Tag: advice for writers

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

7 Ways to Make Sure Your Article Doesn’t Sell!

Everyone knows there are certain rules that must be followed in order to present an article to a publication. Here are a seven mistakes to avoid if you want to make sure your article has a great chance of acceptance.

1. Don’t read the guidelines.

Everyone knows how important guidelines are. In order to tailor your writing to a certain publication, you must know what they are looking for, the style they use, and what format to use. That information is found in the magazine guidelines so do not neglect reading them.

2. Fail to proof and edit your work.

Few writers hit their target level of writing on their first try. Read your article out loud. Have someone else read it. Hearing it read to you will help you know you said things with the correct choice of words.

3. Don’t check to see who the current editor is.

The article business is pretty fluent and editors move from one publication to another. If you don’t know who the current editor is, you probably haven’t read the publication in a while. Check the magazine, the website, and call the office if you must to double check who should address your article to.

4. Break multiple rules of good writing.

Many people aren’t aware that the rule for spacing after periods has changed – several decades ago – and still put two spaces following every period. That tells the editor you have approached that you have not kept up with the changes in style and grammar rules. Also comma rules change from time to time. So you know what the current rule for the Oxford comma is? Do editors prefer more commas or less?

5. Pester the editor.

Writers get excited about getting their words into print. They also get impatient when waiting to hear from editors. But calling and emailing the editor will not endear them to them. Try to wait patiently for a reasonably amount of time. Check the writers market guide as to response time. Make note of that then add a week or two before emailing a short inquiry as to the status of your manuscript.

6. Don’t follow through on your promises.

If you say you will have your article to an editor within three weeks, make it two. If you say you are going to interview a famous expert, make sure you include that expert’s opinion in your article. One of the last things you should do before submitting your article for publication is to make a checklist of what you promised the editor and make sure all those things were included.

7. Fail to send something the editor requested.

When an editor responds positively to a query, you need to act on it. Editors will not express interest in your idea unless they genuinely want to see your work. Dragging your feet or failing to send the material at all is a great way to know you will never sell that article.

Instead of looking at what you should not do, be aware of the things that will give you the best chance to sell your work. Make every word you write make a difference in the lives of others.

Linda Gilden is an award-winning writer, speaker, editor, certified writing and speaking coach, and personality consultant. Her passion is helping others discover the joy of writing. Linda recently released Articles, Articles, Articles! and is the author of over a thousand magazine articles and 16 books including the new LINKED Quick Guides for Personalities. As Director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, Linda helps many writers take the next step in reaching their writing goals. Linda’s favorite activity (other than eating folded potato chips) is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren—a great source of writing material! www.lindagilden.com

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Advice from a Debut Author

The intentional writer

One month ago my first novel officially released. As you might guess, I am proud of finally achieving that goal!

Death and a Crocodile is a fast-paced mystery set in ancient Rome, featuring a feisty female sleuth, quirky humor, a glimpse of the early church, and a naughty, sausage-snatching cat. It was recently named a gold medal winner in the Illumination Book Awards mystery/thriller category.

Death and a Crocodile

In case you’re wondering, my meteoric rise to fame began long, long ago in a phase of life far far away from my current reality. (As in mother of toddlers to grandparent.)

Over the intervening years I’ve spent countless hours learning, writing, getting feedback, writing some more, attending conferences, building platform, and writing. Ten years ago I actually completed an entire novel manuscript. Four years ago I complete the manuscript that became my first novel. Two years ago that manuscript was a finalist in the ACFW Genesis award. One year ago I signed a contract for the book with CrossLink Publishing. And now here I am, at the start of my career as a published author.

Author interviews often include a question something like “What advice do you have for beginning authors?” Since I have just transitioned from unpublished author to published author, I thought I would take a stab at answering that question.

Believe in yourself and your stories

When I first discovered that I enjoyed creative writing, I wrote short articles and drama sketches. Sometimes I would work on a few scenes of a longer story, but I never got very far. Partly because I hadn’t yet learned how to structure a story, but mainly because I didn’t think anyone would want to read the stories I made up.

My inner critic whispered that no one wanted to read my stories. My plot ideas weren’t good enough. They were stupid, lame, boring, or too odd for anyone else to enjoy.

It took me years to get over this hurdle.

And it was only after I decided to believe my stories were worth reading that I began to take myself seriously as a writer. Only once I had moved past that mental hurdle could I risk my work being seen in critique groups or actually decide to finish an entire story manuscript.

Give yourself permission to be a beginner

You’ve probably heard the advice that you must turn off your inner critic and give yourself permission to write a “bad” first draft. I suggest you take that concept further and give yourself permission to write a “bad” first novel.

Let me clarify! By “bad” I don’t mean poorly written, or awful, or a piece of junk. I merely mean not yet good enough to be published. I call them practice novels. A practice novel is not bad. A practice novel is not a waste of time. I think of practices novels as a hands-on writing course that helps us learn and improve our craft.

I recognize that God has called some of you to write a specific book, and therefore you need to continue improving and polishing that manuscript until it is publishable. However, for many of us, and particularly those who write fiction, our calling is to be a teller of tales, not necessarily any one particular tale. Therefore, creating practice novels that helps us hone our skill and find our voice is a perfectly acceptable use of our time and talents. I have heard many successful authors mention the practice novels they wrote, which gave me mental permission to do the same. I wrote three practice novels before writing Death and a Crocodile.

Do you need to give yourself permission to call your manuscript a practice novel and set it aside to begin working on something better? And who knows, a plot point or character from a practice novel could always end up in a future work.

Network even if you don’t know what you’re doing.

I am a card-carrying introvert. I was not born with a networking gene. One of the things I hate most in life is feeling alone in a crowd of people. Attending any large social event drains my energy big-time. (Are you getting the picture?)

So attending writing groups or conferences is a HUGE stretch for me. But I do it.

Because interacting with other writers face-to-face is an important piece of growing as a writer. All of the one-on-one meetings I’ve had at Christian writing conferences have been encouraging, and several of those meetings have led to further interaction with helpful authors. Also, every time I have attended a live conference, the Lord has guided me to people I could befriend. So even though I’m not a natural networker, and I didn’t realize I was networking, I have collected writing acquaintances over the years that I can turn to for advice, encouragement, and even an endorsement or two.

In other words, attending writers’ groups and writing conferences enables God’s providence to operate and lead you to open doors.

An example of networking and God’s providence: A woman I befriended at a local writers’ group met Cyle Young through attending a writing conference. When he was starting Almost an Author, she heard about it and passed the word to me, so I was able to begin writing a column here. That led to Cyle becoming my literary agent. Which eventually landed me a publishing contract. See all that networking? And it began with me talking to ONE writing friend and making the effort to join a group writing blog. That’s all I thought I was doing, but God had bigger plans.

If you know any beginning writers, take the time to encourage them in whatever next step they need to take on their writing journey. Encourage them to believe in the worth of their stories. Or perhaps invite them to come along the next time you attend a writing event.

Lisa E. Betz worked as an engineer, substitute teacher, and play director before becoming an award-winning mystery writer. She brings her analytical mind, quirky humor, and positive outlook to all she writes. She draws inspiration from thirty-five years of leading Bible studies to create entertaining mysteries set in the world of the early church, and then she fills that world with eccentric characters, independent females, and an occasional sausage-snatching cat. Her first novel, Death and a Crocodile, garnered a gold medal in the Illumination Book Awards.

In addition to writing novels, Lisa blogs about living with authenticity and purpose. Visit her at www.lisaebetz.com. Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

Categories
Guest Posts

A Rookie’s Best Advice

In the short time since I published my first book (10/10/2020), I’ve been asked many times what advice I would give to those with a book idea of their own. Although this rookie is happy to answer what I can about the mechanics and business of being a writer, I would only be telling a half-truth if I stopped there. 

Over the last 6 years that I’ve been attending my local writer’s and mastermind groups, poking around conferences and expos, taking e-courses, dog-earing craft books, listening to podcasts, and “friend-stalking” the authors I want to be like when I grow up, I’ve learned a great deal. But stretch me as those things have, that learning curve is slight compared to the foundational education that I believe someone whom God calls to pick up a pen must acquire. 

Am I referring to a college degree? No- don’t have one; nor did I go to Bible School. I haven’t held an official staff position (paid or volunteer) at my church. I’ve never even taught a Sunday School class or led a small group. But when it comes to being an author, I don’t suffer for a second from “Imposter Syndrome”. Here’s why: 

I believe that in order to have words worthy of writing down, you must first authentically learn them through life experience. Persevering through the trials, failures, and heartaches that come our way equip us with wisdom worth writing about. And hang with me; I’m not referring to non-fiction writers alone. This is coming from the author of a children’s picture book. Fiction can be one of the greatest ways to impart truth. The Author of Life was, is, and forever will be the greatest storyteller of all time. Jesus Christ himself taught through parables and stories. 

Through his words and deeds, he equipped us to be overcomers, then sent the Holy Spirit to counsel us along our way. And like anything worthwhile, I am convinced that the journey of becoming an effective writer (one who is doing Kingdom work, producing fruit that will last) starts at His feet. And what drives us there more effectively than trials?

I write fables. My debut book illustrates what it looks like to love the difficult people in your life. And although it’s catchy and cute, I’m told that it can preach- But honestly, to no one more than myself. 

What I didn’t expect was the way in which I would be tested on my own words through the process of publishing this book. I’ll have a more definitive opinion down the publishing road, but I have a hunch that perhaps this is the reality of the author journey. How often I have been exhorted by the words of the little woodland creatures in this series! Simple truths, much easier taught than lived out, require the work of the Holy Spirit in our yielded lives.

