Seriously Write

A Journey Towards Writing by Zeke Lam

2012-02-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

As it relates to a profession, the desire and ability to write has taken me by surprise. 100 percent of my writing prior to SUBMISSION hinged upon academics or sermon preparation. The thought of putting together an actual book was far from my mind.

In my case, it was a difficult season of life that sparked the desire to write. As previously mentioned, I constantly wrote as a means of preparing to preach and minister, but a trying season in 2009 sparked me towards a new way of sharing the message of Christ.

It is incredible how God can use situations to shape and prepare us for the purpose that He has for our lives. He knows exactly what He must take us through in order to get us in position to advance His Kingdom and glorify His name. In our case this season revolved around two difficult miscarriages. God’s grace is always sufficient and looking back, I know that my wife and I are stronger because of this journey.

With all that being said, my calling and passion to write began in the midst of this trial. The hurt and pain that we experienced was different on many levels than anything we had yet faced.

Prior to these events, God began to highlight the lyrics of Mercy Me’s song Bring The Rain. The chorus sings: “Bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free, bring me anything that brings you glory. And I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain, but if that’s what it takes to praise you, Jesus bring the rain”

I can distinctly remember singing that line with such enthusiasm and passion. My heart longed for nothing more than to be used to bring glory to my Savior. The night we lost our second baby, those words ran through my mind offering a fresh perspective. My thoughts revolved around this: “If I want to live to glorify Christ above all else, I have to realize that it is NOT ABOUT ME!” Living to bring glory to the name of Christ means placing my trust in Him no matter the cost or situations I must face.

In a nutshell, this is the testimony of my calling to write. As submission to the voice of God became clearer and burned within my heart, I could not keep myself from writing it down. My prayer is that God not only allows me to continue to write about submission, but more importantly gives me the faith and ability to daily walk it out.

ISBN-13: 978-1-9374-8100-1

ISBN-10: 1-9374-8100-X

ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

Connect with Zeke Lam on his website, Submission Ministries.

Sharing Faith in Fiction: Seeking Guidance by Sharon Hinck

2012-02-20T00:01:00.000-08:00

Many things can give writers fits, like including the faith thread. Sharon Hinck is back this Mixing-It-Up Monday to share more advice where sharing our faith in our fiction is concerned. Enjoy! ~ Annette

Seeking Guidance*

by Sharon Hinck

Just as we look for the most appropriate place, time, andwords for telling our neighbor about the love of Christ, as writers we need toseek God’s direction for how we share our faith within our stories.

Sometimes when we feel a passion toward a certain direction,we begin to judge others who are called to a different priority. “I don’t likehow her novels show scenes happening in a church, or characters praying all thetime.” “His books are too secular. They never mention Jesus.” “All storiesshould have a salvation scene so readers know how to accept Jesus as Savior ifthey read the book.” “We need to appeal to the wider market and avoid offendingpeople with specifics about faith.”

Instead of scorning the choices another writer makes, letGod direct you to the sort of writing, the audience, and the arena where Hewants to use you.

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*This article is an excerpt from Sharon Hinck’s ACFW courseon Sharing Faith in Fiction. Used with permission. Next week, Part III.

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The Restorer-Expanded Edition

SusanMitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker. She was wrong. When she’spulled through a portal into another world, she finds a nation grappling forits soul and waiting for a promised Restorer to save their people.

She has always longed to do something important for God, but can she fill this role?

While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that ispoisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, andlearns that God can use even her floundering attempts at service in surprisingways.

This new expanded edition of The Restorer includes an in-depth devotion guidefor readers who want to dig into the spiritual themes of the book, bonus scenesproviding glimpses of the story through a variety of characters, and fun extrasincluding links to songs and recipes.

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Sharon writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” aboutordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for theirauthenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels includecontemporary fiction such as The SecretLife of Becky Miller or Steppinginto Sunlight and the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric fantasy serieswhich includes TheRestorer–Expanded Edition. She’s been a Christy finalistand won three Carol awards.

Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned anM.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoysspeaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interactingwith visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com

Journey to Publication by Colleen Coble

2012-02-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another Fortifying Friday. Through authors sharing their journeys to publication, we’re reminded that everyone’s path is different. God calls us in different ways and at different times. For years, I’ve admired author Colleen Coble's generosity in giving back to the writing community. I’m privileged to share her personal story today.

~ Dawn

Journey to Publication

by Colleen Coble

I can still remember the first story I ever wrote. It was in first grade and was about twin colts. My teacher praised my writing, and the seed was planted. Someday I would be a writer.

The seed lay dormant through the early years of marriage and raising a family. “Someday” I was going to write. I devoured books by the armloads from the library, and it bothered me to read the hopelessness in them that assumed there was no God. Through those years, I told God if he’d give me a story, I’d love to write from the viewpoint that he exists and cares about his children. But nothing came.

August 25, 1990 changed everything. The phone rang late that night with the news that the oldest of my three younger brothers had been killed by lightning in a freak farm accident. In the coming months, as I emerged from the storm of grief, I realized that if I was ever going to follow the dream I believed God had put in my heart, I needed to get started. I was approaching my fortieth birthday, and time was marching on.

As part of the grieving process, my husband and I made a trip out to Wyoming to see where Randy had lived during a two-year stint. As I stood on the parade ground at Fort Laramie, the first idea took root and sprouted. The fire of grief and adversity had finally cracked open the seed that had lain dormant in my heart all those years.

It still wasn’t easy. Getting published is hard and takes work and commitment. Every time I was tempted to let the computer go dark, God whispered in my heart that I could do it. That he had given me everything I needed to go on. When a rejection came, I’d cry for a while. Then I’d pick myself back up, rework it and send it out again.

Seven years later I finally made the first sale. But God taught me about faith and perseverance through those seven years. In those days I knew no other writers. It was lonely and soul-crushing at times. I’m so thankful for American Christian Fiction Writers and other authors whose friendships I treasure now after wandering so long in that wilderness. Looking back, I’m glad it wasn’t easier. It makes me appreciate so much more the joy and privilege I have to share my novels with my readers and to hopefully make them a little thirsty for the One who holds out a cup of living water.

Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana. Visit her website at www.colleencoble.com .

The Writer's Puzzle by Lynette Eason

2012-02-16T03:00:00.000-08:00

There are lots of how-to-plot books, handouts and lectures out there. This is a how-NOT-to-plot. Lynette Eason is a gifted suspense writer who uses a puzzle motif when she writes. Learn her secrets of the Writer's Puzzle here. ~ Angie

Lately it seems I’ve been asked asked to write on thesecrets of writing suspense. As I started thinking about it, I decided thereweren’t really any secrets, just different ways of doing things. I knowdifferent authors have different way of writing. We’re all individuals. Whatworks for one writer may not work for another.

I’m a SOTP writer. Meaning, SEAT OF THE PANTS. I write whatcomes to me. I write in sequential order and I edit as I go. If I get abrilliant idea halfway through the manuscript, I go back and add, but basicallyby the time I get done with the story, I’m done. However, that’s not to saythat I don’t do some very basic plotting. And I think this is because Iapproach writing a story like doing a puzzle.

Step 1: Sort out all of the side pieces and frame yourpuzzle – This is the brief synopsis stage. A short summary of how I want thestory to go. There are not any realdetails here, but I have a beginning, a few scenes for the middle and the waythe story will end.

Step 2: Find the dominant color and put all of the pieces togetherin one section - Here is where I do my characterdevelopment. Even though I’m a SOTP writer, I really need to know my charactersbefore I can write anything worth keeping. I have a character worksheet I startfilling in. Details are important here, like family, best friends, educationalbackgrounds, biggest fear, biggest secret, love interest, even what’s in thewallet or the purse.

Step 3: Find where the dominant color belongs in the puzzleand place in the approximate section within the frame. The few scenes I’vesketched out need to go in the right place. I do use a writing software calledScrivener. It helps me keep my scenes organized. I love the ability to jot downan idea and store it later. When I come back to the software, I can move thescenes around to see which order works best—where they best fit into thepuzzle—er story.

Step 4: Start filling in the gaps. At this point, I have a pretty good outlineof the story. Now I just need to go through one last time and make sure I’ve putin all the details, all the red herrings, explained all of the clues and notleft anything dangling. Now, here is a little tip: As I’m writing the story,I’ve got to keep all this “stuff” in my head. However, there are times when I’mgoing along that I’ll come to a stop because I need to research something, or Ican’t remember the name of a certain character, or what time of day it is.Whatever the detail is that I need to put in, I simply stop writing, insert acomment at that point using track changes and then later, go through all of thecomments I made and insert the necessary information.

Step 5: The last piece of the puzzle = the last readthrough. Go through the whole story cleaning it up and doing one last edit. Bythe time you get to the end, you should be done.

So, as you see, writing suspense isn’t so much about secretsas it is about hard work and paying attention to details, taking your time andbeing creative. Putting the puzzle together one piece at a time until you havethe big picture.

Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Her home church,Northgate Baptist, had a tremendous influence on her during her early years.She credits dedicated Sunday School teachers and Christian parents for heracceptance of Christ at the tender age of eight. Even as a young girl, she knewshe wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.

She isthe author of ten Inspirational Romantic Suspense books, two of which finaledin the Maggies Contest and one was nominated for Reviewer’s Choice Best SeriesRomance Novel of the year for the Love Inspired Suspense line. She writes forthe Love Inspired Suspense line and Revell. Her newest book, When the Smoke Clears, released this month.

Connect with Lynette through her website and through her Ladies of Suspense blog.

Ask O: How Do I Show Non-POV Character's Emotions?

2012-02-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends!

Today we tackle showing the emotions of characters in whose head the camera does not currently reside. (See last week if you don’t get the camera reference!)

I wrestle with this one all the time. Don’t you? It’s not easy!

I just finished a book with my co-writer, Tricia Goyer (Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska). My part was written through letters, so I wrote in first person point of view. I’d only ever written in limited third person, so it was great fun to try something new.

Writing this way forced me to strictly adhere to staying in my letter-writers’ heads. If my heroine was writing the letter, I absolutely had to show the other characters' emotions only through what she could perceive. It's pretty hard to head-hop when you're using first-person pronouns. If Ellie (my heroine) were writing the letter, she could say, "I was perplexed." But how odd if she said, "Clay was perplexed," without an explanation of how she could know his feelings.

Of course we must attempt to stay in our point-of-view characters' heads for third-person POV as well, but being in first person forced me to fine tune this element.

One thing I realized is that most emotions are disclosed by outward signs. Ellie could watch Clay's lips pinch together, and she’d know he was frustrated. He could walk out of the room without answering her question, and she’d know he was displeased. She could see those wrinkles near his eyes turn upward, forming a faint look of appreciation, and she’d suspect he was softening toward her.

The challenge is to use these devices sparingly and without becoming cheesy. Too many pinched lips and upturned wrinkles, and the characters will feel just as contrived as if you head hopped. So employ these outward signs, but create your own versions (don’t use clichés: i.e., the furrowed brow, the clenched jaw, etc.) and sprinkle these bits of description in carefully chosen moments—don’t dump them all over the place.

Have fun with this! What are some ways you show your non-pov characters’ emotions? I’d love your input.

Happy writing!

Ocieanna

Our Love Story by Marybeth Whalen

2012-02-14T03:00:00.000-08:00

Ever fall out of love with writing? Ever put so much of your heart into your writing that it actually hurts? Marybeth Whalen shares her love story and reminds us that "anything in life worth having is worth working for" (to quote Andrew Carnegie). Have a Happy Valentine's Day! ~ Angie

My husband and I met when we were kids. Kids, I tell you. But we thought we were grown. Grown enough to make the kind of monumental life decision that transforms everything. And though our parents kindly warned us that this was a BIG DECISION, we were CRAZY IN LOVE and could not be deterred. So we got married the summer before our senior year of college, and prepared to live happily ever after.

But happily ever after was harder to come by than we thought. Obstacles started popping up almost immediately. We had to fight to get to the love part of our love story. It helped to remember it-- to remember how we felt about each other, that passion and desire that led us to make the crazy decision to get married. As children were born and debt mounted and demands were made on our time, we threatened to come apart. We had to remember the very fibers that held us together.

I had to remember that warm summer night on a front porch when the possibility of forever seemed so close I only had to reach for it.

I had to remember the moment when we agreed that our goals were the same-- family, children, faith, future.

I had to remember the cards he left me, the notes promising love I could depend on, the words that made me trust him with my future.

I had to remember the love of music we shared, a link forged in melody and harmony.

I had to remember the anxious proposal that was expected, yet surprising. The giddy announcement to friends. The ring on my left hand ring finger, sparkling as though it held all our hopes and promises in its facets.

I had to remember that summer we spent planning our wedding, swept away in our own whirlwind of whispered imaginings of this shared future.

I had to remember what it felt like to pick up the phone and hope it was him, the sound of his voice so different than any other voice that had ever spoken my name.

I had to remember what it felt like to look up and see him coming in the door, a novel thing.

I had to remember all these moments and more-- because what we had was threatening to become commonplace, expected, normal. I had to remember that our love story was special, as all love stories are.

Today maybe you need to remember your own love story-- first awkward conversations and butterflies in your stomach, uncertainties and hopes mixed together in one swirling, crazy time of life, the time that launched you from there to here. It's a time we can't go back to, except in our memories. But memory, as we all know around here, is a powerful thing. As powerful as a love story.

Put on the dress in which you were married

Pull down the veil til your eyes are hid

Can you remember where we both came from

Let us do as we did

- "Make Tomorrow" Peter Gabriel

Marybeth Whalen and her husband Curt have been married for 20 years. They look for their love story amidst the laundry, bills and chaos of a house with six children. Marybeth's new novel, The Guest Book, is a love story set in Sunset Beach, NC. It comes out this summer.

Sharing Faith in Fiction: The Challenge by Sharon Hinck

2012-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Christian writer, are you ever challenged by your faith thread? Sharon Hinck is here this month with a series on sharing your faith in your writing. Read on! ~ Annette

The Challenge*
by Sharon Hinck

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will inall things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him thewhole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows andbuilds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Eph. 4:15-16)

Your mouth turns dry, sweat pricks your forehead, and youlean on the backyard fence with a sudden awareness that your next words couldmake a huge difference. Your neighbor has shared a painful struggle she isfacing. Clearing your throat, you manage to say, “I’ll pray for you.” Shouldyou say more? Should you offer words of assurance of God’s love, or will thatsound trite? Maybe invite her to come to church with you? Or will that seempushy?

Sharing our faith isn’t always easy in real life, so it’s nosurprise that expressing our faith within the art form of the novel can also bechallenging.

I shared my thoughts about this challenge in an introductoryessay about the power of fiction in the book, “A Novel Idea.”

“As Christians, we constantly struggle to utter theunutterable. We long to share concepts beyond our human ability to understand—thetranscendence of God’s holiness, the potency of forgiveness, the depth of God’slove for us. Fiction helps us find ways to express those truths of magnitudebecause it is relatable, symbolic, and engages the emotion – unique qualitiesthat make it a vital art form.”

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*This article is an excerpt from Sharon Hinck's ACFW course on Sharing Faith in Fiction. Used with permission. Next week, this series continues with Part II.

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The Restorer-Expanded Edition

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The Elusive Creative Process by Erin Healy

2012-02-10T00:10:00.000-08:00

We feel tremendous satisfaction at completing the closing paragraph—the last line—the final punctuation mark on a manuscript. But, this also means it’s time to begin a new story, and a blank computer screen can feel overwhelming—even paralyzing. We may search for answers on how to remedy this affliction. Today, author Erin Healy shares personal experiences and candid thoughts on the creative process. Enjoy! ~ Dawn

The Elusive Creative Process

by Erin Healy

I’m writing this blog today instead of working on my seventh novel, because I have that feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach—the one that says There’s no way you can eat the whole elephant … AGAIN. I blame half of this self-doubt on the reality of the writing life. Most authors I know experience at least a couple of days of this feeling off and on before that first draft is on paper.

I blame the other half of my panic on the fact that I’m still figuring out my creative process. After six books, I haven’t figured out exactly how Erin Healy should go about writing a novel. I look with envy and a little suspicion on those who swear by a particular story-crafting method. Is their confidence in it is real, or are they just trying to talk themselves out of their own dread?

In the beginning I swore by outlines—until my outlines kept falling apart. My first two books were co-authored affairs that might have imprisoned me if not for my veteran partner Ted Dekker, who can (given three weeks in an isolated trailer) write himself out of any situation. In the third novel, my first effort without Ted, I knew the story’s destination but had trouble getting my characters to go there. In the fourth, I gave up outlining. The resulting freedom to discover added new dimension to my writing. On the downside, I kept losing hold of my story the way it’s hard to keep a firm grip on a flopping fish. My fifth novel started with lots of pictures and plot notes pasted to a tri-fold science-fair board, where I could keep the heart of the story ever before my eyes. It failed to solve all my story problems, though. My sixth novel existed as a chaotic dry erase board spewing rainbow ideas. It was very stream-of-consciousness. Very Faulkneresque. The opposite of an outline. Soon I ran out of space.

I called my editor in a panic. The story wasn’t coming together. I might miss my deadline. “Shouldn’t I have my creative process figured out by now?” I demanded.

She laughed at me and said, “Is that how you think this works?”

Her words were kind, and oddly empowering. They gave me permission to trust my gut—I have a good gut—and to focus more carefully on the story than on my method for writing it.

Within days I had a breakthrough.

