Categories
Platform and Branding

4 Simple Rules For Guest Posting

If you’ve never been a guest at another site, it can be intimidating. You take a risk by asking someone if you can write for their site, but it’s a great way to build your writer platform. Guest posting is easier than you think, especially if you do your homework.

Research prospective host sites to be sure you’re a good fit. Do you have similar audiences? Does your writing style match the tone of the site? Do you have a fresh message? Skim the past several months to see what’s been published, and then pitch something new. Once you’re accepted, follow these four simple rules:

1. Follow the host’s guidelines TO THE LETTER. A good guest post will

    • have the proper content. If the host focuses on personal stories, don’t give them a lengthy research article.
    • follow the word count. Most hosts will give you a little leeway, but do your best to come in within 10-15 words.
    • include images with attributions and links. Remember that hi-resolution images take longer to load on a page, so resize your images to a manageable size (4×3 aspect ratio, no greater than 1000px wide). Include all the necessary attribution info (site name, photographer, link).
    • send text and images separately. Format the post in Word with instructions for where to insert images. I insert bold red caps, “INSERT IMAGE – LAKE” and I name the .jpg file, Lake – Susan Stilwell.
    • include a short 25-50 word bio with your social media links, and with information that ties in with the focus of the host site. For example, I wrote an article for a travel site about the regions in Israel. I omitted what may seem superfluous and instead included my love of adventure and experiencing different cultures.

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2. Share with your subscribers. Post a “tease” on your site with a link to your guest post. Include at least two links to their site: one to their Home or About page, and one to your post. For example, I guested on our own Edie Melson’s site way back in 2012. The post on my blog would look like this:

“I’m excited to be guest posting at Edie Melson’s site today. She shares great information for writers and bloggers, and on Mondays she offers tips on social media and networking. Here’s a snippet:

Have you noticed how many people are adding “Click to Tweet” in their posts? Pretty jazzy, huh? It’s also pretty easy when you know what you’re doing. It’s a great way to increase your visibility on Twitter and can also drive traffic to your site.

Want to know more? Join the conversation there for Social Media Monday—Click To Tweet”

Turn off commenting on your site so all the conversation will be at the host site.

3. Share on your social media networks and tag your host. Be sure you’re linking to the host site and not the “tease” post on your site.

4. Be gracious. Check the host site periodically and stay engaged in the discussion. When the conversation comes to an end, add one last comment thanking the commenters and your host.

With the constantly changing landscape of blogs and social media, savvy writers and bloggers are discovering the benefits of collaborating to build their platforms. Guest posting is one of the best ways to work together and expand our networks.

Shareables:

4 rules for guest posting

[bctt tweet=”Guest posting is a great way to build your #writer platform, @A3forme @susanrstilwell ” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Want to expand your network and grow your #writer platform? @A3forme @susanrstilwell ” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”How guest posting can help your #writer platform, @A3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

Photo Credits
“Share,” Stuart Miles (FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Categories
Touching Soul and Spirit

The Transformational Power of a Willing Heart

I write with one desire—the transformation of lives. I believe God has equipped me over the years through various life experiences, coupled with a deep love of Scripture, to pen words of encouragement and exhortation to hurting people. God has given me a compassion for the suffering who hunger to taste the love Jesus freely offers. The love of Christ is a catalyst for transformation.

To fulfill that calling, I must have a willing heart. What’s a willing heart? I’ve been asking that same question for several weeks as a pastor and a church planter. Eagle’s Wing Church is just four years old, and I am preparing my people for a move into a new community with new challenges. But to succeed we will need a willing heart toward God in whatever he calls us to do.

You may wonder what a willing heart has to do with anything—especially writing. I would say everything. To be a successful writer you need a steady supply of powerful words, and powerful words have their source in God alone. When my heart is yielded and willing, God pours his words through the filter of my mind and a few stick and make it onto paper. Those words, which originated in God’s mind, have the capacity to change lives—if I have a willing heart. A willing heart is a heart that freely desires to go above and beyond what is required. Above and beyond always brings transformation.

Over the past few weeks, God has shown me three elements that are essential in developing a willing heart. I want to share them with you so that your words and your life find power and transformation.

A willing heart requires total surrender. I call this the gift of self. God wants all of you. He doesn’t need you, but he desires you. He won’t force you to wave a white flag, but if you do, amazing things will happen. Perception, reaction, actions, and attitudes will be transformed. You will hunger for more and God will not disappoint. When we seek God with all of our heart we will always find him.

Categories
The Writer's PenCase

Storytelling – What Makes a Story Great?

ben-hurWhat is it about a story that makes it compelling? Is it the characters? Is it the plot? Is it the element of surprise? Is it the challenges? Is it danger? I submit, it’s all of them, skillfully put together, woven like a tapestry to make an impression on our minds and in our hearts.

Continue reading “Storytelling – What Makes a Story Great?”
Categories
Create. Motivate. Inspire.

Sometimes, Yes

bball

I had just settled on our front porch swing with my yellow legal pad and favorite pen when Katie, my home-for-the-summer college girl, stepped outside with a basketball.

“Wanna shoot?”

When I didn’t respond right away, she continued down the porch steps and headed toward the ball goal.

I sighed. There was still a good hour of daylight and my mind was swirling with thoughts and ideas that I wanted to capture on paper. Writers are supposed to be disciplined and structured, right? We will never complete anything if we allow ourselves to be distracted from our work.

I watched Katie’s retreating form as she bounced the b-ball with one hand and inserted her iPhone earbuds with the other.

Decision made.

“Yeah, I’ll play.”

“Oh, okay. Cool.” She removed her earbuds, tucked them into a pocket, and launched her first shot. Swish.

I took a shot and watched it fall short (it had been awhile).

For the next hour, my daughter and I laughed, competed, and junk-talked. We took joy in the game, the wide-open night sky, and each other. And somewhere in that hour it hit me:

I needed this. I needed to step away from the legal pad and refresh a little.

Sometimes, it’s okay to say yes. We are better writers when we feed our souls in other activities and see our world from different angles.

What can you do to shake things up in your writing-life?

Play a game of b-ball (or golf, or tennis, or…).

Make a blanket-fort with the kids or grandkids.

Get in the kitchen and try that new recipe.

Take a friend up on that lunch invitation (it’s really okay).

Go on a date with your spouse.

Kick back with friends and watch a movie.

Daydream a little.

(More ideas here.)

On that special b-ball evening with my daughter, I did write a few words…

H-O-R-S-E (I lost this one, even with 2 shots on the “e”)

C-A-T (I lost this one, too.)

I-T (Um…yeah. But I did make her work for it.)

As a writer who needs to refresh once in a while, how can you say “yes” this week?

 

[bctt tweet=”What can you do to shake things up in your writing-life? #writer #amwriting”]

[bctt tweet=”We are better writers when we feed our souls in other activities and see our world from different angles. #writer #amwriting”]

 

Categories
A Pinch of Poetry

5 Tips to Jump-Start a Poem

Have you ever struggled with blank page disorder?  I have.  Most writers face this issue at one time or another.

Sometimes we just need a little inspiration.  Here are five tips you can use to jump-start a poem today.

Find a spot where you can sit and observe. Observation is an effective tool for any writer. You might want to visit a coffee shop and listen to the conversations stirring around you. Or you may need to find a quiet place outside to experience nature. Regardless of where you choose to observe, be sure to find a place that will take you away from your normal routine. Take notes on everything you observe in that location, using all five senses.

