Categories
Bestsellers

Best Selling Author-Tosca Lee

Welcome Tosca, can you share a little about your recent book –

Firstborn is the sequel to The Progeny—a story about the fictional descendants of the infamous “Blood Countess” Elizabeth Bathory. It’s about a group of mostly young people living in hiding, having been hunted for centuries by a secret society committed to eradicating their bloodline. In particular, a 21-year-old American girl named Audra, who has chosen at the beginning of the book to electively erase the last two years of her memory in order to protect a powerful secret—one that she soon learns refuses to stay buried.

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

It’s something I’ve just always done, even from a young age. I never really thought of it as a job per se, until I was talking about some of my favorite books with my father and how much they move the heart and can feel like a fabulous emotional roller coaster—and blurted out that I’d like to write one myself. And I’ve been writing ever since. Why I do it: to explore other lives and ideas I don’t get to encounter in my own life, and to take my readers on that same journey, whatever it may be.

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

All my life, though I didn’t write my first novel until I was in college. That was 1989. I got my first book contract much later, in 2006.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Anywhere from years and years to as little as six weeks.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

If I’m not actively working on a project, I may not write at all. But when I’m working, it’s what I do all day with the exception of family or social obligations.

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

I have to ritualistically clean out my desk, home, and computer files between each project. I think it makes me feel like I’ve put in order everything that got messy in the process of obsessively working on my latest project.

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

My readers. I love the writing, too, but it’s the readers and the lives I have the privilege of touching and interacting that make it so rewarding.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

Writing through tough life circumstances. A divorce, depression, anxiety. Those are very hard. Writing through publishing industry changes and upheaval at one’s publishing house is also very hard and disruptive to release schedules. That can be demoralizing.

Which of your books is your favorite?

Much as with my kids, I don’t have a favorite. J

Who is your favorite author to read?

I have a ton of author friends. Are you trying to get me killed?

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

Work on your next project while you’re trying to sell your first. It can be very hard to write your second book while doing all the release stuff for the first, especially as those first reviews come in. It can really do a number on your mind.

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

Haha, so many times I can’t even count. Even from one of my favorite authors, Marion Zimmer Bradley, when she had a fantasy magazine back in the late 80s.

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

I’ve got a few favorites in every scene, though one of my favorites of all time is the freshly created Eve in the garden of Eden, running full-speed and reveling in her strength, freedom, and life… before it goes very wrong.

Where do you get your ideas?

Some while driving, sometimes from the news, and also sometimes from readers or editors.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

Not reading enough. You have to read and study what works so well in other books. And you have to show, show, show and keep scenes very simple and clear. I also find that a lot of early novelists lose sight of tension in their chapters. You must have tension.

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

This is a hard question to answer so broadly, but I always say write what you love. Don’t try to predict the market or go where you think there’s money or a break. Just write what you love and can be great at.

What others are saying about Tosca Lee

“Superior storytelling.”
–Publishers Weekly

“One of the most gifted novelists writing today.”
–Steven James, bestselling author

 

Amazon http://amzn.to/2stQGLe  

 

FIRSTBORN, the highly-anticipated sequel to THE PROGENY, is out now!

Tosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of THE PROGENY, ISCARIOT, THE LEGEND OF SHEBA, DEMON: A MEMOIR, HAVAH: THE STORY OF EVE, and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker (FORBIDDEN, MORTAL, SOVEREIGN). A notorious night-owl, she loves watching TV, eating bacon, playing video games and football with her kids, and sending cheesy texts to her husband.

You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the snack table.

 

Categories
The Writer's PenCase

Creating Extraordinary Characters––Wrap-Up

The Writer's PenCase

It’s been a L-O-N-G series, but I wanted to especially focus in on different tools you can use to identify your characters’ personality types, by looking at least a couple different tools. I started with the D-I-S-C, but you’ll need to finish it. Just Google the DISC personalities, and you’ll find a wealth of information. [bctt tweet=”Giving your characters unique and individual personalities will make them more interesting, plus your readers will care about them..” username=”@donnalhsmith @a3forme”] #amwriting #characters

Continue reading “Creating Extraordinary Characters––Wrap-Up”
Categories
Copywrite/Advertising

5 Elements of Storytelling

Once Upon a Time: Trade Secrets of Copywriting from Ancient Near Eastern Storytellers

The internet is abuzz with storytelling. Novelists, filmmakers, and playwrights have been churning out narratives for years, but now copywriters stake their claims to the elements of story. We’re no longer selling products; we’re now telling a brand’s story.

Donald Miller, CEO of Storyline and New York Times bestselling author, says, “Telling a good story is the key to being understood.”

We moderns are not the first people to discover story’s power to connect, of course. Humans have told stories since pre-historic times. Who was it but the ancient storytellers who gave us the towering tales of Homer, Beowulf, Canterbury, and Genesis?

What’s the first story you remember reading? Or writing? Or hearing? I remember reading Charlotte’s Web and crying for hours afterward. That’s how I knew I loved story.

According to Persian legend, Scheherazade told the greatest stories of all time. She, perhaps, was the first content marketer. Certainly, she had more riding on her success than most of us do. After the king of Persia’s first wife proved faithless, he married a string of women. Each subsequent wife spent one night with him before he had her executed. Scheherazade chose to end the massacre by marrying the king herself. She cleverly spent her one night telling the king a story. She stopped at the climax and refused to continue until the following night. The king spared her in order to hear the end of the story.

The next night, Scheherazade finished the story and began another, stopping again at the climax. This continued for 1,000 stories over 1,001 nights until the king relented his decree of death and made Scheherazade his queen. Her stories became The Arabian Nights.

What about Jesus? Nearly all his teachings contain a story. Jesus, though, didn’t tell stories for their own value. He typically left the characters unnamed and the endings open—as if he intended his hearers to see themselves in the story and then finish it in their own lives. Sort of like a good content marketer would do, only Jesus also redeemed the world while he was at it.

Drawing from these examples, how can we use the power of story to sell products through great copywriting? Let’s take a quick look at the 5 elements of story and how they influence writing for business.

Turn to Donald Miller again. “A story is a character who wants something and has to overcome conflict to get it.”

Character – In story theory, a main character is “the player through whom the audience experiences the story firsthand.”[1] Who is the main character in a business’ content? The reader is a popular answer, and it’s often true. Sometimes, however, another character stands in for the customer. Think about Flo from Progressive, the Geico Gecko, the “Dude, you’re getting’ a Dell” guy, and the old lady who asked “Where’s the beef?”

Have an identifiable main character in your business’ story.

Setting – What’s the time and location in which the character faces conflict? Fiction and narrative non-fiction require a setting to ground the story in the reader’s imagination. Why does setting matter for content marketing? Because the setting in your story needs to be the one your reader wishes he or she were in.

Set your story where the reader or customer wants to see himself go, not where he already is (‘cause that’s boring).

Conflict – All stories need conflict.* Without it, you have a series of events, not a story. I’m reading Crossing the Line, a great novel by Bibi Belford. I want to keep going because I have to resolve the conflict. But I can’t stand to keep going because I know the conflict’s going to get worse before it gets better. That means, of course, that the author did her job with the conflict element of her story.

If you sell diet products, your reader’s conflict is between fatty food and health food, between the gym and the sofa. Stoke that conflict until the readers have to see it resolved in their own lives. (For examples, see Jesus’ parables.)

Plot – Is your brand’s or business’ plot emotionally engaging? Think a story about a business can’t stir your emotions? Check out this ad for Kleenex, this one for life insurance, and this one for a brand of automobiles. I’ll wait while you collect yourself.

Don’t let your brand’s story appeal to people’s greed. Stay true to the better side of human nature. We could all use a little grace, after all.

Theme – Flannery O’Connor, the South’s greatest storyteller, said, “People talk about the theme of a story as if the theme were like the string that a sack of chicken feed is tied with. They think that if you can pick out the theme, the way you pick the right thread in the chicken-feed sack, you can rip the story open and feed the chickens. But this is not the way meaning works.”

Theme flows naturally from the other four elements. Don’t try to shove it in there.

If you write fiction, tell me what I missed. Are there other elements of the story? Other links between writing novels and writing for business? Anything else that would make the links between storytelling and copywriting clearer?

The internet’s abuzz with storytelling. Why not add your voice to the conversation?

*All novelists who are able, please stand and shout your agreement. Thank you.