So whether or not you have a degree, business experience, an impressive platform, or are just getting started—f you have a desire to write, here is my best advice:

First, practically speaking, be patient. Avoiding embarrassing or costly mistakes. Having a professional product in the end is worth the investment of your time and dollars. 

Next, silence the voice that questions your ability or whether or not you “qualify” to be an author. God never chooses those whom we would view as the obvious pick now does he?

Finally, sit humbly at his feet and gain a heart of wisdom as you negotiate your own set of trials and victories. What he is teaching you, though often through a painful process, is likely the reason the desire to write has been planted within you. 

Listen for His voice if you want to find yours. Then write. Write for the joy of it. Write because it makes you laugh, or cry, or feel inspired. Most of all, write because when you do, you feel the unparalleled warmth of his smile.

Shelleen Weaver is a poet, former Miss Teen of Pennsylvania, a singer/songwriter/recording artist of the CRW # 1 hit song, Enraptured, a speaker, wife, and mom. And completely, utterly, a child at heart. She’s the author of Love Bird, the first of the Fruit Fables series, which grew out of the bedtime stories and original lullabies she told and sang to her children when they were young. Shelleen lives with her husband and three children in gorgeous Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. More at ShelleenWeaver.com

Categories
Writing for YA

Talking About Writing and Contests with 2020 First Impressions YA Finalist Annette Griffin

The First Impressions Contest is held every year by ACFW. This year, Annette Griffin made it to finalists’ list for the young adult category.

Congratulations, Annette!

What advice would you give writers considering entering writing contests?

Entering contests has been one way I challenge myself to become a better writer. Here are a few things I’ve learned–the hard way– about submitting successful contest entries:

1) Be sure to pay close attention to the contest submission guidelines, follow them precisely, then check again for compliance before you hit the send button.

2) Write with passion, but when you’re done go back and highlight all the passive language and replace it.

3) Before you hit the send button be sure to pray. Ask God to align your heart with His plans for your writing and pray for favor and open doors according to His will. 

Why did you decide to write young adult fiction?

My characters tend to choose the genres I write. My YA characters are some of my favorites–each are inspired by my work with young adults through years of youth ministry. 

What is your biggest writing dream or goal?

I have a different take on this question than most of my author heroes and mentors. Yes, goals are very important. Without them I would wind up spinning my wheels most days. I do have practical short term and long term goals that include word counts, craft development, marketing aspirations, networking etc. but when it comes to my biggest writing “dream” I really just want to accomplish WELL what God has already pre-planned for me to do (Eph 2:10). I can dream big, but I learned a long time ago that MY idea of big may not look at all like God’s does. His ways are better, higher, and perfect. His plans for me are good and will be used for His glory. I want to do Him proud as I work to fulfil His dreams for me.

Great advice. When I get caught up in the work, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the main purpose, the reason for starting in the first place. It’s always good to remember the big picture vision behind the effort.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

If you’re talking about my biggest inspiration in life, Joni Earekson Tada has inspired me since I was a young girl. She is an example of a woman who despite physical devastation, heartache, trial, and constant pain has chosen to live her love for Jesus publically–with so much joy–to help others find their strength in Him. 

I’ve always admired Joni. She’s one of my heroes, too.

I love your answers!

Thank you for talking with us, Annette.

Annette is an award winning author who writes inspiration and fiction for women & children. Her debut children’s book What Is A Family? released this July. She and her husband live in NC with their two teens and beagle named Bella who keeps them all on a leash. 

Website: annettemariegriffin.com

FB: @annettemariegriffin

IG: @annettemariegriffin

book link: https://www.workman.com/products/what-is-a-family

For more encouragement from Annette, check out her Embrace the Wait column.

Readers, have you had success with a writing contest or reached a writing goal this year? Share your good news in the comments.

Donna Jo Stone writes YA contemporary novels about tough issues but always ends the stories with a note of hope. She blogs at donnajostone.com.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Ten Ways to Be a Great Critique Partner

It cannot be overstated: Critique groups are vital for writers. The critique group is to a writer what coaches are to professional sports teams. If you want to play (write) at your best, you need them.

Many critique groups are meeting virtually, but good critique group etiquette is still as important as it ever was – if not more so. Whether you’re joining your first group or your fifty-first, it’s never a bad idea to brush up on some of the often-unspoken rules of critique groups. Here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to being the kind of critique group member people want to have around.

Critique Partner DOs:

Ask the group leader about expectations before your first meeting. How many pages should the writing sample be, and should you share it before or during the meeting? If you will be sharing electronic documents, what file format is preferred?

Ask each member what kind of feedback they are most interested in before you read their work. Some are interested in general reactions; others may be trying to solve a specific problem. Tailor your feedback to help each writer achieve his or her objectives.

When giving feedback, be as specific as you can, and comment from your own perspective. For example, “I wondered if this character might have a stronger response when his little sister fell,” is more constructive input than “Needs better characterization.”

Be considerate and helpful. No matter what type of feedback you offer, consider how you would feel if you were the one receiving it. Deliver every comment, whether critical or complimentary, thoughtfully and with care for the receiver.

If you have time, organize your comments. Prioritize them into “big bucket” and “little bucket,” or sort them by story component. Try to help the writer gain a sense of what problems might prevent their manuscript from getting a second look from an agent or publisher.

Critique partner DON’Ts:

When you receive criticism, don’t freak out. Criticism of your work is not the same as criticism of you as a human being, so do not treat it as such. Try not to take any comments as a judgment of your value or worth, because they are not. They’re notes from a fellow writer about how they reacted to your work product.

Don’t obsess but do notice trends. If you get certain types of feedback consistently, there’s a reason.

Try not to brush off the good things. If you’re like me, you are your own harshest critic. Learn to graciously accept compliments.

Remember to be respectful of the group’s time. Make an effort to be on time and prepared. Everyone understands that life happens, but if you’re going to miss a meeting or be late, let your group leader know.

Stay on topic. This falls under “be respectful of the group’s time,” but it is worth mentioning. Most groups have a limited amount of time, which means if you want each member to receive feedback on their work, the entire group must stick to the same agenda. Don’t hog the group’s time with tangential discussions, irrelevant questions, or personal stories. Stick to the task at hand, which is critiquing your fellow writers’ work.

These are just a few things I’ve learned over the years in various critique groups. The most productive groups are the ones who set clear expectations about group behavior early. It’s easier for everyone when they know what to expect.

What’s your critique group like? Do you share a set of guidelines or group practices, so everyone knows what to expect?

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
Magazine and Freelance

The Value of a “Write Away”

I have a good friend who often says, “I’m going to be gone this week to a “write away.”

What you may ask is a “write away?” Simply put it is a time set aside where you go somewhere and write away (in more ways than one)! During these time of staying at home and social distancing, most of us need a write away more than ever.

When you are in a writing slump and can’t seem to get the words flowing, maybe you need a change of scenery and routine. For these times, that may mean changing your writing space in your home so you have a view out of a different window as you write, parking the car by a lake and spending a few hours writing, or finding a quiet outside location near your home to write. Look for an uncrowded park that is open and “camp out” there.

You may be thinking to yourself—That’s fine for you but I don’t have a lot of places to go nearby. The good news is you don’t have to. Here are a few other suggestions.

A friend of mine lives on a lake just a short drive from my house. She has a beautiful home with an entire glass wall in her living room. The view is calming, relaxing, and extremely conducive to creativity. This sweet friend has given me an open invitation to come to her house and write any time I need to have a write away. During this time of staying away from others, I can ask my friend if I can go sit on her dock and write all afternoon. I am not around people but my creativity has a chance to flow as it comes. Do you have a friend whose yard or dock you could visit for a write away?

Look for a friend who lives in the country and take a chair and small desk to sit and admire the countryside as you write. Most people won’t mind your coming and just hanging out in their yards.

If your library or church is open, you may be able to find an indoor spot to enjoy new surroundings and increased creativity

No matter what method you choose, the benefits of taking a break from your normal routine are great. Does your creativity need a jumpstart? Plan a “write away” today.

Linda Gilden is a wife, mother, and grandmother. Linda finds great joy (and lots of writing material) in time spent with her family and enjoys every opportunity for a short “write away.” Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing children!

Categories
Writing Mentors

Interview with A Mentor: Linda S. Glaz

Why do you write?

I can’t imagine a life NOT writing. OR it’s those nasty voices in my head trying to get out. Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books? Forgiveness and trust are probably the two key elements.

How long have you been writing?

I could be cheesy and say that first story in eighth grade hooked, but more seriously, about 28-29 years.

And how long did it take you to get your first book published?

My first novella was published 18 years after I started writing. It took me a while to ‘get it’, that I wasn’t all that good and a nickel!

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

Agent of the Year for ACFW. Meant so much to know that someone cared enough to write an essay that nominated me.

Tell us about a recent/favorite book or article you’ve published.

I have a client who writes historic romance, and she’s received numerous started reviews from Publisher’s Weekly. Having been a part of that has meant a lot.

Tell us about one of your greatest joy(s) in your writing career.

Having a patients at the clinic where I worked asked me to “Please” write a sequel to that first novella. I had thought to sit down and dash off a 500-750 word epilogue that would complete what happened to the secondary characters and give it just to her. Once I started, however, I realized that those characters had their own story to tell, so wrote another novella. She was so pleased.

Tell us about one of your darkest moment(s) in your writing career.