Skim the recent news headlines for anything that catches your attention. Scientific discoveries, world news, and even weather reports can inspire a poet. Look for extreme events, rare occurrences, strange happenings, or moving stories that capture some unique aspect of life. Skim the article(s) for key words about the subject and then add a few of your own thoughts.

[bctt tweet=”Find inspiration for poetry everywhere–the news, Facebook, or your local coffee shop. #poetry #writing “]

Check your social networks for interesting conversations. Find a news topic or conversation that strikes your interest. Write down key words, phrases, descriptions, images, and personality traits that you observe through the interactions. Next, start writing a poem in response to that topic or conversation. For example, you could begin with “So, you went to Hawaii for a vacation…” Continue writing in a voice that is commenting on or responding to whatever people are discussing on the social network.

Try to find an unlikely comparison, also known as metaphor. If you already have an idea in mind, write down everything you can about the subject of the poem. Then think of a concrete object (one that appeals to your five senses) that is dissimilar to your subject. Write down attributes of the differing object. Once you have all of the ideas out on the page, look for connections. Is there a way to describe your subject as if it were the other object? I recently wrote a poem where I compared automobiles to snail shells—two very unlike items until you are caught in horrendous 5:00 traffic on your way home.

Get in touch with your emotions. Over the past week, have you experienced any joy? Or maybe you encountered someone who angered you. Capture the details of your experience on paper and either write about it or focus on how the emotion affected you most. For example, if you had a fearful moment, describe what fear did to you. Was it like a monster ripping you to shreds, or was it more like a cockroach scuttling about your feet? When you use personification or metaphor to characterize emotions, they become very powerful characters in poetry.

Now it’s time to get writing.  After you take notes, simply start writing on that white page.  I know it’s difficult, but once you start writing the poem out, it will begin to take form.

[bctt tweet=”Combat blank page disorder with 5 Tips to Jump-Start A Poem.  #poetry  #writertips”]

Do you have any other creative tips to jump-start poetry that you can share? I’d love to hear them below.

Categories
Tour

Blog Tour Stop – Bob Hostetler

[author title=”Bob Hostetler” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Screen-Shot-2015-07-18-at-12.48.28-PM.png”]Bob Hostetler is an award-winning writer, editor, blogger, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and the novel, The Bone Box, have sold millions of copies. He has won two Gold Medallion Awards, four Ohio Associated Press awards, and an Amy Foundation Award. He is the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife Robin have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given them five beautiful grandchildren. [/author]

What is the title of your latest book?

THE RED LETTER PRAYER LIFE (17 Words from Jesus to Inspire Practical, Purposeful, Powerful Prayer)

Tell us more about your book:

If anyone exemplifies the blessed life, it is Jesus. Though he never owned a home or car, and never held season tickets for his favorite baseball team (the Cincinnati Reds, in case you were wondering), he lived a singular life. A rich life. A healing life. A life filled with laughter and song. A life that exuded beauty and blessing.

But how did Jesus live such a life? How did he get those riches? He accessed those blessings in the same way we can–through prayer. And he told us how, in great but simple detail. In fact, his secret can be tapped in just seventeen words, words like “Our” and “Give” and “Your,” words that will take you on an unforgettable journey to a more fulfilling prayer life than you ever hoped for or imagined.

Why do you write what you do?

I write what I do for many reasons. First, I suppose, but not most importantly, I can’t NOT write. I was raised in a family of readers and writers, so it is a way of life with me. Or a compulsion.

Secondly, I write to fulfill my mission “To love God and make His love known.” It is a privilege to partner with Him in that great task.

Thirdly, I guess I can best express it in a short anecdote. More than twenty years ago, I received the gift of two full days of coaching from a literary agent and friend and coworker, who urged me to focus my writing on a single compelling message. Eventually, however, after we were both thoroughly frustrated, I had to admit, “I love God, I love the Bible, and I love words and writing. And I’ll write practically anything that expresses those loves.” So I’ve been a “generalist” ever since, and have been quite happy at it.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently–and constantly–working on several projects simultaneously. As a working writer, I almost always have something in galleys (to review), something in manuscript (to write), and something in development (to pitch). And, I journal and blog on a daily basis.

Right now, I’m reviewing and revising a coauthored nonfiction book project, while also writing and pitching a devotional book I’m very excited about.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?

I’ve been told by others that my work is a unique blend of humor, insight, and inspiration. I like to think they’re right. My most recent books, especially (such as Life Stinks…And Then You Die, The Red Letter Life, The Red Letter Prayer Life), reflect my strange (but delightful, I can hope) personality and loves for God, His Word, and the written word.

How does your writing process work?

My writing process is fairly simple and straightforward. I am usually at my desk by 9 every morning and work through until I’ve wrung every bit of life out of the muse by 5 or 6 in the afternoon, usually. I’ve learned, however, that my peak writing hours are 2-5 p.m., so I usually do office work (email, etc.) and edit or rewrite in the mornings, and writing fresh material in the afternoons.

You can find Bob Hosteler online at:

https://www.facebook.com/bob.hostetler.395
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBobHostetler


http://www.guideposts.org/users/bobhostetler
http://www.oneprayeraday.com

Home


http://travelsofhoss.blogspot.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzE1PKhgMT5VDR5IipSlMjw

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1630588512?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1630588512&linkCode=xm2&tag=bobhostecom-20

Amazon author page:
http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Hostetler/e/B000APBQOY/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1435846817&sr=1-2-ent

Categories
Developing Your Writer's Voice

How Passion Influences Your Voice

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”

– William Wordsworth

The breathings of our heart, our passion, dwell in the deep places of our soul. It is from this passion in which we write—in which we find our voice.

Passion is defined as, “the intense enthusiasm you feel for something.”

Do you feel intense enthusiasm when you write? If so, then your voice will eventually begin to emerge when your pen hits paper.

Delve deep and see what ignites a spark, what causes your heart to leap. Out of this soul-searching you will then write from your characters soul; feel the character’s hurt; rejoice in their happiness—sense their fears—then write from that place.

We can’t always write what we love, what we are passionate about, but we can love the art of writing. Even shaping words into a technical article can bring us a sense of satisfaction.

Use the exercise below to see if your passion is easily recognizable.

Pick a subject that is meaningful to you and write a short piece on this topic. Don’t hold back, dive into the soul’s well and then set the piece aside for several days. Ask these questions after reading:

  1. Would a reader find my passion evident? Was an emotional tug felt, a sense of indignation, did joy shine forth?
  1. Did I get caught up in the skill of writing? Did my concentration on writing skill suppress my words thus stifling my passion?
  1. Did I follow a story formula? Did the formula keep my words from flowing freely?

Did your passion resonate? If not, rewrite, keeping in mind the above questions.

Your writer’s voice will benefit from Terri Guillemets’s advice: Renew your passions daily.

What’s one way you renew your passion daily?

Categories
Writer Encouragement

When Discouragement Leads to Doubt

Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. When it visits creative writers, we sometimes begin to doubt. We can even get downright depressed.

Am I really called to write? Maybe I’m no good. Maybe I never will be. Maybe I’ve missed God’s will for my life. I’m just so weary, Lord.

I’ve been in that pit of discouragement. I’ll never forget the Spring of 2012 when I had signed up to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’d heard it was one of the best for connecting with writers and editors and the atmosphere there usually stirred with God’s Presence. I couldn’t wait to attend, even though I knew few of the people who were going.

The discouragement began several weeks before. First came a family crisis that necessitated a visit to another state. Next came a visit to my son in yet another state to bid him farewell. He faced a dangerous deployment overseas and I wept and prayed he’d return home to us safely. (He did)

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A few days before I packed for Blue Ridge, fatigue and sadness crept in. I emailed a writer friend and told her I didn’t have a clue what to do at the conference. I had a few ideas for books but didn’t know what to do with them. She encouraged me to put together a single piece of paper (called a one sheet) that explained briefly who I was and an explanation of a book idea.