[1] http://dramatica.com/theory/book/characters

Holland Webb: I love telling the stories that people put down so they go take action. I’m an advertising copywriter by day, an aspiring novelist by night, a parent, a dog-lover, a prison volunteer and a follower of Jesus.

Categories
Grammar and Grace

Prepositions?

We’re continuing with the parts of speech with a discussion about prepositions. These words never change their form. They link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence. You may remember a hint from elementary school: a preposition is anything a squirrel can do to a log, or a plane can do to a cloud. It can go over, under, around, toward…

Here are some common prepositions:

about        behind        during            like            under
above        below          except            near           up
across       beneath      excluding       of               upon
after          beside         following        on              via
along         between     from               over            with
among      beyond       in                     since           within
as               by                including       through      without
at                despite       inside             to
before        down          into                 toward

(I wrote most of those prepositions by heart because my sixth grade teacher made her students memorize them.)

Some prepositions combine more than one word:

according to     except for              instead of               because of           in place of
along with         in addition to       on account of         by means of       in regard to
apart from         in case of              up to                         by way of           in spite of
as to                    in front of             with regard to        in place of          with reference to

A preposition along with its object and any modifiers become a prepositional phrase. Prepositional phrases act as adjectives and adverbs.

We went swimming after the party.  In the previous sentence, after the party is the prepositional phrase that tells when. In this sentence, phrase is acting like an adverb.

The baby with the pink bow is Mary Wade. In the previous sentence, with the pink bow is the prepositional phrase that tells which baby. It’s acting like an adjective.

This post simply introduces prepositions. Spend some time learning them. Next time, we’ll uncover more layers of the preposition.

Happy writing!

Categories
Guest post archive

Five Principles to Follow When Blogging for Teens-Josiah DeGraff

For the past five years, I’ve been blogging for teenage fiction writers. As the editor-in-chief of an online magazine for teenage writers, I’ve alternately approved and rejected many articles targeting teenagers and have gained a lot of experience on what works. While the prospect of writing for teenagers may seem intimidating, as someone who wasn’t a teenager all that long ago, writing effectively for teens is very doable if you follow a few simple steps:

  1. Get to the Point. We live in an era where a lot of different opportunities are pulling on people’s attention. This is especially true for teenagers. I don’t believe that means we need to write short pieces for teens (most of mine tend to be between 1,500 and 2,500 words). But it does mean you need to get to the point immediately and not waste time rambling. If you avoid writing fluff and hit your points hard, you may be surprised at how many committed teens will keep reading your writing.   [bctt tweet=”If you avoid writing fluff and hit your points hard, you may be surprised at how many committed teens will keep reading your writing.” username=””]
  2. Don’t Try to Sound Sophisticated. In my experience, teens can handle complicated topics just like anyone else. But you need to know how to phrase it—and you can’t put it in sophisticated terms. Teens aren’t looking for someone who sounds smart and educated. They’re looking for someone who communicates effectively without putting on any airs. You’re not doing yourself any favors by using words that sound intelligent. Instead, learn how to speak their language, explain complicated concepts in simple terms, and reach them where they’re at.
  3. Be Personal. Teens value authenticity and relatability. The more personal you can be in your writing, the more effective you’ll be in writing for teens. Perhaps more than any other group, teens want to read about someone who sounds like them and who can communicate to them in relevant ways. Don’t be afraid of revealing a bit more of yourself than you would otherwise, or sounding a bit less professional in your blogging style. The more personal you are, the more teens will trust you and care about what you’re saying. Remember: a little humor can go a long way!
  4. Connect Complicated Concepts to Practical Examples. As a high school English teacher, I often have to explain complicated literary concepts to teenagers. Breaking concepts down into simple terms helps, but relating these concepts to practical examples—like a current event or a current trend—can make a world of difference in the classroom. The same principle applies to blogging. When I’m helping teens with complicated writing concepts, showing applications of those concepts in popular books and movies makes them a lot less complex. The more you can connect what you’re saying to what teens are familiar with, the better.
  5. Writing for Teens Isn’t Much Different than Writing for Adults. Sometimes, writers get too concerned about changing their writing for teens. But at the end of the day, teens can handle a lot more than we think they can. Speaking as someone who wasn’t a teen that long ago, we don’t like it when people dumb stuff down for us. Many of the principles I’ve already described apply when writing for adults as well! The only difference is how you apply these principles. If you assume that teens can’t understand important concepts, you’ll reap what you sow. But if you treat them as intelligent adults while tweaking your style appropriately, you may be surprised by how much they can rise to the challenge.

If you write high-quality content that hits teens where they are, you’ve already won the main battle; everything else is in the details. When I was a teen, I was consistently frustrated by how shallow most books and blogs targeted at teens were, and ended up reading many books targeted to adults if I wanted to learn anything. There’s a huge untapped market for reaching teens effectively with writing that’s actually helpful—particularly in the fiction writing sphere. Treat teens like anyone else while keeping their idiosyncrasies in mind, and you’ll be well on the path to writing effectively for teens.

Bio: Josiah DeGraaf is a high school English teacher and the editor-in-chief of http://kingdompen.org/, a site that equips teens to write for Christ with proficiency and purpose. When he’s not working at either of those pursuits, he spends his free time reading fantasy novels and trying to break into the fantasy market. You can follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JosiahDeGraaf

Categories
Guest post archive

Set You Free-Martin Johnson

As an English major in college, I was eager to put my skills to work… I wanted to create something . . . I wanted to be someone special. There was only one problem—a big one, I had nothing to write about. Unless, I shared my mischievous adventures, but that would just be one long confessional.

My English professor encouraged me to reminisce about past relationships.  I found myself overcome with shame. So I did what most would-be writers would do. I read anything I could get my hands on: Screenplays, self-help books, cookbooks (my father was a chef and cooking is creating out of necessity,) and comic books (guys are visual!)

My reading choices —poor choices—led me down a path I knew was wrong and I used my gifts for my own desires. Growing up in church, I knew Jesus set us free from sin (Romans 8:2-4,) but more often we live like we are free to sin. It’s a twisted lie of the devil; he takes our freedom and promises us more.

Free?

Dictionary.com defines free as: “Enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery, pertaining to those who enjoy personal liberty, possessing civil and political liberties.”

Most people view college as the first step to adulthood, we are free from the rules of our parents and their watchful eyes. We are free to learn and form our own opinions. Robert Frost notes, “College is a refuge from hasty judgment.”

 I felt the liberty to make mistakes; however, I failed to learn from them. Thus, my Heavenly Father had to step in and remind me He was in control.

After dying in a car accident, I was given a second chance to use my passion for writing for His glory, not mine. I spent eleven months learning how to walk, talk and smile again. After losing those liberties, I promised God I’d use my gifts however He wanted me to.

At first, I struggled and wanted to do my thing. He pursued me and I realized the power of a second chance. It’s not a freedom to keep doing the same thing over and over. Grace is a second, third, fourth, etc. chance to do the right thing.

In recent years I’ve learned God has created me in a unique way for writing, I am free to be who He wants me to be. My flaws, and personality traits, lack of formal spiritual training and past give me a unique perspective and creative voice.

I don’t have to be the next great theological scholar constantly pursuing education to stay on top of the religious mountain of greatness. I’m content with serving God however He chooses. Scripture is clear if God wants to do great works through me, He can do more than I can (Ephesians 3:20, 1 Peter 5:5-6, James 4:6-7.)

More or less?

Our sin nature makes us crave more. But in God’s kingdom, less is more. The least is greatest; God makes the wise foolish and the foolish things wise.

When we are crucified with Christ, we are surrendered to His will—then God can do great things. A few years ago I interviewed my mentor for my book. He shared:

“I decided to join the military after college. My first duty station was in Tacoma, Washington, in a leadership position. I would never have dreamed I would have a 30-year career in the military.

God’s plan for my life would take me all over the world and allow me to have experienced and learn invaluable leadership skills that would serve His kingdom for His purpose. The opportunities given to me and my family were beyond my wildest dreams. When God has a call on your life, you must use discernment to help you make the right choice. My name is Paul Wingo and I am crucified with Christ.”

God’s will is not orchestrated by man. In May I attended my first Blue Ridge Mountains Christian writers conference. The first morning I shared a table with an older gentleman from breakfast.

After we finished eating, he invited me to his class. I had spent an hour eating with the 30 year Hollywood veteran Brian Bird. To my amazement, we have become friends and encourage each other in our craft of film.

As Christian writers, we encourage others with the gospel, not with false positive feel-good words, but the honest truth. Recently, I attended a free Christian concert in Atlanta.

