Almost An Author – Page 80 – Learn Craft + Launch Career

The Writer’s Palette: How to Write Concise Description to Liven Your Scenes

Post author By Tessa Emily Hall - Becoming an Author
Post date February 8, 2017
3 Comments on The Writer’s Palette: How to Write Concise Description to Liven Your Scenes

As writers, we have the power to tear down the boundaries of paper and ink when we craft a description that triggers the imagination of our readers. That’s the power of writing a concise description.

I’m sure you’ve heard it’s best to limit your descriptions. Pretty prose does not equal a pretty story, and ultimately it’s your characters and plot that will push the story along.

So how can you write scenes in a way that accomplishes the job of description — to bring the story to life — without interrupting the flow?

Writing this kind of description is much harder than writing flowery prose that goes on forever — prose that most readers will skim. Instead, writing concise description will enable your scene to become 3D.

And you can do this without having to hit the “pause button” on your scene.

When I wrote my latest novel, UNWRITTEN MELODY, I tried a new technique. I created a “writer’s palette” before each scene I wrote. (This idea came from Susan May Warren’s Book Therapy tools, although she refers to it as a “scene sketch”.)

This writer’s palette is similar to an artist’s palette. Before an artist begins working, they mix their paints to create the colors they want to display on their masterpiece. These paints are arranged on their board. That way, while they paint, they can dip their paintbrush in their assortment of colors and apply it to their canvas. They don’t have to create the colored paint as they work; rather, it’s already prepared beforehand.

Similarly, a writer’s palette is our own assortment of “colors” that we can use to paint our scenes, and we can prepare this before we even put our pen to the page.

Here’s how you can do this:

(Again, I learned how to create a scene sketch through instruction at My Book Therapy.)

1) Ask yourself, what scene do I want to paint?

Place yourself in an artist’s shoes. A blank canvas stands before you; what scene do you want to paint?

Close your eyes and envision the scene you’re going to write. Let it come to life in your imagination before you try to transcribe it onto the page.

What emotion/mood do you want to portray through this scene?

Now, open your writer’s palette. (This can be a page in your notebook or a new document in Word. While I wrote UNWRITTEN MELODY, I used the “Document Notes” tool in Scrivener to create these scene sketches.)

On this palette, answer the following questions about your scene:

Where? Why? Who? When? What? How?
What emotion/mood do I want to establish in this scene?

2) Prepare your paints. What colors do you need to gather and mix?

Pretend you’re the POV character and you’re observing the surroundings through the lens of his/her perspective, worldview, personality, and attitude. What details does he/she notice? What descriptive hues do you need to combine so you can achieve the scene’s specific emotion/mood?

In your writer’s palette, prepare these details:

What does your character see? Hear? Touch? Taste? Smell?
What is your POV character’s attitude and view of his/her surroundings?
How do these sensory details emphasize the emotion of the scene?
Is there a metaphor/symbolism you can use to highlight this emotion?

3) Record the details by choosing specific nouns and active verbs. In other words, gather your props.

While the scene is still in your imagination and you’re viewing it through the lens of your character, write down the scene’s details (keeping the emotion in mind as well). You’ll gather an array of details that you can potentially use as you write the scene.

But instead of writing “candles were lit and burning on the coffee table”, record the specific type of candle and its scent. And instead of writing, “long, draping curtains hung over the windows”, you can use its specific noun, such as, “pinch pleat curtains draped over the windows”.

~ ~ ~

By preparing your writer’s palette beforehand, you’re more likely to write a scene that becomes 3D in your reader’s imagination. You’ll know which details to incorporate (the ones that highlight the mood and POV character’s perspective) and which ones would only get in the way of the story. Your description will ring as authentic, and you may even convince your reader that you have lived through the specific time and place.

If you’d like to see an example of how I used a writer’s palette to write a certain scene in UNWRITTEN MELODY, click here for the scene excerpt and here for the writer’s palette.

~ ~ ~

How do you write description in your scenes? Do you create a writer’s palette or scene sketch to gather your “paints” before you begin to write?

