Writers Chat, hosted by Johnnie Alexander, Brandy Brow, and Melissa Stroh, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!
“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”
The Publisher’s Journey
Victoria Duerstock, founder of End Game Press, joins us to talk about her journey from a writer of devotionals centered around home and heart, to her current role as owner of a publishing company, with multiple imprints. We talk about the value of networking, the importance of knowing our uniqueness, and the value of saying “yes” plus much more!
Watch the November 14th
Victoria Duerstock, an award-winning author and multi-passionate creator, is the founder of End Game Press, launched in 2021. She has actively engaged in writing and publishing books, developing online courses and coaching programs, and speaking at various events and conferences. Unafraid of embracing new challenges, Victoria enjoys expanding her publishing knowledge while also pursuing her personal mission to create beauty, cultivate community, and live a life of impact.
Favorite Christmas Reads
In this open mic episode, the Writers Chat community gathers to share their favorite Christmas books, movies, and more. We all added to our TBR (to be read) and GW (gotta watch) lists! Enjoy the camaraderie and sharing. There was some A Christmas Carol trivia as well as practical suggestions for a memorable holiday season!!
Watch the November 28th replay
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133
I’m sure you’re aware of all the Christmas romance movies that Hallmark airs on television before Thanksgiving into the New Year. Christmas romance novellas and novels also show up on bookstore shelves and on social media sites and can easily been found on Goodreads and Amazon between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, what is it about romance stories that take place during the Christmas holiday that glues people to the television set or to the pages of a book?
I believe there are three reasons people, and particularly women, can’t get enough romance stories set during the Christmas holiday, and we’ll look at these one at a time:
1) The Magic of Christmas
This is a secular concept where you can make a wish upon a star or send a letter to Santa to get what you’re looking for. Christmas has been touted as a time when dreams and wishes come true, if you just believe in Santa Claus delivering your much wanted item to your door while you sleep on Christmas Eve, or believe in wishes coming true simply because Christmas is advertised and promoted to be magical. I already mentioned the Hallmark movies, but there are classic movies that include Christmas romance as well, such as White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street. All you have to do is believe in the Magic of Christmas and you’ll find love.
2) The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
When people are generally happy and will give you a cheerful greeting on the street. When people are feeling more generous and are more willing to lend a helping hand or provide something for someone in need. Nonprofit organizations send out flyers or have tables in store foyers seeking donations to help the needy. Christmas music is played over store loudspeakers or via church bells in the local town, and on the radio. Most people think of a chill in the air and the beauty of a freshly fallen sparkling white snow on the ground, and snuggling by the fire in the fireplace drinking hot chocolate. So many wonderful happy pictures are painted in her minds through the music, movies, books, and advertisements of the Christmas holiday, when even the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge find room to be generous, loving, and happy.
3) Jesus Christ, the Savior
To those who know and believe the Word of God, this is the best and most important reason to celebrate Christmas. We believe that God sent His one and only Son to earth around the time that Christmas is celebrated. Why? Because God saw that people needed a Savior – a way to be reconciled from their miserable sinfulness to God, the one who is the only source of true love. Jesus Christ – the true meaning of Christmas, the one who not only brought and offered love, but who is the very embodiment and example of real, true love. He came to live among us and show us how to love one another and how to live with the hope of one day spending eternity with Him, Jesus, the one who laid down his life for each and every one of us; the one who showed us that real love is sacrificial and priceless, and this is the kind of love we all hope and long for.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I have found The Nativity Story movie, written by Mike Rich, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, and released in 2006, from which I used a picture above, to be my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time. Though it does not include a typical romance, I think the way Mr. Rich depicted the relationship between Mary and Joseph was so perfect and touching. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for writing a romance story, you might want to consider watching this movie and paying attention to the interaction between the characters of Mary and Joseph.
No matter which of these reasons is your reason to seek and enjoy Christmas romance, they all have a “feel good” sentiment, which is what romance readers want. That’s what I believe makes Christmas romance stories so popular—all people want to be accepted, loved, and happy. So no matter which of the reasons above is your reason for watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, or reading Christmas romance novels, you will find the magic of Christmas is love.
Kelly F. Barr lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She is married and has three sons. She writes historical romance. She has also been a blogger for ten years, and every Friday, you can find her Flash Fiction stories posted for your reading pleasure. She loves her family, including the family dog, books, walks, and chai lattes.
Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, 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.”
Featuring…
Effective Platform Building for Novelists
Janyre Tromp, a developmental and acquisitions editor for Kregel Publications by day and a bestselling historical novelist by night, joins us to share key ways for novelists to build an effective platform. If you’re overwhelmed by all the platform-building advice swirling around the internet, then you’re going to appreciate Janyre’s advice on the best places to spend your time and money.
Watch the December 6th replay.
Janyre Tromp. has worked in the CBA industry for almost 25 years, spending time in both marketing and editorial. Currently she is a developmental and acquisitions editor for Kregel Publications by day. At night she is a bestselling historical novelist who loves spinning tales that, at their core, hunt for beauty, even when it isn’t pretty. Her books have been described as lyrical suspense and are available wherever books are sold. You can find her on all social media platforms as @janyretromp and her website, www.JanyreTromp.com (where you can download a FREE copy of her novella Wide Open).
Writers Chat Christmas Party
Join our community as we celebrate the holidays with a Christmas Carol game, recipes, poems and songs, writerly inspiration, and sharing. We are grateful for everyone who accompanies us on this crazy journey where God uses our creative talents to write for His glory.
Watch the December 13th replay.
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133
Christmas is my favorite. I adore everything about it. I love the decorating, the baking, gathering with friends and family, but I especially love reflecting on the mystery and wonder that is the birth of Christ.
I’ve often thought about writing a Christmas middle grade book, but every time I think about it, I recall the advice an editor shared at a writing conference several years ago: the first book you sell won’t be a seasonal book.
It sounds harsh, but it’s true. Debut authors are no match for established names when it comes to selling holiday books.
That doesn’t mean we debut and pre-published authors can’t have a little fun, though.