Singer Bart Millard shared, “The blessing and curse of being a songwriter is my therapy is I write songs about these things (suffering.)” Our job as Christian writers is to tell the hard truth because the truth will set you free (John 8:32.)

Martin is an award-winning Christian screenwriter and former model who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book after three years of researching, editing and remembering.

While majoring in English, he walked away from the Christian faith to experience the grandeur and luster of college life. While dating, he delved into different spiritual beliefs—from Hinduism to Catholicism and Judaism.Martin’s journey took him on a journey for answers.

In March of 1997, Martin received his answer. Albeit, not the answer he wanted. Nearly dying in a severe car accident, he survived with a  (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side.

After enduring eleven months of humiliating rehabilitation and therapy, Martin found himself at the foot of the cross with a choice to make. It was then Martin realized to truly live, he had to die. Not physically but in every other area of his life. There could be no compromise.

Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries Martin shares his testimony. Martin explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives.

Martin lives in Georgia and connects with readers at https://spiritualperspectivesofdasingleguy.blogspot.com/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mtjohnson51. He is also a contributing writer at Faith & Fitness Magazine and the Christian Film Database.

You can also connect with him at his website www.martinthomasjohnson.com

 

 

 

 

Categories
Writing with Humor

Bob Hostettler – The Making of a Humorous Writer (And How You Can Become One Too)

Author, speaker, and overall funny man Bob Hostettler has cost me too much money. He keeps writing books. And I keep buying them. Not only because I enjoy them, but because I’m hoping to learn his secret to writing with both depth and humor.

Bob also speaks at a lot of writers conferences. Of course, I’m compelled to attend them when I see his name on the list. (He should write a book about speaking at writers conferences. I’d buy it.)

If you’d like to inspire people with a powerful message they’ll remember long after they’ve read your last line, glean from Bob’s wisdom and humor here. But first . . .

Who’s Bob?

Bob Hostetler is an award-winning author, agent, and speaker from southwestern Ohio. His 47 books, which include the award-winning Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door (co-authored with Josh McDowell) and The Bard and the Bible: A Shakespeare Devotional, have sold millions of copies. Bob is also the founding pastor of Cobblestone Community Church in Oxford, Ohio. He and his wife, the lovely Robin, have two grown children, Aubrey and Aaron, who have given them five beautiful grandchildren.

Now you know who Bob is. Here’s a glimpse into the making of this humorous writer, and how you can become one, too. 

Here’s Bob!

Jean: Hey, Bob! When did you first discover you’re funny or was it a skill you had to develop?

Bob: Wait. I’m funny? I seriously (get it?) don’t think of myself as funny. I like to laugh and I know what makes me laugh, so I guess that translates to “funny.” But I grew up with two older brothers (much, much older), and each of them has a great sense of humor, so I probably learned from them. But I do think of humor as a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. That has been my experience, at least.

Jean: How does using humor help you in your writing? 

Bob: Oh, so many ways. Humor defuses tension and increases interest. It builds trust, affection, and loyalty. All of those things are critical for a writer. I think of Shakespeare, whose greatest tragedies featured his most memorable clowns and fools—the gravedigger in Hamlet and the porter in Macbeth, for example. His plays are examples of the wise and timely use of humor.

Jean: What are your favorite kinds of humor?

Bob: The funny kind. Oh, you want more than that? Okay, I admit to a fondness for puns, probably because I love words. I enjoy satire and parody. I love Steven Wright’s deadpan quips, and Jack Handey’s “Deep Thoughts.” I even find humor in the Bible, believe it or not, and hope to write about it soon.

Jean: What would you say to a writer who doesn’t think they’re funny but would like to use humor?

Bob: Three words: surprise, exaggeration, and unlikely combinations (see what I did there?). Also, consider what makes you laugh, and then try to understand why it makes you laugh. Then go and do likewise (Luke 10:37).

Jean: Who are some of your favorite humorous writers?

Bob: I guess I already started my answer by mentioning Steven Wright and Jack Handey. And Shakespeare. Feel free to tell those guys I mentioned them in the same breath as Shakespeare. Also, my friends Dennis Hensley, Liz Curtis Higgs, Rhonda Rhea, and Jim Watkins always make me laugh—sometimes even intentionally. I enjoy Steve Martin’s Twitter feed, and some others, like @LloydLegalist and @BackRowBaptist, often crack me up. More than I am already, that is.

Thanks, Bob, for a look into your life as a seriously (I got what you did there) humorous writer.

♦

Be sure to check out Bob’s website and order his books. Also, check his speaking schedule and register for a conference. In fact, you should do it right now: 

Bob Hostetler, Author, Agent, & More

[bctt tweet=”Bob Hostetler: The Making of a Humorous Writer @bobhoss @A3writers #amwriting #author #interview” username=”jeanwilund”]

Categories
The Writer's PenCase

Creating Extraordinary Characters –– Part V

The Writer's PenCase

In this series, we’re looking at personalities, how to develop them, and where to look for more information about personality types. As part of this, we’re looking at DISC, a tool used to help personnel in corporations work together better. [bctt tweet=”Are you an Influencer, like the “I” in DISC? #amwriting #characters” username=”@donnalhsmith @A3forme”] #amwriting #characters

Continue reading “Creating Extraordinary Characters –– Part V”
Categories
Uncategorized

Be Aware of What You Know

Be Aware
Be Aware

I once heard on Dan Miller’s 48 Days podcast something along the lines of “You already know what you already know.”

Knowledge is Power
Knowledge is Power

Think about it—you’re already in the game. Don’t know a lot about social media? That’s okay. I don’t, either. But I know enough, and I’m always learning. The great thing is, there’s always new stuff to learn in addition to what we already know.

You may think you don’t understand, you don’t get it. What is this Facebook thing? What’s a tweet and how is it done? First, congratulate yourself in knowing those platforms exist. Second, you’re reading this post. Which means you know enough to get online and search. The rest will follow.

The best piece of advice I can give at this time is this: Be Aware.

  • Everything you post online will always stay online, some way, in some form. Even if you delete it, it will somehow haunt the echelons of the internet forever. So be sure, before you submit, that it’s not something you’ll regret in the morning.
Be Aware
Be Aware
  • Know where you’re submitting/what you’re sharing/who you’re messaging. It’s great to post comments and share links but if your primary group of friends on Facebook are foodies, will they really appreciate an article about Harley ridin’ Mamas? They might, if the article includes a review of a really great hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
  • You can’t be everything to everyone all the time. I know this one sounds obvious, but trust me. When the World Wide Web opens its arms and says “Join me!” it’s hard to resist. I want to share the world with my world, but that’s not always feasible (reference Bullet No. 2 above). The best cure for this is to find my niche audience, and write for them. If others come along for the ride, that’s a bonus. I can’t be online 24/7. My audience understands my need to eat, sleep, and dare I say it—pee.
  • Find your platforms. Facebook and Twitter will give you the broadest audience. Instagram is a great place to share your cell phone photos. Google+ and LinkedIn are nice networking resources as well.
  • Ask others for advice. Don’t navigate alone. Read a blog you admire? Check out how it’s powered. Talk to a writer/media specialist? Ask their input. Want to write a killer article but not sure how to submit? Google it.
  • Not everything you read on the internet is true. While researching your article/media/platform set-ups, remember to find what works for you, then make sure it does. Don’t go full force into the first application you hear about, unless you’ve heard about it from a variety of sources. Investigate everything.
  • Be yourself. It’s okay to pattern yourself after other media sites you admire, but people want to know you. So share your voice your And if you don’t what your voice is just yet, that’s okay. Play around. You’ll figure it out.

With a big gulp of Sweet Tea and Social Media,

~Molly Jo

[bctt tweet=”There’s always new stuff to learn in addition to what we already know. @RealMojo68″]

[bctt tweet=”Be Aware: Be sure, before you submit, that it’s not something you’ll regret in the morning. @RealMojo68″]

Categories
Child's Craft

CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS PART 1 By Jean Matthew Hall

The craft of writing for children

 

Book Genres specify the types of literature that share certain common aspects. Genres include mystery, romance, historical fiction, fantasy, dystopian, adventure, etc.

For detailed explanations read this excellent article at Writer’s Digest. http://resources.writersonlineworkshops.com/resources/definitions-of-fiction-categories-and-genres/

Book categories specify the age-appropriateness and expected reading levels for children’s books. Industry experts vary in their opinions on the various categories, but the information I’ve included below is, at this time, generally accepted as accurate.