[bctt tweet=”The Writer’s Palette: How to Write Concise Description to Liven Your Scenes #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

Tags Descriptions, descriptive writing, fiction, Prose, writer's palette, Writing Craft, Writing tips

Uncategorized Writer Encouragement

Hawks Seeking Prey

Post author By Elaine Cooper - Writer Encouragement
Post date February 7, 2017
No Comments on Hawks Seeking Prey

Elaine Marie Cooper

On the way to meet a friend for coffee the other day, my eye caught a site both beautiful and terrifying: A hawk swooping through the air. It came to rest on a pole, which gave me the opportunity to admire the creature’s beautiful feathers. Reddish brown wings and speckles of brown and white across its proud-looking chest were magnificent. What a gorgeous bird I thought. Gorgeous and deadly.

The hawk wasn’t there to preen its feathers; it was looking for prey. Perhaps a rabbit, mouse, or even a small pet left unattended would be snatched in its talons and carried away to experience a horrible death. Suddenly the bird didn’t seem so beautiful; it seemed terrifying.

I put the thought of this bird of prey out of my mind as I met my friend to share coffee. During our conversation she revealed a startling story about a recent discovery in her marriage that left her reeling. I was shocked and listened intently, while offering consolation as best I could. We had sweet fellowship that ended too quickly but we determined to meet again soon.

During our conversation, I thought about dinner the previous night with friends of my husband and I. I asked about a mutual friend on Facebook who I hadn’t seen in sometime. “You hadn’t heard? He’s in jail,” my friend informed me. I was so shocked that you could have knocked me out of the restaurant booth with a paper napkin. Especially when my friend shared the reason: child molestation.

Both of these individuals caught in sin were regular churchgoers, masking their sin behind the guise of pseudo-Christianity.

After pondering these back-to-back revelations, I thought of that hawk, looking so gorgeous yet ready to kill and destroy. Just like the evil one who can appear as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). And like the evil one, he seeks out any weakness in our armor. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)

As writers for the Lord, we may have a giant target on our backs that encourages the evil one to set his eyes upon us, aiming arrows of deceit that can make us fall for his deception.

“It won’t matter if I write erotica under an assumed name. It pays the bills so I can afford to write Christian fiction.”

“No one will know if I’m watching this movie. My readers probably wouldn’t care, even if they knew.”

“What I do in the privacy of my home is no one’s business. So what if there’s porn on my laptop? It has no impact on my writing whatsoever.”

It’s easy to lie to ourselves. After all, the evil one is the father of lies (John 8:44)

May I encourage you to clean up your act? And I don’t mean self edit those mistakes in your manuscripts that make an editor cringe.

If you’re dabbling in sin, talk to a pastor or Christian counselor that you trust. Stop pretending that it doesn’t matter. Because if God called you to write, the evil one delights when he sees you fall. He loves that domino effect as we lead others down that slippery slope of sin.

Image of hawk courtesy of panuruangjan via freedigitalphotos.net

Image of claw courtesy of Pansa via freedigitalphotos.net

Fantasy-Sci-Fi

Recycle, Reuse, Rewrite

Post author By Cherrilynn Bisbano - Managing Editor A3
Post date February 6, 2017
No Comments on Recycle, Reuse, Rewrite

“A group of underdogs are united through unusual circumstances and are forced to work together using their individual strengths to beat a dominating force.”

Sounds like a familiar storyline, doesn’t it? In fact one could argue that there are no new stories left to be written. Shakespeare took care of covering all the basics a long time ago. So why are stories still interesting to the world if there’s nothing truly ‘new under the sun’? Ultimately, what sets your story apart from others is what you’ve done to make it different.

The basic foundation of your story may be familiar but the setting could be a mix between futuristic Sci-Fi and old-school Fantasy. Or maybe it’s your main character that adds interest—the antagonist is a vampire while the heroine is a Civil War Southern Belle. The possibilities of how to make your story different are endless.

A great example of this is Joss Whedon’s cult-favorite TV show, Firefly. Although it only lasted a single season on-air, the fan-base made it possible for a movie to be made a few years later, and the call for a resurrection of the series has continued since its original airing fifteen years ago.