Get out the hot cocoa (or eggnog, your choice), turn on your favorite Christmas playlist, and let’s create some Christmas book titles. Pick your favorite formula:
1. Ye Olde School Christmas Words
This technique is straightforward – combine your favorite Christmas-y or Wintery adjective with a Christmas-y or Wintery Noun and voila!
Example: The (Christmas-y Adjective) (Christmas-y Noun)->The Sparkly Mistletoe
2. Music-Palooza
Put your own twist on your favorite Christmas carol lyric or Christmas song title and see what happens.
Example – lyric
(From Let it Snow!) Oh, the weather outside is frightful ->Hey, Look at the Blizzard!
Example – title
Carol of the Bells -> Tune of the Tinsel
3. Furry and Feathered Friends to the Rescue
Have you noticed that in popular culture Christmas always requires saving? Maybe these stories are intended to be allegoric – Christ was born to save us, after all. Anyway. There’s a certain sweetness to the “fluffy woodland creature saves the day” tale, so here’s another way to generate a Christmas title.
Example: (Adjective) (Animal) (Verb) (Noun)-> Jingly Hamster Salvages the Cocoa
Play around with these and see what sparks your imagination. Write your favorites and file them away for the day when you’ve got a few books published. Then eager publishers will be happy to share your holiday gems with the world.
Until then, Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a blessed 2023!
When Kelli McKinney and her family aren’t exploring national parks, she can be found sipping cinnamon tea, struggling to keep houseplants alive, or chucking a toy across the backyard for her English Mastiff. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and her graduate degree in radio/tv/film from the University of North Texas. She enjoyed an eclectic-yet-fulfilling career in corporate marketing before wandering off to be a writer. Now, she is a part-time copywriter and blogger, a full-time mom, and a children’s author. JEFF PENNANT’S FIELD GUIDE TO RAISING HAPPY PARENTS is her debut novel. She can be reached through her website for events, visits, and questions at www.kellimckinney.com.
The turkey is gone and here come the reindeer. December is a busy month and not even writers are exempt. It is a conflicting time when we must fit writing in with all the busyness the month brings or vice versa.
“A writer never has a vacation. For a writer life consists of either writing or thinking about writing.”
Eugene Ionesco
While that is true, the holiday season doesn’t leave much room for the actual act of writing. Sometimes we let wonderful ideas slip away from us. I penned a little tongue-in-cheek poem about that very thing.
So, how do we keep these ideas from getting lost in the tinsel or being put on the back of the tree where no one sees? First, we need to write them down ASAP. We can do that by keeping a notepad nearby or taking a note on our phone. Some ideas only waft in once, and then they are gone.
Next, we can be intentional about capturing ideas to write about as we are doing our Christmas tasks. Is there a favorite ornament on the tree or a sentimental one that would make an interesting story? What is the best gift you ever gave or received? Listen to conversations. Do you have ideas to lessen the stress of people like your overworked sister-in-law? Can you think of ways to include elderly family members who may feel left out of all the festivities? These can all be article ideas.
Lastly and most importantly, don’t forget the real meaning of Christmas. Read the Christmas story several times and see if something new jumps out you. Spend time thanking God for the greatest gift of his son and for giving you the gift of writing. Journal your memories of the season to be turned into devotions later.
By the time we turn out the Christmas lights and undeck the halls, it will be time to get those articles and stories written to submit for next year’s publications.
Merry Christmas and Happy Writing to All!
Sue Davis Potts is a freelance writer from Huntingdon, Tennessee. She is mother to her beautiful adult daughter, Jessa.Sue enjoys writing for both children and adults. She worked for years as a preschool teacher but feels most at home these days with other writers who speak her language. She has been published in local magazines, anthologies, Ideals, Southern Writer’s Magazine and Focus on the Family’s children’s magazines Clubhouse and Clubhouse, Jr.
She authored a children’s library book. She is the author of a book of short motivations 101 Life Lessons From Uno (The One-Legged Duck) and coauthored. The Priceless Life (The Diane Price Story). Both books are available on Amazon. Sue can be found on her website, www.suedavispotts.com.
I’m sure you’re aware of all the Christmas romance movies that Hallmark airs on television before Thanksgiving into the New Year. Christmas romance novellas and novels also show up on bookstore shelves and on social media sites and can easily been found on Goodreads and Amazon between Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, what is it about romance stories that take place during the Christmas holiday that glues people to the television set or to the pages of a book?
I believe there are three reasons people, and particularly women, can’t get enough romance stories set during the Christmas holiday, and we’ll look at these one at a time:
1 The Magic of Christmas
This is a secular concept where you can make a wish upon a star or send a letter to Santa to get what you’re looking for. Christmas has been touted as a time when dreams and wishes come true, if you just believe in Santa Claus delivering your much wanted item to your door while you sleep on Christmas Eve, or believe in wishes coming true simply because Christmas is advertised and promoted to be magical. I already mentioned the Hallmark movies, but there are classic movies that include Christmas romance as well, such as White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street. All you have to do is believe in the Magic of Christmas and you’ll find love.
2 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
When people are generally happy and will give you a cheerful greeting on the street. When people are feeling more generous and are more willing to lend a helping hand or provide something for someone in need. Nonprofit organizations send out flyers or have tables in store foyers seeking donations to help the needy. Christmas music is played over store loudspeakers or via church bells in the local town, and on the radio. Most people think of a chill in the air and the beauty of a freshly fallen sparkling white snow on the ground, and snuggling by the fire in the fireplace drinking hot chocolate. So many wonderful happy pictures are painted in her minds through the music, movies, books, and advertisements of the Christmas holiday, when even the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge find room to be generous, loving, and happy.
