Writing Tip

Barbara Shepherd:
"In poetry, every word should be important to the poem. If you say everything you meant to say in four lines, limit that poem to those four. Transfer that logic to prose: Every word needs to earn its keep and move your story forward."

Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books

How do you deal with doubt?
By Kelley Benson

Jesus shared an introductory message about God’s will for mankind in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6). In the chapters that follow, we get a glimpse of people struggling to connect His words to His ability.

There are those that believe, that with Jesus, “all things are possible” (Mark 9:23); and there are those who doubt. In many ways, this is symbolic of our own journey – times of great faith followed by times of doubt. Elijah experienced something similar in 1 Kings 19 where he runs from Jezebel’s murderous threats. But this was her response to God’s mighty display of power on Mt. Carmel by Elijah! What he experienced, and what some of the people we read in the New Testament experienced, is quite common for us, too.
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Writing Tip

Barbara Shepherd:
"In poetry, every word should be important to the poem. If you say everything you meant to say in four lines, limit that poem to those four. Transfer that logic to prose: Every word needs to earn its keep and move your story forward."

Writing Tip

Stephen B. Bagley:
"I’m writing a story and use the Internet to look up how quickly hemlock can kill a person...and then an hour later, I’m looking at funny dog videos. The internet has seduced me away from getting my writing done. Has this happened to you? Maybe this tip will help.

"The tip is: Turn your internet off. My router is next to my computer, so when I know I would rather surf than write, I reach over and turn it off. If I want to look something up, I can turn it back on, but it takes a minute or two to boot up, which is usually enough time for me to acknowledge I’m trying to avoid writing.

"If your router isn’t close by, there are several programs for your computer that will turn off your internet for a specified amount of time. Programs such as InternetOff, Anti-Social, Freedom and several others are available. Some of them are even free. They will all help you keep your writing time for writing."

Meet Our Members: Barbara Shepherd

Barbara Shepherd is the recipient of more than 300 writing awards in local, regional, national, and international contests. She has been named the American Christian Writers’ Writer of the Year (twice) and received a Readers Choice Award from miller’s pond and the Creme de la Creme from Norman Galaxy of Writers. Rose State Writers Conference presented her with a trophy for the Outstanding Author Award for 2016. She is the Oklahoma 2017 Voice of the Fair Poet, a Lone Stars Poet, a Woody Guthrie Poet, and a former Nominee for Poet Laureate of the State of Oklahoma. Shepherd has been a field editor for Taste of Home magazines and cookbooks and a freelance contributor to other magazines, including: Outlook, Oklahoma D.O., Oklahoma Woman, Shawnee Shopper, Edmond Life and Leisure, miller's pond, Bella, and ArtBeat. Her books include: The Potbelly Pig Promise, River Bend, Vittles and Vignettes, and Patchwork Skin. Her writing has also appeared in: State Cops Cooking in the Heartland - More Than We Can Say Grace Over, Women’s War Memoirs, Heavenly Patchwork, Voices In Time, Candle Flames: PSO’s 70th Anniversary Anthology, Oklahoma Centennial Heritage Collection, Harp Strings, A Centennial Celebration of Oklahoma Stories, travelin’ Music, Elegant Rage, Poetry Is For Everyone, Imagination Turned Loose, Beads On a String–Peace, Joy, and Love, From the Heart of Galaxy, Ain't Gonna Be Treated This Way, and numerous magazines, newspapers, newsletters and online publications. Visit her website at barbarashepherd.com.

Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books

Are You Conforming to Christ?
By Kelley Benson

In our modern culture, conformity is often used as a kind of bad word. Within the walls of congregations, conformity is our goal. But how much thought do we put into the idea of conformity? Is too much conformity bad? Is not enough conformity a sin? When we consider the self-sacrifice Jesus talked about in Luke 9:22 or Paul talked about in Romans 12:1-2, we quickly see that “conforming to His image” (Romans 8:29) is how God plans for us to become like Him, not like the world.
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Writing Tip

Debra Chandler:
"Prioritize your writing. Sure, you have other responsibilities, but if it’s important, you have to give it a high place in the To-Do List and stick to it. Otherwise, it will never get done."

Writing Tip

Kathy Akins:
"Read books in the genre you want to write. If writing for children, choose an age level as well. Read, read, read. Understand the genre to write it well."

Meet Our Members: Heath Stallcup

Heath Stallcup was born in Salinas, California, and relocated to Oklahoma in his tween years. He joined the US Navy and was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, and Bangor, Washington, shortly after junior college. After his second tour, he attended East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma, where he obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He then served ten years with the State of Oklahoma as a Compliance and Enforcement Officer while moon-lighting nights and weekends with the local sheriff’s office. He lives in Oklahoma with his wife and three of his seven children. His short stories were published in Blackbirds Second Flight, Blackbirds Third Flight, Deadly Eleven, Middletown Apocalypse, Middletown Apocalypse 2: Midtown Apocalypse, Let's Scare Cancer to Death, Fight the MonSter, Bite-Sized Offerings: Tales & Legends of the Zombie Apocalypse, and collected in Mind Trip. His books include Whispers, Caldera, Caldera II: Out of the Fire, Caldera III: Return to Yellowstone, Caldera IV: Countdown to Oblivion, Forneus Corson, Hunter, Hunter II-Assassin for Hire, and the continuing Monster Squad series: Return of the Phoenix, Full Moon Rising, Coalition of the Damned, Blood Apocalypse, Homecoming, Wayward Son, Obsessions, and Specters. Visit his website at heathstallcup.com.

