One day, while browsing new releases at the local library, three YA novels with flashy covers and catchy titles grabbed my attention. I plucked them from the shelf, read the back cover summaries . . . and immediately put them back, almost embarrassed for having picked them up in the… Read More »How to Find Clean Young Adult Fiction in a Dirty Market
Years ago, I went on a fiction fast. For half a decade (maybe longer), I took a break from reading fiction and didn’t pick up a single novel. Sounds crazy, right? Especially considering my current career path. Authors need to read. It’s part of how we study our craft and… Read More »Do You Need to Take a Break From Reading Fiction?
Does prayer make Christians lazy? Non-Christians frequently make this charge—that we use prayer as an excuse to shirk responsibility, all in the name of trusting God—against believers, and quite frankly, we’ve sort of brought it on ourselves. Yes, prayer can make a Christian lazy—but then you’re not doing it right.… Read More »Faith Without Works: Does Prayer Make Christians Lazy?
As a kid, you sat through Sunday church services because your parents made you. Your mom wouldn’t let you put your feet off the pew in front of you and your dad kept scolding you for not holding your hymnal up. Fast forward a few years and now you’re a… Read More »Welcome to Adulthood! Time to Take Responsibility for Your Faith
When I first wrote book three of my short story series Seasons of Kane (check out my short story library), I wasn’t just new to writing fiction. I was new to the entire industry of teen literature, and as such my goals as an author were still very, well, nebulous. Write entertaining… Read More »Christian Dating: There Must Be More to It Than This!
Jemma is a brilliant young woman, with stellar grades, a small group of close friends, and an enviable summer internship. But inside, she’s a jumble of doubt and insecurity. Her faith has been shaken by the unshakeable feeling that God simply isn’t as close as her Sunday school teachers always… Read More »Faith Over Feelings: 6 Biblical Truths For When You’re Down
We spend a lot of time talking about deep topics on this blog (which is amazing, btw), but once in a while, it’s nice to take a break from the tough stuff and touch on something lighter. Like, for example, our favorite standout characters in YA novels. Who are your… Read More »Standout Characters in YA Novels: Lauren’s Picks
If you’re struggling with temptation, your best bet is to flee the situation. No joke. Even unbelievers recognize the simple power of removing triggers when breaking an addiction. An alcoholic should avoid bars and an emotional eater shouldn’t keep a stash of chocolate. But how do you resist temptation if… Read More »How to Resist Temptation: A Christian Teen’s Battle Plan