3 Jesus Christ, the Savior
To those who know and believe the Word of God, this is the best and most important reason to celebrate Christmas. We believe that God sent His one and only Son to earth around the time that Christmas is celebrated. Why? Because God saw that people needed a Savior – a way to be reconciled from their miserable sinfulness to God, the one who is the only source of true love. Jesus Christ – the true meaning of Christmas, the one who not only brought and offered love, but who is the very embodiment and example of real, true love. He came to live among us and show us how to love one another and how to live with the hope of one day spending eternity with Him, Jesus, the one who laid down his life for each and every one of us; the one who showed us that real love is sacrificial and priceless, and this is the kind of love we all hope and long for.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I have found The Nativity Story movie, written by Mike Rich, directed by Catherine Hardwicke, and released in 2006, from which I used a picture above, to be my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time. Though it does not include a typical romance, I think the way Mr. Rich depicted the relationship between Mary and Joseph was so perfect and touching. So, if you’re looking for inspiration for writing a romance story, you might want to consider watching this movie and paying attention to the interaction between the characters of Mary and Joseph.
No matter which of these reasons is your reason to seek and enjoy Christmas romance, they all have a “feel good” sentiment, which is what romance readers want. That’s what I believe makes Christmas romance stories so popular—all people want to be accepted, loved, and happy.
So no matter which of the reasons above is your reason for watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, or reading Christmas romance novels, you will find the magic of Christmas is love.
Kelly F. Barr lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She is married and has three sons. She writes historical romance. She has also been a blogger for ten years, and every Friday, you can find her Flash Fiction stories posted for your reading pleasure. She loves her family, including the family dog, books, walks, and chai lattes.
The birth of Jesus from Luke 2 is one story that never grows old. Generations of writers have explored and retold it. From now to Dec 15 is prime time to pitch Christmas stories to publishers and agents.
We don’t know the factual details and scholars argue about everything from the time of year to the number of kings. Much of what we “know” is not scriptural but born of various cultural traditions, many of them Western European. In the past few decades, however, theologians have been more open to exploring the cultural and archaeological clues to the time of Jesus’ birth.
The truth of the story, the part and resonates with our souls is the miracle of God’s Son born in our human form and way. We long for it every year not only for the familiarity and memories it engenders but for the hope and promise that comes new every year, in every situation.
Each year just about every Christian publisher puts out a new Nativity picture book. The best of these will books will be read every year in homes, Sunday schools, and Christian preschools. When you write, imagine a teacher reading aloud to a group of squirmy sugar rushed preschoolers.
1 Simple retelling
A straightforward retelling of the nativity event can be enhanced with actions, animal noises, touch-and-feel, and exceptional rhymes. Check your manuscript against the Luke and Matthew texts. The “three kings” only live in the carol by John Henry Hopkins Jr. from 1857 and they did not arrive until quite a bit after Jesus’ birth.
2 Groups of characters
There are very few direct quotes in these Bible texts but quote them if you use them. Groups of characters can talk among themselves with made-up dialog about the challenges and hopes they experience. Innkeepers, shepherds, even angels! Christian publishers are less interested in manuscripts where animals talk.
3 One-person point of view
Joseph saw and heard many things that night. “No Room!” Cows mooing. The cry of a new baby. The excited voices of shepherds. Eventually the majesty of the kings’ arrival. How did he protect the little family? If you introduce a character who is not mentioned at all in the Bible, be sure that the person’s words and actions are appropriate to the time and place of the nativity story.
4 For any story
How will YOUR book be different from others? Publishers want something unique every year, so it is extra important to look at Nativity books for the last three years. Then employ sensory words, concrete images, lyrical language, humor, or really good rhyme.
May your writing be a Christmas blessing to children for years to come!
Award-winning author Robin Currie led children’s departments of Midwestern public libraries before being called midlife to ordained ministry. With more than 40 picture books, she writes stories to read and read again! Robin is the author of Baby Bible Stories about Jesus (DC Cook, 2008) Board book which include the nativity stories – and has chewable pages!
The Christmas season is a great time to discover and explore local history.
Historical Poole Forge was part of the iron industry in my local area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It sits along the Conestoga River. I was invited to spend an afternoon at Poole Forge during the summer a few years ago. At that time, we only had access to the grounds, but what lovely grounds they are. The grounds are the current location for a community park in Caernarvon Township. The Township purchased the property in 2005. They are dedicated to restoring the beauty of the property while protecting its historical integrity.
They open the mansion and the Paymaster’s house and West Tenant house different times throughout the year for activities such as “Christmas at the Ironmaster’s” which my husband and I were able to attend this year. This event offers displays of Christmas trees, light displays, and a traditional Welsh bonfire.
As we walked through the beautiful four floor mansion, we were able to take in the festive sight of many Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations, then asked to vote for our three favorite trees. It was quite a challenge to narrow it down to three choices.
In one room, four young people, dressed in period clothing, were playing Christmas carols on a keyboard, flute, violin, and glockenspiel as we were invited to enjoy some holiday treats and pause to listen to their music. The environment was not only festive, but it was like stepping back in time.
As we exited the mansion, I noticed some free pamphlets on a table and picked them up to bring home. As a historical writer, I love learning about historical places in my local area and was thrilled to find the one pamphlet gave a brief history about Poole Forge. The pamphlet informed me that the property dates back to the earliest days of our country while we still had relations with Great Britain.
In 1775 the property was purchased by an experienced iron master and so it became part of the iron industry in our local area. The property changed hands often throughout its history, but remained in the iron industry until 1852 when the industry faded in the area.
In 1859 a covered bridge was built on the property and still remains today.
I will enjoy trying to find out more about Poole Forge and the families that lived there throughout the years, and maybe Poole Forge will be the setting for one of my future novels. I can envision characters walking through the mansion or working in the kitchen of the West Tenant house. I’m sure I will return to this historical site again.
Kelly F. Barr lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She is married and has three sons. She writes historical romance. She has also been a blogger for ten years, and every Friday, you can find her Flash Fiction stories posted for your reading pleasure. She loves her family, including the family dog, books, walks, and chai lattes.
Just ask Tiny Tim, the endearing child in Charles Dickens’ 1843 Christmas Classic, A Christmas Carol. Or consider the carolers as they sing for piggy pudding in a favorite yuletide song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
Figgy pudding goes way back in English and American history.
In the land of England, as early as the 14th and 15th century, the concoction of chopped figs, raisins, almonds, ginger, bread crumbs, and wine, along with a pomegranate topping, was simply a dessert.
