Author Archives: Steph Nickel

Seeing Our Mistakes from a New Perspective by Steph Beth Nickel

Like most people, if not everyone, I can think of a number of times I’ve wished I could press rewind and have a do-over, especially if my actions or words cost me something: money, reputation, peace of mind. But that’s not the way life works. That’s not the way God works.

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The Power of the Spirit in Our Writing by Janice Dick

Do you ever wonder if the hours, days, weeks, and years you spend at your computer arranging words is making any difference whatsoever in the grand scheme of life? I do. Since 1989, I’ve spent much of my time writing fiction. A lot of people don’t understand what I do, or why, but I keep… Read more »

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Who are You? by Brenda J. Wood

You are a writer. Just what does that look like? You introduce yourself through your books. You are not super organized unless it comes to plotting. You are a pantser and make up your story as you go. You thrive on deadlines. Deadlines are your enemy. Your favourite topic is your latest novel. You are… Read more »

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Combining the “Ps” by Tracy Krauss

The InScribe Blog on Writing would like to welcome our newest bloggers: Tracy Krauss and Violet Nesdoly. Enjoy the following post by Tracy on plotting vs. pantsing. Plotting vs. Pantsing There is much debate among authors over which works best. There is certainly merit to both methods. Plotting ensures continuity while pantsing keeps it fresh…. Read more »

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Metaphor is a Golden Thread by Pamela Mytroen

One of the biggest challenges I face as I write human interest stories is to weave the hundreds of little anecdotes and stories that a person, business, or concert provides into a cohesive piece. I learned a strategy with the first piece I wrote for the newspaper—but not without some growing pains. The old gal… Read more »

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Blogging to Further God’s Work by Jack Popjes

Few topics will generate more passionate, potentially divisive discussion among missionaries than money and how it is raised. About 20 years ago, I was the president and executive director of a major faith mission agency. The board mandated me to “bring about needed change.” I soon realized that financially, the organization was in trouble and… Read more »

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Different Yet the Same by Steph Beth Nickel

Whether we write full-time or simply devote a couple of hours a week to our craft, we are more than simply writers. We’re husbands and wives, students and teachers, executives and factory workers, income earners and volunteers, young adults and retirees. No stereotype will fit, but we do have many things in common.

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Fiction 101: Research by Janice L. Dick

When I began writing, I came across this statement: “Write what you know.” Wise, but severely limiting if you’ve led a sheltered life. I reversed the adage to read, “Know what you write.” Even if I don’t know something from firsthand knowledge or experience, I can find out about it.

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You Still Get Fudge by Brenda J. Wood

Even though the recipe is unbelievably simple, even though there are only two ingredients, the result is terrific fudge. 1 pkg. (225 g) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate 1 can (300 ml) sweetened condensed milk Line 8-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides; spray with cooking spray. Melt chocolate as directed on… Read more »

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A Varied Menu by Carolyn R. Wilker

Today, on this, my last post for the Inscribe professional blog, I ask you to consider your longer-term goal and how you will get there. What do you want to have accomplished by the end of the year? Is it steady blogging or perhaps progress on a book of memories, poetry, devotionals, or other short… Read more »

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