a way I'd never seen before.


"Mama, why do people sing to Santa baby?  Santa's not the baby—Jesus is."  My daughter's simple question began a long discussion beside the crackling fire, one that lasted long into the night.


The candle's flame flickered in the slight breeze, illuminating a winter wonderland that stretched beyond the fire's light.  A wonderland that beckoned her to discover all the secrets that it held.


"Avalanche!" the single word struck terror into the heart of every person present.


Snowflakes on green leaves and whiskers on reindeer, Comet and Cupid with Rudolph to steer.  Bright-colored packages tied up with string, these are a few of Santa's favorite things...


A myriad of sweaters gave the appearance of hallucinations as people mingled in the stifling atmosphere.  The Ugly Sweater Pageant was off with a bang.


Pine boughs and bits of ribbon bordered the stage, with candles lighting a ring around the center.  But it was the item inside that circle that caught every eye and caused a mutual gasp to rise out of the crowd.


The three ships I saw sailing in on Christmas Day weren't in the morning.  Actually, I'm not sure why they sailed in at all.  But they certainly caused quite a stir.


"Fresh apple cider!  Hot cocoa!  Freshly-brewed coffee!"  The cry floated above the rush of shoppers.  It went unheeded by all.  All, that is, except for the gentleman in the orange suit.


Home for Christmas.  The words tickled her lips, sending a shiver down her spine.  At last, at long last, she would be home for Christmas.


A simple gift.  That's all I had to offer.  It was small, but even then I could hardly afford it.  The smallest gift on the pile.  Yet it was my gift that made her face light up as bright as the lights on the tree.


My name is Joshua.  I hitched a ride in the caravan of wise men that are following the star to find the Messiah.  This is my story.


Bells pealed, trumpets sounded, the angels rejoiced at the news: "Christ is born!"  At last, the triumph over the devil was set in motion.


I hope you can use one—or more—of these to put your creativity to use!
Again, visit Faith's blog for the list of participants, as well as the giveaway:

Click on the image to be redirected to Faith's blog

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Author Interview: Sarah Holman {12 Days of Christmas}

Christmas is drawing nearer and nearer!  And as the day looms closer, I'm here with another author interview—this time with the talented Sarah Holman!  Sarah has written two Christmas stories, Distorted Glass and For My Good.


About Sarah:


Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of many published books and short stories. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.
You can connect with her at her website, The Destiny of One.

What inspired you to write Christmas stories?
I love the season and I love Christmas stories. While I like a fluffy Christmas story as much as anyone, I know that Christmas can be a hard time for people. I wanted to write Christmas stories that gave hope to people who were hurting.  


Which of your Christmas books is your favorite, and why?

That's hard to choose. However, I suppose "For My Good," because I enjoyed the action and I loved showing something I've learned from my one life: God uses hard things for our good. Christmas can come with the expectation of all things working out perfectly. Sometimes, we need reminders when things don't go right, God still has gifts for us.






It is Christmas time, but nothing is like it is supposed to be. Can a chance encounter help Janet to find joy and meaning despite her pain?



What inspired you to write For My Good?

I knew young people whose parents had divorced. I was thinking about it one day and started writing. This story came out. 


What aspect of Christmas is your favorite to write about?

I love all the decorations and songs I get to include. It's so much fun to decorate my books, so to speak. It's also great because it's easy for readers to picture it in their mind.


Did you write both of your Christmas books during the Christmas season, or all year round?

I normally start writing them in the summer. It's pretty funny to be writing about cold weather and Christmas when Texas is hitting between 90 and 100 degrees, but that's often how it works. 


What is one thing that you want all your readers to get out of your Christmas books?
That we serve a God of hope. He came as a baby, in the middle of a chaotic time, to offer us hope for the future.



Thank you for joining us, Sarah!
I'll be back tomorrow with twenty Christmas story prompts!


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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Christmas Cover Love {12 Days of Christmas}

Welcome to day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas blog party!  Today I'll be sharing some beautiful Christmas book covers.


Note: I do not necessarily recommend any of these books.  I'm simply sharing the covers because of... well... their beauty.  You can't go wrong admiring a gorgeous cover, now, can you?

An Endless Christmas—Cynthia Ruchti


With this book, I love the title font.  It adds such a whimsical element to the cover.


The Old Mansion's Secret—Rebekah Morris


At first glance, I thought the ornament in the cover is suspended amid a flurry of snow, but upon closer look, it's hanging in a tree.  That fact, along with the mansion pictured, sums up the entire story perfectly, as a cover should.


Beyond the Horizon—Jesseca Wheaton


I'm not usually a fan of faces on the front of books, but this instance, added to the three-dimensional appearance of the title, makes the cover perfect.


Red Boots—Kate Willis


The boots, the dress, the fonts, the colors all blend together to create a picture-perfect (literally) cover that (obviously) exactly matches the title.  But what really draws everything together, what really makes this cover appealing to my eyes, is the gray background, with the snowflakes seemingly embedded into the sidewalk.


Bespoke—Amanda Dykes


First of all, I'd just like to admire this designer's incredible ability to make a book cover look like a movie cover.  The window hints at things yet to be told, or maybe simply the joy of opening a window to find new things untold.  And. Those. Fonts.  They're just perfection.


One Enchanted Eve—Melissa Tagg


'Enchanted' is certainly the word I would use to describe this cover!  The overhanging clouds, the snow, the trees, the bridge beckoning readers to cross it into the pages inside this book.


Join us tomorrow for another author interview!
Also, don't forget to visit Faith's blog for the list of other participators, as well as the giveaway.

Click on the image to be redirected to Faith's blog

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