Why not? It couldn’t hurt. I’d invested my time and money in this conference and I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I ran off several copies of these one sheets, packed my bags and, once again, went to yet another state. I was weary from traveling.

By the time I’d dropped my suitcase in my dorm room in Blue Ridge, I plopped on the bed and wanted to cry. Why am I here Lord? I just want to go home.

Talk about discouraged.

By God’s grace and strength, I fought back at those negative thoughts and prayed for the Lord’s leading in the next few days. Lord, I prayed, use my time here for Your will.

The upshot is, I had the best week at conference, met dozens of writer friends and was ministered to by the incredible praise and worship music. It was a balm to my weary soul.

Oh and, remember those one sheets? Both of those book ideas are now published. They’ve both won Selah awards at Blue Ridge. God is gracious and uses even the weak among us, including yours truly.

If you’re feeling discouraged in your writing and too weary to type yet one more sentence, take a break—a prayer break. Ask Jesus Christ for His guidance and proceed in the strength of the Lord.

[bctt tweet=”Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. #writerslife #novel” via=”no”]

(Old Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

(Discouraged woman image courtesy of Stock Images through FreeDigitalPhotos.com)

 

 

Categories
Have Words, Will Travel....Travel Writing 101

3 Mobile Apps Every Travel Writer Needs

Searching for mobile apps to assist your travel writing efforts? Search no more! Weekend warriors and global travelers alike will benefit from these popular time-saving tools.  Be sure to share your favorite app in the comment section.

googletranslate

Google Translate: Break through any language barrier with this mobile app. It translates with your voice, camera, keyboard or handwriting and no internet connection is needed. You can also save your translations and access from any device.

IOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

pinterest

Pinterest: This mobile app is a no brainer. Pinterest has been a constant source of inspiration for years. (Take this board by Wanderlust Magazine, for instance.) But have you considered using Pinterest to scout out your next adventure? You can search for destinations, foodie-favorite restaurants, historical sites, etc.

IOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

evernote

Evernote: With this mobile app you can create a separate notebook for each destination. Include your maps, pictures of places you visited, foods you liked (or disliked), architectural features, etc. The possibilities are endless! Save an idea on Evernote and free yourself to move on, returning to it at any time.

IOS: App Store

Android: Google Play

 

Do you have a favorite mobile app for your traveling ventures? Please share!

Categories
Child's Craft

Onomatopoeia and rhythm

Onomato-what? Onomatopoeia is what makes your picture books pop! It’s the smooth, silky, wispy words that tap into other senses and emotions. It’s the silly-willy words that make your readers giggle and squeal. It’s the slam, clang, or bang to make kids jump or the plop, ooze, squish to make them squirm. Perhaps, it’s the oink of a teeny piggy, the yip-yip of a fluffy puppy, or soft purr of a kitty that will elicit an “Awwwww.” It’s the crunch of the leaves, the eerie creak of an opening door, or the faint whisper in the dark that will keep your audience on the edge of their seats.

According to Merriam-Webster, onomatopoeia is the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss) 2. the use of words whose sound suggests the sense.

As writers of children’s books, it’s what we need to use frequently. Kids don’t want to hear that a car raced down the street and quickly stopped. It zoomed across the scorching pavement then screeched to a halt. With a whoosh the car sped off then’ urrrrrched’ to a screaming halt. Play with it. This is why we write. We want to make a great story even better. We want to make it interesting for the children, a book that the kids ask for over and over again. And we want to write a book that parents actually enjoy reading. Keep your words appropriate for your target age level. A screaming halt may be too advanced for a three-year old, but certainly not for a 10-year-old.

Can you incorporate onomatopoeia into your existing story? Check out this website with an infinite list of words to use. http://www.onomatopoeialist.com/ Play with it until you find the perfect word for the rhythm of your story. Also check out http://www.thesaurus.com/ to find equivalent words that may enhance your story.

By rhythm, I don’t necessarily mean meter for verse, but all books have a rhythm, a flow. If a bunny is hopping to get away from a predator, he’ll hop, leap, jump, zip, zoom, skitter. You’ll write with short, quick words. Short sentences. You want to evoke that tension. At this point he’s not going to meander through the delicious carrot patch in hopes of escaping the hungry fox. He skitters through rows. Zips around brush. Darts through the woods.

A gentle, bedtime story however, will have a soothing effect. Use gentle, smooth, calming words, perhaps longer sentences. A story about bath time will most certainly include bubbly words, splashes, and silly, slippery soap type words. Rain shouldn’t fall in children’s books. It pitter-patters, drips, splats, sprinkles, drizzles.

The rhythm may change through your book to obtain the feel that you want. It might start peppy, zippy and energetic at first and slowly wind its way down to a lulling, sleepy, nighty-night mood by the end. Zzzzzzzz.

You have control of this by the purrrrrfect words you choose. What are some of your favorite onomatopoeia words? What makes you or your children giggle, hoot, howl, shrink back, jump or cause you to want to read a book again? List them in the comment section below. These are the types of words we want to use.

 

Categories
Grammar and Grace

Book List for Editing

The concept of selecting a good product. Computer generated 3D photo rendering.

Punctuation and grammar come easily to me. I remember rules from elementary school, can recite a whole list of prepositions, and can use a semi-colon with confidence. For those times that I’m stumped about comma placement or which word to choose, I have a few go-to reference books that help me out every time.

Strunk and White’s, The Elements of Style, is a small book packed with information. Chapters include Elementary Rules of Usage, Elementary Principles of Composition, A Few Matters of Form, Words and Expressions Commonly Misused, and my edition, the third, has a chapter called An Approach To Style. This potent little package should sit on every writer’s desk within easy reach.

edit 3

I also use The McGraw-Hill College Handbook. It lists prepositions and conjunctive adverbs, shows how to fix dangling modifiers, and explains parallelism and subjunctive tense. This book isn’t the only one that can help with problems, but it’s the one I have. You probably have an English handbook left over from your college days. Check your book shelves.

eidt 2

Three other books that I’d recommend as references are Renni Browne and Dave King’s, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Revision and Self-Editing for Publication by James Scott Bell, and Gary Provost’s, 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing. These are helpful books writers should read and reread as often as possible.

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All these books are good references, but I’ll be here to help, too. In each post, I’ll show the correct usage of a punctuation or grammar rule and try to explain the reason behind it.

Let me know if you have a question you want to see addressed. Thanks for your imput!

 

 

Categories
Heart Lift

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Janell Rardon Heart Lift

‘You have plenty of courage, I am sure,” answered Oz. “All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty.’”
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The writing, publishing journey is very much like following the yellow brick road.

When that famed Kansas cyclone whisked Dorothy from her dull, grey Midwestern farmhouse and into a magical, marvelous country filled with odd little Munchkins, everything in her world changed. The familiar faded into the shadows and Dorothy had to see with new eyes.

We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

At one time or another, we’ve all felt like Dorothy. When the cyclone of change whirls us into new, unfamiliar territory, we have to see with new eyes. Orient ourselves in order to gather our senses and acclimate.

[bctt tweet=”The world of publishing is a whole new world. Orient yourself in order to gather your senses and acclimate.”]

I remember my first Dorothy-like-experience [in the publishing world] at the ICRS (International Christian Retail Show, formerly knows as the CBA). It was the year 2005. I was attending the CLASS Graduate Seminar and was ripe and ready to meet with agents and editors. With fresh, hot-off-the-press one sheets in hand and a heaping dose of big dreams in my heart, I made my way to the first event.

