Let me know what you think of this episode! In this last episode of the series, I discuss the Hero of the book: Boaz. It's fascinating how the author of Ruth shows us so much about the hero, Boaz. What about your story? How do you show character traits rather than tell them to the reader? For more about me and my books, visit my website: Artbyruth You can also find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http:/...
Oct 08, 2019•22 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Let me know what you think of this episode! Ever wonder what it's like to have one of your books made into a movie? Well, my guest, Rachel Hauck knows that feeling! I am honored to have her on my podcast. In this episode, Rachel talks about her writing journey, her work with My Book Therapy, and what it was like to have her book, "Once Upon a Prince" on Hallmark. Oh and we also talk about how women don't wear pantyhose anymore! Anyway, I sure hope you enjoy listening to Rachel as much as I enjoy...
Oct 06, 2019•39 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Let me know what you think of this episode! Dilemmas and decisions! Isn't that what life is all about? In this episode, we'll continue our look into the Book of Ruth and how Naomi is faced with dilemmas and decisions to make that will greatly affect Ruth...and eventually, you and me! Reflect on your current work-in-progress. Do you place urgent dilemmas in your main character's path? Does he/she have important decisions to make? Will those decisions greatly affect everyone around him/her? Writin...
Oct 01, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Let me know what you think of this episode! Considered to be one of the loveliest short stories in literature, the Book of Ruth is perfect for a writing lesson. In the next three episodes, we'll take a look at the literary devices used in this amazing story. Romance, adventure, suspense...this story has it all! For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com/...
Sep 26, 2019•19 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Let me know what you think of this episode! Sometimes God takes away all distractions in order to get us to do what HE wants us to do. Award-winning author, Tari Faris, knows all about this. In this episode, she discusses her writing journey, her work at My Book Therapy, and how God is working in her life. I think you'll be encouraged by her story. For more information about Tari and her books, visit her website: For more information about My Book Therapy, click here. For more information about ...
Sep 20, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Let me know what you think of this episode! It's hard to stay motivated on the inside when life's challenges seem overwhelming. But there are ways to have intrinsic motivation when the extrinsic motivators aren't working anymore. In this episode, we'll look at one particular motivational theory called the Four-Drive Theory that is typically used in business, but can be applied to a writer's life. For more information on the Four Drive Theory, click here. For more information about me and my book...
Sep 16, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Let me know what you think of this episode! In this episode, I talk with award-winning, best-selling author, Beth K. Vogt about her writing journey, the importance of a mentor, and the benefits of writing conferences. We go deep into some personal issues in this episode. I know I came away changed and encouraged. I hope you will, too! For more information about Beth and her books, visit her website: Beth K. Vogt For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website...
Sep 12, 2019•48 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Let me know what you think of this episode! Everyone has a purpose. So should our stories. To entertain, to inform, or to persuade, we all have a purpose to our story. In this episode, I discuss how famous writers had a deeper purpose for writing their stories. Maybe you'll be able to discover the purpose for your story. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com/...
Sep 12, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Let me know what you think of this episode! What is meant by "theme" in writing? What is a theme anyway? In this episode, I discuss what a theme is and why it's important for your story to have themes running through it like threads in a tapestry. Making connections to your readers is what writing is about and selecting the right themes will help you accomplish those important connections. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth....
Sep 01, 2019•16 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Let me know what you think of this episode! It's writing conference season! Many big conferences are coming soon. Are they worth it? Well, that's entirely up to you... For more information about me and my books, visit my website at www.artbyruth.com I'm also on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com/...
Aug 29, 2019•16 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Let me know what you think of this episode! Ever take on a project and then immediately regret that decision? As a writer and a runner, I've been there! In this episode, I discuss how some writing projects can be too intimidating, like a runner at the bottom of a hill, that we want to walk away and give up. But running uphill isn't impossible! It takes skill, determination, and a strong will. It's the same with those difficult writing projects. For a written version of this episode, visit my blo...
Aug 27, 2019•17 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Let me know what you think of this episode! Writing is hard work. Why not make it easier on yourself and write what you love? In this episode, I discuss how much easier it is to write a book about something you love and also what it means to be curious. As writers, we should try to learn something new and write about it! Always be learning. For more about me and my books, visit my website: www.artbyruth.com For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: htt...
