Published authors are often asked what their number one piece of writing advice is. Well, I’m not published yet, but I’m already beginning to form my answer to the question.
My top piece of writing advice is:
Have your computer read your manuscript aloud. This is an option offered in both Pages and Word.
Though I can’t remember where I first heard the advice to read my work aloud, it’s one of the most valuable tips I know. I tend to feel self-conscious when I read my stories aloud to myself, so I made the switch to having my computer perform the task. While the robot-like voice may grate on my nerves at times, having my computer read to me is a great way to catch typos and awkward wording.
This is also a nice way to smooth out dialogue. Sometimes I’ll be listening to my manuscript and a few lines of dialogue will appear. While I listen, I’ll find it’s hard to keep track of who said what. I then add or adjust my dialogue tags to add clarity.
Sometimes I find descriptions that sound great in my head but just stand out strangely when read aloud. Therefore, I switch out some words for less strange ones or rewrite/cut the description all together.
Another thing I do is read along with my computer. Sometimes there will be words that sound similar , but have different meanings. For example, my computer read the word “decent” allowed when I had meant “descent”. I almost missed the difference, but scrolled back to double check and found the typo.
What about you? What’s your top piece of writing or editing advice? Or, what is one piece of editing or writing advice you want to try?
Ashlee Schaller enjoys reading about reckless, headstrong heroes, prefers tea over coffee, and loves dollhouse miniatures. When not writing, she can often be found curled up with a book.
You can find out more about Ashley and what she writers here:
There begins a translation of what this kid wants. Someone would think it’s a soda. Another may think it’s candy. Surprise, because where I originally come from, it’s a form of saying “dad.” Soda itself in my home country is a chemical used to make soap locally.
Language continues to amaze me. When I started considering writing for an international market, because initially I only wrote for the Nigerian market, I discovered I was close to being a total illiterate.
Nigeria’s official language is English. The country was colonized by the British and so written formally, we use British form. However, over the years, there is the street language, which is called “broken” or “pidgin” English, and then there is the informal way of speaking and writing English the “Nigerian” way, many now call, Ninglish. Most of the words in Ninglish however, do not exist in the English dictionary. Imagine words like “pepperish.” It’s meant to mean “hot” or “spicy” or food with a lot of pepper in it. Otherwise in Ninglish, hot is about the temperature, and spicy means it has a lot of spices, not pepper.
Have I confused someone already? I often get so confused myself.
Let’s dabble a little into weights and measures. Ounces and pounds, grams and kilograms, miles and kilometers, and the weather! It’s a totally different language. Dialects of English we can’t even begin to imagine. Some have little or no semblance to the meaning of the other. Many times, the word is used differently. And even when they mean the same, they are spelt differently. For example, center and centre, favor and favour.
I had to go online and find the American and British words dictionary, something I plan to own eventually, so I can study the two languages, or should I say, dialects of English.
When I hold a purse, I’m assumed to be holding what I believe Americans refer to as a wallet. And when I carry my handbag, it’s America’s purse.
On and on, I can fill several pages with the differences.
As a writer, the first thing is to know your audience. Are you writing for the local market, or for the international market? I have discovered there is also acceptable international English, though I am yet to read anything is this “dialect.”
One consolation I have is that most people understand both main dialects especially when you consider the context in which the words are used.
Then, it is important to know the setting of the story, and the way the people speak, or rather, how they use words where your story is set. We will be surprised how much of “street” language is used everywhere in the world.
For non-fiction, it is so much about the audience, than the setting, unless you are writing about a geographic location or related matters.
One mistake a writer should never make is to assume everyone understands what s/he is saying, or rather, writing.
We speak differently, we think differently so a writer should be vast enough to write “differently.”
Sinmisola Ogúnyinka is a pastor’s wife, mother, writer and movie producer. She has a university degree in Economics and is a graduate of Christian Writers’ Guild’s Craftsman program. She lives with her family in Philadelphia, PA.
My two innocent characters were named Solomon and Sammi. I really liked both names and felt like they fit the pair. What could go wrong?
Um…a lot.
My sister, who had been reading through my novella, barged into my room, intent on showing me I had messed up.
Sammi had said or done something and my sister assumed it had been Solomon. I read the sentence aloud, and my sister’s mind was blown. You see, she’d only seen the S at the beginning of the name and hadn’t bothered reading the rest. The result, confusion. The last thing I want to do is confuse my readers, distract from the story, or lose a possible fan.
I looked for a solution.
I learned to pick names that don’t look the same. I now keep a baby name book on hand as I write. This helps when my main character stumbles across a man in town and I need to find a quick name.
Maybe you have two really similar names and need to change one. I find that when I flip through my name book, I usually stumble upon some names I love. Other times, I find a name can be spelled differently and this can be used to fix my problem.
What about you? What are some ways you choose names for your characters?
Ashley Schaller enjoys reading about reckless, headstrong heroes, prefers tea over coffee,
and loves dollhouse miniatures. When not writing, she can often be found curled up with a book.
You can find out more about Ashley and what she writers here:
The best investment is a good investment, but what is a good investment? One that has lasting personal and professional value.
As a writer, you may also edit part-time or even own your own publishing imprint and operate a small publishing press. In addition to writing, perhaps you edit professionally. No matter your place in the industry, you value the authors and publishers and clients you work with, as well as the readers you write for. And, you value your professional editing skills.
PENCON is a professional conference for editors, and it’s also for anyone who desires to strengthen their personal editing skills. This includes but is not limited to self-publishers, small presses, publishers, authors who are also editors, homeschool groups whose high school students are interested in the editing industry, and educational institutions whose departments focus on the publishing industry.
At PENCON 2018, we guarantee you lasting personal and professional value. Value in friendships. Value in a community that thinks—and speaks—just like you. Value in professional networking. Value in continuing education. Value in stretching your business—and yourself—as you meet new professionals in your field of expertise and learn from their experiences.
How much value do you want?
We’re celebrating our fifth anniversary and are meeting in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 3–5, 2018. Collectively, our faculty comes prepared with more than 100 years of experience in the publishing industry and backgrounds in
indie publishing,
marketing,
business,
children’s and YA editing,
graphic design,
Our faculty also represents several Christian publishing houses. And our keynote speaker is Robert Hudson, the author of The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.
You want to sign up! We know you do—and we’d love to talk with you. Early-bird registration ends January 31, 2018. Get a deal and snap up more than a handful of value by registering early for PENCON. We can’t wait to see you there!
Owner of TM Editorial, Tisha Martin specializes in historical fiction, academic editing, and creative nonfiction. An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN, she appreciates the writing and editing communities. Tisha is editor and proofreader for beginning and best-selling authors, professional editing agencies, and publishing houses. As Assistant Director of PENCON, she enjoys organizing the conference, networking with others, and creating advertising content for the Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Connect with Tisha on Facebook or follow her Pinterest board for writers and editors.
As an English major in the 90s, I was excited to learn my craft and be creative. However, I was clueless about what to create. Then one day, I bought a book that changed how I viewed my passion for writing.
The late Bob Briner’s classic The Roaring Lambs challenged Christians to use their talents to create positive and redemptive art across the spectrum of entertainment: sports, music, art, television, and film. Briner called Hollywood a “Mission field!”[i]
Recently, I sat down with 30 year Hollywood veteran Brian Bird (The Case for Christ, When Calls The Heart) to talk about how the lambs (the church) can roar in this mission field.
Martin Johnson: I know you are a fan of the Roaring Lambs, how has the film industry changed since it came out in the 90s?
Brian Bird: Oh yes, love the book! Prior to the book, For much of the 20th century, I think Christians working in the arts were few and far between, with the exception of music. There were a handful of believers working in the film industry, but a lot of that activity was specifically on church films, small-time evangelistic church films. But there was not a real attempt to break into the mainstream audience with Christian films; for the most part, evangelicals were M.I.A.
Martin Johnson: You used an interesting word there, evangelicals. As a filmmaker, what does it mean to be an evangelical filmmaker?
Brian Bird: There are filmmakers who are Christians who make sermons on film. There are Christian filmmakers who don’t make specifically evangelistic films, and there are filmmakers who are evangelicals who don’t make Christian films. You can even be a non-believer and make a terrific evangelical film. It’s all about telling great stories.
Martin Johnson: Briner expressed how the church needs writers. What do you hope to accomplish at the end of the day?
Brian Bird: My personal mission is to tell stories that stir up cravings in people’s souls, make them want to know God—to be effective as I can be at communicating my Christian worldview through good story-telling, to tell stories that don’t beat people over the head, but, stir up soul cravings. To me those are the best kind of faith films. Sometimes evangelistic films can be neither good evangelism nor good filmmaking; because their intent from the beginning is propaganda. There are good uses for propaganda. Propaganda in the most generous sense of the world can be put to good use as evangelism. The Jesus films have been effective at that. A good example of that is The Jesus Film—very effective. Those kinds of films are good and effective, but that is not what I’ve been called to do. I’ve been called to just tell great, true, redemptive stories that are not there just to entertain, but to provoke hearts to greater self-reflection and get people talking about the water cooler. In my view, the story of Jesus and his work on the cross needs to be shared between two flesh and blood people having a conversation. Not by a picture on a wall.