Some writers like to focus on one or two genres until they become skilled in that area. Others like to experiment with numerous categories. As a writer that’s your choice. Almost everyone agrees that it is important to know your target category as you work on a manuscript. It is also important that you identify your target category when submitting your work to editors or agents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Books – Board Books – Concept Books

Come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Often use specialty materials/productions that children can feel, smell, touch, hear, etc. Are made to be durable. Are usually assigned by publishers to one of their cadre of authors/illustrators. Present concepts connected to the young child’s world.

Picture Books ages 3 – 6 and 4 – 8

Most have very limited word counts – 800 words or less to tell the entire story. Most are 24 or 36 pages (including beginning & ending pages).

Easy Readers ages 5 – 9  

Usually 1000 – 1500 words. 32 – 64 pages in print. Some have chapters which are actually individual stand-alone stories about the same characters, some don’t.

Chapter Books ages 7 – 10

Most are 1500 – 10,000 words. 40 – 80 pages in print. Usually divided into 8 – 10 chapters.

Middle-Grade Novels ages 9 – 12/13

Most are 10,000 -16,000 words.  64 – 150 pages in print.

 Young Adult Novels ages 12 and up:

This genre is subdivided into Young YAs and Older YAs by subject matter, themes and use of graphic or explicit language. Older YAs deal with almost any subject that adult novels deal with, and use just about any language and depict any scenes that adult novels use, but often to a lesser degree. In Young YAs authors and publishers are more careful to avoid mature subjects, language, and references to sex, drugs, alcohol and violence.

Please share this information with your writing friends using the share buttons below. Thanks! Next month I’ll give you a lot more details about each category. See you in October!

Categories
Writers Chat

The Inside Scoop on Writing for Chicken Soup

In this conversation, 18-time published contributor for Chicken Soup for the Soul Tracy Crump shares tips and guidelines for getting your story in their next edition!

https://youtu.be/7fLgBy78GGM

Join us!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. 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 a fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

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

Categories
Talking Character

Are Your Characters Too Consistent?

Do you always tell the truth?

Do you use the same tone and vocabulary when speaking to your friends and your boss’s boss?

Do you behave consistently, even when you are stressed, tired, or suddenly facing a roomful of  screaming toddlers?

Probably not.

So your fictional characters shouldn’t either.

A fully developed character will act and speak differently based on the situation, the other people in the scene, his mood, or even his changing goals. A writer must be careful, however, to establish a character’s primary voice and modes of behavior before attempting to vary them. Otherwise a reader will likely assume a character who behaves inconsistently is due to author error rather than author intent.

When to allow your character to act inconsistently:

  • When the unexpected behavior or speech develops character. You’ve all seen the tough guy who turns into a marshmallow when interacting with small children—your characters can react in a similar (but less stereotypical) manner to show the reader a different side of their personalities.
  • When it enhances the plot in some way. Perhaps your normally calm character has an irrational fear of snakes. Mention the fact somewhere along the line, and then dump them into a critical situation that includes snakes. Now your runs away instead of confronting her nemesis (plot twist), or else conquers her fear of snakes and earns the reader’s respect.

Questions to ask when considering inconsistent behavior

  • What individuals or groups might cause a difference in behavior? For example, your hero is confident around friends and coworkers, but full of self-doubt when facing the boss. Or he’s generally friendly, except with the waitress at the local diner. (And why is that? You’d better tell us before the story is over.)
  • In what situations will the character tell the truth, try to evade the truth, or outright lie? Is he usually honest? Then it might be worthwhile putting him in a situation where he doesn’t want to tell the truth.
  • What groups or individuals bring out the softer side of a person? Alternately, who or what forces a naturally kind person to be insensitive or aggressive?
  • In what situations might my character feel safe enough to open up and risk being vulnerable? (And did they make the right choice, or do they lack judgment in this area?)
  • When will the heroine use formal speech, and when informal? What will cause her to swear if that is not her normal character?
  • What might cause a normally terse character to begin babbling? A chatty character to become non-communicative?
  • Don’t forget actions. In what situations might an energetic character grow lethargic, or a slow and methodical character become rash? Why might a character suddenly desist from an established habit? (Did he skip his third cup of coffee because his mother is visiting, or is there another reason?)

[bctt tweet=”Where and when might your characters act inconsistently? #amwriting #authenticity” username=””]

[bctt tweet=”How can you add depth to your characters through inconsistent behavior? #writing #writetip” username=””]

Categories
Guest post archive

The Looming Conference: Turn writing giants into enemies too big to miss.

In the weeks before a conference, my excitement and happy thoughts twist into nervous doubts. What if I get there and no one talks to me? What if I flop all my appointments, or end up with agents and editors I don’t even want?

What am I trying to write, anyway?

I forget the wonderful conference experiences I’ve had in the past. The deep friendships I’ve begun and the mentors I’ve met. Every time I return home from a writer’s conference, I’m miles ahead of where I was, even if it’s just in inspiration. But these memories fade from my mind as the next event approaches.

As I prepared for ACFW 2017, I slipped into this same cycle of doubts. The weeks sped by, and I wasn’t feeling any closer to ready. I planned to pitch a novel in a new genre, which seemed a great idea in the spring, but now looked like a dangerous mountain hike through unfamiliar terrain. I scheduled a critique with a writing coach to help me polish the story, and tried to stay positive while waiting anxiously for her response.

It came, and within a few hours, I knew this novel needed a major reworking. What was I going to do? The conference was mere weeks away. I’d planned to pitch the story to several professionals I admire who might not be interested in my other completed novel. It was too late to change my appointments.

My first instinct was to interrogate God. He’d led me to this genre and this novel. Why did he let me pour myself out into an unstable story structure? And if I really was a writer, I’d have known from the beginning it wasn’t going to work.

Then I read a meditation by Samantha Trenkamp for Daughters of Promise Magazine. She told the story of Joshua and Caleb and the ten cowardly spies. The ten spies saw giants, and reported that the Israelites could never take the land. They forgot that God was on their side. Caleb and Joshua realized how small men are compared to God, and, instead of giants, they saw enemies that were too big to miss. Why were the two reports so different? It was a matter of perspective.

All my fear and panic about conferences comes from viewing them the wrong way, without God by my side. Writers conferences are stuffed full of opportunities to learn, befriend, and network with passionate and talented writers, editors, agents, and publishers. It’s impossible not to gain wisdom and inspiration in such a place, even if it doesn’t go exactly the way I want. Though it’s painful when plans must change right when it seems crucial to have it all together, this is God teaching me to rely on him.

Without God, the writing conference giant may crush me. But with God, I can’t miss such a huge target. I’ll come away with new friends, fresh inspiration, and a deeper understanding of the writing craft. And that is more valuable than any perfect pitch could be.

Bio: I’m Sheri Yutzy, and I’m a storyteller who believes that words hold unimaginable power. I’m passionate about writing life-changing literature for people of all ages. I write and edit for Daughters of Promise, an Anabaptist women’s magazine, and am working to get my first two young adult fantasy novels published.

sheriyutzy.com

https://www.facebook.com/sherilynyutzy

Image link: https://pixabay.com/en/fantasy-surreal-child-baby-hand-2695323/By Sheri Yutzy

Categories
Guest post archive

Wearing Confidence: A Writer’s Wardrobe Must-Haves: Kathryn Ross

 

Got challenges? Don’t we all. Life is filled with obstacles on the pathway to realizing our goals and purposes. How do you conquer them?

Well, for a quick fix, I look for something in my power wardrobe. When I wear clothes that fit well and look great on me, I feel empowered and confident. Power clothes shield me from people seeing me in my unvarnished weakness. Like, the crippling insecurity that often comes from . . . well . . . for instance—heading to a writer’s conference to mingle with peer professionals.

I spend a lot of time preparing for writers’ conferences. They keep me focused on my writing goals, providing a deadline for completing projects. I look forward to networking with other writers. Mentoring and being mentored. Growing in my skill sets. Crossing thresholds of new publishing opportunities that might present for me.

All this anticipation fuels my writing fires—until about two weeks before the conference. Then, though I may have my files, proposals, and conference plan in order, a mountain range of doubt looms before me. These obstacles in my path lead me to question everything I’ve just spent weeks preparing.

“Who do you think you are, a REAL writer or something?”

“You always confuse your tenses and use too many commas— what a joke.”

“You have nothing original to say because it’s already been said.”