The year is 2517. The story follows the adventures of a crew of nine on the spaceship Serenity. They run a covert smuggling operation with great success—as long as the ‘evil’ Alliance doesn’t catch up with them. It may sound like every other Space Opera storyline you’ve run across, however, there is one major difference: It’s also a Western Drama.

Whedon was able to meld the two worlds of futuristic space and old-time West, flawlessly. Everything about the world-building is set in the future—an entire star system of planets colonized, boasting futuristic weapons and every form of space travel imaginable. However, much of the culture is stuck in the ‘wild-west’ of the past. Characters dress and speak like you’d expect in a traditional Western and much of the interactions on the planets are western-based—from saloons with bar-fights, to debutante balls with hoop-style skirts.

This difference is what draws the reader into a story that has otherwise already been told. There are plenty of books about Science Fiction available, many of them specifically in the Space Opera genre. And there are even more stories that tell about a rat-tag group of outsiders that come together and use their skills to evade the bad guy. However, the Firefly series was successful not only because it had a great cast and well developed characters, but because Whedon set it apart from anything that had ever been done before.

What sets your story apart? How can you recycle a story that has already been done before and make it better? Sometimes reusing what you already know can make for an unforgettable tale.

Bio: 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

A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Quitting: Not an Option

Post author By Carlton Hughes - Lighter Look at Writer's Life
Post date February 5, 2017
5 Comments on Quitting: Not an Option

I quit.

Ever been there?

I’ll admit it: there are times when I think I want to give up writing. This confession will come as no shock to other writers (and to some of my editors).

Many people think writing is the easiest thing in the world, that we just sit down at the keyboard and the words flow effortlessly from our fingertips.

Yeah, right.

Writing is hard. Sitting at a computer, summoning creativity, rewriting. Condensing, expanding (see my last post), self-editing. Sending out query letters, waiting, trying to get published. Not to mention trying to figure out how to pronounce “query” and how to write one. On and on. Sometimes I wonder if it’s all worth it.

God, do you REALLY want me to continue this writing thing?

I recently heard Natalie Grant’s song King of the World, and it rocked my world. I purchased it and have played it too many times to count. The words of this song hit me where I live:

When did I forget that You’ve always been the King of the World? I try to take life back right out of the hands of the King of the World.

Sometimes I second-guess God when it comes to my calling. And why? He’s the King of the World, and He knows what He’s doing when He calls me (or you) to do something. It might be writing, it might be speaking, it might even be cleaning the church toilets. Whatever it is, I need to dive in and do it.

Sure, there are times when the words do come fast and furious, and I appreciate those moments. On the other hand, the times I feel like quitting are the times God’s power can be more evident if I just forge on. I’m living proof He doesn’t always call the equipped but He does equip the called.

Here I go, at the keyboard again. So help me, God.

Tags God, help, Natalie Grant, quit, write

The Creative Tool Kit

3 Ways to {Creatively} Fall in Love with Writing All Over Again

Post author By Cathy Baker - Have Words, Will Travel....Travel Writing 101
Post date February 3, 2017
2 Comments on 3 Ways to {Creatively} Fall in Love with Writing All Over Again

“Falling in love in a Christian way is to say, ‘I am excited about your future and I want to be part of getting you there. I’m signing up for the journey with you. Would you sign up for the journey to my true self with me? It’s going to be hard but I want to get there.” -Timothy J. Keller

I can’t tell you the exact day I fell in love with writing. I can tell you, however, that in 2009, journaling in the morning hours began to fall flat in writing satisfaction. Over the years, my love has waned at times but I’ve held tight to the notion that I’m on this journey for the long haul because deep down, I’d be lost without it.

Are you experiencing a season where your love for writing could use a little reshuffling of the kindle fires?