Writing a story about the bombing of the White House, but when I finished it, 9-11 happened and I was encouraged to shelve it for a while. Now, because of circumstances in the story, the theme is a moot point and I have to completely rewrite the entire arc. So until I have that moment when I simple ‘have’ to tell the story differently, I’m stuck waiting. Probably my best and fave writing to boot.

Rejection is a common experience for writers. How do you overcome rejection?

Perseverance and believing how important perseverance is. How has rejection shaped you or your career? I think it prepared me to be an agent more than an author. I know how much it hurts and try not to dish that out to new authors.

How has God led you to mentor other writers?

It’s just what I do. I’ve always taught in many arenas, and when your heart’s in it, you want to help others.

Do you speak at writers’ conferences?

Oh, yes. Love to. What are some of your favorite topics to speak about? Perseverance, Show vs. Tell, Writing first pages that Pop! and other topics.

Tell us about some of your favorite conferences and why you like them.

I tend to love the smaller more intimate conferences where you can really get to know people. But then, there’s the ACFW massive conference which is really awesome in its own right.

Have you organized or led other types of groups to support writers?

Writers groups, but I honestly prefer to leave that to folks with amazing organizational skills. Or, you DON’T want to see my office!!!

How else do you provide support for writers?

Seeing potential in someone and just wanting to help them get it right!

Tell us about a facet of mentoring that particularly excites you.

Starting to work with a new author, and then seeing them receive a contract from a publisher, then seeing readers go crazy for their novels.

What venues/methods have you found most effective for meeting and mentoring writers?

 Conferences, for sure. And, of course, referrals.

What advice do you have for writers as we interact with our peers? What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers?

Do your best to show them that you are a professional. Learn to do things the right way first time out and it will show. What can we do to be better supporters and mentors of our fellow writers? Help by reposting new book releases for friends, take part in contests, help by becoming beta readers and being part of friends’ launch teams.

Linda S. Glaz is an agent with Hartline Literary Agency, and also the author of eight novels and two novellas, so she “gets” writers. She represents authors in both the Christian and secular communities. She speaks at numerous conferences and workshops around the country each year. Married with three grown children and four grands, she lives in a small town where everyone is family.

Categories
Devotional/Christian Living

Spreadsheets: Organizing Wisdom from Author Karen Whiting

I am one of those writers who sits among piles of stuff. That piece of information I need? I know I have it written on a piece of paper…somewhere. When it comes to writing, organizing one small devotion is not hard. Hook, Bible point, application. But now that I am writing devotional books, I’ve been wondering how to organize my writing. How can I be sure that my topics aren’t repetitive? How can I see my writing progress without having to scroll through a long Word document? Where can I jot ideas down so they don’t get lost?

With these questions simmering in the back of my mind, I attended Karen Whiting’s class at Montrose Christian Writer’s Conference in Montrose, PA. Karen Whiting is the award winning author of 26 books including The One Year My Princess Devotions, 52 Weekly Devotions for Families Called to Serve, and The Gift of Bread. Although the title of Karen’s class was Marketing Your Book, she generously shared additional ideas pertaining to organizing all aspects of being a writer. What is her secret?

Spreadsheets.

It sounds like a simple thing, but the idea has changed my writing life. Here’s how Karen uses spreadsheets:

Spreadsheets to Outline a Devotional Book

Rather than a traditional outline, Karen organizes her devotional book writing on a spreadsheet so she can see all the elements of the book at a glance. On her spreadsheet she includes a column for each element in the devotion including the title of each devotion, scripture passage, key verse, quote, and (most importantly) the need of the reader each particular devotion meets. For her upcoming devotional book for moms, she included needs like affirmation, love, and assurance. This way she can make sure that the book as a whole is meeting a range of the spiritual and emotional needs of the reader. She can also see that she does not write towards one need too often while ignoring others. She also uses spreadsheets to outline her parenting, craft, and Christian life books.

Spreadsheets to Organize the Marketing Plan

When I create a marketing plan for a book proposal, I use a bullet point list to brainstorm my marketing ideas. Karen uses a spreadsheet and groups similar marketing together. One section for radio interviews, one for television interviews, one for social media marketing, another for blog post and article ideas. She includes contact information for each radio station or magazine publisher. Then when she is ready to market, she has all the information she needs in one place. She can just go down the spreadsheet like a to-do list and make notes on her progress for each task. When an interview or article is complete, she adds the link on her spreadsheet.

Spreadsheets for the Launch Team

Leading up to the book release, the launch team will read advance copies of the book and generate excitement on social media and other places. Karen said it’s wise to have about 30-40 people on the launch team, but be prepared to see only 20-25% follow through. She uses a spreadsheet to keep track of members of her launch team, their addresses, and ideas for the gifts she will send to them. During the marketing class, Karen offered personalized suggestions to each author in the room by giving ideas for gifts for our launch team members. I was amazed at how creative Karen is on the spot! For my upcoming book Take It to Heart: 30 Days through Revelation, a Devotional Workbook, Karen gave ideas like squishy stress ball hearts and heart shaped candy. Yum! She also encouraged me to create speaking topics about truth since I encourage Christians to find simple truth in Scripture. Such helpful ideas!

I’m so grateful to Karen Whiting for sharing her wisdom with us at Montrose Christian Writer’s Conference. I came home energized and equipped to organize my devotional writing in an effective way.

Do you have any tips for organizing your writing life? Do you use spreadsheets? Comment below!

Rachel Schmoyer is a pastor’s wife who is loving her church life. She writes about the hard parts of Scripture at readthehardparts.com. She has had devotionals published in the past, but now she is looking forward to getting her first Christian Living book published. You can connect with Rachel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Categories
The Intentional Writer

The Importance of Taking Breaks

The intentional writer

Writing is hard work. It may not look like writers expend much energy, but we are. Writing saps our mental, emotional, and spiritual energy reserves. If you’ve ever felt drained after a writing session you know what I mean.

In order to be effective in our writing career, we need to intentional about taking breaks to restore our creative energy. We need time to rest, refuel, and find new inspiration. Here are some ideas:

Five types of breaks to boost writing success

Give your project a rest

Sometimes the best thing we can do with a writing project is set it aside for a time. When we get deep into a story we lose the ability to look at it objectively, plus we tend to get stuck on certain details, scenes, or sentences. When we set the project aside and work on a different piece of writing for a time, we allow our brains to do a reset.

Taking a break between one draft and the next enables our conscious and unconscious brains to return to the project with clearer thinking. We can more easily spot problems and think up more creative solutions for solving them. If you feel stuck with a piece of writing, try locking it in a drawer (real or virtual) for at least a week, or perhaps a few months.

Take short breaks to enhance efficiency

When we’re in the middle of a busy day, taking a break may feel highly unproductive, but productivity experts have shown that taking short breaks actually enhances our ability to think and perform. They suggest stopping every two hours or so to take a short break.

All breaks are not created equally, however. To make the most of short breaks, walk away from your desk, turn your brain to a completely unrelated subject, and connect with either nature or other humans. Limit the break to about fifteen minutes. Above all, resist the temptation to check social media or email! Those activities are not restorative.

Refill your empty tank

When we push ourselves to keep going after our inner energy tank is on empty, our creativity suffers. If we want to do our best work, we must be intentional about taking refueling breaks. What refreshes and restores your heart and soul? Taking a walk along the seashore? Paining a picture? Gardening? Reading? Talking with a friend over coffee? Do yourself and your future readers a favor by making a point to refuel yourself regularly by spending time in activities that restore your body and psyche.

Seek out inspiration

Along with refueling our inner energy tank, we occasionally need to resupply our stock of inspiration. Now and then we need to take a break from writing to seek other kinds of experiences that will fill our store of ideas and spark creativity. The more varied the activities, the better. Vacations, nature walks, art classes, dancing lessons, or a visit to an art museum are all great ways to refill our cache of inspiration. So is reading a book outside our preferred genres or watching a TED talk on something we know nothing about. It may feel like wasted time, but all positive input is fodder for out subconscious. What new things can you learn or experience this week?

Meditate and pray

Our words reflect the state of our spirit. If we hope to communicate truth and hope to our readers we need to remain connected to our Lord. He is the one who gifted us with imagination and called us to write. He is the one who can inspire, guide, and clarify our thoughts. He is the one who enables us to write with efficiency and purpose. Taking spiritual breaks to pray and meditate will help us stay true to our calling and enable us to communicate the truths in our hearts.

I hope these tips help you avoid burnout and enhance your creative output.

Happy writing!

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

Categories
Book Proposals

Make Your Proposal Stand Out

Recently I met one of my long-term friends, a publisher of a well-known book company. Speaking about how I manage author expectations, I said, “I tell every author it is 80% up to them to sell the book.”

“That 80% is the same thing we tell authors,” he affirmed. Are you taking your responsibility for selling your own book? This attitude is critical in any proposal because it will shine through your words.

Editors and literary agents receive hundreds of submissions. You have seconds to catch their attention before they move to the next one. How can you distinguish your book proposal? Consider these seven keys:

Create an Unforgettable Title. For example, I recently received a proposal from a former nun who wrote a marriage book. The juxtaposition of “nun” with “marriage” caught my attention.

Begin with a great story and continue with thoughtful well-organized content. You don’t just throw the words on the page to have this dynamic. Your writing and rewriting will capture attention.

 Target a specific audience that you know and knows you. Books are not written for everybody but to a particular audience. Your proposal identifies this audience.

  Write a detailed marketing plan to reach your audience. Practical author plans get attention from literary agents and editors.