“You can’t run with the big dogs at writers’ conferences—you need to stay on the porch.”   
Confidence shrinks back. Uncertainty rises-up. A mole-hill becomes a mountain of fear and doubt. That’s where the power wardrobe comes in. I put my confidence game face on. A mask, in fact. I set my face, like flint, to power through the stones, rocks, and boulders that cause me to stumble in weakness on my way. No one will know I shake in my boots behind my mask of confidence, facing the challenges before me. I look sensational in this outfit with a nifty floral pattern!

My computer and files are packed. My power wardrobe is carefully chosen to fit, masking my inner turmoil. But, all is vanity because . . .

My mask is removed at the end of the day.
Sometimes it falls off in the heat of the fray.
That’s not such a bad thing; it leads me to pray,
And Jesus responds, “There’s a better way.”

When I seek to walk in my purpose and calling as a writer, I struggle with confidence going forth. No amount of sensational looking power clothes will overcome the root of my insecurities. The mistake I make is wearing a wardrobe like a mask to just get by.

Masking your confident-to-the-calling shortcomings will not do. There’s nothing wrong with selecting a great looking wardrobe for a writers’ conference. We should present our best selves in outward appearance. Yes—do look sensational.

It’s not about externals. You’ll go all the way to genuine confidence, rather than the mere façade of it, if you give quality attention to packing your internal wardrobe—the closet of your heart. That’s where true confidence roots, producing fruitful and fragrant blossoms that attract and influence. No nifty floral patterns are necessary.

Clothing yourself in the head-to-toe skin-sufficiency of Christ is the bedrock power of true confidence to the task, whatever that is. Be it writers’ conferences or just waking up in the morning, put Christ on in the spirit, before worrying what clothes you’re going to pull out of the closet.

And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:27 NLT

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

As a writer, no matter the challenges before you, God calls you to take each one in His wisdom and strength. The crossing of thresholds involve risk—like arriving at a writers’ conference and passing through the doors to the registration desk. Or sitting across the table from the editor or agent you hope to impress. Slip into the skin-sufficiency of Christ when crossing the thresholds of your life and divine calling. The point where risk meets Confidence.

Prayer Journal: Thank you, Lord, that my calling in You is sufficient to the task and the compass to my purpose. You have promised to complete the work You have begun in me. I shall go forth in joy. You will lead me in peace. The mountains and hills of obstacles will break forth before me and be turned to praise by Your hand. I will shout with joy as I know you are cheering me on to accomplish all You have called me to do.  Philippians 1:6, Isaiah 55:12

[bctt tweet=” The point where risk meets #confidence #JesusChrist @misskathypwp” username=””]

[bctt tweet=”Wearing #confidence: A #Writers Wardrobe Must-Have @misskathypwp” username=””]

I learned a great deal about walking in Christ’s confidence, boldly taking on challenging risks over the past six years of my independent publishing journey. I power-packed many of those spiritual and life lessons in my latest book, The Gatekeeper’s Key: Crossing Thresholds through Portals of Potential

Want to know more? Check out The Gatekeeper’s Key in the Pageant Wagon Bookshop. www.pageantwagonpublishing.com ~ by Kathryn Ross

 

 

Writer-speaker, Kathryn Ross, ignites a love of literature and learning through Pageant Wagon Productions and Publishing. She writes homeschool enrichment and Christian living books for home, church, and school. Her passion is to equip women and families in developing a Family Literacy Lifestyle, producing readers and thinkers who can engage the world from a biblical worldview. She blogs and podcasts at PageantWagonPublishing.com.

Categories
5 For Writing Uncategorized

Vigorous Writing: Don’t Let Useless Words Drag You Down

I’m old enough to remember when Olympic sprinters wore baggy shorts. But if you look at the world’s greatest runners today, you’ll see them wearing bodysuits so tight that it must’ve taken an entire coaching staff working all day just to squeeze them into it.

The reason: aerodynamics.

In a field where a hundredth of a second makes all the difference in the world, runners will do anything to cut their times. Switching to bodysuits reduces wind resistance and, therefore, drag—although from what I have read, the improvement is much greater for swimmers than runners.

It also helps with your writing.

However, before you run out and buy a bodysuit to wear while you’re typing on your keyboard, let me make clear that this is a writing metaphor. Just as a little bit of loose material can add drag to a runner or swimmer, excess words can drag down your writing.

As William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White say in their classic book, The Elements of Style, “Vigorous writing is concise.” Therefore, “omit needless words” is elementary principle #13 in their book.

Or, to put it another way…Reduce drag.

Here are just a few examples of needless words and phrases that come from Strunk and White and a couple of other sources:

Instead of writing…                                           Use…

“the question as to whether”                                   “whether” or “the question whether”

“there is no doubt but that”                                    “no doubt” or “doubtless”

“he is a man who”                                                     “he”

“His story is a strange one.”                                    “His story is strange.”

“at the time that” or “at the time when”               “when”

“in the affirmative” or “in the negative”               Just say “no” or “yes.”

“at the present time”                                                “now” or “today”

“inasmuch as”                                                            “because” or “since”

“in regard to”                                                             “about” or “regarding” or “concerning”

I recently encountered a blog entitled “Omit Needless Rules,” which takes a potshot at this guideline from Strunk and White. The writer then offers examples that have little to nothing to do with the guideline, “Omit needless words.”

For instance, he quotes a passage from William Faulkner in which a character’s thoughts keep repeating. He uses this example to argue that if you omitted the repetitive words, the passage would have lost its impact. I agree, but I don’t think Strunk and White were saying that all repeated words are “needless words.” In the context of Faulkner’s story, the repetitions were important, and they helped us to get inside the character’s head.

So the guideline still applies.

Another example offered by this blog writer came from Shakespeare, who wrote, “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, creeps in this petty pace from day to day.”

Here, the repetition of “tomorrow” gives the lines rhythm and emphasis. The repetition makes the writing more vigorous, not less.

Again…This is not what Strunk and White are talking about when they say, “Omit needless words.” They’re not taking aim at poetry where words and phrases might be repeated for good reason. They’re taking aim at useless, blah phrases, such as “the fact that…”

Here are a few “fact that” examples to watch out for:

Instead of writing…                               Use…

“owing to the fact that”                                “since” or “because”

“in spite of the fact that”                              “though” or “although”

“I was unaware of the fact that”                 “I was unaware that”

“in actual fact”                                               “actually” (or just drop it)

You get the idea. The phrase “the fact that” is not exactly Shakespearean in its power. It’s not poetry. It’s useless, and the accumulation of such phrases just slows down your writing and drains it of energy—king of like baggy shorts flapping in the breeze.

For the reader, it’s nothing but a drag.

* * *

5 for Writing

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

 

Categories
Writers Chat

Serious Writer Secrets + Pros & Cons of Publishing

In this conversation, literary agent and award-winning author Cyle Young shares the difference between a writer and an author, the definition of “floating body parts,” and pros and cons of both self-publishing and traditional publishing.

Award-winning author Bethany Jett closes the show with information about Serious Writer, Inc, and their subsidiaries, specifically Serious Writer Academy.

Join us!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. 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 a fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

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

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

How to Write What the Editor Wants: by Terry Whalin

When you boil it down to the basics, writers and editors are both seeking the same thing: excellent writing.  I’ve been writing for magazines for many years and I’m a former magazine editor. One of the publications (Decision) where I was Associate Editor reached 1.8 million people with each issue. While editors and writers are focused on excellent writing, I also understand what qualifies as “excellent” is subjective.

In this article, I want to give you three ways to improve your article or query submissions so you can improve your rate of publication success. One of the keys is to understand the role of the editor and how to write what the editor wants. The editor knows their reader and target market. When I was an editor, I read every submission or query with this question: “Is this article or query a good fit for my readers?’

  1. Read the magazine cover to cover with analysis before submitting. It may sound like a basic but you would be surprised at what writers pitch without ever reading the publication. As you read the magazine, study the details. Do staff members write most of the publication? Do they publish freelance writers who are not on the staff? Do they have regular features? Who writes these features and is there opportunity for you to write this material? You can learn a great deal as you study the publication. As a writer, find the publication and study the details.
  2. Target magazines which publish their upcoming themes. Many publications, such as denominational magazines, will plan their themes for an entire year. If you pitch or write an article on the editor’s list, you will get a closer look and consideration than someone who sends a random idea. Also know that seasonal and holiday pitches or articles are always needed. Think about the forthcoming holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving or Christmas. Make sure you pitch at least six to eight weeks before the holiday to get consideration or your article may be accepted but not published until the next year.
  3. Read the magazine guidelines before sending your query or article. Many publications have their guidelines online but if not, take time to write for the guidelines and review them before you write the editor.