If you have a method that always works for you, please tell all. I might use your approach sometime. But if you feel like you have to reinvent the wheel each time in order to tell your best story, that’s okay. As a fellow re-inventor, I humbly offer these observations:

Formulaic processes tend to yield formulaic products. If you’re after freshness, you’ll have to stay open to new approaches. This is a good thing.
You don’t want your stories to be like anyone else’s. So why should your creative process(es) be like anyone else’s? Keep trying to find your own way. Make the effort an adventure.
Keep what works; throw away what doesn’t. In spite of my outlining failures, outlining two to three chapters at a time helps me keep my writing momentum.
Your story is more important than your method. Don’t let your search for the perfect method eclipse anything your story needs to make it great. I bet you have a good gut too.

I'm a little amused that my Faulkneresque approach is the one that has yielded both my highest level of stress and my best effort to date. Maybe I’ll try it again sometime. But for novel seven, I’m trying Scrivener. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Erin Healy is an editor who’s had the privilege of working with many excellent storytellers (who may be experiencing a strange glee at her self-disclosure here). She is the author of six novels, most recently The Baker’s Wife and House of Mercy (July 2012).

To find out more about Erin and her books, please visit:

www.erinhealy.com

www.erinhealyblog.blogspot.com

Facebook: erinhealybooks

Twitter: @erinhealybooks

Email erin@erinhealy.com

Tension: The Author's Friend

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, Annette here for another This-N-That Thursday. Thought I'd mix things up and focus on writing craft today.

In life we work to avoid tension. From family gatherings to relational stress, we fix underlying problems to reduce tension. Not so in story. You pull the plug on tension in your novel and your reader starts to yawn.

That said, there should be a balance. If you keep things tight as a length of taut floss, you’ll lose readers too. Suspense writers know this. There’s a balance of tension, escalation, release, repeat. Same’s true for other genres.

To the fiction author, tension is a valuable commodity. It’s tangible and vital. Handle with care. Here are some tips to keep in mind in regards to tension:

~ Don’t avoid it.

~ Don’t ease it too often or write scenes without it.

~ Don’t fix things for your hero/heroine.

~ Let your characters worry.

~ Let your characters suffer.

~ Rarely (if ever) should you release all the tension between your characters or from the plot (except at the end of the story when you tie up the loose ends. Of course, you don’t have to tie them into a perfect little bow.).

~ If you solve one problem have another lined up or already in place as a hook to retain readers’ attention. As the earlier problem resolves, escalate the second/secondary problem. Make things tense. Keep ‘em reading.

~ Leave arguments unresolved, at least for a while.

~ Embrace unforgiveness. At least for a while. ;) If your characters are forever letting each other off the hook, tension fizzles. Not only will readers not finish your book, they’ll likely not read your work again, and not recommend you to their friends.

As an author, tension is your friend. Dance with it. Embrace it. Use it. Your readers will love you for it.

Ask O: Who's Head Am I In? How do I Avoid Point of View Catastrophes?

2012-02-08T07:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday my writing friends,

Have you ever been reading a novel and suddenly have no clue who's feeling you're supposed to be feeling? Or who you're supposed to be caring about? This happens to me sometimes, and I've found it's often because of sloppy point of view. “Argh!” I mutter. “I’m so confused. Why didn’t this author’s critique group point out this point-of-view catastrophe?”

Point of view (or viewpoint) is the way we unfold our stories to readers. Done erratically, it leads to those frustrating “argh!” moments when readers must work too hard and lose track of the story. Consistent point of view, on the other hand, draws readers in, making them feel like they are in our characters’ skin.

One way to think about viewpoint is to ask, “Where’s the camera?” I picture my character with a movie camera anchored to her shoulder. I describe only what she can see (smell, touch, taste, hear) through that camera. Simple, but essential.

Take a look at this example and see if you can find the POV mistakes.

Shelly Sandborn sank into the lounge chair on her oceanfront veranda. It was almost time to get ready for dinner. Shelly had curly blond hair. Maybe she’d sweep it into a French twist.

A noise behind her made her turn. “Phillip!” She peered through her yellow-tinted sunglasses and smiled at her husband. He was wearing a bright blue Hawaiian shirt he’d picked up at the airport. It made his blue eyes look even more handsome.

His surprise worked, and his heart beat faster. “I couldn’t let you come to Maui without me.” Sinking into the seat next to her, he noticed her red cheeks. She never wore enough sunscreen.

Behind them, a yacht bobbed lazily in the harbor. The handsome, European yachtsman was watching the same sunset as he barbecued the mahi mahi he’d just caught.

Mistake #1: Shelly had curly blond hair. How is this a mistake? Well, Shelly’s holding the camera, remember? She can’t see her hair, so we can’t describe her this way. Perhaps we could say, A gush of ocean wind blew a lock of Shelly’s curly blond hair into her eyes (where she could see it, and we are free to describe it).

Mistake #2: His surprise worked, and his heart beat faster. We’re in Shelly’s POV, so unless she has a stethoscope, she can’t know Phillip’s heart rate. His excitement, must be shown in a way that Shelly understands—she sees his ears redden and watches that goofy grin explode over his face. Then she knows.

Mistake #3: Sinking into the seat next to her, he noticed her red cheeks. She never wears enough sunscreen. Did you catch the mind hop? Even worse is the next sentence, She never wore sunscreen. Are these Phillip’s thoughts, or the narrator bursting in with an FYI? We shouldn’t have to work this hard.

Mistake #4: He was wearing a bright blue Hawaiian shirt he’d picked up at the airport. It made his blue eyes look even more handsome. This is a more subtle problem, but one I see all the time. Shelly is wearing yellow-tinted sunglasses, so Phillip’s blue shirt would appear … green! Everything must be experienced through our character’s lens.

Mistake #5: Behind them, a yacht bobbed lazily in the harbor. The handsome, European yachtsman barbecued. The yacht is behind her! She can’t see it. And even if she turned around, unless she was looking through binoculars, it would be too far away for us to describe the handsome, European yachtsman or his mahi mahi.

Mistake #6: …the mahi mahi he’d just caught. We saw this earlier when Shelly knew her husband picked up the shirt at the airport. How did she know he bought it at the airport? And here, how could she know this Euro man had just caught the fish? We must be careful not to give them information they couldn’t possibly know.

Tune in next week for more on point of view.

Happy writing!

And remember to send me your questions in the comments or at ocieanna.com.

Distractions by Martha Rogers

2012-02-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

Martha Rogers shares how distractions aren't just harmless time-wasters, but detract from our goals and our ministry. Even published authors can sometimes get bogged down by distractions. But don't worry, she also gives us the weapons to defeat those who oppose us. Take heart! ~ Angie

“Whether you turn to the right or left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”’
Isaiah 30:21

Distractions of everyday life and things happening around us may cause us to lose our focus on what we are doing and we may not hear what God is telling us. Our enemy causes major distractions because the enemy is in opposition to us and what we are doing.

Usually the smaller distractions of our children or home only take us away from our tasks for short periods and are necessary to keep our families running smoothly. The larger distractions come in many forms. One of them is the distraction that comes with a newly published book that calls for promotion and marketing. If we’re not careful, the business of promotion can fill our time and take away from our main focus on the Lord and what He wants us to.

The Lord wants us to have success. He cheers us on to victory. We hear His voice behind us telling us the way to go, but the enemy is always lurking around the corner to see how he can cause trouble and disharmony in our lives. He can take good things and turn them to his ways just as God can take the bad things and turn them to good. Remember, too, that the enemy is persistent.

We must be ever vigilant against the wiles of our enemy. He comes in many forms, even through our families and friends. We must focus on what God is telling us and where God is leading us, not what others have to say.

Satan can attack and distract us with a few unkind letters from readers, a rejection from an editor who really liked the manuscript, but couldn’t use it, negative remarks from a friend or family member, or negative feedback from a contest judge or critique reader. He loves to plant seeds of doubt, pull us away from our focus and cause us to lose sight of God’s plan.

The song “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” tells us to “look full in his wonderful face.”

When we do, the distractions fade away and we are able to bask in the light of His glory and grace. Let us listen to that voice from behind telling us, “this is the way; walk in it.”

Heavenly Father, may our sight be focused on You this week. May our eyes be fully trained on You so that we hear Your voice telling us the way we should go.

Martha Rogers is a freelance author of both fiction and non-fiction and a speaker. Her stories and articles have appeared in a number of compilations and magazines. Her first fiction novella was released in 2007. Her latest release is Winter Promise, (Seasons of the Heart series).

Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, First Place leader, Mom and Grandmother give Martha a unique field of ministry.

Martha is am alumni of CLASS and is available to speak at Women's Retreats, conferences, and luncheons on topics of interest to women of all ages. As an author, she is available to speak at writing conferences and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to writers.

Her tagline is Touching Hearts...Changing Lives

Keep in Contact with Martha:

www.marthawrogers.com

www.marthasbooks.blogspot.com

www.justthewritecharisma.blogspot.com

An Interview with Sharon Hinck on Writing Expanded Editions

2012-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, Annette here. I enjoyed reading Sharon Hinck's Sword of Lyric series a few years ago and was delighted to hear about her re-releasing the titles as expanded editions. Have you ever considered doing expanded editions of your books, or perhaps breaking into the e-book market this way? Check out this interview for helpful information.

What was it like developing new material for this new edition?