3 Ways to Fall in Love with Writing All Over Again:

Write purely for fun. Sounds simple but for diehard purpose-driven people like myself, it’s anything but. Obviously, there are deadlines to be met but spending a few minutes every day (or week) writing simply for the enjoyment can breathe life into your writing experience.
Implement a date night…with your WIP. What’s your work-in-progress? Invite it to join you for a meal somewhere other than its normal spot. New scenery will heighten your senses and give you a fresh perspective on your project. Your WIP will thank you!
Remember why you fell in love with writing in the first place. Like relationships, there are times when we need to step back, observe, and recall the many reasons we first fell in love with our spouses or significant others. Did we initially pick up the pen to fulfill a calling? To heal emotional wounds? To earn money? To share expertise on a subject? Sometimes simply recalling those early days is enough to woo us back to our first love. And if you need a little more coaxing? Why not write a love letter to your gift of writing? Pour out your heart, your struggles, your desire to move closer to a reconciliation.

Have you signed up for the writing journey? Are you excited about your future and are you willing to be your true self as you pen your story? It’s going to be hard but if you want to get there – wherever “there” is for you – being published, writing stories about your family history, journaling, etc., you will have to re-invest yourself, your time and energy…but it’s worth the effort. Wouldn’t you agree?

What’s one way you’ve fallen in love with writing all over again? Please share in the comment section!

Tags Cathy Baker, Creative Ways to Love Your Writing, Cultivating Creativity, Falling iin love, How to Fall in Love With Writing All Over Again, Timothy J. Keller

Platform and Branding

3 quick and easy steps to review and refresh your writer platform

Post author By Susan Stilwell - Platforming
Post date February 2, 2017
2 Comments on 3 quick and easy steps to review and refresh your writer platform

by Susan Stilwell @susanrstilwell

Busy writers are often consumed with projects. We all have at least one WIP and if we’re disciplined (and sometimes downright lucky), we’re also creating content for our online presence. We rarely take the time to review the basic elements of our writer platform. In ignoring those elements, we miss the opportunity to put our best foot forward with new connections.

Review your writer platform

in 3 quick and easy steps!

Review your About page

Once it’s written, this page falls off the radar of most writers. Statistics show, however, it’s the second most popular page on your site. Be sure to address the 5 Questions Your About Page Must Answer, but also update the page with any new information that will interest your contacts or writing professionals.

Allow me to step out of my professional voice and rant for a minute:

One of my pet peeves is dated headshots. I can’t tell you how many conferences I’ve attended and had someone I don’t recognize come up and introduce themselves to me. There I stand, mentally flipping the fading rolodex in my aging memory. Embarrassed, I finally confess, “Have we met?”

“What?” they gasp, tilting their head like a confused puppy. “I’m SO-AND-SO! You know me!”

Well, yes, I DO know them, but the person in front of me looks nothing like the person on their website!

Ok, rant over. Thank you for your patience.

Don’t neglect your headshot. Is it current? Is the image good quality? Professional headshots are best but smartphone cameras and apps can also produce outstanding images. A few simple tips:

Have a friend take the picture and ask them to frame you from the waist up.
Wear solid colors,
find a simple background,
position your body at an angle, and
look friendly. Or goofy. SHOCK BROCA!

Find a teenager or a friend who knows a thing or two about image editing and ask them to clean it up for you. Remind them not to go crazy with filters and excessive processing; just make it natural and flattering.

Review your website sidebar

Take a quick look and check for broken links. Be sure these 4 Must-Have Features For Your Blog are in place, and consider adding widgets (WordPress) or gadgets (Blogger) for any awards you’ve won or conferences you’ve attended or plan to attend. If you’re a part of a writing community, add that graphic element as well to connect with other writers.

Review the profiles for your top 3 social media networks

Update your contact information, cover images, headshots, etc. Be sure you’re consistent with your personal branding: the same or similar verbiage, colors, images, calls to action, etc.

Taking a few minutes to review and refresh these areas will keep your platform current and help position you for success with your writing.

