Categories
Child's Craft

May the Embarrassing Moments Arise!

We were just about to head down the aisle before my daughter’s wedding, when I reached into my bag and blindly applied some last-minute lip gloss. My daughter, the bride, looked at me in shock and said, “Mom! What happened to your lips?” I quickly found a mirror and to my horror, realized I had applied zit concealer to my lips instead of lip gloss. (In my defense, the two tubes look remarkably alike.) Laughing in embarrassment, I wiped the concealer off, applied the lip gloss and headed down the aisle, glad that my lips were no longer concealed.

Oh, and last week, my husband left the front door open for the cable guy to come in. I walked into the foyer to find a wild bird flapping around in my house. I screamed as if I’d come face to face with a lion. I called for my husband and ran to grab some brooms, as the cable guy hesitantly entered the house. My husband tried to shoo the bird out the front door. Every time the bird moved, I instinctively screamed like a little girl and hid behind my broom. This wasn’t a falcon-sized bird, not a snake, huge hairy spider, nor even a creepy looking lizard, or mouse. It was a tiny helpless bird. But I was completely useless in this situation and couldn’t help but scream and hide with every movement of that feathered creature. The cable guy was laughing. Hysterically. My hero of a husband who intelligently opened windows, successfully directed the bird to the great outdoors.

I hesitate to even mention the time I went on a first date with a guy back in my earlier years. I dressed my best to make a good first impression and wore my new sandals that I loved because I could slide across the carpet as if on ice skates. Loved them! As we entered the movie theater to pick our seats, my date moved ahead of me down the aisle and chose a row. This aisle appeared to be a slate floor and it slanted downhill towards the screen. I took one step on it and was on ice. I slid down that aisle, waved to my date as I flew on past. Horrified, I reached for a seat to slow me down. Whew. Now all I had to do was maneuver uphill a couple rows to my date. On ice. My feet were moving but I remained in place. I seriously could not ascend that slippery slope. My date joined me in that row laughing, but had to physically carry me out afterwards. Great first impression.

I can’t be the only one with embarrassing situations. Come on. Share with me. What memories come to mind that make you laugh? These are the events you need to document. This is fodder for your children’s stories, for your blogs, articles, books! These are moments that stories are built on, that add to your character’s woes, that pepper your plot with humor, that catch your reader off guard. Spend time creating a file with blips from your past. Feel free to expand upon them and exaggerate if necessary, because it’s your story. I would hesitate to use funny stories that happened to other people, even changing the names, unless you modify it enough so as not to incriminate anyone. Certainly you have enough embarrassing or funny stories from your own life.

It’s time for those embarrassing moments that you hoped would never resurface to resurface! Bring them up! You’ll be glad you did, when you need to add a little spice to your project. If nothing else, you may rekindle some lessons learned, like keeping your concealer separate from your lip gloss and only buying shoes with tread on them.

Categories
Talking Character

How Selfish Is Your Protagonist?

We writers love our protagonists. We give them a few flaws and quirks, but we know that underneath their mistakes and faulty thinking beats a heart that is kind and good. The kind of heart that will ultimately lead them to Do The Right Thing.

We want our hero to show his noble heart by getting involved with the local homeless shelter and our heroine to display her fine character by fundraising to provide wells to villagers who need fresh water. Those are excellent goals, so long as you show the reader why your character cares.

Authors must not only figure out what goals our character strives for, but also why those goals matter to that particular character. And the reasons must be specific and selfish.

Yes, selfish. As in, what’s in it for him?

Because your hero does not volunteer at the shelter once a week just because it’s a nice thing to do. He does it because:

  • He can no longer ignore God’s urging to serve in this area (despite the fact he hates talking to strangers.)
  • The cute girl from World History class works there those same days.
  • He thinks it will atone for the hit and run accident he caused.
  • He discovered one of guys he plays pick-up basketball games with spent most of last year living in a shelter.

Each one of these options will lead to a very different story, won’t it?

The specific and selfish reasons you give your character must also serve to deepen his character arc and illustrate the underlying theme of your story. If the story is about stepping out in faith despite our fears then option one or four might make sense, while option three would suit a theme like understanding God’s mercy or learning to own up to our mistakes. And that cute girl from history class? She has all kinds of thematic options, depending on her motivations for working at the shelter.

Because every character needs specific and selfish reasons for their actions. Even cute girls.

So…

If your answer to the question, “Why does your protagonist care about his story goal?” isn’t specific, personal, and driven by some need or desire the character has, maybe it’s time to dig deeper.

You readers will be glad you did.

Categories
Storyworld

Anatomy of Grays: How They Move

Jim always thought first contact with an alien race would involve ceremony and formality. But standing over the bullet-riddled corpse of one of the gray-skinned creatures, he was just glad thing couldn’t move anymore. He put those romantic ideas out of his head as he holstered his pistol and bent down to examine the invader. Ugly critter. Its colorless skin was covered in scales and three pale struts were melded around each of its limbs. No wait … Jim prodded an exit wound. Those weren’t reinforced supports. Those were the creature’s bones. Exoskeletal bones. Weird.

This month I kick off my series about alien anatomy. We’ll cover some fantastic ways your creatures can move, gain and use energy, reproduce, think and feel, and keep themselves safe from diseases and injury.

Endoskeletons

First we’ll look at the way we move. Humans can manipulate objects, traverse distances, and even make subtle gestures using our musculoskeletal system. Essentially, we have a bone structure under our skin that provides support and a muscle system attached to it that enables articulation. Since this is the structure we personally possess, I won’t spend much time on it. Suffice to say that reptiles, birds, fish, mammals, and more all fit into this category.

Exoskeletons

But that’s not the only way to make things move. Arthropods have an exoskeleton, meaning the bones form a sort of armor on the outside of the insect and the muscles are connected internally. This may sound really cool, but there are some drawbacks. Armor is relatively heavy and thus exoskeleton-bearing creatures on our planet tend not to grow larger than a couple of feet, unless they live underwater. Movement is also restricted in a fashion similar to medieval plate mail. For example, the grasshopper only has seven joints on each of its legs. Yes, these allow it to make long jumps and simple walking motions, but that is essentially all the grasshopper can do with them.

Exoskeletons also need to be replaced periodically as the organism outgrows its armor. A young and quickly growing creature will “molt” its exoskeleton every few weeks until it reaches an adult size. Even then, molting is done at least annually.

A fantastic creature with an exoskeleton could get around the weight restriction by either living on a low-gravity planet, or using armor segments that are unusually light relative to earth-based arthropods. And while earth-based arthropods may have severe mobility restrictions, an alien creature may have a more sophisticated joint structure. Be creative, and I’m sure you can come up with a way to plague your storyworld inhabitants with zerg clones or similar alien threats.

Hydrostatic Skeletons

Jellyfish may seem like boring critters in the aquarium, but their physiology is fascinating. Gelatinous mass fills a cavity between two layers of single-cell tissue, and this jelly gives the creature its shape and support. This is why they are said to have “hydrostatic” skeletons, because they have a “water support” skeleton structure.

Jellyfish mostly just float around, but when they need to move, they contract a ring of muscles around the edge of its bottom. This expulses water from the mouth region and pushes the jellyfish along.

https://www.pinterest.com/julvalhe/starcraft/But can you use something weird like this in your storyworld? I can think of a few examples of similar creatures used in sci-fi settings. While the “Overlords” of Starcraft operate similar to jellyfish, they use air instead of water for their support. You might call them creatures with pneumostatic skeletons. I imagine they use a lighter-than-air gas (helium, hydrogen, etc.) to float around, but the game world never says. Similarly, the Hanar from Mass Effect are actually hydrostatic creatures that use anti-gravity fields to float around in the air. Jelly-type creatures are also a fairly common fantasy trope, but gelatinous cubes and such of D&D tend to operate more by magic than by any discernable physiology.

Non-skeletal creatures

Some creatures, such as worms, slugs, and octopuses, don’t have skeletons. While each of these animals moves in a slightly different way, they all rely on strong muscles to push against something and slide its body in that direction.

The iconic sandworm of Dune is one such example of a non-skeletal creature used in a storyworld for effect. A similar space-dwelling annelid is also seen in Empire Strikes Back. While there probably are intelligent annelids gastropods, and mollusks used in some books and movies, I’m not aware of any. These creatures tend to be the big scary monsters. Mindless, but terrifyingly so.

Parting thoughts

These are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing, but as an author you can create things not yet imagined. Perhaps an alien race of yours is bipedal but lacks any true bones the way we’d think of them. Or perhaps a creature is sustained and moves by some sort of force (evil or otherwise), like undead creatures in fantasy and horror novels. The important thing is to consider how a creature’s physiology adds or detracts from its functionality in your story. And then to exploit these benefits or penalties to the your story’s advantage.

Next month we’ll look at energy generation and use. Until then, let me know if you have any thoughts on alien or fantastic anatomy.

For much of the info in this topic, I am indebted to Life Science for Christian Schools, second edition, published in 1998 by Bob Jones University Press. And of course my lovely and talented wife, a medical doctor who thankfully paid more attention in high school biology class than I ever did.

 

Overlord Cartoon from: https://www.pinterest.com/julvalhe/starcraft/

 

Categories
Flash Fiction-Splickety

Blogging Fiction by Lindsey P. Brackett

A few years ago when I was knee-deep in preschoolers and a newborn, I started a blog.

I meant that corner of blogsphere to be a simple way my extended and scattered family could keep up with all our adventures. I figured along the way I’d muse a little about this, that, and the other.

So I did. For over three years I wrote nothing but blog posts. Eventually, the local paper added me as a community columnist, and I realized real live people were reading my words.

That little blog had rekindled my heart for storytelling. Gradually, I started chipping away at bits and pieces of a novel I was sure would never see the light of day. Much to my surprise, I had found my fiction voice in the snippets I wrote about the mundane of motherhood and the glory of grace.

I attended my first writers conference in 2014 and realized how much I still needed to learn. I needed to hone my active voice and test out action tags for dialogue. Since blogging had prepared me to write concisely and visually with a small word count, flash fiction seemed a natural avenue to pursue. When the first flash fiction piece I ever wrote won a contest, I knew that win was a testament to what we writers can learn from bloggers.