I loved these stories and characters so much that it was a treat to revisit the world beyond the attic. It was fun playing with scenes from new angles and exploring other character voices. The interactive devotion guide was rewarding to write, because it helped me dig deeply into the Biblical themes that inspired elements of the books.

How did you decide what bonus elements to add?

It was important to me that people would feel that it was worth the investment to own The Restorer-Expanded Edition, even if they had a copy of the original edition. I drew from all the mail I’ve gotten from readers about these books and created the things that I felt would do the most to enhance their experience of The Restorer. Since many readers share that the spiritual themes had a big impact on them, I created the devotion guide to show the foundation of those themes – and also to give more glimpses into the way that Susan Mitchell is loosely inspired by Deborah in the book of Judges. The Bible study and journaling and prayers allow readers to go on their own spiritual adventure as they are reading the novel.I also had fun creating new scenes from the perspective of minor characters. Since the book is in Susan’s first person point of view, it was fun giving other characters like Wade, Tara, Kieran, Nolan, and Tristan a voice. My publisher had suggested including “deleted scenes,” but anything that had been deleted from the original manuscript when the book was first published needed to be deleted. So writing fresh material from a new slant seemed like the way to go. I hope it’s as fun for readers as bonus material on a DVD is for me. We also tried something innovative in using QR codes so that people with smart phones can hover over the symbol and go to a page to heart the music of a song in the story, or read a recipe for a meal that is described in the book.

Besides an entertaining read, what do you hope people experience in The Restorer-Expanded Edition?

God can use ordinary people in unexpected ways. I truly believe that many women live lives of quiet heroism – whether their battleground is caring for aging parents, raising a child with a disability, fighting a long-term illness, volunteering at their church, or supporting a friend through difficulty. My hope is that Susan’s adventure in an alternate world breathes inspiration into anyone feeling that the road has been difficult in his or her world.

~~~~

The Restorer-Expanded Edition

Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker. She was wrong. When she’s pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a nation grappling for its soul and waiting for a promised Restorer to save their people.She has always longed to do something important for God, but can she fill this role?While she struggles to adapt to a foreign culture, she tackles an enemy that is poisoning the minds of the people, uncovers a corrupt ruling Council, and learns that God can use even her floundering attempts at service in surprising ways.

This new expanded edition of The Restorer includes an in-depth devotion guide for readers who want to dig into the spiritual themes of the book, bonus scenes providing glimpses of the story through a variety of characters, and fun extras including links to songs and recipes.

~~~~

Sharon writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people experiencing God’s grace in unexpected ways. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include contemporary fiction such as The Secret Life of Becky Miller or Stepping into Sunlight and the groundbreaking Sword of Lyric fantasy series which includes The Restorer–Expanded Edition.

She’s been a Christy finalist and won three Carol awards. Sharon’s undergrad degree is in education, and she earned an M.A. in Communication. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys speaking to conferences, retreats, and church groups. She loves interacting with visitors at her website and blog: sharonhinck.com

Finding Encouragement in a Rejection Letter by Dora Hiers

2012-02-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

Is there any writer on the planet who hasn’t received at least one rejection letter? I suppose there could be, but I’ve never heard of any. I think we all experience it at one time or another. But what do we do with those letters? Author Dora Hiers shares her journey to publication and how she believes we can find encouragement in rejection. Enjoy! ~ Dawn

Finding Encouragement in a Rejection Letter

by Dora Hiers

What? Encouragement in a rejection letter?

I see you shaking your head, muttering under your breath. You don’t think it’s possible.

How many of you have read a book, then thought that you could do better?

I pecked at the keys on my laptop for a year to create my first masterpiece. After praying and spending oodles on postage, I sent my baby out into the world, then settled back to wait.

A year and a stack of rejections later, I tucked that book deep in the closet. I was finished.

You need to practice before you get good at something, right? Convinced, I signed up for a few online fiction-writing courses, attended a writer’s conference, and joined two writers’ organizations and a critique group.

The writing bug kept stinging, so I wrote another book, Journey’s End, which prompted another round of rejection letters. This time, though, the rejections carried a slightly different tone.

How do you find encouragement in a rejection letter? How do you know when you’re getting close?

When the rejections stop including the generic line, “Thanks, but we don’t have room in our lineup for your book at this time.” Instead, they list specific issues or problem areas to change and offer recommendations.

How would you handle this? Some writers give up. Writing a book takes long enough, but submitting it to a publisher or agent and waiting for a response takes months.

And changes? Some writers refuse to make changes. After all, that’s their baby. I don’t understand that attitude. Authors are required to edit. Why not show a willingness to make changes before a contract is offered?

I made the changes and pressed on. A friend from Carolina Christian Writers mentioned White Rose Publishing. White Rose hadn’t blipped my radar and until then, I’d never read an e-book. God revealed a door where I had no idea one existed, so I knocked.

On New Year’s Eve, three months later, I received this response, “I’d love to add Journey’s End to the White Rose Publishing line-up.” Can you think of a better way to end one year and to begin another? Who needs fireworks?

So, dig for the pearls of encouragement in that rejection.

First, read the entire response. Cry and pitch a fit, but do not wad up the letter and toss it in the fireplace or push the delete key on the email.

Leave it for a few days. Then reread it with a fresh perspective.

Focus on what the rejection actually says. Study the response. Is it generic or does it point out problematic areas? Does it offer recommendations? Write down your observations from their response and any recommendations offered. Consider how you could incorporate these into your manuscript.

Pray, asking God for open and closed doors. Expect His response. Rejoice in His promise: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3, NIV).

After a successful auditing career, Dora Hiers left the corporate world to be a stay-at-home mom to her two sons. When her youngest son didn’t want her hanging out at school with him anymore, Dora started writing heart racing, God-gracing books. Dora belongs to the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Carolina Christian Writers. Dora and her husband make their home in North Carolina. When she’s not writing, Dora enjoys reading and family gatherings. She despises traffic, technological meltdowns, and a sad ending to a book. Her books always end with happily-ever-afters.

Connect with Dora:

Website: www.dorahiers.com

Blog: http://dorahiers.blogspot.com /

Facebook: Dora Hiers Author

Twitter: @DoraHiers

This-n-That Thursday: Exercises for the Busy Writer

2012-02-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

Writers spend a lot of time sitting … at a desk … writing. If we have a “day job” that also requires sitting—we put in even more chair hours that can affect our waistlines, hips, and bottoms. And don't forget the strain we put on our eyes, necks, backs, and shoulders.

Doing simple exercises at our desk can help alleviate some strain and make us feel more alert, flexible, and better about our appearance.

Try these out! ~ Dawn

Aerobic

Every hour do a minute of jumping jacks or running in place.

While seated, pump both arms over your head for 30 seconds, then rapidly tap your feet on the floor, football-drill style, for 30 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times.

Do walk lunges around the room.

Strength Building

One-legged squats: Do these while waiting for a web page to load. You can hold onto a table, wall, or chair for support.

Chest and shoulders: Place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down but stop short of the seat, hold for a few seconds. Do 15 times.

Back and biceps: Place your hands on the desk and hang on. Slowly push your chair back until your head is between your arms and you're looking at the floor. Then slowly pull yourself back in. Do 15 of these.

Triceps: This will help the backs of your arms. Place your butt on the edge of the desk; place your palms on the edge of the desk on either side of you. Keep your feet together, bend at the elbows, and slide forward off of the desk. Dip down a few inches, and then push back up. Dip to where your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Do this 20 times. For a variation, put your feet on the chair.

Arms: Try desk pushups. (First, make sure your desk is solid enough to support your weight.) Stand and put your hands on the desk. Walk backward, and then do push-ups against the desk. Repeat 15 times.

Toning

Kegels: These are great for women. Tighten and hold—then loosen the pelvic floor muscles.

Butt clenches: Tighten your buttocks, hold, hold, hold, and then relax. Repeat 15 times. For ab squeezes—just tighten your tummy muscles instead.

Inner Thigh: Place towel, firm water bottle, or a book between the knees as you sit up tall with the abs in. Squeeze the bottle or cup, release halfway and squeeze again, completing 16 reps of slow pulses.

Hip Flexion: Sit tall with the abs in and lift the left foot off the floor a few inches, knee bent. Hold for 2 seconds, lower and repeat for 16 reps. Repeat on the other side.

Leg Extension: Sit tall with the abs in and extend the left leg until it's level with hip, squeezing the quadriceps. Hold for 2 seconds, lower and repeat for 16 reps. Repeat on the other side.

Stretching

Upper body: Sit tall in your chair, stretch both arms over your head, and reach for the sky. After 10 seconds, extend the right hand higher, then the left.

Neck: To stretch your neck, slowly flex your head forward/backward, side to side and look right and left. Never roll your head around your neck. This could cause damage to the joints of the neck.

Shoulders: Roll your shoulders forward around 10 times, then backward.

Arms and Shoulders: Brace your hands on the edge your desk, each about a shoulder width away from your body. Twist your hands in so they point toward your body and lean forward, hunching your shoulders. Then, push your shoulders and elbows closer to the desk.

