When I first started writing, I assumed publishing occurred as writers often presented in Hollywood films. Authors complete a first draft of a story and send it to a publisher, who is anxiously waiting for the manuscript. Then, a team of people publicize the story. Talk show hosts call, bookstores hold signings for crowds of adoring fans, news reporters request interviews, the book sells a million copies, and everybody lives happily ever after.
Reality is so different.
Authors work hard.
We craft a story (sometimes through years of labor) and then revise it multiple times. We research into the wee hours of the morning. We hire beta readers to give us feedback, and then go through the process again. When the manuscript is finally ready, we can’t just send it out, lest it land in the bottomless slush pile of submissions from which few ever return. Some publishers require an agent, so off we go, hunting for someone to believe in us and our vision. We send query letters and book proposals. We attend conferences, read articles, build a brand and platform, and the list goes on.
Yet even we they understand all the work involved, authors still pick up the pen and write. Why?
Perhaps because authors have learned the value of perseverance. If we continue with determination and dedication, we can succeed.
So today, let’s examine three ways we can persevere in our writing journey.
Set Goals
If you work full time like I do, your writing time is limited. I try to my redeem time by focusing on a big objective that might take longer and several smaller goals that can aid in accomplishing the bigger goal. It’s a method that has helped me survive life’s demands.
Consider a few smaller goals you can finish in a week. For example, Offsides, my upcoming YA fiction novel, will soon hit the market. When it does, I want pre-sales to be up, a launch team in place, and blog interviews booked. (Any takers? Asking for a friend…) Over the next several months, I’ll dedicate time each week to contact people, create social media posts, and market to my target audience. Being ready for the release is not something I’m going to complete on a short timetable. Instead, to reach my big goal, I’ll work on smaller goals each week, such as ‘Compile a list of endorsers,’ or ‘Contact libraries and bookstores.’ The ability to complete weekly small tasks will give me a great deal of confidence, and those little things will build into the bigger event: the release itself.
Take Breaks
Inspired or not, I often force myself to sit down at the computer. I love the challenge of writing, but I still wrestle with guilt for not being more productive. But here’s a secret: It’s okay to take a break. Shut down Word and go for a walk, go out for dinner with a friend, paint a picture, do the laundry, or find some other outlet for your mind. The change might actually be good for you. Medical studies show that downtime with limited stimulation helps replenish the brain’s ability to focus, create, make connections, and process information. I can’t tell you how many times a plotline problem resolves itself while I doodle a cartoon.
Adopt the Long View
Life makes many demands on us. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan. And that’s okay. Unless you’re doing freelance editing or working on a publisher’s staff, you aren’t likely to be a fulltime writer, so when the unexpected pops up, it’s okay to make room for it. As much as you love writing, it will never love you back the way family and friends will. You want to write, but does that trump every other area of your life? Hopefully not. What if it’s a unique writing opportunity? Then yes, jump on it! But make sure your loved ones understand your situation and are on board. Initiate a conversation to explore your expectations and their needs so you can avoid hurt feelings.
I would define the long view as pursuing your writing dreams one manageable step at a time. Find balance. Say yes whenever possible and no whenever necessary and don’t stress about any self-imposed deadline. Flexibility frees the writer to create in the tiny slivers of open time without missing out on major life events.
“All of my writer friends and I have one thing in common: We didn’t listen to the naysayers. We kept writing. And eventually we have all been published.”
Author, Davi S. Laskar
So, when it comes to writing, set your goals, take breaks, and adopt the long view. Your perseverance will pay off.
Elementary school teacher Lori Z. Scott usually writes fiction. Her down time is filled with two quirky habits: chronic doodling and inventing lame jokes. Neither one impresses her principal (or friends/parents/dogs/casual strangers), but they do help inspire her writing. Somehow, her odd musings led her to accidentally write a ten-title bestselling chapter book series and on purpose write over 175 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions. Lori enjoys speaking, leading workshops, and visiting local elementary schools to share her writing journey. Follow her on Instagram @Stories.by.Lori .
Sure! The Heart Changer is a middle-grade historical fiction that puts a fresh spin on an Old Testament story as seen through the eyes of a young captive who made an impact on the lives around her. It debuted April 26, 2019 with Ambassador International. My back copy says it best:
“Can an Israelite captive, wrenched from all she loves, serve the very man who destroyed her village?
Miriam is asked to do the impossible: serve the wife of Naaman, commander of the Syrian army. Clinging to treasured memories of home and faith, Miriam faces captivity with worry and bitterness. Little does she know the Heart Changer is wooing and preparing her for a greater mission—far beyond what she could imagine.
This middle-grade historical novel reflects the heartache and angst of a young refugee in a foreign land where all hope seems lost.”
