Four Books Conquered: My Productive Month of Reading

Sarah SoonReading, Writing, Writing Tips

About a five-minute read In June, Tulsa libraries launched their annual summer reading program. Aimed for all ages, the library advocates literacy and learning for kids and adults. I signed up, as motivation to finish books I had started. I have a bad habit of starting but not finishing books. Any readers relate? In my defense, as a writer, I …

Who Am I, Really? 

Sarah SoonLove At the Mayo, Monthly Newsletter, Top 10, Writing, Writing Tips

About a five minute read I experienced an existential crisis as a child. I didn’t know how to embrace my South Korean ethnicity in a predominantly, Polish-Catholic community in Northern Michigan. A Caucasian family adopted my sister and me from South Korea when I was five years old. There weren’t many Asians in our community, so I stuck out. But all I wanted to do was fit in. …

Helpful Exercise for Nailing Your Character’s Voice

Sarah SoonLove At the Mayo, Writing, Writing Tips

I took an insightful writer’s craft workshop about finding your voice and tone. We studied a variety of literary examples and given a few exercises. So, if you’re an author, this exercise is for you. Questions to assess your character’s voice: 1. How do they speak? Loquacious and long-winded? Terse and to the point? Cracking jokes? Using idioms and metaphors? …

We’re featured on Words for Writers Podcast

Sarah SoonChristmas at Sonshine Barn, Good Tidings Christmas Anthology, Podcast, Writing, Writing Tips

Ginny Yttrup, an award-winning author, writing coach, and developmental editor, featured us on her Words for Writers podcast. Her podcast features words of inspiration and instruction for writers from authors, coaches, editors, and herself. So, we dive into helpful topics for fellow authors, yet it’s enlightening for readers as well. Here’s the link: Enjoy!    

We are All Storytellers!

Sarah SoonWriting, Writing Tips

This past weekend, I attended an online literary festival held by 1455 Literary Arts. (1455 is a literary community that seeks to promote storytelling and creativity.) I’ve attended a few of their craft workshops and enjoyed it, so I was game for the festival, especially since the theme was Celebrating the Art of Storytelling. Buckle my seatbelt! They had three …

The Chosen-character-acceptance

What I Discovered About Characters in The Chosen TV series.

Sarah SoonWriting, Writing Tips

Last year, many of us were happily surprised by The Chosen, a TV series about the life of Jesus and his disciples. The show does an excellent job of showing us the humanity of each disciple and drawing us into their lives. One particular disciple I enjoy watching is Matthew. They wrote him as someone on the autism spectrum. So, …

journal-write-observations-writing

How to Make Your Story Come Alive

Sarah SoonWriting, Writing Tips

Ever read a book that becomes so palatable, you feel as though the writer has transported you? Almost as if you’re breathing the same air as the characters? I enjoy when a story’s world is so plausible and tangible, I don’t want the story to end. It lingers in my mind long after the last chapter. Books such as: Jane …

supporting-character-conflict-POV

How to Add More Dimension to Difficult Characters

Sarah SoonLove At the Mayo, Writing, Writing Tips

Ever write a scene and struggle with a supporting character, especially the villain? They seem flat, one-dimensional? Or the conflict between this character and the protagonist isn’t palatable on the page? In my work-in-progress, Love at the Mayo, my protagonist, Celine Monroe, has left her boyfriend. (Finally!) Since she left abruptly, he confronts her at her office. Although he’s an …

Tapping Your Creativity By Blindly Writing

Sarah SoonWriting, Writing Tips

Does anyone prefer driving on the interstate versus a country highway? If I’m driving hundreds of miles, I prefer going fast as smoothly and uninterrupted as possible. With minimal stops. My husband, on the other hand, likes state highways, driving through towns, seeing the countryside, and even stopping at scenic sights. To those who prefer county and state highways, sorry …