However, in mid-17th century England figgy pudding intertwined itself with Christmas, embraced a whole new era, and acquired another name, Christmas Pudding.
The dessert likely did some travelling also in the 1600’s. It is not far-fetched to think that figgy pudding—its recipes that is—set sail on the Mayflower tucked in the minds of the settlers. Thereafter, with the passing of decades, and the arrival of more English migrants, the tradition of figgy pudding at Christmas likely blossomed this side of the pond.
This is great news for writers. For stories set in post-13th century England and early American periods, and onward into the 21st century, figgy pudding can trickle across the pages of a Christmas story. Adding homey details to the setting, enhancing the plot, or revealing personality in characters can bring another layer of depth to a story.
A flaming figgy pudding might be the cook’s claim to fame in the decked halls of a 17th century English manor, or in a contemporary New York high-rise following a skating party in Central Park.
Quiet celebrations might be found in rustic villages where fruits and nuts might have been foraged from the woods. Or a resourceful youngster from the poor side of town might scavenge the ingredients for the family’s Christmas pudding.
Figgy pudding can also show the dilemma of the “haves and have nots”. The ingredients are affordable for the rich. The poor might spend the year putting aside coins for the purchases.
A writer might also explore the aspect of making the pudding. Surprisingly, figgy pudding isn’t really pudding. Not in the 14th century and not now. In its early life the thickness was more soup-like. The fixings were boiled in a bag, sometimes twice. In recent decades, the pudding might be described as more cake-like, being poured into molds or bundt pans and slow-baked in an oven.
The fixings themselves can be introduced in the story, whether in a kitchen scene or on a shopping excursion. Figgy pudding has maintained many of the same elements over the centuries. In its early years, chopped figs were popular. By the 17th century, raisins and currants became the fruits of choice, along with suet. Contemporary recipes reveal a return to figs.
Ginger was the spice of choice in early versions of figgy pudding. With the passing of time, nutmeg, cloves and allspice became popular, along with candied orange peel or brown sugar instead of honey.
The use of alcohol has remained consistent—wine or brandy, or none.
Whew! What a big pot of figgy pudding trivia. And if that’s enough to brainstorm, key word searches for Oliver Cromwell, King George I (the “pudding king”), “Stir-up Sunday”, or coins in the figgy pudding, should whip up more fun and intrigue to add to the mix.
Because if it’s Christmas, there’s figgy pudding.
Jeannine Brummett lives in South Carolina with her husband of nineteen years, Don, who shares his three adult sons and three grandchildren with her. Reading is big on her list of things to do, but she also thrives on TV crime dramas, NBA basketball, and marvels at the critters and fowl life that live at the pond behind their house. She loves to sing praise songs, attend Bible Study, and help at a local food pantry.
The Christmas season is an excellent time to expand your writing resources. Here are some suggestions of items you can include on your wish list.
Craft Books
A serious writer knows there’s always room to learn more about the craft of writing. If you don’t have a list of writing-related books you want to read, now’s the time to start one. If you do have a list, select s few titles to add to your on your writer’s wish list.
Marketing Books
Writers need to learn about the marketing side of things, too. So add a few titles about marketing, branding, platform, and social media to your writing TBR pile. Then choose a title or two to add to your writer’s wish list. It’s never too soon to start learning about marketing and platform, so even if you’re a beginner you should be collecting (and reading) books on these topics.
Creativity and Inspirational Books
Why not invest in a book that inspires your creativity or helps you get past writer’s block? There are plenty of books designed to help creatives in all fields, so don’t confine yourself to those aimed specifically at writing. Need a suggestion for a non-self-help book to inspire you? How about a biography of someone you admire, or a story of someone who succeeded against great odds.
Genre Books
A good writer reads avidly and widely. You need to read books in the genres you write, because it helps you understand what readers expect, and what You should also read a variety of books in other genres, because we can learn and find inspiration in good books of all genres.
Software and apps
Have you been wishing you could upgrade to a more powerful version of a tool you use regularly, such as Canva or Book Brush? Why not add a year’s subscription to your wish list? Ditto for software that would make you a more productive and happy writer.
Memberships
Joining multiple organizations can get expensive, but these groups offer networking and other resources that may give your career the boost it needs. What kind of groups make the most sense for you? Some are specific to a genre, such as Sisters in Crime. Others are intended for a broader range of writers, such as American Christian Fiction Writers. Many offer a support community, such as Serious Writer Club. Why not look into a few and pick one for your wish list?
Classes and Coaching Sessions
There are tons of classes and coaches out there who can help you learn what you need to learn, or help you figure out what you need to do to take the next step in your career. Invest in yourself and make use of all that knowledge.
Technology
When apps give you a warning that your computer is too old to run their software properly, you know it’s time to think about replacing your laptop. [Yes, I am getting that message from a particular app.] In addition this might be a good opportunity to consider adding useful accessories like a microphone, to up your quality on podcasts or videos.
Office equipment
When was the last time you considered the ergonomics of your favorite writing spot? Maybe it’s time to invest in a more supportive desk chair, or a better desk that allows you to adjust the height of your keyboard. Or maybe you simply need some cute organizer bins to tame the clutter.
Hobbies
If you want your to keep producing creative ideas, you need to be intentional about feeding your creative well. And that means regularly doing the kinds of activities that feed your soul. Hiking, beekeeping, knitting, gardening, etc. Don’t neglect to include hobby supplies and equipment on your wish list.
I hope these suggestions have inspired you, both for items to add to your wish list, and also for awesome gifts you can five to your friends and loved ones.
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, releases February 9.
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.”
Writers’ Favorite
Christmas Memories & Gifts
In
this open mic episode of Writers Chat, we share writerly Christmas memories,
gifts received, and great gift ideas for writers. Some received beautiful
and/or thoughtful pens, a spinning wheel, selfie stick/tripod. Fun memories
were shared, like a cat bringing a live mouse into a women’s Christmas dinner,
where a friend calmed the ladies by saying, “This was a drop in dinner”. This
episode is full of great gift ideas, wonderful memories, and a lot of laughter,
and even a discussion on transitive and intransitive verbs. This episode was a wonderful
way to end Writers Chat for 2019.