Immediate Engagement:

In order to succeed in catching a reader’s eye, blogs, like flash fiction, have to engage immediately. Strong openings are necessary to keep any reader on your page, and whether writing flash fiction or a recount of your day at the lake, no one has time for every minute detail leading up to the interesting parts of the story. Start with what’s captivating and proceed from there.

Minimal Word Count:

The average blog is between 400-700 words. Flash fiction is told in 1000 words or less. No one opens a blog post with the intention of reading a novel, and the same applies to flash fiction. Our readers want a complete story in a short amount of time. Blogging has made me aware of extraneous details that lose my reader. Those are the posts with no comments or shares. Those are the posts when I didn’t assume my reader was smart enough to figure it out. Which leads me to…

Reader Assumptions:

There’s no time in a blog post or a flash fiction piece to give all the backstory. Assume your reader knows/doesn’t care/will figure it out. With blogging, links can always be added to point the reader to more details if needed, but with flash fiction, the story must be set up in such a way that either it’s not necessary to know that Aunt Mildred and Uncle Kenny are divorced, or it’s so blatantly implied, the reader can’t miss it. Don’t lose the point of your post—or your story—with history that doesn’t move it forward to the rapidly approaching conclusion.

Leave Them Wanting More:

When the story is done, it should feel complete, but it also should leave your reader thinking they’d like to stop back by tomorrow and see what else you’ve got. That’s what builds a following, and that’s what sells more stories. Readers return because they got what they wanted, so now, of course, they want more.

 

Once your reader has gotten what he wanted, what about you–the writer?

The beauty of blogs and flash fiction is immediate gratification. You can publish immediately, get real-time feedback, and gain confidence every time that post is shared or receives a comment. As we interact with our audience, we are able to ascertain what it is they really want to read or learn. Then we are able to give it to them, whether it’s in a blog post pondering motherhood or a flash fiction piece imagining the impossible.

 

To hone your flash fiction skills and decimate your word count, join Splickety’s Lightning Blog every Friday for #BoltFlashFic. On Fridays, a picture is only worth 100 words…and possible publication.

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Bio:

Award-winning writer, Lindsey P. Brackett just writes life — blogs, columns, articles, and stories — in the midst of motherhood. She’s the Web Content Editor for Splickety Publishing Group and her debut novel will release in 2017. Connect with her at lindseypbrackett.com on Facebook or Twitter

 

 

 

 

Categories
Guest post archive

Blog Tour-Ron Estrada

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Please tell us about your most Recent Book
I recently completed my Cherry Hill Series, a Young Adult urban fantasy series. It didn’t start out that way. Book one, Now I Knew You, was supposed to be a stand-alone novel about a teen boy who has a near-death experience and talks to his aborted daughter (unknown to him) in heaven. I enjoyed the fictional town of Cherry Hill and my characters so much that I decided to continue on with additional books. Book 2, Angel ‘n Me, is by far my favorite. My readers seem to agree. Books 3 and 4 wrap up the series. Cassandra’s Crossing and Lydia’s Way take a bigger step into the paranormal, with some time travel and shape-shifting tossed into the mix. I even spun off a character into a serial novel called Cat’s Out. That, I suppose, would be my most recent, the latest installment of Cat’s Out, where the shape-shifting continues with Darla Velasquez, a 15-year-old girl battling demonic forces in Detroit. Darla has an attitude (what else would you expect from a cat?) and my readers, both on Wattpad and Amazon, love the character. At least one boy has expressed a crush, despite Darla’s always present baseball bat and ability to grow claws (I am fighting hard to restrain my sexist comments here).

Why do you write what you do?
I’ve tried many a genre, as most writers do. But I was drawn to Young Adult and then Middle Grade because of the freedom it gives me. A young protagonist can say and do anything and still be believable. Really, they say and do the things we’d really like to say and do as adults, but society frowns on a 50-year-old man starting food fights in the cafeteria or calling his co-worker a cotton-headed ninnymuggins (okay, I have). I also want to connect with the kids who are like most of us. We all felt like outcasts at some point in our childhood. We believed there was something wrong with us, that no one could possibly be like us. But, of course, all kids go through these times of doubt, feeling very much alone. I want to show them that they aren’t alone, but that they are also unique, and they should embrace that which makes them different. They are God’s design, and He never makes mistakes.

What are you currently working on?
I am in the process of the final edit of Scorpion Summer, my first middle-grade historical. It is set in 1968 Norfolk, Virginia. My protagonist is an eleven-year-old navy brat who loses his father aboard the USS Scorpion, the last Navy sub lost at sea. Scorpion Summer is the first of my Navy Brat series. I’ve also begun the second book, Pearl Mornings, set in 1972 Pearl City, Hawaii. I’ll continue moving through the 70s and 80s, from port to port, basically revisiting all the places I lived as a navy brat.

How does your work differ from other work in its genre?
There’s no hovercraft or amazing archery skills. Okay, seriously, I like to tackle issues like teenage pregnancy and abortion (Now I Knew You) without preaching. By the time my reader gets through the book, she’ll see that her choices have consequences and her actions affect many more people than she realizes. I never come out and say what is right and wrong, and never invoke my Christian faith, but my readers will know that the simple answers the world provides are never quite that simple. For my middle-grade historicals, I’m one of the few who visit places like Hawaii without it being a paradise. Military kids see a duty station as just another duty station, whether it has palm trees or two feet of snow. I like to pull up little-known facts in history, like the loss of the Scorpion, to educate my reader as well as provide an intriguing story about a kid who overcomes the obstacles thrown into his previously worry-free existence.
How does your writing process work?
It’s evolving. I was once a panster. Then I became a plotter. Now I’m joining a larger crowd that’s somewhere in the middle. I like to start with my protagonist and build her backstory, as well as her parent’s (a middle-grade character’s background is heavily influenced by her parent’s background). I’ll write several scenes that will never make it into the novel. All backstory, but necessary to understand my character. Most importantly is the “dark moment,” where my character’s beliefs changed and altered her course forever. After that, give me an interesting incident and place, and my character can run with it. That’s not entirely true (I have my doubts about characters who just walk into a scene and take over), I do have a good idea where the story is going and still write down my major plot points and beats, including the ending. Things may change along the way, but I believe in having at least a general road map. Naturally, with historicals, research is important. I’ll research what is necessary to move the story forward, then check the details after the first draft. My wife just told me that normal folk weren’t using Pampers disposable diapers in 1968, so I may have to change that detail in Scorpion Summer, but things like that don’t change the overall story. You gotta check ‘em, though. The armchair historians will crush you on Amazon.

catsout

Ron Estrada writes Young Adult and Middle-Grade fiction. He is a regular contributor to Novel Rocket and My Book Therapy, as well as Women2Women Michigan, a local print magazine, where he writes a regular humor column. He lives in Oxford, Michigan, with his beautiful wife, Kelly. His two children are in college and (mostly) out of the house. You can find out what he’s up to by visiting RonEstradaBooks.com.

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

Five Ways to Boost Your Holiday Magazine Writing

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Much of the publishing world becomes silent throughout late November until the New Year—including the magazine world. The holiday magazines were finalized months ago. As a magazine editor, I recall pulling out my Christmas music in July to begin planning the December magazine. It’s typical in the magazine world to be working three to six months ahead to assign articles and plan the publications.

When the editors aren’t responding and are taking a break, how can you boost your magazine writing? Yes many of us are focused on time with family and activities outside the writing world. I want to give you five ways to increase your writing during the holidays.

  1. Keep pitching and writing query letters. When activities slow down in the editorial offices, it gives some editors a chance to dig into their unsolicited manuscripts and ideas. If you pitch ideas for articles which will be published in the spring or summer of 2017, then your material will be read and considered. Write the query letters or articles and email or mail to editors on a consistent basis.
  2. Look for new magazines. What magazines do you read on a regular basis? Do they take freelance writing? Could you write articles for that magazine? Look online for the publication guidelines then follow the tips. Or use a Market Guide to learn more details about the magazine and their percentage of freelance writing. This time of year is a perfect time to be expanding your writing possibilities.
  3. Write queries and articles for magazine theme lists. Many publications create editorial plans with themes. These lists show you what the editor wants to publish. Tailor your pitches to what the editor needs. Yes it can be this simple.
  4. Write personal experience articles. Almost every publication takes personal experience articles and publishes articles tied to the holidays. Take advantage of your own experiences and right after the experience, write it down. Capture the sights, sounds and dialogue while it is fresh. Make sure your article has a single focus or takeaway. Then write queries or send it out later in the year to publications for 2017 issues.
  5. Plan to attend a writers’ conference in 2017. Editors assign and buy articles and ideas from writers they know, like and trust. In this holiday season make plans to attend a writers’ conference in the New Year.  Look for one that fits your travel budget and schedule but also study who is speaking and if they are publications where you want to write articles.

Every writer whether you are much published or never published can take advantage of the quiet time of the holidays. As you take action, you will propel your magazine work to a new level.

terry-whalin-headshot-9-2016

Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing, lives in Colorado. A former magazine editor, Whalin has written for more than 50 publications including Christianity Today and Writer’s Digest. 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
Guest post archive

Sports Writing

 

a3delmohammad
Fundraiser-Huntington West Virginia -early 90s

Being a sports writer has always been the most rewarding job I ever had. Often, I think back and wish I could have stayed in that career path. But working for a small-town newspaper was not financially rewarding enough to raise a family.

But I have some wonderful memories.

I started out by being a stringer reporter for my local daily newspaper’s sports section. Back then, that was a big deal. EVERYONE read about their favorite high school teams, and our editor was dedicated to local sports. At that time, it was the bread and butter of our small-town daily paper. Having a strong local school presence can make a local paper very important.

So, one night, one of the full-time sportswriters was ill, and my editor threw me into the fire. He had me cover a local game and write it up. After a few corrections and suggestions, it went to print. I was so excited and proud. After all, I was about 20 years old at the time. I even had a byline – that was bigtime to me.

