The blog
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Short essays on faith, story and the craft of telling the truth well — published several times a month.
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Play for Pay
In grade school, my favorite class was recess. At home, I had chores that had to be done before I could go out to play.
Finding the Funny: Using Humor to Deepen Your Story
Well-placed comedic relief can make your story richer, your characters more engaging, and your audience more invested.
Desperate at Gethsemane: Jesus’ Passionate Prayers
Matthew 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46 In Gethsemane, what did the messenger from Heaven do to strengthen Jesus? Why was Jesus so passionate in his prayer?
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Week 4/11/25
Frank’s Random Thoughts for the Week Keep what you like as your own. Discard the rest.
Cause Before Effect: Writing That Flows Like Real Life
Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect. — Ralph Waldo Emerson The most engaging scenes feel true-to-life, unfolding one moment at a time.
Transfiguration: Jesus with Moses and Elijah
How could Moses and Elijah, being dead, appear and talk with Jesus? What did they talk about?
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Week 4/4/25
Frank’s Random Thoughts for the Week Keep what you like as your own. Discard the rest. Perfection is having what we want when it is exactly what God wants.
Defying Gravity
In my dreams, I can defy gravity, floating above buildings like a hot-air balloon, able to go where I please and do whatever I imagine.
Your Best Time for Writing
I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you and it is cool or cold and you come to your work and warm as you write.
The Temptations of Christ: Victory by Surrender
What reasons did Jesus have for following Satan’s suggestions? What reasons did he have to say no? Reference: Matthew 4:1–11, Mark 1:12–13, and Luke 4:1–13.
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Week 3/28/25
Frank’s Random Thoughts for the Week Keep what you like as your own. Discard the rest.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: Beware the Publisher Promises
Over two thousand years ago, Jesus warned his disciples, saying, “Watch out for false prophets who come disguised as sheep but inwardly are vicious wolves.” He accused…