Martin Johnson: What is the main roadblock keeping Christian film from being successful at the box office?
Brian Bird: Ourselves. . .the church! If evangelicals are going to make a difference in the giant media conversation going on across the world, we, have to pursue excellence in our crafts of communicating. The church must support the gifts of creative evangelicals when it does the message and the art can soar! During the Renaissance, the church supported all the great artists of that time and people like Michelangelo were able to strive for excellence because of that support. Art in humans is always a reflection of the creativity behind the creation of the universe. The Renaissance artists were trying to bring heaven to earth with their creations, as CS Lewis said… all art from men is an attempt to copy heaven. We are made in the image of our creator; it is in our DNA to create. This was evident in the Renaissance, the Reformation; the church stopped supporting the arts. The theology of the church began to view all art as worldly and considered it sinful. But that is so counterintuitive to the truth in the Bible. The view of art became worldly, it was considered sinful. God was the first writer … in the beginning was the Word (John 1:1–4). The Bible is full of references to the beauty and art in creation, and yet for several hundred years the church left art behind in favor of the “good enough principal.” We need to get back to pursuing excellence in Hollywood and that to me is the biggest obstacle facing us, the good enough principle. That’s where art has been relegated in the church and it has to stop—this attitude that art doesn’t have to be excellent, all it has to be is useful. We need to strive for excellence, not for our own glory—but for the glory of our creator, God. We can trust Him with our talents.
Brian Bird on the set of, “When Calls the Heart”
Martin Johnson: I’m glad you mentioned trusting God, Briner says that the lambs can trust their Shepherd.
Brian Bird: Throughout history, all art has been passed down from one generation to the next through a process called “Copy the Master.” In an art class, for example, the Master, or the teacher, is at the front of the room painting or sculpting, and the students are at their canvass. They copy the Master but bring themselves to the canvass in order to learn our art. Well, we are all in the class with the author of the universe—that’s quite a source to copy from. And we can trust our Master with every creative bone in our bodies.
Martin Johnson: Briner says art is a full-time ministry. What do you think?
Brian Bird: He was absolutely right; it is how we answer our God-given calling. Every person who finds Jesus needs to strive to become a minister out of the skills and talents God has gifted them with, both inside and outside the church.
Martin Johnson: Briner points out that part of our ministry is being the salt of the earth. Thus, for Christians to be roaring lambs in Hollywood we can’t just be just entertaining, we need to be ministers of the gospel.
Brian Bird We should be telling great stories, but they have to stir up soul cravings in people. We need to tell stories that help people realize there is more to life than what this world offers. Great stories have great messages. If they’re not entertaining though, they are not good stories. We have to do both. We have to tell stories that transfix our audiences; you have to keep your audience entertained so they can organically receive the meta-narrative or message, that is at the heart of your story.
Martin Johnson: In closing, what do you see the church doing to become the roaring lambs Briner described in his book?
Brian Bird: I think that is starting to happen. I think there’s a new renaissance beginning. I am witnessing it around me, in younger people that I mentor in filmmaking. I have this film coming out September 14th I executive produced called The Heart of Man and I shepherded a group of incredibly young talented filmmakers. I am so proud of them and proud of what we are making. I think it’s about all of us who are in this business encouraging one another to push for excellence, not to settle for just good enough, to practice the 10,000 -hour rule and to be bold. Some people who are born with a spark of genius need to put in their 10,000 hours in order to get really good at what they do. That’s how genius become experts. All of us are born with that spark because we are made in the image of the author of all things. But if we sit on our hands and don’t put in the time to become experts, we will never be the roaring lambs Bob Briner was hoping for.
[i] Briner, P (1993). The Roaring Lambs. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Brian Bird “When Calls the Heart Devotion” with Michelle Cox
Martin is a forty-three-year-old award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book after three years of researching, editing and remembering.
While majoring in English, he walked away from the Christian faith to experience the grandeur and luster of college life. While dating, he delved into different spiritual beliefs—from Hinduism to Catholicism and Judaism.Martin’s journey took him on a journey for answers.
In March of 1997, Martin received his answer. Albeit, not the answer he wanted. Nearly dying in a severe car accident, he survived with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side.
After enduring eleven months of humiliating rehabilitation and therapy, Martin found himself at the foot of the cross with a choice to make. It was then Martin realized to truly live, he had to die. Not physically but in every other area of his life. There could be no compromise.
Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries Martin shares his testimony. Martin explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives.
Why is it that closets have become a place where we store our junk? About this time every year, I have this annual tradition of cleaning out my closets. It may have started as a result of attempting to make room for the abundance received on Christmas Day, but I’d like to think my tradition stems from the fact that there’s something promising, something hopeful about starting the year fresh and uncluttered.
But the process to get there is painful. It’s hard to let go of things. This year was no exception. In addition to cleaning out our master bedroom closet, my family and I attempted to clean out our basement too. Little did we know, the endeavor would ignite an emotional landmine! We quickly became grumpy and tired. My husband and I got into a huge disagreement over expectations. Yet as painful as the process was, the end result was worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of clean closets (and a clean basement) once it’s finished. There’s space. There’s room to breathe. There’s freedom.
Our relationship with the Lord is much the same way. We clutter our hearts and store a ton of junk there. But God desires more for us than that. He doesn’t want us to live burdened down by the weight of our mess. In Matthew 11:30, God invites us to keep company with Him so that we can learn to live freely and lightly (MSG). Who doesn’t want to live life with margin to breathe and room to live freely and lightly? Yet most of us refuse this invitation. Why? Because we must first go through some pain before we can achieve “clean closets.” Fortunately, God promises that we don’t have to go through the fire alone.
I was recently reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel. It’s the story of three friends who were thrown into a blazing furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a false god. Despite their circumstances, the friends remained steadfast in their faith. As a result, God not only stood with them in the fire, but He also rescued them. The story explains that when one of the King’s servants went to check on the friends, he reported “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25 (NIV). All those who witnessed the event “saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Daniel 3:27 (NIV).
Friends, we do not have to fear. We serve a mighty and tender God who only allows us to experience the fire for our good and for His glory. God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The same God who stood with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire two thousand years ago is the same God who willingly stands with us today in whatever painful circumstance we face – whether it’s cleaning out the clutter in our hearts, battling cancer, going through a divorce, or experiencing financial devastation. His Word promises that He will walk with us through the pain, and when we reach the other side we will not be scorched or smell like fire. Instead, others will look at us and see Jesus, the One who saves. Why? Because when we’re willing to accept the invitation to walk through the fire, we can’t help but reflect the One who rescues us.
There’s nothing like starting the New Year fresh. So let’s seek our tender Savior together and ask Him to declutter the closet of our hearts so that we can abide in Him unhindered and free!
Rachel Hofstetter: I am a daughter of the King, a wife and a mother who recently left the workforce to homeschool my two boys. I am passionate about the importance of parents rising to the call to shepherd their children towards a relationship with Christ. God’s standard for those who have been given a trust is that they must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV). It is for this reason that my husband and I lead a life group at our church for families with young children. I also enjoy writing, working in the yard, home decorating, and running.
I am not a music critic – that would be a dream job for me, to listen to music and write about it. If I could do that while walking thru a city or charming small town or while hiking, that would be Heaven on Earth for me. I have spent much time lately listening to David Gray. He’s been around for a long time, but I’ve only casually listened to him until recently. If I were to take my best shot at summarizing his music, I would say that it has a quality of melancholy, wishful whimsy. Tonight, I keep hitting replay on the song “Snow in Vegas.” Why this song on this night? Maybe because it’s currently snowing here in greater Cincinnati. Or maybe because it is on my iTunes right now…that’s easy enough isn’t it?
Dad was the creative genius in our family. His fingers drew cartoons on paper napkins and released lullabies from the strings of his guitar. As an aspiring author, I was almost embarrassed for him to read the opening scenes of my first serious writing project. Halfway through, he told me that he had gotten so lost in the story he forgot his son had written it. That day, a thirteen-year-old amateur felt like Steven King. For a week I was convinced that I had sprouted ten feet taller and needed to duck under doorways. From then on, writing was an addiction!
Even the smell of books enticed me. As we walked through the local bookstore, the smell of the crisp, new volumes was more alluring than homemade cookies… well almost. As I plundered through the shelves, Dad looked at the hundreds of hardbacks and paperbacks, and he noted that each of their authors had set out to write the great American novel. Hundreds of writers, hundreds of books, and some of them might never be picked up off the shelf. Then he pointed to a bookshelf and said, “See all those authors? You’ve got them all beat!”
I didn’t have them all beat! I wasn’t anywhere near publication, much less reaching the bestseller list. But Dad knew that, and I’m sure he wasn’t comparing my twenty-page working manuscript to a John Grisham novel. He was doing what a great father does – giving me empowerment to aim for greatness.