Soon I was given a full-time position. It was a blast. I was actually getting paid to go to ballgames and write about them. It was a dream come true at the time, and I felt like a local celebrity. As time went on, I found out that I could get media passes and cover some professional and college games for free as well. I wasted no time signing up.

I quickly sent off to get passes to cover the Cincinnati Bengals and the Reds and any nearby NBA team hosting the Boston Celtics. Back then, I loved the NBA. I was an avid Larry Bird fan and was able to interview him a couple times. In fact, one column that I wrote about an interview with Bird won an Associated Press Sports Writers Award in Ohio. I was so happy about that. Not only did I get to go watch the Celtics play Cleveland, I got to interview Bird and was honored by the AP. Wow! I had it made.

One funny memory I have happened when I took my dad to a Bengals game.  We had gone down to stand on the sidelines to watch the fourth quarter when Gary Reasons, a linebacker for the New York Giants, made a tackle and wiped out several of us who were on the side watching. We were fine, but a little sore.

Within a year, I won another AP award and also won an award from the Ohio Prep Sports Writer’s Association for a series of columns I wrote on whether or not a shot clock would serve in the best interest of high school basketball.  I got opinions from coaches, players, parents, fans and officials and spread the series out over a few weeks.

So as time went on, I was able to interview some of my other sports heroes like Orel Herschiser of the Los Angeles Dodgers, PGA great Greg Norman, and former Dallas Cowboys Coach Tom Landry as well as Pete Rose and Muhammed Ali. Rose liked my interview with him so much he called me a few weeks later to thank me. I had previously written a column on Pete after he was banned from having any association with the MLB for betting on the game. I had pointed out that many who were already enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame had done things in their personal lives that were far worse, in my opinion, than what Rose had done. He liked what I wrote and he let me know.

One night after a Reds game, I was interviewing Herschiser in the locker room, and again my dad tagged along. After a while, it was just the three of us talking when the Dodgers’ trainer yelled for Herschiser to get on the bus. We were having such a good time that he didn’t want to leave.

I loved covering high school sports, especially football and volleyball. In volleyball, there are so many exciting adjectives to use like: spike, kill, jam, slam, pound, volley, smack, etc. It was a sports writer’s field day.

But mostly I loved writing columns and telling my opinion to everyone. You see, I just assumed everyone agreed with me, or after reading my column, they would come around to my way of thinking. Wrong. I heard from people when they disagreed, but that was okay. It was part of the fun. It made for good discussion when people would see me out at a restaurant or at the grocery store.

My favorite column I ever wrote dealt with game-winning moments in high school. That particular week of high school basketball featured three buzzer-beater shots. So, I called each player who made each shot, as well as their coaches, to get their reactions.  I started out the article with my personal memories of my two sons who also experienced such moments in time that will last forever.  I loved capturing memories for athletes and their parents. When I played ball in high school, I always anticipated getting the paper after I had a good game and reading what was said about me.  So, when I wrote about high school games, I wrote every story as if my own child was playing in that game and how I as a parent would want to see my kid’s name in the paper. I never lost sight of that.

Then some doors opened up for me to do some freelance writing for Sports Spectrum Magazine. I was given some assignments which were really fun. I went to Tampa, Florida and interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees during spring training, and later I spent some time with Bengals signal caller Andy Dalton.  I also interviewed former MLB great Al Oliver, who happens to live in my hometown.

Getting to interview well-known athletes is a perk – sometimes. There were times when people I admired turned out to be jerks in real life. I learned quickly to put things into perspective. You see, a professional is earning a living for a family.  Just like any job, there are good days and bad ones.

But high school athletes, and most college ones, play for the love of the game. And that’s what a good sports writer does – he or she covers that sport for the same reason – because it’s fun and he loves writing about sports. There is no agenda but to promote high school athletes.

That’s what sports writing should be about.

a3del

Del Duduit is a freelance writer, and some of his work has been published in Sports Spectrum Magazine and Portsmouth Metro Magazine. When he was a sports writer-reporter, he won two Associated Press writing awards as well as one Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association award. He has several years of experience as a general assignment reporter and broadcast news reporter.
He lives in Ohio with his wife Angie, and they have two adult sons.

www.delduduit.com

Facebook.com/delduduit

 

Categories
The Ministry of Writing

You are a Bible Interpreter — Seminary in 5: Interpretation of the Bible

Save money. Learn theology. Become a better writer. Minister more effective. That’s my hope for you. In this second year of my column, The Ministry of Writing, I want to take you to seminary — writing seminary. If you have had the chance to go to seminary, then let this be a refresher. If you haven’t please soak up this tuition free theological education given each month in 5 points. God has called you to write. You want to glorify Him and reach the world, but the problem is that we can easily be false teachers and not know it. Therefore, growing and learning in biblical and theological knowledge is vital to your writing ministry.

I skipped a month of posting in “The Ministry of Writing” (I hope you noticed and missed it!) because I struggled how to share this subject. I struggled writing on this subject because I believe the most important skill all Christians and especially Christian writers need to develop is interpreting the Bible. I am so thankful that my college and seminary schedules were often out of my control because in my first semester things out of my control forced me to take a class called “Hermeneutics” which was on interpreting the Bible. I like so many though the idea of such a course was ridiculous. After all we just needed to just simply read and obey Scripture. Making that task so complicated just causes problems, right? Wrong, it’s just the opposite. As the first point of this post states, every reader of the Bible is an interpreter, and since we are thousands of years removed from the original writing of this special Book it takes a skill to interpret it correctly and well.

The Apostle Paul expressed this being a skill in 2 Timothy 2:15 where Timothy is instructed to “rightly divide” the Word. Rightly dividing just does not happen by chance, but is a skill developed and mastered. In Dr. Robert McQuilkin’s textbook, he asks a question: “Do a good attitude and a commitment to hard work alone enable a person to build a beautiful piece of furniture? No, for there is a right way and a wrong way to build. Furthermore, certain skill must be developed before a person, though using the right method, can build properly. So, it is with understanding the Bible.”

There is a right way, a right method, and a skill. This is not out of the reach of any Christian, but does call for intentionality rather than a haphazard approach to the text.

 

  1. Every Reader is an Interpreter.

I realize that the idea that one needs to approach the Bible through rules and methods causes infuriation or at least disagreement, but every time you read something you interpret those words. And though not consciously you decipher meaning based on a certain approach. My wife and I passed a beautiful landscape painting the other day. Immediately, it took me back to my fourth-grade teacher reading Bridge to Terabithia. My wife had also read the book, both as a student and then as a teacher. We began to talk about it and realized we understood the book quite differently. We had interpreted the book quite differently. This was over a contemporary book, and with us possessing similar experiences and values. I’m sure our “interpretations” would differ with others. So, every reader interprets. Therefore, every reader interprets the Bible. If this can happen with contemporary books how much more differently would we interpret an ancient text like Scripture.

So, for anyone who feels the subject of hermeneutics is not necessary they must wrestle with the face that we interpret the Bible every time we pick it up. Beyond that our translations are actual interpretations. We further promote our interpretations then to our writings. Therefore, as a writer it is dangerous for us to have a wrong interpretation. Different interpretations are much of the cause of the different denominations and traditions within Christianity today.

 

  1. Every Interpreter has a Presupposition.

Along with realizing we are interpreters whether we want to be or not, we also bring a presupposition into that interpretation whether we want to do so or not. Everyone comes to the Bible with a presupposition which is a belief or view that one holds before approaching something. This includes our past experiences, values, worldview, personal theology, etc. It is impossible for one not to have a presupposition, but it is important that we identify what we bring to our reading.

Certain presuppositions are important in reading the Holy text. It is important that we understand it is God’s Word. That it is authoritative, etc.

It is important to realize this filer in which we study the Bible because our presupposition greatly impacts our interpretation.

 

  1. Bible Interpreters Must Study the “Then and There”

As was covered in the previous post that you can read here, the Bible has a dual nature. It is a combination of divine nature being the Word of God, and human authorship. In a masterpiece on the subject, Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, write that the dual nature in terms of hermeneutics as “the Word of God given in human words in history.” They go on to state that this concept expresses a tension between “eternal relevance and its historical particularity.”

Since the Bible is God’s special revelation of Himself and His Will to mankind the meaning of the text applies to the ancient world, the first century, the middle ages, today, and the future; but, each part of the Bible was written in a particular-historical setting. It is in this original setting where the original meaning was given to the original audience.

The first task of the interpreter is to identify this original intent. This work is called exegesis — which is the careful, systematic study of the Scripture to discover the original intended meaning. Bible interpreters are not to go straight from the words of the sacred Scriptures to a contemporary meaning, but first they need to do exegetical work. This work requires looking at historical context of that time and culture of the authors and readers. In doing so it requires knowing the geographical, topographical, political, and cultural aspects of that original writing. This also calls for considering the occasion and purpose for the biblical book, the specific genre, and the passage.

The literary context must also be examined which goes back to the original language and syntax in which the Autographa copies were written in. This is a timely task often, but it is not out of our reach. It requires going to experts in the field of history and language. There are great resources available, but one must be careful to find the best sources and experts.

 

  1. Bible Interpreters Must Follow Rules for Specific Genres

I had a very hard time limiting this post to five points, but I must stay true to my parameters. The reason is that I want to make clear the principles and rules of biblical interpretation. There are general rules such as was mentioned under the third point, but there are specific rules with each different genre.

Since the Bible was written by human hands and for human understanding — all forms of written communication were used. There is prose, poetry, prophetic oracles, letters, sermons, parables, proverbs, and others. Each of these literary forms call for specific principles of interpretation. As you know you don’t work through poetry the same you do a list of rules. It is vital to grasp the genre you are reading to begin to accurately interpret the text.

 

  1. Bible Interpreters Must Use the Original Meaning for the Contemporary Meaning.

The goal of biblical interpretation is to find what this divine work speaks to us today. As a writer, we are writing to transform lives in this present world. So, interpretation is not completed by simply coming to terms with the original intent of the human author.