When I walked through the doors to the massive hall where the ICRS was taking place, I hesitated. Greeted by looming life-size banners of familiar Christian authors hanging from the rafters, I immediately felt “a little feeling” I hadn’t felt in awhile.

Intimidation.

Orienting to a New Normal

Later, in the first session, I found myself with about fifty first-time-author wannabes. One by one, agents and editors spoke to us about what they were looking for in an author and his/her manuscript. Some were highly encouraging, others, well, let’s say, not so much.

“We won’t even look at you or your manuscript unless you can sell at least 30,000 copies,” one editor remarked. “You know, like Joyce Meyer.”

We all looked at each other. Does he know he is in a room full of first-time hopefuls? How on earth would we know if we can sell 30,000 books?

[bctt tweet=”Every new journey requires courage, heart and wisdom.”]

I went back to my hotel room and cried. No, sobbed. Having grown up in the competitive world of dance, baton twirling, and beauty pageants, I wasn’t quite prepared to experience the same heightened competitiveness in this arena.

This is Christian publishing, right? No competitiveness or jealousy or comparison here.

A Whole New World

“Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get.”
― L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

After a quick phone call home to my husband, a little pep talk with myself, and a prayer to God, I realized I had to see with new eyes.

The publishing world is indeed a whole new world.

It’s one thing to sit behind my computer, writing what my friends and family think is the next bestseller, yet another to place it before industry professionals whose fingers rest on the pulse of marketability, cultural trends and ultimately, sales.

My familiar faded into the shadows of seeing writing as both business and ministry.

Three “Heart Lifting Tips” for Your Journey Down the Yellow Brick Road

The road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick,” said the Witch of the North, “so you cannot miss it. When you get to Oz do not be afraid of him, but tell your story and ask him to help you. Good-bye, my dear.”
-Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

I’d like to invite you to join me as I follow the yellow brick road of writing and publishing. Over the next few posts, we will be looking at heart lifting tips sure to give you courage, heart, and a whole lot of wisdom.

[bctt tweet=”Believe in the Giver of your gift. He is with you on this journey.”]

  1. Before you take your first step on the yellow brick road, remember you are not in Kansas anymore. Believe in your calling and your capacity and potential as a gifted writer. You are up to this challenging journey. Every little detail of your life has brought you right here. This truth will empower you as you move through the dark forests and deadly poppy fields.
  2. When you meet the lions and tigers and bears of rejection, oh my, keep going. Their scare tactics, discouraging, often-well-intended voices and intimidating schemes are meant to thwart your progress. Yes, you’ll feel overwhelmed and fatigued and on the verge of quitting, but you can’t.
  3. Remember you are not alone on this journey. There are others. Find support at quality writing conferences and seminars (we’ll talk more about this later), online sites like A3Authors and local/regional writing critique groups.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Categories
WARFARE!

Mine the Gold from a Negative Review

Have you ever received a negative review of your writing? You know, the kind that makes you want to crawl under a rock and never write another word?

I have, and it hurts. It didn’t matter that I also received several good reviews, nope, it didn’t matter at all. I focused on the negative words and allowed them to affect my mood and actions – I beat myself up for days or weeks. The key is to mine the gold from a negative review, and then move on.

Mine the Gold

That’s where the problem comes in: it’s hard to “move on”, much easier to wallow in the condemnation pit. Yes, it’s a choice, and it all comes back to what I believe to be true about God (He called me to write), myself (I am gifted but not perfect), and others (people have different opinions). Here’s what I learned from my experiences…and I’m still learning how to walk this way.

  1. Negative words aimed at us are going to hurt. Let them hurt. It’s OK. It’s human. Have a good cry, punch a wall, talk to a trusted friend. Then when the emotions have subsided…
  2. Look for nuggets of truth in what was said – take the words to God and ask what He has for you. None of are beyond needing correction, or improving our work. Also remember that what the enemy intends for harm, God intends for good. Once you’ve mined for truth…
  3. Thank God for their review. Maybe God will lead you to thank them, too. Either way, going through the experience is a gift God can use to make you stronger in Him and better at what He’s called you to write. Don’t forget to…
  4. Bless the one who spoke / wrote the negative words, out loud. The spoken word is powerful. Believe the best about them, bless them, and ask the Lord how you can pray for them. Keep on praying until you feel released to stop, which is usually when the emotions of the event are gone. Finally…
  5. Expect negative reviews – not everyone will like your writing. Plus you have a message of hope to get out and an enemy who wants to discourage you at every turn. What better way than to try and shift your focus away from God and what He’s called you to do.

Like a miner, sometimes you have to blast through a whole lot of rock to get to the diamonds and gold. Ask God for help, and choose to do things His way: forgive, bless, be thankful.

[bctt tweet=”Take the time to mine the gold from a negative review. Then move on. #almostanauthor #amwriting “]

Categories
The Ministry of Writing

Souls Perish from Procrastination in Writing

Available for reuse http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hell_LavaPit.JPG

One of the most beautiful passages in Scripture that expresses God’s providence, as well as, being one of the most challenging passages to me is Esther 4:14,

             For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family            will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

I am sure you are familiar with the story, but Esther who is a Jew is providentially brought into the position to be the Queen of Persia. Esther’s uncle receives word that a plan was underway to exterminate all of the Jews. He approaches Esther and requests that she speak to the King and intervene on behalf of her people. The words recorded in verse fourteen are the words her uncle used the encourage her. He tells her that God has placed her in her position at the right time for the very purpose of saving her people.

Esther’s privileged position as Queen now is a double-edged sword. She has a dreaded and difficult task of approaching the King. The buck could not be passed she had to be the one to do this, and to cut the suspense — she did it.

But what if Esther had drug her feet?

What if she continued to question God, asking if it really was what He wanted her to do?

What if she lingered praying to make sure she was hearing God right?

What if she spent time waiting on the right words?

What if she didn’t think her speech was good enough and never spoke to the King?

What if she just put the task off?

If she had procrastinated for any period of time, regardless of how good her reason would have been then her people would have perished. Esther had been given a task. It was difficult. It could be considered unfair. She faced it alone. She was in unprecedented territory. She might be mocked. She might even be killed. Esther’s God-given task was vitally important, and so are the words God has told you to write down.

It is easy to feel as if our writing is no big deal and that we have valid excuses, but [bctt tweet=”souls hang in the balance in need of the words we have not put on paper.”]

I just finished a blog post I was “given” over a month ago. Heck, I just began taking writing serious three years ago when I have felt I needed to for fifteen years. I am the chief of procrastinators. I also have good excuses.

  • I am not the best writer.
  • I need to become better at my craft.
  • I am busy as a pastor. I am already doing ministry.
  • My family needs me.

I could go on. All valid excuses. All reasons to procrastinate. All causes for souls to perish.

If God has given you something to say, then it is important.

He gave it to you. Therefore it is your responsibility. At the minimum if you don’t do it, someone else will get that chance.

But even at that souls will perish in the meantime.

But it could be that the message is not given to someone else.

Our procrastination in writing is costly.

Souls hang in the balance. You better get to writing because “who knows but that you have [been given this story or message] for such a time as this.”

 

 

Categories
5 For Writing

The Perils of Head-Hopping in Fiction

Disappearing Man
The editor had me rework my first novel, changing it from the omniscient point of view to third-person limited. I’m so glad he did. I was no longer writing for talking vegetables and had many lessons to learn.

