Categories
Romancing Your Story

Getting Inside the Hero’s Head––Part I

Contrary to popular belief, the male is the key to any romance. The female is usually the “lead” character. The male, (alpha or beta) is the key to the romance. We’re not writing same-sex romantic fiction, here. If that’s your goal, you won’t get much out of this. [bctt tweet=”Most readers of romance are women. Women identify with the heroine of the story. A woman who just wants to be loved like the hero loves the heroine. #InsideHerosHead #donnalhsmith #almostanauthor #writingromance101″ username=”@A3writers @donnalhsmith”]

Continue reading “Getting Inside the Hero’s Head––Part I”
Categories
The Picky Pen

How to Think Like an Editor Part 2

Writing is a funny art because agents and editors (freelance and publishing house) tell us to write, write, write . . . and to make sure that our manuscript is edited well. “Edited well?” What if we don’t like the word editing because it’s too daunting? What if our minds turn to jelly or we seize up when an agent or mentor tells us to edit our manuscript?

Well. Editing doesn’t have to be so intimidating, daunting, or scary because it’s really another piece of the writing process. Before sending our manuscript to a freelance editor or mentor (or even critique group), we need to make sure that our manuscript is fluid. Simply, we edit to make sure our manuscript is ready for the public eye. How do we think like an editor when we aren’t one? I’ll give you some more tips on how to think like an editor. Ready?

Three More Rules for Thinking Like an Editor

4. Is the point of view clear in my story?

Who is doing the “seeing,” or telling the story, anyway? As a contest judge and having read over 100 books this year, an issue I see a lot is a wobbly point of view. And, granted, it’s so easy to overlook, especially since there are so many points of view we can use in our manuscripts. There’s first person, second person, third person, third person omniscient, omniscient, and—are you confused? Take heart. I was too before I really sat down with someone and they talked me through the differences, and then did some googling to make sure I really understood.

Best rule of thumb here: whichever character you choose to tell the story, that character must experience the story unfolding in those scenes. What does this mean? This means that that character you choose must see, hear, touch, taste, and smell, as well as perceive what’s going on in the current situation. If Mabel is your protagonist, you cannot describe Jacob tying his shoe when he’s behind Mabel because she cannot see what’s behind her. Now, she might be able to hear noises, and you can describe those. If there are too many people “talking,” the story gets muddled, and our readers won’t know who to root for.

5. Is my manuscript well researched?

Ew. Please don’t throw rotten tomatoes at me! While I realize not everyone enjoys research, it’s important for our books to be well researched. Why? Because if we use the word “bulbous” in our 1577 medieval fantasy manuscript or refer to saddle shoes in our 1929 novel, our knowledgeable readers may snap the book shut, and their investment in our story comes to an abrupt end. Or, if we have our character walking through a door before he’s opened it shows that we haven’t researched the sequence of the action. These may seem like unimportant details, however, small as they are, these details add credibility to yourself as an author—and makes you think like an editor. And it truly is the difference between the Victrola and an MP3.

6. Is the manuscript tightly written?

If you’re anything like me, I’m imagining a 300- or 500-page manuscript stuffed into a miniature straight jacket. Well . . . not quite. But that’s the idea. By “tightly written,” this means that every detail, dialogue, and plot thread in your manuscript connects to the overarching theme and overall message of your story.

For instance, if Sassy had not gone with Chance and Shadow (Disney’s Homeward Bound), that sarcastic element would not have made poor Chance’s misadventures humorous or empathetic; or if Shadow had had an elderly woman’s voice, he might not have been endearing to viewers. (I am not downgrading male or female voiceovers here.) The tired, old man voice fits Shadow’s personality, as well as the storyline.

Now let’s apply it to a sentence or two of writing. In these sentences, our character’s goal is to get from the house to the barn to play with the new baby goats that are a few weeks old.

Original:

Helen set the cup down on the table and scooted her chair back. She put on her jacket and headed out to the barn, where the tiny bleats sent a pitter patter through her chest.

Tight rewrite (keeping only necessary details for our character’s goal in this scene):

Helen set her cup on the table and scooted her chair back. As she shrugged into her jacket, she ran to the barn. Tiny bleats sent a pitter patter through her.

Did you catch the smaller details that were left out because they did not propel this scene forward?

Keep in mind that every author and editor has their own style, preferences, and idiosyncrasies for what they like in a story. The bottom line is to make sure your writing shows what is the most important for the story’s that on your heart. And if you write like an editor, you will have a much stronger story that creates a fabulous reading experience for your readers.

Please join in the discussion! I’d love to hear from you!

Take a few minutes and ruminate. What are some other ways you can think like an editor?

Tisha Martin is a writer and editor, and she lives to encourage authors and editors to bridge their relationships and work together for the publishing industry cause, where readers will treasure books for always. With a bachelor’s in Professional Writing, a master’s in English Education, and an editing certificate from the PEN Institute, she has equal passions for writing and editing. Active in ACFW and The PEN, she appreciates both communities. She is the former Assistant Director of PENCON, a conference for professional editors. She’s also a judge for Writer’s Digest. When she’s not editing, Tisha blogs about writing, editing, theater, horses, and American home front history at www.tishamartin.com. She looks forward to the conversation with you!

Categories
Child's Craft

Nonfiction for Kids Is BIG!

In the publishing world nonfiction is a hot item at this time. For both children’s magazines and books (especially picture books) nonfiction has more publishing options than fiction. So, if you love research, writing nonfiction might be the way to go.

Current children’s magazines are always looking for great nonfiction pieces. But they must be well researched, well documented and well written. If you are an illustrator or photographer offering visuals with your magazine articles is a huge plus.

Whether for books or magazines however, there is one critical rule to always obey: 

Present only verifiable facts. Do not add any made-up conversations or situations to your nonfiction manuscripts. Adding such imaginary bits transform your manuscript from nonfiction to informational writing, or to historical or bibliographic fiction.

nonfiction for kids

TIPS

Many of the techniques we use in great fiction also make for great nonfiction. Here are a few tips:

  • Start with a blast—jump into the article with a true anecdote, amazing facts or questions.
  • Add humor—even heavy topics can become appealing by adding a little humor.
  • Surprise!—adding elements of surprise will keep our readers tuned in until the finish.
  • Zero in on the unusual—especially with familiar topics we need to keep researching deeper and deeper until we find something unique, brand new, curious or little-known about the subject of our article or book.
  • Use dynamic language—strong verbs and nouns, and a strong voice can make nonfiction just as riveting as fiction.

REMEMBER

  • Document all sources you use with complete bibliographic information. Photocopy the actual pages you use from magazines and books. Print out information you get from websites.
  • Avoid online information and encyclopedias, if possible. Emphasize facts you get from books on your subject.
  • Use the most recent research available.
  • Stick to verifiable FACTS.
  • No anthropomorphism.
  • If your research is boring to you, your article or book is going to bore readers. Choose subjects you find interesting.

DIG DEEPER

For tons of great information about writing nonfiction for kids check out these sources.

The Institute of Children’s Literature Podcasts also available FREE on iTunes.

SCBWI The Book for members of SCBWI.

Mentors for Rent  (searchable)

Nancy I. Sanders (searchable)

Evelyn B. Christensen

Creative Nonfiction

Celebrate Science “Behind the Books: Finding Photos for Nonfiction Books”

Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book series Four Seasons was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at jeanmatthewhall.com, on Facebook at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.

Categories
History in the Making

Electrifying Fiction

History in the making

The dark house looked lonely and foreboding as Ellen pulled the key from her reticule and fumbled with the lock. Pushing open the door, she felt along the wall for the light switch…

Or did she?

Depending on the time period and setting of this story, Ellen might need to grope around a small table for a match to light the kerosene lamp.

Thomas Edison invented an incandescent light bulb in 1879, and by September 1882, he powered up the Pearl Street distribution center and distributed electricity to approximately 82 customers in Manhattan, New York. In 1893, electricity lit up the World’s Fair in Chicago. But it would not be advisable to rely on these tidbits of information to justify whether or not Ellen’s home had electricity.

electric lights

If Ellen lives in a city in the 1920s-30s, there’s a good chance the flick of a wall switch will light up the room. But if Ellen’s story is set in a period prior to the early years of the twentieth century, it is probable that some other source of light scattered the darkness when she arrived home.

Before launching our search, we should also determine a few other things about Ellen.

Does she enjoy the city life or live in a rural area?

Is she rich or poor?

Answers to these questions may make a difference in the type of lighting in Ellen’s home.