 Identify five or six competitive books in your proposal. Every book competes and if you understand your competition, you will stand out.

 Carefully craft the first few chapters of your book and include these chapters with your proposal. The sample chapters showcase your writing to the literary agent or editor.

Use my proposal checklist (http://terrylinks.com/bookcheck) to ensure no critical elements are missing.

 A standout proposal takes hard work but you can do this work. This important tool will snag a top agent or get an editor’s attention.

W. Terry Whalin, a writer and acquisitions editor lives in Colorado. 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. He answers to your proposal questions at: www.AskAboutProposals.com.

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 and LinkedIn.

Categories
Guest Posts

10 Best Marketing Books For Authors Ever Written

There are a lot of talented authors on the Best Writers Online and Online Writers Rating custom writing reviews platforms. There are a lot of talented authors we even don’t know about since they are not willing to show their creative results to the world.

However, do you know what is the difference between a talented writer and a successful writer? The successful writer does his best to market his creative offspring. Surely, you want to be successful and talented at the same time, so here is the list of the best marketing books that will help you with this task.

Online Marketing for Busy Authors: A Step-By-Step Guide by Fauzia Burke

According to the author, technology is the best thing available to authors in our time. Promotion and advertising have never been so easy and effective, unless, of course, you know what you are doing. The author of this book knows how to make you a popular online author, and is happy to share tips on creating landing pages, developing a social presence, and sending effective email newsletters. Plus, the book contains great time management tips to finish your new book on time.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.6 out of 5

Real Artists Don’t Starve by Jeff Goins

A well-known saying states that the artist must be constantly hungry so that thoughts about how to earn his living stimulate creative impulses. The author of this book destroys this theory and proves that the best artist is the artist whose work is highly paid.

Regardless of whether you are painting in oil or writing a book, your work must be paid. And well paid. The author helps to accept this idea within oneself and find the first promotion strategies.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.6 out of 5

Sell Your Book Like Wildfire by Rob Eagar

This book one of the best marketing books that can be called a strategy for developing your brand. Each page is a step-by-step explanation of what you need to do to start a stream of conversations about you, and most importantly, what you need to do so that your book starts to be sold both in physical stores and online. The author offers a comprehensive strategy for your popularization, which will work under the main condition – your book should be really interesting and sought-after.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.5 out of 5

I Must Write My Book by Honoree Corder

How is this book interconnected with the marketing of your own one? Here is the most direct connection. In this book, the author teaches you to write consistently, purposefully, not to lose inspiration and motivation, to maintain clarity of thought and, moreover, to do it easily. As a result, you get a better product, and the better the product, the easier it is to market it.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.9 out of 5

Reader Magnets: Build Your Author Platform and Sell more Books on Kindle by Nick Stephenson

In this book, the author proposes a strategy that successfully mixes a creative approach, technology, and relationship management. Its formula for success is simple – give readers a lot of cool content for free, and at some point, they themselves will want to pay for your book. No false advertising and misleading marketing – only value, value and one more value.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.6 out of 5

Your First 1000 Copies by Tim Grahl

This book received many rave reviews from writers who became best selling New York Times authors, and with the help of this book as well. The author puts your reader at the forefront and teaches you how to start a relationship, engage, build trust, and sell without causing feelings of irritation and imposition.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.5 out of 5

Write. Publish. Repeat. (The No-Luck-Required Guide to Self-Publishing Success) by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant

This book teaches writing and selling at the same time. Moreover, the authors prove that publication is not the most difficult part as many authors consider. Using the techniques described in this book, you can create a work for which publishers will fight with each other.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.7 out of 5

Write To Market by Chris Fox

This book is a pure marketing approach to writing yours. No, the author does not deny the need for creativity and an artistic approach but insists that before you write something, you need to analyze the market or the preferences of readers. This is the only way to create a sought after product and sell it.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.7 out of 5

How to Make a Living As a Writer by James Scott Bell

In this book, the author suggests turning your writing into a business because technology has given the best opportunity for this. This book is a collection of secrets on how to write well, not to lose inspiration, to sing more in less time, organize your business, and receive passive income from writing.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.7 out of 5

How to Write Copy That Sells: The Step-By-Step System for More Sales, to More Customers, More Often by Ray Edwards

This is a great book for those who not only make money by writing but also help others earn and sell more. If you are a freelance copywriter or owner of a business, open this book now. It will teach you how to write so that the sales of your product grow organically.

● Rating on Amazon – 4.6 out of 5

Do you know more books on authors’ marketing? We will kindly appreciate your suggestions, so feel free to post a comment and share it!

Frank Hamilton is a blogger and translator from Manchester. He is a professional writing expert in such topics as blogging, digital marketing and self-education. He also loves traveling and speaks Spanish, French, German and English.

Categories
Becoming an Author

Acting Techniques to Deepen Your Writing – Part 2

As I mentioned in the previous post, there is much we can learn on the writing craft by studying acting techniques. Last week, we discussed characterization, so check that out here if you missed it!

Today I want to share with you the tips writers can learn from actors on the breakdown of plot/scene and the conveying of emotion.

On Scene/Plot Breakdown…

1. Characters do not leave a scene the same way they entered it. There is always a moment that brings about transformation—externally, internally, or both. Allow this progression to take place naturally within the character rather than being forced upon for the sake of the story.

2. Understand how the previous scene influences the current scene. Did it result in the development of a new minor goal for the POV character? What are the character’s expectations? What decisions did they make in the previous scene that resulted in their current state of circumstances?

3. Identify the scenes in the overall plot that result in a major shift internally within the character.

4. In a scene, an actor never simply stands around. They are always doing something: listening, thinking, fidgeting, etc. Allow the pause moments of your character to serve as a reflection of who they are.

5. What is the subtext of a scene? In real life, we don’t always say what we mean—however, we show what we mean by our tone of voice, our actions, expressions, etc. What is the story beneath the dialogue at hand, and how can you show that to your readers? How do your characters reflect their true intentions?

6. Allow the internal desires and external goals of your character to guide the story and scenes. In each scene, an actor must be in touch with the goal(s) and desire(s) that guide the character through both the scene and the overall plot journey. Doing this accomplishes the following: it allows the actor to create natural responses to the given circumstances, provides motivation for the journey, and creates tension when those desires/goals go unmet.

7. Identify the tension in every scene. Conflict adds a spark of interest and keeps the audience (readers) engaged.

On Emotion…

1. The acting technique of substitution allows actors to tap into intended emotions and reactions in a given scene. They do this by recalling a time when they experienced a similar emotion in their own life. As writers, we, too, can allow our own memories to help us recreate emotions on a page. These authentic emotions will bring readers deeper into the story, allowing them to connect on a heart level with the character.

2. The acting instructor, Uta Hagen, advised actors to use sense memory to connect with emotions. This involves recalling a specific memory and the senses attached. For example, think about a specific time when you felt appreciated. What did you see, feel, taste, smell, and hear? When you can specifically recall those details, the memory will strengthen, as well as the emotion attached. As writers, when we struggle to portray a specific emotion, let’s return to a time when we experienced a similar emotion. We can allow the sensory details of that memory to help us convey that in our writing.

3. Don’t force tears. People often think crying on cue is equivalent to good acting, but that’s not the case. Forcing tears comes across as unauthentic to the audience and does not connect with them. If an actor truly wants to convey the emotion, they must experience it. So, if a script calls for tears in an actor but s/he isn’t feeling it, then the actor must not fake it.

We can use the same principle in our writing by only portraying emotion that make sense for the character, given who they are and their state of circumstances. In acting, even more important than the manifestation of tears is the emotional depth the actor can bring. In fact, it’s often more powerful to watch a character trying to resist the urge of tears. Let’s remember this when we write emotional scenes. Forced tears are not equivalent to powerful emotion; in fact, it comes across as melodramatic and unrealistic. The acting instructor, Uta Hagen, once said, “Emotion takes us; we can’t take it.”

Don’t forget to check out the list of recommended reads included in the previous post!

Next time, we will discuss the tips actors teach us on the craft of writing and the overall career and process of writing.

Which of these tips most resonates with you? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Declutter Your Writing Life

The intentional writer

In my blog about living intentionally I often talk about decluttering—not just in our homes but in all areas of life. My definition of clutter is as follows:

Clutter: any thing, activity, expectation, or task that is non-essential and gets in the way of doing what matters most. Clutter is everything that is not meaningful, useful, or beautiful. 

So then, decluttering is the removal of all that is non-essential so that we can focus on what matters most—in our case, writing and promoting our books and our message.   