Writing Tip

Debra Chandler:
"When creating characters, try to imagine them off the page. Who were they prior to the story? How do they act when they’re not 'in the spotlight?' Do they move turtles off the road? Shoot whiskey until they pass out? Binge-watch videos on streaming?"

Got two nuns and a goat?

Floozy & Other Stories
By Stephen B. Bagley
Humor - Got two nuns and a goat? Do you enjoy Sabbath Night Fever? Or own a flying robot monkey army serving our Alien Masters? If you do, this book is for you!
Enjoy humorist Stephen B. Bagley's views of our world in more than 80 hilarious tales from the author's decidedly different life.
Buy on Amazon
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Meet Our Members: Joanne Verbridge

Joanne Verbridge was born in Oakland, California, spending her early life experiences in Northern California. Family brought her to Okahoma where she enjoys writing memoirs and crafting. She works to inspire her young nieces to take an interest in story telling and writing. Her memoirs and short stories and articles have been published in newspapers and Creations 2015, Creations 2014, Creations 2013, and Creations 2012.

Writing Tip

Debra Chandler:
"It may sound trite, but keep a journal. Even if it’s a bullet journal. Try to dedicate at least 15 minutes every other day on just putting your thoughts in print. This may grow into an addiction!"

Book Review

(Please note: All book reviews are unsolicited and unpaid. The reviews represent the viewpoint of the reviewer alone and are offered as an aid to other writers.)

Book Review by Barbara Shepherd

Write Your Novel From the Middle: 
A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between
By James Scott Bell

Bell introduces us to Pam Pantser who struggled to create an outline but decided it was too much “like shampooing a porcupine.” Although Paul Plotter self-published nine good thrillers, followed all the rules of writing, and could probably win awards for perfect outlines, his books still need help. Tammy Tweener’s writing process borrows from those of Pam and Paul, yet she needs a stronger story. Bell promises to help all three with his “Write From the Middle Method.”

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Writing Resources

(Please Note: These listings are listed only as a courtesy and an aid to writers. Prosateurs does not promote, endorse or guarantee these listings. Read all terms and contracts closely.)

BLOGGING SERVICES
WordPress
Blogger

GRAPHICS
Colourbox
Fotolia
Dreamstime
iStock
Bigstock

GRAPHIC EDITING PROGRAMS
Photoshop Elements
BookCreative Book Design
GNU Image Manipulation Program AKA GIMP

PUBLISHERS
Lulu
CreateSpace

SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
GooglePlus

Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books

What Are You Reading?
By Kelley Benson

Every year I try to make an effort to read the Bible through from cover to cover. I know many other people make the same goal, and I’m happy that there are people out there that see the benefit and significance of reading the Bible. It’s a journey that can be frustrating, difficult, even boring at times, but it can also be enlightening, refreshing, and humbling to see how much understanding is still to be gained.
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Writing Sites

(Please Note: These listings are listed only as a courtesy and an aid to writers. Prosateurs does not promote, endorse, or guarantee these listings. Read all terms and contracts closely.)

WRITING SITES

General Writing Advice
Novel Rocket
Goins, Writer
Writer's Digest
The Creative Penn

Children’s & Young Adult
Adventures in YA Publishing
Resources for Children's Writers

Fantasy/Science Fiction
Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction

Freelance
Freelance Writing

Horror
DarkMarkets
Horror Writers Association

Mystery/Crime
Jungle Red Writers
Mystery Writers of America

Poetry
Poetry Daily

Romance
Romance University

Scriptwriting
Movie Bytes
The Script Lab

Spiritual
Christian Story Teller
The Seekers

Thriller
International Thriller Writers
Murder by 4

Writing Tip

Debra Chandler:
"Go shopping. If you’re just tired of looking at the same four walls or out the same window, bring home something to place in your work space to freshen it up or inspire you. Sometimes something as simple as a poster or a figurine can provide the little jolt of stimulation you need."

Belle Faces Perils on the Frontier

River Bend
By Barbara Shepherd
Historical - Belle Strong expected her husband to meet her when she stepped off the ferry in north Texas, but she was in for a surprise—her husband is dying. Pregnant and alone, she faces challenges along the Red River where her world includes fur trappers, Indians, and a rugged sea captain.
Jacob Owens spends most of his life on the high seas and is a self-proclaimed bachelor. But when a green-eyed beauty enters his world, he finds his thoughts drifting in different directions. Why can’t he stop thinking about her, and why is he trading fine beaver pelts for exquisite fabrics to surprise Belle to use in her quilting?
Can she protect her son in such an uncivilized country? Or will she be forced to rely on a complete stranger?