He had put a picture in my head of sitting in the middle of the bookstore, holding a book signing for my first novel. I still haven’t gotten there, but that picture gets a little clearer every day.
A chronic brain disease called PSP took dad from us in 2016. His disease attacked his ability to communicate, to articulate the thoughts and words in his head. Dad was the artist, the poet, and here he was, unable to even say “I love you,” without tracing the letters on my hand.
It’s so painful to think that my kids will have to wait until heaven to meet him, that I won’t be able to seek his wisdom as I chase the dreams of my life. But he’s instilled in me a supply of his wisdom, and the gift of looking at the world and seeing it as beautifully as he did.
The vision of a successful writing career was something we shared. For me, this has become far more than a simple dream. It’s become a promise; a promise I am working to fulfill. Part of that vision is to walk into that same bookstore and see my novel on the shelf.
For a writer, putting words on paper is as vital to our existence as the oxygen we breathe. Writing is the purest and most beautiful form of communication. It’s how God chose to communicate with us.
Words are powerful. Words start wars, summon peace and change lives. No matter how new we are to the craft, our heavenly Father has given each of us the same thing my Dad gave to me – empowerment to aim for greatness.
Reading is a more intimate form of communication than anything else. It is almost a telepathic connection between writer and reader. It influences your emotions, brings you in to share in the experience of the characters, and can affect who you become. Reading opens your mind, convicts your heart and exposes hidden truths.
As writers, God has given us empowerment to aim for greatness. We are artists, called to wield the power of words; to tell our stories and in doing so, share with others the legacies of those who have inspired us.
Who has inspired you? Join the conversation.
Caleb Walton lives in the small town of Patrick, South Carolina with his family. Caleb is an aspiring suspense and non-fiction writer, who approaches life and writing with passion and faith.
My husband and I don’t live check-to-check, but we also don’t have lots of extra money. However, one thing I include in my annual budget is the Crimebake Mystery Writer’s Conference. Held in Boston on Veterans Day Weekend, it is two and a half days of education, exhortation, and encouragement.
And I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
This year I attended for the tenth time, and I learned just as much as I did during my first conference. How is that possible? It’s in no small part because of the planning put in by the Committee. Within days of the conference, a survey is sent to participants. Two weeks later another survey is sent, just in case participants ignored the first email. Tenacious about getting feedback, the committee uses survey results to create a conference targeted to the needs and wants of their audience. Brilliant!
So, what did I take away from this year’s Crimebake? The same things I do each year, just at a different level: craft, validation, connections, and inspiration. Let me explain:
Despite the fact that I was a freelancer for over ten years and I have seven books published, there are still concepts I can learn about the craft itself. During the first few conferences I attended, I picked up tips about story arc, character development, and hooks. This year, I learned about the nuances of creating suspense and techniques to prevent the “muddle in the middle” of my manuscript. In addition, workshops about publicity and marketing and a session about career strategies gave my business knowledge a boost.
Writing is a solitary pursuit. Every morning before I go to my day job, I hide out in my office to make up stories about imaginary friends. Banging away at the keyboard, I often second-guess my work. Are the characters believable? Are the situations realistic? Or is it all drivel, and I have no idea what I’m doing? The good news is that information I heard during conference sessions validated what I’m doing. I’m on the right track.
Unlike many writers who are introverts and tremble at the thought of attending a large-scale event, I’m an extrovert and love to meet people. I typically introduce myself to my tablemates and ask them to talk about their writing journey. One of my favorite experiences this year was the author breakfast on Sunday. I picked a random table, and it turned out that Paula Munier was our “celebrity.” With laughter and grace, she talked about what it was like to be an author having been a literary agent for nearly thirty years. Apparently the shoe was on the other foot, and her agent was telling her things she had told her clients. Paula encouraged and celebrated each one of us. Other ways I made connections was to volunteer to do behind-the-scenes tasks. I stuffed attendee bags, worked the registration table, and coordinated the game at the SinCNE chapter table. Serving on the SinCNE chapter board has also provided connections I wouldn’t otherwise have made such as meeting the SinC’s national president. Very exciting!
Perhaps best of all, the weekend gave me a full dose of inspiration. Sometimes juggling my writing with a full time job can be overwhelming. Sacrificing time with my husband or not pursuing my hobbies can be frustrating, and constantly thinking about some aspect of my author career can be tiring. But I love to write; it feeds my soul in a way nothing else does. Haround with published and not-yet-published authors was just what the doctor ordered. Sharing dreams, successes, and setbacks with others who understand and have walked my shoes reignited my passion. I came away from the conference ready to jump back into my manuscript.
There is no doubt in my mind that I’m an author of multiple books because of my diligence in attending Crimebake. Can you get published without attending a writing conference? Possibly. But will your writing career be as fulfilling? Probably not.
I urge you to find an affordable, professionally-run conference. Then mark your calendar and start putting aside money from each paycheck to make it happen. You’ll be glad you did.
Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, and choir member. She is a member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC. The author of several romance novellas, her debut mystery novel, Under Fire, was released in July, 2017 by eLectio Publishing. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com.
I quit writing about four times a year. Especially, when I look at the ages of my children, at the dust on our bookshelves, at the number of digits on our bank statement, and at my neighbors’ needs. It’s easy to think about how other people go hiking and watch TV shows. How they answer occupational questions easily. They enjoy regular paychecks. I wonder if I’ve confused enjoyment with calling, if fingers-tapping-keys is, for me, an avocation rather than an occupation.
It happened again yesterday. Funny, it doesn’t happen in the middle of hectic times. It happens when all is quiet. Quiet but desperate.
Desperate for…
financial security
earthly order through a clean house or an easy schedule
recognition—if not in the writing community then somewhere else.
Desperate for all sorts of things…except God.
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
-Psalm 63:1-2 NIV
One way or another, God highlights my derailed desperation in those times. Maybe it’s an encouraging comment on my blog, maybe it’s a pep-talk from my husband. Sometimes I read a verse like the one above. But often, it’s a scheduled writing time (that I don’t ignore).
Out of habit, obligation, pre-existing commitment…I don’t know why, but I sit down again. And here, in front of my computer, I meet God again.
I like a good praise chorus as much as anyone, but this—the fingers-tapping-keys—is where I worship most fully. With my Bible open on my left, I again read a section that’s been on my mind. I immerse myself in the Word then I put my words on the page in response; that’s worship.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. -Psalm 63:3
Maybe the writer’s version would say, “Because your love is better than life, my written words will glorify you.”
If you think you might quit tomorrow…first, know you’re not alone. Then, try these two things before you close that laptop for good.
Work toward worship. Dig into Scripture (Psalm 63 is a great place to start.) or turn on your favorite music. Read some poetry or go for a walk. Do whatever it takes for you, with your unique personality, to reconnect with the God Who called you to this work.
Worship is your truest work, what you were created to do. Worship is no avocation. Worship is the ultimate vocation of every Christ-follower.
Reconnect with your calling. Sit down at the computer anyway. We are, after all, creatures of habit, and sometimes all it takes is the resumption of the habit. When I haven’t written anything in a couple of days, I begin to forget what it feels like, how it fuels me. If merely writing isn’t enough, put aside your current project and write the kind of piece that first drew you to writing.
I hadn’t ridden a bicycle in fourteen years when our family decided to ride the Creeper Trail near Abington, Virginia. I felt awkward trying out bikes in the rental shop, but when we strapped on our helmets and mounted those bikes at the top of the mountain, all the experience of riding flooded back into my hands and feet as well as my mind. I made the eleven-mile descent without wrecking once.
So sit back down at your computer. Write what you love to write even though you have no place to publish it. Let the experience flood back into your extremities and feel the exhilaration of doing something you were made to do! (Not that I was made to mountain bike. My analogy doesn’t go that far.)
When you lean into your calling, you’re practicing another kind of worship.
In those times when I feel desperate, I realize I’ve drifted away from mindful worship in the everyday rhythms of life, and it affects my writing more than anything else. Before I can face that looming deadline, I must face my Savior in worship. Only then does the commitment to writing return, and I know I won’t quit.
At least not today.
Bio.
Carole Sparks doesn’t spend as much time writing (or worshipping) as she would like. There’s this thing called “the rest of life”…maybe you know what she means. Still, you can catch up with her most days on Twitter or her blog.
Aidan Laliberte is a non-union actor and creative writer living in North Kingstown, RI. He began performing at eight years old when he was cast as Baby Wilbur in a local community theater production of Charlotte’s Web. After secondary school, Laliberte, originally intending to pursue a career in medicine, dropped out of college after one semester and began building a career in performance, more specifically, in film. Laliberte performed both lead and supporting roles in several short and feature-length films. He currently works as production coordinator on a YouTube variety series for one of the world’s largest brands. After years of journaling and dabbling casually in writing (he won several academic awards for his various short stories and essays throughout his schooling), the craft has became more than a frequent outlet, but a creative and career priority. In December 2015, he began drafting his first fiction novel and is expected to finish in the coming months. Apart from drafting his current novel, Laliberte continues to journal every day and write in a variety of formats, including scripts, short stories and essays. He has many projects in development.