Shareables:

[bctt tweet=”Are you a busy #writer? Update these 3 #sm areas to keep your platform current. @a3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Neglecting #sm elements can result in missed opportunities for #writers. @a3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Keep your #writer platform current and positioned for success. @a3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”3 quick and easy #sm reviews for #writers. @a3forme @susanrstilwell” via=”no”]

Additional resources:

Hubspot – Professional Headshot Tips For a Budget

Almost An Author – Brand Basics – 2 Considerations For Writers

Bestsellers

Best Selling Author-Chris Thrall

Post author By Cherrilynn Bisbano - Managing Editor A3
Post date February 1, 2017
1 Comment on Best Selling Author-Chris Thrall

Can you share a little about your recent book – The Drift, Following the death of his wife and son, Hans Larsson buys a yacht named Future, intending to sail across the Atlantic with his young daughter Jessica. En route they meet Penny, a seasoned English skipper, who joins them as crew, and the larger-than-life Marcel, a Dutch art dealer hiding a secret, along with a stash of drugs on his vintage boat. Battling storms, sharks and pirates, Hans and Jessica experience the adventure of a lifetime, until fate intervenes to leave them fighting for survival on an ocean less perilous than the mind .

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books? I enjoy it. I write from a feminist perspective so that everyone can enjoy my work.

How long have you been writing? And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? 7 years. 5 months – a publisher heard about my crystal meth memoir ‘Eating Smoke’ and approached me.

How long does it take you to write a book? Approx. 1 year

What’s your writing work schedule like? All day every day of the year including Christmas from 4am until 2030hrs when I stop to eat and watch TV

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it? I love chapter icons.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career? Getting my fiction published

What has been your darkest moment(s)? Too many to name and too many to shame

Which of your books is your favorite? I haven’t written it yet.

Who is your favorite author to read? I don’t really read genre or author – Willard Price has been my lifetime and childhood favorite though.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too? Just write, write, write – get it edited, get it on Kindle, then write another – don’t waste too much time on social media. Keep the price cheap until you’re famous.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you? Once a bookshop wouldn’t stock my fiction – only my memoir. I don’t care – bookshops are not the way to make money any more.

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books? Nicole, who saved my life in Hong Kong

Where do you get your ideas? A combination of imagination and life experience – oh, and a lifetime of reading.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make? Not writing enough. Not getting proofread and putting an awful book out there on Amazon. Too high a priced books. Too much time on social media – like Tweeting to 300 people!

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market Write what makes you happy. Approach lots of other (traditionally published) authors as they know the score and can critique your work. Do anything and speak to anybody to get a publishing deal. If all else fails, buy a block of ISBN numbers and make up a company name and publish yourself.

Chris Thrall is a former Royal Marines Commando and author of the bestselling memoir Eating Smoke, his experience of crystal meth addiction while working for the Hong Kong triads. A qualified pilot and skydiver, Chris has backpacked throughout all seven continents, worked with street children in Mozambique, driven aid workers from Norway to India and back by coach, and scuba dived with leopard seals in Antarctica. He lives in Plymouth, England, and plans to continue adventuring, charity work and writing.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Thrall/e/B004HC7TOW

www.christhrall.com
www.linkedin.com/in/christhrall
www.twitter.com/chris_thrall

Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)

Writing With Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia-

Post author By Cherrilynn Bisbano - Managing Editor A3
Post date January 29, 2017
10 Comments on Writing With Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia-

Overcoming a disability concept with a man writing the word Disability on a virtual interface and then crossing through the - Dis - with a red marker pen as a motivational call to overcome adversity.

This month I’m talking to author Cherrilynn Bisbano. Many of you may know her, she is the Associate Editor of Almost an Author. Cherrilynn writes Christian fiction and non-fiction. She has published articles in various Christian publications.

Cherrilynn knows first-hand what it’s like to be a writer with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Fibromyalgia. Cherrilynn also deals with ADHD, and homeschools her son, Michael, who is Autistic.

Cherrilynn didn’t start out wanting to be a writer. She accepted a calling from God to spread His message further using her speaking and teaching abilities and the research and notes collected over time.

Cherrilynn transformed these into written words to produce her first book, True Star Quality– Shine in a Dark World. The book is scheduled to be released Fall 2017.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity, but doesn’t improve with rest.

And Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common and chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tender points throughout the body.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

It exhausts me. I try to write early in the morning before I go to the gym. However, today, I didn’t get up until six o’clock. I normally get up at five and I try to write for two hours. Sometimes if I’m feeling alright I’ll write for an hour in the afternoon, but writing usually exhausts me unless I’m writing scripture–I’m energized when I read and write scripture.

What motivated you to write despite the challenges you face?

Obedience to God. I did not want to write. I asked Him to show me beyond any shadow of a doubt that He wanted me to write. He enabled me to attend four writing conferences in a year’s time. I won a book contract. Since I started writing two years ago, my first book is set to be published by Fall of this year [2017]. I acquired an agent for my next two books. God has made it clear that He wants me to write and encourage other writers in the process. I believe wholeheartedly my position at A3 is to help Cyle Young and encourage all our contributors. We have some amazing writers at A3. I learn from them daily, they motivate me to write.

Tell us about your current and upcoming writing projects.

True Star Quality – Shine in a Dark World is my first book. I’m a speaker and teacher. People would ask me, “where’s the book?” I’d say, “I’m not a writer.” I transformed my writing notes into a book. The process was difficult.

I speak about what God is teaching me through His word and in life.

One morning I needed an attitude change. I read the verses, Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pur,…Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. (Philippians 2:14-15). The S.T.A.R. Principle developed. Over the last 20 years of speaking, I found when believers struggle in one or more of these four areas, our light is dimmed

S-See Yourself As God Sees You

T-Transform Mind With the Word

A-Always Pray

R-Refined to Shine

My prayer is that this book will encourage many.

My next two projects are a devotional titled Defying the Odds – 31 Prophesies Jesus fulfilled

The devotional matches 31 prophecies Jesus fulfilled from the Old Testament, with the NT prophecy.

and a fiction mystery, Accidental Findings:

Shannon’s autistic son, Corban, heals from the loss of his father, her hero. Can she help Corban cope when his new friend, Amanda, goes missing? Will her detective sister find the girl in time? Shannon meets, Mr. Chauvin, a new love interest. He is rich, handsome and loves Corban. Will he bring stability to her life or be her worse nightmare? What do Mr. Chauvin and the missing girl have in common?

How and where do you write? Do you use any special tools for your writing?

I use a laptop to write, and a good office chair! I finally have my own office.

What is your schedule like?

I begin at 5 am and write for about 2 hours. I homeschool my autistic son. He is helping me write my first fiction novel, Accidental Findings.

Has the publishing process from your first book changed your process of writing? Or has your process changed?

It has changed it. I started writing about two years ago. I’d write at different times of the day. Anxiety would set in if I did not have time to write. I needed to schedule time. Not just say “I gotta do it,” but actually schedule the time to write. I learned from other writers that writing is a job, not a hobby. If I was serious, I would treat writing as a job. Over time I realized that morning was my best time to write. My brain was the clearest.

My writing has improved because I learn from amazing writers like Jerry B Jenkins and Cecil Murphy. I read blogs on writing. I attend writing conferences. To be a good writer one must continue to learn.

I use my sister Charlene as my writing barometer. My first attempt at a book she said, “I’m sorry, Cherrilynn, this is horrible, I can’t read it. It makes no sense.” She was right. I studied hard. Two years later my book was edited by Peter Lundell, he also coached me. He was hard on me. I took his advice and did the arduous work to improve the book. I’m grateful for his honesty, he made me a better writer. Now, my sister can read it and loves the book.

Writers always seem to want to know about the writing habits of other writers. How do you edit and rewrite?

I get all my ideas on paper and I don’t edit as go along. If a mistake is blatant, I go back and change it. I was taught by other authors to “throw up on the paper and get it all out.” I wait a day or so and go back to read it and edit. I repeat the process until I feel the project is ready.

I pray before I write. I ask God to help me. I know I would never think of some of the words God gives me. I praise Him. I often find myself saying, “whoa, that’s good God, thank you! ” God gets all the credit. I get fearful when I focus on my ability to write, I think I’m going to fail Him. I know God works in me, using His words, to get His message out with my voice. It’s awesome. I’ve met many Christian writers to have the same experience. As writers, we cannot fail with God on our side.