Carpal Tunnel Reliever: Repeat this simple move every day. Stand at your desk, and, arms straight, place your palms on the desk with your fingers pointed toward you. Lower your body slowly, until you feel the stretch (you won't have to go far). Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat as needed through the day.

Wrists: Roll your wrists regularly, around every hour or so. Roll the wrists 10 times clockwise, then 10 times counterclockwise. This will help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Ankles: Roll your ankles in a clockwise motion 3 times, then counterclockwise. This helps improve blood circulation.

Chest: Notice if you tend to hunch in front of the keyboard. To counter that, perform the following exercise: open your arms wide as if you are going to hug someone, rotate your wrists externally (thumbs going up and back) and pull your shoulders back.

Calves: While sitting, lift up your legs on the balls of your feet and set them down. Repeat until your legs are comfortably tired. Repeat after about 10 minutes later, and continue doing this routine for about an hour or so. This will exercise your calves, and will help prevent blood clots from developing in your legs. Blood clots are very common among middle-aged computer users.

Exercise Tools

Hand grippers, dumbbells, and elastic bands: They’re cheap, small, and lightweight—and can provide an excellent forearm workout. Use it when you’re reading something on the computer screen or on paper and you don’t need to use your hands to type.

Stability ball: (pictured at the top) Sit with your back straight and your abs firm. You burn calories stabilizing your core and body on the ball. You can bounce or do basic toning exercises during a break or while talking on the phone. (Some writers love using their stability ball. Because of the height of my desk, it hasn’t worked for me. Also … I read that you should use the actual ball form in moderation when typing, because it’s not the most supportive seating to prevent carpal tunnel and tendinitis.)

Treadmill desk: News reports on TV and online articles have shared studies showing that people’s health and weight dramatically improved by standing or walking at a slow pace while working on their computers. Some schools are even running trial programs with students. I made my own treadmill desk by taking a table leaf and laying it over my treadmill. Using it was doable while surfing the Internet or answering e-mail—but it was too difficult for me to concentrate while actually writing or editing.

Okay! You have some tips on how to keep your body healthy, feeling better, and looking great! I’m definitely going to implement some of them. Which ones will you try?

Ask O: Self-Editing Tips?

2012-02-01T05:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends!

Today we're going to talk about making our writing soar by dumping unneeded words and phrases.

I’ve never been in a hot air balloon, but I’ve seen them on TV and one thing I’ve noticed—when they start out, sandbags are tied to their baskets. As they rise, the pilots unloose them one by one until they’re soaring through the clouds.

I enjoy writing first drafts. I let my fancy-free creative side run wild as I type fast and furious. Forgetting about the rules of writing, I load it down with tons of sandbags—the bulky stuff that weighs down the story. But if I want my writing to soar, sandbags must plummet. Here are a few to hoist.

That’s Gotta Go
Eject superfluous words. Sometimes I barely notice I’m using these until I read my first draft. Like so. You’d be amazed how many so’s I end up cutting. That. You rarely need it. Just is another. There is and there are—jettison those culprits. Replace them with strong verbs. Here’s an example (from real life):

Sandbagged: There is a lot of dust on top of my TV.
Rising: The dust heap atop my TV grows every day.

Basically, suddenly, as, like, look, turn, walk… When splattered all over the place, these words bog down a story’s ascent.

Soggy Sand
I want my prose to project strength and confidence. Feeble forms of speech hinder this. Drop these bags:

Prepositional Phrases
Sandbagged: The family of dragons walked with glee.
Rising: The dragon family skipped.

Adverbs
Sandbagged: I angrily touched the Coke machine.
Rising: I smacked it.

Passive Voice
Sandbagged:Joe was tickled by an elephant.
Rising: An elephant tickled Joe.

Weak Verbs
Sandbagged: That concert was good.
Rising: That concert rocked!

Too Many in the Basket
I once read a book in which the author repeated unusual words at least once—usually more—in the same paragraph. Like,

The lady unpredictably ran into the forest with the dog unpredictably chasing her, and her hem unpredictably coming unraveled.

I struggle with this too. I don’t know why, but sometimes words get stuck in my head. And without noticing, they pop out over and over.

It’s also easy to get stuck on one type of characterization, but readers will notice if a character’s eyes squint, or jaw clenches, or palms sweat every couple pages.

Heavy Attributions
When I first write dialog, I use said a lot. And said is good. Nothing wrong with said. But when I revise, I usually add stuff like, “Come here,” the swamp monster gurgled; “You’re kidding,” the queen chortled; or “I’ll find you!” the evil lord hissed—y’know, just to spice it up. And that’s good … until I read it.

It gets to be too much. Like I’m trying too hard to be clever. So then I cut out attributions altogether. For example: The little girl eyed her mother and giggled. “Mom’s hair is green.” But too much of that makes my story seem stiff and awkward. What’s better is to achieve a good balance by blending all three techniques. Tip: Reading your scene aloud helps find this balance.

So when you’re creating your story, take the time to release those sandbags—and watch your writing soar.

Happy Writing and God bless,

Ocieanna
Note: A form of this article first appeared in the Northwest Christian Author

Evaluate, Update and Recommit to Your Blog by Edie Melson

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

Staying up to date with trends and advancementsin the publishing industry is critical to any writer’s success. But many of usmiss a regular evaluation of our blog or website. Technology is changing soquickly, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and forget about this basic—especiallyif it’s working okay. But a good site can often be updated to a GREAT site withjust a little bit of thought and tweaking.

Today I’d like to invite you to take a look atyour own blogging aspirations. Click on your own site and look at it with neweyes, keeping these thoughts in mind. Here’s the checklist I use to evaluate mysites. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to fit your needs.

Checklist

Make sure your site hasn’t become too cluttered in the sidebar area. Clean out any old links and add any you’ve been considering.
Recheck your default font. Sometimes you’ll find you’ve drifted into a different one. Whatever font you use, make certain it’s easily readable…on all screens.
Update your about me section on your site. Include the things that have happened over the past year in regard to publication, job changes, awards, and anything else applicable.
If you have a calendar with your speaking engagements, update it as well.
Also be sure to update any lists you have of other sites, like those for writers, photographers or others.
Now take out your mobile device (cell phone, tablet, eReader, whatever) and make certain your site is optimized for mobile viewing. This is vital because at least a quarter of all visitors to your site will be looking at it from a mobile device and that number will continue to increase!
Reassess what action you want your reader to take after viewing your blog. Maybe you want them to share your site with their friends/readers. Perhaps you’re selling a book. Even if it’s only to follow you on Twitter, make sure it’s easy for them to see what you want and then execute it!

This is also a good time to look at your blogposting schedule and evaluate the popularity and efficiency of your differenttopics. You can do this by utilizing the stats section of your bloggerdashboard or of your specific blogging platform.

First, look at the most popular posts of the past year. Do they fall into a specific category or theme? If this isn’t the main focus of your blog consider making it a bigger part of your posting schedule.
Next look at the day of the week when you get your most hits. Does it correspond to your posting date or is it the following day? You may need to tweak when your email notification is sent out.
Finally, Google the subject of those popular posts. Don’t plug in the exact title of those blogs, instead try a more generic subject search. The purpose of this is to see where within that search your blog entry is falling. Not certain what I’m referring to? Read my posts about SEO and Tagging.

We all benefit from a yearly checkup and ourblog is no different. I’d love to hear how you keep your site fresh andup-to-date.

Blessings,

Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for life’s stories. She loves to share her 16+ years experience in the field of writing through mentoring and teaching others. Her first foray into professional writing was as a technical writer in the 80’s. From there she quickly moved into freelance writing and editing, a perfect fit for someone who loves new challenges. Hundreds of articles and devotions, including those for Focus on the Family, CBN.com, Crosswalk.com and Christiandevotions.us, have flowed from her pen to her audience.

A savvy business owner, Edie has numerous copywriting clients who rely on her expertise in SEO and keyword formatting. She also consults on web content and social networking. And, she's the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, is Edie’s latest project. This devotional book for those with family members in the military has just been contracted with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas.

Connect with Edie

website - The Write Conversation, www.ediemelson.com

Twitter - @ediemelson

Randy Ingermanson's Take on the Moral Premise: Part Three

2012-01-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hasn't this series been helpful? Randy's explanation helped solidify some things for me where the topic of including the moral premise in my writing was concerned. And now I can be more intentional about it. How about you? Read on for the final installment. ~ Annette

Creating: The Moral Premise--Part Three

by Randy Ingermanson

Let's be clear on one thing. We don't actually live in a fair universe. In the world we live in, murderers, rapists, and con men all too often go free. Decent people all too often get whacked.

The Moral Premise of a story is not about what is. It's about what "ought" to be. Your reader knows perfectly well what "ought" to be, and so do you.

If your fiction violates what both you and your reader know "ought" to be, then your Moral Premise is bogus and you're going to make your reader intensely unhappy.