I used to write for VeggieTales, and if you’re familiar with the antics of Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber, you know that these animated characters do a lot of hopping around. How else are vegetables going to move? They don’t have legs.

But when I made the switch from writing VeggieTales picture books to writing historical novels, I found myself doing a different kind of hopping. It’s called “head-hopping,” and the editor on my first novel quickly cured me of the habit. I’m so glad he did. In fact, this was the first lesson I learned when making the switch from picture books to novels.

My first historical novel, The Disappearing Man, tells the true story of Henry “Box” Brown, a slave who mailed himself to freedom in 1849. He escaped by shipping himself in a box from Richmond, Virginia, to Philadelphia. But when I began writing that novel, I just happened to be reading Lonesome Dove, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Larry McMurtry. Many of McMurtry’s novels are written in the “third person omniscient” voice, in which the author can get into anyone’s thoughts at any time. So, driven by McMurtry’s example, I wrote my first draft from the omniscient point of view, hopping into Henry “Box” Brown’s mind in one paragraph and then hopping into another character’s mind in the next paragraph.

How could anyone argue with McMurtry’s approach? He’s a Pulitzer Prize-winner for crying out loud!

As much as I loved Lonesome Dove, I quickly saw my editor’s point. Head-hopping, as the omniscient point of view is sometimes called, has problems. But before I explain these problems, let me give you an example of head-hopping. Here is an excerpt from The Disappearing Man, where Henry Brown, as a child, stumbles across another boy (John) tied up to a tree. For the purposes of this example, I have changed the excerpt so it reads in the omniscient voice.

Henry had been taught not to interfere in the ways of white folk, but he couldn’t just leave John to die. On the other hand, if Mr. Allen found out he’d untied his son, the man might shoot him dead in the field.

Another flash of lightning, another explosion.

John hollered, then whimpered like a beaten dog. The boy was almost as terrified of the lightning as he was of his father. John looked around, wondering if his Pappy might appear from behind a tree at any moment.

This is the third-person omniscient voice because in the first paragraph we’re inside Henry’s mind, understanding his thoughts and feelings about getting shot by Mr. Allen (John’s father). In the third paragraph, we’re suddenly in John’s thoughts, hearing his fears. If you constantly move from one perspective to another, paragraph to paragraph, you lose focus on any one character.

I highly recommend the wonderful book, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King, which my editor suggested to me back when I was writing my first novel. The third chapter of the book deals with the issue of point of view, so imagine my shock when I found that the chapter began with an excerpt from McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. In the excerpt, we get into the thoughts of three different characters—Joe, July, and Elmira—in the span of three brief paragraphs.

That’s some serious head-hopping.

“Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove is a powerfully written book, yet some readers find it hard to get involved in the story,” Browne and King say in Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. They blame this problem on the omniscient point of view that McMurtry used.

The omniscient point of view gives a writer a lot of flexibility because you can reveal any character’s thoughts at any time. But by jumping from one person’s perspective to another to another, it’s more difficult to create intimacy between the reader and the characters. You’re not sticking with one character’s perspective long enough to become strongly connected with him or her.

When my editor looked at my first draft of The Disappearing Man, he sent me back to the drawing board, and I converted my omniscient voice to “third-person limited.” And I had only a few weeks to do it.

But what is third-person limited, and why did I choose it?

To answer this, I need to devote an entire blog to the question, so look for an explanation in my next installment. For now, I simply leave you with one piece of advice: If you want to create intimacy between readers and characters, don’t head-hop.

Leave the hopping to vegetables.

 

5 for Writing

  1. Get writing. Find the time to write. Then do it.
  2. Learn by listening—and doing. Solicit feedback, discern what helps you.
  3. Finish your story. Edit and rewrite, but don’t tinker forever. Reach the finish line.
  4. Thrive on rejection. Get your story out there. Be fearless. Accept rejection.
  5. Become a juggler. After one story is finished, be ready to start another. Consider writing two at once.

Categories
Bestsellers

Bestselling Author Interview – Rachel Hauck

[author title=”Rachel Hauck” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Hauck_3049_WBP-1.jpeg”]

Rachel Hauck is a USA Today Best Selling, and award-winning author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince.

She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

[/author]

One of your books, The Wedding Dress, recently made USA Today’s bestseller list in June, how does that kind of success make you feel as an author?

RH: Hitting the USA Today list took me by surprise. Usually those achievements come with effort behind a new release. The Wedding Dress is 3 years old. So I was honored and really grateful. It was one of those God Things. It’s a goal of every author to hit a bestseller list along the journey because it’s a nice line on your bio. It makes a difference when media folks and retailers are deciding who to reach out to for interviews or who to give prominence on bookshelves. In a word, I was really happy to hit the list!

Can you share a little about your recent book – How To Catch A Prince?

RH: This book is the third in the Royal Wedding Series and special to me because writing it was both creatively and physically difficult. I hit a physical issue about a month before deadline. I was already struggling with the story and the concept. Then to add a physical issue of which I had no control, really made it tough. But with a lot of prayer and the support of my husband and publishing team, and my writing partners, I got ‘er done.

This book deals with the pain of death, the grief of war and the choice of loving well even when you are not loved in return. So it’s more than a royal fairytale but a story of hope and healing. With a bit of royal magic woven in.

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

RH: I write because I can’t NOT write. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a girl and it’s humbling to be able to do what I do. I’m grateful to the Lord.

I don’t think I started out with a theme in mind. I’m not sure many writers can nail down what they will thematically touch on their stories until they’ve written a few. The theme, message, heart of every book begins to emerge as the author develops in his or her craft and passion.

Destiny, God’s love for us, His purpose for us, His presence with us seems to permeate my stories. I usually have a supernatural element that “shows” God tangibly invading the natural world.

My over all goal is to write a story layered with truth in an fun, hopeful, entertaining way.

How long have you been writing? And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract?

RH: I’ve been writing full time for 11 years. But I started my first book in ’94. An epic WWII novel that took 2 years to write. Then I stopped for awhile, went back to the corporate world. When I began in earnest again in ’99, it took 3 years to land my first contract – a category romance with Heartsong – which I co-wrote with an established author. I landed my first trade paperback contract in ’04. In reality, I moved along pretty quickly. I think I only had five or six rejections by the time I was contracted. #blessed.

How long does it take you to write a book?

RH: I can write a book in three months but I prefer 4-5 months. I don’t feel I’ve touched the heart of the story in 3 months. But I look for more during the rewrite and editing phases.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

RH: If I’m on deadline – meaning 3- 4 months out from the due date – I write five or six days a week. I try to be in my office, backside in chair no later than noon each day. I shoot for 2K-3K words each session. If I fall behind, I work on Saturdays. I write for 2 months until about 85k-90k words, and then I start over, rewriting from the beginning, taking the last month or two to polish and fine tune the book. I try to be diligent with my writing time so I don’t fall behind. Even when I ran into the physical issue in 2014, I still turned the book in on time. I had no ending and was a mess, but I turned it in!

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

RH: Ah, the Pandora’s box of quirks. Well, I have to have the right lighting. No over head or bold, bright lighting. I have muted, soft lights. Lamps. Also, I have to feel the story. While I’m a “thinker” on my Myers-Briggs test, there’s a “feeling” I get as I write the story. Susie Warren and I call it the “ping” and until the “ping” I’m never sure the story is working. But as I write, the ping always sounds.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

RH: Getting reader letters. Especially from international readers who don’t have easy access to Christian fiction. It’s humbling, eye-opening, and moves me to tears every time. It would take years as a missionary (and I love missionaries!) to reach someone’s heart so quickly. But that’s the power of story! I pray the Holy Spirit uses my words to reveal love and truth to each reader.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

RH: The aforementioned 2014 physical issue. I couldn’t sleep which created stress. I couldn’t think. I felt as creative as a rock. I would be awake at 3 a.m. and say, “Lord, I’m just going to quit. I’ll call my publisher and tell her, ‘I’m out.’” But I never had peace with that decision. When I said, “I guess I have to walk through this,” then I would have peace. I’m hear to tell you God’s Word works, prayer works. Even in the darkest hour. Even when your body is going sideways on you. Stay with it. He will answer.