The exegetical work of recreating the historical setting and the literary context is the first step, but the results from that then serves as the launching pad to bridge to today’s world. Fee and Douglas write, “the reason we must not begin with the here and now is that the only proper control for [contemporary relevance] is to be found in the original intent of the biblical text.” They go on to write, “a text cannot mean what it never meant.” Going further they write, “the true meaning of the biblical text for us is what God originally intended it to mean when it was first spoken.”

Our exegesis of the historical purpose of a passage creates the guardrails in which guide us in teaching those Bible verses in our writings. If this work was taken in all times of biblical interpretation there would not be the disunity in modern Christianity.

 

Conclusion

Five points on interpretation of the Bible just scratches the surface of this subject. I hope your heart was prodded to study this deeper, and then apply it to your own Bible study. For we need to “rightly divide” the Bible as Paul instructed Timothy. I encourage you to first check out, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. Next I recommend, Grasping God’s Word by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays. There are many other great resources out there as well.

Categories
Dear Young Scribes

Is the Writing Journey Worth It?

When I was a fifteen-year-old aspiring author, I emailed a bestselling author asking for writing advice. What she told me was not what I had expected to hear.

 

First, she told me to analyze my true intentions behind writing. If my pursuit for publication wasn’t fueled by a burning passion to write, or if I was interested in a field other than writing, then she advised that I re-think my dream of becoming an author. It’s not as glamorous as it looks, I remember her telling me via email.

 

Now that I’m seven years into my writing journey, I’ve experienced firsthand this “non-glamorous” writing life. Rejections. Isolation. Hours of hard work with sometimes little to show for it. I’ve often found myself rethinking the “warning” that bestselling author gave me and wondering if this is the best route to take.

 

As you begin to venture into the new year, you, too, might be re-evaluating your writing dreams and progress thus far. You might be asking yourself the same question … Is this writing journey really worth it?

 

I think, just like that best-selling author had told me, it comes down to your true intentions behind the pursuit for publication. Are you writing because you hope to become a rich? Or famous? Do you write so that your pride can be fed when you some day see your name on the cover of your book? If any of these are the reasons why you write – then I hate to break it to you, but no, the writing journey probably won’t be worth it for you. Because you’ll be faced with disappointments. Lots of it. And you’ll soon realize that being an author is nothing like what you had imagined.

 

But what if your true intention behind pursuing publication is because you can’t not write? Because the dream of being an author is one that you simply can’t ignore?

 

If that’s the case, then yes, the writing journey is worth it. It’s worth the hard work. Rejections. Isolation. The perks of being an author far outweigh the downsides, in my opinion.

 

What is it that makes the writing journey worth it for me?

 

The pure joy that comes from writing stories and hearing from readers. Networking with other writers through social media, conferences, groups, etc. The open doors. Contributing to the writing community through blogging and mentoring teen writers. Witnessing this dream coming to pass – even if it might not be exactly how it was initially envisioned.

 

If you’re an aspiring author, I want to leave you with the same warning that the bestselling author gave me when I was fifteen: The writing life isn’t as glamorous as it may look. And no, it’s not going to be worth it if your expectations are unrealistic and your motivation isn’t rooted in a passion for the written word.

 

Because, yes, the writing life is unpredictable. There are high points and low points, just as there is with any profession. Sacrifices will be made. Dreams will be shattered. There will come times when you, again, will return to these questions: Why am I doing this? Is it even worth my time?

 

Yet I’ve discovered that this will be the case in any profession that I choose. Personally, if I’m going to be working hard and pouring my energy into a certain field, I’d much prefer to choose a career that I’m actually interested in. That alone will be the pay off for me. Life is too short to neglect this burning passion I have to convert words into stories that come to life in the imagination of others.

 

That in itself – spending my short time on earth pursuing this passion – will make my writing journey worthwhile.

 

 

[bctt tweet=”Is the Writing Journey Worth It? #writerslife #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

Categories
Truth Be Told

Impossible?

cinderella

One of my favorite musicals is Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. I know it by heart–have since I was a little girl. In High School I sang In My Own Little Corner when I auditioned for Miss Teenage Columbus. And it got me in.

One of the other songs is between Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother. Fairy Godmother is preparing Cinderella for the ball, but Cinderella declares that it’s impossible! Fairy Godmother’s response, “Impossible things are happening every day. It’s possible.”

That song and the promise from Luke 1:37 that nothing is impossible for God have shaped my faith.

Truth be told: I sing the song from Cinderella as often as I sing, Trust and Obey.

Are there things in your life you have either felt were impossible, or maybe others have told you would be impossible for you to accomplish? I understand how that feels.

But I’ve also seen God accomplish things way beyond what I could ask or imagine.  That’s another one of his promises. It came from the pen of the Apostle Paul and is recorded in his letter to the Ephesians:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…(Ephesians 3:20, NIV).

Luke’s promise of nothing being impossible for God is tucked into the story of Mary being told she would conceive and give birth to the Savior of the world. Her response? “May it be to me as you have said.”

What impossible thing do you sense God wanting to do in you and through you?

What will your response be?

dream-big

Categories
Fantasy-Sci-Fi

The Character of an Inanimate Object

 

Multiple points-of-view.

This topic can spark quite a discussion among authors. Some prefer showing their story through the eyes of more than one character, while others wish to stick with just one point-of-view (POV).

The multiple POV preference has become more common in recent years. Some novels boast three or four POV’s that tell the fictional tale. I recently conversed with an author who stated she was having a hard time keeping it under five POVs. Either way, multiple POVs can be especially effective in making sure the characters within the story learn their information organically. It can also allow the reader to know things the characters might not know yet.

But what about those authors who choose to use only one POV or have already reached their limit on the number of POV’s they wish to have in a particular work? How can a writer effectively give the reader information the characters don’t have, or have that character obtain information they shouldn’t know?

There are a number of devices that can be used, but one in particular is the use of an inanimate object that inhabits human qualities. This is especially useful for the Fantasy and Sci-Fi realms, since the bigger the imagination, the better! The possibilities can be endless!

A good example of this is ‘Ella Enchanted’ by Gail Carson Levine, a middle grade twist on the classic Cinderella tale. In this story, Ella is given a magical gift (or curse, as she sees it) of obedience. At various points in the story she is literally stuck at home, unable to leave or to even send a message abroad. But obtaining certain information is important for the story to move forward. The solution to this problem is her magical diary. Whenever she wants to learn about another person, she simply picks up the diary and says their name. Instantly she can see letters they’ve written and can learn all sorts of plot details she otherwise would not have known.

This was a simple way to fix a large problem. Ella needed to know details about her father and Prince Char as they traveled to far off countries, but there was no way she could achieve that while stuck under the thumb of her evil step-mother. The information she was able to glean also helped her learn the truth about the magic that held her in bondage and how to break free from it, in the end.

In the Author’s Note of the book, Ms. Levine explains that she used this device because Ella would not have come to know this information in any other believable way. Using a diary would be natural for a pre-teen girl, and since this is a world of magic, the fact that it possesses unusual abilities fit right in with the story. The use of this inanimate object as a character was the perfect solution for the author, since she didn’t wish to add an additional POV.

Have you chosen to use an object as a character in one of your stories? Or is there another way you moved your storyline forward without adding another POV that you can suggest? Feel free to leave any thoughts or comments below!

Laura L Zimmerman

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

 

Featured image by Upslash/NASA

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

HOW many words?

I recently wrapped three projects in which my written pieces could only be 250 words max, including a Bible verse and prayer. What were these editors thinking? I’m a writer, a teacher, and a public speaker—I normally can’t say “Hello” in 250 words.

At first I grumbled and complained (to myself, of course). I would write what I thought was the perfect essay and then look at the word count. One totaled 262. Many clocked in at 270 or more. One night I exclaimed, “Oh, man!” My wife wanted to know what was wrong.

“I have too many words,” I replied. We’ve been married 22 years, so I think she already knew that.

There were nights (Yes, I write at night—you wouldn’t want to read what I would write in the morning) when I wanted to give up. How could I create with such restrictive guidelines?

I soon realized God was stretching me and teaching me to “write tight.” I became more aware of extraneous words and phrases and tried to eliminate them as I developed pieces. I honed my self-editing skills. Can I word that phrase shorter but just as meaningful? Do I need all of that background information? Is there a shorter Bible verse? There was a point I considered using “Jesus wept,” but it didn’t fit the devotional theme.

I’m happy to say I met every deadline, with every piece at 250 words or less. By the end my drafts were well below that number. I like to think God will use this “less is more” training in the next step of my writing journey.

May I say I was very, very, very, very, very pleased to complete these projects?

Ah, that felt good.

Categories
The Creative Tool Kit

12 Days of Christmas for Creative Minds

The creative tool kit

12 days of ChristmasHey, creative peeps, here are twelve gift ideas (either for yourself or for others!) in honor of the 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy!

On the FIRST day of Christmas // The gift of aloneness

We know there’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. Embracing time away from people, phones, and laptops can boost our brain power, especially during this bustling season.

On the SECOND day of Christmas // The gift of learning

Try taking a class or an online course in an unfamiliar field to broaden your creative horizons.

On the THIRD day of Christmas // The gift of momentum

Feeling off your game lately? Try priming the pump with these writing prompts by ThinkWritten.

“If the road behind me is not growing ever longer, then it is likely that the feet underneath me are not moving any longer. And if my feet are not moving, I have somehow, somewhere traded this most glorious journey for lesser endeavors.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough, An Intimate Collision: Encounters with Life and Jesus

On the FOURTH day of Christmas // The gift of a fresh perspective

Allen Arnold’s The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create offers a fresh perspective on the subject of creativity, squashing pre-conceived notions that only certain privileged folks can attain it.

“Science has shown that, in many ways, we are all wired to create. The key is recognizing that creativity is multifaceted—on the level of the brain, personality, and the creative process—and can be displayed in many different ways, from the deeply personal experience of uncovering a new idea or experience to expressing ourselves through words, photos, fashion, and other everyday creations, to the work of renowned artists that transcends the ages.” -Scott Barry Kaufman, Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind.