The surprising thing I learned from talking to Stan is that in a well-crafted story, the Moral Premise applies to EVERY character. One way or another, the good guy, the bad guy, the love interest, the sidekick, the class joker—everybody—is playing out the same Moral Premise.

This really puzzled me. Could it possibly be true? I decided to analyze my award-winning novel OXYGEN, (which I just republished as an e-book last month).

My co-author and I never really much thought about the Moral Premise for OXYGEN. We just wrote a story we liked. Was it possible that, even without thinking about it, we had crafted a Moral Premise into our story that applied to all our characters at once?

The answer turned out to be yes.

The Moral Premise of OXYGEN is very simple: “Honesty leads to mutual trust, but dishonesty leads to mutual distrust and suspicion.”

I quickly verified that every single major character in OXYGEN is wrestling with exactly this Moral Premise. We didn't design this into the story. It just happened. We built it in by intuition. But as I recall, it took about fifteen drafts to get the story right.

And that's why it's important to study this stuff.

Stan makes a great point in his book: If you ask yourself what the Moral Premise of your story is as you develop it, you can save yourself a lot of time and effort, and you won't have to depend on your intuition, which is often unreliable.

There is much more to say about a Moral Premise and how it works. Stan talks about something he calls the "moment of grace" which makes a lot of sense to me. I'm not going to discuss that here.

If you want to know the mechanics of the "moment of grace" and how to integrate it into your story structure, then get Stan's book. He worked hard on it, and he deserves to get paid for his ideas.

I highly recommend THE MORAL PREMISE, by Stan Williams. It's a brilliant idea. I'm going to use Stan's methods in the future on every novel I write, because I think it'll save me a lot of time.

And it'll probably save me someday from writing a story that just won't fly with my readers. Great power, great responsibility, and all that.

~~~~~
This E-zine is copyright Randall Ingermanson, 2011.

Award-winning novelist Randy Ingermanson, "the Snowflake Guy," publishes the Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine, with more than 28,000 readers, every month. If you want to learn the craft and marketing of fiction, AND make your writing more valuable to editors, AND have FUN doing it, visit http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com.

Download your free Special Report on Tiger Marketing and get a free 5-Day Course in How To Publish a Novel.

Fortifying Friday: Can I Do This?

2012-01-27T00:10:00.000-08:00

Can I Do This?

When we begin a new manuscript, receive a rejection, or struggle with mastering our craft, we may wonder if we really have it in us to be writers. After all, the journey to publication is not an easy road to travel. There are many who give up and fall by the wayside.

If we truly believe we’re called to write, and we desire to serve God through our words, I believe we won’t settle for mediocrity. Creating and sharing our projects can bring joy and fulfillment in a variety of ways. But writing to our potential means hard work, tenacity, and sometimes sacrifice. It may also require patience and waiting for years to get published.

Can I do this?

Have you ever asked yourself that question?

One of my friends (multi-published) and I recently talked about the projects we’re working on. I’m tackling a genre that I’ve never written before. I explained that it's a little scary for me. I experience fearful moments when I wonder if I'm just kidding myself. Can I really do this? Can I pull it off?

She admitted—and I’ve heard other authors say the same thing—it never changes. As a matter of fact, some multi-published authors express that with each new book, because of expectations, their fear increases. They worry they won’t be able to write the story, and then when it’s published, they fear bad reviews and poor sales. As the saying goes, you’re only as good as your last book….

But God doesn’t want us to be afraid! He put the desire in our hearts to write because he has a plan and a purpose for it.

We can find encouraging words in the Bible when we experience doubt. (I've included one list below.) You may want to keep them in sight in your writing space. When you question your abilities … when you feel stuck … and when you feel discouraged, look to those words to help keep you moving forward with renewed energy and faith in God and yourself.

Have you ever struggled with doubt or felt discouraged? What helped you?

We can do this!

~ Dawn

YOU SAY: “It’s impossible.”

GOD SAYS: “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)

YOU SAY: “I’m too tired.”

GOD SAYS: “I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

YOU SAY: “I can’t figure things out.”

GOD SAYS: “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

YOU SAY: I’m not able.”

GOD SAYS: “I am able.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

YOU SAY: “It’s not worth it.”

GOD SAYS: “It will be worth it.” (Romans 8:28)

YOU SAY: “I’m afraid.”

GOD SAYS: “I have not given you a spirit of fear.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

YOU SAY: “I’m always worried and frustrated.”

GOD SAYS: “Cast all your cares on ME.” (1 Peter 5:7)

YOU SAY: “I’m not smart enough.”

GOD SAYS: “I give you wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)

YOU SAY: “I feel all alone.”

GOD SAYS: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

YOU SAY: “I can’t manage.”

GOD SAYS: “I will supply all your needs.” (Philippians 4:19)

This and That Thursday: A Cardiac Arrest Victim's Twist on New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ocieanna here. I know it’s toward the end of January, and your goals, resolutions, and plans have already been made and embarked on, but will you indulge me one more article about goal setting?

It may be different than you expect.

I tend to be a goal setter. I love my lists with little boxes to check off (just ask my kids). In the past, each year I carefully thought out my short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals. Personal, professional, spiritual, you know the drill. SMART goals…

Early on (probably way back in my twenties) I learned how discouraging these dang lists can be. No matter what my intentions, my success rate hovered around ten percent. Not stellar.

Regardless, year after year, I’d get into the spirit and plan out (either mentally or physically) my list of goals and dreams.

I did that last year too.

Well, if you don’t know what happened to me last January, let me share. I was lying in my bed watching TV when my heart stopped. Paramedics came and revived me, but in that minute, my life changed. (You can read more about my story on my website.)

So much for my goals and plans.

Everything I expected for the year—my planned novel, teaching Bible, homeschooling, even trivial tasks like doing laundry or making dinners—all fell away. I was left with me and God. And just as He promised, He directed my path, step by step, through that time.

You know what? Even though it was difficult, I liked His plan better than mine. Not only because, well, He's God and His plans are just plain better, but because His plan revealed His tender care and protection of me in a way my pre-set goals, as grand as I thought they were, couldn't. Through His way--so different than my own--I felt His love like I never had before. I'd call that a better way.

I’m not telling you this to discourage you from filling out charts, making goals, and especially not from dreaming, but maybe my experience will temper your planning a little.

You may plan to finish three articles and a proposal. He may plan for you to love your kids through a life-changing event. You may plan to send out five queries to agents. He may plan to send you to a new and unknown ministry. You may have great successes planned. He may want to show you His love through failure.

Or like me, He might just want you to rest a spell.

So make your goals, but remember to walk in step with the One who holds your writing career—your whole life—in his hands. His love will guide you, even down uncharted paths.

Happy 2012, my writing friends,

Ocieanna

Ask O: How Do I Find Story Question? Part Three

2012-01-25T06:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends!

Today we’re going to conclude our Story Question series with five quick questions to ask your characters.

1. "What do you want more than anything?" This is one of the first questions I ask my heroine. Then I stare into space (do you do that?) and let her tell me. Usually, she begins with a superficial answer. In my latest book, Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska, (coming out later this year, yay!), Ellie wants to provide enough money to pay for her grandfather’s medical bills. She also wants to marry her sweetheart.

2. “C’mon, Ellie, can you go deeper?” As I coax her to delve beyond the surface, I discover at the heart of her longing is a desire to please. She feels unworthy of love, so thinks she must perform to gain approval from everyone around her.

3. “Now, Ellie, why do you want to please everyone?” This forces me to plunge the depths of Ellie’s heart. Well, she wants to please because her parents died when she was young. Even though she relishes her grandfather’s unconditional love, the high-society world she lives in pressures her to be perfect. The only mother-figure she has expects just-right clothes, manners, and appearances, so she never feels like she quite gets it right. Because of this she forces herself to try harder, only to keep failing.

4. “Okay, Ellie, what’s your preliminary story question?” Here it is: Will Ellie be perfect enough to please those around her?

Ah ha! Now we’re getting somewhere. And this is a secret weapon. The answer to the preliminary story question can be no. In fact, it’s often more dramatic if the reader feels she’s going down a wrong path. Of course Ellie can’t be perfect enough to please those around her. We don’t want her to be. We want her to do something else. And this becomes the real Story Question.

5. “Now, Ellie, is that really what you want?” Ellie shakes her head. What she really longs for is to be accepted and loved for who she is—by those around her and especially by Christ. So the final Story Question is this: Will Ellie get past her desire to be perfect and embrace Christ’s unconditional love?

From there I built a novel!

I'd love to hear your story questions. Feel free to share yours and any tips you may have on how you came up with them.

Happy writing! And don't forget to leave your writing questions in the comments or on my website at ocieanna.com.

Ocieanna

Do You Want a Drill Bit or a Hole? by Alton Gansky

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

A lot of times, we, as writers, pigeonhole ourselves into one type of writing, i.e., we're novelists, or we only write one type of fiction. Alton Gansky shows us how to define ourselves in terms of the goal, not necessarily the form of writing. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. ~ Angie

Years ago Discover magazine ran an article about Amory Lovins (as told to Cal Fussman). Haven’t heard of him? Neither had I, but he’s made a name for himself by having innovative ideas about energy, oil, and the like. He’s a physicist, economist, inventor, automobile designer, and several other things to make mortals like me feel like gross underachievers. In the article he discusses ways to deal with the world’s energy problems, but that’s not why I mention him. Although I found his thoughts interesting, I found his way of thinking even more so.

He made a point by describing a man who walks into a hardware store to buy a drill bit. Lovins asks, “What does the man really want?” My knee-jerk response: Um, a drill bit? But no. The man wants a hole. Okay, that seems pretty basic but how many of us think that way? Much of creativity, innovation, and artistic endeavor comes from asking the right question.

Maybe another example.

At the turn of the last century one of the first (maybe the very first) woman business consultants, Mary Parker Follet, was working with a company that made lamp shades. She asked a question that at first stumped them. “What business are you in?” Like me they went for the obvious, “Um, lamp shades?”

“No, you’re in the light control business.” Seems too subtle to make a difference, but then the, well, light went on. “You mean we can make window shades, too?” The ideas began to flow. The failure to ask and properly answer this question almost doomed the railroads that had difficulty seeing that they were in the transportation business, not the railroad business (which meant they missed out on many opportunities).

Now, what business are writers in? Are novelists in the fiction business? Are periodical writers just in the magazine biz? Are editors in the word refining business? What about publishers? Are they just in the book business?

And what about our man in the hardware store? He’s there to buy a bit, not because he likes the design and feel of it, but because he needs a hole bored into something. What’s your real need; your real desire; your real goal? If everything worked perfectly, what would your writing business look like and how would you measure its success? The man with the drill bit measures his success by the holes that he drills. Those holes are evidence of achievement. What is the writer’s proof of accomplishment?

What business are you in? What is your real goal?

These are questions I ask myself. Life changes us, the industry changes, readers change; therefore we must be flexible. The answer to the question should never be chiseled in stone but allowed to adapt to our ever altering interests, skills, and world.

“What business are you in?” I am in the communication business. I peddle ideas, sell concepts, and market thoughts. Of course, as a Christian, most of what I communicate touches on faith and the way it is lived out.

Am I a novelist? Yes, but I write nonfiction as well. Am I then a writer of books? Sure, but I also write short pieces, blogs, articles, consult, and edit. Okay, then, that makes me a wordsmith. That’s true it does, but I also lecture, give interviews, teach classes. You get the idea.

We need to think wider and deeper. What do we really want to achieve? I asked, “What is your real goal?” Mine is this: I want to make people think. That’s it. Do I want to entertain? Of course, but entertainment isn’t the goal, it’s the means. I want people to say, “Wow,” “Great,” “Gripping,” but most of all I want them to go, “Hmmm.”

I feel most successful when I, through written or spoken words, reach into someone’s mind and tickle it with a new thought.

That’s how I measure success.

Alton L. Gansky is the author of 23 novels and 7 nonfiction works, as well as principle writer of 7 novels and 2 nonfiction books. He has been a Christie Award finalist (A Ship Possessed) and an Angel Award winner (Terminal Justice). He holds a BA and MA in biblical studies. He lives in central California with his wife.

In addition to his own writing, Alton Gansky has consulted and provided editing/ writing services to several CBA publishers and written copy, video scripts, and other works for the general business market. Through Gansky.Communications he has consulted with publishers and agents, as well as provided editing services. He is “the go to guy” for co-writing having been selected by Penguin, Waterbrook, Broadman Holman, and other publishers to work with their top tier authors.

Gansky is in frequent demand at writer’s conferences having taught and keynoted in California, Arizona, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Delaware.

He is the director of the premier writers conference: Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers.

Connect with Al

E-mail, Twitter, www.altongansky.com, www.my-cwc.com

Randy Ingermanson's Take on the Moral Premise: Part Two

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

This Mixing-it-Up Monday, Randy Ingermanson is back for his second installment of this great series on the moral premise. Read on! ~ Annette

Creating: The Moral Premise--Part Two

by Randy Ingermanson

Please understand that Stan (the author of The Moral Premise) doesn't recommend that your book should be only about nice people. Plenty of great fiction is about people who aren't nice.

THE GODFATHER is a great novel about a mafia family that isn't a bit nice. THE DAY OF THE JACKAL is a great novel about a psychopathic assassin. GONE WITH THE WIND is a great novel about some loveable rogues whom you'd kick to the curb if you met them in real life.

The key thing to understand when talking about a Moral Premise is that the story needs to end "right" even if the beginning and middle are "all wrong."

In the second DIE HARD movie, we see an airliner full of people get blown up right near the end. And the audience cheers. Why?

Because the airliner is full of bad guys who are escaping the long arm of the law. They've spent the whole movie doing Bad Stuff, but in the end, they get

the only possible justice.

No, that doesn't always happen in real life. In real life, sometimes the bad guys get away. In real life, sometimes the good guys get reamed.

People don't read fiction to get another dose of real life. They already know real life sucks, mostly.

People read fiction to see things work out the way they "ought" to work out.

In fiction, the bad guys should get whacked in the end. The good guy should get justice. Or the promotion. Or the girl. Or whatever else he was trying to get.

In fiction, characters should get what they deserve, in a way the reader doesn't expect.

Let's remember that you don't have to write your fiction in black and white. In fact, you generally shouldn't. You've got a lot of shades of gray to work

with and you're allowed to use them all.

Very often, the protagonist is both good and bad and has to make a decision about which way to go. Every reader knows that the "right" decision "needs" to be rewarded and the "wrong" decision "needs" to be punished.

You can write this as a simple design pattern: [Virtue] leads to [Good Result], but [Vice] leads to [Bad Result].

Here, you need to fill in [Virtue] with any particular virtue you want—honesty, sincerity, justice, love, humility, whatever. Then you need to fill in [Vice] with some particular vice opposed to your chosen virtue. Likewise, you need to fill in [Good Result] and [Bad Result] with the good or bad things that "ought" to be the results in a fair universe.