The Heart Changer, written for ages 8-12, has short chapters so reluctant readers will not be intimidated, although the language is descriptive and vibrant.
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
Yes. Not only do I want to inspire my young readers by bringing a historic hero to life in a relatable way, but I also want to bring hope in this sometimes confusing and dark world. My debut novel in particular shows that even though their lives can be full of angst and uncertainty, God is writing their story behind the scenes, working everything together for good.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been keeping a diary since I was a teenager, but didn’t begin writing in earnest as a career until my almost 100-year-old mother passed away. Thinking I might forget events of my childhood, I began writing my memoirs. Soon after I was drawn to writing picture books, and eventually landed comfortably in the middle-grade historical fiction genre where I could share my love of history and description using many more words!
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
It took me almost seven years before Ambassador International found my story at a Twitter event called #FaithPitch. After signing a contract, it took another year to bring my story to young readers.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Since I’ve published only one, it’s The Heart Changer. But if you ask me about my WIPs, I’d say the middle-grade historical fiction, Fair Investigations! set at the 1893 World’s Columbian Expostion. Therefore, I continue to diligently seek for it’s perfect publishing home.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
Yes. In The Heart Changer, Adara, (wife of Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army) is at her loom weaving, while Miriam, the servant girl (MC) is brushing her long dark hair while recounting her nation Israel’s history. Adara is so taken with the stories, especially of Joseph (who was sold into slavery) that she is sure Miriam has come to their household at the perfect time to help them — and she is right. Adara uses her weaving as an example of how God works in a life, which creates a memorable scene.
Tell us about an award you won that was particularly meaningful.
My first award was the most meaningful — an Illuminations Silver Medal in the Children’s/YA category. It gave me joy and confidence knowing my story had value, and it urged me to keep on writing! Since then, I’ve won two others: a Purple Dragonfly Honorable Mention Award in the spiritual/religious category, and the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award — a Bronze Medal for a Young Adult Fiction E-book.
How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends. I wrote Fair Investigations! a 50,000 word MG novel in 30 days for National Novel Writing Month. Others, like Soli’s Saving Grace, a MG historical fiction about a Huguenot girl who escapes persecution and flees to England, are still in the rewriting phase, and I’ve been at this one for about five years. My debut novel, The Heart Changer, I wrote in two years as a chapter book, then expanded it to a middle-grade novel. After signing with Ambassador International, my editor and I spent another 6 months revising it before publication.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
I work in my Victorian sitting room most days during the week, using my writing skills in many ways — blogposts, newsletters, social media posts, and my latest manuscript which I am revising with my faithful critique group. I’m also taking three classes online, and continue to tweak my website and fine-tune my brand. Since I have many writerly friends online, I connect with them weekly, whether at a conference, a Zoom meeting or on social media. I am very organized and driven, so I have no problem staying on task. But I must admit I drag my feet when it comes to revision, but my insightful critique group motivates me to press on.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I’m not sure if it’s a quirk, but I love finding unsung heroes in history, especially children, who have made a huge difference in the world. I am inspired to bring their stories to life. Although I have not written a new story lately, I have a computer file with many ideas. I also write exclusively on my iPad. It’s so much easier to tap away on a flat keyboard rather that a laptop. And I always have a candle lit and a cup of White Peony Tea or coffee with coconut sugar and homemade almond milk by my side.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
When a child tells me my story and characters have inspired and encouraged them to be courageous and hopeful, especially in their faith, that brings me joy. I want them to know that children who lived long ago were just like them, even though their way of life may have been different. All kids have the opportunity to be heroes in their own stories.
Last year at family camp, two young friends, each with a copy of The Heart Changer, decided they’d create their own book club. After reading a chapter on their own at night in their cabins, they would meet at breakfast to discuss what they had read. That made my heart sing.
Another young friend (8) in the UK where I was visiting, read my book through twice in two days — she couldn’t put it down. That was quite an encouragement to me!
Could you tell us about a dark moment in your writing career?
When my favorite historical fiction novel which I wrote during NaNoWriMo over four years ago is continually rejected, I get extremely discouraged. Many editors and agents praise me on my descriptions, setting and plot, but somehow, the characters need attention. So I am working diligently with my critique group to fix that problem once and for all!
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
I am constantly bombarded with good news from fellow authors who have just signed another book contract. Although I am very happy for them, it makes me question my gifts as a writer. I feel rejected and despairing of ever publishing again. But, deep down inside, I know God has a purpose for the gift He has given me, and will bring a contract to pass at the perfect time.
Where do you get your ideas?
Travel is my go-to for inspiration. When I am on a historic tour and discover a fascinating tidbit in history, I am inspired to delve into the story and bring it to light. Especially if it involves a child, since I want to bring historic young heroes to life.