Areas where you might need to remove some clutter

  1. Your workspace. Does your workspace encourage productive work or does it contain objects that distract you? Are the tools and information you need readily available, or is your workspace filled with other stuff that doesn’t help your writing but happens to “live” in that space? Can those non-essentials be moved elsewhere?
  2.  Virtual clutter. When you sit down to write, are there virtual things that distract you? Perhaps you need to turn off social media notifications, close internet tabs, or even disconnect with the internet altogether while you write. Perhaps you need to leave your phone in another room. Or perhaps the weight of unprocessed emails has gotten so heavy it hinders your focus. Would an hour spent sorting your inbox and dealing with simple tasks declutter part of your brain and give you more bandwidth to create well?
  3. Unfinished projects. Do you have unfinished writing projects lurking in the back corners of your mind that make you feel guilty? Perhaps you need to declutter them from your to-do list. Life happens and your priorities change. It’s OK to change your mind about a project and decide something else is a better use of your time, but when you do, put the old projects completely away—physically and mentally. They do not need to be fed or watered. You can ignore them completely, and they will still be there if you ever want to revisit them.
  4. Too many spinning plates. Are you trying to keep up with all the big social media platforms, blog weekly, promote your new book while working on two others, and fill up every weekend with speaking engagements? Perhaps you need to declutter your schedule. Return to your Why and your career goals for this season. Identify which writing activities are essential and which are not-so-essential. Thinning out your schedule will help you become more productive and do your best work on what is left.
  5. Other people’s methods. No two writers are the same. Therefore, no two writers follow the same writing process or find the same promotion techniques helpful. I know many writers who have tried Mr. Expert’s method for writing only to give themselves a major angst-filled case of writer’s block. By all means, try any method that sounds like it might work, but also know when to discard that expert advice and do what works best for your unique brain. If your process is working, declutter any guilt you might feel for not following the experts. If your process is not working, perhaps you need to jettison a method that doesn’t suit your creative style.
  6.  Expectations. This is a huge area for all of us (and not just in regard to writing). Unhelpful (or unsolicited) expectations can sabotage our self-confidence, creativity, and willingness to share our words with others. What expectations do you need to declutter from your writing life? Comparing your writing to a best-selling author? Listening to friends who think you should have several books published by now? Beating yourself up for once again failing to hit your five-thousand-words-per-day goal? Your success is based on who you are as God’s child, not on what you write, how much you write, or how well it sells.
  7. False Aspirations. Every now and then I go through my bookshelves (both the real ones and the virtual ones) looking for titles of books I aspire-to-have-read but I don’t particularly want to actually read. Sometimes we face a similar issue in our writing. We may aspire to write literary fiction (because it proves how masterful and intellectual our writing is) or crime thrillers (because they sell well) while what our heart and God are actually calling us to is a different genre. Perhaps you need to declutter some unhelpful aspirations and come to terms with what you are best suited to write (in this season of your life, anyway), even if it’s not as glamorous, as spiritual, or as saleable as you think writing ought to be.

I hope these decluttering suggestions will help you write with better focus, more contentment, and greater creativity.

What other kind of writing clutter have you discovered in your life? Let me know in the comments.

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

Categories
Devotional/Christian Living

The Bridge: How to Choose and Write the Bible Point in a Devotion

The Bible point is the bridge between the hook where you began your devotion and the application point at the end of your devotion. The Bible point bridge must be strong and smooth, a natural arc so your reader can implant God’s word into his or her heart.

A short form devotion is usually three paragraphs: the hook, the Bible point, and the application point. Last month I wrote about the first paragraph, the hook. The hook pulls the reader towards the Bible point in the second paragraph.

How does a devotional writer choose and develop the Bible point? Here is how I do it:

Brainstorm all the Bible points. If I am writing for a publication, I am assigned a Bible passage. If I am writing for my own blog or book, then I chose what Bible passages I will be focusing on for my blog series or book. First I start with a prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide me to see the truth in the Bible passage. Then I read and reread the Bible passage writing down all the things that stand out to me about the passage.

I jot down interesting words that I want to look up to see what they mean in the original language. (You can do that here on blueletterbible.org.) I list descriptions of who God is. I notice any commands someone in the passage had to follow, although, be careful here because not all commands given to others in the Bible are for us to follow as well. The same goes for promises. Not all promises given in the Bible are for all people for all time. I also look for emotion words, too, and jot down if the Bible passage or verse reminds me of any other verses or passages. I also read the context around the Bible passage so that I remember who is speaking and in what time period are they speaking.

Let it simmer. Once I have brainstormed all the possible Bible points, then I pray again and set the list away for another day. I want to give the Holy Spirit time to work on my heart and see what particular Bible point He wants me to focus on for the devotion. During this time, I also read a commentary or two to make sure that I have not missed anything or misunderstood any of the Bible passage.

Pick one Bible point to focus on. If you are writing a longer Bible study lesson or a sermon or a longer blog post, you may be able to focus on many points in the Bible passage, but in a short devotion you will only have room for one point. Many short devotions have a word count of between 250-350 words. Plus, your devotion will be more memorable if you focus on one well-developed Bible point.

Explain the Bible point in simple, but descriptive detail. Once you picked out the one Bible point to focus on, then you can write the hook and the Bible point. Writing about the Bible point is not a retelling of the whole Bible passage. It’s a short paragraph pointing out one observation in the passage. You don’t have a lot of words to spare here, but make sure you reserve some words for descriptive detail to paint the picture of the passage in the reader’s mind.

The bible point bridge in devotional writing. Almost an Author.

Try it out! Pick out a Bible passage. Maybe it could be one that you are reading in your own Bible reading right now. List out the possible Bible points, then pick one to write a devotion on. You can submit it to any of these publications and maybe your devotional will be published! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions along the way.

Rachel Schmoyer is a pastor’s wife who is loving her church life. She writes about the hard parts of Scripture at readthehardparts.com. She has had devotionals published in the past, but now she is looking forward to getting her first Christian Living book published. You can connect with Rachel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Categories
Guest Posts

Four Things Book Marketing Bloggers Aren’t Telling You

On its surface, the internet is a wonderful resource to learn about how to sell your book. With a huge variety of book marketers sharing their tips and winning strategies, alongside a sparkling resume of accomplishments, it can be easy to be sucked into their rhetoric and believe that they have all the keys to book marketing success. The issue is, they don’t. More often than not, knowingly or unknowingly, they are leaving out important realities about book marketing and trying to convince you that, like the Jackson 5, it’s as easy as one two three. Sorry to say, but it’s not, so next time you read a top ten list of tips and strategies, bear in mind these four things they’ll often ignore.

Specificity

The internet is awash with recommendations on book marketing strategy, but how detailed are they? Smartauthorslab.com ran a survey of authors and book marketers and found that the number one frustration behind selling books is not knowing where to focus time, effort and resources. While marketing bloggers are great at suggesting tips and tricks, when it comes down to numbers they’re falling short.

How many social media posts a day? When is the best time to advertise? How much money should I spend on targetted ads? Questions like these are rarely answered in these short form blogs, and it’s because the answers are more complicated than they’d like to let you believe.

What perseverance really means

Read any book marketing blog and they’ll likely mention that marketing a book is all about perseverance. Keep at it, and you’ll get there eventually. While this is certainly true, they rarely talk specifically about what this perseverance means, and how long you may need to keep it up to get your book out there.

Many marketing bloggers will gloss over the sheer amount of time they take to implement their ‘tips’. For example, when a blog tells you to test your market, they rarely mention the authors that take years learning about their audience, testing their ads, and drafting and redrafting book covers before making a sale. Much like requesting reviews: this is something every blogger will recommend, but few will acknowledge that you might have to send your book to hundreds of reviewers before they even read them, let alone give you a collection marketable favourable reviews.

“This is the problem with success stories. So many bloggers focus on the ones who made it, often despite seemingly insurmountable odds. What they seem to overlook is that, for every champion, there are thousands of similar cases that ran out of time, money or patience,” warns Camilla Vitali, a marketer at Big Assignments and UKWritings.

The Luck Factor

Part of the reason so many book marketers don’t succeed is that they were simply unlucky, another part of book marketing most bloggers won’t mention. Now, marketing a book isn’t just about luck. Putting more effort into the marketing process certainly will make it more likely to sell than if you didn’t work at it at all, that’s obvious. But not every great book becomes a classic, or even a bestseller. When it comes down to it, there’s a lot of luck in book marketing.

“There are countless examples from the classics of literature that prove the importance of luck time and again. The Great Gatsby only sold 20,000 copies when it was first released, 50,000 fewer than expected,” says Tom Barry, a business writer at Via Writing and Essay Writing Service.

There is no winning strategy

Probably the biggest lapse in book marketing blogs is that there is no winning strategy to get your book sold. At the end of the day, no matter how respectable and accomplished a marketing writer is, all they can do is suggest strategies that can point you in the right direction.

They can tell you to open up social media accounts, they can implore you to learn about targeted advertising, they can give you reams and reams of lists of book reviewers to approach. But when it comes down to it, none of that will actually sell your book. You will sell your book, in your own particular way.

Beatrice Potter is a professional copywriter at Best Writing Services and Academized review. She specializes in all kinds of topics from marketing to business to social pursuits. She is always open to sharing her personal experience at Boomessays Review and likes to give advice to beginner writers on innovative ways to create content that sells.

Categories
Romancing Your Story

Location. Location. Location.

When I first visited upstate New York several years ago, I kept getting the feeling I’d been there before, but that was impossible. I finally realized that I’d visited the area through the pages of a book. Several books, actually. Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Claire Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne series is set in that area. I’ve read them all and they take place in icy winters, muggy summers, and fiery-leafed autumns. So of course I recognized the hills with orange-tipped trees and houses with screened in porches and pumpkins.   

Location is said to be the three most important rules in real estate. Although often overlooked in fiction, it’s pretty important there too.

The locations in our romance novels need to be such that the reader can’t imagine that story taking place anywhere else.

J.D. Robb’s In Death series could not be set anywhere except New York City in the near future. The urban grittiness of the series is a perfect match to Lt. Eve Dallas’s voice and the tone of the books overall.

Not strictly a romance, but I recently read Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, set in North Carolina. The southern voice and idioms make it the perfect location. Ann B. Ross set her series in a specific time and place, and the hot humid summer weather rose from the pages of the paperback and frizzed my hair. Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott series does the same.

How do we make our location into a character in our stories? Let’s look at the examples I’ve already mentioned.