Which of your books is your favorite?

RH: Great question. I do love them all but I think Softly and Tenderly, a book I wrote with country artist Sara Evans is one of my all time favorites.

Who is your favorite author to read?

RH: Well, there is a boat load of great authors in the Christian market. Susan May Warren, Denise Hunter, Beth Vogt, Melissa Tagg, but I’ve recently discovered a general market author, Beatriz Williams that I adore. Very clever literary author.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?

RH: I pretty much listened to everything said to me. I knew I didn’t know everything I others who’d gone ahead were my guiding light. So, I’d advice aspiring authors to listen to those who’ve gone ahead of you. Don’t get defensive and stubborn about your work. Learn. Take input. Mostly I see new authors not willing to pay their dues to learn to write a good novel. With the advancement of indie publishing, they are rushing their books out there and frankly, they are not that good. So work with editors and line editors, proofers. Learn the craft. Keep learning the craft. Read, read, read, read.

What is the single greatest tool you believe a writer should have in his or her toolbox?

RH: Prayer. Honestly. Go to the Lord, get ideas, ask for anointing and inspiration. Be His partner to unlock the stories of heaven here on earth.

 

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection?

RH: I’ve not faced many rejections. One agent and about five publisher rejection letters. But the biggest rejection issues for me came on the other side! Publishers have an order to their in-house authors. Those they choose to promote and market more than others. That was a hard lesson for me to learn and I really had to submit my heart to the Lord when I discovered I was NOT one of those in-house favorites for quite a few years. But I was and am His favorite (as are you!) and I look at what He’s done for me and wow… I’m so grateful!!

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

RH: How much space do we have? Ha! I love the scenes in Softly and Tenderly between Jade and her mother, Beryl. I won’t say more. You have to read the book. I love the jail scene in The Wedding Dress. Yes, the jail scene. I love the coronation scene in Once Upon A Prince. I love the discovery of the red shed in Princess Ever After. I love the kiss at the end of How To Catch A Prince.

Where do you get your ideas?

RH: Everywhere! I hear things in conversation. Hear a phrase. A story in the news. And ping! Story idea…

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?

RH: Getting ahead of themselves. Trying to publish too soon. And trying to write to the market or trends and NOT sticking with a genre to help build their craft and their reputation. If you go to a conference and sit in front of an editor or agent presenting romance, that’s how they’ll think of you. But if you sit in front of them the next year with a Fantasy, they’ll think, “Well which is it?” Then the following year, with a spec fiction or children’s story, they’ll think “This author doesn’t know what she wants to do.” And they might be hesitant to reach out thinking you’re fickle or easily bored. Newsflash: writing is boring. Yes, it can be really boring. And tedious. But also very fun and exciting. So you have to stay with a genre or kind of writing to establish who you are and what you write before and after publishing. Once that’s done, you can branch out.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

RH: Go to conferences, network, meet people. Study the craft. Join ACFW, My Book Therapy and RWA to meet people. So much of my career was launched forward by meeting people, making connections.

Check out a selection of Rachel’s books here:

http://www.almostanauthor.com/bestsellers-books/

Categories
Storyworld

Christian Fantasy and Science Fiction: Alternate Realities

Christian Fantasy
Where is God?

Last month we looked at writing fictitious, sentient creatures within our own universe. In summary, God has a plan for them, but that plan may or may not be similar to the one he has for us. But what if your fictitious world, whether a Christian fantasy novel or a sci-fi one, is governed by completely different fundamental principles?

No, I’m looking at something more fundamental than physics – God.

What if a different God rules your world …

First of all, this doesn’t make you a heretic. It could certainly present some challenges, but if done well, Christians are willing to suspend their disbelief. Plus, non-Christians may be willing to read about worshippers of a fictitious deity even if they’ve been wounded by God’s representatives in this world.

This is especially true of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series. If you didn’t know (surprisingly, some don’t), Aslan represents our God in Lewis’s fantasy world. However, there is no Bible in the land of Narnia, and the talking animals interact with their creator is differently than us. Most of what we discussed last month still holds true –God had a purpose for his sentient animals, and they never fell from grace so a pathway to redemption wasn’t necessary. Evil does enter the world, but in a different manner and is thus dealt with according to the rules of that world.

Some allegorical books like Hannah Hunard’s Hinds Feet on High Places or John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress use different names to represent our God, but the difference is in name only – in all other respects, God is very recognizable. Generally speaking, if God is in your book under a penname, this is safe and comfortable for the Christian fantasy and sci-fi audience. And just like historical Christian fiction or any other Christian fiction, the key is representing Him correctly.

What if no God exists in your world …

Can you create a godless reality and still honor God with it?

Yes and no.

Stories communicate ideas, and even a story without religious overtones can share virtues and theological notions. R.A. Salvatore’s Icewind Dale trilogy has a character named Drizzt who overcomes prejudice against his dark elven heritage. This noble figure even risks his life to protect those who would like to see him dead. Sound like Jesus? I’m not saying Salvatore is a Christian (I don’t know either way), but if a Christian wrote a similar novel expressing righteousness, he should be proud, even if a god figure isn’t explicit.

[bctt tweet=”Even a story without religious overtones can share virtues and theological notions #storyworld #fantasy” via=”no”]

Similarly, everyone familiar with Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars trilogy (Heir to the Empire etc.) knows of Mara Jade and her conversion experience. This resonates with Christians and non-Christians alike, but only followers of Jesus understand why.

Of course, the most well-known example of Christian fantasy is J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Even though the God we know is not present, there are countless metaphors for Christianity contained in the series, and entire books have been written to unpack them. But fans enjoy the series as a fantastic romp in a richly detailed world whether or not they recognize some of Tolkien’s deeper truths.

However, there is a caveat. Since ethics without divine authority are only a matter of opinion, a truly godless reality has no ultimate source of morality. And a world without any morality will be a very, very dark one. I immensely enjoyed reading George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire and I highly recommend it to any budding fantasy writers, Christian or not (I promise it isn’t as graphic as HBO’s Game of Thrones). But I wouldn’t want to live south of the Wall, or even visit. Martin excels at portraying the complete and utter depravity of mankind, but without any source of hope, his world’s inhabitants face a bleak existence. A Christian writer should be careful not to delve too far into the dark without any guiding light.

[bctt tweet=”A Christian writer should be careful not to delve too far into the dark without any guiding light #amwriting #redemption” via=”no”]

In summary, if you are a Christian fantasy or science fiction writer, your novel will have allusions to your faith, because it is a part of who you are. This can take the form of an alternately-named version of our own God or by delivering biblical concepts and ideas in the form of righteous characters.

Categories
Publicity

Why every author needs to build a strong website – Part 1

Do you need a website as an author? Let’s think about this for just a moment. In this day and age when you are curious about something don’t you resort to Googling it? The internet has dramatically changed how you research something you are interested in. What happens when someone types in your name to see if you are a Christian author? What’s the first thing they see in the search results?

I challenge you to Google yourself if you are not sure of this yet. You may be surprised by the results! Articles you haven’t thought about in months, perhaps years. The page your publisher put up that perhaps you don’t love the copy from? What does your Google search show about yourself?