Sometimes, it’s insight I receive during a sermon, or in a nonfiction book I’m reading. During our homeschool years, while reading one of our engaging historical textbooks, we found a few fascinating gems. This is how I discovered material for the story I’ve entitled, The Orphans Who Saved the World. It recounts a Spanish vaccine expedition organized to eradicate smallpox from the New World back in 1802. There is very little information on the event, so I am free to use my imagination, within limits of course. I’m always on the alert for curious pieces of unexplored history or faith insights.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Ahhhh, that depends! If we are talking about present day Biblical/historical fiction authors, Tessa Afshar, Lynn Austin, Anthony Doerr, and Heather Morris come to mind. Since I am attracted to the classics, Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austin are two of my favorites. There are so many authors I love, but they all have a historic bent to their writing.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
Breaking into the publishing field is not easy. It involves much research, writing, reading and most of all, waiting. I didn’t realise just how much effort it would take, with very little results to show for it. I would tell aspiring writers to read in the genre they wish to write, write every day, (keep a journal, or write a story, daily writing prompt, blogpost or article), and study the current market. Connecting with other writers is a must, especially in professional groups such as SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writers make?
They expect immediate success and accolades. It takes years of writing and revising to get your manuscript to submission-ready status. And even then, there is no guarantee. You must write because you love it, and have a story to tell, not because you want to be rich or famous. Keep on writing, but don’t quit your day job. You will eventually be rewarded for your perseverance.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Jarm (’J’ pronounced as a ‘Y’) Del Boccio finds her inspiration in everyday life, but in particular, when she travels the globe, observing the quirky things that happen along the way. Focusing on the lives of characters from the past, her passion is to breathe new life into the pages of history, offering her young readers hope, heart and a hero. Her award-winning MG Historical fiction, The Heart Changer puts a fresh spin on an Old Testament account of a young captive who made an impact on the lives around her. You can find The Heart Changer teaching resources at:Jarm Del Boccio, Authoror connect with Jarm on her social media platforms: Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook andInstagram.
Anyone else excited about having a fresh, clean, slate of months ahead in which to write? There’s nothing quite like looking at the calendar and thinking about all the possibilities a new year has in store.
Now that the holidays have subsided, many of us take time to plan our personal and professional goals for the year ahead.
Here are a few goals I’ve made for my writing in 2021. I’d love to hear yours if you want to add them to the comments below or connect with us on Instagram and share them there. Either way, having a supportive group to hold you accountable goes a long way toward achieving your goals.
2021 Goal #1: Set regular writing time, protect it, and keep it.
Discipline was my friend in 2019. I made a ton of progress in my writerly life. But amidst the general craziness that was last year, my schedule went haywire and momentum went south. Now is the perfect time to re-establish a writing rhythm.
Protecting my writing time boils down to prioritizing. When I worked 8-5, I set aside an hour in the evenings after family time to write. Now, I let my freelance clients know at the beginning of the week what my available “office hours” are and I stick to them.
Having the whole family home 24/7 made boundaries a little challenging at first. Fortunately, that “available office hours” practice I applied to my freelance clients also worked with my husband and son. Obviously if there were an emergency, I would punt work and tend to my family first. (To my son if you’re reading this: Wanting a snack is not an emergency)
In the new year, weekly planning – and sticking to that plan – will be a high priority.
2021 Goal #2: Reconnect with other writers.
Not too long into 2020, I noticed that the more time I spent online and on social media, the more my sense of well-being suffered. As thankful as I am for the technology that allowed me to stay in touch with my family and friends, I reached my limit quickly. By the end of 2020, my practice became to set a timer and check in on a handful of accounts- no scrolling for me.
The downside of this is that the community I’d worked so hard to cultivate on social media began to fall apart. Connection with other writers is important both to learn about our craft and to give and receive encouragement along the journey.
This year, I will include social media time in my weekly plan (see Goal #1), with the aim of rebuilding my community.
2021 Goal #3: Finish the edits and query the books.
This one is straight forward. I have some fun work just sitting here, waiting for those final polishes and queries. It’s past time for me to finish.
2021 Goal #4: Try new things.
I’ve been writing nonfiction for a living in the form of business-to-business marketing and ad writing. When I write books, they’re all middle grade fiction. Nonfiction for kids might be a good fit for me, but I’ve never tried it before. Now is as good a time as any to try it.
So, there you have it, friends. If you are setting writing goals, I’d love the opportunity to support you and encourage you this year.
Here’s to a peaceful, productive 2021.
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.
As a writer, a teacher, and a SCBWI regional advisor, Kiri Jorgensen has observed an evolution in children’s publishing over the years.
On the Chicken Scratch Books website, she writes about the observations that led her to launch her own publishing company:
More and more books published by the mainstream publishers had themes or conflicts directly connected to the trending issues of society… Where were the new ‘traditional’ books?