Our research list (whether through the Internet, the local library, newspaper archives, or other favorite resources we have developed ) might include:

  • History of the city and surrounding area where Ellen lives. (If the answer is quick and obvious, we can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to writing our story.)
  • History of Electricity, especially a timeline
  • Check out possible light sources:
    • Generators
    • Gas lighting
    • Kerosene lamps
    • Candles
    • Fireplace
  • A trip to the actual city or town can be invaluable overall, though probably not practical if made only to determine when power poles and lines were installed.

Stay focused. Unless we have the mind for it, following the progression of science in this area can be overwhelming and take us on unnecessary detours, robbing us of precious time to pursue our goal: writing.

Wrapping it up, be prepared for the possibility that your exploration will lead you to another research project:

The dark house looked lonely and foreboding as Ellen pulled the key from her reticule and fumbled with the lock. Pushing open the door, she felt around the table for a match…

They did have matches back then, didn’t they?

Jeannine Brummett lives in South Carolina with her husband of nineteen years, Don, who shares his three adult sons and three grandchildren with her. Reading is big on her list of things to do, but she also thrives on TV crime dramas, NBA basketball, and marvels at the critters and fowl life that live at the pond behind their house. She loves to sing praise songs, attend Bible Study, and help at a local food pantry.

Categories
Write for His Glory

Magnets or Vacuum Cleaners?

One morning I asked the Lord for a verse reference.

Exodus 20:15 – Thou shalt not steal (KJV).

Really? Have I stolen something lately?

I pondered. Well…

  • I just took a picture of a page from a book and Tweeted it. But I gave credit to the author.
  • I haven’t taken any office supplies.
  • I give back extra change when I get it by mistake.
  • I use pictures from Bing Images in my blog posts. But I only use those labeled “free to share and use”.

So what was the Lord’s message?

I had no clue so I moved on with my morning. The verse must be something I need but maybe not at this moment.

As I logged on to my computer, random thoughts of things I admire about others came to mind. You know, those others who are popular in the writing world and have many good book reviews.

  • I like the way he responds on Twitter
  • I like the way she writes
  • I like the format of her blog
  • I like the way…

Wait, that’s it!

Vacuum Cleaners

Subconsciously, I not only appreciated the gifts of these people, I wanted to appropriate how they act and make it part of me. I wanted not only to learn from their methods, I wanted to be like them so I could be popular like they are.

I’ve been subconsciously stealing parts of them so I can have what they have.

No wonder I often find myself confused about who I am! I don’t look FIRST to my Creator, and thank Him for creating me exactly like me. I don’t boldly step out from the inside and go with what’s on my heart, in my own way, as the Lord leads. I measure what I’m about to do by what I think will be acceptable, or by whether or not anyone else has done it and succeeded.

No wonder I’m so worn out before I even get started. I’m worn out just thinking about it!

Magnets

Yes, we all need role models, and it’s good to learn from others. It’s also helpful to try, and then apply, practices that are proven successful. Truthfully, each of us is a product – and accumulation – of the people we’ve met, the places we’ve been, and the things we’ve experienced.

But first and foremost, we need to fill ourselves with Him alone instead of trying to take in what He never intends for us. Then, out of that relationship, we need to be fully who God created us to be and appreciate how He made us.

We need to be magnets, not vacuum cleaners.

Interesting picture, isn’t it?

Be thankful for the awesome person you are – the one God created and loves, warts and all – and step out into a very blessed day!

 

Mary Graziano Scro, a graduate of Christian Communicators Conference, is an inspirational author, speaker, and blogger who intuitively weaves analogies and personal testimony with practical biblical teaching. Whether “live” or at the keyboard, Mary loves sharing what God has done in her life to encourage others about the awesome life God has planned for us, IF we are willing to choose wisely in our everyday lives (John 8:31-32). And it’s not only about us – the more we invest in our own unique relationship with Jesus, the more visible He is to a world that desperately needs Him.

You can reach Mary on:

Facebook: Mary Graziano Scro
Twitter: @marygscro
LinkedIn: Mary Graziano Scro
Blogs: Life Is Not A Formula

 

Categories
Grammar and Grace

It’s or Its?

Almost three years ago, I wrote a post about using apostrophes. If you want to read it, go here.  The explanation was supposed to help eradicate the wrong placement of the apostrophe. Admittedly, the it’s/its bit is buried in the middle. Maybe that’s why I keep seeing wrong apostrophes everywhere, even on boxes of tea!

 

This is the whole back of a box of tea.

 

This picture shows the first line of copy with the wrong word.

I almost didn’t buy the tea in protest, but I wanted to try the licorice flavor.

Using the correct word will be forever easy if you remember, it’s is a contraction for it is. That’s it, people. That’s why the copy on the back of the box–A legend in it’s own right–is, well, stupid. Sorry. I’m dealing in facts here.

The line really reads, “A legend in it is own right.”

Unless a sentence makes sense with it is for it’s, NO APOSTROPHE IS NEEDED. ADDING AN APOSTROPHE IS WRONG.

Good luck and happy writing!

 

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her publications include three novels Irish Encounter and Mars…With Venus Rising, and Rescued Hearts as well as nonfiction articles. A member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC, she writes for SeriousWriter.com. She and her husband live in North Carolina and enjoy visits with their two daughters and twin sons.

Author of Rescued Hearts
               Irish Encounter
              Mars…With Venus Rising
Visit Hope at www.hopetolerdougherty.com
Categories
My Writing Journey

Writing Like a “Tommy”

My writer’s journey began at age eight when I felt compelled to write a story about a turtle. For reasons that escape me today, I chose not to ask my mother, a voracious reader, how to spell “turtle.” I decided instead to research the correct spelling on my own. This was long before Google. In those days, massive tomes, brimming with facts, gave us answers.

My family owned a dictionary, but did I reach for it? Of course not. I was eight. I turned instead to a more familiar informational source: a coloring book that featured a turtle on one of the pages. As I recall, he stood upright on his hind legs (as cartoon turtles are wont to do) with a dreamy look on his face and a multi-layered sandwich in one “hand.” The caption that accompanied the illustration mentioned his lunch. It also included a word that began with the letter “T.”

To my eight-year-old mind, that T-word had to be “turtle.” What else could it represent? A turtle holding a sandwich stood prominently on the page, and “sandwich” starts with the letter “S.” With that information in hand, I penned my story. The author of the coloring book, however, played a cruel trick on me. The actual caption read, “Tommy enjoys his big sandwich.” That’s right. The first story I ever wrote was about a “tommy.” (What is a “tommy” you might ask? All I can say is it looks suspiciously like a cartoon turtle.) When my mistake was brought to my attention I felt mortified. A lesser author might have given it up and gone outside to play. I couldn’t. I had another reason for writing. I needed to feel I had some control over my life.

I grew up, as many of us have, with an alcoholic father. Dad also came from a generation that believed if the man provided for his family with a roof, clothes and food, he had done his job. Nothing more was required. Research today disagrees.

My two siblings and I chose different ways of coping with our dysfunctional family. My older sister withdrew. My younger brother acted out. I, the middle child, yearned. I yearned to be cherished by a father. I yearned to find order out of chaos.

The Greatest Father of all found me, heard and answered my prayer in the most subtle of ways. He whispered into my child’s ear, “Write.” So I did.

As the years passed I kept at my craft. Loving father/daughter relationships became a common theme in my writing. My middle grade novel, I Almost Love You, Eddie Clegg, published by Peachtree Publishers, features a thirteen-year-old protagonist who develops a father/daughter relationship with her stepfather. Currently, I’m working on a novella for an adult audience with an unorthodox father/daughter relationship between unrelated characters that help each other overcome separate traumas.

When I needed a loving father, the one from above gave me the gift of creativity. It is my hope to honor His name with future writing endeavors.

Aud Supplee is a dialog-loving writer and avid reader. Life, laughter and love give her writing inspiration. She enjoys running slides at her church, horses, jogging and yoga. While conquering a fear of horses, she wrote about the Power of W.H.O.A. (Widen your comfort zone; Harness your inner strength; Open up to new opportunities; Achieve your dreams). You can find her on Facebook and Instagram. Her website is under reconstruction and a blog is forthcoming.

Categories
The Poet's Pen

Numbered Poems

This month I thought we might do something different and fun. I want you to write an 81 word poem with one word on the first line, two words on the second line, three words on the third line and so forth. You will end up with 17 lines total. The lines can rhyme or not. It doesn’t matter. Your poem should tell a story or give us a glimpse into something.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DOG AND CAT

Dog (1)
has fleas (2)
making him itchy (3)
causing him to bark, (4)
and bark, bark, and bark (5)
only after playing in the hay (6)
and then chasing Cat up a tree. (7)
When night comes you’ll find Dog and Cat (8)
snuggled with each other under the soft comfy covers (9)
dreaming of bones, and mice, and goodies galore. (8)
And as the new day breaks early, (7)
Dog stretches and yawns, Cat purrs (6)
both ready to go out (5)
and start everything over (4)
again and again. (3)
Dog has (2)
fleas (1)

There’s no end to the variations you can do with this: Alternating the number of words per line. 6,7,8,1,2,3,6,7,8 You get the idea.