An author’s website is a critical tool that is a central platform for many items that can not only help you build your brand but also to sell your books. However, a poorly constructed or “unplugged” website can also do detriment to your brand. Having worked with many publishers I can tell you that when a publishing house is looking at signing you one factor is your potential market. An author with a solid website that is socially integrated and has followers is a major bonus for a publisher or agent. This means you will be easier to market and therefore they are taking less of a chance in signing your book.

How do you get a great website? Well, first let me just say that not all websites are equal and they don’t always have to cost a fortune to be effective. I have personally run across people that prey upon authors to get “quick cash” by being webmasters that do very little or designers with price tags that cost into the $1500-$2000 range. These are more likely than not never going to make your ROI (return of investment) back. Also places that charge like that are more likely to require you to go through them for every single small change will only add onto that price tag.

Here are some tips on avoiding being put in a negative situation when having your website built:

  • Make sure you have control – With all of my authors I make sure that when my group builds a site that my business doesn’t own any of the domains or hostings. This is all done in the clients name. This protects you in the event something ever happened to the vendor. If you legally own the domain and hosting directly then you can always get someone to fix it. When someone else owns the hosting you could be left in the dark if your vendor disappears.
  • Create a site you can update/post from on your own – All the templates we use we teach authors to use. The reason for this is simple. If you want to change a color of a certain text or add a new post you are not stuck waiting for the webmaster to do it.
  • Make sure the vendor offers support – You wouldn’t buy a brand new car without the warranty would you? Make sure the vendor is able to offer support for everyday issues without too much fuss.

In my next post I will cover self-hosting on your own and the benefits of WordPress as a hosting platform for your website. If you have questions or would like a free assessment of your website please contact me at www.Meetme.so/MeaghanBurnett.

Categories
Truth Be Told

Planting the Seed

Devotions: Seeds to Grow Faith

I still have a copy of the first sermon I ever preached. Imagine trying to cram the entire gospel message and journey of faith into a fifteen minute talk. I did that because I thought I was supposed to. I knew nothing about the crafting of a message or the necessary research, and even less about the dynamics of preaching to people of different ages and developmental stages of faith.

The only reason the congregation tolerated my bumbling presentation was it was expected of them to put up with the kids leading one service a year.

Expectations and assumptions can be just as detrimental to the process of writing devotions.

Think about it. I’m already over 100 words and I haven’t made the point I want to make in this article. That would be half of the typically allotted words for most devotional publications.

There are many who debate the Twitter mentality of such limitations. Can anything good thing come in such a small package?

What are the advantages to a five minute—or less—devotion?

Truth be told: even in our time crunched culture, there’s a least time to plant a seed.

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6, NIV)

Without the planting there will be no growth, no fruit, no harvest.

We’re living in a cut to the chase climate. People want sound bites and essentials.
So what are the essentials of a good devotion?

A scripture verse linked to a relatable story, finished with an application, and sealed with a prayerful thought. These are ingredients that grow great faith.

And what can be done with a seed?

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20b, NIV)

What seeds will you plant today?

 

 

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Writers Conferences: The Main Thing

I’ve been to many writers conferences and even serve on the planning committee of one event, and I always tell conference “newbies” about the main thing.

Most first-time conference attendees think the main thing is their work. Their manuscript. Their baby. I thought that, too. I was wrong.

Ten years ago I came to my first conference, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, very “green.” I had my manuscript, my baby, in a big blue binder, and I expected to meet an editor, sign a contract at dinner, and return the next year with a shiny published book with my name on it and a gig as the keynote speaker.

Why not dream big?

One of the first people I met at the conference “Meet-and-Greet” was an editor with a MAJOR Christian publishing house. We chatted easily and found ourselves “bumping into each other” all weekend. We even got together at the hotel, and he met my family. At the end of the conference, he miraculously agreed to take my manuscript home!

My dream was coming true! An editor from a MAJOR house was willing to look at my work! Keynote, here I come!

A few months later, he got laid off from the MAJOR publishing house.

So much for my big dream.

However, through the years, a deep friendship developed as we exchanged emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls. We have shared the highs and lows of life, watched each other’s children grow up, commiserated over writing rejections, celebrated publications, and more.

Today, ten years after that first meeting at KCWC, this friend traveled many miles out of his way (over mountainous roads—I live in the middle of nowhere) to visit me. We had a great day touring the area, sharing a meal, and catching up after too many years. We even prayed for each other before he left.

He never published my book . . . but he became one of my dearest friends.

Relationship. That, my friends, is the main thing you’ll take away from a writers conference.

Categories
Blogging Basics

Six Questions for Effective Blogging

Very few people take a trip without a destination in mind. When we travel, good planning makes for a good trip. When it comes to blogging, there are key questions to planning an effective blog.

[bctt tweet=”Defining purpose, audience, and style creates a foundation for successful blogging.”]

Purpose and niche keeps bloggers focused and consistent with content.

When I started blogging, my purpose was to discover voice, learn craft, and share inspirational thoughts. As I got started, I learned the value of having a plan and a focus.

I would have benefitted from understanding the value of defining purpose and audience. With today’s massive volume of how-to information on blogging, it is worthwhile to do some research and planning before you get started.

Six questions to build a strong foundation for your blog:

1. Why am I blogging?

Begin with the why. Effective blogging requires commitment, time, and effort. If you don’t have strong reason for writing, you won’t stick with it. Answering the why, is the cornerstone of a purposeful blog.

2. What is the purpose of my blog?

Purpose gives focus to blogging. Are you creating a community, teaching ideas, inspiring action, selling a product, encouraging hope, sharing truth, swaying opinion, expressing passion, or exploring ideas? A strong purpose attracts an audience. Purpose also provides motivation to keep writing on the hard days.

3. What is my niche? 

Motivation and purpose relates to the niche, or the topic of your blog. What are you knowledgeable about? What are your interests? Passions? Needs? In today’s world you can find a blog on nearly any topic, so choose something that you  enjoy writing about.

4. Who is my audience?

Designate your audience. Who are you writing to? Why should they be interested in your blog? Audience relates to topic, tone, and perspective. Are you writing to men, women, or a mixed group? What is the demographic and age range of your target audience? What are their needs and interests? What will compel them to read? Understanding your audience is key to creating relevant content for your reader.

5. What 3-5 topics will I write about?

Choose 3-5 main categories for your blog. Choose topics broad enough that there are plenty of ideas in each topic. Understanding your audience is helpful in refining the scope of your content. People who read mommy blogs are not reading for technology how-to’s or stock market tips. They are looking for content that relates to parenting. Audiences of food bloggers don’t want to read political opinion or unrelated book reviews.

Brainstorm ideas that relate to your topics and are of interest to your audience. Keep a running list of possible ideas and prompts. Use your list to plan content. It can also be a resource list to overcome writer’s block. I frequently use my list of ideas to inspire my writing when I struggle with what to write about.

6. How will I present myself (voice/personality/tone)?

What is your voice? What persona will you use? Think through the personality you will present to your audience. Are you an expert on your topic? Do you want to come across as a friend or confidante? Are you marketing a product?

Whether you are starting or refining your blog, take time to build a strong foundation. [bctt tweet=”Purpose, topic, audience, and personality are crucial to good blogging that appeals to readers.”]

Which of these questions will be most helpful for you?

