Storytelling With Photography

The cover of "Bootcamp for Christian Writers 8: More Secrets to Getting Published -- Again and Again and Again! "

The cover of “Bootcamp for Christian Writers 8: More Secrets to Getting Published — Again and Again and Again! “

In this article I wrote for the Chester County Independent, I discuss using photography to tell stories:

While writers use words to inform, entertain, educate, and encourage readers; photographers depend on cameras. When these two mediums are combined, you create a winning combination. For writers, photos can sell your story. For speakers, photos connect with your audience. Both can make a difference in your success for either. Continue reading

Orchestra of Exiles: Birmingham’s Denise George pens third book in 3 years

orchestra-of-exiles-cover

Learn about Holocaust hero Bronislaw Huberman in my piece on Denise George and Josh Aronson’ book Orchestra of Exiles for The Alabama Baptist:

In her new book, Orchestra of Exiles, Denise George (and co-author Josh Aronson) tells the amazing story of Polish Jewish violinist, Bronislaw Huberman, and how he saved 1,000 European Jewish musicians and their families from Hitler’s horrors during the Holocaust. Released in April, it is her third book in three years published by New York’s Penguin Random House Publishers.

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7 Myths that Keep Pastors from Writing

(Preaching Magazine / FILE)

(Preaching Magazine / FILE)

Here’s an article I wrote for Preaching Magazine:

A retired pastor asked a friend who owned a pickup truck to stop by his house. Once there, he loaded several heavy-duty plastic bags into the back of the vehicle. “Drive me to the city dump,” said the elderly minister.

Once there, he pulled the large black bags out and stepped a few feet away. In a few minutes a bulldozer buried the contents. With a questioning look on his face, the friend asked, “Sir, what was in those bags?” With tears streaming down his face, the pastor said, “Sixty years worth of sermons and notes—my life’s work.” This true story should not have happened.

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Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Legacy

A bust of Laura Ingalls Wilder (FILE)

A bust of Laura Ingalls Wilder (FILE)

I recently took a trip to Missouri and loved it. See my article on Laura Ingles Wilder for Missouri Life:

“No matter what age, readers look for the same qualities in books: a compelling plot, interesting characters, vivid imagery, and a genuine page-turner. You hate to read the last page because the characters have become friends.

After more than 80 years, Laura Ingles Wilder’s Little House books have continued to be compelling. But why?” Continue reading

Intro to the Writing Life

Carolyn Tomlin, second from left, and Denis George, second from right, promoting 'The Secret Holocaust Diaries" at a Books-A-Million near Trussville, Ala. (FILE)

Carolyn Tomlin, second from left, and Denis George, second from right, promoting ‘The Secret Holocaust Diaries” at a Books-A-Million near Trussville, Ala. (FILE)

An excerpt from my recent North Jackson Magazine article, “Intro to the Writing Life:”

Being published is easier than you might think. Here’s how to go about it.

People write for many reasons — and have various reasons for never putting pen to paper. Do you ever wonder how great writers of the past wrote in long hand, without the use of a spell  checker — yet still turned out manuscripts that have stood the test of time? Or do you believe the myths that steal your self-confidence and keep you from publishing? Continue reading