Watch the December 17th 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.
Christmas is usually crammed full of jingle bells and jolly times. But not always, and not for everyone.
Just as Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year it can also be the most miserable time of the year.
As a child my Christmases were filled with anticipation and joy and iced cookies with lots of sprinkles. My parents loved hiding gifts and surprising my sisters and I with unexpected delights.
But when I grew up life didn’t center around Christmas surprises and goodies anymore. Life was hard at times—even at Christmas.
My husband suffered from depression. At times it was debilitating for him. And those times almost always included Christmas. His PTSD from serving in Vietnam made matters worse. December seemed to be the lowest time of the year for him.
Don’t get me wrong. Both my husband and I loved Christmas. He wasn’t usually a fan of shopping, but for Christmas he pulled out all the cash he could and bought all the gifts he could for those he loved. He was a very generous man. I’m thankful for many happy memories of him pulling off surprises and finding unique ways to gift every member of the family with cash.
But beyond the gift giving he struggled to have the “joy” that Christmas is supposed to bring. That meant our children and I faced some unique challenges trying to keep the season merry and bright.
Late into our marriage my husband got professional help with his depression and that made celebrating Christmas a little easier for him (and us) for about ten years.
In the midst of that time a tragedy happened in our lives. Our son died unexpectedly of a heart attack. He was thirty years old.
That drew a dark curtain over the next few Christmases at our house. How could we celebrate? How could we enjoy jolly times without Stephen?
How We Dealt With It
It took time. Nobody wants to hear that answer. But it is true. It takes time to heal from a grief so deep you can hardly breathe.
It took determination. We had to make up our minds that we were going to find something in Christmas that we could enjoy.
It took avoidance. Yes, we deliberately avoided certain aspects of Christmas that our family had traditionally enjoyed. Stephen loved pecan pie. I had made one for him every Christmas since he was four or five years old. But not the Christmas after his death. Nor the next, nor the next. It was probably ten years before I could make another pecan pie and enjoy it.
Our Christmas tree was decorated with little kid-made ornaments from our children’s youth. But not the Christmas after Stephen’s death. I packed those ornaments away and didn’t pull them out again for many years. I bought shiny new ornaments and decorated our tree in a totally different fashion. It was the only way I could bear to look at it.
Other things changed, too. The hole in our hearts was so deep that we had to find different ways to celebrate or be sucked down into that black hole of grief.
It took prayer. Not the “bless this food” or “lay me down to sleep” kind of prayer. It took submitting my heart to God’s perfect will. It took throwing myself into the arms of Jesus and crying on His shoulder. It took whining and pouting and beating my fists on God’s chest. It took prayer that leads to surrender to the greater will of my loving Father. It took learning to trust that He always knows best.
It took permission. We were counseled wisely to give ourselves permission to be sad. To let the sadness play its role in our Christmas. Over the years I would sit down before Christmas and stroll through old photo albums remembering the vacations, birthdays, Christmases and graduations. I would spend that day crying and letting the sadness cover me like a quilt. But I knew that the next day I would get up from that position and move forward with the things families do to build new memories of Christmas and other important events.
Time, determination, avoidance, prayer, permission.
They helped us to find a new way to celebrate and a way to find new joy at Christmas.
In my grief I learned to see Christmas through God’s eyes a little, I think. Was it a joyous event for the Father? Or did He grieve because His Son was far away in a strange place surrounded by sinful people? Did He weep because He knew what His Son was going to endure in the years after that Silent Night?
Maybe God’s full and complete joy came not at the manger, but at the empty tomb.
That’s where I find my Christmas joy—at the hope of the empty tomb.
Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book series Four Seasons was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at www.jeanmatthewhall.com, on Facebook at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.
Do you have a favorite Christmas poem? I’ve always liked “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” I hope Mr. Moore will forgive the liberty I’ve taken with his poem.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD WRITE!
Twas the night before my deadline, while all through the house
The only creature stirring was a computer mouse;
The papers were lined up by the printer with care
In hopes that “The End” would soon be there.
The pages were covered with a hundred red marks
While in my head were visions of a soft bed in the dark.
And Pops in his recliner, and I on the couch
Had just settled our brains for a quick little nap
When out at the dog pens there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my couch to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore opened the shutters and tripped on the trash.
The moon on the crest of the new melted snow
Gave vision to the mud holes scattered below.
When what to my wondering eyes should pop up
But a mother dog and eight tiny pups
She was a little old doggy so lively and quick
I knew in a moment she was up to tricks.
More rapid than a whippet, hungrier than the hounds,
She whined and cajoled the pups until they came round
And she barked and called them by name
“Now! Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer, and Vixen,
On Comet, on Cupid, on Dunder and Blixen.
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now come away, come away, come away all!”
Then up on the porch they came very fast
Gobbled all the dog feed, every crumb to the last
They were chubby and plump, like a jolly little elf
And I laughed when I saw them in spite of myself
With a wink of her eye and the twist of her head
She soon led them to know they has nothing to dread
As soon as they finished, she nudged them with her nose
And giving a nod, they all arose
She sprang to the ground and I heard them bark as they moved out of sight.
And I shouted “Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Write!”
Darlo Gemeinhardt writes middle grade novels. She believes that there is a story in every dog. In her spare time she takes care of 1 husband (of 40 years), 29 dogs and trains with TALLAO, K-9 SEARCH AND RESCUE. Visit her at From the dog pen.com
Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Yay! It really is my favorite holiday. It’s all about gratitude, family, friends, food and for some people, football.
Some 20 years ago it meant that Christmas was lurking in the shadows ready to pounce on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
But that trend long ago melted away to Christmas making itself known more like the day after Halloween! Marketing.
I’ve been wracking my creative brain for several years for a great Christmas picture book idea. And every November I read every Christmas picture book I can get my hands on. I love them – well, most of them.
Lately my brain has been wrestling with the question of what really makes a story a Christmas story.
If I look at the shelves in B & N, Hallmark, Wal-mart, Target etc. I would conclude that any book that mentions a Christmas tree, snow, gifts, stars, angels, Santa, toys, polar bears, teddy bears, snowmen . . . is classified for marketing purposes as a Christmas book.