~~~~~

This E-zine is copyright Randall Ingermanson, 2011.

Award-winning novelist Randy Ingermanson, "the Snowflake Guy," publishes the Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine, with more than 28,000 readers, every month. If you want to learn the craft and marketing of fiction, AND make your writing more valuable to editors, AND have FUN doing it, visit http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com.

Download your free Special Report on Tiger Marketing and get a free 5-Day Course in How To Publish a Novel.

Step Away from Your Desk! by Delia Latham

2012-01-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, we writers can get consumed with the characters in the fantasy worlds we create. Other activities can begin to feel like distractions and deterrents to getting our “work” done. But author Delia Latham encourages us to step away from our desks, explains why it may just be the best thing for us, and provides tips on how to accomplish it! ~ Dawn

Step Away from Your Desk!

by Delia Latham

Hebrews 10:25 (KJV): Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Writing is a solitary occupation. It makes hermits of us, unless we take deliberate steps to prevent that outcome.

Of course, if hermitry is the life one prefers, then so be it.

Most of us, however, need interaction with other human beings—something beyond social networking sites and e-mail activity. That blending of minds and personalities breathes life into us, provides fodder for our imaginations (always a good thing for a writer!), and keeps us from becoming stale, uninteresting, unhealthy…and unproductive.

We cloister ourselves inside our offices, fingers to keyboard, rear to chair—exactly as we've been taught. We insist that it's necessary to shut out the real world in order to create fictitious ones. But in reality, a lack of contact with people and real-life situations shows up in our writing as dull, cardboard characters and lifeless storylines that will never see print.

It is possible to find that human connection without allowing our writing time to suffer. And even if it does—if we're writing three hours each day instead of four—isn't it worth it if the words we write sparkle with life and energy?

Step away from your desk and breathe new life into your writing! Here's how:

One day a week, write somewhere besides your office.

Coffee shops (or even a local McDonald's) provide a great opportunity to observe others, hear real conversation, and absorb the energy of human contact. Take your laptop along. You can write…or just make character notes. Listen in on a conversation or two. Observe the various expressions and body language of the customers. (Note: DO buy a cup of coffee, maybe even a pastry. You'll find yourself far more welcome next time you go.)

Go to the park and get some fresh air. No Wi-Fi, but admit it…you'll do more writing when you don't have access to the internet.

Writing in your local library provides a chance to get acquainted with the librarians, which might lead to a reading and/or book signing. Donate a book—they'll love you for it.

Join a local writers group.

Check the internet or your local phone directory. Inquire at ACFW or RWA. Most of the time, you'll find a group within easy driving distance.

Can't find a group? Start one! A little ad in the newspaper or your church bulletin is sure to render some response. Even 3-5 writers who want to get together and brainstorm is a start. The more diverse your members as far as writing experience, the better. New writers are excited and eager, and that enthusiasm will make itself felt in the group. Experienced authors can be of benefit to each other and help the newbies develop their craft.

Attend church functions.

Not just services, although those are important. Go to potlucks—they don't happen often, and they provide much-needed fellowship and activity. Join the ladies' group or the praise team. Do something that forces you away from your desk and into life.