My pastor and mentor, Larry, grimaced at me back in my early twenties. “Why do you like those scary movies and books? They’re disturbing, violent, and weird.”
I grinned at him. “Have you read the Bible?”
God got a hold of my life at the age of fourteen, and I dove in with everything I had, learning, growing. I couldn’t get enough.
I also loved speculative fiction. I read and watched horror, sci-fi, fantasy, superheroes, all of it. Novels, movies, stacks of comic books. I consumed it all.
Now, I love all kinds of stories, but I always felt drawn to the weird and dark ones. Today, as a pastor and author of epic and urban fantasy, I have studied writing, literature, and scripture, and I understand why.
The best of sci-fi and fantasy (even horror) does the same as all great literature – makes commentary on the human condition. Whether it was Verne with the Time Machine or Tolkien with the Lord of the Rings, these stories connect and endure because of universal questions of identity, humanity, or good and evil. Oh, there may be spaceships or dragons or serial killers, but at the heart, they tell us something about ourselves.
As I told my mentor, there are disturbing parts of the Bible that I didn’t learn about in Sunday School. Judah has sex with his daughter in law, who he thinks is a prostitute, and then she gets pregnant with a kid God used in Jesus’ lineage. And in Judges! We would love to forget the Levite who allows his concubine to get raped, and then when she dies, he cuts her into twelve pieces to motivate the other eleven tribes to go to war with the Tribe of Benjamin.
I could go on with stories from David or Lamentations and even the New Testament. They express an important truth. Life is sometimes tragic and violent and disturbing. Is God good in those moments? Can God redeem those stories and the people within them? He can and does. Christian literature, whatever the genre, should show the tragedy and the redemption.
C.S. Lewis said, “Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”
Jesus spoke in parables, stories to teach a point. Often, however, those stories only confused people. His disciples begged him to stop speaking in parables and rejoiced when he spoke clearly (John 16:29). Jesus didn’t speak in parables to fully express the truth but to start a conversation, to hide the truth and see who would dig further than a story into the God telling the Story. (Matthew 13:10-17)
Not to mention, God is a creative God. His people should be the most creative. Speculative fiction gives us new worlds, future technology, and impossible creatures. Sounds like our Father.
And here is where writing speculative fiction, at its best, comes in. Yes, it can entertain, but it should use that wild imagination to begin spiritual conversations. Who better than pastors and Christians to be creative and tell the types of stories that engage the culture?
Tips for Christian authors as they write speculative fiction:
Learn the language. Like any missionary, know your audience. Read and learn to love the best of speculative fiction. Find your favorites and watch for themes and universal emotions.
Be creative. Don’t copy other writers. Pray and wait for those original ideas that make people say, “I never thought of it that way before.”
Kill your fears. Connect with human fears and flaws in your story. The best way to do this? Find what your greatest fear is, and write a story that kills that fear with the truth of faith, hope, and love.
Be redemptive. It is more common to have stories in our culture from an amoral, nihilistic worldview. But if we believe we are created in the image of God, people long for stories of redemption, hope, and moral good. Tell those stories. And be ready for the conversation.
Peace.
MB Mooney has traveled and ministered all over the world. He writes fantasy and non-fiction, works for #CoffeeThatMatters, and pastors a church where he lives in Suwanee, GA with his amazing wife and three great kids.
At any given time, I have at least half-a-dozen stories binging around in my head. That’s just how my brain works. I think in narrative form. That worked well for me as a child; I could captivate an audience of peers with little effort by weaving characters out of thin air and commissioning them to make my friends laugh, cringe, or cry.
But when I began writing, I soon discovered story-telling and writing are not the same thing. In writing, there are rules to follow and genres to consider. So many genres. Gone are the days when I can start a story on a fantasy note then morph it into pure romance and end it as a thriller. Why? The ominous bookstore shelf, with its neatly arranged sections, acts as the all-seeing-eye that keeps me on task.
I had no idea how many categories and sub-categories there were in literary fiction until I tried to classify my half written novel. Talk about confusing. Really—an allegorical romance is considered Speculative Fiction? Okay, who am I to question such things. Here’s the dilemma, the characters who are waiting in the long line in my mind to be birthed onto paper tend to have a will of their own. They’re too diverse to cram into one succinct class. And I’ve been told that it is difficult and risky for a new and unknown writer to attempt writing in multiple genres.
That leaves me with the precarious task of mentally shifting and blending my unwritten characters, stories and plot-lines into a common de-genre-nator. That is not working. They’re anarchists.
Unlike my cast of fiction-hopefuls, I am not the rebel type. I see the wisdom in finding my niche, creating a brand for myself, and building a strong platform before branching out. So, instead of trying to make the residents of my imaginarium conform to a genre I choose, I’ll leave them be. They can stay in their own little slots while I pluck a few to move to the top of the heap as submissions. Whichever brings in a contract first will be the genre I focus on, for a while. I have no doubt the others will get their shot after I’m established. But I’m discovering that a big part of writing game involves timing, patience and balance. Ultimately, I know my writing is in God’s hands and His timing is perfect.
If you are a new writer trying to determine whether writing in multiple genres is best for you, here are a few pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Creative Freedom: You don’t have to limit your artistic flow and banish your binging stories to the back burner.
Potential To Reach More People: It makes sense that by branching out into multiple-genres you could reach a broader base of people with differing interests.
Opportunity To Expand Your Craft: Since each genre has its own style, flair and rules—writing in multiple genres helps you regularly exercise a well-rounded set of literary muscles.
Cons:
Branding Confusion: If you are trying to introduce yourself to the reading world, you might not want to give them multiple personalities to deal with right from the get-go. It’s kind of like a blind date. You show them your steady-shiny-side first and save the yoga-pants-pony-tail days for when you know it’s gonna last.
Blurred Edges: Even if you are a masterful of keeping all your players in their own genre playing fields, it takes incredible versatility and skill to keep the fields from crossing. The amount of time and organization it will require to do this may be too taxing when you are heavy in the throes of establishing your brand.
Marketing Mayhem: Be ready and willing to divide your time and efforts between multiple publishers while keeping multiple groups of readers satisfied and content—a literary Sister-Wives arrangement.
Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning writer and aspiring author. She and her husband John have five children (three grown and two still at home) and two adorable grand-kids. With a heart and passion for serving and protecting kids of all ages, they worked in children’s and youth ministries together for over twenty years and remain active in the community serving kids and families today.
I struggled to stay awake on the drive home from the Ohio Christian Writers Conference, my conference companion and I too tired to even speak to each other. Air1 and 104.9 in the background, I sang along to myself, thoughts drifting to the wonderful time of worship at the conference then to the conference itself. Those three words became the basis of my thoughts.
The OHCWC was my first writers conference. I’d attended writing workshops before, but never a conference with pitch appointments or that many agents, editors, and publishers. I didn’t realize how tired I would be.
Three days of sitting around taking notes, listening to writing workshops, pitching my WIP, and connecting with other writers shouldn’t be that tiring, right? However, I, and I think a lot of other writers, forget how mentally taxing writing is.
As you prepare for your next writers conference or are readying to return home from one, take time to recover afterwards. I’m sure upon your return home, family and friends will flood you with questions: “Did you publish your book?” “Who did you meet?” Your brain will need a rest from all that happens at a writers conference, and questions can quickly become overwhelming.
That recovery time is needed; thus, here are four ways to recover from your next writers conference:
Let your family and friends know that you will need alone time.
Writers conferences are a wonderful time of networking with others. When you return home, you won’t want to be swarmed by more people and questions. While it’s great that your family and friends care to know about the conference, make sure that you tell them before your departure that you will need alone time afterward. Tell them that you appreciate any and all questions about the conference, but to please, save them for the day after you return.
Take a shower.writers conference
It’s a strange yet well-known fact that writers think well in the shower. When your brain is overloaded from all the information you received at the conference, a nice warm shower may be just what you need to relax and to begin processing all you learned.
Drink some tea (or coffee!) and read a book.
You’ve learned so much about writing and talked so much about your own book that it will be beneficial to disappear into the world of another author for a few hours. Curling up on the couch with your favorite drink and taking a break from reality will help you relax and recover from the conference.
Journal your thoughts.
After the OHCWC my thoughts were in a jumble. All the information from the sessions swirled around in my head, and I didn’t even know where to begin sorting through them. So, I pulled out my notebook for writing thoughts, a ballpoint pen, and I wrote. The writing wasn’t pretty. It was hardly coherent. But by the end, I knew where to start formulating my writing plans and knew how to answer the questions others would undoubtedly ask me.
Most of us won’t have much time to relax and recoup after a writers conference, but these four ways don’t require a lot of time. A couple of relaxing hours will go a long way to helping you continue your writing journey.
If you’ve ever been to a writing conference, how did you feel afterwards? What did you do to recover?
