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A Prisoner of Hope
Offering hope and encouragement for life, writing, and living a thoughtful life.

A Prisoner of Hope
Offering hope and encouragement for life, writing, and living a thoughtful life.
I post the first and third Tuesday of the month.
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Writers, learn to put rejection in perspective
Rejection is an ugly word, especially to a writer. But we need to keep it in perspective. To help you put rejection into perspective, I’d...

Megan DiMaria
Apr 4, 20172 min read


Why readers need to experience the novel (see it, smell it, feel it, taste it, hear it . . .)
I recently read a story that left me wholly unsatisfied. The author skimped on writing in the sensory details. I felt disoriented while...

Megan DiMaria
Mar 28, 20172 min read


Are you kind to others?
Are you a door holder? Do you notice someone behind you and pause to pass off the door? I know, I know—you’re in a hurry. You’ve got...

Megan DiMaria
Mar 14, 20171 min read


Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block
Consider yourself the luckiest writer in the universe if you’ve never experienced a moment of writer’s block. Consider yourself fortunate...

Megan DiMaria
Feb 28, 20172 min read


When challenges arise, what do YOU do?
When faced with a challenge, do you give up or persist? See that photo? It's of a hiking trial in Maroon Bells outside of Aspen,...

Megan DiMaria
Feb 21, 20171 min read


Writers: give yourself the gift of perspective
Happy is the person who dreams dreams and is willing to take the steps to make them come true. Don't be afraid to start climbing, and...

Megan DiMaria
Feb 14, 20171 min read


Great Writing Websites to Check Out
If you're a writer, do you spend time reading tips from pros and other writers in the trenches? You should. I have a few favorite writing...

Megan DiMaria
Feb 7, 20171 min read


Character traits in real life and books
Do you appreciate admirable character traits? Excuse me while I get a little introspective. I've been counting my blessings lately, and...

Megan DiMaria
Jan 24, 20172 min read


Keys for writers to develop a unique voice:
I have good news and bad news for you today. The good news is that no one, no other writer, speaker, or thinker can steal your voice. And...

Megan DiMaria
Jan 17, 20171 min read


Writers, avoid the weasel words!
Want to make your writing more irresistible? Then learn what the weasel words are, and avoid them. Weasel words are words that somehow...

Megan DiMaria
Jan 10, 20172 min read



Megan DiMaria
Jan 3, 20170 min read


Kindnesses are better than empty plans
In the grand scheme of life, what truly matters? I used to have a friend who seemingly was a very caring woman. She'd offer to extend...

Megan DiMaria
Dec 27, 20162 min read


A precious Christmas thought -- Divine Humanity!
At this beautiful time of year, I wish you a thrill of joy. . . For as long as I can remember, my mother put this reproduction antique...

Megan DiMaria
Dec 20, 20162 min read


A singular decision that changed EVERYTHING
Thirty-eight years ago this week I made a simple decision that changed everything for me -- I became a Christ follower. I was raised in a...

Megan DiMaria
Dec 13, 20162 min read


Why reading is good for you
Isn't this great news? Reading is GOOD for you! I've always LOVED to read, and now there's scientific proof that lifelong reading may...

Megan DiMaria
Dec 6, 20161 min read


Why you should do the right thing!
Do you know why you should do the right thing? Well, here's a little inspiration and encouragement for you today, friends. My...

Megan DiMaria
Nov 29, 20161 min read


Veterans Day Tribute to My Unsung Hero
(In honor of Veterans Day, this week.) My father was the kindest, most gentle man I've ever known. He was also the bravest—but I didn't...

Megan DiMaria
Nov 8, 20162 min read


How can you NOT love beautiful words?
Do you feel joy when you get lost in beautiful prose? I saw an article about a summer reading list that brought back warm and wonderful...

Megan DiMaria
Nov 1, 20161 min read


Why you should extend grace and a second chance
Second chances. There comes a time when we all need one. After all, who’s perfect? Lately I’ve been thinking about second chances in...

Megan DiMaria
Oct 25, 20162 min read


Why writers should respect their readers
As a writer, do you feel a responsibility to respect your reader? How do you do that? An Associate Press news article caught my eye, and...

Megan DiMaria
Oct 18, 20161 min read
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