  • Specificity. Spencer-Fleming talked about the crunch of ice underfoot, the slipperiness of the roads, the bone-numbing chill. And colors, like the flame-colored trees in the fall. Nora Roberts, writing as J.D. Robb adds aromas and noises to make the future New York come alive. She describes the smell of a chemi-head as he passes her in the booking department, and what a soy dog smells like being grilled by a street vendor, and the sound of a bus belching smoke as it rumbles by her.
  • Voice and Tone. For books set in the south or areas with distinctive speaking cadences, capturing those patterns are essential. But beware of trying to write accents and particularly showing ethnicity by speech. In a Sue Grafton book. Kinsey Milhone was interviewing someone over the phone and at one point she realized they were African American and let her surprise show. The interviewee was (rightly) offended, and put on an elaborate “black,” accent, asking, “Yo, dis better fo yo?” (Grafton was making an effective point.) Use patois and jargon sparingly. Some parts of the United States refer to a soft drink as “pop,” others as “soda,” still others call them all “coke,” or “coca-cola.” If you’re writing about an area you’re unfamiliar with, find out those little idioms and differences.
  • Use location to strengthen your characters. Could Scarlett O’Hara be from Missouri? No, she can only be from the South. She has a particularly genteel determination that’s bred into southern gentlewomen. Can Gidget be from Maine? Nope. She’s a beach girl with sand between her toes and sun-kissed cheeks.

In romance, location can be so much more than a setting for sunsets and picnics and first kisses. Those are nice, but with a bit of detail, your location will become a full character. One your reader can’t imagine your other characters and plot without. 

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 after. She writes contemporary fiction with romance. Carrie and her Stud Muffin live in Central California with their cat and dog and within driving distance of their six grandchildren.

You can find her online at:

Twitter: CarriePadgett

Instagram: carpadwriter

Facebook: WriterCarriePadgett

Amazon Author Page: Carrie Padgett

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for May, Part 1

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

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

Newsletters, Emails, and Opt-ins

Bethany Jett, Johnnie Alexander, and Jean Wise discuss the importance of newsletters, building an email list, and having welcome funnels. This episode is full of helpful hints, how-tos, and great ideas, to help you with your newsletter. If you’re struggling with the idea of a newsletter or you’re looking for new ideas, check out this week’s episode.

Watch the May 5th replay

Collaborative Indie Publishing with Brenda S. Anderson, Johnnie Alexander, and Stacy Monson

Have you thought of collaborating with like-minded authors? In this episode Johnnie is joined by Brenda and Stacy to share with us how they began The Mosaic Collection. The first book was published by Stacy in August of 2019, and they have published a book every month since then, including a Christmas anthology. These ladies share discuss the requirements and benefits of working together. If you’re curious about collaborative work, check out this week’s episode.

Watch the May 12th replay.

Bios

Stacy Monson is the award-winning author of The Chain of Lakes series, including Shattered Image, Dance of Grace, and The Color of Truth. Her stories reveal an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, and a proud mom, and doting grandma.

Brenda S. Anderson writes gritty and authentic, life-affirming fiction. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and is Past-President of the ACFW Minnesota chapter, MN-NICE, the 2016 ACFW Chapter of the Year. When not reading or writing, she enjoys music, theater, roller coasters, and baseball (Go Twins!), and she loves watching movies with her family. 

Join us

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. Click here for out permanent Zoom room link

Categories
The Intentional Writer

Staying Relevant

The intentional writer

As writers, our success is based on creating something others find useful or enjoyable. Which implies our success is based on staying relevant.

Is your writing as relevant as it could be?

Back in February, I was quite pleased with myself for having two months of blog posts written and scheduled. Then the pandemic hit and suddenly my insightful blog post topics didn’t seem so relevant.

I could have ignored current affairs and let my posts go out as scheduled, but would that have been the best value I could deliver to my readers? I don’t think so.

Such a drastic change in everyone’s lives demanded some changes on my part. So I wrote a few blogs that addressed the new issues my readers were suddenly facing, and tweaked my previously written posts to acknowledge the new reality.

Because I chose to adapt to the new situation I received some heartfelt thanks from readers. In other words, it pays to be relevant.

How can you stay relevant in your writing?

Traps to avoid

Ignoring what is going on in the world. Our message shouldn’t change with every headline, but we do need to be sensitive to the major events and social trends happening around us. Imagine a post on celebrating Mother’s Day that’s all about gathering the extended family at a favorite restaurant for brunch. It may be a beautiful piece of writing. It may be excellent advice. But right now that post is going to fall flat because it doesn’t apply to our quarantined reality.

Not listening to feedback. (Or not getting any in the first place.) We can’t predict how others will receive our words, but we can solicit feedback to see how effective our words are at communicating our message. What we think we are saying and what others are hearing may be very different, so don’t forget to check.

An inconsistent brand message. Readers become loyal to an author or blogger who consistently writes on topics that interest them or in a style they enjoy. However, if a writer’s message is inconsistent readers will lose trust and may abandon that writer altogether. Our writing will not appeal to everyone. The wise writer knows her niche and is consistent in delivering it.

Remaining stuck in the past. We all have certain topics and causes we particularly like to talk about. However, the big causes of yesteryear may no longer be relevant. In a similar vein, that blog topic that people raved about a year or two ago might no longer get the same traction, because A) too many others are writing about it now, B) it was timely back then but life has moved on, or C) the fates are fickle and Fortuna isn’t blessing that topic anymore.

Not keeping up with technology. Even if your message is relevant, you may not be delivering it in the most effective manner. Imagine how foolish it would be to only offer your podcasts on cassette tapes. Ditto if your only social media account is Myspace. The wise writer adapts his techniques to effectively reach his audience.

Tips for staying relevant.

Spend time with your target audience. In person. In Facebook or Goodreads groups. In internet forums. Wherever you can find them. Yes, it takes time to find these groups. Yes, it takes time to hang out there and listen to the conversations. Yes, we would rather spend that time working on a writing project. But in the long run hanging out with potential readers is a wise investment that can net future followers. Check out this blog post for a story of why it’s worth the effort.

Ask questions. Of your readers. Of fellow writers. Of mentors. The best way to know what topics are relevant to your readers is to ask them. Take polls and surveys. Ask questions in your CTA, in your emails, and on social media. We writers improve our work by getting feedback. This is true of our craft, but it’s also true of our subject matter. So ask away.

Research. Discovering what is relevant is easier than ever. Just google a topic and see what related terms auto-fill in the search bar. Or check what is trending on Twitter. Or read the latest Facebook post from that one friend who’s always up on the most current news. You get the idea. You may be like me, preferring to remain snugly in your writer’s cave, safe, solitary, and oblivious, but do yourself and your readers a favor by venturing out into the world now and then to see what’s happening.

Be flexible. Relevant writers know how to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. As Gabriela Pereira at DIY MFA says,

“Iterate, iterate, iterate.”

By which she means: Try something. Assess and adapt. Try again. History is littered with companies that died because they didn’t adapt with the times. Don’t go the way of Blockbuster and Toys R Us. Stay flexible.

Know when to quit. We need to discern when a topic, story project, or marketing tactic isn’t working and have the courage to set it aside and try something else. That doesn’t mean you must abandon it forever. It may be a perfectly good idea, but now isn’t the right time for it. Trust that when you let go of not-so-relevant ideas God will open doors for fresh inspiration.

You and I have an important and unique message to tell the world. If we want our words to make a difference and spread to those who need to hear them, we need to stay relevant.

What are your best tips for staying relevant?

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

CHECKING in with YOU

This blog has been such fun. I’ve truly enjoyed writing it, reading what others on A3 wrote, and occasionally getting to meet a reader in real life (okay, so that’s only happened once, and it was kind of awkward at the time, but it counts).

I have to confess, though, that sometimes I’m not entirely sure what you want to read about here. I research ‘middle grade writers’ and ‘middle grade trends’ and the like. I go to book talks and local libraries and SCBWI meetups.

In spite of doing all these things, I think it’s time – probably  long overdue, in fact – that I put this out there and ask a question: What do you, aspiring middle grade author, want to know about writing for this genre?

Are you curious about characterization? Awestruck by agents? Plodding through plotting? Or are you battling writer’s block?

Click this link to fill out the survey form and tell us what you’re looking for. We will do everything we can to help.

Happy writing! Introduce yourself in the comments below, follow me on Instagram at @klmckinneywrites, or like my Facebook page, Kell McKinney.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
Courting the Muse

When Watching TV Doesn’t Mean Procrastinating on Your Manuscript

During my last semester of undergrad, I spent a lot of time watching 30 Rock.

Like many graduating seniors, I suffered from a mild-to-moderate case of senioritis: a heaviness that periodically gripped my limbs at the very thought of academic work. But the time I spent riveted on Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin as they traded repartees? That didn’t count as a symptom. My steady diet of sitcom wit wasn’t procrastination — it was research.

That was the semester I signed up for a workshop on literary translation, taught by a celebrated translator of Hebrew and Arabic. Over the course of fifteen weeks, the class chipped away at individual projects, wrestling with texts in languages that — for the most part — neither our classmates nor our professor could understand. Then we’d read each other’s work as a group. As the term wore on, we sampled a dizzying array of translations: Russian realism, Greek philosophy and, in my case, classical Chinese domestic farce.

Of course, we couldn’t offer notes on how accurately each translator treated the languages we didn’t know how to read. What we could critique was the quality of the English that came out the other side: the flow of the sentences, the music of the syllables, the feelings that arose as we read each line. That was when I realized literary translation was as much about writing as it was about understanding a text: it was creative, as well as critical, work.