Can I tell you how many times I’ve asked the same question? At first, I thought I was simply out of touch with my readers. But in talking with other writers, parents, teachers, and librarians, I realize I am not alone.
I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to connect with Ms. Jorgensen and ask her a few questions about her work.
KM: Filling the void left between mainstream and religious publishers is not a small undertaking! You cover the “why” you began Chicken Scratch very succinctly on your blog. Can you tell us a little about *how* you plan to fill this void?
KJ: I love traditional children’s literature. Over the years I’ve read, and read aloud, hundreds of wonderful novels that clearly spread the joy of story. My kids and students have responded in engaging ways. But I started to notice a shift. Stories that I’d loved were starting to feel less engaging. I realized that it wasn’t the storylines themselves, or the characters, but rather the language that wasn’t connecting with my students.
Kids today are raised on a crisp information diet that combines written and visually concise input. This isn’t to say that they won’t benefit from some elaborate descriptions now and again, but the language they readily engage with is more succinct than what it used to be. For information download to their brains, kids use tools that specialize in quick delivery and thorough placement. This is not the way of classic literature.
Authors today are producing a myriad of wonderful traditional stories in all genres, with new writing styles. The material is out there. And I believe the market is still out there too, as long as gatekeepers know where to look for the new style, clean, traditional stories they can trust.
At Chicken Scratch Books, we only publish new traditional children’s novels. What that means is, the books we provide fit the mold of ‘traditional’ in regards to their characters, story, and themes, but they also fit the mold of ‘new’ in the structure of their language, pacing, and delivery.
We’ll fill the void between classic traditional and ‘new mainstream books’ by giving kids and their gatekeepers the assurance that new traditional is all we do.
As a brand-new publisher, we do things differently than anyone else. We reach out directly to our audience with access to not only wonderful new traditional books (print and ebook), but also tools to analyze and teach these stories even deeper. We work directly with parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and any other gatekeeper that loves middle grade stories. We give them access to the authors themselves through video and provide fun learning tools – both print and digital – to build on their stories. Our goal is to provide strong literature and the means to study it deeply in the modern world.
Every book we publish will engage, entertain, enlighten, lift, build, and delight. All without making anyone uncomfortable.
KM: I noticed you offer free courses for writers (full disclosure: I’ve completed one of these courses). Why do you offer these services for writers?
KJ: Although I’m a writer, editor, and publisher, I’m a teacher at my core. It wasn’t until I landed on the idea of providing learning opportunities for writers and readers that the formation of Chicken Scratch Books blossomed. To me, it seems obvious. We want to publish wonderfully crafted middle grade novels. We know what we want, and what it takes to create them. Why not guide and help writers produce what we are looking for?
We’ll be regularly adding to our offering of free online courses. I’ve been quite surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed producing them. We’re also working on more in-depth paid courses that come with different levels of individual support. The first of these should go live by the end of the year.
In addition to our online courses, if writers sign up for our email list they’ll receive our weekly WriteLetter. This follows a monthly topic and includes written and video instruction, as well as PDF downloads to help in the writing process. Our WriteLetter is also free.
KM: What’s on your To Read list?
I’m super lucky in that I get to read so many wonderful stories both pre and post publication. My library is mostly middle grade novels, and if you could see it, you’d know – mostly because of the sheer volume – that my ‘To Read’ pile is extensive!
I love traditional novels, so I always seek those out from any publisher. I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing which ones fit my requirements, even before I read them. I have one newly published book sitting on my table – The Artifact Hunters by Janet Fox. I actually got to read an earlier draft of this one when it was just being formed, so I’m very excited to read the finished project. Also on my shelf is Irena’s Children, Young Readers Edition adapted by Mary Cronk Farrell. This is the story of Irena Sendler who smuggled 2500 children out of the walled Jewish ghetto in Warsaw, Poland during Nazi occupation. I’m so grateful that a young readers edition has been created for this vital story. Another book that’s on my ‘not purchased yet, but soon will be’ list is Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce. It’s a Victorian English tale of a girl obsessed with criminal science, and a mystery to solve. I’m already in love.
Kiri Jorgensen is the Publisher and Senior Editor at Chicken Scratch Books. She is also a writer, teacher, entrepreneur, and most importantly wife and mother. Her involvement in the world of children’s literature spans almost three decades from several different angles. She taught in the public schools for 16 years, from huge school districts to a two-room schoolhouse, and created writing curriculums for middle schoolers. She has written and produced over 30 stage plays for children, served as Regional Advisor for SCBWI Montana, and has taught writing in a variety of settings, age ranges, and genres. She lives with her husband and a plethora of pets in rural Montana, where she cooks her meals on a wood-burning cookstove and is grateful every day for being right where she is.
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.
