After reading Andy Crouch’s Culture Making several years ago, I had this sinking feeling that Christians are way behind the eight ball regarding cultural engagement. “When it comes to cultural creativity,” Crouch writes, “innocence is not a virtue.” Innocence is a polite way to put it. In many sectors of the Church, “culture innocence” is [...]

Thanks to those of you who participated in my Weekend Giveaway. There were lots of great loglines to choose from. I’ve selected three that stood out to me and offer a brief reason for my selection. Once again, thanks so much to all who participated. KEVIN LUCIA: “On the run from the law, a demon-possessed [...]

I’m posting today at Novel Rocket. Springboarding off of Rachelle Gardner’s recent, heavily commented-upon query, “Should We Label Christian Fiction?,” I’ve answered that with a resounding NO. Here’s an excerpt from my article Why We Should NOT Label Christian Fiction: * * * The problem I have in labeling Christian fiction is that the moment [...]

I’ve been in the mood to give away some signed copies of my first novel, INSPY finalist in the Speculative Fiction category, The Resurrection. You can find a detailed synopsis HERE. How to win? Writers: Leave a comment with a one sentence summary of your WIP. By way of example, here’s the blurb for The [...]

Now that FAIRNESS is officially a campaign issue, I’m in the mood for bitching about things that just aren’t equitable. Sure, it goes against one of my primary Parental Proverbs, something I worked hard to instill in my family — LIFE IS NOT FAIR. But since our society appears  intent to correct the scales of [...]

I got a kick out of Nick Mamatas’ Ten Bits of Advice Writers Should Stop Giving Aspiring Writers. (If you’re allergic to profanity, avoid this piece!) Probably because I’m SO tired of hearing some of these things regurgitated SO often. But my favorite, hands down, is number six: We should stop telling aspiring writers… It’s [...]

You’ve heard of ghostwriters. From Wikipedia: “A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is paid to write books, articles, stories, reports, or other texts that are officially credited to another person.” But have you heard of ghost reviewers? From Mikipedia: “A ghost reviewer is someone — often a member of the author’s own family or [...]

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” — The Wizard of Oz One of the reasons for Newt Gingrich’s South Carolina Republican Primary win has been his debate performances. And a key element of Gingrich’s debate performances has been his willingness to attack the mainstream media. Gingrich has not shied away from voicing [...]

As a writer, you’re better off NOT needing affirmation. At least, that’s my going theory. It sounds calloused, I know. Perhaps it’s a result of my upbringing. I learned to survive without praise. If I waited around for pats on the back and encouragement, I wouldn’t have gotten far. I’m better off today having NOT [...]