Story Warren

Kindling Imagination for Kingdom Anticipation

The Warren & The World Vol 11, Issue 43

by Leave a Comment

The good (maybe bad?) thing about how we title these emails is that I have a count at the end of each year to tell me how many weeks I missed—nine in 2023, I see. It was almost ten (you’ll note that this email is arriving to you late) because I’ve been with family and it’s the week between Christmas and New Year and I lost track of the days. But, better late than never, I say, so here is your final Warren & the World of 2023.

Around the Web

When Coming to the Day’s End Feels Like Coming to the End of Yourself

Ruth Schwenk has some hope for your new year.

  • Over the last several years, prayer has been a lifeline for me. Time and time again, all I could do was whisper, “Please God.”
    It’s true. In the middle of heartache, we quickly discover we lack power and wisdom- unable to fix our circumstances and unable to figure a way out. Our helplessness hits us head-on, leaving us with just enough strength sometimes to whisper the words, “Please, God, I need You.”
    Read more

Back Porch Book Chat: Elizabeth Farquhar (Teen Writer)

Betsy at Redeemed Reader chats with a teen writer.

  • Back Porch Book Chat: A casual, virtual conversation about books. Join us as we chat with book lovers like ourselves about a topic we all love! Our guest today is Elizabeth Farquhar, senior in high school, avid writer, and avowed book lover. She chats with us about reading, writing, and more! Books are linked to RR reviews, where applicable. Interview conducted by Betsy (her proud mom).
    Read more

RAR Best of: No More Bookish Overwhelm

Sarah Mackenzie explores her approach to reading goals

  • I tend to feel a little… I don’t know… overwhelmed by reading goals. I see goals to read a certain number of books, or to read through a specific list of books, and my inner rebel comes out to play.
    Listen, I’m a list person. I L-O-V-E ticking off a good list.
    I’m also a fairly ambitious person! I L-O-V-E goal-setting.
    Read more

Reshelving Alexandria’s Annual Reading Challenges 2024

Speaking of reading goals, if you do like them, here are some great reading challenges from Redeemed Reader.

  • Welcome to Our 2024 Global Reading Adventure!
    Embark with us on a literary expedition that invites you to explore the rich tapestry of stories from around the world. Our 2024 reading challenge is a celebration of international voices, cultures, and narratives.
    Read more

Around the Warren

All Good Books Are Alike…

James D. Witmer considers when fiction is more true than fact.

  • One blustery autumn weekend I drove a few hours west to Fort Wayne Indiana, and had a blast talking with a room full of creative people about writing stories for children. In the process, we discussed an idea that influences both my writing and my reading of stories. (And I’m reading fiction almost constantly.)
    Read more

WIGGLES: A Wacky Writing Prompt

Rebekah Levake has another fun writing prompt for us.

  • All the fun we had with Squiggles (read all about it here) led to the creation of something else–the cousin of the Squiggle, affectionately known as the Wiggle. I picked up the basic idea at a writer’s circle but came up with the name Wiggle myself. You see, it is like a Squiggle–kind of–but involves writing, so it starts with a “w.” I’ve always had quite the knack for naming things (I called our minivan Vanny, the toaster Toasty…you get the idea.) But you have to admit that it does roll off the tongue nicely. Squiggles and Wiggles. 
    Read more

Something to Do with Your Kids

Want to impress at your New Year’s Eve party? Learn how to make and origami flower out of a dollar bill!

Something to Watch

C.G.P. Grey continues his flag grading with Canadian provinces and territories.

Thanks for reading. We’re on your side. 

–The Story Warren Team

Carolyn Clare Givens
Latest posts by Carolyn Clare Givens (see all)

Leave a Reply