Email me your poems. I would love to share them on my website.

Darlo Gemeinhardt writes middle grade novels. She believes that there is a story in every dog. In her spare time she takes care of 1 husband (of 40 years), 29 dogs and trains with TALLAO, K-9 SEARCH AND RESCUE. Visit her at From the dog pen.com

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap Featuring Movies About Writers and Tom Blubaugh

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Movies and Books about Writers: Writers Chat Open Mic

The secret is out! Writers like their heroes and heroines to be writers, too! In our latest open mic, we share favorite books and movies featuring writers, including recent releases such as The Man Who Invented Christmas and Goodbye, Christopher Robin, and older faves such as Finding Forrester, The Man of La Mancha, and Midnight in Paris. See if some of your favorites made the list.

Watch the July 31st replay.

Looking for new movies to add to your watch list? Discover more from the Show Notes and Live Chat discussion.

Show Notes and Live Chat Link

Authors Community with Tom Blubaugh

The journey to publication can be difficult without a good network of people behind you. Learn from CEO Tom Blubaugh how Authors Community can point you down the path that will take your writing from hobby to profession.

Check out the August 7th replay.

Tom Blubaugh is married to Barbara Holmes. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren. He spent his childhood in a small town in southeast KS.

Tom began writing poetry at age fourteen. He has written nonfiction most of his adult life.

Tom self-published Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry (1974); has written articles for denominational and business magazines (1975 – 1995); co-wrote The Great Adventure under contract for Barbour Publishing Co. (2009); wrote his first fiction Night of the Cossack–published by Bound by Faith Publishers (2011); and is a guest writer in several books. He has been a public speaker for 40 years.

Tom was a self-employed financial planner (1973 – 1995).  He is the past president and a past board of director’s member of Jericho Commission, Inc.; is the past chaplain of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 952, in Springfield, MO; and is the past manager/moderator of the Google+ Christian Authors Community; CEO of Common Sense Marketing Strategies LLC, Tom Blubaugh Literary Strategist LLC, Authors Community, eBookChristian.com and Genesis Project International. He ministers to the homeless and addicts through his life experiences and blog articles.

Learn more from Tom and Authors Community via the Show Notes and Live Chat Links.

Show Notes and Live Chat Link

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: zoom.us/j/4074198133.

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming, then we open
the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

Categories
Uncategorized

Deadlines and Follow-up for Freelance Writers

If you want to impress an editor as freelance writer, I’ll let you in on a little writer secret. Meet your deadline with excellent writing. While it sounds too simple, writers are notoriously late to meet their deadlines. If you meet or even deliver the  article ahead of the deadline with excellent writing, you will stand out from the other writers.

In the “old” days, writers used to be able to fudge a little on the deadline. Without an internet, we had to mail our articles on disks to the editor. When the editor asked about the article, you could say, “My article is in the mail” and sometimes gain an extra couple of days to deliver the piece. Now with high-speed broadband, those excuses do not work. The editor expects the freelancer to send their material on time.

 Excellent Writing Is Appreciated

Editors have been trained to recognize excellent writing for their publication. Does your article have a great beginning paragraph that draws me into the article? Does it have a solid middle with detailed information targeted to the reader? Does it end with a single point or takeaway for the reader? If you can answer each of these questions with “yes” then you have probably written a solid article for the publication.

Also make sure you write your article several days before it is due, then you can leave  the article and return to it with fresh eyes. Pick up a pencil as you read the article fresh and make any adjustments that is needed.

Follow-up Is Important

In our tech driven world, we have grown dependent on email for our communication. Yet email doesn’t always get through or get answered. Today I remembered an article I had turned in for a publication yet the editor never responded. It had been 10 days with no response—which is long enough for that editor to have been on vacation and be back at their desk. I sent a short follow-up email with the article to make sure they got it. You can follow this same pattern if you don’t hear from the editor. A simple reminder asking if they got the submission is professional and acknowledging that things get missed in the process. It also shows the editor you want to deliver excellent work in a timely fashion. The key with your follow-up is to ask straightforward and polite questions with short emails. Editors spend a lot of time answering emails so in general the short emails get answered.

 

As you meet the editor’s deadlines with excellent writing, you will become a part of their stable of writers. These writers have proven their dependability and are the go-to people that the editor uses when they need to assign a feature or special writing  assignment. It’s a select group and you want to be part of this elite group.

To write for Christian magazines, you need to be pitching ideas through query letters and writing full length articles then reaching out and connecting with new editors and new markets. As you take consistent action to meet deadlines with quality writing, you will be published in multiple publications.

Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. Terry is the author of How to Succeed As An Article Writer which you can get at: http://writeamagazinearticle.com/. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams. His latest book is Billy Graham, A Biography of America’s Greatest Evangelist and the book website is at: http://BillyGrahamBio.com Watch the short book trailer for Billy Graham at: http://bit.ly/BillyGrahamBT His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Follow him on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/terrywhalin

Categories
Publishing Pulse

Beware of Purported “Trends” in Christian Publishing

Every time I read an article from Publisher’s Weekly about trends in Christian publishing, especially fiction, I find myself stifling a sarcastic laugh.

First of all, I don’t have that many articles to choose from, because PW appears to publish just one article on Christian fiction trends per year, in May. (My comments concern last year’s article; this year, in May, they had an article about a “Fiction Readers Summit” held by Baker Book House, rather than a review of the market.) This once-a-year market review seems a bit odd to me, considering that Christian books make up about a third of the total book  industry. (Disclaimer here: that statistic may be a bit old, but if you change that from “Christian” to “religious” books, I’m sure it’s still valid.)

But the infrequency of the market review is not what gets me chuckling; it’s some of the “trends” that PW reported last year, such as “Amish [romance] fiction remains popular.” Really? In my contacts with acquisition editors, there doesn’t seem to be interest in more titles in this genre, though well-known, established authors of Amish fiction still seem to be cranking out new titles. The conventional wisdom is that the Amish craze peaked a long time ago, and acquisition editors generally follow conventional wisdom, because it’s usually right.

PW also made a big deal about Christian romance fiction in general, yet my reading of the market indicates that, while still a viable subcategory, romance no longer dominates Christian fiction in the way it did years ago—but you sure wouldn’t know it from this article. There was some discussion of the popularity of other genres, suh as Christian suspense and adventure, including political thrillers, but I was surprised that there was little mention of speculative fiction, a genre that appeared to be growing last year (though it may now be on the wane now, for all I know).

Of course, I’m probably being a little too hard on Publishers Weekly, considering that their article on trends was looking at what had been published by May of 2017. The trends they were identifying appeared to be based on looking back at 2016. Still, their comments seemed more dated than that. Oddly enough, at the end of the story they announced some titles that were scheduled to come out in the spring of 2018. Why did they not look for genre trends in those upcoming titles?

It only highlights the problem a Christian author has when looking at trends—it’s something you don’t want to take too seriously. Not only is the information almost always dated (a published book may have been acquired up to two years previously), but it is pretty much irrelevant. In the publishing world, acquisition editors have the unenviable task of having to guess as to what topics and genres are going to be “hot” two years from now. Since they can’t read the future, they can only speculate—rolling the dice, you might say.

It’s a waste of time, therefore, for a Christian author to try to catch the wave of a new publishing trend; by the time you write the book, prepare a proposal, sell it to a publisher, and it gets out there in the market, the “trend” is going to be long gone. Even if you decide to write the book extremely quickly and self-publish, it’s bound to take six months or so — even more, if you you take into account the months it can take to publicize, promote and market the book. If you time it right, you just might catch the tail end of such a trend, if at all.

Do I dare to suggest that you ignore elusive “trends” and ask God what he would have you write about? Get your advice on trends from the only person who actually does know the future! It’s really the only sure way to stay ahead of the ever-changing Christian publishing market.

David E. Fessenden

Literary Agent, WordWise Media Services

Publisher and Proprietor, Honeycomb House Publishing LLC

Dave has degrees in journalism and theology, and over 30 years of experience in writing and editing. He has served in editorial management positions for Christian book publishers and was regional editor for the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country.