Every editor is actively looking for great writing to fill their publication. If you follow all or several of these tips, it will improve your opportunity to touch their readers and get published.

  1. Terry Whalin believes print magazines provide one of the best opportunities for writers. A writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, Terry lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. 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
A3 Contributor Book Release

BOOK RELEASE-STILL WATERS by Lindsey P. Brackett

Open book.

Lindsey P. Brackett’s debut novel, Still Waters, releases September 8, 2017. Published with Firefly Southern Fiction, an imprint of LPC Books, Still Waters tells the story of Cora Anne Halloway.

Cora has a history degree and a plan: avoid her own past—despite being wait-listed for graduate school. Then her beloved grandmother request—and her dispassionate mother insists—that she spend the summer at Still Waters, the family cottage on Edisto Beach, South Carolina.
Despite its picturesque setting, Still Waters haunts Cora Anne with loss. At Still Waters her grandfather died, her parents’ marriage disintegrated, and as a child, she caused a tragic drowning. But lingering among the oak canopies and gentle tides, this place also tempts her with forgiveness—especially since Nan hired Tennessee Watson to oversee cottage repairs. A local contractor, but dedicated to the island’s preservation from development, Tennessee offers her friendship and more, if she can move beyond her guilt.
When a family reunion reveals Nan’s failing health, Cora Anne discovers how far Tennessee will go to protect her—and Edisto—from more desolation. Will Cora Anne choose between a life driven by guilt, or one washed clean by the tides of grace?

A four-star Romantic Times review, Still Waters has been called “a brilliant debut” with “exquisite writing and multi-faceted themes”. Best known for her popular columns in The Northeast Georgian and The Elberton Star, Brackett is also a blogger and teacher for writers conferences and homeschool programs.  A North Georgia native raised in Elbert County, she now lives in Cleveland, Georgia. A mother of four, her home is always full of wet towels, lost library books, and strong coffee.

In addition to an online Facebook Launch Party, September 7, 2017 at 9 p.m., several local signings are planned. Friends and family are invited to celebrate the Still Waters release at a reception, Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Community Hall of the Sautee Nacoochee Cultural Center. Brackett will also be signing on location at the Edisto Island Bookstore, October 21, 2017, 2-5 p.m.

Still Waters is available on Amazon as well as select local bookstores.

Follow on Facebook, Lindsey P. Brackett, Author or visit her website, www.lindseypbrackett.com for more information.

Award-winning writer Lindsey P. Brackett once taught middle grades literature, but now she writes her own works in the midst of motherhood. Her debut novel, Still Waters, influenced by her family ties to the South Carolina Lowcountry, is a story about the power of family and forgiveness. Called “a brilliant debut” with “exquisite writing,” Still Waters also received 4-stars from Romantic Times.

A blogger since 2010, she has published articles and short stories in a variety of print and online publications including Thriving Family, Country Extra, HomeLife, Northeast Georgia Living, Splickety Prime, Splickety Love, and Southern Writers Magazine Best Short Fiction 2015.  Her popular column appears in local North Georgia newspapers weekly. Currently, Lindsey is a general editor with Firefly Southern Fiction, an imprint of LPC Books, and she freelances as an author mentor. Previously, Lindsey served as Editor of Web Content for the Splickety Publishing Group where she wrote and edited flash fiction.

A Georgia native, Lindsey makes her home—full of wet towels, lost library books, and strong coffee—at the foothills of Appalachia with her patient husband and their four rowdy children. Connect with her at www.lindseypbrackett.com or on Facebook: Lindsey P. Brackett, Instagram: @lindseypbrackett, or Twitter: @lindsbrac.

 

Categories
Fantasy-Sci-Fi

The Trouble with Portals-Laura Zimmerman

Do portals that move your character to another time and place work within modern storytelling? This is the question fantasy and sci-fi writers have been struggling with over the past several years.

Imagine this: You’re reading a book with a great hook, the characters have depth and relationship, and the plot moves at just the right pace. Then out of nowhere, the main character is transported to an entirely new world that needs to be saved. The previous one is forgotten and a new plot begins.

Would you continue reading? Many readers of fantasy and sci-fi complain that, although it has worked in the past, the “portal to a new world” genre is overdone. Here are a few reasons why.

[bctt tweet=”the “portal to a new world” genre is overdone” username=””]

First off, the reader has no investment about what happens in the alternate world. Once you’ve established the main characters and the world around them, it can be jarring to expect the reader to jump into yet another world and begin caring about that one, too. Unless the jump between them is done with care, the reader can feel betrayed for having cared about the original world in the first place.

Also, there’s often not enough at risk. In many portal stories, the fantasy world is in peril, while the one left behind goes on without much thought or threat. The reader might be inclined to wonder why the main character doesn’t just leave the fantasy world to its own devices and go back to the safety of reality.

Another downside is when the reader realizes that without the portal, there would be no story at all. When the main character literally needs to leave reality to find adventure, the story can feel stale and overused. The portal is simply a mechanism to get a character from point A to point B so the “real” story can begin, which can reflect lazy writing.

So, how does a fantasy or sci-fi writer avoid the proverbial “portal trope?”

For starters, take a step back from your story and investigate whether it has a few key ingredients. Is your portal integral to the main plot? Is the portal woven within the threads of the story? How is the real world related or impacted by the alternate world?

Why does the portal appear at that specific spot, at that time, on that day? Who is able to access this portal and for how long? What price is there to be paid for using the portal? (There is always a price to be paid when using magic, otherwise your main character could use magic to fix the problem from page one.) Why must the main character travel to that alternate world, when he/she could just stay in the safety of reality?

Finally, if you take the portal out of the story, how will it affect the plot as a whole?

If you have solid answers to each of these questions—and you can make a strong case for the validity of that portal—then there is no reason a reader should walk away from your story. The reader should be so invested, that they don’t even consider it “another portal story.”

[bctt tweet=”The reader should be so invested, that they don’t even consider it “another portal story.”” username=””]

Do you include a portal within your magical world? Before you move forward with your work, take a few minutes to consider how you can find a balance between the real world and the alternate world. Doing so might keep your manuscript out of that “slush pile” and in the hands of an editor.

Laura L. Zimmerman is a homeschooling mom 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 and at her website, www.lauralzimmerman.com

 

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

You Can’t Make Them All

One of my favorite quotes is “Learn from the mistakes of others; you can never live long enough to make them all yourself.” I would tell you who said it, but the experts (and Google) seem to be confused, as I have found it attributed to Groucho Marx, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Woody Allen. Wouldn’t that make a fine dinner party?

I recently taught the “Newbie” class at a writers conference, designed for new writers who had never attended a conference before. When I teach a class like this one, I am transparent and talk about my mistakes. And, oh, I have made so many when it comes to writing. Here’s my confessional, designed as a cautionary tale of what not to do.

1.       I sent out things that weren’t ready yet. I arrived at my first writer’s conference with a printed copy of what I thought was the next bestseller. I knew someone would offer me a contract by supper on the first day of the conference, and then I would return to the event the next year as the keynote speaker, with my published book in tow. Well, that didn’t happen—it still hasn’t happened. I finally realized I needed more training and more information about the industry. Guess what? Many, many years after that first conference, I am still learning.

2.       I approached editors/publishers/agents without a proper pitch and plan. At my first big-time conference, I made appointments and had no idea what to do with them. I had no one-sheet and no planned pitch. I’m sure those people look back and chuckle. With many conferences under my belt now, I realize the importance of pitching and planning (Hey, that sounds like a book—don’t steal my idea!).

3.       I didn’t follow up on offers to send in my work. Yes, I was one of those people, who got an invitation to send samples to an editor but didn’t follow through. I’m still kicking myself. I let fear and a sense of unworthiness keep me from connecting. One particular (unnamed) person intimidated me so much that I almost quit writing. I have learned now that editors, agents, and publishers won’t actually eat you, and rejection won’t kill you.

4.       Speaking of rejection, I let it keep me from pursuing my goals. One year I had a promising “bite” from an editor. I submitted my work and almost immediately received a stinging rejection. I didn’t write for months after that. I have learned the hard way that rejection is part of a writer’s life, and I can’t let it get me down.

So learn from my mistakes, and keep writing and pressing toward your goal. God’s strength is made perfect in our weaknesses, and I am certainly living proof.