Buy on Amazon

Buy for Kindle

Buy from The Wild Rose Press

Writing Tip

Stephen B. Bagley:
"When I edit, I work backwards. I start at the end of the book or short story and read the last page first and proceed backwards. Somehow that increases the number of errors and mistakes I catch. I think it must disrupt the flow of reading to allow the editor part of my brain to the front. One of my college professors suggested actually reading an article backwards, sentence by sentence. It does help with certain difficult passages."

The Best Face Off Against the Beasts

Return of the Phoenix (Volume 1)
By Heath Stallcup
Horror - Humanity has spent its time enjoying the peace that can only be had through blissful ignorance. For centuries, stories of things that go 'bump' in the night have been passed down and shared. When creatures of the night proved to be real, the best of America’s military came together to form an elite band of rapid response teams. Their mission: to face the challenge and keep the civilian populace safe from those threats and hide all evidence of their existence. But during a routine mission, when things go horribly wrong, the Monster Squad finds themselves having to rebuild from the ashes of what they once were. This time, they face not only the monsters that threaten the peaceful lives of the citizens they are sworn to protect, but their own government as a dark storm brews on the horizon. A storm that will threaten not just the squads and their existence, but the lives of every human on earth.

Buy on Amazon      Buy on Barnes & Noble

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

We hope the new year blesses you and yours

with joy, peace, health, and wealth!

The Prosateurs

Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books

Are You Running the Race?
By Kelley Benson

Acts 20:24, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

Running has been a favorite pastime of mine for several decades now. Not so much the aching bones, the cramped muscles, or trying to get motivated to run in frigid conditions, but instead the satisfaction of completing a run.
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Featured Blog: Paws and Reflect

Fit for a King
By Kathy Akins

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasurers, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.”  Matthew 2:11

Most Christian homes will have at least one nativity scene set up as part of their Christmas decorations. In addition to the stable with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, there will be shepherds with sheep, and more than likely, three wise men with their camels. This is a lovely picture and has become the traditional view of Christ’s birth.

On the night Jesus was born, the angels announced it to the shepherds, who immediately hurried to see the Messiah. They then ran to share the good news with others. The wise men, or magi, were traveling from the east using the star to guide them to the location of the new king. These men were familiar with the stories of an expected savior, probably passed down from the time and teachings of Daniel in Babylon. They were coming, as was custom, to honor the newborn king.
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Featured Blog: Paws and Reflect

God's Gift
By Kathy Akins

“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:8-12

The Christmas holiday brings thoughts of sharing and giving to others. Many will feel compelled to donate money to charities or homeless shelters. Others will volunteer time to serve meals or distribute toys to those less fortunate. The attitude of generosity and love seems to hover over our collective society. How I wish this could continue throughout the year and not just for a season.
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Featured Blog: Kelley Benson's Books

God's Infinite Power
By Kelley Benson

El Shaddai, the Hebrew name that means “God--the Powerful One, God--the Almighty.” It’s a commonly used name in the Bible for God, but descriptions of that name are illustrated all throughout the Bible: the Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 14:19), Builder of everything (Hebrews 3:4, Ecclesiastes 11:5, Genesis 21:33), the King of Heaven (Daniel 4:37), the only God (Jude 1:25). Paul says it this way in Ephesians 3:20, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
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Writing Tip

Debra Chandler
"As you read over your writing, try to find the things about it that make it different from anyone else’s writing. If those are things that feel good and right, keep doing them, this is how to uncover your voice. If they seem awful, ditch them, but only with a second, third or hundredth opinion on the matter. It’s hard to spot a hedgehog."

There's nothing like a good murder for Christmas!

Murder by Dewey Decimal
By Stephen B. Bagley
Mystery - When Assistant Librarian Bernard M. Worthington finds the body of the dreaded Agatha Ryton-Storer, he has no way of knowing her death will begin a series of murders that will stun his small town and reveal secrets hidden for thirty years. He, roving reporter Lisa Trent, and Police Chief Chuck Donaldson must outwit a ruthless, determined murderer.
What was stolen from the library safe? What happened to the missing janitor? Why is Lisa a target? Who stole the Ryton family jewels? Why did Eliah Ryton will his hideous mansion to the city? What secrets does it hold and who is killing to hide them?
Appealing characters, sly wit, clever plot, and chilling suspense mark this first novel in the Measurements of Murder Mystery™ series.
Buy on Amazon
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On Sale Now!

River Bend
By Barbara Shepherd
Historical - Belle Strong expected her husband to meet her when she stepped off the ferry in north Texas, but she was in for a surprise—her husband is dying. Pregnant and alone, she faces challenges along the Red River where her world includes fur trappers, Indians, and a rugged sea captain.
Jacob Owens spends most of his life on the high seas and is a self-proclaimed bachelor. But when a green-eyed beauty enters his world, he finds his thoughts drifting in different directions. Why can’t he stop thinking about her, and why is he trading fine beaver pelts for exquisite fabrics to surprise Belle to use in her quilting?
Can she protect her son in such an uncivilized country? Or will she be forced to rely on a complete stranger?

Buy on Amazon

Buy for Kindle

Buy from The Wild Rose Press