Now, what exactly did translating classical Chinese have to do with 30 Rock? Not a lot at first, as you’d probably assumed. But that changed as the semester progressed and my project started to develop in a new direction. 

The piece I’d chosen to translate was earthy, irreverent, and dialogue-rich: lively with farcical liaisons, domestic squabbles, and pretentious characters who’d misquote the classics to justify their jealousy and lust. It was also literally full of holes — and not the plot variety. Part of a cache of excavated texts from the Western Han, the rhapsody dated back to the second century BC, and the bamboo it was inked on had been badly damaged, gnawed away by time. In the transcription I worked from, typed out by a Peking University professor, brackets and ellipses stood in where the original characters could no longer be read.

My first pass through this fragmentary text left me with a tortuous translation, pocked by footnotes and straining toward literalism. The other workshop participants gamely picked their way through the frustrated tangle of my English, asking insightful questions. But I could tell from their reactions: all I’d manage to get across was the text’s brokenness and difficulty, not the wit and soul that drew me to it in the first place.

So for my second draft, I decided to cut loose a little. Instead of bowing under the tyranny of the corrupt original, I’d turn this fragmentary story into a play, letting the sharp humor of the dialogue speak for itself. I wanted to spotlight what was still there, not the parts that were lost forever. 

When I told the workshop about this new approach, I couldn’t resist ending with a joke: “I’m thinking about watching a lot of sitcoms to make sure the dialogue sounds right.” But my classmates — and our professor — took me seriously, encouraging me to study TV writing as I learned to craft dialogue. So Liz Lemon and I started spending quite a bit of time together.

As it turns out, a tightly scripted sitcom really is a masterclass in writing conversations. Break it down, and you’ll learn more than the art of a snappy one-liner: you’ll get a sense of how to write dialogue that sounds natural without being pulled from real life, with all its pauses, mumbles, and wasted air. 

The next time you’re stuck on a bit of dialogue, try taking inspiration from your favorite Netflix show. Whether you’re writing a novel or turning a 2,000-year-old text into a play, the characters you’re trying to coax into conversation will thank you. Best of all, you’ll get to watch TV — guilt-free.

Lucia Tang is a writer for Reedsy, a marketplace that connects self-publishing authors with the book industry’s best editors, designers, and marketers. To work on the site’s free historical character name generators, she draws on her knowledge of Chinese, Latin, and Old Irish —  learned as a PhD candidate in history at UC Berkeley. You can read more of her work on the Reedsy Discovery blog, or follow her on Twitter at @lqtang.

Categories
Devotional/Christian Living

5 Ways to Make Social Media Less Frustrating

If you are going to be a Christian Living or Devotional author, then you are going to need a platform. And if you are going to build a platform, you are going to need social media. But social media can be so frustrating! You pour hours into it while your writing gathers dust. You craft clever posts with beautiful pictures and no one seems to notice. You feel confused or overwhelmed about all the little details of each platform. You feel like throwing in the towel. I know because I have gone through periods of frustration when I was getting started with social media as a writer.

These five thoughts have helped me push through frustration so that social media is now enjoyable and profitable to me.

#1 Don’t wait for perfect. Just try something.

When I was first posting on Instagram, I was enjoying getting to know the followers I had by posting first thing in the morning after my kids went to school. Then I read an article that said the best time to post was 3:00 in the afternoon. So then I held off on posting first thing in the morning until I could hit that perfect time of 3:00 in the afternoon. Except that 3:00 pm wasn’t a good time for me. Days went by and I wasn’t posting at all. I started to feel disappointed in myself rather than enjoying Instagram like back when I was in blissful ignorance about the perfect posting time. So then I just shook that “perfect” time out of my head and went back to posting when it worked for me. It was better for me to just try posting instead of waiting for what others deemed as perfect.

#2 Focus on one platform at a time.

Although I am always at least a little bit active on each social media platform, I pick one at a time to focus most of my energy on. At the moment, I am focusing on Pinterest since that is getting me more blog readers and email list sign-ups than any other platform. For a while I tried to have goals for myself on every platform at the same time, but, realistically, I did not have time to focus on all of the platforms at the same time. That just led to frustration, so now I focus on one platform at a time. I give myself the freedom to change my focus through different seasons of life.

#3 Post genuine questions and real-life updates.

If all you ever post is “buy my book” or “read my blog” you are missing out on the joy of getting to know all the wonderful people who follow you on social media. Social media is primarily for being social. So ask questions, give encouragement, and start conversations. This will make your social media time more fulfilling and less frustrating.

#4 Use a timer.

Even when your social media time is fulfilling, it should not be a total time suck. There is more to life than social media. Set a timer and when it goes off, put it down for the day. Take a walk. Enjoy your family. Read your Bible.

#5 Use a scheduler.

A scheduler can help you save time when using social media. A scheduler is a place where you can plan out what you are going to post on a particular day at a particular time and then the scheduler will automatically post it for you. I like to schedule my posts out on Monday, then I can sit back and focus on interacting with my followers during the week. I like to use Buffer because of its simplicity (and it’s free!) Hootsuite is another popular free scheduler.

social media less frustrating

Social media doesn’t have to be frustrating for a writer. Take it one step at a time and keep it joyful. Explore new elements with curiosity and wonder.

If you are looking for a guide and a support as you explore social media, I highly recommend Victoria Duerstock’s Social Media Squad. She has taken a lot of time to study what works and what doesn’t on every platform and loves to share what she knows. Her guidance has been a huge help to me!

Rachel Schmoyer is a pastor’s wife who is loving her church life. She writes about the hard parts of Scripture at readthehardparts.com. She has had devotionals published in the past, but now she is looking forward to getting her first Christian Living book published. You can connect with Rachel on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

My Fifth Anniversary

As an adult, writing has been a mainstay of my professional career. I majored in journalism, interned at newspapers, worked at magazines and television stations, then migrated to marketing and freelance copywriting. For twenty-plus years, I’ve used words to persuade someone to do or buy something.

I enjoyed writing, I felt competent, but something was missing. If it weren’t for the occasional journal entry or poem I drafted here and there, my relationship with writing was transaction-based. I wrote. I revised. I collected a paycheck.

Even though I was always happy and thankful about my ability to write as part of my day job, something was missing. I felt restless and frustrated. I had ideas and characters in my head who wanted to play, but there was no room in my day job for them.

I kept on writing website copy, marketing presentations, or ghostwriting blog posts. One night, after everybody was tucked in and asleep, I started writing a story. Nobody was paying me to write it. There was no deadline attached to it. It was a creation of my own with no other purpose but to enjoy the discipline and freedom of writing.

Now it’s March 2020. Although I haven’t yet sold that first manuscript, I’ve finished a couple of others since then. I know I still have much to learn, but here are a few things I wish I’d known five years ago.

1) Critique groups are crucial. 

In my corporate and freelance world, I “routed” copy to other team members to make sure it was factually accurate and error-free. Even though it was time consuming and occasionally painful, receiving feedback made my writing stronger. For the life of me I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me to do that with my first manuscript.

I entered my first writing competition in March 2015 with a rough draft. My first manuscript didn’t get seen by another living soul until I met my first critique group at the SCBWI conference later that year. Until that conference, I’d never heard of critique groups. Now I can’t live without them. Like the “routing” teams in my past 9-5 life, critique groups exist to make the work better. They bring fresh eyes and perspective and catch things I would have otherwise missed.

2) Critique groups are not interested in stealing your work.

Tell a non-writer about your critique group and they’ll probably ask you if you’re afraid someone will steal your idea. Take comfort in this knowledge: Writers in a critique group understand what being a writer is about. They know how hard it is to write. They want to see you succeed – not plagiarize from you.

3) Comparing yourself to other writers is a waste of time and energy.

Over the past five years, I’ve met all kinds of writers. They each have a different story to tell about their path to publication. Some publication stories are dreamy, some are fraught with obstacle after obstacle. Other stories are relatively short and sweet. Nobody else’s publication story will be exactly like yours. Mine is a work in progress, and not only am I okay with that, I’m excited about it. My journey is as unique as I am. Yours will be as unique as you are. There’s room for all of us. Embrace that and don’t worry about what other writers are doing.

What I love most about this writing life is the opportunity to learn from and connect with other writers. I’d love to learn from you too! Introduce yourself in the comments below or on Instagram at @klmckinneywrites.

Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.

Categories
Courting the Muse

Why Your Contemporary Fiction Needs Worldbuilding Too

If you’re like most writers, worldbuilding feels like the province of sci-fi and fantasy authors alone. Sure, it’s crucial if you’re populating a distant planet with intelligent life, or piecing together the history of a kingdom ruled by fire mages. But it’s less useful if you’re writing about a town full of ordinary people. Right?

Actually, crafting contemporary fiction with a worldbuilder’s mindset can take your storytelling to the next level, no matter how seemingly ordinary your setting. At the end of the day, every book is a world unto itself, set apart from real life by boundary lines drawn by the author’s imagination.

When you write your book, you’re creating a space for your readers to linger. If you want them to relish spending time in the world of your story, try taking inspiration from sci-fi and fantasy writers. Here are three reasons to follow their lead.

1. It forces you not to take everything for granted

When we write contemporary fiction, it’s hard not to fall back on conceptual shorthands to draw the reader into your story. Think about a signifier like “high school” and all the images it brings to mind, from lunchtime cliques to the disorientation of standing on the cusp of adulthood.