Dave has published seven books, written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. Two of his books, Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract and  A Christian Writer’s Guide to the Book Proposal, are based on his experience in Christian publishing. The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, Dave’s first novel, reflects his love for history and for the Sherlock Holmes stories of Arthur Conan-Doyle.

Dave and his wife, Jacque, live in south-central Pennsylvania and have two adult sons.

Websites/Blogs:
www.fromconcepttocontract.com
www.davefessenden.com
www.thebookstore.info

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Cracks in the Porcelain

A recent purchase of a new tea cup taught me a lesson about fragile beauty when I discovered a crack in the porcelain.

I couldn’t wait to have my first cup of English Breakfast tea in that beautiful vessel. The smoothness of the china beckoned my fingers to swirl around the edges and I imagined the lovely hue of the tea leaves leaving behind an inviting and invigorating start to my day. It seemed perfect.

It also made me excited that I’d purchased the lone cup from a clearance shelf in a popular Bath and Bed shop. Always on the hunt for a bargain, I treasured this piece of porcelain that appeared to be a worthy find.

When I poured the boiling water over the teabag, however, I noticed the tea began to ooze out onto the kitchen counter. I realized all too soon, there was a thin crack in the cup. Once the tea was inside it, the break in its beauty became visible.

I thought how our hopes and dreams as writers can be like buying that porcelain cup with a crack rather than enjoying our morning brew in simpler mugs. That china cup I bought appeared to be so perfect, promising moments of satisfying brew that would surpass the enjoyment of drinking from my Fiesta ware. In fact, my usual cup—less ornate and refined—turned out to be the dependable vessel. The one I could count on to brew that tea and sustain my need for caffeine. And we all know wordsmiths thrive on caffeine!

Ever since I’ve been a writer, I’ve seen and heard the idea that the biggest publishing houses with big contracts are the best way to publish. Some believe it’s the only way to publish—the ultimate goal. And there’s nothing at all wrong with “reaching for the stars,” as it were. But what about the wonderful contracts with the smaller publishers? What about the alternative ways to publish in the 21st century that have opened up opportunities for authors to get their words in print? Are not these venues to publishing a golden opportunity for many?

I encourage each writer to pray that the Lord leads you to the perfect “cup,” whatever that vessel might be. Always seek His best goal for you. Don’t miss an opportunity to publish with a smaller house in your quest for “success.” Sometimes what we view as success might have hidden cracks.

 

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com

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Guest Posts

Write Drama Right

Drama moves people like nothing else. Action, pauses, body language, and emotional rawness take them to highs, lows, and everywhere in between, all occurring in a matter of minutes.

Achieving those actions and reactions, however, takes hours of writing, rewriting, and writhing. As playwrights, we agonize as we dig for just the right word, facial expression, and movement to make a message flow.

The following guidelines will make that process less burdensome and your presentation more meaningful.

Research

In order to write good drama, read good drama, particularly the style you plan to write. Notice the format, word flow, brevity and clarity of stage directions, and the simplicity of scenes and sets.

Reading basic how-to books on writing effective drama also helps. Kathy Ide’s Christian Drama Publishing: How to Write a Powerful Script and Get It Published provides essential tips for getting started. More detailed publications, classes, workshops, and writers groups or mentors add to your developing knowledge and ability.

Reflect

Know your subjects. Understand and reflect the ages, backgrounds, and interests of your characters. Research the history, culture, speech, and idiosyncrasies of that time.

When you choose appropriate names, costumes, language, and props, you add to the authenticity of your scenes. People (think editors and publishers) will notice a lack of or slipshod research.

If you create your own characters, picture them clearly – what they think and how they speak and act. A high school cheerleader does not talk like a college professor. The words characters use and the way they use them speak volumes about their identity.  Maintain consistency in character development. Posture, facial expressions, quirky behavior, clothes – everything should say, “This is me.”

Restrict

Stay focused. The tighter the time period and circumstances, the greater the intensity of the scenes. Choose powerful moments that communicate your message, whether heavy or light-hearted. Effective drama presents a few compelling scenes with props, dialogue, and body language that convey relevant information. Cut the irrelevant, regardless of how witty your words. Quality trumps quantity.

Refine

Keep the audience hungry. From the opening scene, make people sit up and notice. Offer substantial and moving content throughout. Use active verbs that increase their investment in the action rather than put them to sleep.

If you want a child to express sympathy for a grieving grandmother, don’t let her say, “I’m sorry you’re sad, Nanna.” Instead, let the grandmother’s voice choke on tears. Make the child notice, inch closer, crawl onto Nanna’s lap, hug her, and offer a favorite toy. “Show, don’t tell” applies to most writing, especially drama.

As with all submissions, study the market and adhere to publisher guidelines.

Rehearse

If possible, stage your work and gather feedback prior to publication.  Doing so allows you to discover kinks previously undetected and polish what works well. Better to work out trouble spots beforehand than have editors or performers do so later.

At the least, read your drama aloud, in front of a mirror. Listen and watch for minor flaws that may cause major problems. You will be surprised at the number of needed edits.

Reach Out

When getting started, take advantage of local drama needs. Churches may use drama to introduce sermons, small-group Bible studies, and special events. If you teach a class, write and present a monologue for the lesson.

Offer your services for school productions. Libraries love short plays for children’s groups. Begin where you live and then branch out to the world.

No doubt, each of these steps takes time. Yet, you can make no wiser investment if you want to write drama right.

Diana Derringer is an award-winning writer and author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! Hundreds of her articles, devotions, dramas, planning guides, Bible studies, and poems appear in 40-plus publications, including The Upper Room, The Christian Communicator, Clubhouse, Kentucky Monthly, Seek, and Missions Mosaic, plus several anthologies. She also writes radio drama for Christ to the World Ministries. Her adventures as a social worker, adjunct professor, youth Sunday school teacher, and friendship family for international university students supply a constant flow of writing ideas. Visit her at dianaderringer.com.

Categories
Dear Young Scribes

Young Writer, You Are Enough

I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books within the genre I’d like to write, studying the craft, learning how the industry works, starting a blog, and I wrote the first draft of my debut novel, PURPLE MOON.  

When I attended my first conference a year later, I met several writers who were supportive and encouraged me in my writing journey. I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “I wish I was your age when I’d started out!” However, over the years I’ve also come across writers (and professionals) who don’t seem to have a respect for young writers. Some might even categorize them all as inexperienced, impatient, and assume they can’t write because they haven’t been in the industry long enough.

It’s as if some people will only respect writers if they’ve held a college degree for years, have worked in another profession, and then they finally decide to pursue this field well-into their parenting years.

There aren’t enough people who are encouraging young writers. Assuring them that they are enough. Yes, you can launch your writing journey at a young age. No, you might not have as much “life experience” as the writer who is double or triple your age–but will that keep you from a publishing contract? Only if that lack is reflected in your writing. However, I constantly come across submissions at Hartline Literary Agency from young writers whose talent is far beyond their years. I wouldn’t have known they were young had they not mentioned it in their proposal!

Young writers are passionate about storytelling. Driven to learn and improve their craft. Dedicated. Innovative. Intelligent. Imaginative. Teachable. Willing to embrace new challenges and adapt to the shifting industry. And isn’t this what editors at publishing houses are seeking? (I’ll answer for you: Yes!)

If you’re a young writer who is dealing with doubts and discouragement over your age or lack of experience, let me assure you that you are enough. Age does not have to keep you from striving toward your dreams.

And if you ever do begin to wrestle with discouragement, here are a few things to remember…

  • You are the leaders of tomorrow’s publishing industry. Your future books could set new trends amongst your genre. Who knows? You might even see your story come to life on the big screen someday! (Hmm…I wonder if Veronica Roth ever believed she was too young to write “Divergent” as a young adult…)
  • You are tomorrow’s best-selling and award-winning authors. Your books could be treasured and adored for years by future generations.
  • You are more likely to embrace and adapt to the new changes within the industry—especially where technology is concerned.
  • You are eager to grow; therefore, you are open to criticism and feedback and maintain a teachable attitude.
  • You’re familiar with the struggles of your generation. Your influence and voice amongst your peers might be louder (and less judgey!) than those who cannot relate.

Of course, the publishing journey might not come quick or easy for you. You have plenty of time to grow, develop, and glean from those who have gone before you. That’s why it’s important to start now–especially if you know this is a dream of yours.

Don’t be surprised, however, if you do come across writers or professionals who don’t take you seriously. If you do, just brush off their opinions and keep moving forward. Allow your confidence as a young writer to be your response.