Galaxy tights, mismatched socks, and a cup of tea in her T. Rex mug often accompany Megan when she sits down to write. Her passion for story has impacted her life since she and her sister first began enacting stories with their dolls and using their imaginations to create worlds of stories in their backyard. After graduating with her BA in English, she is currently earning a Graduate Certificate in Editing through UC Berkeley. Megan is using her love of story and purpose of serving Christ to write and edit at Literary Portals Editing. Find more about her services at www.literaryportals.com.
You saw a listing for a writing conference. It looks amazing. You’re excited, then doubts creep in. Am I ready? Will they take me seriously? Is it worth the money? Pitch appointments? I can’t do that!
As a teen writer, I often ask myself these questions when signing up for writing conferences. I’ve had some of these fears and I’m sure many of you have experienced them too. Maybe you’re going through them now. It’s okay. Recently, I went to the Ohio Christian Writers Conference (OCWC). It was wonderful. But, like many of you, I was nervous.
Let’s take a more in depth look at the questions above, and I’ll share the answers I experienced.
Am I ready?
The great thing is you don’t have to be. Preparation is good, but not vital. At OCWC there were attendees who hadn’t begun writing yet. But you know what? They left inspired and ready to start.
Will they even take me seriously?
Despite the fact that I am years younger than most of the attendees at OCWC, I was treated with just as much respect as everyone else. My writing was taken seriously. I was taken seriously. My fears were put at ease and I was able to socialize without fear of being underestimated.
Is it worth the money?
You learn so much, and make so many connections (I wouldn’t be writing this article if not for one of those connections), both with faculty and other writers. OCWC bent over backwards to make their conference affordable. And while it’s ultimately up to you to decide if the conference is worth your time/money, I feel like I got every penny’s worth out of OCWC.
Pitch Appointments
These very words inspire anxiety. But, take a deep breath. It’s okay. Conferences like OCWC offer appointments where you sit down across from a professional and talk. A lot of attendees use this opportunity to pitch their books, but if you’re too nervous or don’t feel like your story is ready for that step, you don’t have to. Take this time to ask questions. You can ask about writing, blogging, marketing, or the business side of the industry. Anything writing related. Don’t stress. The faculty are there to help you and answer your questions. At OCWC, I’m not going to lie, I was nervous. But, both of the ladies that I had appointments with were extremely nice. One prayed with me before my session and hugged me afterwards. (She’s the reason I’m writing this).
Here are a few other benefits of conferences:
You learn a lot.
It can be overwhelming, but set aside time after the conference to digest what you’ve learned.
Every conference I’ve attended has books for sale. And, usually, the authors of these books are walking around the same building you are, often teaching classes and meeting with conference goers. It’s totally okay to ask them to sign your book.
You never know what connections you’ll make.
This is true with both the faculty and attendees. You never know what friends you’ll make, and who knows, maybe you’ll walk away from the conference with requests for your manuscript.
So, pray about that conference. See if it’s something God’s calling you to do. If the answer is yes, go. Enjoy your experience. Make connections. Learn. And have fun. God has a plan for you and if He’s called you to this conference, it won’t be a waste of time.
Ashley Schaller enjoys reading about reckless, headstrong heroes, prefers tea over coffee, and loves dollhouse miniatures. When not writing, she can often be found curled up with a book.
I started working as a professional writer when I was seventeen. So completely captured by the craft, I made the decision to make it a big part of my life. As exciting as it is to be a young author, I learned quickly that writing comes with a lot of unique responsibilities. Responsibilities I didn’t fully understand before I signed a contract.
Recently I went to see the new Spider-Man: Homecoming movie. As a chick flick girl, I didn’t expect the movie to touch me the way it did. But halfway through, I started to identify with Peter Parker in a way that surprised me. Outwardly, Peter was living the life of a normal high school kid, but inwardly he was carrying the burden of a heavier responsibility. Just like a teen writer.
Here are some ways that being a teen writer is like being Spider-Man:
You’ll Miss Out on High School Fun
Peter Parker (Spider-Man) chose to skip out on parties and everyday teen life because he knew saving the world was more important. In the same way, writers choose to value their ambitions over a little teen fun. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to relax now and then, but it does mean that sometimes you’ll have to meet that deadline instead of hanging out with friends.
(Your friends will understand.)
Revealing Your Secret Identity Could be Devastating
Although I enjoy telling people about what I do, revealing my author identity isn’t always in my best interest. I am an introvert, after all. Many people don’t know a real author. When they find out who you are, they might crowd you. “What’s your book about?” “Is your character anything like you?” and “When can I read it?” are all common and predictable questions you’ll receive if you become a professional writer. Though these questions are genuinely appreciated, they might wear you out fast. You have a responsibility to yourself to make sure you don’t get overloaded by people’s opinions and expectations. Keep it simple. Be discerning. If you don’t feel comfortable telling someone the intimate details about your novel’s inner workings, it’s okay to cut the conversation short.
You’ll be fighting More Than Bad Guys
In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker isn’t only battling The Vulture. He’s also fighting against his own rebellious teenage heart, and he’s facing the world’s cruelty head-on. Every day, he looks at levels of evil that his peers don’t even know exist.
As Christian writers, our task is to ultimately share the gospel through our work. Believe me when I tell you the enemy will be attacking you like crazy. Especially during big events in your career, expect the adversity to be there. Not only will you be responsible for meeting those writing deadlines (fighting The Vulture), you’ll also be carrying the weight of the world at times (spiritual attack).
Do you remember in the beginning of this post when I said I was completely captured by writing? I am. That’s something Spider-Man and I have in common, too. Peter Parker was so passionate about Spider-Man’s mission that he was willing to sacrifice everything for it. As a teen, I chose to be a writer because I know that despite the unique challenges and responsibilities, writing is something I’ll always be willing to sacrifice for.
Stephanie is a professional writer and journalist living outside of Buffalo, New York, where it probably snows a lot. She’s pursuing publication for her first novel, Reaching Home, and she spends her quiet moments writing poetry and blogging about her adventures with God. Stephanie has a heart for sharing real stories and encouraging authors to write for Jesus and love what they do. She’s a big believer in hard work, audiobooks, and chocolate, and can usually be found changing the world somewhere.
Technical writing is a different kind of writing. As a matter of fact, it is a very different kind of writing. It is different from fiction, which primarily focuses on entertaining the reader with intriguing stories and absorbing plots. It is different from non-fiction, which seeks to both entertain and educate by employing fact-based narratives. But unlike fiction and non-fiction, technical writing is never read for enjoyment.
Have you ever picked up a book and after a few pages, put it down saying, “This isn’t for me.” Have you ever listened to a speaker and found yourself turning away, thinking, “This guy doesn’t get it.” Or have you met with someone offering professional services—perhaps a consultant or coach—and walked away, saying “We just aren’t on the same page.”
As writers, we want to connect with our readers. We want our readers to say, “Yes, I get it.” We want to receive reviews that say, “This writer knows what it’s like” or “This author is my kind of people.” In the words of Seth Godin, author of Tribes, we want to develop tribes—followers who get us, understand us, and perhaps most important, believe that we “get” them.
When we connect with our readers, we develop loyal and faithful followers. When we speak the language of our readers, we grow our tribe. And we sell our books, along with our products and services. So how do we as writers become more reader-centric?
I believe that it starts with the strategic plan for your book—before you write the first word. Who is it that will benefit from your book? Who needs this book? What groups of people are hungry for the ideas and solutions that you offer? By first starting with your targeted reader as the central point for your writing, you begin to write in a reader-centric manner.
And remember the Native American proverb: if you chase two rabbits, you will lose both. Don’t think your book is for everyone. It is for someone. And once you identify that someone your writing will improve.
[bctt tweet=”Don’t think your book is for everyone.” username=”@A3writers”]
Are you a reader-centric writer? One way to test that answer is to examine your writing. While your stories and experiences are indeed about you the writer, do you include the reader? How many times do you use the word “you” versus the words “I” or “me”?
In working with an author’s manuscript, she often discussed “my” clients and talked about what “I” did. We took another look at her writing, and decided that it was possible to make these into “you” statements, by merely changing the statement from, “This is what I have done,” to, “Are these situations that you have experienced?” By refocusing the writing we were able to create language that was inclusive.
Next, develop ongoing strategies to keep in touch with your readers and your market. Outlined here are several ways to strengthen your radar and keep your readers’ ideas, challenges, and needs in the foreground.
Invite feedback from your reader. When you write a blog post, do you end with a question? Have you invited the readers of your book to interact with you on your website? Have you given your reader a reason to visit your website by providing some incentive, like a white paper, template, or checklist that would be of value? Do you provide your email, website, or social media contact information in your writing? It was by doing some “letter to my reader” and “FAQ” writing prompts with my clients that I learned about the need for coaching about becoming reader-centric writers.
Interview your reader. My readers are my clients, and I ask them lots of questions when we meet one on one, in our group coaching sessions, and when we meet for coffee or lunch. I candidly ask for their feedback so that I can continue to make my coaching services more effective.