In the adult book world it seems everyone writes a romance story that is set at Christmas time and gets it on the “Christmas book” list. Again, marketing.
But my question goes a little deeper. What ingredients go into a real Christmas story?
Definitely the retellings of Christ’s birth qualify as Christmas stories.
Stories centered around a Christmas tree, ornaments, gifts qualify.
Surely stories about Christmas family traditions and celebrations fall under “Christmas.”
How about stories around the theme of selfless acts and giving in December?
What about stories centered around angelic visitations or miracles that happen during the Christmas season?
I think of stories about Santa Claus, elves and reindeer. Are these important elements in creating a Christmas story?
And, of course, there are hundreds of stories about snow people.
Should Christmas stories be about selfless giving? About love? About joy? These are all part of what we call “the Christmas spirit,” aren’t they?
I think what I’m really wondering is does simply setting a story (for children or adults) during the Christmas season really make it a Christmas story?
Or should it have more than that? Should it reflect a deeper truth that is often associated with the Christmas season—even if it’s about snow people or reindeer?
What do YOU think?
Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book series Four Seasons was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at www.jeanmatthewhall.com, on Facebook at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.
Melody Carlson has written over 200 books but is especially known these days for her Christmas novellas. Her latest story, A Christmas by the Sea, was inspired by her own family’s experience of finding hundreds of sand dollars one Christmas while staying at a cabin along the Oregon coast.
New Releases
The authors featured in past interviews have been busy writing new books! Check out a few of the latest releases on Novelists Unwind.
Congrats to Mary Roberts Smith who won Falling for You by award-winning author Becky Wade.
The next Novelists Unwind Giveaway will be announced on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at novelistsunwind.com. Be sure to enter for your chance to win a print edition of an amazing inspirational novel.
Meet Johnnie
Johnnie Alexander creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won’t forget. Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, made the CBA bestseller list. She writes contemporaries, historicals, and cozy mysteries, serves on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for Novelists Unwind. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy. Connect with her at www.johnnie-alexander.com and other social media sites via https://linktr.ee/johnniealexndr.
I’ve been baking for a couple of weeks now. The wonderful aromas of spices, sugar and chocolates fill my house. My kitchen is a big mess with flour & sugar everywhere. Chocolate chips & sprinkles decorate my countertop. My little freezer is bulging with the goodies I’m making to share with the people I love.
My most recent published novel is called The Pan: Experiencing Neverland. It is a teenage action adventure novel based on the Peter Pan story. Unlike most fantasy based Peter Pan stories, this one is dark and humanistic, dipped in realism and based on true historical locations, facts, and characters.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
Writing has always been an escape for me. I write to escape reality, explore new worlds, or revisit history. But I also write to encourage people. I want people to be inspired by my stories. Sometimes I teach a lesson or focus on a truth (usually historical). Sometimes I encourage people in their walk with God.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing before I could write. It was just something I always did—tell stories. At the age of three, I would dictate stories to my older sister and she would write them down for me in little booklets. Writing was a way I coped with the oddities of middle and high school life.
How long does it take you to write a book?
I don’t have a lot of free time, so it usually takes about two years. I usually work on several projects at a time. I’m too ADD to focus on just one. I switch up my time from novels to screenplays.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I’m not a traditional writer. I work on film sets about 12 to 14 hours a day or more—so I make notes on my phone throughout the day. I’ll write during lunch. If I get off work in time, I’ll write after work at a coffee shop for an hour or two a night. If I had to pay writer’s rent, I would owe Starbucks thousands of dollars, I’m sure, as most of my writing is done on the road, visiting all the Starbucks in the southeast. When I’m not on a film, my creative juices start flowing around ten at night and I will write until sun up.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
It’s hard for me to write at home. I mostly write at coffee shops where I’m more inspired. I also wear headphones as I’m easily distracted. I usually listen to music that would be a good theme for my story. Right now I’m finishing a World War 2 novel and created a playlist on Youtube of classical songs that I wrote into the book. I’m also writing a screenplay on the life of Louie Armstrong, so naturally, I created a playlist of his songs, and how they will appear in the story. But even if I’m not listening to music, I cannot write unless I have earbuds blocking my ears, and a coffee at my side.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
It is always cool to see your name in print. I think perhaps the greatest thing is to receive letters from people who tell me how my story inspired them to be a better person or drew them closer to God. I wrote a Christmas novel called Saint Nicholas, the Christmas Story. It is historical fiction based on the true Santa Claus. It’s about giving and loving others. It’s about self-sacrifice. It’s about helping the poor and less fortunate. I received a number of letters telling me how the story inspired people to be more involved with giving and helping the poor. I’m also a songwriter. I wrote a song about being in the dumps of life and how a touch from God can change all that. I received a letter one night from a woman named Mary who planned to kill herself. She told me God directed her to my song on internet radio at 3 am right before she was going to pull the trigger. Mary said she could relate to the song and it literally saved her life. Instead of pulling the trigger, she cried out to God for help. That’s probably my greatest writer moment ever…to save a life.