Besides–those who might criticize you because of your age? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re just bitter. They’re probably thinking, “If only I would’ve been smart enough to start my writing journey at that age!” 😉

If you’re a young writer, which do you receive more regarding your age–encouragement or criticism? Is there anything you’d like to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!

[bctt tweet=”Young Writer, You Are Enough @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting #teenwriters ” username=””]

Tessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa’s first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House in 2018. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 116 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating her insulin pump, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is by connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

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The Intentional Writer

Are You a Intentional Writer?

The intentional writer

Lots of people aspire to be writers. Not so many do the work to become one. The fact that you are visiting a writing website means you are serious enough to do something about your writing dream.

Good for you! Keep it up.

Writing, like any creative endeavor, can be a lonely, frustrating struggle. To move from daydreaming about being a writer to actually becoming one, you and I need to be intentional about what we do and why we do it.

Intentional: done with intention or on purpose; intended; deliberate

An intentional writer approaches writing with purpose

  • They know who they are in Christ.
  • They know writing is part of their calling .
  • They understand that they have a unique message and a unique voice—no matter how mundane the content or unglamorous the genre.
  • They ponder why they write and who they write for.
  • They choose to be courageous about putting their experiences and life-passions into words and then sharing those words with others.
  • They are wise stewards of their writing abilities, always learning, improving, and seeking new ways to share their words.

An intentional writer makes deliberate choices about things like:

  • Attitudes
  • Habits
  • Writing goals
  • How to spend their writing time
  • How they talk about themselves and their work
  • Every element of their craft, from overall theme to individual word choice.
  • When to follow the rules and when to break them
  • Pursuing critique partners who give helpful (and sometimes painful) feedback

An intentional writer knows success is not measured in dollars, fame, or total pages published.

  • They understand the ultimate goal of writing to honor God, whether that means writing an entertaining romance or a thought-provoking theology book.
  • They trust God to use their efforts to challenge, encourage, or otherwise touch people, wherever, whenever, and however he chooses.
  • They are generous with their writing and their knowledge, eager to encourage fellow writers.

Please don’t think this intentional stuff is way too serious for you.

Every aspiring writer can become an intentional writer. All it takes is a decision to be intentional about the how, why and what of your writing.

What one small step can you take to be more intentional about your writing today?

Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a story to tell the world. She loves to encourage fellow writers to be intentional about their craft and courageous in sharing their words with others. Lisa shares her words through dramas, Bible studies, historical mysteries, and her blog about intentional living. You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter and Twitter @LisaEBetz

Categories
Fantasy-Sci-Fi

The Science Fiction Behind Science Fiction

Since the release of Star Trek and Star Wars, viewers of space-based science fiction have had certain expectations of what a space battle should look like. As a result, most authors have followed suit and written their space opera in the same vein as these examples. But how accurate are these space battles we’ve come to expect? Here are a few surprising differences you would need to make as a writer if you wanted to have a more realistic space battle.

Communication. Currently, our communication can only travel at the speed of light. This means ships communicating to nearby planets or other ships very likely will have a significant time delay between messages. The discussions would not be instantaneous, like they are in the movies. This would probably make the battle long and drawn out, as each side awaits the next order from their Communications Officer.

Ship design. We often see space ships that are built similar to our own aircraft here on earth. However, a ship meant only for travel within deep space would not need wings. Wings are meant only for lift when encountering air, therefore, they would be useless on a space ship since there is no air in space. It’s quite likely the ships would look boxy and plain.

Also, because of the extreme G-force that would be applied within the ship as it moves through deep space, even the smaller ships would have a difficult time utilizing stick-shift style controls. Therefore, control panels would likely be flat touch screens that could be controlled with the touch of a fingertip.

Lack of air in space. As I mentioned before, there is no air in space. With no air, there can be no carrying of sound waves. This would make for silent battles. Gone would be the high-pitched screech of the small fighter ships as they pass by the mother ships. And the massive echoes of explosions would disappear, as well.

Speed. Again, with no air, there is no way for a vehicle to slow down without intention. It would take just as much energy to decelerate, as it would to accelerate. Because of this, there would not be battles in “close quarters.” A ship that got too close to another, unable to slow down in enough time, would cause a collision that would damage both ships, resulting in their demise. Therefore, they’d want to do battle at great distances, to assure there would be no collisions.

The speed of an object in space also affects the type of ammunition used during a space battle. Faster moving ammunition would be best, since the distance between ships would give plenty of time for the targeted ship to move before the strike hits. Therefore, laser weapons would work better than torpedo-type weaponry.

The reality of space battles is that it wouldn’t look like a WWII dogfight—or a battle seen in the movies. The question is, how realistic do you want your sci-fi space opera battle to be? Do you want to write a story that lines up with the majority of other tales, or are you the type of writer who wants to take a chance and write something different, but much more accurate? Take a moment to consider just how real you want to portray your space battle. Your decision just might make your story out of this world.

Laura L. Zimmerman is a homeschooling mama to three daughters and a doting wife to one husband. Besides writing, she is passionate about loving Jesus, singing, drinking coffee and anything Star Wars. You can connect with her through Facebook and Twitter @lauralzimm and at her website Caffeinated Fiction.

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Through the Years

lighter look at a writer's life

Has your writing training “ruined” you in some ways? Do you notice plot holes, awkward point-of-view changes, and overly-predictable twists? I experienced this phenomenon recently.

My pastor asked me to produce and direct our church’s Christmas play, which is nothing new. I have been doing productions in some form or another for years, and I was thankful for the early heads up, as opposed to waiting until November to try to throw something together. He asked me to look over a play from a drama service he had found, so I paid the fee and downloaded the sample.

I am not one to knock someone else’s work, but my writing training radar kicked in as I read–and not in a good way.

The play in question hit me over the head with the biblical message, with several “sermonettes” tacked randomly into the dialogue. How many workshops have I attended about avoiding preachiness and subtly weaving in the spiritual message? Too many to count.

Another important lesson I have learned over the years is the “Show, Don’t Tell” rule. In the scenes I write, my characters should be actively DOING things, not just talking about them. Having my character “shiver to the bone under his light jacket in the unexpected snowstorm” is better than having the character exclaim, “It’s so cold!”

This play had a lot of telling, with characters standing around talking about what they would do or what they had done. Long monologues about random characters were featured. Much talk with little action had me squirming in my recliner as a I struggled through the piece.

Once finished, I flipped back to the front and noticed the copyright date: 1977! That would explain the awkwardness, as well as the references to records and outdated phones.

We’ve come a long way, baby.

There were certainly some great pieces written during that time and before, but today’s writers—and readers—are different. Many expectations have changed, and we must meet them before audiences turn us off or put away our pieces before finishing them.

So what to do about the Christmas play? I found the very first play I ever wrote, circa early-2000s, and dusted it off. A few changes and updates here and there (Cell phones have changed everything, haven’t they?), and I think ’ll have a solid production. The story holds up surprisingly well, and I miraculously managed to do a lot of showing instead of telling, even though I was a greenhorn at the writing thing back then.

Here’s hoping my other pieces will hold up over the years!

Carlton Hughes wears many hats. By day, he’s a professor of communication at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he does object lessons and songs with motions as Children’s Pastor of Lynch Church of God. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Chicken Soup for the Soul and several devotional books from Worthy Publishing—Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. Carlton and his wife Kathy have two college-age sons, Noah and Ethan. He is on the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and is a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas child.

Categories
Guest Posts

The Biggest Writer’s Block?

I was recently asked in an author interview what was the one bit of advice I think is most important that I would give other potential authors? I said without hesitating, “keep believing in yourself.”

I know from teaching college students how to write their first book that the number one roadblock that stands in their way is the doubt that they can actually write a book that’s worthy of people reading it. They start and don’t finish. Or they finish and never publish it. Or worse yet, they never get started at all, even though they have lots of great stories to tell.

I am editing two books now as part of my book coaching business. For both writers, it is their very first manuscript. The first (let’s call him Joe) is writing a book about his wife who has Alzheimer’s and his journey as her caregiver. It started out more as a non-fiction “how to” book giving advice to people suffering the early stages of the disease and to their family members who care for them, interspersed with anecdotes and stories about his and his wife’s experiences. I read a first draft and told Joe he really should re-write it as a memoir…he had so many moving experiences to share to which I am sure many people can relate—and it is a moving story that even those with no experience with Alzheimer’s would love to read for its messages of hope, faith and love.

Hesitantly he is heeding my advice but feels unsure whether he is a “good enough writer” to actually pull it off. “I know I’m not a good writer for this sort of material,” he said. “Writing it like a memoir or a novel puts me at a great disadvantage with good writers, and also with readers who are used to reading what good writers write.” But the thing is (and I told him this), he IS a good writer, he just needs guidance. He needs to quit comparing himself to others (a lesson I’ve had to learn over and over.) He just needs to cast doubt aside and believe.