On the FIFTH day of Christmas // The gift of acceptance

Embrace your quirks. Enough said.

On the SIXTH day of Christmas // The gift of prayer

Pray for a heightened sense to your surroundings. Engaging all our sensories helps to improve every aspect of life and who better to help than the Creator Himself?

On the SEVENTH day of Christmas // The gift of rest

This is different than the first day. True rest involves shutting down the very senses we just prayed to heighten. It’s resting the body both emotionally and physically. This kind of rest allows our minds to breathe, possibly birthing some of our most creative ideas.

On the EIGHTH day of Christmas // The gift of keen observance

Immerse yourself in nearby crowds. (What better time of year?) Take note of those who pass by. What do you notice about them? Eavesdrop on those eating at the next table. Is there a particular word or phrase you could use in your WIP? The list goes on. Another idea is to pack your camera and head to your downtown area. Capture all things Christmas!

On the NINTH day of Christmas // The gift of a notebook

“A writer is someone on whom ‘nothing is lost'”. -Henry James

On the TENTH day of Christmas // The gift of music

Buy a pack of 3 I-tunes gift cards. Give two away, keep one for yourself. There’s power in music!

“When sailors have to move a heavy load or raise an anchor, they all sing together to keep them up and give them vim. That’s just what artists lack.” -Vincent van Gogh

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas // The gift of good health and energy

Who needs candy canes stuffed in their stocking? Stock your fridge with blueberries, green tea, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, water, dark chocolate, flaxseeds and nuts.

On the TWELFTH day of Christmas // The gift of a mini-trip

Enjoy all or some of the above gift ideas on a mini-getaway following the holidays. Use this time to restore and re-energize for 2017!


Do you plan to give yourself or someone else any or all of the above gifts? If so, please share your favorite in the comment section. Or, if you have another idea to add, I’d love for you to share it.

Thank you!

Categories
Screenwriting

THE KEY COMMONALITIES OF A COMPELLING CHARACTER

If you analyze screenplays and films you are bound to find commonalities that exist among the ones that are successful and the ones that aren’t. A consistent commonality I see time and time again is that of character. In particular, three ubiquitous yet distinguishing features that all compelling characters seem to share in successful screenplays and films.

What makes these three characteristics so significant is their respective psychological effects that they have on an audience, as well as their functional effects on story. In short, all three characteristics contain a universal principle that resonates with us as individual characters ourselves. Let’s touch on each one of them…

DISTINCTION

Distinction is the idea of difference. It’s what makes your character different and unique to the audience. People by nature are organically drawn to anything that is new or different – sights, sounds, experiences, etc. We’re actually predisposed to the concept of distinction without being conscious of it.

This psychology also plays out with respects to the characters in our screenplays. Distinction within a character is what piques our interest and causes us to want to know more about the person. It’s the unconscious prompt that draws us in to their world. And it can come in many different forms. It can be a specific personality, a contradiction, a talent, an aspiration, an idiosyncrasy, a job, a character flaw, or an amalgam of several things.

Ryan Gosling’s character in the film, Drive is a terrific example of this at play.

drive1

He’s a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver. That flaw is what made him totally distinctive to us as an audience. It’s what draws us to him right from the get-go. It’s what generates the requisite intrigue that aroused our interest in him as a unique individual.

Or take Steve Carell’s character in the film, The 40-year-old virgin.

40 Year Old Virgin

His distinction lies in the title itself. A normal, kindhearted man who has never had an intimate encounter with a woman. And not for some specific personal reason, but because he just gave up trying. To an audience that is curiosity Valhalla! It compels them to want to know more about him as a character.

Or think about Clint Eastwood’s character in the Academy Award ® winning film, Unforgiven.  

unforgiven

He’s a former outlaw and killer who has been transformed by marriage. Being a repentant murderer trying to do right by his children by collecting a bounty, coupled with his violent past, is an aspiration and backstory that coalesced into a truly distinctive character. One that coaxed us into the story and caused us to want to know more about him.

EMPATHY

As people we connect with other people through empathy. Our innate ability to sense other people’s emotions, as well as to imagine what someone else might be feeling, is hardwired in us as humans.

When we see a child crying tears of joy as they reunite with their returning military mom or dad, and we notice ourselves choking up, that’s empathy. When we see someone struggling with a problem and feel a need help, that’s empathy.

Empathy is what moves us to share in another’s struggle, to really see the world through their eyes. It’s our capacity to identify with the feelings and concerns other people have. Studies have shown that recognizing emotion in others is a way we feel with other people. Meaning, empathy allows us to look at others and feel that they are somewhat like… well, us.

Understanding this facet of intrinsic human nature is the key that unlocks your character’s relatability to an audience. How so? Because in order for the audience to connect with your character, they have to connect with something in themselves that knows what your character is feeling. Simply put, your character gives you the ability to create empathy, and empathy allows the audience to personally connect to your character and their story.

Let’s go back to Ryan Gosling’s character in the film, Drive. His desire of wanting to help his male neighbor out of a violent situation, despite the fact that he’s falling in love with the man’s wife, is something we can empathize with. That sacrifice and emotional duality is what caused us to relate to him as a human being. It’s what propels a personal connection in us as an audience.

drive2

Or Steve Carell’s character Andy in, The 40-year-old virgin. After learning that he’s still a virgin, his friends rekindle a desire in him to get back into the dating game again. However, he wants more than just intimate relations with a woman though, he’s looking for sincere companionship. And that’s a universal human need that we can all relate to. It’s what produces an empathetic connection in us as an audience.

40-yrs-old3

Or Clint Eastwood’s character William Munny in, Unforgiven. Externally, his desire to provide a better life for his motherless children by doing one last killing and collecting a bounty allows us to easily empathize with him.

unforgiven2

Internally, his fear of collecting a bounty by having to kill two cowboys, which in turn might cause him to revert back to being the man he used to be, generated an additional level of connective empathy. Not wanting to become the man he once was allowed us to relate to him on a much deeper level. What’s truly impressive is that we empathized despite the fact that he was a known thief and murderer. And that’s the power that empathy has on us. 

IMPETUS

A character’s impetus is defined as the “why” behind their desire in the form of an internal motivation. It’s the driving force behind that desire. It’s the thing that is personally motivating them to attain their desire.

As previously mentioned, Ryan Gosling’s desire was wanting to help his neighbor out of a violent situation, despite the fact that he’s falling in love with the man’s wife. So what’s his impetus? What’s personally motivating him to want to attain that desire? What’s his why?

The answer lies in a key scene where Gosling had dinner with the male neighbor, the neighbor’s wife, and their young son. It’s here Gosling sees a hint of happiness in the man’s wife as her husband reminiscences on how they became a family.

It’s also here that we as an audience realize Gosling wants the man’s wife to be happy and he recognizes that part of her happiness lies in wanting to keep her family together because her son loves his father. And that’s the personal motivation that causes us – as an audience – to invest in Gosling’s character.

drive3

In The 40-year-old virgin, Steve Carell’s character wanted to get back into the dating game in hopes of finding companionship. So what’s his impetus? What his why? It’s rooted in the fact that he’s been alone for so long that he’s filled his world with inanimate man-child objects in order to make his life happy.

40-yr-old2

Only he has no one to share his stuff with. His only friends are an old couple he watches Survivor with. Wanting sincere companionship is the impetus that drove him to get back in the dating game. It’s what endeared us to him and made us invest in his story.

In Unforgiven William Munny’s desire was to provide a better life for his motherless children. So what’s the impetus behind that desire? What’s the thing that’s personally motivating him to attain that? What’s his why?

It’s a impetus that’s both simple and thoughtful enough for us to invest in. Like all parents he wants his children to have a better life than he had. And a better life than they’re currently living, which is eking out a struggling existence on a tiny, failing, pig farm in the middle of nowhere.

unforgiven3

Distinction, empathy, and impetus are the psychological cornerstones in crafting a compelling character with emotional resonance. So as you begin to develop your character always remember…

Distinction draws the audience in.

Empathy makes the audience relate.

And Impetus keeps the audience invested.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Tim Long is a produced screenwriter who has sold, optioned, and pitched projects at the studio level and has had original screenplays in development with Academy Award ® winning and nominated producers. Mr. Long is also a nationally recognized screenplay consultant, as well as a former Professor and Head of the MFA Screenwriting Program at FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts. He’s currently Founder of PARABLE, an innovative online screenwriting course.

OFFER for A3 readers only!  PARABLE for $249 ($50 off the regular price) with promo code… a3discount

Website: https://ScreenplayStory.com/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ScreenplayStory

Categories
Book Reviews

Book Review-In Fierce Courage by Gabriella Kovac

a3fiercecourage

In Fierce Courage, author Gabriella Kovac tells the story of Ivo Glovonich and his triumphs over seemingly-insurmountable obstacles.

The book opens with Ivo’s birth on a snowy night in February 1935 in Croatia. Born to an impoverished farming family, Ivo’s childhood is a difficult one filled with back-breaking labor and no formal education. While his mother, grandfather, and two older sisters are loving and supportive, Ivo’s father is harsh and unfeeling.

When WWII begins, soldiers from the Ustase, the fascist extremist party that had risen to power in recent years, force Ivo’s father to serve in the Ustase military. While he is away, Ivo is forced to work even harder to support his family. Overcoming numerous obstacles, Ivo keeps his family from starving and protects them from the various armies that move through the countryside.

With the end of the war, Ivo’s father is able to return to his home in what is now called Yugoslavia. Even though he was forced to become a Ustase soldier, he is despised by his neighbors because of the Ustase’s attempts to exterminate several minority groups, in particular the Serbians, in concentration camps. A bitter and lazy alcoholic, Ivo’s father does little to support the family, so Ivo moves to the city to find work.

After working and sending money home for some time, Ivo and his two best friends are drafted into service in the Yugoslavian army. Because of the atrocities he observed on the part of various military groups during WWII, Ivo is horrified by the prospect of serving in the military, so he and his friends flee to Austria.

While Ivo escapes military service in Austria, his life becomes even more complicated when he meets a marries a single mother who he believes is a hard-working, downtrodden tavern owner. Due to his new bride’s deception and involvement in illegal activities, Ivo once again faces hardship; eventually he, his wife, and her daughter move to Australia. It is there that Ivo’s problems escalate until, at last, Ivo finds the home and peace he has long been seeking.

Fierce Courage (Amazon Digital Services, 2016) is “based loosely on historical events”. It tells the story of a man whose fierce determination to make a better life for himself and to live honorably despite his circumstances create an inspiring adventure.

 

 pattimiinch

Book Review by Patti Miinch: Patti Miinch, a widow and mother of two adult children, lives in Southeast Missouri. Her lifelong passion — as both a writer and a reader

— for the written word led her to pursue a career as an English professor. Her hobbies include watching college and professional sports, spending time with her family, knitting, spending time outdoors, and traveling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Uncategorized

A3 Book Release-Legacy of Deer Run by Elaine Marie Cooper

Open book.

Next week I will ta3legacy-of-deer-run-coverake a long and worshipful moment to count my blessings. The third and final book of the Deer Run Saga—Legacy of Deer Run—will release.

It has been a long journey with this saga that began in 2007. In fact, it became a “saga” all its own. I began my writing career knowing virtually nothing. I knew I felt called to write and I knew the topic to write about, but that was as far as my knowledge went about editing, publishing, or marketing.

Marketing? What’s that??

I was beyond ignorant. Since I knew so little, I took what I considered to be the easy path to publication: Self Publishing. It turned out to be expensive and the industry is filled with companies that want more of your money all the time. I fell for some of their schemes, until I grew wiser.

 

The first two books in my saga were published this way and the third was picked up by a reputable small publisher but I was responsible to find my own editor. So the original series received many kudos from readers, but little acknowledgment by the professional industry. At the time, self-published books were akin to those in the Bible who suffer from leprosy. It made me feel like I was carrier of the disease.

 

Then I started to attend writers conferences. I met many editors and publishers and soon connected with those in the publishing world who actually gave helpful advice. I was so grateful! I signed contracts for Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. A whole new world of publishing possibilities bloomed like my garden in spring.

 

But I always ached a bit when I viewed my Deer Run Saga sitting on the shelves. I loved the stories, but it needed more: Better edits, new covers, and a Christian publisher who believed in it. God blessed me with all three when I approached Tamara Clymer of CrossRiver Media. She loved the series and I am forever grateful that she looked past the deficits and envisioned what it could be.

 

The first book, Road to Deer Run, re-released last December. It was followed by Promise of Deer Run last June. And now, Legacy of Deer Run will join its sister books, complete with new covers, excellent editing by Debra Butterfield, and even book club questions at the end of each novel. The series, loosely based on my ancestors from the American Revolution, has now been given new life. And I am feeling blessed beyond measure.

Thank you, Tami Clymer and CrossRiver Media for giving me this special joy this Christmas!

Here is a brief synopsis of Legacy of Deer Run:

The year is 1800.

A young man makes weapons for the defense of America, still a fledgling nation. He also protects his heart from the allure of a young woman whose station in life keeps her out of his reach.

The lady fights her own battle against loneliness and grief. Despite her finery and airs, she is drawn to the young armory worker who is distant yet disarming.

Love is not the only entanglement. The nation’s enemies are afoot. They creep within the very walls where America’s defenses are forged. Who are they? When will they strike? Who will survive their terrorism?

Intrigue of the heart and intrigue of the times are only part of this compelling story—Book 3 of the Deer Run Saga. This series finale is a gripping mix of romance and deception, faith and forgiveness, transgression and trial.

Author Bio:

a3elainecooper

Award winning author Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of the Deer Run Saga—Road to Deer Run, Promise of Deer Run and her newest release, Legacy of Deer Run. Her other books include Saratoga Letters, Fields of the Fatherless, and Bethany’s Calendar, a memoir about her daughter’s battle with brain cancer. She has been captivated by the history of the American Revolution since she was young. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her historical novels.

Cooper has been writing since she penned her first short story at age eleven. She began researching for her first novel in 2007. Her writing has also appeared in Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home by Edie Melson and the romance anthology, I Choose You. She has written articles for Prayer Connect Magazine, Splickety Prime Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, and Life: Beautiful Magazine. She began her professional writing career as a newspaper freelancer.

You can read more at her website/ blog, www.elainemariecooper.com

www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor

twitter: @elainemcooper

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Bestsellers

Best Selling Author-Gabriella Kovac

gabriellaovac

Can you share a little about your recent book – My latest book is Fierce Courage It is a story about young men and his incredible courage in defying the Communist bloc in his native country of Croatia then Yugoslavia. He first lives through World War Two and escapes as a young man to Austria with the guards shooting at him. Then other trials are set for him finally he gets his freedom. This is a story based on true about a close member of my family.

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

YES! My first book   Georgina Holocaust Survival Memoirs is my mother’s story how she defied the Nazis and then the Communists. This book had to be written!

Then I realized my ability to write and my passion to inspire so I continued.

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

I have been writing for four years, and self-publish my books.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes a year to eighteen months to write a book.

What’s your writing work schedule like?

Quirky I will stay up all night when I am working on a book or go for weeks to work out a plot.

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

If I am working on something, I will not rest until I have the answers to my satisfaction. The I will write it down.

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

Realizing I have a talent for writing, and people love reading what I write.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?   I have found critics questioning the truths in “Georgina” This is upsetting but I                

              Just say “NEXT” and continue.

Which of your books is your favorite?

“ Georgina Holocaust Survival Memoirs” It is about my mother and a tribute to her ability.

Who is your favorite author to read?

“The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho “ The inspiration it sends others is what I want to achieve.

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

There is a quote by Goethe: :  Until one is committed, there is hesitancy,

The chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth,

The ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans

That….

The moment one commits oneself, the Providence moves too all sort of things occur that would never otherwise have occurred

A whole stream of events issues from the decision

Raising in ones favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no one could have dreamt would come their way.

Whatever you can do or dream you can

Begin it

Boldness has genius power and magic in it

Begin now

This is the BEST advice anyone can have or give.

The best advice I can give anyone is have the quote by Goethe frame on a wall in front of them. Then if anything happens, read it, then just say “NEXT” then continue with your goals.

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

My favorite character is my mother “Georgina” her sayings helped to form my character eg: “ The streets are paved with gold one just has to know how to pick it up” “ Never show fear, even a dog smells fear and it will bite’ This saved her life many times during the Holocaust then under Communism . It also helped me in some circumstances.

Where do you get your ideas?

My books are about life so is my inspirations.

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

I find authors give up too easily by bad comments or reviews. Don’t take any notice others believe in yourself.

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

Amazon is the best medium for writers.

fiercecourage

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dE9hx0

 

Gabriella Kovac-

I was born in Hungary, just after the Second World War had drawn to a close. I lived through the Hungarian uprising against the Communists in 1956 and remember vividly Russian tanks under our bedroom window. Through the genius of my mother, Georgina.My family managed to leave the Communist block and come to Australia in 1957. I am an experienced public speaker, fashion designer and cook Throughout my life I have been inspired by my mother’s amazing tenacity on outsmarting the Nazis and Communists and winning!. Her zest for life motivated me to write Georgina Holocaust stories then continued to write.

Website: http://gabriellakovac.com

Categories
Guest post archive

A Life of Generosity

The following is an excerpt from A Life of Generosity: 21 Days to Living a Full Life With a Generous Heart by CJ Hitz

When I was a kid growing up in the small logging town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, I had the opportunity to watch several instances of generosity that have stuck with me ever since. They involved my dad and a homeless man named “Claude.”

Claude would roam the highways and byways on his worn out bicycle and a huge pack with all of his earthly belongings. I am still amazed at how the man was able to pedal his bike with that load on his back!

On many occasions, while accompanying my dad as he drove into town, we would see Claude riding on the side of the road. Typically, dad would pull ahead and stop alongside the road to wait for Claude. It was about this time that I would shrink into my seat for fear of being noticed by any of my friends.

To be honest, I was embarrassed to be seen with this “hobo” of a guy who had the odor of someone who had not taken a shower in years. My friends and I had nicknames for many of the “colorful characters” wandering our area. Claude was simply known as “Dirt Claude” – as in a clump of dirt.

But my dad saw through the dirt. He saw a man who still deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances that led to his homelessness. As Claude would ride up next to our truck, dad would actually step out and greet him. I can still see Claude’s big toothless smile as he would say, “Hey Kenny, good to see you.”

They would chat for 15-20 minutes before dad would almost always put a $20 bill in Claude’s hand and give him a hug upon saying goodbye. Neither of them ever seemed in a rush. Claude would soak up the attention that every human being craves and my dad was more than willing to offer. It was generosity that went beyond just money.

One day my dad came home with some sad news. “Claude died yesterday.” My heart sank as I thought about how often people made fun of Claude, myself included. “Apparently, they found Claude frozen to death under an overpass…said his body was as hard as an ice cube.”

As hard as an ice cube.

Those words still ring in my ears to this day. What a lonely, agonizing way to spend your last hours on this earth. Claude could not have been older than 30. It very well could be that my dad was the last kind face Claude ever saw before his passing.

After all these years, my dad’s actions remain a powerful and vivid example of rich generosity not easily found in our world. It is the kind of generosity that Jesus demonstrated daily during the 33 years he walked on this earth.

It is an example worth following.

Over the years, the Lord has given me many opportunities to show generosity. Unfortunately, I have not responded to all of those opportunities. In fact, only heaven knows the full impact of what I have missed out on and what others were deprived of as a result.

Over the course of these next 21 days, it is my hope to grow deeper as I’m challenged to be more generous with my money, time, talents and, finally, my love for God and others. It is a chance to allow the Lord to sharpen my “generosity senses” and be more tuned into His frequency.

Regarding Jesus, I recently heard a child say, “He’s the man that gave God a good reputation.” Ha! So true! Let’s look at these next 21 days as a jumpstart that leads to a lifestyle of generosity that gives God a good reputation!

Will You Join Me?

It’s our prayer that you’ll grow a little closer to the Author of generosity.

In the 21 days that follow, you’re going to see unique snapshots of God’s generosity as He uses people. Each one of us has the potential to be a powerful tool in the hands of God. May this little book give you inspiration as you enjoy seeing generosity through the eyes of each author.

Will you consider joining me in these 21 Days of Generosity Challenge? It may look different for you and that’s okay. Simply ask God what He wants you to do and then do it.

Are you ready to get started? Let’s start with a prayer…

Lord I thank You for each person who reads this book and lifts up these prayers to You. I pray that You would do a mighty work in their hearts as they spend these next 21 days in prayer with You. Change them from the inside out through Your Word and prayer. Give them a hunger and thirst for You that will continue past the last page of this book. We love You and thank You for this opportunity to come to You with our prayers of generosity. Amen.

a3cj-hitzshelley-smaller

CJ Hitz is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. He attended Anderson University (Indiana) where he received his BA in Sociology with a minor in Christian Ministries.  He also met his wife Shelley at this fine institution while doing some time in prison…prison ministry that is. In his downtime, CJ enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking and exploring God’s beautiful creation.  He also does a pretty mean impression of Scooby Doo and Shaggy.

CJ and his wife Shelley founded their independent publishing company, Body And Soul Publishing, in 2012 and have written and published over 50 books since then. They currently reside in Colorado Springs, CO.

Many of their books can be found at www.BodyAndSoulPublishing.com

Categories
5 For Writing

Two Writing Lessons From Tolkien

Hobbit Hole, a Creative Commons photo by Anup Shah
Legolas, a Creative Commons illustration by JessicaLR
Legolas, a Creative Commons illustration by JessicaLR

By Doug Peterson

When J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit, was published in October of 1937, it was so popular that the publisher began clamoring for a sequel—preferably to be published within a year or two. But when all was said and done, it took almost 20 years for that sequel to be written and published—the kind of slow, methodical work that probably drove the publisher nuts.

As the publisher watched and waited, Tolkien’s sequel became longer and more complicated, and the company expected to lose money. But that sequel became known as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with the third and final volume published in 1955.

I think it’s safe to say that the books made money, so it was well worth the wait. But if you go back to when Tolkien was just starting on this sequel, he was at a loss for what he might write. At the time, he said, “I cannot think of anything more to say of hobbits.” And in another letter, he laments that “I fear I squandered all of my favorite motifs” in The Hobbit.

So let that be Lesson Number One from Tolkien: You never know what you have inside of yourself until you put it on paper. As The Lord of the Rings demonstrated, Tolkien had plenty more to say about hobbits…and dwarves and elves and men and monsters.

You never really know how much you have to say—or how good your ideas might be—until you begin to put them on paper. Ideas are like seeds. The seeds are no use if you just carry them around in your pocket, so you have to plant them. You have to sit down and write.

I have been immersed in Tolkien’s writings this fall because I am taking a class on the famed British writer at the Urbana Theological Seminary here in central Illinois. One of the highlights was a recent trip to Marquette University, which has the original manuscripts for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and two lesser-known works. Marquette has handwritten pages, typed pages, and galley proofs—thousands of pages in all. Because Tolkien did a lot of writing during World War II, when paper was in short supply, we even saw some of Tolkien’s notes written on the back of Oxford Air Raid Report Forms, as well as on the backs of student essays graded by Tolkien’s good friend, C.S. Lewis.

It was fascinating to see the writing process unfold on these pages. And if I had to pull out a second lesson from Tolkien, it’s this: Edit, edit, edit.

When it comes to editing, however, you don’t have to be as obsessive as Tolkien. He couldn’t stop making changes to his story. This approach worked wonderfully for him, but that was because he was not just writing a trilogy of books. He was creating an entire world, complete with languages, maps, calendars, systems of measurement, and much more. Most of us are not attempting to create an entire world, so we may not need nearly 20 years to write our next book.

I’ll say it again: Tolkien must have driven his publisher crazy. We saw galley proofs, the final stage before printing, and they were extensively marked up with Tolkien’s handwriting. Whenever I receive galley proofs, I am afraid to make changes beyond a word correction here or there, or if I’m really brave, maybe a revised sentence. Tolkien had no such fear. We saw one galley page where he hand-wrote long paragraphs to add to the novel, and he taped the new material to the bottom of the galley proof. Remember, this was long before the personal computer age, so making changes at this stage was much more difficult.

Some writers can compose a story with very little editing. I have one writer friend who can do just that, and he has been enormously successful. Evidently, Tolkien’s friend C.S. Lewis could do that as well. That’s why Lewis was such a prolific writer, and I have heard that Tolkien was a bit envious of Lewis’s ability to write clean drafts.

Most of us probably fall somewhere in between the extremes of Lewis, who did little editing, and Tolkien, who never stopped editing. My writing needs plenty of editing, but I try to not be obsessive—although it all depends on what you call obsessive. When I write 1,000-word magazine stories, I typically get the story to where I am satisfied (which takes a fair amount of editing), and then I read it over another 10 to 15 times, just to be sure it is right. Proofing a story so many times is possible with 1,000-word stories, but not so easy with 100,000-word novels. Nevertheless, I still spend well over half of my time editing my novels.

In the case of Tolkien, his editing paid off. After all, if he hadn’t tinkered with his story, Frodo Baggins would have been called Bingo Baggins. That’s right. Frodo’s original name was Bingo. Also, if Tolkien didn’t tinker, the One Ring would not have been a powerful symbol of evil and sin. In the original published version of The Hobbit, the One Ring didn’t have the same corrupting influence. All of that came in The Lord of the Rings, so Tolkien had to go back and rework those sections of The Hobbit to make the ring more sinister.

So tinker away with your stories. But don’t edit endlessly, if you ever intend to get published…unless you’re creating an entire world. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Middle Earth.

 *  *  *

5 for Writing

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

Photos courtesy of

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Legolas.png

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hobbit_hole.jpg

 

Categories
Write Justified

Point of View (Part 2)-by Judy Hagey

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Third Person

In my last post, I explained that Point of View is one of the choices writers have when they tell a story. From whose perspective will the tale unfold? Or, whose voice will we hear as we read? Since POV relates closely to person, we identify POV using the personal pronouns associated first, second and third person. In this post, we’ll look at Third Person POV, which uses the third person personal pronouns he, she, they, etc.

Third Person Point of View is the most common in literature, and it offers a few more options or variations in how you tell the story. Which perspective you use determines how intimate or close up the reader will be. Since your goal is to engage the reader and enable him or her to suspend belief long enough to believe your story, you’ll want to choose your POV carefully.

  • Single character or Third Person Limited: The narrator tells the story from one character’s point of view. It may be the major character or a minor character. As the writer, you’ll be in that character’s head and will only be able to reveal what that person experiences and thinks.

Going back to the example of our train trip through the Colorado Rockies, the narrator could relate the story from my husband’s point of view. He would likely include details about the locomotive and the history of the railroads. He might even include some words and phrases that originated with railroading that are now part of the everyday vernacular. Because the narrator can get inside the character, he might go back to my better half’s childhood memories of waking up to a Lionel train set under the tree on Christmas morning and give us a glimpse into the emotions that being on the rails evoke for him.

The narrator could share the experience from the perspective of the engineer or conductor. Since they make the trip regularly, their point of view might include observations of changes they’ve seen in the operations of the railroad over the years, interesting passengers and situations they’ve encountered, or the lifestyle of living on the rails.

  • Multiple character: A more common choice today among authors choosing to write in third person is to tell the story from the perspective of more than one character. This approach avoids what can be tedium for the writer and boredom for the reader—both telling and hearing the story from only one perspective. Obviously, only one character will “speak” at a time, but this approach allows the reader to see the action from more than one perspective and serves as another way to draw the reader into the story. The writer’s challenge is not to confuse the reader as to whose head he is in at the moment. Making the transition from one character to another is critically important if you’re using multiple POV. Be sure, too, that the technique serves a good purpose. Does it move the plot along or only confuse the reader? Done well, multiple points of view can keep a story fresh and the reader engaged.

 

  • Third Person Objective (also known as Dramatic Objective or Fly on the Wall.) Think of this as just sticking to the facts. In Third Person Objective POV the reader is not privy to the thoughts of any character, but determines what he can only from the characters’ words, actions, and facial expressions. The writer employing this POV is compelled to show, not tell as that is the only way the reader understands the character’s dilemma, thought processes, and motivation.

 

  • Third Person Omniscient – This narrator sees all and knows all. The omniscient narrator is able to convey considerable information in a short period of time because he or she is not limited to one character’s point of view. While that gives the writer considerable flexibility, few modern novels use the god-like narrator. Its drawback? It keeps the reader at a distance. We don’t really get to connect with the character(s) emotionally. And let’s be honest. Isn’t that why we’re drawn to story? Because telling stories and learning about ourselves and those around is part of the human experience. Our lives are richer when we listen to and learn from our own and others stories.

 

So chose your POV carefully. Given the myriad of devices and activities vying for contemporary readers’ attention, you’ll be well served to write in a POV that overcomes the distractions of contemporary readers and draws them in to your story.

 

 

Categories
Craft Writing with Humor

Malapropisms — The Insanely Successful Yogi Berra Technique of Humor

Malapropisms - The Insanely Successful Yogi Berra Technique of Humor by Jean Wilund via www.AlmostAnAuthor.com

Malapropisms

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”

Say what?

A malapropism sounds more like a contagious disease than a humor technique, but it’s actually a safe and effective way to catch your reader off guard.

The late baseball catcher Yogi Berra was known as much for his malapropisms as for his skill behind the batter’s box.

A malapropism is the mistaken use of words often in place of similar-sounding ones. It can also be a nonsensical phrase — one that seems to make sense at first but leaves you scratching your head, such as these Yogi Berra malapropisms:

Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.

We made too many wrong mistakes.

It’s like déjà vu all over again.

Yogi created so many malapropisms they became known as Yogi-isms.

Yogi-isms have cropped up everywhere. In fact, he’s been given credit for more malapropisms than he actually created. This led him to utter one more: I didn’t really say everything I said.

He may not have said all he said, but he did say, 90% of the game is half mental, and You can observe a lot by watching.

Most Effective Malapropisms  

A malapropism is most effective is when it’s unintentional.

My 10-year-old daughter created one when she tried to quote a favorite line from the 1996 version of 101 Dalmatians.

She meant to say, “It’s not hatred that’s important. It’s the desire to annihilate.“

She accidentally said, “It’s not hatred that’s important. It’s the desire to laminate.”

Really? It’s the desire to cover in plastic? I’m still laughing over that one.

Whenever you hear a good malapropism, put it in your “Humor File.”

Feel free to add this one to your file:

My friend Carol was easy to trick and was a good sport about it. Once, when she caught on that I was tricking her, she laughed and meant to say either, “You’re teasing me,” or “You’re pulling my leg.” What came out, though, was, “You’re teasing my leg.”

Could Your Novel Use a Malapropism?

Malapropisms create not only a touch of humor, they can provide a needed comic relief in a mystery or drama. Or you could weave them throughout your entire piece and create a spoof, like the play “Murdered to Death.”

Malapropisms are also a good tool for making a character more lovable, like the animated character Dory of the movies Finding Nemo and Finding Dory .

“I suffer from short-term remembery loss.”

Malapropisms will catch your reader off guard and may hold them to the last page. Try adding some into your writing today.

[bctt tweet=”Malapropisms – The insanely successful Yogi Berra technique of humor #AmWriting #Humor” username=”A3forme “]

Malapropisms - The Insanely Successful Yogi Berra Technique of Humor by Jean Wilund via www.AlmostAnAuthor.comNow it’s your turn.

What are some of your favorite malapropisms?

Share them in the Condiments section at the bottom of the page. 

 

 

Categories
Create. Motivate. Inspire.

On Writing: 5 Insights from C. S. Lewis

Need a bit of insight as you ready the pen or laptop today? Consider the following from one of the greatest writers of all time:

  1. “Take great pains to be clear. Remember that though you start by knowing what you mean, the reader doesn’t, and a single ill-chosen word may lead him to a total misunderstanding. In a story it is terribly easy just to forget that you have not told the reader something that he needs to know—the whole picture is so clear in your own mind that you forget that it isn’t the same in his.”
  2. “When you give up a bit of work don’t (unless it is hopelessly bad) throw it away. Put it in a drawer. It may come in useful later. Much of my best work, or what I think my best, is the re-writing of things begun and abandoned years earlier.”
  3. “Always prefer the plain direct word to the long, vague one. Don’t implement promises, but keep them.”
  4. “Don’t use adjectives which merely tell us how you want us to feel about the things you are describing. I mean, instead of telling us the thing is ‘terrible’ describe it so that we’ll be terrified. Don’t say it was ‘delightful’; make us say ‘delightful’ when we’ve read the description. You see, all those words (horrifying, wonderful, hideous, exquisite) are only like saying to your readers ‘Please, will you do my job for me.’”
  5. “We must not of course write anything that will flatter lust, pride or ambition. But we needn’t all write patently moral or theological work. Indeed, work whose Christianity is latent may do quite as much good and may reach some whom the more obvious religious work would scare away. The first business of a story is to be a good story. When Our Lord made a wheel in the carpenter shop, depend upon it: It was first and foremost a good wheel. Don’t try to ‘bring in’ specifically Christian bits: if God wants you to serve him in that way (He may not: there are different vocations) you will find it coming in of its own accord. If not, well—a good story which will give innocent pleasure is a good thing, just like cooking a good nourishing meal. . . . Any honest workmanship (whether making stories, shoes, or rabbit hutches) can be done to the glory of God.”

Who is your go-to author for inspiration?

Get inspired and keep writing!

[bctt tweet=”5 Writing Tips from C. S. Lewis @A3forMe #amwriting #writer” via=”no”]

[bctt tweet=”Any honest workmanship (whether making stories, shoes, or rabbit hutches) can be done to the glory of God.” C.S. Lewis @A3forMe @lthomaswrites” via=”no”]

(1, 2) C. S. Lewis letter to a girl named Thomasine (December 14, 1959).

(3, 4) C. S. Lewis letter to Joan Lancaster (June 26, 1956).

(5) C. S. Lewis letter to Cynthia Donnelly (August 14, 1954).

More insight from Lewis: https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/justintaylor/2016/03/26/15-pieces-of-writing-advice-from-c-s-lewis/

Categories
The Writer's PenCase

Seamless Self-Editing––Part V

The Writer's PenCase

Writer's PenCase-2Writers write because we love to use words, but let’s face it––even though we say we write for ourselves, we all want to be published and have many others read what we’ve written, for the mutual benefit of ourselves and our readers. That’s why self-editing is important. [bctt tweet=”We must do everything we can to get our manuscripts ready for publication.” username=”@a3forme @donnalhsmith”] #amwriting #publishready

Continue reading “Seamless Self-Editing––Part V”
Categories
History in the Making

Seeing His Words in Print Baffles Mark Twain

by Sandra Merville Hart

Mark Twain’s life was at a pivotal moment in the 1860s.

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He was out of the States and in Nevada Territory where fortunes were made and lost while mining for silver. He ought to know; his part-ownership in a silver mine had made him a millionaire. Through the worst of misfortunes, Twain lost his interest in the mine after ten days.

What was next for him? He had held a variety of positions: grocery clerk, blacksmithing, bookseller’s clerk, drug store clerk, St. Louis and New Orleans pilot, a printer, private secretary, and silver mill miner. He felt that he had mastered none of these professions. What does one do after losing a million dollars?

[bctt tweet=”Mark Twain was at a pivotal moment. What does one do after losing a million dollars? #writing #inspiration” username=”@Sandra_M_Hart”]

He gave in to misery. He had written letters to Virginia’s Daily Territorial Enterprise, the territory’s main newspaper in earlier days; it always surprised him when the letters were published. It made him question the editors’ judgment. His high opinion of them declined because they couldn’t find something better than his literature to print.

A letter came from that same newspaper offering Twain a job as city editor even as he wondered what his future held. Though he had so recently been a millionaire, the job offer with a twenty-five-dollar salary seemed like a fortune. The offer thrilled him.

mark-twain-391112_960_720Then doubts set in. What did he know of editing? He felt unfit for the position. Yet refusing the job meant that he’d soon have to rely on the kindness of others for a meal, and that he had never done.

So necessity forced Twain into taking an editor’s job though he felt ill-equipped. He arrived in Virginia, Nevada Territory, dressed more as a miner than an editor in a blue woolen shirt, pantaloons stuffed into the top of his boots, slouch hat, and a “universal navy revolver slung to his belt.”

The chief editor, Mr. Goodman, took Twain under his wing and trained him to be a reporter. The young man had finally found something he excelled in.

As writers, many of us can relate to Twain’s doubts. A myriad of talented authors have come before us. What do we have to offer?

It is comforting to realize that a young man destined to become one of America’s best-loved authors began with humility. A seasoned and kindly editor taught him the trade; Twain’s talent took him the rest of the way.

What would have happened if Mark Twain hadn’t lost a million dollars? His words may have been lost to us. Such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Prince and the Pauper might never have been written.

When we ponder our failures, our rejected works, and lost opportunities, we should remember that situations change. We won’t always feel as we do today. God has the ability to put us in the right place at the right time with the right attitude.

Just like He did with Samuel Clemens, America’s beloved Mark Twain.

 

Sources

Twain, Mark. Roughing It, Penguin Books, 1981.

 

 

 

 

Categories
Child's Craft

Quit or Trust God?

I crossed paths with Satan, the other day. He was dressed in his original disguise, as a six-foot long, shiny, slithering black serpent. How do I know it was Satan? He induced fear in me. Fear is not of God.

I was running with my dog, at the White Water Center on one of the many beautiful trails when this slimy thing slithered up to the path. I screamed. Though I kept running and at a faster pace, every shiny tree root looked like a slithering slimy serpent. I ran in fear and realized it. I spoke out loud to God confessing my fear then asked Him how I was supposed to run and not fear about running across another snake.

“Did that snake hurt you?” God seemed to ask.

“No, he just scared me.”

“What were you scared of?”

“That he’d bite me or my dog.”

“Did it bite you?”

“No, but the next one might.”

“Will fear protect you from getting bitten by the next snake?”

“No, only You can protect me from that.”

“Then fear not, my child.”

I had three choices at that moment. I could quit, run in fear, or trust God.

Has Satan slithered into your writing life?

When I first began writing, I didn’t tell anyone I was writing a book. What if it never got accepted? What if people made fun of me for trying to be a writer. What if I quit, then they’d know that I’d quit or maybe they’d think I was trying to be something I’m not.

All of the above did happen and I survived it all. I’ve been rejected a gazillion times, I’ve been made fun of for trying to write and I quit temporarily. But it was all inconsequential. At least I tried.

What fear paralyzes you in your writing? Others are better? You’ll never get published, nobody will read your stuff, nobody will like your stuff? Friends, none of that is from God!

You have three choices. You can quit, write in fear, or trust God.

I read this recently, though I’m not sure where it came from:

“If God showed you all He had planned for you, it would boggle your mind. If you could see the doors that would open, the opportunities that will cross your path, and the people who will show up, you would be so amazed, excited and passionate, it would be easy to set your mind toward victory.

That is what faith is about. You’ve got to believe it before you see it. God’s favor is surrounding you like a shield. Every set back is set up for a comeback. Every bad break, every disappointment, every person who does you wrong is part of the plan to get you where you’re supposed to be.”

Are you gonna fear this? Or believe it?

You have three choices, but I’m here to say, Satan wins in two of those choices. Trust God. Keep the faith and keep writing! Don’t quit. Rebuke Satan. Resist that slimy devil. Rebuke the fear. Don’t stop! Give it another day, take a break, commit to the calling. Trust in God’s timing. You can do it! Let Him plan your course. Simply be obedient as you are indeed doing! You can do it!

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7