Categories
Uncategorized

5 Steps for Beginning Authors-Heather Kreke

You’ve decided to take your writing from a hobby to a professional level. That’s great, but where do you start?

Here are five steps to help you begin your journey.

  1. Learn:

Most careers require you to take continuing classes, writing is no different. Read books and follow blogs about writing. Interact with other writers as much as you can on social media. Take the courses they offer online or in person whenever possible. Look into classes at your local community college.

Remember to learn about your industry in addition to your craft. Things change in the publishing world often. The topics that agents, editors, and publishers are looking for this year may be different than last. Just as with your fellow writers, look for classes offered by editors, agents, and publishers, interact with them on social media and follow their websites.

  1. Work on your platform:

Start building your platform sooner rather than later. Create a website, blog, and professional social media pages. Agents and editors don’t want to see what you plan to do; they want to see what you are doing.

Post at least once a day on Facebook and two to three times a day on sites like Instagram and Twitter. Focus your platform on giving to your readers. What do they want to see? Follow the 80/20 rule. 80% what they want to see and 20% about you and your writing.

  1. Attend conferences:

Attending a conference can be an invaluable experience. You’ll get the chance to take great classes offered by experts in the field. You’ll also meet other writers. Being around people who think like you can be a great boost to your confidence. Being at a conference may seem intimidating at first. With all of those professional, published writers, all of those agents, editors, and publishers it’s a lot to take in. However, you will find that the majority of people are there to help you, to answer your questions, and to offer you support. Talk to as many different people as you can, you never know who you might meet. But also be sure to take the time to actually learn something about the people you meet.

  1. Find a mentor:

Finding a mentor can be a huge boost to your writing journey. A mentor doesn’t have to be an award winning author, just someone who is more experienced than you, who can help guide and keep you on task. Someone to bounce ideas off and to support your dreams. Someone to pray for you and to listen when you are discouraged.

  1. Write:

Start writing. I know this one sounds easy and obvious, but you’d be amazed at the excuses you can find not to write. Carve out some time every day to get yourself into a chair and writing. Get up early if you have to, go to bed late, write during your lunch break. Form a routine, make it a habit to write at the same time every day. Set a goal for yourself. How many words or pages are you going to write per day? Even if it’s only twenty minutes a day, make sure you are writing something every single day.

While writing does take a lot of learning and work, remember to have fun with it. Writing is most likely your passion so let the words flow.

Heather is a novelist who’s passion lies in showing teens and young adults that they can trust in God’s plan for their lives even through their darkest times.

www.heatherkreke.com

www.facebook.com/hkreke

 

 

Categories
Romancing Your Story

Writing Romance 101––Part I

So, you think you want to write a romance? It’s a great genre. [bctt tweet=”We all love fairy tales where the prince and the princess live happily ever after, right? Where romance got its start.” username=”@donnalhsmith @genremonkey”]#amwriting #romancewriting101

Think of some of the greatest romances you’ve ever read or seen in the movies or on television. I’m not talking about love stories, although those are pretty neat, too. But a romance is a happy ending, where a love story is not.

Sales of romance novels tops one billion, yes billion, dollars, most every year. That’s a lot of sales. Romance accounted for one-third of the overall fiction market in 2015, the last year stats were available for.

Why? I think most of us are romantics at heart. Especially women, which account for most of the sales of romance stories, no matter what sub-genre––such as historical, suspense, or contemporary. I write historical romance. Westerns are my favorite time period, because I grew up watching many westerns on television. I’ve read many good westerns in the past few years.

My first tip about writing romance––and this may sound elementary––is to read a lot of romance. Over the past several years, since writing became my passion again, I’ve probably read at least 300, yes––three hundred stories where romance was a major element (I’m being conservative in my estimate). I’ve read so much, I know what I like, and what I don’t.

This is important when deciding to write romance. First, know what you like. What time period, what kind of characters you want your two main protagonists to be, and where will your story be set?

But first, read. Read. Read. One of my pet peeves for writing historical romance is the question of: how to get rid of dear-old Dad or the father figure in authority over the heroine? With all I’ve read, I’ve seen two plot devices: 1) Father dies 2) Father doesn’t have daughter’s best interest at heart. Within the second one, the father, or father figure, will “sell” their daughter, niece, or ward, into marriage with a jerk, generally speaking, for money. Honestly, can’t you do better than that?

I decided I would try. It’s a tired plot device to make the father figure a jerk. I don’t like those stories as well. But maybe it’s just me. In my book, Meghan’s Choice, which will be released later this year, Meghan’s father is a good man, but he makes a hard choice. He tells his daughter she needs to grow up and learn to manage money before she marries. A very unique concept for 1871. But he’s a forward thinking, progressive man, and he wants the best for his daughter. We’ll see what readers think.

[bctt tweet=”In order to write romance, you should read a lot of romance in your favorite sub-genre before writing your own story. ” username=”@donnalhsmith @genremonkey”]Although, let your ideas percolate in your mind as you read. #amwriting #romancewriting101

What do you like about romance? Leave a comment and let me know.

Categories
Bestsellers

BEST SELLING AUTHOR- ACE COLLINS

Welcome, Ace. Can you share a little about your recent book –

The Cat’s Eye came out in August and it is the first full-length novel from the In The President’s Service series. Since Helen Meeker’s debut in The Yellow Packard, I have written and Elk Lake has released twelve short novels outlining her adventures during World War II, this book, because of its length and complicated plot, really expands the lead’s character as it combines action/adventure with a complicated whodunit and a touch of love. I’ll share the back cover blurb with you to give you a bit of a feel for this one…

The Cat’s Eye Has It All—

A Kidnapped Child, a Murdered Japanese Woman, A Secret Nazi Project

Helen Meeker is immersed in a perverse game where lives are cheap, faith is in short supply, death is a constant companion and the action never stops. A kidnapped Norwegian child, a murdered Japanese-American woman, and a secret Nazi project hidden inside a mountain build into a breathless adventure that literally spans the globe. The Cat’s Eye, Ace Collins’s first full-length novel since The Yellow Packard, finds Helen Meeker challenged to solve the perfect crime in Chicago as well as to go behind enemy lines to destroy a German super weapon. With the help of her mysterious partner Teresa Bryant and a host of colorful teammates, Meeker confronts a hitman, a gambler, a top Nazi leader, and SS officers and escapes bomb blasts, gunfire, and lethal double agents. Along the way, she employs all her athletic skills, instincts, and intelligence when confronting the brightest mind in all of Germany and the most desperate industrialist in the United States.

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

I was writing when I was in third grade, so storytelling is a natural part of who I am. In a very real sense, I’m just doing what my grandparents used to do as they entertained me with their stories on the front porch of their Arkansas home.

Each of my books has a theme and a lesson. In general, my novels follow the adventures of reluctant heroes — those who didn’t want to be placed in a heroic position but find themselves there in spite of their hesitancy. I think the goal of any book, mine or others, has to be to entertain the reader. Without that facet then no one is going ever learn the lessons you have placed in your storyline.

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

I actually have been writing for over three decades professionally. I quit a job in public relations when I got my first contract. Thanks to a friend in the entertainment business that opportunity just came my way. It took a few years to get that second contract though so for years I substitute taught in schools and did other odd jobs as well. Also wrote about 2,000 magazine features during the lean years.

How long does it take you to write a book?

My nonfiction books can take as long as six months. There is so much research that must be done in nonfiction. I can write, edit and rewrite a full-length novel in less than three months.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

I am a night person so I am most creative later in the day. Thus, the grunt work happens before noon. I tend to write in the afternoon and early evening and edit and rewrite in the mornings.

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

I often get book ideas in church so I have a lot of church bulletins with quick novel outlines scribbled on them.

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

No doubt it was winning The Christy for The Color of Justice. I was very proud of that book and its message and it thrilled me that others noticed as well. In nonfiction, it has been the success of all my Christmas books beginning with The Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Hitting #3 on the overall Amazon sales list was something I never expected.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

I’m such an upbeat person, I don’t think I have one. Sure I’ve had bad reviews, but that is a matter of taste, not everyone is going to like what I create, but I really don’t recall any dark moments even when I was struggling early in my career.

Which of your books is your favorite?

I mentioned The Color Justice earlier, and it tops my personal charts, but I do love writing the In The President’s Service series. To take a character and expand her over the course of now more than 700,000 words has been both a major challenge and a joy! It is every author’s dream to create a character you can live with for a long time.