The second writer (let’s call him Dave) has had doubts about whether his book is “worthy” of getting published from the start. I have tried to assure him along the way that it definitely is. I read an initial draft, gave him an editor’s report to guide him to re-write it (like I did with Joe) and now he has sent a finished manuscript for editing and proofing. It is a book about how to practice biblical principles in business matters… a very practical guide from which everyone can benefit in my opinion. And yet, Dave is still unsure whether he really should be publishing it, even while it’s in the editing stages.

In one of my college courses a writer (ironically name Faith) broke down crying at one point. I had been encouraging the class to come up with a writing “plan” (ie., a place and time or schedule to write) but told them it was completely up to them, there were no rules. Faith said she was crying with relief…that she always thought she wasn’t a “real” writer if she didn’t write every day but couldn’t because (like many) she has a day job. She was literally crying with relief!

I have known, and you probably have too, how these writers feel when facing the blank page (or computer screen). But if your dream, desire and motivation are all in line with God’s, I believe you can’t fail. Sure, you will probably need help and you will face obstacles along the way…but half the battle is believing in yourself, and the other half is relying on God, knowing since He put the dream on your heart in the first place, He will help you fulfill it, putting the right people and opportunities in your path.

Yes, only you can do the work…but only you can be the one to give up! So, don’t give into fear (False Evidence Appearing Real). Just do it…or in this case, write it!

Michele Chynoweth is the award-winning author of The Faithful One, The Peace Maker and The Runaway Prophet, contemporary suspense/romance novels based on Old Testament stories in the Bible that get across God’s messages to today’s readers through edgy, fast-paced fiction. Michele is also an inspirational speaker, college instructor on book writing, publishing and marketing, and book coach/editor who helps writers become successful authors. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she and her husband have a blended family of five children.

Social Media/Website Links:
Website: michelechynoweth.com
Blog: michelechynoweth1.wordpress.com
Facebook Author Page: ModernDayBibleStories
Twitter: AuthorMichele
You Tube: MicheleChynoweth

Categories
Screenwriting

Messy

Let’s face it, sometimes life just stinks. Friends betray us, family walks away and sometimes the boy doesn’t get the girl like Danny Zuko did in the movie Grease.

It’s why some Christian movies feel so unrealistic, life is too perfect—what’s the need for redemption or hope?

Last year I had the opportunity to attend my first Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. While there I was able to learn the craft from 30 year Hollywood veteran Brian Bird.

I’ll never forget his honest observations,

  • Keep your story messy, because life is messy and there is not always a happy ending.
  • Characters grow through messy situations.
  • Write your characters into a corner

Trials and plot twists cause our characters to grow, just like hardships in our lives can make us or break us. Fairytale endings are rare in real-life. Even Christian marriages rarely end up a happily ever after story; even when it does there are still struggles.

The audience can relate to stories that are messy, because their lives are messy too.

Even in my childhood favorite Star Wars was filled with messy real life struggles. The whole father-son angle hits home for a lot of men, me included. Sometimes fiction can be as real as reality.

Reality?

People can relate more to other messed up people. And when they do, they are pulled into the story. The rise of reality TV over the last decade and a half is proof of this.

According to Statistica.com. viewers like reality TV because.

  1. They like the drama.
  2. It’s a mindless.
  3. It helps them forget the real issues in their lives/the world.

It’s obvious difficult and tough situations on the small screen resonate with audiences. Shouldn’t we keep the narrative in theaters more realistic and possibly more life-changing?

Legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway once noted, “When writing a novel a writer should create living people; people are not characters. A character is a caricature.”

Have you ever found yourself in an unpredictable situation? Welcome to being human, sometimes reality is stranger than fiction. Am I right?

Fight for it!

Audiences are drawn to stories that defy the odds. Okay, I admit I’m a hopeless romantic and often daydream about love stories that don’t make sense, love that endures the hardships to survive. The best romances are messy.  Let’s go back to a movie I mentioned earlier, what man didn’t root for Han Solo getting the girl?

A rough-around-the-collar and rugged rebel who becomes smitten with the gorgeous young princess, not exactly a match made in heaven. But it works, because it’s messy.

I’m sure many of you reading this can think of dozens of movies with unlikely love stories that captured your heart.

In college my favorite was the movie Jerry McGuire. Who can forget when Renée Zellweger’s character says, “You had me at hello.”? Jerry didn’t realize how much he loved his wife until he lost her, now that’s messy.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Truamatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

Categories
My Writing Journey

Still Scribbling

I loved books before I could read and scribbled thoughts before I could write. Throughout my childhood, crayons, pens, and pencils provided some of my favorite entertainment.

My senior year in high school, the local newspaper published a Christmas story I wrote as a class assignment. I thought little more about publication until after college graduation. One of my professors suggested I send writing samples to a church bulletin service. Lifeway published those articles, but my attention soon shifted to work, family, and church obligations. Although I wrote for each of those, I published nothing else until 2005.

Once again I wrote for church bulletins. In addition, I tweaked and submitted monologues and poems I had shared in church services, backyard Bible clubs, and mission trips. Those appeared in several program books.

Online resources, books on writing, bookstores, and the work of other writers became my go-to for training. Although my publications list grew, writing remained nothing more than a hobby.

One day I ran across an advertisement for the 2008 Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (KCWC). I walked into that conference with fear and trepidation. I knew I didn’t belong with real writers. However, I decided to listen and learn. What a game changer.

Along with encouragement, information, and lasting friendships, I discovered the definition of a writer: A writer is a person who writes. That’s it, plain and simple.

I was a writer.

That conference also taught me to expect rejections – lots of rejections. However, as I honed my craft, I could also expect a growing number of acceptance letters.

The more I wrote, the more I loved to write. Some people stick with one genre. I remain all over the board. From children’s work to senior adults, drama to devotions, magazine and newspaper articles to planning guides, Bible studies, and poetry, I love it all. I do prefer nonfiction over fiction.

My scribbling has been accepted more than 800 times by 40-plus publications. I write mostly for the Christian market, such as The Upper Room, The Secret Place, Missions Mosaic, Clubhouse, Seek, devozine, The Christian Communicator, and The Lookout. Secular publications include Chicken Soup for the Soul, Country, Kentucky Monthly, and Kentucky Living. I also write radio drama for Christ to the World Ministries and am a contributing author to several anthologies. My poetry has received first prize awards twice from the Kentucky State Poetry Society.

The first time an editor initiated contact to request my services, I did a happy dance. When a publisher offered a book contract on dramas I originally submitted for a multi-author compilation, I happy danced again. Although I’m working on a few book proposals, I loved becoming an accidental author with Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More!

An international student’s request for a new slang expression and its definition every day led to my blog, Words, Wit, and Wisdom: Life Lessons from English Expressions. It helps people with a non-English background understand the meaning of unusual English expressions. It also offers a brief respite for people who share my love for word play. Everyone who subscribes to my blog receives a free copy of my “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt” with the first email. Many of those “Words of Hope” grew out of our family’s “Days that Hurt” in recent years.

I can’t imagine life without writing, and I thank God for this incredible privilege,

“Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” (Psalm 142:8 NIV)

 

Diana Derringer’s adventures as a social worker, adjunct professor, youth Sunday school teacher, and friendship family for international university students supply a constant flow of writing ideas. She enjoys traveling with her husband, singing in her church choir, and taking long walks in the country. Visit her at dianaderringer.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Categories
Literary Women in Histor

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Truth for the Time

Have you heard the latest outrage in the world of books and publishing?

Beloved children’s author, Laura Ingalls Wilder—turns out she’s something of a racist. Strange but true. The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has deemed it to be so, in keeping with the current popular mantra that pretty much everyone these days is racist if they hold fast to traditional American values.

 Who knew!

The book award that the ALSC created over 60 years ago bearing Mrs. Wilder’s name no longer can because a scant handful of references in her Little House books have been tagged as racist towards certain minorities she came in contact with as a little girl in the 1880s.

Formerly hailed as a great classic of children’s literature, celebrating faith, family, hard work, perseverance, and American patriotism, parents are being warned against them. Her name is blackened. The award is stripped from her. And all because she told the truth as she experienced it. She wrote an historical fiction memoir based upon firsthand accounts of a major part of American history from the perspective of a child living through it. Why is that wrong?

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association wonders about that, too.

Statement from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association—Office of the Director:

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association wishes to voice its disappointment in the recent action of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). Many believe that Mrs. Wilder’s famous “Little House” books are American treasures and she should be honored as their author.

