Let’s start with this: What do all stories have in common? A problem to solve. Without one, there’s no story. Take Cinderella for instance. She was cruelly treated like a slave in her own father’s home until her Fairy Godmother showed up, and sent her to a ball. She left a clue behind, a glass … Read More about WHAT’S THE PROBLEM, EVERY STORY NEEDS ONE

Stories of the heart have molded you and now the recurring themes resonate with who you are and create your worldview. Your worldview is an overall way of looking at the world and how the recurring themes resonate with your readers. It’s key in connecting mysteries with mystery readers, romances with romance readers and so … Read More about What is Your Worldview – It’s Key

The three-act structure is typical of most forms of modern storytelling. Three-act structure divides a story into three distinct sections, each anchored around one or more plot points that drive the overall action. Over the course of the three acts,(parts), a complete story structure unfolds. The main character is taken through three distinct phases, (character … Read More about WHAT IS THE THREE-ACT STRUCTURE?

Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. But connecting them is the hard part. The best way to incorporate a three-act structure into your own writing is to map out the key plot elements that should populate each act. Act one: exposition, inciting action, turning point into act twoAct two: rising action, midpoint, turning … Read More about How to Use Three Act Structure in Your Writing

ISLAND CREATIVE WRITERS – LESSON 10 Last meeting we discussed story structure. Most novels are based on a three-act structure. Structure simple refers to: architecture arrangement construction design format formation framework organization We discussed the elements that make up the structure of each type (or genre) of the story and why those elements needed to … Read More about HOW TO OUTLINE IN 5 STEPS

The Island Writers Meeting 4-27-2022 REVIEW In the last 2 meetings we discussed coming up with ideas for the book we want to work on, whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, you have to have a concrete idea of what you want to write. If you are continuously going from one project to the next, you’ll … Read More about How to Use your Favorite Book to Learn how to Write

I was surprised by this book. It’s different from most Christian-focused self-help books that I’ve read in the past. I found myself stopping and reading parts over and over, then taking notes in my journal. The Divine Adventure is divided into easy-to-read chapters with questions at the end. The questions were not only thought-provoking but … Read More about The Divine Adventure Book Review

Far too many times we as creative artists can find ourselves in a season of frustration, loneliness, and confusion. We’re not sure where to start, how to finish, or if this is even our purpose. God has called us to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world and that takes many forms. For … Read More about Learning the Balance of Letting Go & Holding On

With the holidays in full swing, it can feel very stressful trying to get things done. Some of you are working on projects and feel like your running in quicksand. I know the feeling. These projects don’t have to be big undertakings. Maybe your unfinished project is simply buying Christmas presents or getting a tree … Read More about 7 Steps to Achieve your Goals

The Big 3 - How to Get Organized | Cindy M Jones

This past weekend, along with the Southern Christian Writer’s Conference director, Cheryl Wray, we hosted a mini-writing workshop. Write, Publish, & Market was designed to give those who were either starting a writing career or were midway into a writing career, new tips, and tools to move to the next level in their writing journey. … Read More about My Big 3 Planner – Get Organized | Cindy M Jones, Your Story Advocate