Category Archives: Writing

Writers: Use Your Stories to Heal!

Posted on August 25, 2025 by mitchteemley

Thought for the Week In my fantasy novel The Wishing Map, a fierce impromptu battle breaks out between two groups of naims (gnomes) in the midst of a storytelling contest. One beloved old naim, Tuber, is fatally injured while trying … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Culture, Movies, The Wishing Map, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Writers: Here’s How a Colon Works

Posted on August 5, 2025 by mitchteemley

Tips for Writers Colon [ˈkōlən] – Noun – A punctuation mark (:) used to precede a list of items or words. Also useful as a means of eliminating unnecessary words. Illustration: Note: My Real Memoir will be back next week. … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Quips and Quotes, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 43 Comments

Yay, I’m 11 Years Old Today!

Posted on July 29, 2025 by mitchteemley

Actually, it’s my 11th blogiversary! I had no idea when I started eleven years ago that: 1) I’d ever have more than a handful of followers; 2) I’d develop real and meaningful friendships in the process and; 3) That I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Humor, Memoir, Movies, Story Power, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 171 Comments

Writers: How to Use Dramatic Reversals

Posted on July 17, 2025 by mitchteemley

Source: The Phoblographer Tips for Writers Dramatic tension is the key to an engaging storyline. Or even an essay or blog post, for that matter. This takes the form of rising action, a series of reversals–escalating problems or crises–that must … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, The Wishing Map, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Does God Ever Actually Answer?

Posted on June 26, 2025 by mitchteemley

God rarely tells me what he’s doing. But he’s always more than willing to show me what he wants me to do. Some years back I landed an invitation-only position in a CBS workshop for up-and-coming comedy writers. Was I … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Memoir, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 87 Comments

Why I (Have to) Tell Stories

Posted on June 12, 2025 by mitchteemley

If I was a greeting card, I’d be illustrated, and have one of those little built-in music tracks too. I honestly can’t remember a time I wasn’t captivated by words, pictures and music. Or by wanting to create them for … Continue reading →

Posted in For Pastors and Teachers, Humor, Memoir, Movies, Popular Culture & Entertainment, Videos, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

Two Touching Father’s Day Monologues

Posted on May 28, 2025 by mitchteemley

Father’s Day is Coming! Pastors, teachers, and drama groups: These two Father’s Day monologues of mine have been performed throughout North America, as well as other countries. And both are now available from my script publisher SkitGuys.com for you to … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, For Pastors and Teachers, Religion/Faith, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

So, It Turns Out I Really Am a Novelist

Posted on May 15, 2025 by mitchteemley

When I was a kid I wanted to be everything. I practiced tight rope walking on the chain-link fence behind my buddy Jeff’s house in preparation to join the circus. Explored the city sewers, preparing to become a world-class archeologist. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Humor, Memoir, Movies, The Wishing Map, Videos, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 76 Comments

Edit, Edit, Edit…and Then Edit Again

Posted on May 14, 2025 by mitchteemley

Some things never change: I’m currently working on the “final final” draft of my book. It’s all strictly scientific: First, I remove sequences. Then I put them back in. Then I remove them again. Then I move paragraphs, put them … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 95 Comments

Procrastination: A Nation of Procrastinators

Posted on April 30, 2025 by mitchteemley

Well, it’s Wednesday. Guess I’d better get started on that project I was gonna finish “by Monday at the latest.” “You can’t just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood. What mood is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Humor, Quips and Quotes, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments