Categories
Book Proposals

Cast a vision of Your Book

As the writer of the proposal (and eventually the book), it is your responsibility—not the editor’s or publisher’s—to create the basic vision for the book. It’s much easier to change a suggested format or length than to create it in the first place.

Many people fail to include this specific information in their book proposals.

What does your book look like? Is it 40,000 words or 140,000 words? When I’ve called authors and asked for this information, they often reply, “Well, what size of book do you need?” As an editor, I hesitate to give this size or cast this vision. I’ve been a writer for too many years and know that whatever vision I would cast, the author would tell me, “That’s exactly what I was thinking,” whether they were thinking such a thing or not, because of their eagerness to sell the manuscript.

It is the responsibility of the author to cast the vision for the book and project a word count and finished length. To help you cast this vision, let me tell you that most standard 200-page paperback books are about 50,000 to 60,000 words. Many beginning writers are hesitant to give such a number because they’ve never written a long book. Others include a smaller number like 25,000 or 30,000 words. This size is not attractive to many publishers as it produces a small, thin book.

Why is thickness a factor? Walk into any bookstore and look specifically at the number of books displayed with the cover face out on the bookshelf. You’ll find only a few. It’s mostly a space issue with the bookstore owner. More books can be stocked if they are spine out from the bookshelf. A 25,000-word nonfiction book will not have much of a presence in the store with the spine out and it will easily be lost on the shelf.

Your proposed vision for the book should be something a large number of publishers could produce.

Many writers tell me, “I want the publisher to decide how big the book will be.” Then they say with pride, “I’m flexible.” To be “flexible” will not cut it with the editor. You are the expert on this particular topic and subject matter; it’s why the publisher is paying you an advance and investing a great deal of money to produce your book. You have a responsibility to envision the length of your book. How many words will you need to completely cover your selected topic?

This number is critical to a successful book proposal as the editor uses this proposed word count to project the number of pages in the published book. Then he works with the production personnel to run the production numbers. These numbers are put into the Performa or spreadsheet document that gives the complete financials on the book. The author never sees these numbers, but based on these figures, the editor has parameters for offering an advance on the royalties of the book and the percentage for royalties.

Without the author’s word count, the editor can’t accomplish this important function—or he takes a wild guess at the number which could be substantially wrong. These financial figures are used for much more than simply your project inside the publishing house. They are used for annual budget projections for the editorial area and other places. While seemingly a small issue, these financials figure into other areas inside the publishing house.

Beyond the word count or length of the manuscript, you also need to provide a delivery date.

It is important to remember the word count with nonfiction because the entire manuscript is not complete. You have written only the proposal and a chapter or two of the project. How long will it take you to write the remainder of the book?

When I have approached authors about this question, they ask me, “When do you need my manuscript?” It’s a trick question that your editor cannot answer for you. You are the only person who knows the demands on your time and energy during the coming months and how quickly you can write the book. This timeframe is different for every person because one person writes several thousand words in a day while others may only be able to write several hundred words a day.

Why is the completion date important?

Because whatever date you tell the editor for completion, will go into your book contract. This date sets off a chain of events throughout the publishing house (production, marketing, sales and editorial). A detailed schedule of events and benchmarks to produce the book is created and various people are held accountable for the scheduled events—events that are unknown to the authors. Authors are notoriously late; however, a late manuscript can cause delays that could hinder the success of your book.

If during the contract process, you agree to submit your manuscript in six months or eight months or twelve months, then your editor will be expecting your manuscript on time. If you deliver your manuscript a month late or two months late (it happens more often than you would know), you will throw off all the internal plans the publishing house is making for your book, plus the assigned freelance editor will have their schedule thrown off. You will set off a chain reaction that can and will influence the effectiveness of your book sales.

Also, the marketing will be affected regarding your manuscript delivery date. The publishing world has several trade magazines such as Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal and Christian Retailing. Each of these publications has a slightly different audience, but they all select books to be reviewed and highlighted to booksellers (always an important market for authors). The submission deadlines are months in advance of the release date for a review of your book to appear in these key trade magazines. If your publisher doesn’t have your manuscript, then your book will not be one of those submitted to the trade magazines for review and you will miss a key marketing opportunity. Almost every magazine works four to six months in advance of the cover date printed on the magazine. The marketing department of your publisher is aware of these due dates and needs to have your book manuscript in order to make the greatest possible impact.

You don’t want to bear the responsibility of your book not being properly marketed or sold into the stores because you missed your book deadline by one or two or even three months. Be thoughtful about it and don’t give yourself a deadline for delivery that will be impossible to achieve. Set a reasonable due date which will work for you. It’s a key part of your responsibility with the vision casting for your book.

Terry Whalin

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in California. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. To help writers catch the attention of editors and agents, Terry wrote his bestselling Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. Get a free copy of his proposal book (follow the link). Check out his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook, his blog and LinkedIn.

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Are You Managing Your Personal Brand?

Did you know you had a personal brand? It’s not just for writers or entertainers or politicians. Every person has a personal brand.

Whether they are aware of it or not.

Whether they manage it or not.

The book You Are a Brand! by Catherine Kaputa tells us how to develop and manage our brands with intention, confidence, and flair. No mater where you are in your personal brand journey, this book has tips that will help you take your next step.

Why your personal brand matters

I’ll let these three quotes from the book answer this question.

“To be successful you need to create positive attitudes in the minds of other people. You can’t make yourself successful. Oly other people can make you successful.

In the same way, you can’t make a sale. Only other people can decide whether to buy from you, whether you are an induvial or a company.

In other words, you need to build a “self-brand,” a reason for people to buy from you, whether you are selling yourself for a job or selling products and services to others.” Catharine Kaputa

“A talented, hard-working person won’t do as well as a well-branded, talented hard-working person. Effective branding will tip perception in your favor and bring greater success.”

“The truth is, if you don’t brand yourself, someone else will, and it probably won’t be the brand you had in mind.”

Five helpful self-branding concepts from You Are A Brand!

You can re-brand yourself

Branding is based on perception. This may seem unfair, but in reality it’s good news, because perception can be changed. That’s really what branding is all about—managing other people’s perception. So, if you want to update or polish your brand, you can. If you want to refocus your brand in a new direction, you can. If you want others to notice all your hard work, you can work to rebrand yourself in a way that enables your skills to shine.

You have assets. Use them to be unique and authentic

“Make use of everything. You have experiences; these are brand assets. You have a point of view; that too is an asset. Make the best use of the assets and resources you have, and realize we all have hidden assets that we need to uncover.” Christine Kaputa

Know your competition and then find ways to differentiate.

Study your close competition to see how they market to your customers. But don’t simply copy what everyone else is doing. Instead, learn from them and let them help you position yourself to be similar but special in some way.

Answer this question to help you differentiate your unique brand: My brand is the only ___ that ___ .

Find your sweet spot.

The sweet spot is where your passion, skills, experience, connect with a market of audience need in a niche where the competition isn’t overwhelming. One way to identify a sweet spot is to consider this question: What is missing in my market area (genre/ministry arena/expertise) that I can provide?

Develop a memorable elevator pitch. And use it.

No matter the career or ministry niche, those who can succinctly and clearly communicate what they do and how it benefits others have an edge over the competition. An elevator pitch is a short, concise, statement that communicates what you do, for whom, and why it matters.

Craft one and practice it until you know it by heart. (Yes, really.) Then you can easily answer the question “What do you do?” at the drop of a hat. Even on an elevator.

Don’t be intimidated by this book

This book is jam-packed with branding information. And it’s written for a broad audience. Some of the material won’t apply to your situation or branding needs.

Don’t beat yourself up for not accomplishing executive-level branding when you’re a beginning writer, blogger, or podcaster. Don’t try to read if from cover to cover, digest everything the author is teaching, or try to apply it all at once. Instead, think of the book as a resource to help you to the next level—whatever that is. Choose a section that applies to your current situation and find a few practical actions you can accomplish right now.

Then, return to the book in six months and find something else to apply. Each time you open the book, you can take one more small but intentional step towards developing and maintaining an awesome, unique, memorable brand.

Lisa E Betz

Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speechwriting coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with unconventional characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her Livia Aemilia Mysteries, set in first-century Rome, have won several awards, including the Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021).

She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in her novels. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and experiments with ancient Roman recipes. Visit lisaebetz.com.

Categories
Magazine, Freelance, and Copywriting

The Write Image: Crafting Your Author Brand Through Image and Packaging

As a writer, you probably didn’t give much thought to branding and marketing when you wrote your first book – you just wanted to write a great story. But, if you want to be successful and get your words into the hands of many, you have to start thinking of yourself as a business and a brand.

Branding your name and your work has many different factors, but it starts with your image. How will others see you? How do you want them to see you? What kind of message is your brand providing to let potential readers know who you are and what your writing is about?

Think of branding and your image as a way to make a first impression on people. Enhancing your personal image and packaging can amplify your professional opportunities and help you foster a unique authorial identity in today’s competitive literary landscape.

Align Your Brand With Your Writing Style

If you’re stuck on what your brand should be or look like, consider the type of writing you do and think about some other famous authors who seem to “fit” their style really well. Stephen King, for example, will always be known as one of the greatest horror writers of all time. That doesn’t mean he’s a scary person, but he’s created a specific brand of horror writing that is unique to him. His books have been adapted for TV and movies alike. Whenever anyone sees his name attached to a project, they have an idea of what to expect because he’s stayed true to his voice for so many years.

King, like many other famous authors, seems confident in his self-image. Popular writers know who they are and it undoubtedly influences success. Improving your self-image can help to enhance your writing career in a variety of ways, so do what you can to boost your confidence, including:

  • Dressing for success;
  • Setting goals;
  • Celebrating your achievements;
  • Seeking feedback;
  • Always looking to improve;
  • Prioritizing self-care.

When you are confident in who you are and your image, your writing is more likely to stay stable as you focus on one particular style. Eventually, you’ll become known for that style, and it will be much easier to brand yourself and your books because people will know what to look for.

Branding Consistency

One of the easiest ways to build your brand and become recognized quickly is to maintain consistency in everything you do with your marketing. That includes social media, websites, posters, mailers, and even book covers. Nowadays, it’s just as important to build your brand online as it is in bookstores and at signings. If you’re not consistent with your web presence, people are going to get confused.

Reinforcing your brand identity will differentiate you from other authors, build awareness, and foster brand loyalty.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to building a brand, listen to your readers and consider how your own interests can be reflected in your marketing materials. If you aren’t all in with your packaging and branding image, it’s going to be harder to stick with it.

Creating Perfect Packaging

Packaging isn’t the only part of branding, but it’s an important one. As an author, you’re selling something tangible, and you want it to stand out. Think about all of the options readers are given on a regular basis. What are you going to do to make a solid first impression with your book, especially to a potential reader who has never heard of you before?

If you’re stuck on packaging strategies, consider some of the following:

  • Use sustainable packaging materials to showcase your values;
  • Share your brand story in your marketing materials;
  • Get creative with book covers;
  • Use interactive packaging like QR codes or augmented reality;
  • Personalize your packaging.

If you’re a freelance writer or you’re just starting out after publishing your first book, branding is more important than ever. Now is the time to build consistency and create an image for yourself. Everything from color and font choices to characteristics that make you unique will stand out to potential readers.

You don’t have to be a marketing guru to understand the importance of image as an author. Consider who you want to be in the world of competitive writing, and you’ll have a strong brand foundation to start from.

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.

Categories
Guest Posts

The Art of Mind Mapping: Unleashing Creative Potential Unconventional Ideas to Inspire Your Next Masterpiece

Nothing beats the thrill of writing the opening paragraph of your next novel or the first stanza of a new poem. The words come easily at first and ideas seem bountiful in the early days of a writing project.

However, as you get stuck into your piece, you may find that you lose track of your plot and forget the plans you’d laid out for your characters. This can be frustrating if you only have a short time to write after work. It can even lead to writer’s fatigue

Rather than lament the loss of your creative energy, use the time to mind map your project. Mind mapping lets you zoom out from the paragraph or chapter you’re currently working on so you can see the bigger picture again. Mind mapping can help you figure out why your story is falling flat and generate a more compelling narrative arc for your reader too.

Structure

Unless you want to write a rambling postmodern masterpiece, you’ll need a clear idea of structure to guide your narrative and give you a sense of purpose. This holds true for even the most experimental of novels, like Italo Calvino’s If on a Winter’s Night a Traveler, which eschews a linear plot yet still follows a clear structure to guide readers through the novel.

If you’re some way into your project, consider bullet-pointing all of the major plot points you’ve written so far. This can help you discover a chain of cause and effect and may nudge your creative faculties in a more compelling direction.

You may find that mind-mapping your own creation still leaves you feeling a little lost. This is entirely normal, as few writers know how their story will start, progress, and end before they put pen to paper.

Rather than getting frustrated, pull your favorite book off the shelf and start to mind-map its structure. Note down the major plot points and keep a record of all that has happened to the main characters. You can even jot down the page numbers next to major events, as this will give you an idea of how you might space out your own narrative events. 

This approach to mind mapping will give you a deeper understanding of the genre you’re working within and may help you figure out if you need more (or less!) major events to shake up the plot and recapture the reader’s focus.

Ideas

Understanding the structure of a story is key if you’re working on a longer project like a novel. However, if you want to write a series of short stories or poems, you may be better served by focusing your attention on the major ideas that you wish to present.

This sentiment is echoed by Edgar Allan Poe who, when reviewing a collection of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short stories,

“A short story must have a single mood and every sentence must build.” 

This approach to writing can be mentally taxing as every sentence works to build the “mood” of the story and help convey your overarching idea. A mental map can help you pick up the thread of your big idea by helping you assess whether or not a sentence or stanza works.

Avoid the temptation to mind map while you’re writing. Instead, take out a large sheet of paper when editing and jot down the big idea in the center of the page. Then start copying down sentences from your draft; connecting similar-sounding sentences and branching out as the idea grows. This will help you hone the craft of the sentence and make the kind of micro edits that are essential for all good short stories.

If you struggle to edit your own work, it may be a sign that you need more sleep. Sleep is critical for creativity, as difficulty concentrating is a tell-tale sign of physical fatigue. If this is the case, you may be better served putting the pen down and getting a few “Z’s” instead.

Finding the Flow

Once you’ve completed your mind map, you need to get back in the flow of things ASAP. Getting back in the flow is key, as you may find that mind mapping makes you overcautious when writing more content or editing your existing work.

You can find your writer flow by sitting down to work in a quiet, calming place. You may even want to pour yourself a glass of wine, as wine can loosen you up and get your creative juices flowing. As an added bonus, red wines contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation and may give your body the boost it needs as you focus on your writing.

Keep your mind map at close hand but keep your attention on the screen. If you run into writer’s block, simply start writing sentences that sound right even if they can’t be used in your project. This is like firing up the engine of a car after it’s been in the garage for some time and will get you back to your best in no time.

Conclusion

Mind mapping can help you find structural flaws and superfluous sentences in your work. It can also generate new ideas and help you find the flow after some time away. Consider copying down the structure of your favorite author if you’re struggling for inspiration and play some calming music to get your creative flowing again.

Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in the art of writing, mental health, and education. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

Categories
Marketing Sense

Welcome Email Series Example: Parts Two-Four

Last month I shared Email #1 of my 4-part Welcome email series example. Here are the remaining 3 emails and the strategies associated with each. Create your own Welcome email series and include whatever you’d like. Be sure they’re short, clear, and welcoming to your new subscriber.

Why bother? It sets the stage for your email relationships. Be helpful. Be yourself. And connect serve your new subscriber.

In each of the three successive emails below, you’ll first see the content of my fictional email series plus red asterisks to identify which words / phrases / paragraphs have a specific strategy. Then in a separate section directly below each email, one-by-one, the strategy itself.  

Here we go!

Strategies for Email #2

In the Strategy List below, you’ll find a duplicate of every sentence above shown with a red asterisk, then my strategy, so you don’t have to scroll up and down the page constantly. You’re welcome. 🙂

#1: [*Info you requested]

When sending information your new subscriber requested, it’s very important to include this phrase, or one like it, as part of your title.

Why? They may have forgotten their request. Can that really happen…after all, it was only 24 hours ago! Yep. It happens. Not because they’re stupid…they’re B-U-S-Y. We need to cut through the never-ending noise in their mind to get their attention.)

#2: **Slide Deck

This tells the subscriber what to expect when they open this email. Scammers have taught us not to open emails that don’t explain what’s in them first.

The phrase “slide deck” does that. It’s not cute. It’s clear.

#3: Publish (send): One day after Email #1 (***unless it’s Sunday, then send on Monday)

(Shown to the reader in the Welcome Email #1, this need not be shown to them again. It does show you–as MY reader–when to send your second Welcome email to YOUR reader. 🙂

#4: ****As promised, here’s the download link to the Slide Deck.

Clear as a bell so the reader cannot miss it but some will. See #XXX below.

#5: *****What’s your biggest frustration when creating a title?

My goal here is to start a dialogue. I don’t want to be the only in this two-way conversation. We can’t make our readers respond, but we want them to know we welcome it.

#6: ******Tell me what’s challenging you in this area and I’ll respond in a future email that will help everyone.

This sentence explains what will happen if they do respond. They’ll help other readers by asking me a question others might be timid to ask.

#7: Enjoy the slide deck, and *******I’ll talk to you in a few days!

A duplicate link to the slide deck so my reader doesn’t have to hunt for it.

After they’ve received the promised / delivered Slide Deck, what can they expect going forward? They can expect me to continue staying in touch with them!

Some send the promised resource then never send another email. Bad! B-A-D choice!

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Strategies for Email #3

#1: *When We Do Our Part We Set the Stage for God to Do His Part (See Strategy #3 below.)

#2: Publish: **3 Days after Email #2 (unless it’s Sunday, then send on Monday)

This point has been mentioned already. Repeated here for clarity. Yes, you’ll see it again in Email #4. 🙂  (Shown to the reader in the Welcome Emails #1, this need not be shown to them again. It does show you–as MY reader–when to send your third Welcome email to YOUR reader. 🙂

#3: ***It’s another beautiful day to serve Jesus!

New subscribers see immediately that I write for Christians. They can guess I’m a Christian. This is core to my message, so I reference God three times before the content even begins. That doesn’t have to be your strategy. Follow His leading. What or who is most important to you related to your audience? Identify that person or concept early on in your email relationship.

#4: ****Questions? Comments? Hit reply and I’ll answer.

Another invitation to new subscribers, letting them know I’m open to a two-way relationship.

#5: *****In case you haven’t had time to download my FREE RESOURCE TITLE GOES HERE yet, here’s that LINK GOES HERE again.

Many of us intend to download that great “thing” we requested, but we get distracted and forget. So I’m gently mentioning it again to help my reader remember…without badgering or chastising them.

Strategies for Email #4

#1 (Last time to see this… *3 days after Email #3 (unless it’s Sunday, then send on Monday)

This point has been mentioned already. Repeated here for clarity. 🙂  (Shown to the reader in the Welcome Emails #1, this need not be shown to them again. It does show you–as MY reader–when to send your third Welcome email to YOUR reader. 🙂

#2: **Grab a pen and paper so we can make two short lists.

In this fourth Welcome email, my reader sees that I don’t offer fluff. We’re here to work while having a good time. I’ll walk them through the task step-by-step so they can 1) see the value of it and 2) know how to do it themselves next time.

#3: *** Write down 3 (three) strengths your audience has on the first list and 3 (three) weaknesses they have on the second list. (See #2 above.)

#4: **** Now, create one piece of content (blog post, social media post, email, Reels, whatever) for each strength and each weakness. (See #2 above.)

#5: ***** Do you have another free or a paid resource that could help further? Mention it and share the link to it.

Many people have content already created in a blog post, an interview, a free resource called a Lead Magnet, but they don’t think to offer access to it in another medium. Do it! 🙂   

#6: ****** No resource that fits? That’s okay. Find someone else’s applicable content on this topic and share the direct link on their website.

My reader may be brand new to writing / speaking, or highly accomplished. Sharing someone else’s content–if applicable and spot on–tells their subscriber they’re primary goal is to serve them, not impress them.   

#7: *******P.S. Last invitation to download my FREE RESOURCE LINK GOES HERE Enjoy!

The goal is to give readers every chance to download the free resource. Added this last time separately, away from other content so it’s not lost to the reader.

If you haven’t used a Welcome email series before, give it a try!

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Welcome Email Series Ends

Regular Email Content Begins Next Email

Patricia Durgin is an Online Marketing Coach and Facebook Live Expert. She trains Christian writers and speakers exclusively, helping them develop their messaging, marketing funnels, conversational emails, and Facebook Live programs. Patricia hosted 505 (60-minute) Facebook Live programs from 2018-2020. That program is on indefinite hiatus. She’s also a regular faculty member at Christian writers and speakers conferences around the country.

Website: marketersonamission.com
Facebook: MarketersOnAMission

Categories
Kids Lit

Bring Back the BackList!

The press, the marketers, and the bookstores all clamoring for autographs and first-day Amazon rankings! Then “NEW” is over. The next week, the focus is on another NEWER book. The sparkling Amazon ratings drop to double and then triple digits. A month later social media has moved on. 

Next year: backlist!

Of course, by then, we as writers are on to the next big project, but there is a twinge for more love for the backlist. How to put backlist titles back in the spotlight?

Awards

Many awards are only for books published in the last year, but post Covid, award givers are extending the eligible publications dates or offering the “tried and true” category. An award keeps the book active in the publisher’s catalog. I was able to win several awards in the last year for Tuktuk: Tundra Tale, published in 2016. Publishers looking over new proposals may appreciate the continued energy given a back list title.

Holidays 

I have not yet written a Christmas book or one for Groundhog Day! But the smart people who have holiday books can ramp up mentions of the title starting about a month ahead (book sales for Christmas begin Nov 1!). Books on holidays celebrated by a smaller group (Passover, Diwali, Chinese New Year) use that time on the calendar for promotion and information. These events happen every year and the information on them does not change.

Commemorations

My book How to Dress a Dinosaur gets hauled out on June 1, National Dinosaur Day, but 43 states have official State Fossils. Every one of them has a Statehood Day which is a great time to celebrate it with a list of books about that state’s fruit, tree, insect, snack food, and fossil.

Themed lists

Library Storytime leaders start every session with a theme of interest to the potential listeners. Teachers look for lists of books to support teaching units. Suggest picture book support titles including back list.

Social media

Was the primary media for the book earlier platforms? Explore new online spaces and groups for new eyes for an older book. My back-listed The Very Best Story Ever Told from 2018 was a little pre-media exposure except for a couple of mentions on FB. Instagram and lots of blogs are still possible. 

The rest of the story

New life comes to backlist titles when there is more to the story of how the book was written or used. A child, parent, or teacher may have a unique experience with the book. The author can offer more on the book’s subject or its writing. As the polar caps continue to melt, Tuktuk: Tundra Tale has been added to several lists.

Use this time…

Sales and deals seem to shut off at Thanksgiving. Use these months to find opportunities for the backlist titles to get up front in 2024.

And Holiday Blessings to you all!

Multi award-winning author Robin Currie learned story sharing by sitting on the floor, in library story times. She has sold 1.7 M copies of her 40 storybooks and writes stories to read and read again! Robin is committing 2024 to back-list promo. (Since there MIGHT be Big News in 2025!)

Robin Currie

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Go Tell Your Story

Storytelling has the power to touch people deep in their souls. I should know, as I have experienced the benefits of storytelling throughout my life.

When I was a little boy, I loved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. I hung on Fred Rogers’ every word like he was talking directly to me. When the Trolley made its way to the Land of Make Believe, I was transported to uncharted areas of my imagination. I can still hear King Friday trying to rule in his pomposity, Henrietta Cat meowing her sweet messages, and Lady Elaine wreaking havoc.

As I got older, reading became my escape, and my favorite series was the Bobbsey Twins. As an only child, I reveled in the lives of the two sets of twins and their adventures as they solved mystery after mystery.

Throughout my life, storytelling in movies and music has blessed me immeasurably. I think of my favorite movie Up, which blesses me with its humorous yet touching story every time (I don’t watch it often, because it makes my eyes water, wink wink). Matthew West is my favorite singer/songwriter, and, as I listen to his stories put to music, I get the feeling he has been following me around and peeking in my windows. Good storytelling is relatable, and West is a master at that.

Every year, I have two annual events I love to attend: a storytelling festival in my old college town, and my own college’s fall arts/crafts festival, in which I coordinate . . . wait for it . . . the storytelling program! This year I helped write a grant to bring in two professional storytellers to our event, and I was blown away by their talent and their use of story to touch people.

Josh Goforth, one of our guest storytellers, tells stories of growing up in rural North Carolina, accentuating them with music. The guy can sing and play too many instruments to count, and he merges music and story effortlessly to make his audiences laugh and cry.

Tim Lowry, our other guest, is a native of my area and “returned home” to wow us with a variety of forms of storytelling, from personal narratives to renditions of classic stories. He, too, took us on an emotional ride, entertaining and educating us along the way.

Of course, Jesus Himself used earthly stories called parables to illustrate Heavenly ideas. The Prodigal Son, the Lost Sheep, the Good Samaritan—I believe Jesus knew we needed these illustrations to help us wrap our minds around His truths.

Storytelling takes many forms, and we can utilize the form (or forms) we specialize in to pass along powerful truths. What’s your story? And how are you going to tell it? Think about it, and then go tell it.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Perseverance in Tough Times

He who knows the way that I take; when he has tested me I shall come forth as gold.                      

Job 23:10 NIV

Job fell in a heap. Did he wish the ground would swallow him up before he received any more bad news?

            Ten children. Dead.

            500 teams of oxen. Stolen.

            7,000 sheep caught in a wildfire. Dead.

            3,000 camels. Stolen.

            “A large number” of servants. Dead.

In the book about his life, Job 1:20-22 says he worshipped God.

I don’t know about you, but my first inclination in difficulty isn’t worship.

            A submission for a book callout. Silence.

            A children’s book trilogy. Rejected.

            A book idea. Stalled.

            Computer crash. Files lost.

How could Job worship the Lord when things looked so bleak? His secret was in refusing entitlement. Job 1:22 says, “I didn’t bring anything into the world when I was born, and I won’t take anything with me when I die.” (My paraphrase.)

When boils covered his body, Job said he found consolation in knowing he had not strayed from God’s Word. (Job 6:10)

Job clung to his integrity when questioned by his friends (Job 6:29) and humbled himself before God for mercy from judgment (Job 9:15). Job acknowledged his Creator and appealed to His kindness (Job 10:8-12). Job had hope for an advocate (Job 16:19-21) and a redeemer who would be victorious over suffering (Job 19:25).

In the end, God blessed Job (Job 42:11-16).

Exercise:

What can we learn from Job? Let’s take a look at what Peter had to say about endurance.

  1. How much does God give us for life and godliness? 2 Peter 1:3
  2. What knowledge aids us? 2 Peter 1:3
  3. What two things do God’s great and precious promises equip us to do? 2 Peter 1:4
  4. What seven things are we to put effort into adding to our faith arsenal? 2 Peter 1:5-7
  5. What will those seven qualities equip you to do? 2 Peter 1:8

I gave you a list of some of my disappointments. Now, here’s a list of blessings.

            Published in eight anthologies.

            A children’s coloring book published.

            Two retreat ebooks published.

            Over 290 devotions and articles published.

            My writing is stronger than ever!

Can we worship God when we get bad news? Absolutely. Peter reminds us we will see the victory when we persevere. (2 Peter 1:10-11)

What’s on your blessings list? Count them and praise God!

His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.

2 Peter 1:3 NASB

Count your blessings!

Sally Ferguson

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net

Categories
Award-Winning Author

Award Winning author Interview with Patricia Tiffany Morris

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a 15,000-word story before attending my first small writing conference in Iowa. Once I made the decision to make writing a career in my fifties, I designed a website, opened a dedicated FB profile with my pseudonym.

I attended my first two writer’s conferences in 2019: ACWC, (Asheville Christian Writers Conference,) and BRMCWC, (Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.) I’ve been exploring various genres ever since.

Which of your WIP (Work in Progress) is your favorite?

Currently, my favorite work is my children’s gift picture book called Grief Like Rain. This piece won 1st at WCCW conference and also Best in Conference. The Golden Goldie Award and 3 other awards for this piece in 2023 have encouraged me to illustrate the work, also. I formatted the book as lyrical poetry and it speaks to childhood loss of a parent. It is by far one of my most personal pieces.

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

In addition to writing to heal, I write about hope and redemption. There is something cathartic about developing characters and situations to ultimately bring readers closer to the God who created each one of us. Without hope, I flounder in my selfishness and discouragement. Without identity in Christ—in something bigger than my finite life on earth—I tend to wander along a timeline of meaningless pursuits. I want to bring the God of the Bible into our everyday moments as well as our most desperate and difficult circumstances and show that there is always hope. Always.

What does your writing work schedule like?

When I create a schedule, I create “blobs of time” to bring a loose structure for the week. I focus on the specific demands intrinsic to a particular project and create an atmosphere conducive to the type of story or poetry I am working on.

Utilizing a hand drawn bullet journal, I create headings of ideas, collections of smaller tasks, or anything that comes to mind while reviewing the next week. When I have schedule events with specific dates and times, I fill those in first. Then I define larger blocks of time. I like variety so I sprinkle time for illustration, client work, specific projects, social media, and my shops.

Do you have any favorite tools to help you organize your schedule?

Two of my favorite time tracking and management tools:

1. An old-fashioned, hand lettered bullet journal, black markers, and Prismacolor branded colored pencils. I create monthly and sometimes weekly pages to transfer my brainstorming ideas into organized thematic or topical sections and assign them to a general week or date.

2. An app called Structured, by Leo Mehlig, syncs with my google and apple calendar events and then allows me to further subdivide and schedule smaller blocks of time. Visually, color drips into the event shapes in real time like sand in an old fashioned hour glass. The colors import from my main calendar and I find that one of the keys to getting a lot done each day.

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

I can’t write with music or sound. I suppose I design with the musicality of the words, and other external sounds tend to drown out my inner composer.

I’m inspired by my rhyming, pun-ny husband, who reads in delightful character voices. He also brainstorms tech-laced plot threads with the realism from his 42 years experience as a civilian government employee

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

Nothing beats the thrill of brainstorming sessions with other artists and writers. Recently recognized for my love of helping others in the writing community, I received “Member of the Year” award by Word Weavers International in 2023.

On the humorous side, mastering the one space between sentences, after decades of the two-space rule, was a huge milestone sometime during the pandemic. I have perfectionist tendencies so it was purely pragmatic to form a new habit.

I also learned to use my left hand to run the mouse, and my right hand to delete. From my mechanical typewriter days of holding the backspace key, I knew I didn’t want to waste time backspacing to delete.

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

In my literary fiction WIP, I adore writing about Sophia and her mom. Taking the best and the worst of my experiences from childhood and motherhood, I find myself writing to heal and to grieve through a combination of lyrical and suspense-filled language and situations. My poetry affinity and my traumatic background make interesting emotional connections.

Some of my favorite scenes are written from the point of view of seven-year-old Sophia as she experiences her past. I also enjoy writing from the mother’s perspective at that same timeline and bringing vignettes of redemption and forgiveness into the current day timeline as the two characters work through their misunderstandings and loss. Weaving issues of adoption and identity prove extremely cathartic.

Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.

In addition to the WW Member of the Year, I placed as an honorable mention in Serious Writer’s Writer of the Year. That meant the world to me. That same week while watching live streaming ceremony of West Coast Christian Writers Conference, I heard my name mentioned for 1st place in children’s and YA literature for my children’s gift book called Grief Like Rain. While I sat teary-eyed watching the ceremony online, wishing I was there in person, I called for my husband to celebrate with me, and my name was called again for “Best in Conference” and awarded the Golden Goldie Award for the same piece.

This specific story, Grief Like Rain, is particularly close to me as I am illustrating a lyrical walk through the rain as an analogy to walking through periods of grief, and I am literally illustrating the pages with my art background from college. Most profoundly meaningful were the words of the judge who offered her heartfelt comments through the MC of the event. I felt strengthened and empowered to keep writing. And found courage to show this project at a future agent appointment.

Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?

Indeed, dark moments affect all aspects of our lives, our jobs, and our relationships. I began writing because of broken relationships. So, in a sense, I felt as low as I have ever remembered before beginning to write and claiming this as my career. Since writing, healing has blossomed from that dark place and is reaching valiantly for the light with God’s help.

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

I record every rejection next to my list of submissions. Yellow for submissions. I wait for the answer or results. Green for submissions that are accepted with an award or a publication. Red for rejections. I love red. I embrace the red. Rejection? Yes. But because the blood of Christ compels us to press forward in whatever we do as we honor the Lord; the color red might just be turned around into another redemption storyline.

God doesn’t promise success. But he shapes me as I write. He promises to walk with us through our journeys as we acknowledge Him.

And every bit of “rejection” holds wisdom, refinement, and growth if I learn from the experience. But I confess, once I color a submission check box red, I need a white paint marker in my bullet journal to cover the rejection, but it turns pink. It reminds me that in my strength, I can’t be perfect. But I resubmit a new version of a once rejected story, and have a new opportunity to see the check box turn to green.

Where do you get your ideas?

That is a powerful and mysterious question. I have many thoughts. Ideas rarely stop.

I find inspiration in the details of current events. Not necessarily the historical nature of the event, but a turning of the premise. For example, I enjoy technology advances and challenges, and in one of my books, I found a historic storm that should have been 60 inches of snow, but fizzled out. I wrote the fictitious storm as if it were reversed: a non-eventful spitting of snow that morphed into a crippling storm, camouflaging clues and character escapes, and formed the antagonist for the first act.

Who is your favorite author to read?

This question is never easy to answer. I’ll go with my first three names.

1. Amanda Cox. She writes with a freshness and with insight into lost identities and sorrow in split timelines.

2. Amanda Dykes. Similarly dual times with rich history and poetic language.

3. Jane Kirkpatrick. Historical fiction grounded in American history, using real people like Pocahontas and Lewis and Clark, with stories steeped in emotional themes tugging at our sense of identity and feelings of being “enough.”

What advice can you give aspiring authors that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?

Don’t wish for a different life. I had discovered this path before my late 50’s. I have so much yet to say and experience, and so very much to heal.

We can’t go back in time. Embrace the path you are on until God directs you differently, but don’t regret your path at all. Our journey refines and molds us. Allow the Lord to wash and heal and free your heart to love and learn all you can in the writing path you have chosen.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?

  1. Calling themselves “aspiring” writers. If you write, you are a writer. Embrace your calling.
  2. Not considering writing a professional business.
  3. Feeling a change of direction is a big loss, instead  of a course correction.

Where are you published and where can people find you?

People can find me on You Tube, Amazon, under Patricia Tiffany Morris and Tiffany Inks Studio LLC.

I hold publishing credits with Guideposts (essay and devotional books), Lyrical Iowa and National Federation of State Poetry Societies, EnLiven Devotionals (poetry, essay, book cover and font design), The Ekphrastic Review (short story and poetry), Word Weavers International blog (poetry, essay, and articles), and others.

I also published an artistic collection of journals and planners on KDP called Journaling Scribbles Collection.

An eclectic creative with a geeky-tech affinity and a poet with three names, Patricia Tiffany Morris has earned several awards since 2019.

In 2023, she placed 1st in children’s and won “Best in Conference” at the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. She earned honorable mentions for Serious Writer’s “Writer of the Year” award for a YA novel and for the Cascade Writers Contest for poetry.

But nothing beats the thrill of brainstorming sessions with other artists and writers. Recognized for her love of helping others, Patricia received “Member of the Year” award with Word Weavers International in 2023.

In addition to writing, Patricia’s business, Tiffany Inks Studio LLC, creates branding, resources, and illustrations for writers. She adores designing fonts, scrolling Pinterest, and finds social media intriguing in her search for community.

Website:  https://www.patriciatiffanymorris.com

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

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

The Publisher’s Journey

Victoria Duerstock, founder of End Game Press, joins us to talk about her journey from a writer of devotionals centered around home and heart, to her current role as owner of a publishing company, with multiple imprints. We talk about the value of networking, the importance of knowing our uniqueness, and the value of saying “yes” plus much more!

Watch the November 14th

Victoria Duerstock, an award-winning author and multi-passionate creator, is the founder of End Game Press, launched in 2021. She has actively engaged in writing and publishing books, developing online courses and coaching programs, and speaking at various events and conferences. Unafraid of embracing new challenges, Victoria enjoys expanding her publishing knowledge while also pursuing her personal mission to create beauty, cultivate community, and live a life of impact.

Favorite Christmas Reads

In this open mic episode, the Writers Chat community gathers to share their favorite Christmas books, movies, and more. We all added to our TBR (to be read) and GW (gotta watch) lists! Enjoy the camaraderie and sharing. There was some A Christmas Carol trivia as well as practical suggestions for a memorable holiday season!!

Watch the November 28th replay

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

Categories
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)

Stronger Together

As I write, the holiday season has begun and most people are spending time with friends and family. The holidays are about a lot more than just having fun together. There are reasons we like getting together with other people.

  • Encouragement
  • Resting
  • Helping others
  • Sharing

However, the holidays aren’t pleasant for everyone. Recently the mother of my best friend from college passed away unexpectedly. I decided to reach out and encourage him.

I can still remember her coming to see me in the hospital after my accident. She assured me there was a reason I didn’t die and she would pray for me to get better.

Over two decades later, I can still remember how much better I felt after her brief visit with me in the hospital. I can still remember her smile the first time I entered her home after I finished my rehabilitation.

It was extremely important for me to get all of the support and encouragement I could in those early days after my accident, especially once I finally was able to think clearly. It was their support that helped me to get stronger.

Stronger

I cannot express enough how important it is for us to grow in life and for healthy brains to grow neurologically. That is why I continue to work out and focus on my health.

There are numerous benefits of staying physically active for our brains. I benefit by lowering my stroke threshold. Recent studies have shown that physical activity helps reduce the risk of dementia.

The older I get the more thankful I am for my health, especially considering my brain injury. But, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for getting help and advice from other health-conscious people.

The gym is more than just a place to exercise, it is a place to build relationships and community. Often, it is in the gym where I learn about other things going on in the community I live in.

Recently I shared with a brother from church a new back exercise I learned and he told me today that he, too, really likes the exercise. It’s not always about showing off or who looks the best in the fitness community, in the gym I have accountability and encouragement; gym rats know we are stronger together.

Together

Being together doesn’t always mean being in the same place. My best friend from college lives in Texas now and we still support each other from afar. I have learned new exercises from friends across the country and on YouTube.

There is a psychological bond that connects us with other people with similar interests and goals. We’ve experienced what others have experienced and we strive for similar goals.

Recently, I received another rejection email from a literary agent and of course, I was pretty depressed. However, thanks to my writing friends across the country whom I keep in touch with, I received the encouragement and advice I needed to continue in my writing journey.

Most of us have experienced how lonely and disappointing the writing life can be at times, we’ve all faced rejection at some point; even best-selling authors have experienced rejection and discouragement in their writing journeys.

We are a weird sort of community because we know we’ll face painful moments. Just like with the fitness community, we need the support and guidance of others to help us get stronger and to motivate us not to give up.

Friendships and community are important, regardless of their nature. Below are some benefits of building stronger friendships from betterhealth.com.

  1. Lower rates of anxiety
  2. Lower rates of depression
  3. Higher self-esteem
  4. Greater empathy
  5. Stronger immune system

As writers, we understand the demands and the pitfalls of the writing life. We can help encourage other writers who are struggling. We can also receive encouragement from others within the community.

Encouragement

Recently, I reconnected with another disabled person in my community. I had actually met him at the local gym about a decade ago. He is a brain cancer survivor who is wheelchair-bound.

I had the chance to share with him about my experiences after my accident. All of these years later we’re both feeling depressed and forgotten.

I offered to help him with his problem, just knowing I could help someone else made me feel better. Community has its advantages.

  1. Encouragement
  2. Opportunity
  3. Sense of belonging

Having a place to fit in is rewarding in itself. It isn’t about getting paid. A stronger community benefits us all. Ask Matthew Whitaker, a blind musician who returned to the school that taught him music to give back. That is how we become stronger together!

Martin Johnson

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

Categories
Writing for YA

How to Avoid Writing a Contrived Plot

I’ve been working on a story, and was a bit concerned my ending felt contrived. In my critique group, we discussed it a little, but I couldn’t come to a clear conclusion. I decided to study the topic and attempt to untangle this particular knot. I thought I’d share the list I came up with on how to identify a contrived plot or scene.

Out of the Blue Behavior

The protagonist (or antagonist) suddenly does something out of character with no explanation. He or she acts in a way that doesn’t line up with what readers know about the character, or they change core beliefs for no discernible reason, or do other odd things for no other reason than to provide a solution to a story problem.

Who’s Driving This Thing?

The story is propelled by circumstantial events happening to the protagonist rather than the protagonist being the catalyst. When I first started writing, I tended to throw obstacles into my story from outside the character, visiting terrible tragedy on them. I was blessed to have a mentor who helped me understand that the protagonist didn’t just need troubles, they must have a goal.

Check to make sure the main character is the captain of his or her own ship. They should try to procure what they want or need to solve their problem. As the story progresses, the protagonist faces obstacles, some of which are overcome, some of which are not.

I Need a Hero

At the eleventh hour, an unlikely hero comes galloping up on a white horse. He wasn’t in the story before, or perhaps only showed up in chapter three for two minutes. If he takes on such a vital role at the conclusion, it might be a good idea to dig into the manuscript in order to develop that character and his storyline. Then, hopefully, the resolution will unfold naturally in a realistic or logical way. This was the fix my current story required. I added interactions with the character, enhanced the setup, and viola!

Too Many Hidden Details

Sometimes it may feel like the plot is contrived because there’s not enough information given up front. If a character appears to make choices simply to get the author out of a plot pickle, a bit of backstory could shed light on the character’s behavior.

Here’s an example. Mrs. Susie Sunshine is the kindest soul you’ll ever meet, but treats her elderly mother with a lack of respect bordering on contempt. The reader is going to want to know why.

If Susie has a deep dark secret in her past that explains her actions, suddenly the story makes sense, and becomes more interesting to boot. Dropping hints about the main character’s backstory at key moments and providing an eventual airing of the issue will make for a satisfying resolution.

Sometimes an undeveloped character leads to a contrived plot. Developing a character may happen before a writer drafts, along the way, in the editing stage, or a combination of all three. It all depends on the author’s process.

The Charmed Life

A character has a charmed life, strolls through the story, never having to work for success. Solutions fall into his lap. He meanders along his way, riding the wave of good luck all the way to his happy ending. The problem here is no conflict, and possibly no goal or stakes.

Convenient Coincidences

There are too many coincidences, where the character gets necessary information by “just happening” to overhear conversations, randomly bumps into the person with the perfect solution or advice, becomes lost only to miraculously end up exactly where they need to be, and so on.

To check for these, I ask myself what would happen in the narrative if there were no coincidences? Is there a way to move the story forward without using the coincidences? Can the characters be given histories to explain these things? 

In Defense of Side Trips

Suppose you’re writing a discovery type draft and toss in a random coincidence to bring the story back into line for your vision. Is that a bad thing? Not always. It could be an opportunity to add layers or interest, or to explore an entirely new direction. As long as there’s enough set up and the unfolding events conclude with logic, it might shake out. In this type of writing situation, I might consider dropping in backstory and see how the story develops, then decide if it works.

The Coincidental Ending

Some genres lend themselves to coincidental endings, and some don’t. Check your genre. Even in inspirational fiction, leaning too heavily on divine intervention may fall flat. Readers want a character they can root for, characters who make choices, and then eventually find their way to a solution.

Years ago, I read a novel by a popular author and the concluding chapters suddenly took a weird sci-fi detour to explain the story. The event tying all the threads together felt out of the blue and of another genre. These contortions were necessary for the story to make any kind of sense. But I didn’t buy it. I was not happy, to say the least. I never read another book by this author.

That’s not the reaction I want from my readers. Do you have anything to add to this list about uncovering a contrived plot?

Leave a comment!

Donna Jo Stone is an award-winning author of young adult contemporary and adult historical fiction. She writes about tough issues but always ends her stories on a note of hope. Her novels are about common struggles and finding the faith to carry on through those battles.

Categories
Book Proposals

Understand and Know Your Competition

After reviewing countless book proposals, you would be shocked at the large number of authors who include a competition section that begins, “This idea has no competition because it is unique and has never been done before.” Or they say, “There is nothing like this in the marketplace. No competition.” Wrong. If you have this type of language in your proposal, remove it. The acquisitions editor or literary agent will know that you are an amateur who has no real sense about the realities of the book publishing marketplace.

While your material is unique and will fill an exclusive unique place in the market, every new book will compete with other books. King Solomon had it right when he wrote, “there’s no end to the publishing of books” (Ecclesiastes 12:12 The Message).

You are the expert on your particular topic, so it’s important that you include which books will compete with your product. I often tell writers to imagine their book in the bookstore. Which section of the bookstore will contain your book? Now think about the books that will be next to your book. Who are these authors and what will make a customer select your book instead of a competitor’s?

In this section, you need to list half a dozen books that will be direct competition to your proposed book. In particular, make sure you examine the bestselling books in your specific category such as self-help or religion. You need to do more than simply list the titles. Now, here’s the key: Explain how your book is different and distinct from these books. Give a one or two sentence summary of the contents of the competing book, then a couple of sentences about how your book is different.

Many writers are surprised to learn that researching the competition is the responsibility of the author, not the publisher. No editor can be an expert in every aspect of the book market. You are the author who is asking the publisher to invest in your proposal—so you have the obligation to locate your competition, understand the content of the competition, then distinguish those books from the new product you propose.

When you list the competition, make sure you list the title of the competing book, the author, the publisher and the publication year. Many authors neglect at least one of these aspects in their competition section of the book proposal. As an editor, I would have to ask them to revise their proposal and include it. To make this request, I had to locate a phone number or email address for the author (your proposal should include both elements), ask for the additional information and give them a deadline. To make these types of requests require the editor’s time which is in short supply. This lack also gives your proposal another reason for that dreaded form rejection letter.

As the writer, you may never know the true reason your proposal was rejected; thus, your objective should be to “rejection proof” your book proposal and eliminate this type of simple omission.

If a particular competing product has been on the bestseller list or has sold many copies and you have this information, then include it in this section about the competition. Such information will affirm your expertise in the topic for the editor (or agent). Your book proposal is your business plan and the competition section is an important part of your research.

Terry Whalin

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in California. A former magazine editor and former literary agent, Terry is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing. He has written more than 60 nonfiction books including Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams and Billy Graham. To help writers catch the attention of editors and agents, Terry wrote his bestselling Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. Get a free copy of his proposal book (follow the link). Check out his free Ebook, Platform Building Ideas for Every Author. His website is located at: www.terrywhalin.com. Connect with Terry on Twitter, Facebook, his blog and LinkedIn.

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Do you need a book proposal “cheat sheet”?

If you hope to pitch a book to a publisher, especially a non-fiction book, you will need to write a book proposal. A book proposal contains all the key information an acquisitions editor needs to determine if your book might be worth publishing. It’s sort of like a query letter on steroids. And if you hope to snag the interest of an editor (or an agent), you will need a professionally crafted book proposal.

Writers generally use a query letter to pitch an article. But a book is longer and more comprehensive than an article, thus authors need a full-blown book proposal to pitch a complete book. Book Proposals That Sell by W. Terry Whalin is a one-stop resource for creating a quality proposal. Whalin has decades of experience in the Christian publishing world, including serving as an acquisitions editor. He has shared his advice in many writing venues, including Almost an Author. Find his book proposal posts here.

The book guides you through the process of creating a book proposal that has all the elements an acquisitions editor is looking for without the mistakes that flag you as an amateur. This book is aimed specifically at nonfiction books. While some of the advice pertains to fiction book proposals, it’s better to heed the author’s advice and find a fiction proposal to model rather than using the nonfiction proposal examples included in the appendices.

What’s in the book?

The book begins with an explanation of why publishers want book proposals rather than full manuscripts for nonfiction books. However, the key value comes in the 21 secrets he shares about crafting a book proposal that will sell your book concept to an editor. Here’s a sampling of the advice this book offers:

  • Be able to share the topic of your book in a few words or sentences.
  • Understand some specifics about who will read your book—your target audience.
  • Explain your credentials for writing this book. Why are you the right person to write this particular book?
  • Prove to the publisher that you are willing to be involved in the marketing process and understand something of that process.
  • Don’t promise hype you can’t deliver.

In addition to practical explanation of the various sections a proposal needs, Whalin also offers some advice on strategy, including the importance of building good relationships with editors and how to use your book proposal to snag an agent.

And the appendices are full of even more helpful information, including additional resources and two sample proposals for you to use as models.

If you’ve spent many hours of time and effort crafting a great nonfiction book, give it an equally well-crafted proposal to show potential editors that you are a professional who has what it takes to be successful. That’s your best shot for winning that coveted publishing contract.  

Book Proposal Resources

Click this link for an offer to get a free eBook version of Book Proposals That Sell.

Here are two additional resources on writing book proposals:

Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why, 3rd edition

How to Write a Book Proposal: The Insider’s Step-by-Step Guide to Proposals that Get You Published, 5th edition.

Lisa E Betz

 Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and speechwriting coach. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her novels with unconventional characters who thrive on solving tricky problems. Her Livia Aemilia Mysteries, set in first-century Rome, have won several awards, including the Golden Scroll Novel of the Year (2021).

She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in her novels. Lisa directs church dramas, hikes the beautiful Pennsylvania woods, eats too much chocolate, and experiments with ancient Roman recipes. Visit lisaebetz.com.

Categories
Writing Romance

REALISTICALLY RELATABLE

Making your hero and heroine relatable is key to creating characters your readers will care about, will laugh with, and will cry over. Your protagonists must also care about each other. They must have enough in common so that their attraction makes sense, but they also must have enough differences to create conflict.

How do we create characters who leap off the page and into our readers’ hearts?

Characters need to have:

  • Relatability. Make them human, not perfect. Give them flaws, real character flaws, not just physical imperfections. I once edited a book by a man whose heroine was perfect. I told him she needed to have a flaw. “She does,” he assured me. “She has a limp.” A limp is not a flaw, it’s an imperfection. Being quick to judge is a flaw. Lying about inconsequential matters is a flaw. An inability to apologize is a flaw.
  • Strong personalities. I’m a fairly passive introvert and my first drafts heroines are very much like me. In other words: boring. It’s in the rewrite that I figure out their personality and give them some sass and spunk. I’m in the process of doing that with my work-in-progress’s heroine. She’s still way too passive, but she’s getting there. I’ll often think of something outrageous that I would never do and force my heroine to do that. I’ve had characters go bungee jumping, sing karaoke, and appear on a reality television show.  
  • Conflict. Both within themselves and with each other. In my work-in-progress I’m pairing a hero with a strong sense of justice and honesty with a heroine who is intent on helping someone, but it means not telling the full truth. Instant conflict!
  • Attraction. They need to have chemistry, which is easy to see, but hard to write and describe. I guess I’m a prude, because physical attraction is the hardest thing for me to write. Kissing scenes about kill me. I’m beyond grateful I don’t write sex scenes. But showing physical attraction between your protagonists is crucial to getting your readers to cheer them on to their happily ever after.
  • Obstacles. Kind of like Conflict, but bigger, harder, more intense. Always be thinking, What can happen to keep this character from reaching his/her goal? What can I throw at them or put in their way? It can be anything from weather to mechanical to physical/geographical distance to family or work responsibilities to employer policies to those pesky personality differences.
  • Authenticity. Nothing makes a reader lose interest in a book quicker than a character who does something unrealistic. I once read a “romance” where the hero gave the heroine not one clue that he was interested in a relationship. I was convinced that at the end, he’d give her an incredulous look and say, “Where did you get the idea I liked you, much less that we were dating?” and she would realize she’d made up the whole relationship in her head. Alas, he apologized for all the ways he’d failed her and promised to be a better boyfriend in the future. I instantly apologized to my heart for making it pump all the hours I’d wasted reading a book with zero plausibility.

Writing realistic and relatable characters is a skill worth learning. It’s the secret sauce that will turn your stories from good to can’t-put-down-able.

Carrie Padgett lives in Central California, close to Yosemite, but far from Hollywood, the beach, and the Golden Gate Bridge. She believes in faith, families, fun, and happily ever afters. She writes contemporary fiction with romance. She recently signed a contract with Sunrise Publishing to co-write a romance novel with New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck that will be published in 2022. Carrie and her husband live in the country with their high-maintenance cat and laid-back dog, within driving distance of their six grandchildren.

You can find her online at:

Categories
History in the Making

Nancy Drew: Girl Detective

Searching for some fun details or a bit of drama to slip into your next fictional piece? Well, pull out the spy glass and consider…

Nancy Drew—Girl Detective.

Nancy debuted on the pages of The Secret of the Old Clock in 1930. Prone to stumbling upon suspicious happenings and endowed with a knack for unraveling the mysteries surrounding them.

Nancy leaped into the hearts and dreams of many young girls. Bess and George, Nancy’s best female friends, tagged along, often to keep their friend out of trouble. The trios’ boyfriends, Ned, Dave and Bert, embraced their supporting roles of protectors, but only as needed. Because, of course, Nancy was the bold and courageous leader of this clean-cut band of teens.

What a popular character!

And that’s what she was. A character…in a book. Not a real person, though Carolyn Keene does a wonderful job crafting Nancy’s personality so that she becomes very real to readers.

Nancy also radiates her own aura of mystery.

  • Nancy’s creator, Edward Stratemeyer, is not the author of the plethora of books which titles begin: The Case of ________.
  • The ascribed author of these books, Carolyn Keene, is no more real than Nancy Drew. The name is a pseudonym appearing on the front cover no matter who might be the ghostwriter.

The ghostwriters received ideas and followed outlines from Mr. Stratemeyer, editors, publishers or whoever held rights to Nancy Drew at the time, and then anonymously penned the girl detective’s adventures. In Nancy’s case, the ghostwriters’ imaginations influenced many of the controversial character updates that occurred over her lifetime. Yet, despite their contributions, ghostwriters fell prey to common industry contracts that included maintaining anonymity and surrendering rights to their work product.

  • Nancy keeps fans guessing. Over the decades, her persona, appearance, and habits underwent alterations to better reflect the era in which each book, film or TV drama was written.

Early Nancy Drew (1930 to late 1950) was likened to a super-hero:

Independent, confident, talented, innovative, and fearless, yet sparkling with kindness as she seeks to help people in trouble.

In the year 1959 Nancy became more gentle, less tomboyish and exhibited greater respect of the men around her.

By 1985, Nancy graduated from solving petty offenses and elementary intrigue and tackled more serious crimes such as espionage and murder…and sought more romance in her life.

Thereafter, Nancy’s passions seemed more important than the mystery, which helped build the bridge to the year 2005 when the first graphic novel, The Demon of River Heights (2005/2014) arrived on the scene.

Nancy’s metamorphoses, no matter when introduced, extracted differing opinions by authors, editors, and readers.

  • Which Nancy Drew will show up in the book, film, comics, or video game at hand?

Will one find sweet, wholesome Nancy, sleuth at work? Or will one discover the new Nancy, promiscuous and focused more on romance than mystery? Will she be 16 or 18? Driving a roadster, a convertible or hybrid? (All blue, of course.) Using a cell phone? The girl-next-door wardrobe or something more seductive? What shade of blonde or red hair? Will Bess and George still be her chums? What role will Ned have?  

Notwithstanding the drama stalking Nancy Drew, enthusiasts don’t really care who gave her life or who wrote her adventures or what color her hair is today—it only matters that Nancy’s star shines at the end.

Writers of historical or contemporary fiction might find a place for Nancy Drew in their own works:

  • A minimal approach might scatter mentions of Nancy’s books throughout the pages:

The Case of the Twin Teddy Bears (1993) lands under the Christmas tree, an antsy child waits for the newest release to arrive at the store, or searches shelves (stores or home) for an unread book.

An adult character confesses Nancy Drew influenced their decision to enter law enforcement.

  • Tension-riddled issues surrounding Nancy could include: the child whose birthday wish is to meet Carolyn Keene; mother and daughter watching a provocative film/television production; the dismay of a parent who discovers the portrayal of Nancy in the book just purchased for her child isn’t the same as the girl detective she grew up with.

There she is! Nancy Drew—Girl Detective

An icon wrapped in mystery, waiting to leap onto the pages of a writer’s next venture. Don’t miss out! The opportunities are as many as there are books entitled The Case of ________.

Jeannine

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

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

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

The Third Path with Eva Marie Everson

In this episode, Eva Marie shares her love for prayer labyrinths and a journey to better understanding of this ancient practice. Research and journaling ultimately led her to write The Third Path: Finding Intimacy with God on the Path of Questioning. Then Eva Marie leads us in an exercise to answer Jesus’ questions, “What do you want?” and “What do you want Me to do for you?” If you desire a way of knowing God and ourselves at a deeper level, be sure to catch this week’s replay.

Watch the October 31st Replay.

Eva Marie Everson is the CEO of Word Weavers International. She is a bestselling, multiple award-winning writer of both fiction and nonfiction. In 2022, she was awarded the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, her work Our God is Bigger Than That won the ECPA Gold Medallion (children’s) and her work The Third Path won the AWSA Book of the Year. She and her husband live in Central Florida. They are parents and grandparents . . . and they are owned by a cat named Vanessa.

Whydunit: The 4 Motives to Mysteries with Jane Kalmes

Jane, a mystery author and “Fiction Technician” joins us to talk about the four primal motives behind cozy mysteries. She also walks us through three easy steps to quickly plot a mystery. Then shares a terrific definition for “plot twist,” and discusses other hallmarks of a cozy mystery, including guidelines for developing a series’ sleuth. This episode is for any writer intrigued by the mystery genre.

Watch the November 7th replay.

Jane Kalmes is the author of the Kitty Callahan Mysteries, set in Jazz Age Chicago. She’s also the voice behind YouTube’s largest repository of mystery writing know-how. On her eponymous channel, she breaks down plot twists, motives, mystery structure, and more.

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

Categories
Is It Too Late?

Finish Strong

 As we near the end of the year, my thoughts turn to finishing the year strong. Where can I still push forward? What can I do during the holidays to promote or grow my social media? It’s a busy time with family and friends, yet we can still advance our goals. This year isn’t complete yet.

If you haven’t set goals for your author journey, now is a great time to get some going.

If you don’t set writing goals, it will be hard to know when you reach a milestone. You can’t wake up one morning with a finished manuscript. It begins with small steps that lead to more steps that continue until you have a rough draft that might look like a story.

Success as an author is one step after another that never really stops!

God leads you to more when you’ve accomplished the small steps in front of you.

Pray for God to show you what you can do and how to get there. It takes faith and perseverance. You can do it!

One of my goals for the rest of this year is doubling down on my social media posts. Another goal on every notepad, digital reminder, and planner remains to write daily on my work in progress. It’s been in a rough draft for over two years. It’s a mess, but it won’t be by January.

Guess what I’ll be doing in January?

Creating a goal sheet. I think you get the idea. Set some goals. You’ll be happy to have them. You can start strong and finish strong!

Jill Chapman resides in Southern Indiana with her husband of forty-four years. They enjoy their country lifestyle and visiting with their children and grandchildren. Her life centers around her family and her yellow lab, Indy. She is an avid movie watcher, loves Mexican food, and enjoys watercolor painting. Jill says her life is like a good plate of nachos, a tiny kick of spice, and a whole lotta cheese.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Beating Writer’s Block

It’s happened to all of us. The dreaded b l o c k.

It’s the intersection of panic and dread, with a little bit of ack thrown in for good measure. You’ve tried every writing prompt in your Prompt A Day calendar, texted each of your writer buddies for exercises, and Googled multiple variations on “what to write when you’re out of words.”

And nothing helps.

Never fear. We’ve compiled a few tried and true, last-ditch efforts to help you thwart Block Brain.

Change your physical location

Sometimes, for your brain to bust out of its rut, you have to take it on a little field trip. You can do this by going for a walk – which is scientifically proven to help creativity, by the way. Or by taking a shower, which relaxes the body, distracts the brain, and releases dopamine all at once. It’s the trifecta of creativity. Trying something brand new, whether that’s going to a coffee shop you’ve never been or taking a staycation in a hotel you’ve never stayed, or going for a short drive down a road you’ve never traveled. Giving your brain a brand new experience to process can spur new ideas.

Unplug

Yes, you heard me correctly. Disconnect from the internet, the phone, the tv, the video games, all the things. Reduce the noise for an hour, or a day, or a week if you can. Multitasking is a creativity killer, so eliminate the temptation to respond to every notification and scroll every feed for as long as you can.

Fold your laundry (or wash dishes, or mow the yard)

Performing a repetitive task puts your body on autopilot and sets your brain free to roam. And a roaming brain is a creative brain. So fold those socks, knit one and purl two, or polish the silver and see what breakthroughs unfurl.

Get sketchy

Take a pad and pencil to your favorite park, art museum, or even your own backyard, and spend an afternoon sketching. Another idea is to snap photos of random things in your world – pigeons on the sidewalk, cats napping in a sunbeam, or grasshoppers in the flowerbed, then sketch your photos. Observing, thinking, and drawing can spur a new set of thoughts and reflections that can re-inspire your writing.

Do you have any go-to methods for breaking through writer’s block? Have you tried any of the exercises mentioned here? What did you think? Let us know in the comments.

As always, happy writing!

When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com

Categories
Marketing Sense

Welcome Email Series Example: Part 1

When a new subscriber signs up for a Lead Magnet (those 3–10-page free resources we offer in exchange for a subscriber’s first name and email address), we’re wise to send them a Welcome email series.

Why?

To connect with them person-to-person instead of digitally “tossing” them the promised resource and then returning to whatever we were doing.

Below you’ll see the first of the four actual emails I sent when delivering–in this case–a free resource titled Titles That Fit. It coordinates with a workshop I delivered by that same name at a  conference.

Watch for the remaining three Welcome emails over the next three months.

(Notice the red asterisks and their coordinating, strategic comments after the email content.)

***

Email #1 Title: Do You Write Titles or Craft Them?

Content: Hi, [first name]! Good to (digitally) meet you at (insert conference title here ’23)!

I enjoyed serving you via my workshop, Titles That Fit.

Thanks very much for requesting my workshop’s Slide Deck. It will arrive *tomorrow. I pray you find it a valuable reference.

** For now, let’s chat about you, shall we? 🙂

What’s the difference between writing a title and crafting one?

The first seems simple. We begin our project with a working title then invest hours, months, or years writing our content. We know it well. Tweaking our title’s final version should be a cinch, yes?

Strangely, that familiarity can keep us from writing our best title. Why?

Because when we’re so close to our content, we often come up with a title that’s generic without realizing it. Trying to capture the overall concept, we may go too broad.

Imagine attending a party when a new acquaintance asks why you do / did love your spouse. How can you choose The Perfect Answer in only 30 seconds?

In such situations, we go wide instead of deep, weakening our answer at the very moment we want to be precise.

It’s like that with our titles sometimes.

On the other hand, great titles are crafted. Let’s talk about that next time.

Watch for my email ***tomorrow (unless today’s Sunday–then it will be sent out Monday).

It will include the link to my Slide Deck for Titles That Fit.

Till next time,

Patricia

**** P.S. I usually attend (insert name of conference here) but could not this year, so be sure to give me a hug at next year’s conference. Deal? 🙂

————————————–

Strategies for Email #1

In the Strategy List below, you’ll find a duplicate of every sentence above shown with an asterisk, then my strategy, so you don’t have to scroll up and down the page constantly. You’re welcome. 🙂

#1: It will arrive in your Inbox *tomorrow.

(Why not just send the Lead Magnet’s link with this first email or attach it to the email? Because I want a valid reason to connect with them again very soon after my initial contact.)

#2: **For now, let’s chat about you, shall we? 🙂

(The first three sentences in this paragraph contain our “business.”

In this fourth sentence in my first Welcome email, I turn the conversation fully upon the reader by sharing an awkward story describing a situation we’ve all suffered through. Writing in a conversational manner, I hope my choice of words creates a sense of “you and I are in this together” mindset for my reader.

If they’ve been in an awkward situation–even if it’s not the one I shared–we have an additional point of connection. That’s a good thing. 🙂

#3: Watch for my email ***tomorrow (unless today’s Sunday–then it will be sent out Monday).

(This is a casual, non-aggressive reminder that I fully intend to deliver the promised free resource, but not today. It’s bolded so it will draw their eye–they’re more likely to read it. And it’s above my signature instead of randomly placed in a paragraph “somewhere” on the page.

The italicized text lets my reader know I don’t send emails on Sundays.

This is a personal choice and not a typical one, so it needs to be mentioned. No need to explain how or why I made that decision; that’s not the point.

The point is if they subscribe on a Sunday, they can expect the promised information on Monday.

#4: **** P.S. I usually attend (insert name of conference here) but could not this year, so be sure to give me a hug at next year’s conference. Deal? 🙂

(This is a subtle way to let my subscriber know I’m familiar with the conference mentioned. I’m a member of the same group, so I’m part of their world, not just “the world at large.”

I’m inviting them to connect with me in person without using those words.

See how it can work? 🙂

Patricia Durgin is an Online Marketing Coach and Facebook Live Expert. She trains Christian writers and speakers exclusively, helping them develop their messaging, marketing funnels, conversational emails, and Facebook Live programs. Patricia hosted 505 (60-minute) Facebook Live programs from 2018-2020. That program is on indefinite hiatus. She’s also a regular faculty member at Christian writers and speakers conferences around the country.

Website: marketersonamission.com
Facebook: MarketersOnAMission

Categories
Kids Lit

Help Me with My Book!

As more books are published in a variety of ways (traditional, self-pub, hybrid, assisted), a whole crop of people with expertise (real or claimed!) have popped up ready to help the harried author by doing all the big and little tasks associated with preparing a book for submission. Here a just a few of the current players.

Ghostwriters

You have a great idea but no idea where to start, and not a lot of interest or talent in writing. A ghostwriter will shape your notes into the book you envision – and put your name on the front cover!

Writing Coach

You have an idea and sort of like to write but don’t know where to start or if your story is sellable. A writing coach will take you step by step through the nuts and bolts, teaching and supporting your writing.

Copy Editor

You have an idea and like to write but that whole grammar and punctuation thing is a mystery. A developmental editor will go through line by line and rearrange and correct sentences to today’s standards. They will not be looking at the overall ideas but sentence structure and correct usage.

Professional Critiques

You finished a story but don’t know if it is good or how to make it better. The professional critique will look at arc, structure, and character development and perhaps suggest other titles on the same subject or type of book to study as you work to improve.

Sensitivity Readers

You finished the manuscript but are not sure how certain topics, references, and language will be perceived by others. Sensitivity readers are experts in language and attitudes and are a guarantee to the publisher that this book will not create any issues.

Website design

You can negotiate the web but how do you set up a link or make separate pages on a website? A web page designer will develop a page with as many bells and whistles as you like to show prospective agents you are professional.

Virtual assistant

You like Facebook but IG reels, TikTok, and things “formerly known as something else” are baffling! A virtual assistant will help you select your target population, and establish, and update your social and promotional activities across media.

Endorsers and Influencers

Your manuscript is great, but no one knows who you are. You can find picture book influencers with several thousand followers. A mention or review on that post or blog gets wide attention, whatever the fame of the influencer.

Hey, this book-writing stuff could be easy!

Freelance editors, graphic designers, readers, and virtual assistants are available all over the internet. (Caveat: find someone who has personally used the service and check it out thoroughly.)

The catch: every person listed above will cost money! From $75 minimum for a sensitivity reader to $500-$750 for a ghost-written picture book. The virtual assistant works for $15-20/hour spent on your platform. Setting up a webpage initially is around $1500, and maintaining is extra.

Ask Some Questions

Do you need some help, or is the entire job done for you?

Do you just need instructions on how to do it?

Is your time for writing worth more than you will pay for the service?

Will you need this same kind of help for the next book?

Best wishes!

With over 1.7 M books sold, multi award winning author Robin Currie led children’s departments of Midwestern public libraries, but still needs help from spell check. She has over 40 published picture books and writes stories to read and read again!

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Of Miners and Light

Several years ago, I portrayed a coal miner in a community play, and it opened my eyes to some things. I live in the coalfields of Eastern Kentucky and have known many coal miners throughout my life, but I gained a new appreciation for their work, as well as some new insights about my role as a writer, through this production.

On a basic level, the equipment coal miners wear was a real eye-opener. A buddy of mine loaned me his uniform, and the mining boots were so heavy I ditched them after one painful dress rehearsal. The producers had procured mining helmets, complete with lights on the front. I got tangled in the cord leading from the battery pack to the helmet numerous times before I finally adjusted.

Our play included a re-creation of a mining disaster, giving me a new perspective of the dangers lurking in this profession. I developed even more respect for the brave men and women who go underground every day to provide for their families.

Another epiphany came as we performed a key scene. Some other “miners” and I made an entrance with our “head-lights” providing the only illumination in the darkened theater. It was a neat effect, and it made me think about my purpose as a Christian and as a writer.

Jesus has called me (and you) to shine His light in this world.

Just like that miner’s light illuminated the way in the theater, my writing (and yours) can shine God’s light in the dark places, helping others navigate the hard circumstances in this life. My name may never appear on a bestseller list, but, with God’s light, my work can penetrate cold, lonely hearts in need of encouragement.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.

Categories
Devotions for Writers

One

He chose our inheritance for us.                         

Psalm 47:4 NIV

Abraham was a seeker of God. His heart knew the truth of the one God and he sought to know that one God diligently.

Psalm 47 paints a picture of the results of one man’s faith – a whole nation reaped the benefits of God’s blessing. Psalm 46:4 calls it a delightful inheritance. 1 Peter 1:4 says that inheritance will never perish, spoil, or fade. The generations following were benefactors of Abraham’s relationship with God. They did not receive God’s favor because of their own merit, no, they were recipients of God’s grace and mercy because they were related to Abraham.

How are we kin to Abraham? Galatians 3:26-29 says we’re heirs to the promises he received, because of faith. Romans 11:17-24 uses the imagery of a branch grafted into a tree that receives nourishment from the roots. We are grafted into the family of God.

You, too, impact a whole generation who benefit from your relationship with God. When you are a faithful servant and steadfast in following the Lord, it encourages the faith of others. When you model, mentor, and mold a life of dedication to the Father, your legacy continues.

Will you be the one?

Exercise:

Read Psalm 47 and the following verses:

Model

Why don’t you have to be perfect in your own power? 1 Peter 5:10; Psalm 18:32

What is one purpose for persevering through difficulty? 2 Timothy 2:10

Who benefits from our trials? 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Mentor

Who do we teach? Why? Deuteronomy 4:9-10

What do we teach? Titus 2

How are we to teach? Titus 3:2

Mold

How do “we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience?” 2 Corinthians 4:2 NIV

What causes thanksgiving to overflow? 2 Corinthians 4:15

How do you mold a life? 1 Thessalonians 5:11

What will your life model? Who will you mentor? How will you mold another’s faith and the pursuit of grace?

Writers have the unique opportunity to visit the living rooms of countless readers while they peruse a magazine or ingest the words of a book.

We share a message of hope with a dying world, hungry for truth and justice. Whether we use fiction or nonfiction is not the issue. The importance is in the message and the clarity of presentation. Will you be the one to share the news of our glorious inheritance in Christ?

How will your writing model, mentor, and mold?

Sally Ferguson

Sally Ferguson Bio

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

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

Come Write with Us: Music Session

Back by popular demand, here’s our second Come Write with Us: Music Session. In this show, Brandy Brow sets up several timed creative writing sessions set to themed instrumental music. Put on your creative writing hat, grab a notepad or your favorite writing device, and prepare for the inspiration to let your imagination soar! All music contained in this writing session is used with permission from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com Background Music

Watch the October 24th Replay.

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

Categories
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)

Be Flexible

Recently, I discussed with a fellow health nut at the gym that I was wanting to try something new in my fitness cycle. My goal is to maximize the benefits of the time I spend in the gym.

During my time in rehabilitation after my accident, I learned the importance of being flexible. I’m not talking about lots of stretching of the body, but not being so set in my ways or movements. Being flexible in life has lots of benefits.

  • Opportunities to learn new things
  • Decreases stress
  • Keeps the mind active

Of course, we understand the need to stay physically active for overall health. However, over time our exercise habits can become routine, boring, and less effective.

The age-old adage is true.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”

The more we perform activities and movements, the more our bodies become used to them, and that decreases the benefits.

I have already shared how I only do a particular exercise routine for eight weeks at a time before changing my routines to different exercises. A brain that isn’t stimulated ceases to grow. According to VeryWellMind, we need to practice psychological flexibility to help our brains adapt and stay healthy and creative.

Flexibility

To be flexible means, “Able to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances or conditions.” Flexibility can be applied to every area of our lives, from relationships to finances and healthy lifestyles. Flexibility is a key trait to being a successful writer.

Writer’s Life

Writers need to be flexible with both their skills and time. I have been writing for almost 20 years. I have learned that writing is easier at certain times than at others, unfortunately, it isn’t always the most opportune time for me.

I have also experienced what I set out to write isn’t what I end up with in the final draft. The writing process can change the focus of our prose. Unfortunately, we don’t always have the privilege of writing what we want.

Writers are at the mercy of publishers, editors and what is in demand at the time. The writing community is continually evolving; whether it’s traditional, self-publishing, or hybrid, a writer needs to be able to adapt to trends and genre expectations.

Writers must learn to be flexible if they want to be successful. Every writing journey will be different and a writer can’t expect to follow the same path as other writers.

Niches are comfortable and help us get experience, however, expanding our writing repertoire gives us more opportunities to grow our skills and connect with different audiences. Flexibility is one of the five F’s writers need to become better writers from Writer Unboxed.

  1. Forgiveness
  2. Flexibility
  3. Food
  4. Fun
  5. Friends

Being more flexible in our writing can also help keep the creative juices flowing. It helps overcome writer’s block. It gives us more opportunities to work as writers. It can open new doors for relationships in the writing community. And it will help our writing become stronger overall.

Stronger

The goal of good writers is to be strong writers. I do not mean being strongly opinionated. Certainly don’t be rude. And for heaven’s sake, please don’t get too wordy.

Get to the point and get out of the readers’ way. Below are a few more tips for strong writing from Writer’s Digest.

  • Never let the truth get in the way of your story.
  • Never use two words when one will do.
  • Use the active voice
  • Use parallel construction.

One of the biggest mistakes people make in exercising is over training. They think if they do more weight, more reps, or spend more time in the gym that is how they will get stronger. However, it is best to pick one or the other and learn to be flexible.

Martin Johnson

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