Mrs. Wilder believed her books to be historically accurate and reflect American life during the Western Movement. However difficult it may be to agree with social mores within these years, the fact remains that was a different time and what was accepted then would not be today. Mrs. Wilder was writing a historical account of her childhood to inform today’s children how proud they may be in their heritage and their nation.

Hmmm. Being proud of one’s heritage and nation. Not real popular these days in some media streams. What crazy times we live in where being proud of our heritage and nation is controversial.

But, true to the time in which she lived, Laura referred to Native Americans as Indians. Most historical fiction books of the time do. Even the Indians called themselves Indians. There is also some concern over her unfiltered childlike reaction at seeing a black person for the first time. Not quite the way we’re supposed to be speaking these days.

And therein lies the problem.

Do you write historical fiction? Do you write personal memoir or autobiography? Are you true to the time you are writing about? Or, do you fear negative repercussions if you don’t manipulate historical norms to fit contemporary trends in thought, word, and deed?

I’ve read all nine of the Little House books and loved every one. Mrs. Wilder painted sticky images in my mind of bygone times with precise details. Even though it has been many years since reading them, there are passages that left an impression so deep, I can still recall them, fascinated at how my imagination stirred with a desire to learn more about history.

I enjoyed teaching Little House in the Big Woods to a homeschool group a few years ago, leading young hearts and minds through some favorite passages: the maple syrup chapter, Pa’s bear story, Mary’s birthday, and the fact that Laura could name every tree and plant that grew in and around her home as a very little child, as though they were dear friends. What a wondrous childhood filled with worthy life lessons and experiences modern children rarely enjoy amid all the hyper distractions of today.

Times have changed. I am heartily sorry that those seeking to re-write history have chosen such a literary icon as Laura Ingalls Wilder to pick on.

In the mid-20th century, and for decades later, librarians lauded the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder for her honest storytelling of an American family living through the highs and lows of a defining moment in our national history, unfiltered by a political agenda. Not so much anymore. These days, one candid remark on social media can cost a person their livelihood and open their life to unforgiving abuse. It is a toxic environment for writers seeking to speak truth.

As Christians, publishing an unpopular message or controversial fictional story in an historical setting, we should not allow ourselves to be bullied into writing politically correct words that are untrue to ourselves and history. The Word of God should be the only arbiter of truth and the plumbline standard for our words. Some may take offense. Some may twist our meaning and motivation out of proportion, accusing us of unjustified things. If so, we are in good company. With the likes of Jesus.

And our own Laura Ingalls Wilder, it would seem.

Next month, I continue musing on this topic and share some words of wisdom from Laura’s pen to encourage the Christian writer of today.

 Journal Prompt: How true to yourself are you when writing in your journal? Is it messy? Is it whitewashed? In your historical fiction, are you bullied by contemporary politically correct culture that often skews the lens through which you experienced something in order to satisfy a trendy group-think? In essence, re-writing history? Where have you seen this type of manipulation in historical fiction? In memoir? In some contemporary biblical narratives?

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Writer-speaker, Kathryn Ross, ignites a love of literature and learning through Pageant Wagon Publishing. She writes and publishes homeschool enrichment and Christian living books for home, church, and school. In addition, she shepherds writers through the steps book development and production. Her passion to equip women and families in developing a Family Literacy Lifestyle, produces readers and thinkers who can engage the world from a biblical worldview. She blogs and podcasts at TheWritersReverie.com and PageantWagonPublishing.com. Connect with Miss Kathy on Facebook.

Categories
Bestsellers

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR INTERVIEW with Hallee Bridgeman

Can you share a little about your recent book?

In January, I released a book titled Jade’s Match, about a summer Rio Olympian and a winter PeyongChang Olympian coming together in a fake media romance in a marketing campaign for a cell phone company that turns into a real-life romance. I loved writing this book, because I love the Olympics. Interacting with the publicist for the USA men’s hockey team was a joy, and as the time came close to publish it, my husband and I decided becoming Olympic sponsors was the right thing to do.

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

My mission statement in writing is always to prayerfully crafts stories as modern day parables to uplift fellow believers and minister to seekers in our fallen world.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first book in 1999. I published my first book in 2012. Since then, I’ve published 25 books.

And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?

I am self published and actually opened a small press as a result of my publishing experience.

In 2011, I submitted the first book in my Jewel Series, Sapphire Ice, to a major publisher. They requested the full manuscript and I sent it off. At the time, it was a secular romance filled with all the motivating factors that fill secular romances – greed, revenge, lust. Once it was out of my hands, I felt an overwhelming conviction that if I could not proudly proclaim what I had written from the pulpit of my church, I had no business writing it.

I rewrote the book and made it a Christian romance. However, I’d never read a Christian romance and the book itself was still very edgy, kind of dark, and my characters very real. Not your typical inspirational. When I got the letter offering to buy the original book, I sent the new copy in and requested that they forward it to their inspirational line.

A few weeks later, I got a hand-written card in the mail from an editor who said she loved my book and knew she would see it on the shelves one day, but it couldn’t have her publisher imprint on it. The book was simply too “risqué” for her readers with some elements that wouldn’t fit well within the restrictions for their line.

My husband and I prayed about it and determined that with the way that I write and the major publisher market at the time, I would likely not get a publishing contract without compromising some part of my story. So, we opened our press, Olivia Kimbrell Press, Inc., and I started self publishing.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I write really fast. I can finish a novella in about two weeks, and a full-length novel in 6-8 weeks – faster if I’m pushing against a deadline.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

I write when my kids are at school. Basically, I write Monday through Friday from 8am to 2pm.

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

I tend to go inside my head when I write, so that I can taste, smell, see, hear, what my characters are experiencing. Any kind of noise at all will pull me out of that and keep me from being able to go back. So, I write with earbuds in and classical symphonic orchestra playing to drown out the noise of anything at all going on around me.

I also have to have an alarm set if I want to make it to the schools in time to pick my kids up.

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

I am thrilled that God has given me a very defined and clear gift. I know what I am doing is for His glory, and being given stories to tell as modern day parables is very humbling.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

My darkest moments have come in the form of self-doubt. When I forget God has equipped me, I begin to doubt my human abilities to continue to write stories that will uplift or inspire.

Which of your books is your favorite?

I think my favorite is An Aria for Nick. When I originally wrote it about 20 years ago, my father, an army Airborne Ranger, helped me with the characterization and military duties of Nick, the main character. 15-years-later, as I pulled it out and modernized it, my husband, an army Special Forces soldier, contributed more to his character. So, he’s a compilation of my two favorite men.

Who is your favorite author to read?

I love to read mysteries, and always go back to Agatha Christie. Analyzing her dialogue fascinates me.

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

There is so much to say about advice for authors. Everyone will reply with “write”, I’ll add “write every day, even when you don’t feel like it.” I’ll also say, because I was about a year late getting this started, have a newsletter. That’s worth repeating. Have a newsletter.  The algorithms of social media are going to come, go, and flux. Newsletter subscribers want to know what you are saying – they signed up to hear from you. Use that.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

I submitted books to major publishers twice. Once, about 20 years ago, the reply was, “We want this book. Change this aspect of your main character.” I chose not to. The next time is part of my writing testimony in the question above.

I think one thing that had me writing for years without submitting to publishers is because I didn’t want to face rejection. I’m afraid that with my personality, I would have quit with too much rejection.

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

Every time I release a book, it becomes my new favorite. I hope it’s always that way. I really love the character Davis Elliott in Jade’s Match.

For a favorite scene, one of my favorites is the opening scene of Courting Calla. Calla is driving her old beat-up car and it breaks down in the entrance to the parking garage. Right behind her is Ian Jones, the engineer she’s had a crush on since her first week at her job. She is so embarrassed and flustered and he has absolutely no idea who she is.

Where do you get your ideas?

Early one morning, I woke up from a dream and had to start writing it. Six weeks later, I finished my first book, A Melody for James. I thought, “Wow. That was a fluke. I bet that never happens again.”

Almost immediately, I was overwhelmed with ideas. It’s like a floodgate was lifted in my mind. I could barely function for weeks because my mind was so preoccupied with book and plot ideas. Characters were everywhere I saw people, I had ideas.

The ideas still come the same way, but I have learned to filter them, and the noise doesn’t distract me like it used to. At least, most of the time.

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

For self-published authors, there is a lack of professional editing on a major scale. Agents and editors say that out of all of the queries and submissions they receive, only 10-20% of them are even editable. That means, they aren’t written well enough to even get edited for publication.