If your story takes place at a high school, it’s fine to tap into these ready-made associations. But rely on them too much, and you risk ending up with a story that feels mass-produced.

If you find yourself leaning into conventions, take a look at how settings work in strong, original sci-fi and fantasy. The best of them remix genre mainstays — say, the telepathic alien species or the faux-medieval kingdom — with original details you won’t find anywhere else.

That’s a worldbuilding trick you can use contemporary fiction to create memorable, immersive settings. Just think: how is your high school different from other fictional high schools? Which details make your story recognizable as a high school story, and which ones make it unique?

2. It helps you flesh out your characters

If a work of speculative fiction takes place in a setting that’s markedly not our world, its characterization should reflect that. Everyone, from the hero to the villain’s stepmom, will share a baseline set of assumptions. And these might look very different from what we’re familiar with.

For instance, picture a fantasy world where meddling gods regularly show their faces. Atheism might be common in our world, but it makes no sense for someone in that world to be atheist — how can they be, when they saw the water god the last time they went fishing?

If you’re writing contemporary fiction, you should still consider the influence of setting on characterization. Think through that, and it’ll help you make sure there’s nothing about your characters that strains plausibility.

For example, say your story takes place in a densely populated city: high-rises stacked together, and no green space in sight. Would it make sense to give your protagonist hobbies like horseback riding and apple-picking? Probably not, unless you have a good explanation in-story — say, summers spent at grandparent’s house in the country.

3. It will make sure your writing isn’t all over the map

I started this post by alluding to the maps you so often see at the beginning of fantasy books. But in speculative fiction, worldbuilding isn’t just about deciding on the location of a fictional continent’s highest mountain or biggest seaport. It’s also about defining a sensibility, an emotional texture for the story.

That’s why the Harry Potter series, full of wonder and whimsy, gives us a magic system filled with punny spells. The highly cynical Song of Ice and Fire books, meanwhile, offer a darker take on the enchantment, where the dead stand up to fight and mystical swords are forged with blood. The tenor of the setting fits the tone of the story — you won’t find bumbling House-elves or goofy Boggarts in the chill of Westeros.

Take inspiration from JKR and GRRM: make sure the world of your story works with its sensibility, whether that’s somber or silly, hopeful or grim. After all the work you’ve put into your writing, the last thing you want is to make your readers laugh when they should be crying. Approach your storytelling with a worldbuilder’s sensitivity to setting, and you can rest assured they won’t.

Lucia Tang is a writer for Reedsy, a marketplace that connects self-publishing authors with the book industry’s best editors, designers, and marketers. To work on the site’s free historical character name generators, she draws on her knowledge of Chinese, Latin, and Old Irish —  learned as a PhD candidate in history at UC Berkeley. You can read more of her work on the Reedsy Discovery blog, or follow her on Twitter at @lqtang.

Categories
Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #12 – Be On Guard Against Pride

I once did a brief stint as a nanny. I absolutely loved the baby I took care of, but the mom and I had little in common. She was a young mom with her first child. I had been a stay-at-home mom for over twenty years and was looking to re-enter the workforce.

Each weekday at 7 am I would arrive at their house for work. I would take their precious six-month-old from her crib, change her, love on her, feed her breakfast, wash the dishes left scattered from the previous evening, then carry out a variety of household chores along with my nannying duties. This all took place while the baby’s mama worked-out, watched television, and spent time on the internet in her upstairs loft area.

Once per week I would purchase groceries for the family. How I loved those shopping trips. It was a time to escape the house, with my little sidekick, and be free from the weird, intermittent, scrutinizing gaze of the mom.  While on one of these excursions I learned a valuable lesson. That fateful day a note was scrawled at the bottom of the usual, lengthy, handwritten grocery list. It read, “Some of these items may not be familiar to you. If you need help, feel free to call.”

That note rattled my cage. Who did this woman think she was? Did she presume I was a total ignoramus? Did she not realize that I had been purchasing groceries since before she was born? Yes, their family may have had a higher economic status than I. And admittedly, the dinners I prepared for them every night seemed foreign to my traditional taste buds. But if I could successfully follow the fancy recipes to cook their trendy, health-nut cuisine then surely … surely, they could trust me to read and execute a basic shopping list. The nerve.

I was indignant from the time I entered the grocery store’s sliding doors until I reached the last item on the list. It was then that I realized I was in big trouble. The final line simply read, “frozen concows”.  Mind you, this was before the Smartphone era—no instant information available at my fingertips. I broke into a sweat and began scanning the frozen food shelves, like a pirate hunting for lost treasure. Concows, really? What kind of hipster, voodoo, culinary nonsense was I hunting for?

Thirty minutes later I had thoroughly examined every item in the massive frozen food section. No luck. My angel baby still sat contently in her toy laden grocery basket sling. I opened some organic fruit puffs, placed a few in her lap, then frantically called my husband. “What in the world is a concow?” I said, the moment he answered the phone. After several humorous quips, because that’s how my hubby rolls, he finally admitted he had no idea.

He and I spent twenty minutes brainstorming the dilemma. I tried to pick the word apart. I knew the root word con meant with. So, it would stand to reason that a con-cow must be a product that contained cow–or beef. But my husband quickly reminded me that con could also be an abbreviation for contra, which means false or against. Considering the family I worked for ate mostly vegan, that made more sense to me. We concluded the item in question must be a faux beef product. Feeling more equipped for the battle, I hung up with my husband and headed for the fru-fru frozen foods section to continue the search.

When I could find no meat substitute branded with that name, I finally broke down and asked a store associate for help. He took a moment to look over the same frozen section I had surveyed all afternoon then confidently declared that their store must not carry frozen concows.

Somehow, that didn’t seem right. And I could not—would not—return to my employer and admit to her that I had no idea what a concow was.

“Just call the lady you’re working for and ask,” my friend advised when I phoned her to vent. But I couldn’t. I didn’t want to admit to this mom, who didn’t even take care of her own kid or house, that she was more knowledgeable than a seasoned homemaker like me. Also, I didn’t want to give her the ammo to treat me like an underling when I was already feeling like one. After I made this shocking and shameful confession to my friend—while having a total meltdown, a still small voice from within pinpointed the problem. Pride.

Pride had been lurking in the shadows of my thoughts since I had first taken the nanny position and had finally reared its ugly head in the middle of aisle 15. I had never considered myself a stubborn or prideful person. But God has a way of using everyday frustrations to expose the hidden places of our hearts. I decided to humble myself and call my employer for help. She didn’t answer. “What now, Lord,” I asked.  I looked down at the crumpled list in my hand—and viewed the last entry with fresh eyes. The scripty handwritten letters I had deciphered earlier as an “n” and “w” were actually “u”s. The item she wanted me to purchase was couscous. It was misspelled.

Pride can be as difficult to spot in our own hearts as concows in a grocery store. Why? Because often our eyes are so fixed on what we perceive as truth that we neglect to acknowledge the source of truth.  As writers—detection become even more complicated. There’s a fine line between professional confidence, which we are always encouraged to project, and pride—the counterfeit. That means, if we are writing for Him we must remain ultra-vigilant against the corrosive nature of this sly vice.

Pride can undermine our teachability, ruin our professional relationships, and even poison the very words we have chosen to write for God. The funny thing about pride is—those who are plagued by it are usually the last to recognize the infection.

Have you ever dismissed a writing craft teaching because the instructor was much younger than you? Have you ever quit an agent or turned down an offer to submit to an editor because you felt you were not given your due respect? Have you ever secretly felt animosity toward someone who won a contract or contest because you knew you were more talented than them?  Are your social media posts preachy in nature and directed toward a group of individuals you hope to reach? Are you easily offended when someone critiques your writing? Do you feel the need to work your list of writing achievements into a conversation to gain other’s esteem? If so, you may be dealing with pride. May God open our eyes, examine our hearts, correct our path, and conform our writing to glorify Him.

Scripture: Philippians 2:3, James 4:10,  Proverbs 11:1

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: One of the best, and most painful, resources I’ve ever found to help diagnose pride is Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s Evidences Of Pride test. It can be found here.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for January

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

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

Ten Steps to Integrative Marketing with Bethany Jett

Bethany shares ten integrative marketing strategies for writers. These strategies include marketing ideas for letter campaigns, social media and much more. As writers we should be thinking of marketing from the beginning of our projects. This episode is full of great information to help. Bethany is the co-owner of Serious Writer, Inc. and has recently co-authored two books that have won awards for marketing. Check out this week’s episode and get started on marketing strategies for you WIP.

Watch the January 14th replay.

Contest Savvy: Enter and Win! With Rhonda Dragomir

In this informative episode, Rhonda, the winner of the Serious Writer’s 2019 Writer of the Year contest, shares her secrets for entering and winning contests. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction there are basic things you can do to increase your chances to win contests. Rhonda shares tips like following the contest guidelines, properly formatting your manuscript entry and so much more. With conference and contest season upon us, this episode is a great way to prepare.

Watch the January 21streplay.

Dancing on the Head of a Pen

Writers Chat turned into book chat today as Johnnie Alexander, Bethany Jett, Melissa Stroh, and Jean Wise read their favorite sections of Robert Benson’s book, Dancing on the Head of a Pen. Benson gives great writing advice, uses amazing imagery and light humor to encourage writers at every level. Some of the favorite sections included; his bookshelf with a lamp top that is always lit; his three hats (the artist, the craftsman, and the businessman); and his jury of twelve. This episode is a must see regardless of where you are on your writing journey.

Watch the January 28th replay.

JOIN US!

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

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

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