What advice would you give to aspiring or other writers who live with a disability?

Pace yourself. Schedule time to write. If you cannot write one day, don’t worry. God wants to use you. He will give you the energy, time and ability to get your story out. After all, we write for His glory. Pray over every project. The outcome is in God’s capable hands. My book was ten years in the making. It started as speaking notes.

Is there anything would you give up to become a better writer?

I’m working for a non-profit right now, and I love, love, love the work, but I would give that up to become a full-time writer. I should stop watching TV and be on my computer, listening to training videos and stuff – that’s what I should give up.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with readers?

Education is vital. Bestselling authors like Jerry B. Jenkins, Cecil Murphy, Liz Curtis Higgs and others still educate themselves. Read writing blogs or listen to podcasts. Also, give back and encourage your fellow writers. Some of the most successful writers help others. God will use you even if you are a beginner like me.

Trust God with your writing. I never thought I would write let alone be an Associate Editor of a writing website. My number one job here at A3 is to encourage writers. I don’t have to be a best-selling author to do that. I know I have much to learn but God is with me every step of the way.

I admire anyone who has written a book. Congratulations. Writing is hard work. Don’t give up, if you are working on a project right now. You can do it with God at your side.

What is Cherrilynn’s word for this year?

“Excellence.” I can be lazy. I could use my disability as an excuse, but I would know deep in my heart that I did not rely on God’s power to achieve the goal. I can be excellent in all I do for the Lord, even if it’s just writing a page a day. Excellence is not perfection. My son says, Excellence is two steps above good enough.” He is a witty kid.

——————–

One of my favorite quotes about the writing process during this interview with Cherrilynn has to be:

“That’s what [they] writers have taught me,”

and

“You need to be real, like talking to someone and having a cup of coffee with them.”

Indeed, talking with Cherrilynn is exactly like this.

Next time we meet, I’ll be interviewing Ann Pietrangelo, an author with Multiple Sclerosis. In the meantime, please check out all the great writing content on Almost An Author!

Kathryn M. B. Johnson

“I write from the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. I feel as if I’ve been writing forever. Making squiggles at age three on pieces of paper I kept in one of my grandma’s black snap-top pocketbooks, chubby fingers holding a big fat pencil, I moved to writing stories in second grade for my teacher to read at rest time. I’ve been scribbling ever since.”

Guest post archive

Inauguration Day – A Spirit of Unity

Post author By Cherrilynn Bisbano - Managing Editor A3
Post date January 28, 2017
4 Comments on Inauguration Day – A Spirit of Unity

Several days have passed, and I was sure that the excitement I felt when my wife and I attended the 45^th Presidential Inauguration would have worn off. Boy, was I wrong.

In fact, the more positive things I see President Trump doing, the more excited I am to be an American.

Angie and I had the wonderful privilege to be in Washington D.C. when Trump took the oath of office. We were motivated by many things he said from the podium in front of millions of supporters.

“We will be protected by the great men and women of our military and law enforcement. And most importantly, we will be protected by God,” Trump proclaimed.

Wow – those words were refreshing to hear. To me, the United States has sadly put God on the backburner over the past eight years. The military and police have been portrayed as villains and held to an obvious double standard.

We were thrilled to be in the crowd and to hear unifying words such as — “Whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots,” Trump echoed to a thunderous applause.

We were also thrilled to meet wonderful people from all over the nation who shared the same unifying spirit Trump boldly spoke about.

We met two young men, both college students from Cooperstown, N.Y., while standing in line the day before the Inauguration at the Longworth House Building to pick up our tickets to the ceremony. Bobby was a young Republican dressed in the typical blue suit and donning a red “Make America Great Again” cap, while MacGuire was a young Democrat dressed in more casual clothing. MacGuuire told me he was disappointed in the outcome of the election, but he wanted to see the peaceful transfer of power. Both young men were excited to be in Washington D.C.