[bctt tweet=”That’s probably my greatest writer moment ever…to save a life.- Matthew Eldridge” username=””]
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
When I was writing my recent World War 2 project (still in the works), I had to do a lot of research about the Holocaust. I saw pictures and videos of the most inhumane tortures and killings. The research put me in such a dark, depressive place. These people were flesh and blood with a soul just like you and me. Their lives were stripped from them in the most unimaginable ways. There were many nights after writing and researching I would break down and just sob and sob and sob, asking God how he could allow it to happen. There were times when I felt suicidal after months of looking at pictures and reading torture stories. I would call my prayer warrior friends and beg them to pray for me. It’s my most powerful novel to date, but I don’t think I could write something so heavy again. I often live inside of my stories. I’m very sensitive and feel as if I’m the actual characters I write about at the moment. Even my two editing friends couldn’t handle reading through it—they said it was too painful, although it is an uplifting story.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Of my novels, probably the special edition of The Pan: Experiencing Neverland. It’s not your typical Peter Pan story. It’s more of a mysterious, dark, action adventure with a lot of historical truth. There’s very little fantasy in it. And a lot of it was psychological healing for me to write, based on my own problems from my childhood. I also love the fact that the proceeds from this novel goes to help fund missions to impoverished Native American reservations.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti used to be my favorite authors. Dekker writes darker material than he used to, and Peretti is pretty much retired. As of now, I don’t have a current favorite. Both were influential in my early years of writing.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
[bctt tweet=”If you write to fit a particular genre of what’s popular, or what people want, or just to sell books, or even to be famous, it’s not going to be authentic” username=””]
Write what you are passionate about. Write what you know. Write what you love. If you write to fit a particular genre of what’s popular, or what people want, or just to sell books, or even to be famous, it’s not going to be authentic. You won’t enjoy it. You’ll be wasting your time. But if you write what you are passionate about, you’ll enjoy every moment of it. My last two screenplays and latest novel revolve around musicians. I’m passionate about music and play eight or nine instruments myself. It excites me to write about what I love and know—especially when it involves social injustice or poverty, mixed with history. I’m passionate about helping the poor and orphans, so I combine all these in my stories.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
My first novel was rejected 25 times before I gave up. I decided to learn about self-publishing and it was wonderful for my first experience. Over 11,000 copies have been downloaded and it was awesome to see my book sit at number one on Amazon during the Christmas season in its category. The next two novels I didn’t even try for an agent, and started my own publishing co. However, I am seeking an agent for my newest novel and screenplay. I’m inspired by stories of authors who received 60 or more rejection letters but never gave up—then sold millions.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
I seem to either fall in love with or hate most of my characters. I believe all my lead characters have strong personalities people seem to love or hate. Of course I love Peter Pan in The Pan: Experiencing Neverland. I also love Saint Nicholas in Saint Nicholas, the Christmas Story. I love the character, Josh, a prodigy child violinist in my upcoming WW2 novel. I can’t tell you my favorite scene from The Pan, because it would give too much away, wouldn’t it? ;0)
Where do you get your ideas?
This is the funny thing—I have no clue. Something strikes me and I’ll get goose bumps and know I’m supposed to make a novel of it. Like I said, I prefer historical fiction, so it is often something in history that intrigues me. The strangest one was how I got the idea for Whiter Than Snow, my young adult, very true historical fiction version of the Snow White story. I’ve never been a fan of the Disney Snow White version, and it was the one princess story I never really read to my daughters. But one night I had a dream that Snow White was a real person and that the story was based on truth—that I needed to write the truth about her life. I woke up the next morning and furiously researched her life, devouring every little bit of history I could find on her. I was utterly shocked to find out the stories were all based on truth—about a beautiful young woman named Margarete Von Waldeck who was in love with Prince Philip II of Spain, and he was in love with her. However, there was a problem; for political reasons, Prince Philip was engaged to Queen Mary, or Bloody Mary, who martyred hundreds upon hundreds of protestant Christians. Not only is this a love story, but it’s a story about saving the lives of others through self sacrifice.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
I used to teach high school Scriptwriting and Language Arts, and I’ve met a lot of indie writers. One common mistake I see is poor editing. They’ll have a great story with tons of mistakes that get in the way. Or they’ll have a good story that could be great. The problem I believe is that they get anxious after their first draft and want to publish it right away. Instead, my suggestion would be to sit on it for a few months after you wrote it—take a break and then go back and edit it. Your mind will be fresh and you’ll come up with new ideas. Also, have a fresh pair of eyes on it. Let your writer friends read it and give you advice or edits. Editing is more than just fixing punctuation or spelling.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
I started writing for newspapers and magazines. I have also done CD reviews, band interviews, etc. However, that was fifteen years ago. I honestly would say start by writing something incredible. Pour your soul into it. If it’s good, people will recommend it to their friends. We live in the digital age where word of mouth of a great book works wonders for indie writers.
Amazon
Matthew Eldridge’s debut novel, Saint Nicholas, the Christmas Story, made it to the #1 Best Seller for religious fiction ebooks on Amazon. Penned the next Christmas Classic, this novel will be one that will be remembered for a lifetime. Matthew’s second novel, Whiter Than Snow, spent five days at #1 Best Seller for Fairy Tales fiction e-books, and his latest novel, The Pan: Experiencing Neverland, climbed to number one in action and adventures for teens upon release.
Matthew writes a variety of styles including young adult fiction, historical fiction with a modern flair, teen fiction, and screen plays.
Matthew’s newest novel, The Pan: Experiencing Neverland, is a teenage action adventure adaptation of the Peter Pan and Wendy story. Profits from the 2nd version of The Pan go to missions for impoverished Native American communities.
Outside of writing, Matthew is a professional musician, singer, composer, and songwriter. He also works in the film industry as an actor, musician, double, and stand-in for famous actors such as Adam Sandler, Jason Bateman, Jon Hamm, Jake Johnson, Ed Helms, Theo James, Sam Claflin, Ethan Hawke, Carey Elwes, Adam Goldberg, Tim Guinee, Will Forte, Billy Burke and others.
We’re still a few days away from Thanksgiving, but we sometimes receive Christmas cards a few days after celebrating with turkey and dressing. For all the super organized people who like to get things done early, I’m re-posting the following blog from last year–and because I’m still seeing names with apostrophes in all the wrong places.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
I love Christmas. I especially love sending and receiving Christmas cards. We send out a lot from our house, and we receive a lot in return. We always include a picture of the whole family. The pictures we receive from our friends find a place on our refrigerator and adorn it all year.
I don’t, however, love the envelopes addressed to The Dougherty’s or closings that read, Love from theJones’. Ack!! I’m happy to hear from old friends, but I can’t stop my toes from curling when I see those errant apostrophes.
Here are some simple rules to follow so that you can write names correctly and make sure your cards convey the happy messages you intend.
Add an s to a proper noun that doesn’t end in s to make it plural.
Don’t change the spelling of a proper noun to make the plural.