Ask probing questions of your readers (and clients). What are your biggest challenges? What’s working for you? What isn’t working? Where have you made mistakes? What information have I as the writer shared that has been most helpful or most confusing? Do you agree with my advice?
Hang out with your reader. I’m always looking for ways to be in community with my readers. What conferences do they attend? What publications do they read? What organizations are they members? By attending the National Speakers Association convention last summer I was able to learn that many speakers were writing blogs and had plenty of content, yet had no idea about how to turn that content into a book. By attending that convention, I learned about a need that became my new service offering and my newest book, Blog2Book!
Your writing will be stronger, your content more applicable, and your readers more faithful when you develop strong skills that keep you in touch with your reader. As I share with my authors in The Writers’ Pledge, we exist as writers to serve our readers:
I pledge that I will continue to work so that I gain clarity and focus for my readers, audiences, and clients. Then I can continue to make the world a better place, one word at a time.
[bctt tweet=”Become a reader centric writer.” username=””]
Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write a book as a business development strategy. She is the author of Blog2Book: Repurposing Content to Discover the Book You’ve Already Written. She can be reached at Cathy@CathyFyock.com.
For the past five years, I’ve been blogging for teenage fiction writers. As the editor-in-chief of an online magazine for teenage writers, I’ve alternately approved and rejected many articles targeting teenagers and have gained a lot of experience on what works. While the prospect of writing for teenagers may seem intimidating, as someone who wasn’t a teenager all that long ago, writing effectively for teens is very doable if you follow a few simple steps:
Get to the Point. We live in an era where a lot of different opportunities are pulling on people’s attention. This is especially true for teenagers. I don’t believe that means we need to write short pieces for teens (most of mine tend to be between 1,500 and 2,500 words). But it does mean you need to get to the point immediately and not waste time rambling. If you avoid writing fluff and hit your points hard, you may be surprised at how many committed teens will keep reading your writing. [bctt tweet=”If you avoid writing fluff and hit your points hard, you may be surprised at how many committed teens will keep reading your writing.” username=””]
Don’t Try to Sound Sophisticated. In my experience, teens can handle complicated topics just like anyone else. But you need to know how to phrase it—and you can’t put it in sophisticated terms. Teens aren’t looking for someone who sounds smart and educated. They’re looking for someone who communicates effectively without putting on any airs. You’re not doing yourself any favors by using words that sound intelligent. Instead, learn how to speak their language, explain complicated concepts in simple terms, and reach them where they’re at.
Be Personal. Teens value authenticity and relatability. The more personal you can be in your writing, the more effective you’ll be in writing for teens. Perhaps more than any other group, teens want to read about someone who sounds like them and who can communicate to them in relevant ways. Don’t be afraid of revealing a bit more of yourself than you would otherwise, or sounding a bit less professional in your blogging style. The more personal you are, the more teens will trust you and care about what you’re saying. Remember: a little humor can go a long way!
Connect Complicated Concepts to Practical Examples. As a high school English teacher, I often have to explain complicated literary concepts to teenagers. Breaking concepts down into simple terms helps, but relating these concepts to practical examples—like a current event or a current trend—can make a world of difference in the classroom. The same principle applies to blogging. When I’m helping teens with complicated writing concepts, showing applications of those concepts in popular books and movies makes them a lot less complex. The more you can connect what you’re saying to what teens are familiar with, the better.
Writing for Teens Isn’t Much Different than Writing for Adults. Sometimes, writers get too concerned about changing their writing for teens. But at the end of the day, teens can handle a lot more than we think they can. Speaking as someone who wasn’t a teen that long ago, we don’t like it when people dumb stuff down for us. Many of the principles I’ve already described apply when writing for adults as well! The only difference is how you apply these principles. If you assume that teens can’t understand important concepts, you’ll reap what you sow. But if you treat them as intelligent adults while tweaking your style appropriately, you may be surprised by how much they can rise to the challenge.
If you write high-quality content that hits teens where they are, you’ve already won the main battle; everything else is in the details. When I was a teen, I was consistently frustrated by how shallow most books and blogs targeted at teens were, and ended up reading many books targeted to adults if I wanted to learn anything. There’s a huge untapped market for reaching teens effectively with writing that’s actually helpful—particularly in the fiction writing sphere. Treat teens like anyone else while keeping their idiosyncrasies in mind, and you’ll be well on the path to writing effectively for teens.
Bio: Josiah DeGraaf is a high school English teacher and the editor-in-chief of http://kingdompen.org/, a site that equips teens to write for Christ with proficiency and purpose. When he’s not working at either of those pursuits, he spends his free time reading fantasy novels and trying to break into the fantasy market. You can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JosiahDeGraaf
As an English major in college, I was eager to put my skills to work… I wanted to create something . . . I wanted to be someone special. There was only one problem—a big one, I had nothing to write about. Unless, I shared my mischievous adventures, but that would just be one long confessional.
My English professor encouraged me to reminisce about past relationships. I found myself overcome with shame. So I did what most would-be writers would do. I read anything I could get my hands on: Screenplays, self-help books, cookbooks (my father was a chef and cooking is creating out of necessity,) and comic books (guys are visual!)
My reading choices —poor choices—led me down a path I knew was wrong and I used my gifts for my own desires. Growing up in church, I knew Jesus set us free from sin (Romans 8:2-4,) but more often we live like we are free to sin. It’s a twisted lie of the devil; he takes our freedom and promises us more.
Free?
Dictionary.com defines free as: “Enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery, pertaining to those who enjoy personal liberty, possessing civil and political liberties.”
Most people view college as the first step to adulthood, we are free from the rules of our parents and their watchful eyes. We are free to learn and form our own opinions. Robert Frost notes, “College is a refuge from hasty judgment.”
I felt the liberty to make mistakes; however, I failed to learn from them. Thus, my Heavenly Father had to step in and remind me He was in control.
After dying in a car accident, I was given a second chance to use my passion for writing for His glory, not mine. I spent eleven months learning how to walk, talk and smile again. After losing those liberties, I promised God I’d use my gifts however He wanted me to.
At first, I struggled and wanted to do my thing. He pursued me and I realized the power of a second chance. It’s not a freedom to keep doing the same thing over and over. Grace is a second, third, fourth, etc. chance to do the right thing.
In recent years I’ve learned God has created me in a unique way for writing, I am free to be who He wants me to be. My flaws, and personality traits, lack of formal spiritual training and past give me a unique perspective and creative voice.
I don’t have to be the next great theological scholar constantly pursuing education to stay on top of the religious mountain of greatness. I’m content with serving God however He chooses. Scripture is clear if God wants to do great works through me, He can do more than I can (Ephesians 3:20, 1 Peter 5:5-6, James 4:6-7.)
More or less?
Our sin nature makes us crave more. But in God’s kingdom, less is more. The least is greatest; God makes the wise foolish and the foolish things wise.
When we are crucified with Christ, we are surrendered to His will—then God can do great things. A few years ago I interviewed my mentor for my book. He shared:
“I decided to join the military after college. My first duty station was in Tacoma, Washington, in a leadership position. I would never have dreamed I would have a 30-year career in the military.
God’s plan for my life would take me all over the world and allow me to have experienced and learn invaluable leadership skills that would serve His kingdom for His purpose. The opportunities given to me and my family were beyond my wildest dreams. When God has a call on your life, you must use discernment to help you make the right choice. My name is Paul Wingo and I am crucified with Christ.”
God’s will is not orchestrated by man. In May I attended my first Blue Ridge Mountains Christian writers conference. The first morning I shared a table with an older gentleman from breakfast.
After we finished eating, he invited me to his class. I had spent an hour eating with the 30 year Hollywood veteran Brian Bird. To my amazement, we have become friends and encourage each other in our craft of film.
As Christian writers, we encourage others with the gospel, not with false positive feel-good words, but the honest truth. Recently, I attended a free Christian concert in Atlanta.
Singer Bart Millard shared, “The blessing and curse of being a songwriter is my therapy is I write songs about these things (suffering.)” Our job as Christian writers is to tell the hard truth because the truth will set you free (John 8:32.)
Martin is an award-winning Christian screenwriter and former model who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book after three years of researching, editing and remembering.
While majoring in English, he walked away from the Christian faith to experience the grandeur and luster of college life. While dating, he delved into different spiritual beliefs—from Hinduism to Catholicism and Judaism.Martin’s journey took him on a journey for answers.
In March of 1997, Martin received his answer. Albeit, not the answer he wanted. Nearly dying in a severe car accident, he survived with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side.
After enduring eleven months of humiliating rehabilitation and therapy, Martin found himself at the foot of the cross with a choice to make. It was then Martin realized to truly live, he had to die. Not physically but in every other area of his life. There could be no compromise.
Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries Martin shares his testimony. Martin explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives.
In the weeks before a conference, my excitement and happy thoughts twist into nervous doubts. What if I get there and no one talks to me? What if I flop all my appointments, or end up with agents and editors I don’t even want?
What am I trying to write, anyway?
