Jars of Words

As a teen writer, I understand it’s nearly impossible to know what God wants for you at this point in your life. I thought I knew since age eleven I would be an author. Now, at sixteen, I also feel God pushing me to work for a company that helps children in third world countries. If you are going through a similar debacle and aren’t sure what God is calling you to, ask yourself these questions: Do I feel a deep desire to write? If God has put it on your heart to write, you’ll feel it. God wouldn’t call you to something you don’t like. He wants us to serve Him, and in doing so be fulfilled. What do others say about my work? What others say doesn’t define your ability, but if others praise you or you’ve won awards for your writings, it means God’s given you a gift. God wants us to use our gifts. Even if no one praises your work, you can still be a gifted writer. Has God spoken to me through Scripture? Have you been struck by a parable or verse that confirms your passion for writi...

Pudding: you either love it or you hate it. I used to be part of the latter group. As a child, the processed taste of store-bought vanilla and its cold, jelly-like qualities mortified me. And, while I didn’t care then, those cups are wildly unhealthy. However, pudding doesn’t have to taste like it was made in a factory. There’s nothing I can do about the consistency, but with the right ingredients, pudding can be a tasty and healthy writing snack. Here is my favorite pudding recipe; all you’ll need is these ingredients and a blender: ½ tbs unsweetened cocoa powder ½ small ripe avocado ½ ripe banana 3 medium size strawberries Makes 2 servings This recipe is full of healthy fats to keep you full while writing and the cocoa powder contains antioxidants. Your story and your brain will thank you for choosing such a nourishing snack. P.S. - It tastes fantastic with granola. Enjoy!

Unwind is the first installment in a young adult science fiction dystology. The other installments are Unwholly , Unsouled , Undivided , and Unbound . Back cover: The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state, is not talented enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape - and to survive. Shusterman takes dystopia to the next level with his science fiction novel Unwind. This book contains the most authentic characters I’ve ever read, a chilling world, and ceaseless action. Yet, Shusterman writes f...

I never paid much attention to description until I realized its importance to a story. Readers can’t imagine what is happening if they can’t picture who it’s happening to or where. Readers want to read description and are delighted when it’s crafted well. Here is how I create meaningful description. The reader should be immediately oriented to the scene’s setting and characters. In order to connect with your story, readers need to visualize where it takes place and to whom. One lengthy paragraph becomes dull; give readers only what’s essential to the plot and dole out your description between action and dialogue. If what you’re describing is less important to the plot, it deserves less description. Begin with the basics then draw into specific details. A character’s figure is most noticeable, then their features, then their mannerisms. The same goes for your setting. Give a general layout, then dig into the five senses and a few metaphors, then what’s lying around. Foc...