 

Categories
Tour

Blog Tour Stop – Lori Hatcher

[author title=”Lori Hatcher” image=”http://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Lori-HatcherHeadshot.jpeg”]Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, and women’s ministry speaker. She’s the editor of South Carolina’s Reach Out, Columbia magazine, and has authored two devotional books, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women and Joy in the Journey – Encouragement for Homeschooling Moms. A Toastmasters International Competent Communicator and Christian Communicators Graduate, she uses her speaking and writing ministry to help busy women connect with God in the craziness of life. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time. [/author]

What is the title of your latest book?

Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women

Tell us more about your book:

You want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, you just can’t make it happen. Between the demands of work, relationships, church and civic activities, and everything else that crowds your days, you’re hungry for God, but starving for time. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pour over Scripture. You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:
• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray?
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me?
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit?

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern-day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day.
Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you.

 Why do you write what you do?

Today’s women are running too hard, spread too thin, and trying to be all things to all people. In the busyness of life, time with God gets squeezed out. I write five-minute devotions to help women connect with God in the craziness of everyday life. Like a spiritual power bar, I hope my devotions provide solid biblical nutrition to get a busy woman through to the next spiritual meal.

What are you currently working on?:

I’m working on my next devotional book, Feeding Your Soul in a Drive Thru World.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?: My goal is to write like Jesus taught — by sharing everyday stories people can relate to, then connecting them with spiritual truths that can change a person’s life.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?

There are shelves of books about living a generous life. However, When More is Not Enough is different because it is practical, and it lays out start-this-very-second ideas which encourage families to take small steps in order to create big change in their lives.

How does your writing process work?

I start my day by spending time in God’s Word and prayer. I ask God to give me insight and show me where he is at work in the world. As I move through my day, I watch and think, trying to filter what I see through Scripture. Sometimes I laugh at what God uses to teach me a spiritual truth — one time he used a discarded cup on the side of the road to teach me about servanthood. Another time he used an old I Love Lucy episode to remind me how hopeless and overwhelming life without Christ is. There’s no telling what He’s going to use to make his point. I just try to keep my eyes and ears open.

You can find Amy L. Sullivan online at:

www.LoriHatcher.com
Twitter: @LoriHatcher2
Pinterest (Hungry for God) https://www.pinterest.com/hungryforgodsta/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/HungryForGod

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1x39tq8

Categories
Write Justified

5 Words That Spellcheck Won’t Catch

Thanks to computer technology you no longer need to be a great speller to be a writer. If you want to be a published writer and you’re relying on spell check to make your prose error-free, don’t. The Spelling & Grammar function in Word is indispensable as a first check on typos and grammar, but it takes a human knowledgeable in the quirks of the English language to catch these homonyms.

Complement-compliment: This is an easy pair to confuse since they both have a rather positive meaning. They are not interchangeable, however. Use compliment when you’re telling your mother-in-law how great that hat looks on her. You might even tell her it complements her eyes. Here’s the difference: to compliment is to praise or offer a positive comment. Use complement when something or someone completes or makes perfect.

Joe’s baritone is the perfect complement to Alice’s soprano. They make lovely music together.

OR      The coral-colored ribbon complements your auburn hair.

Bear-bare: The errors I see are not so much with these root words, as knowing to which a suffix may be added. Hint: only one. So it might be helpful to review the meanings of the root words. Although Merriam-Webster identifies six distinct meanings of bare, they all convey the sense of emptiness, lack, uncovered, lacking clothing, scant. Bear has assorted noun and verb meanings. The meaning that seems to cause difficulty for adding the suffix able, is to endure or carry the weight of something.

Jennifer has quite a load to bear right now with a sick child, a laid-off husband, and obstinate parents.

With the right attitude and encouragement, however, her load may be bearable. But never bareable.

Past-passed: Passed is the past and past participle form of pass. It is almost always a verb. (The exceptions are so rare, I’m not going to confuse you with those.) Past, however, can be used as noun (a previous time), adjective (gone by), adverb (to pass by or go beyond), or preposition (beyond the age for or of, later than, after).

In the past, (noun) many folks passed (verb) time in face-to-face conversation with their neighbors. Now, they rush past (adverb) one another in a mad dash to get home and past (adverb) the next level of CandyCrush.

Waste-waist: I don’t want to waste a lot of time on this pair. Suffice to say, use waist to refer to the midsection, midriff, midpoint. Waste has multiple meanings and uses: to consume or spend uselessly; to become physically worn, lose strength; left over, unconsumed products. If you’re going to worry about one of these, it should probably be over wasted time, not your waist line.

Peak-peek-pique: And finally, my favorite personal pet peeve. It seems many writers know the meaning of the verb pique, to arouse one’s interest, but apparently not its unique spelling. It’s often written as peak which means top or summit (mountain peak) or peek which means to glance or glimpse (take a peek at what’s behind the curtain). Pique can also be used as a noun meaning feeling of irritation, resentment as in wounded pride. If you want to send an editor into a fit of pique, pay attention to your peaks and peeks.

And don’t rely on spell check.

Categories
Grammar and Grace

Grammar and Grace

The concept of selecting a good product. Computer generated 3D photo rendering.

Hello, I’m Hope. A long, long time ago I used to teach English on the college level. I taught literature and essay writing, business writing, and technical writing. I also got to teach grammar.

I loved teaching commas and semi-colons and apostrophes except for the whiners and complainers who hated it, the jokers who couldn’t understand why they needed punctuation after the dreaded English class.

You may also ask why punctuation is important. It’s important because commas, and periods, and semi-colons are like road signs in traveling. You need them to help you and your readers along, to help you understand where you are and where you’re going. Lynn Truss addresses the necessity of punctuation in her humorous book, Eats, Shoots and Leaves.

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Grammar, mechanics, word usage—all are important to telling your story in the clearest, best way, and isn’t that the goal of writers?

In this column, I’ll try to help you understand the finer points of using commas and the correct pronoun among other writing questions because I’m one of those people who carries a pen and is ready to use it to add a needed apostrophe or, more times than not, to delete an errant apostrophe floating on hand-lettered signs at checkouts.

I also love wordplay and diagramming sentences. Yes, really. In fact, I have a book on the subject—Sister Bernadette’s Barking Dog: The Quirky History and Lost Art of Diagramming Sentences by Kitty Burns Florey

Categories
Developing Your Writer's Voice

One Way to Discover Your Writer’s Voice

Can Stock Image

“Do you have a unique voice?”

It’s one question agents and editors often ask writers during one-on-one interviews at conferences.

A “deer caught in the headlights” look passes over newbie’s faces while their tongues cling to the roof of their mouths. “Voice, what do you mean by voice?”

It’s been said that finding and developing one’s writer voice is at the top of the list of things aspiring writers find most intimidating.

There are many definitions of what constitutes a writer’s voice. I believe it’s a combination of syntax, style, dialogue, diction and tone. It is the very essence of you that springs forth from the pages.

[bctt tweet=””Do you have a unique voice?” #amwriting #author #novel” via=”no”]

My writer’s voice came quickly, which was not the case for the bane of my existence—the matter of show versus tell. We all have issues!

Each post I’ll share a tip on developing your writer’s voice along with advice I’ve gleaned over the years from seasoned wordsmiths. Hopefully, tackling this issue in small bites will make it easier to digest.

Today’s tip: Read. Read a lot. When you find new authors or revisit old favorites, try to determine what drew you into their story world. Listen for their voice. Read other books written by them to determine if you would know it was their writing, their voice, without seeing the writer’s names. This lesson might seem elementary but trust me; it will be a helpful exercise.

Consider this post for a moment. What is the voice of this post? What is its personality? Is it cozy, formal, or aloof?

Please leave comments concerning your struggles with voice with suggestions of how this blog can best serve you in the comment section.

I hope you come back to visit often.