The Evolution of My Writing by Jeremy D Vance

When I began writing creatively two years ago, I was a full-on Pantser. (A Pantser writes by the seat of their pants with little planning beforehand.). I sat down to write a contemporary novel about an autistic child who aspires to win an art contest and only had a vague sense of direction. I did not finish for other reasons, but part of it was running out of ideas/scenes.

Now I attribute some of this to my inexperience but also to not enough planning ahead of writing. This doesn’t mean everyone has to plan like me, for there are authors who really make Pantsing work. I only found that I need a more firm sense of what I’ll put into my novels/stories.

Planning for me involves filling out multiple character sheets for my MC as well as digging deep on worldbuilding since I’m working on a Sci-fi YA novel right now. I’m also progressing on a worksheet detailing the 15 beat structure of Save the Cat originated by Blake Snyder for screenplays. It has been quite a stretch for me to complete so much planning, but as we all know, it takes real work to be a writer.

For those struggling Pantsers, I suggest trying a little planning/plotting to give yourself more of a framework by which to write. It is the type of writing to which I am most suited as I’ve evolved as an author. It may work for you, but it’s not required to be a great writer. Press on!

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Our Hope In the Midst of Trouble by Jeremy D Vance

Everyday we deal with the world’s trouble. We may experience the loss of loved ones or our savings might dwindle from unexpected bills. We can grieve or be angry for awhile, but do we allow these troubles to lead us to despair? Do we drown in our feelings without any hope whatsoever? When trouble comes to us believers, we are given the opportunity to focus our faith on Jesus. In the above passage, the news of Christ’s imminent death confused and saddened the disciples. Yet Jesus wanted them to know that though trouble exists in the the world, He has in fact overcome it. Though death exists, it has been overcome. Though pain exists, it has been overcome. What an assurance! We don’t need to fear the world’s troubles, because Jesus has overcome them all and the power behind them. Believers, let’s not fear hardships anymore. Let them come for we rest our faith in Jesus.

When God Derails Your Plans by Jeremy D Vance

All this time, I believed I would be writing speculative fiction. After another period of distraction, I read about the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2:1-7. This inspired an idea that morphed from time travel to a contemporary inspirational fiction story. The story just didn’t fit with what I was writing so it became what it is now. God has a way of shifting our life’s plans when we least expect. Instead of being directed towards children or teens, the story is geared towards adults. This looks like it’ll be a permanent move as well. So….the website will be changing soon. God knows what He is doing and He will continue to direct my future as I trust in Him. All glory to Him. Jeremy D Vance

One Life’s Purpose by Jeremy D Vance

The pursuit of money and fame can be a big lure for you to write a book. If you set this as your purpose, you most likely will become discouraged and even give up when it is discovered that writing and publishing a book is genuinely difficult. Popularity and cash do not come from simply putting your words on a page. In my opinion, you must find a deeper purpose for crafting stories or even non-fiction. Such a purpose will be the rudder that keeps your writing on course in the storms of self-doubt and rejection. My purpose in writing speculative fiction for children and teens has been to help them walk through life’s difficult moments as well as to prompt thinking about deeper issues. After my period of distraction, I had to re-examine and renew my purpose so that I may continue on this epic writing journey. Once firmly in my grasp again, I look forward to the future laid before me and so Whether I reach a few...

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