I forget the wonderful conference experiences I’ve had in the past. The deep friendships I’ve begun and the mentors I’ve met. Every time I return home from a writer’s conference, I’m miles ahead of where I was, even if it’s just in inspiration. But these memories fade from my mind as the next event approaches.
As I prepared for ACFW 2017, I slipped into this same cycle of doubts. The weeks sped by, and I wasn’t feeling any closer to ready. I planned to pitch a novel in a new genre, which seemed a great idea in the spring, but now looked like a dangerous mountain hike through unfamiliar terrain. I scheduled a critique with a writing coach to help me polish the story, and tried to stay positive while waiting anxiously for her response.
It came, and within a few hours, I knew this novel needed a major reworking. What was I going to do? The conference was mere weeks away. I’d planned to pitch the story to several professionals I admire who might not be interested in my other completed novel. It was too late to change my appointments.
My first instinct was to interrogate God. He’d led me to this genre and this novel. Why did he let me pour myself out into an unstable story structure? And if I really was a writer, I’d have known from the beginning it wasn’t going to work.
Then I read a meditation by Samantha Trenkamp for Daughters of Promise Magazine. She told the story of Joshua and Caleb and the ten cowardly spies. The ten spies saw giants, and reported that the Israelites could never take the land. They forgot that God was on their side. Caleb and Joshua realized how small men are compared to God, and, instead of giants, they saw enemies that were too big to miss. Why were the two reports so different? It was a matter of perspective.
All my fear and panic about conferences comes from viewing them the wrong way, without God by my side. Writers conferences are stuffed full of opportunities to learn, befriend, and network with passionate and talented writers, editors, agents, and publishers. It’s impossible not to gain wisdom and inspiration in such a place, even if it doesn’t go exactly the way I want. Though it’s painful when plans must change right when it seems crucial to have it all together, this is God teaching me to rely on him.
Without God, the writing conference giant may crush me. But with God, I can’t miss such a huge target. I’ll come away with new friends, fresh inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the writing craft. And that is more valuable than any perfect pitch could be.
Bio: I’m Sheri Yutzy, and I’m a storyteller who believes that words hold unimaginable power. I’m passionate about writing life-changing literature for people of all ages. I write and edit for Daughters of Promise, an Anabaptist women’s magazine, and am working to get my first two young adult fantasy novels published.
Got challenges? Don’t we all. Life is filled with obstacles on the pathway to realizing our goals and purposes. How do you conquer them?
Well, for a quick fix, I look for something in my power wardrobe. When I wear clothes that fit well and look great on me, I feel empowered and confident. Power clothes shield me from people seeing me in my unvarnished weakness. Like, the crippling insecurity that often comes from . . . well . . . for instance—heading to a writer’s conference to mingle with peer professionals.
I spend a lot of time preparing for writers’ conferences. They keep me focused on my writing goals, providing a deadline for completing projects. I look forward to networking with other writers. Mentoring and being mentored. Growing in my skill sets. Crossing thresholds of new publishing opportunities that might present for me.
All this anticipation fuels my writing fires—until about two weeks before the conference. Then, though I may have my files, proposals, and conference plan in order, a mountain range of doubt looms before me. These obstacles in my path lead me to question everything I’ve just spent weeks preparing.
“Who do you think you are, a REAL writer or something?”
“You always confuse your tenses and use too many commas— what a joke.”
“You have nothing original to say because it’s already been said.”
“You can’t run with the big dogs at writers’ conferences—you need to stay on the porch.”
Confidence shrinks back. Uncertainty rises-up. A mole-hill becomes a mountain of fear and doubt. That’s where the power wardrobe comes in. I put my confidence game face on. A mask, in fact. I set my face, like flint, to power through the stones, rocks, and boulders that cause me to stumble in weakness on my way. No one will know I shake in my boots behind my mask of confidence, facing the challenges before me. I look sensational in this outfit with a nifty floral pattern!
My computer and files are packed. My power wardrobe is carefully chosen to fit, masking my inner turmoil. But, all is vanity because . . .
My mask is removed at the end of the day.
Sometimes it falls off in the heat of the fray.
That’s not such a bad thing; it leads me to pray,
And Jesus responds, “There’s a better way.”
When I seek to walk in my purpose and calling as a writer, I struggle with confidence going forth. No amount of sensational looking power clothes will overcome the root of my insecurities. The mistake I make is wearing a wardrobe like a mask to just get by.
Masking your confident-to-the-calling shortcomings will not do. There’s nothing wrong with selecting a great looking wardrobe for a writers’ conference. We should present our best selves in outward appearance. Yes—do look sensational.
It’s not about externals. You’ll go all the way to genuine confidence, rather than the mere façade of it, if you give quality attention to packing your internal wardrobe—the closet of your heart. That’s where true confidence roots, producing fruitful and fragrant blossoms that attract and influence. No nifty floral patterns are necessary.
Clothing yourself in the head-to-toe skin-sufficiency of Christ is the bedrock power of true confidence to the task, whatever that is. Be it writers’ conferences or just waking up in the morning, put Christ on in the spirit, before worrying what clothes you’re going to pull out of the closet.
And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:27 NLT
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
As a writer, no matter the challenges before you, God calls you to take each one in His wisdom and strength. The crossing of thresholds involve risk—like arriving at a writers’ conference and passing through the doors to the registration desk. Or sitting across the table from the editor or agent you hope to impress. Slip into the skin-sufficiency of Christ when crossing the thresholds of your life and divine calling. The point where risk meets Confidence.
Prayer Journal: Thank you, Lord, that my calling in You is sufficient to the task and the compass to my purpose. You have promised to complete the work You have begun in me. I shall go forth in joy. You will lead me in peace. The mountains and hills of obstacles will break forth before me and be turned to praise by Your hand. I will shout with joy as I know you are cheering me on to accomplish all You have called me to do. Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 55:12
[bctt tweet=” The point where risk meets #confidence #JesusChrist @misskathypwp” username=””]
[bctt tweet=”Wearing #confidence: A #Writers Wardrobe Must-Have @misskathypwp” username=””]
I learned a great deal about walking in Christ’s confidence, boldly taking on challenging risks over the past six years of my independent publishing journey. I power-packed many of those spiritual and life lessons in my latest book, The Gatekeeper’s Key: Crossing Thresholds through Portals of Potential
Want to know more? Check out The Gatekeeper’s Key in the Pageant Wagon Bookshop. www.pageantwagonpublishing.com ~ by Kathryn Ross
Writer-speaker, Kathryn Ross, ignites a love of literature and learning through Pageant Wagon Productions and Publishing. She writes homeschool enrichment and Christian living books for home, church, and school. Her passion is to equip women and families in developing a Family Literacy Lifestyle, producing readers and thinkers who can engage the world from a biblical worldview. She blogs and podcasts at PageantWagonPublishing.com.
Being a teenager is hard. Especially a teenager striving to be a published author. It’s stressful finding time to write. When I’m stressed, I talk myself through the anxiety – aloud. After these steps to balancing school and writing, I sound much less crazy. I hope they help you keep your sanity, too.
I use the following steps to balance school and writing, I sound less crazy. I hope they help you keep your sanity, too.
Pray. Every morning I pray. I ask God for time to write and if I should write for a career. I ask Him to infuse my words with His power and sneak ideas into the work. Matthew 7:7-8 says when we ask we will receive. God will give you time to write if you ask and if it’s in His will.
Prioritize. God comes first and school comes before your work-in-progress. However, decide what writing means to you. Is it something to do for fun? To make a career out of?Is it worth the time and effort you put in? I make writing a priority by reassessing what it means to me or by turning it into an extra credit opportunity with my teacher’s permission. [bctt tweet=”Turn writing into an extra credit opportunity” username=””]
Schedule Wisely. We don’t have all day to write, so we must manage our time carefully. Throughout the day, I create a list of tasks I must complete and use it to plan my free time during and after school. Next, I carve writing sessions from that schedule. I place sessions within study halls and lunches or at home if I use those times to do homework. Your sessions can be short, maybe ten to fifteen minutes, but they help. Word sprints are a great way to utilize time. Write as fast as you can without stopping. Brainstorm on the bus, between classes, in bed at night, or during class when you’re bored out of your mind. When life gets hard, think about your story instead.
Sacrifice. Students must choose between hanging with friends and writing. I feel like a recluse because I often choose to be with my work-in-progress rather than my friends at the movie theater. But when I’m too stressed or need family time, I enjoy being with the people I love. Decide when to cancel or cut plans short. If you feel social but need to write, find some book-loving buddies and go to a library or a cafe with them to write.
Give Yourself Grace. Being a student is hard. People expect perfection of us and we expect it of ourselves. Perfection is impossible. If you have too much homework or need downtime, don’t beat yourself up for missing a writing session. Writing is important, but not as important as your well-being. If it overwhelms you, take a break.
After praying, prioritizing, scheduling, deciding when to sacrifice, and giving myself grace, I make time to write during the school year. With the help of God and these steps, you can, too.
How do you balance school and writing? If you don’t know if God wants you to write for a career, send me a prayer request!