Dougherty = Doughertys (not Dougherties)
3. Add es to a name that ends in s, x, z, ch, or sh to make it plural.
Capps = Cappses ( I know it looks strange, but trust me.)
Edwards = Edwardses
Fox = Foxes
Rakiewicz = Rakiewiczes
Notice that at no time have I used an apostrophe. I haven’t used one because I’m making the names plural, not possessive.
Three rules.
That’s all you need to write your Christmas cards correctly. If you can’t bring yourself to add the es to someone’s name or you can’t bring yourself to leave off the apostrophe, there’s always an easy fallback…Love from The Dougherty Family.
I am writing this blog on the eve of Thanksgiving. Thinking about this holiday causes me to consider the fact that we only designate one day a year to ponder gratitude. Yet the Bible encourages us to “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)
So while I know this post will run in the midst of Christmas season, I’m going to claim a day of thankfulness and encourage writers to think about the many people who bless and enrich our lives.
Here are just a few of the folks for whom we can be grateful:
Critique groups who offer helpful advice.
Authors who write better than we do. They inspire us to excel and do better.
Spouses who don’t mind eating take-out food when we’re in the midst of editing.
That friend or relative who believes we are the best writer they’ve ever read. We know it’s not true, but we appreciate their love and support anyway!
Editors who catch all those mistakes that we know are there but we just can’t see. They have our backs.
That more experienced author friend who takes us under their wing and helps us become a better writer.
The acquisitions editor who says, “Please send me that book proposal.”
The fellow writer’s conference attendee who sees you sitting alone at lunch and says, “Can I sit with you?”
That author who takes the time to read and review your book, even though you know they are too busy.
Your family and friends who will always love you, even if you never become a best-selling author.
So in this Christmas season of remembering the birth of our Savior, let’s remember that the Child born in the manger came to save us and be a blessing to us. Let us, in turn, be a blessing to others. Be an encourager to a fellow writer.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Merry Christmas!
Green typewriter image courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net
With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to read Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Christmas Carol, and discovered at least three reasons why his story is a beloved classic.
The first thing I noticed are the engaging descriptions that bring depth and meaning to the story. He paints vivid pictures of the settings and characters in a way that captures the reader’s imagination.
The many beautiful images made it difficult to choose an example to illustrate this point. One that made me smile was Dickens’ comments about Scrooge’s nephew:
If you should happen, by any unlikely chance, to know a man more blest in a laugh than Scrooge’s nephew, all I can say is, I should like to know him, too. Introduce him to me, and I’ll cultivate his acquaintance.
Simple yet vivid descriptions fill the classic tale.
[bctt tweet=”Three Reasons A #Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a Classic #Author #Writers”]
Dickens also writes about realistic characters. At first glance, Scrooge comes across as a stingy boss who refuses an invitation to a family Christmas dinner and a request to give to the poor. He only grudgingly grants his clerk Christmas Day off.
The writer then tells Scrooge’s back story in a creative way. Ghostly journeys into Christmas Past reveal a boy alone in a boarding school when all his classmates go home for Christmas. The sight touches our hearts.
Dickens also includes timeless truths in his tale of a lonely, unhappy old man. Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit, maintains an optimistic outlook despite his anxiety over his son’s health. Tiny Tim’s faith and courage touches everyone around him. Scrooge’s nephew forgives his uncle for rejecting his family.
The Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge two imminent deaths if nothing changes — one deeply mourned and one barely noticed.
Dickens’ novel lives on in our hearts. Some reasons for this are his engaging descriptions, realistic characters, and timeless truths. The story vividly reminds us how one life affects another.
There are two schools of thought about Christmas newsletters we receive from friends and family. One group loves them, and the other dreads seeing them tucked inside glitter-frosted cards.
I enjoy them immensely.
Although the newsletters come quickly, like ants filing out of anthills, they are, for me, a way to catch up on the happenings of loved ones every year.
Many of my newsletter-loving friends are writers, making theirs especially enjoyable to read, as you can’t help but “hear” their writer’s voice. One author gives beautiful descriptions of her home’s Christmas finery as she does in her book’s settings. She writes cozy novels and her newsletter seems to be an extension of her character’s warm and fuzzy lifestyles. Another writer friend’s letter hits only the high spots of her family’s holiday festivities. It lacks warmth and it’s not fuzzy in the least, a reflection of her bare bones writing style.
For practice in discovering your voice, write a Christmas newsletter. Let the words flow; remember this is just a practice exercise. When you finish, read the letter with fresh eyes and see if you recognize your style. In one of my earlier columns I suggested you read your older diaries and journals; this is another opportunity to examine free writings for glimpses of your unique voice.
Do I send Christmas newsletters, you might ask? The answer is no, simply because I am usually wrapping gifts until a Santa sighting is broadcast over the evening news report. I did, however, join you in this attempt, and my style and voice was easily recognized among the descriptions of holiday wrappings, tree decorations and the aromas of family dishes passed down through generations.
I hope this was a pleasant way to unwrap your writer’s voice.
Praying your Christmas is blessed beyond measure and that you, dear writer, find peace and hope among the most beautiful words ever penned…”for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (KJV)
Upon returning from a writer's conference earlier this year, Cathy found a 1963 Shasta Airflyte Camper sitting in her driveway. Since then, she has taken quite the fancy to travel writing. She hopes you'll join her on this adventurous journey!
Tis the season to gift, and be gifted! Maybe you may have a favorite travel writer on your list, or perhaps you simply need to share a copy of this post with a loved one. (Hint, hint.)
Ditch those earbuds and enjoy a sweet set of noise cancelling headphones. The Best Headphones of 2015 list can be found here.
And finally, a personal favorite. Aqua Notes – Waterproof Pad, $6.99 Amazon. (I picked mine up at a local Mast General Store). Yep, that’s right. Slap it on the shower wall and you’ll be prepared for any water-induced epiphanies that come your way. And what writer doesn’t have these from time to time? I recently did a weekend writing jaunt at a lake retreat, thanks to a generous family friend. My Aqua notepad saved the day more than once. Use any type pen with it.
May you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
Pilgrims are poets who create by taking a journey. –Richard Niebuhr