No matter how good the first try is, it’s not good enough. Authors need to intentionally and purposefully strive to be in that 10%, whether self-publishing or traditional publishing.

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

In today’s market, the bigger houses are hard to get into. They have less lines, less books published every year, and have felt the crunch of the indie publishing movement. I would definitely recommend getting an agent who is willing to work with you and help you hone your craft and skill to successfully become a 10% author.

If you’re wanting to break into the indie market, then be willing to spend the money for professional editing and make sure that book would also be counted within the 10% if you had submitted it traditionally.

Publisher: Olivia Kimbrell Press, Inc.

Website: http://www.halleebridgeman.com

Social Media:

https://twitter.com/halleeb

https://www.instagram.com/halleebridgeman/

https://www.facebook.com/authorhalleebridgeman/

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/hallee-bridgeman

 

Bio:

With more than half a million book sales, Hallee Bridgeman is a best-selling Christian author who writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee finally settled in central Kentucky with her family so that she could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons.

Hallee is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the American Christian Writers (ACW) as well as being a member of Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com

 

Categories
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

A Mystery Conference near You

mystery suspense thriller

Did you know there are conferences throughout the country that focus on the mystery / suspense / thriller genre? Some are primarily writer’s conferences, others are primarily conventions designed for fans of the genre. Both types are great places to learn, network, and enjoy the latest and best of the genre.

Here are some of the biggest conferences. If you love reading or writing mystery, suspense or thriller, you might want to check one out.

Bouchercon

The granddaddy of all mystery conventions. Named for the mystery fiction critic, editor and author Anthony Boucher, Bouchercon is the world’s largest crime fiction convention. The convention’s goal is to bring all parts of the mystery fiction community together, from readers to critics to booksellers. It features a four-day weekend of panels, keynotes, and special events. The 2018 conference will be held in Saint Petersburg, Florida in early September. Next year it will be held in Dallas, Texas at the end of October.

Killer Nashville

This annual conference is for all genres that involve mystery, thriller, or suspense writing. Held annually near Nashville, Tennessee. The four-day conference features seminars, breakout sessions, agent roundtables, a mock crime scene designed by law enforcement professionals, and more.

Left Coast Crime

This annual mystery convention is held in March somewhere in the western half of North America. The 2019 location is Vancouver, British Columbia, and the 2020 location is San Diego, California. A with other fan conferences, the purpose of Left Coast Crime is to connect readers, authors, critics, librarians, publishers, and other fans of the genre. The three-day event features panels, interviews, award presentations and more.

Malice Domestic

An annual mystery fan convention held in the Washington D.C. area that focuses on tradition-style mysteries (think Agatha Christie). Book signings, award presentations, panel discussions, and other events. The 2019 conference will be May 3-5.

New England Crime Bake

The largest crime fiction writers’ conference in New England. Held every year over Veteran’s Day weekend in the greater Boston area. Crime Bake is so popular it regularly sells out. Seminars, keynotes, master classes, pitch sessions, networking and more.

ThrillerFest

This conference devoted to thrillers is held each year in New York City by the International Thriller Writers (ITW) organization. ThrillerFest is a writers conference and fan convention in one, offering three paralell tracks: CraftFest offers classes for writers, PitchFest gives writers an opportunity to pitch their work to agents, and ThrillFest is a fan convention featuring both best-selling authors and not-yet-famous ones.

Writer’s Police Academy

For writers who want a hands-on experience to better understand law enforcement, fire-fighting, EMS or forensics. This event is held at a law enforcement training academy in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It features actual police, fire, forensics, and EMS training with top instructors. If you want to write with gritty realism, this is the conference for you.

There are plenty of smaller mystery conventions around as well. In Reference to Murder has a helpful page listing upcoming conferences with links.

Hopefully there is one near you.

Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a story to tell the world. She loves to encourage fellow writers to be intentional about their craft and courageous in sharing their words with others. Lisa shares her words through dramas, Bible studies, historical mysteries, and her blog about intentional living. You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter and Twitter @LisaEBetz

Categories
History in the Making

Naming Characters in Your Historical Novels

History in the making

Have you ever read a fictional novel set in the 1700s where the main character is named Harper (22 on a current top girl’s name list) or Summer (76) or Sienna (20) for a woman? How about Jayden (67 on a top 100 boy’s name list) or Kai (85) or Dylan (43) for a man?

Using character names accurate for the novel’s time period lends another layer of authenticity for readers. So where can we find these names?

The easiest source for me is books written during my story’s time period. For instance, I write Civil War romances. Soldiers’ journals provide names of family and comrades. Nonfiction books about the war cite many names of officers and rank and file soldiers. At that time, many men had a family surname as their first name or middle name, such as Harrison or Carter. Often these names were from the mother’s side of the family, so this could be a fun aspect for a novel’s secondary character as well.

Many regiments published a short history. Included with battle details were the men who served in that regiment. Names of wives, children, siblings, and parents may also be listed, providing many ideas for first and last names.

If an author is stuck for names, reading about an event that took place near the time either gives some ideas or send the writer on a chase that leads to timely names.

If a novel is set in 1790, reading about the American Revolution will give plenty of period names. Is the location set in the New England area in 1645? Look at names found in the Salem Witch Trials.

Also consider the character’s surname. If the main character has Scottish parents, a German surname does not ring true. If the character has an Irish mother and an Italian father, a first name common to either country will work—and so will a name common to the novel’s location.

One source to find the history of names is Behind the Name,  where writers can search by name, gender, or country. Authors may also browse for names under Ancient & Medieval, Biblical, or Mythology categories. The site even has a section for “Logical Names for Twins.”

Another fun tool is NameTrends. Search the site by clicking on the first letter of a name. Each letter has a listing that show when it was popular in history, beginning in 1880. Even if your novel is set earlier than this, it may provide ideas.

There is a lot to consider when naming characters in historical novels. Hopefully these sources have sparked some ideas for that next novel.

Award-winning and Amazon bestselling author Sandra Merville Hart loves to uncover little-known yet fascinating facts about our American history to include in her stories. Her debut Civil War Romance, A Stranger On My Land, was IRCA Finalist 2015. A Rebel in My House, set during the historic Battle of Gettysburg, won the 2018 Silver Illumination Award and 2018 Faith Hope and Love Reader’s Choice Award. A Musket in My Hands, where two sisters join the Confederate army with the men they love, releases November of 2018. Watch for her novellas, Surprised by Love in “From the Lake to the River” releasing in September of 2018, and Trail’s End, in “Smitten Novella Collection: The Cowboys” releasing in August of 2019.

Find her on her blog, sandramervillehart.wordpress.com.

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap Featuring Bethany Jett and Shalon Ironroad

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Instagram’s IGTV with Bethany Jett

The latest trend on Instagram is IGTV. Yes, you can now create your own video channel on Instagram! It’s like YouTube…only on Instagram! Serious Writer’s Bethany Jett, showed how we can make this latest innovation work for us on Utilizing Instagram’s IGTV.

Watch the July 17th replay.

Show Notes & Live Chat Link

Bethany Jett is the Founder and Co-Owner of Serious Writer, Inc., and Vice President of Platinum Literary Services where she specializes in marketing, nonfiction proposal creation, ghostwriting, and developmental editing. Her love for marketing and social media led to her pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree in Communication: New Media and Marketing. She also holds a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies: Behavioral Social Science and Humanities with a Criminal Justice minor.

 

Super Organized Planning for Business with Shalon Ironroad

Writing is a business. If you want your business to succeed, becoming organized is essential. Fortunately for us, consultant extraordinaire, Shalon Ironroad, knows the tricks of the trade, and she shared some great tips in Super Organized Business Planning.

Check out the July 24th replay.

Show Notes & Live Chat Link

Shalon Ironroad teaches that work-life balance is possible, but not sustainable. Instead, she focuses on the idea of work+life harmony, helping business owners and corporate teams see the value of building supporting pieces into their lives and their work, rather than having constant tension between the activities and people they love.

A veteran Virtual Assistant, Shalon Ironroad has spent the past decade supporting entrepreneurs, thought leaders, investors, and nonprofit organizations to reduce stress and improve operations so they can continue their great work without sacrificing the relationships that matter most (with themselves included). She loves helping business owners prepare to successfully automate and delegate the tasks that keep them from the work that truly matters.

In addition to her consulting work, she is a military wife, mother of three (+ 1 on the way!), and the author of The Tale of Little Tree: A Fable About Courage.

To learn more about how to build work + life harmony into your business, or to get in touch with Shalon, please visit IronroadGroup.com. Gain access to the business tools mentioned in the show via the Show Notes and Live Chat Links.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link.

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming, then we open up
the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.