Caroline Hadley writes young adult Christian speculative fiction to help other teens feel God’s love in a meaningful way. She has won a Silver Key and a national Gold Key for her short stories in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Currently, she is adapting one of those stories into a novel. She is involved in a teen writing group at her local library and is working for her high school literary magazine. She enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reading, and being with her family. If you want to connect with her and chat, visit her blog, jarsofwords.blogspot.com.
“Sorry, but I can’t make those changes to my manuscript. It’s my baby.”
We cling tight to our books, our babies, in fear that the red pen of death will not force our little infants to bleed out. But, often we forget babies must, in fact, grow up . . .
Any trip to a grocery store, airplane, or just about anywhere plagued by the sounds of shrieking children can hint at what most offspring lack today: good discipline. The same goes for manuscripts. Of the dozens of proposals I will review in a given month, several of these coddled “babies” lack good discipline – clean editing, structure, and pacing.
How often do we fail to realize the publishing realm exists in a professional adult world? It’s tough; it’s selective, and it cannot (nor does it have the time to) bear any childish behavior from a manuscript.
For your book to survive, consider the following disciplinary actions:
Bed Time: Proper Pacing
Often, we do not encounter proposals who go to bed too early (chapters which drag). Frequently, I will face tongue-tied, jumping-on-the-bed-at-late-hours, speedy reads that try to incorporate the villain, climax, and all the main characters in the first three pages.
Pause. Breathe.
Let the mystery build as the narrative progresses. Seep in details, like glimpses and visions children see in dreams. Give the child a moment to rest, to sleep. When she wakes, she’ll be well-rested, energized, and ready for that plot twist. The readers will be, too.
Mr. Manners: Copy Editing
A poorly-edited manuscript is like a screaming child on his knees by the candy display at a register, we don’t want to listen to it.
Handfuls of proposals had brilliant ideas, fantastic platforms . . . but they forgot basic grammar taught in middle school classrooms. Direct address commas would disappear. Sentences would miss articles such as “a,” “an,” or “the.” Stupid stuff – enough to make or break an author and his or her baby.
Sparing the Rod: Overdoing Edits
There is something to be said about suffocating a child with exasperation. Some authors can edit a manuscript to death, dressing it in starch outfits and praying its rebellious middle school phase will never come along. Stiff children (who do not move in fear of reproach) with vacant eyes can scare off a publisher, too. If the narrative starts to sound like Google translate generated the words, you ought to reconsider your punitive tactics.
In Summary
If you love your baby, let it go – and let it grow.
Hope Bolinger is a professional writing student at Taylor University and intern at Hartline Literary Agency. Over 80 of her works have been featured in publications such as Christian Communicator and Church Libraries. She has also been featured in a handful of anthologies and has had a recent memoir she wrote about a WWII veteran published by Taylor University Press.
Opinions. Opinions. More opinions float through a person’s mind in the course of a day than Aristotle has twelve-letter verbs, then Proust has flashbacks, than Joyce has commas, than Gabaldon has subplots. Multiply that number by 7.5 billion. It’s safe to say, opinions are something we humans have in common. What varies greatly is how vocal one can be with them. Freedom is the determinant of how strongly we may share our opinions. As fiction writers, we should never mitigate this liberty. Beware this danger zone. The simplest and most common way in fiction writing to miss all the caution signs is to base your story on a social issue. I know. I did it. Listen up, my chickadees, to a tale of caution:
About fifteen years ago, I wrote a novel.
Ugh.
At least I thought it was a novel. I sent query letters around to agents, eagerly describing my work as a novel about abortion. The lack of excitement—let alone interest—flummoxed me. I did enjoy receiving one piece of hate mail from a secular agent. The synopsis had engaged at least one person’s attention. At the time, I was raising four young children, so it was fairly easy to “bottom drawer” the manuscript. Someday, I thought to myself, there will be more interest—when I come across a sensible agent or audience. Truly, I had no clue who actually needed to become sensible.
Years later, I found myself in a graduate-level film school at a Christian university. Although screenwriting is just a cousin to novel writing, they share one absolutely essential element—story. I am glad to have had the training. There, layer by layer, I became (more) sensible. There were many delicious debates and papers about all things regarding story, genre, and narrative theory. As I studied the subject at a deeper level, I discovered what was wrong with my book.
What had escaped my attention years previously now made me blush at my naivete and ignorance. Guess those student loans were worth it. My novel was not character driven or plot driven; it was driven by … a social issue! Horror of horrors. Amid all the dos, don’ts, and great advice of those who have gone before us, there must be room for concern over yet another vital element. We must find the time for it because what drives our stories affects the finished product down to its very fiber. To better examine these motivations, let’s have a conversation regarding story as we take a familiar drive and reflect on what is under the hood.
[bctt tweet=” Two types of vehicles for story leap to mind” username=”@realpubzoo”]
Two types of vehicles for story leap to mind: one driven by character and one driven by plot. Energy or impetus for character-driven plots originates deep within the main characters. The force of a plot-driven story comes from the circumstances or environment in which characters find themselves. In a character-driven vehicle, the driver would be all about conversation, exploiting the time in the car to talk, dig deep, and learn about each other. Whether the journey takes place in the rain or at night, little importance is placed on what happens outside the car. It’s all about the journey.
In a plot-driven vehicle, the driver would be observant, taking the time to notice the all-important surroundings. She sees every mile sign and landmark and knows what type of cars and trucks surround her. For her, it is all about the destination.
When an author considers fiction as a means to explore a social issue, she must be circumspect because the issue is a mighty strong platform for conflict. Of course, conflict is oxygen to a story, as it propels the characters to choices and action. It is a path for our characters—the road on which they travel. A social issue can be a powerful vehicle but should be only that. If the issue takes over the story, disaster ensues.
[bctt tweet=”conflict is oxygen to a story” username=””]
A story, when viewed metaphorically as a painting, has a foreground, a middle ground, and a background. The social issue which threads through the story must be no closer than the deep middle ground, but preferably the background. When a social issue shines flashily in the foreground, it is certainly misplaced and becomes something very ugly: a message. A work of fiction is not a place for a message. When placed there, it wallops the reader over the head, shutting down the story by forcing an opinion on the reader rather than letting her arrive at her own conclusion. An essay or speech is the correct place for a message. Using an issue properly can provide a powerful tool, but the construction must be handled deftly. A boiling controversy is a marvelous source of conflict on many levels. Characters can really squirm under the light shed by great tension.
Now back to my first novel. It had plenty of conflict. What else could it have? It was about abortion. The slope was too slippery and the temptation was too great for me. I screamed the “right” opinion and heard in return the echo of a lonely, deep cave. Now it is the poster book for all that can go wrong when you grab a social issue by its tail. There was plenty of information-chunking, soapbox haranguing, and bold-face preaching with barely an ounce of divergent perspective. It was obnoxious, pure and simple.
A great example of social issues used properly is from the book, Q & A, by Vikas Swarup which was the basis for the film, Slumdog Millionaire (2008). Swarup wove scads of issues into a story that brought the poverty and degradation of India’s urban ghettoes to vivid life. Prostitution, thievery, class inequality, human trafficking, prejudice, greed—to name a few. Every inch of this story was conflict. Though the book was rife with these problems, the author nimbly used the issues as tools to keep the characters under severe, constant pressure. He kept the reader’s focus on the issue as well but didn’t weigh in much with opinions (until the last sentence). He allowed the reader plenty of latitude to interpret the situations and draw her own conclusions.
So, to sum up: a social issue can find a proper place in a work of fiction, but it must not be front and center. A good test is what you say when someone asks you about your book. If you say, “My book is about human trafficking,” then you need to drop the manuscript in the trash can and grab a blank piece of paper. If you say something like, “when Johnny discovers his fiancée is missing, he thinks it’s the worst thing to ever happen to him; but when he learns she’s really been trafficked, his world falls apart,” you are on the right track. A story is about the characters and what happens to them. When your audience is curious about them, you are on good ground. This story could have a social issue as an element, but one of many elements. Used in this way, it is a great thing. So, go boldly and wisely forward, wowing us all.
[bctt tweet=” a social issue can find a proper place in a work of fiction, but it must not be front and center. ” username=””]
ADDENDUM: A trick question.
Let us consider Dr. Seuss’ story, The Lorax. Unabashedly pro-eco and anti-consumerism, the story rides high on a wave of social issues, as do many of his stories. Do you believe Suess’ overwhelming creativity serves well as a counter-balance to his foreground placement of the issues? Or do you feel the issues have walloped you too hard?
When Angela has spare time, she loves to quilt, sew period clothes, and partake of filmmaking. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University. Her screenplay, Life’s Other Side (2006) premiered on an American cable network and won several awards, including the Sabaoth International Film Festival in Milan, Italy. She is building a nonprofit organization to plant libraries in under-resourced locations. Her first was opened in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 2017. Angela lives with her husband in Virginia in an ever-emptying nest. Hopefully, the dogs will not attend college.