Who is your favorite author to read?

Let’s go way back to Mark Twain. Of modern authors, I like Clive Cussler’s early stuff. I also love detective novels from the 30s and 40s by Raymond Chandler and others. Most of what I read is historical or biographical.

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

I get to give this advice when I talk to college students each semester. I tell them this…if you truly believe in an idea never give up on it. My bestselling book was rejected twenty-seven times over a decade before finding a home. Also, writing is a team sport; you are only as good as the editors and marketing folks who are a part of your team. So the success you have is because of them as much if not more than it is because of your work.

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

As I mentioned earlier, my bestselling book was rejected twenty-seven times over a decade. I still get rejected all the time. But if you believe in what you are writing you have to keep plugging. So I never give up on something I think has potential.

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

I like the characters that are a part of my In The President’s Service series because I have had a chance to get to really know them over fourteen books. That makes them very real to me. There was a scene in The Color of Justice where an older African-American maid, Hattie, talks about prejudice and mentions sneaking a drink from a “white only” water fountains. Her remarks and insight during that narrative blew me away. Yes, sometimes the characters write the words for you!

Where do you get your ideas?

In truth, a single phrase can lead to a whole novel as I turn it over in my mind.

Also, a lot of my ideas come from just observing life, but I also listen to a great deal of classic radio drama from the 30s and 40s. The writing style used in those programs is very similar to the rhythm and pacing I employ in my books.

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

Thinking their work is art and shouldn’t be altered by anyone else. We need editors to point out our holes. So writers must listen to the points of views of others and work with them in order to have a final polished product.

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

This is a question I am asked a great deal and my answer is always the same, find a place to get your work published…even if it is initially for free. You have to have a body of work to prove you can tell a good story, so look for places to get bylines.

Amazon: The Cat’s Eye

 

Ace Collins. Citing his Arkansas heritage, Christy award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture, and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special and been featured on every network morning TV show.

Collins’ hobbies include sports, restoring classic cars, Wurlitzer jukeboxes and running. He is married to, Dr. Kathy Collins, the Chair of the Department of Education at Ouachita Baptist University. The couple lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and has two grown sons

Categories
A Word in Season

A Story to Tell

His life tells a story.

Unexpected business caused the lawyer to stay home in Chicago a few extra days instead of joining his family on the trip across the ocean. A companion of the famous evangelist D. L. Moody, the Presbyterian layman and his family planned to join Moody in England for one of his crusades.

Tragedy befell the steamship S.S. Ville du Havre, when struck by an iron sailing vessel. 226 reportedly died because of the accident, including Spafford’s four daughters. Annie, Maggie, Bessie, and Tanetta – ranging in ages from two to eleven – all drowned in the waters of the Atlantic on November 22, 1873. Spafford’s wife Anna survived the trip. Arriving in England, she sent a simple telegram to her husband that read “Saved Alone.”

Spafford took the next ship to England, asking the ship’s captain to alert him when they came to the spot of the previous accident. Bertha Spafford, a daughter born later to the couple, shared that it was at the tragedy’s location where he penned these famous words:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
It is well, it is well with my soul.

 

As he looked over the cold waters, a tomb that held the bodies of his beloved daughters beneath, he wrote a piece that would become one of the church’s most treasured songs of the next century.

It is impossible to guess the thousands and perhaps millions of believers touched deeply by the words of that hymn. Their words, birthed in great sorrow, became ones of hope, strength, and comfort sung by countless worshipers for many decades. Did this heartbroken father ever expect Christians to still be singing his writing more than 140 years later?

God often brings purpose out of pain. He offers comfort out of chaos. And he births blessing out of brokenness.

The apostle Paul thought so. Describing a terribly difficult season of life, he remarked, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened so that we might not rely on ourselves but on God” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

[bctt tweet=”God has someone to touch through your words.” username=”@rhettwilsonsr”]

God has someone to touch through your words. You take classes, read books, and work to perfect your craft. But there are deeper lessons that you can’t find at a writer’s conference. The Lord takes you through difficulty, heartache, and impossible circumstances. He leads you through the valley. And in that experience, he gives you a story to tell.

Allow God to continue shaping that deep work within. And remember that there is someone waiting on the other side of that trial who will be strengthened, equipped, and inspired by your words.

Categories
Copywrite/Advertising

Why Am I Writing This Anyway?

If your lifelong dream is to write Bible studies, craft devotional guides, or create fiction for today’s Christian woman, you may not ask this question. On the other hand, if you mainly write about cat litter, bed sheets, and communication software, it might come up every now and then.  

Those last three topics probably weren’t what you had in mind when you breathlessly announced at your Bible study, “God is calling me to be … (dramatic pause) … a writer.” You probably imagined yourself crafting prose that would uplift souls, uproot injustice, and upgrade your credit rating. Copywriting, if you’re good at it, can do the last bit but not the first two.

[bctt tweet=”For copywriters, the art and science of writing aren’t about ripping open the layers that guard your soul ” username=””]

For copywriters, the art and science of writing aren’t about ripping open the layers that guard your soul or introducing people to life-changing esoteric truths. It’s about moving products and selling services in order to make money for the people who hire you to write.

Let’s face the ugly truth, y’all. We’re hacks. (I’m reminded of Hyacinth Bucket saying to a journalist, “If I were the victim of gross indecency, you would have been round here quicker than a split infinitive. …Illiterate hack.”)

Recognizing that we’re hacks leads us back to the original question: Why am I writing this anyway? When translated from the original languages, that question means: Is my work worth anything to the world?

And so we come to the heart of the matter—Does my work matter? Do I matter?

You know I’m not going to say No, you don’t matter. Why don’t you give up trying to write, you silly twit, and take up a real hobby? So at this point, you can skip to the end, leave a glowing comment, and open the refrigerator to see what’s landed inside it in the last 30 minutes. I’d rather you stuck with me, though. There’s a particular reason copywriting matters.

[bctt tweet=”Copywriting starts with a problem. It’s not the obvious problem.” username=””]

Take my cat litter box client for instance. What’s the problem they solve? Is it just that they keep people from seeing and smelling cat waste by containing it in an elegant box? At one level, yes. But let’s probe more deeply into the cat litter. (Wear a mask.)

What problem do the cats themselves solve?

Our average customer is a single apartment-dwelling woman in her thirties who is living in a major urban area. Why does she have a cat? Probably because she’s lonely. The cat is company at night. He’s someone who cares if she comes home. He depends on her. Needs her. Loves her.

Cats solve loneliness. We help our clients take care of their furry problem-solvers in ways they can feel good about. My client isn’t just solving the problem of cat stink. They’re also helping their customers take care of the creature that alleviates loneliness and isolation in a profound way.

In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott writes, “If your wife locks you out of the house, you don’t have a problem with your door.”

[bctt tweet=”Effective solutions start with correctly identifying the problem.” username=””]

Effective solutions start with correctly identifying the problem. What problem does your client’s product or service solve? What basic human pain does it help alleviate? Maybe they’re not selling cancer drugs, but they’re selling something that makes someone’s life better. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be in business.

You’re writing matters because your client’s products matter to someone, and they probably matter on a more deeply emotional plane that you think. That’s why copywriting counts. That’s why you’re doing this.

I think you and I would benefit from a broader vision of what’s important. Of course, devotional or fiction writing that touches the soul is important. But writing that helps someone take better care of the cat that’s alleviating their loneliness matters, too.

It’s a myth that the only writers who help people are those who write the Biblical novels, the devotions, the Bible studies, and the marriage helps. The writers who help people are the ones who pay attention to other people’s needs. Those are the copywriters.

[bctt tweet=”The writers who help people are the ones who pay attention to other people’s needs. Those are the copywriters.” username=””]

Penelope Trunk says, “Your idea … is generally a wish that your own passion is a gift to other people. But ironically, most (people trying to do good) are not paying attention to other people at all. And most entrepreneurs who are raking in money are paying very careful attention to what helps other people.”

Are you paying attention to other people’s pain? If so, your words can help people make choices that alleviate that pain is positive ways. And people will pay you for that.

Copywriting, like all writing, counts not because it’s deemed “beautiful” by snobby critics or “bestselling” by relieved publishers. It counts because it helps change people’s lives.

Why do you write sales copy? Tell us in the comments.

Holland Webb: I love telling the stories that people put down so they go take action. I’m an advertising copywriter by day, an aspiring novelist by night, a parent, a dog-lover, a prison volunteer and a follower of Jesus.