Aug 27, 2019•14 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Let me know what you think of this episode! What is the Crisis Point and how does it differ from the Climax of a story? In this episode, we take a look at the crisis point in Marvel's Avengers and A Bug's Life. Take a look at the crisis point in your story. Did you pummel your protagonist enough to make him want to give up? You should! For more information about the Crisis Point, visit my blog, The Writer's Pen. Also, for more information about me, visit me on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter! ...
Aug 21, 2019•15 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Let me know what you think of this episode! Irony is a handy literary technique that you can use to add emphasis and drama to your story. It's a great way to draw your readers in. In this episode, I look at two award-winning movies that used irony in a most excellent way: Places in the Heart and Rear Window SPOILER ALERT!! I will be discussing how both movies end, so if you haven't seen them, you might want to skip ahead in the episode. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her news...
Aug 13, 2019•18 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Let me know what you think of this episode! One of the most disciplined and prolific writers today, award-winning Jody Hedlund talks with me about her writing structure, the importance of branding, and putting godly themes in her stories. What is most important to you when it comes to writing books? For Jody Hedlund, it's about helping people. I hope you are encouraged by this interview. For more information about Jody and her books, visit her website . For more information about Ruth and to sig...
Aug 10, 2019•51 min•Ep. 10
Let me know what you think of this episode! Developing the goals of your protagonist is essential to telling his story. What goal awaits him at the end of his journey? Why is it important? Well, consider the goals in your own life...In this episode, we'll look at examples of short term and long term goals in a story. I hope this will help you develop goals for your own protagonist. For a written version of this episode, visit my blog The Writer's Pen. For more information about me and my books, ...
Jul 27, 2019•21 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Let me know what you think of this episode! Sometimes writers never type "The End" of their stories so they never have to experience the terror of having their work out there for readers to critique. But why write if you never want your words to be read? Receiving constructive criticism of your work is what makes you grow as a writer and a person. In this episode, we'll go over tips for surviving the critique of your work. Sources: https://positivesharing.com/2013/07/7-steps-to-handle-criticism-...
Jul 23, 2019•14 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Let me know what you think of this episode! It's contest season! The lovely and talented best-selling author, Gail Gaymer Martin, kindly shared some tips with our Christian Writers of the West group about how to prepare your manuscript for contests. There is much value in entering a contest! Remember, our CWOW Rattler Contest opens August 1st, so here's your chance to get your work-in-progress ready to enter. For more information about the Rattler Contest, see our Christian Writers of the West w...
Jul 22, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Let me know what you think of this episode! Writing for a Return of Investment is essential. Knowing you're words can make a difference will help you get through those tough times of writer's block. In this episode, we look deeper into what it means to write with a purpose as I explain how researching PTSD for my WIP made me reflect on how my words could heal. For more information about PTSD, visit www.ptsd.va.gov For more information about the books mentioned in this episode, here are the links...
Jul 20, 2019•16 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Let me know what you think of this episode! In this episode, award-winning author, Heidi Chiavaroli, shares with us the story of her unique writing journey. I hope you are as encouraged as I was with her story of overcoming obstacles to reach the goal of being a published author. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com/...
Jul 13, 2019•46 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Let me know what you think of this episode! Writing isn't as easy as it looks. Some books take years of research and learning in order to be completed. Author of the book, "The Plum Blooms in Winter," Linda Thompson shares with me her writing journey, what it's like to write a WWII historical fiction, and how God's timing really is perfect. Grab your favorite beverage, a comfy seat, and enjoy the ride as we talk all things writing with Carol Award nominated author Linda Thompson. For more inform...
Jul 09, 2019•37 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Let me know what you think of this episode! What's the difference between the antagonist and the villain? How important is it to connect the villain and the hero of your story? Very important. In this episode, we'll look at some famous villains and how they affected the heroes they despised. We'll also look at famous antagonists. Think about your own story as we consider the importance of conflict in writing. For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: h...
Jul 09, 2019•14 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Let me know what you think of this episode! In this episode, we learn about author, Laura Zimmerman and her new YA book, "Keen", coming out next week from L2L2 Publishing. To learn more about Laura and her new book, visit her blog: https://lauralzimmerman.wordpress.com/ For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com/...
Jul 06, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Let me know what you think of this episode! What makes a story good? How do I go about publishing a book? When am I considered an author? If you've asked yourself these questions, this podcast is for you. Together, we'll answer these questions and more. A Writer's Day never ends. We are always thinking about that next story... For more information about Ruth and to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: http://www.artbyruth.com/...
Jul 06, 2019•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1