The blog
Blog
Short essays on faith, story and the craft of telling the truth well — published several times a month.
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The Ticking Time Bomb
The Ticking Time Bomb technique has a profound impact on audience engagement. By introducing a time-sensitive threat, writers can create a sense of urgency and keep…
The Suffering of Jesus: From Gethsemane to Golgotha
Matthew 26:36–27:56; Mark 14:32–15:41; Luke 22:39–23:49; John 18:1–19:37 Why did Pilate yield to the cry of people whom he knew were unjustly prejudiced?
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Week 4/18/25
Frank’s Random Thoughts for the Week Keep what you like as your own. Discard the rest. Childlike people accept discipline, but childish people insist on their own way.
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.