Find a place to volunteer.

Sometimes the best way to help yourself is to help someone else. Be a blessing…and it will come back to you, "pressed down, shaken together, and running over." (Luke 6:38)

I'm sure there are plenty of other routes to take. Let's talk about them. What keeps you from becoming a "hermit writer"?

Born and raised in Weedpatch, California, Delia Latham moved to Oklahoma in '08, making her a self-proclaimed California Okie. She loves to read and write in her country home, and gets a kick out of watching her husband play Farmer John. She's a Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, but especially loves being a princess daughter to the King of Kings. She loves Dr. Pepper and hearing from her readers. Contact her through her website or e-mail.

Delia writes inspirational romance and women's fiction, and is currently contracted through White Rose Publishing and Vinspire Publishing.

Other places to find Delia Latham:

Living the Write Life (blog)

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon

Being Perfect by Rachel Olsen

2012-01-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

Since we're halfway through January, I figured most of us have broken one or two of our resolutions - I know I have. I got great comfort from this devotional from Rachel Olsen. It was originally posted on the Proverbs 31 Ministries site and reposted here with permission, of course. Click here to receive daily devotions from Rachel and the other talented ladies at Proverbs 31 Ministries. ~ Angie

“Don’t live under the control of your sinful nature. If you do, you will think about what your sinful nature wants. Live under the control of the Holy Spirit. If you do, you will think about what the Spirit wants. The way a sinful person thinks leads to death. But the mind controlled by the Spirit brings life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 (NIRV)

There’s a moment I dread at the doctor’s office. It’s not putting on that tissue paper mistakenly called a “gown.” It’s not having my finger pricked – though I’m squeamish about blood. It’s the moment right after the nurse finishes her questions, grabs her clip board, and announces the doctor will be in to see me shortly.

Pulling the door closed, she leaves me alone with it. I already know what it’s going to say about me; I’ve read it before. It’s going to tell me I don’t measure up. I’m not reaching my potential. I don’t equal my ideal. It’s the chart that declares the perfect weight for my height – and I’m several pounds away.

It extends no mercy, offers no grace. It makes no allowances for how old I am, how many babies I’ve birthed, or that my husband can eat three plates of food every night without gaining an ounce. It demands perfection.

A few years ago I heard a verse that seemed to be the scriptural equivalent of the height/weight chart. A single verse to measure my worth against, and feed my expectations for perfection: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48, NIV 1984)

I figured this verse justified dressing my family in matching sweaters, in the middle of July, to take our Christmas card photo because I’d just gotten the perfect haircut. I figured it warranted pricey toothpaste because I drink coffee and tea, and it shows. And I figured it was my defense when I drove my family nuts about deep-cleaning the house because my new friend might stop by.

This verse helped me justify my quest for perfect photos, perfect teeth and a perfectly clean house. But it added to my disappointment, guilt and occasional loathing when my life, body or family didn’t match my ideal notions. Rather than fostering contentment and satisfaction, it fueled self-criticism. Surely this is not what Jesus intended!

In the years since hearing that verse, I’ve embraced a core conviction that goes like this: If God created life, He alone gets to define it. This conviction drove me to find out what exactly Jesus meant by “be perfect.”

‘Perfect’ used in the ancient Greek language in this verse means something a little different than Mr. Webster’s definition. The Greek word here is teleos: “complete, full grown, developing.”

The first two pieces of that definition indicate something already accomplished, while the third indicates an ongoing process.

So this perfection Jesus prescribes for us is already complete and yet still developing. Complete in Him; still at work in us. We’re allowed to be a work-in-progress!

All parts of this definition, however, refer to maturity of character, rather than a flawless figure, immaculate home, or the faultless execution of a task. Jesus doesn’t care so much if there’s dust on our mantle, stains on our teeth or a scratch on our car. He isn’t interested in how well our bedspread matches our curtains. He’s interested in our spiritual maturity.

Jesus teaches that our worth is only found in reflecting His character. To graciously give and receive love. As John writes in 1 John 3:18-20, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (NIV).

Now that’s good news for a recovering perfectionist.

Dear Lord, thank You for grace! Thank You for mercy! Thank You for empowering me to be like You as I submit to Your Word. And thank You for not caring about dust bunnies or stained shirts. Help me to care less about those things as well and focus my heart on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Come to Rachel’s blog and leave a prayer request for victory over perfectionism.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you’ll want to get a copy of Rachel’s book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

Rachel Olsen's passion is helping women see and savor God afresh. This engaging communicator, and author of It's No Secret, leads women to cultivate an invigorating spiritual walk - one that sustains through life's ups and downs. One that delights both God and self.

She has a well-earned reputation for providing quality women's devotional material. She serves as Editor in Chief of Proverbs 31 Ministries' online devotions Encouragement for Today. She also served as General Editor, along with Lysa TerKeurst, of the devotional book, God's Purpose for Every Woman.

Her devotions and articles have been published across the web on Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, CBN.com, Oneplace.com, and Growthtrac.com.

Ask O: Story Question Part Two: Why the first chapter?

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends!

Back to Story Question. Last week we talked about how Story Question has to do with the “problem.’ What problem does my character need to solve? What issue will she wrestle with until finally discovering the answer in a satisfying ending?

Today, let’s expound on why defining this problem early on is important. In my years of freelance editing, I’ve found that a poorly defined story question leads to meandering tales. The author seems to not know where she’s going, and worse, the character doesn’t know what she wants. What does this do to readers (and editors like me)?

Well, it makes me want to give up. If the story is a romance, for example, I have an expectation that the character longs for intimacy, or perhaps she's burried in a false sense of independence that will be overturned. “The last thing I need,” Madelyn gripes. “Is a man!” But of course we know a loving relationship with a good, strong man is exactly what Madelyn needs.

If I can’t cozy into this need in the first scene (preferably the first page), I feel lost and a little cheated. Is this a romance or not? It’s like taking a bus from Washington State to Florida, but heading north instead of south. Why are we going this way? I chose this trip to get me some Florida sunshine!

But, if I do really grasp the hole in the heroine’s life that love must fill, ahh, I’m hooked. If I empathize with her need (which means it must be shown not told), I can’t help but keep reading. I must find out how the problem of her lonely heart will be solved! We’re on the way to the Sunshine State and I wouldn’t get off this bus if you paid me.

Same holds true for other genres. One very important key to nabbing reader interest in those first pages is showing what the character longs for in the first scene, whether romance, suspense, women’s fiction, fantasy, or anything.

Finally, notice how Story Question deals almost exclusively with the internal. Yes, we must know the external goals—Leslie wants to become a helicopter pilot, Sir Philip yearns to build a castle. These are important foundations for your plot points, but physical objectives aren’t enough.

From the first scene, we must know what internal motivation moves the heroine to take on her quest. Readers must understand why the external goals are important to the protagonist. And that’s internal--the motives of the heart (to add a touch of schmaltzy).

How are you doing with your character’s Story Question? Keep working on it, narrowing it down, thinking of ways to show it early on. Soon you’ll realize you’ve nailed it. And you won’t be able to stop your fingers from clicking on the keyboard.

Happy writing!
Ocieanna

Creating the Essential Backstory by DiAnn Mills

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

The other day I was having lunch with girlfriends and thetopic of diet came up. Not exactly what I wanted to hear with the holidayeating taking revenge in my rearview mirror. The diet discussion continued, butinstead of plans to move forward, we confessed to what we’d eaten to getourselves into an expanded condition. In short, we bemoaned our backstoriesthat placed us in the present.

What is Backstory?

Backstory consists of the events and circumstances thatmotivate a character into fresh and compelling action. What happened to thecharacter before page one propels the story. We are four-part creatures whodeal with the physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental realms of our world.Our characters have the same challenges.

Robert McKee says it best: “Backstory—previous significantevents in the lives of the characters that the writer can reveal at criticalmoments to create turning points.”

When we studied fiction writing, our instructors told us toavoid backstory that doesn’t relate to the present character’s goal or problem.How does a writer make that determination? Backstory is critical in the worldof story, but a master writer discerns what part of backstory is vital and whatis superfluous.

To avoid confusion, let’s define what backstory is not:

Backstory is not the actionthat fills scene after scene of a powerful novel.
Backstory is not thecamouflaged aspects of the story that are happening in the present. Thepoint-of-view character might be unaware of happenings around her, but theevents are still unfolding.
Backstory is not a flashback. Aflashback is a scene interruption and slows the story by forcing the reader tomake an adjustment by sending them to the past. Sol Stein defines flashback as,“A scene that precedes the time of the present story.” Readers want toexperience the adventure with crisp writing that is happening now. If aflashback is necessary, transcend in and out—quickly.

Donald Maass recommends restraining backstory for the firstfifty pages or so of the novel.

When is Backstory Essential?

Long before the initialwriting process begins. The history of each character is intimate, personal,and exciting. Do you remember the last time you invested hours in getting toknow someone new? The person most likely did not reveal flaws and weaknessesduring the beginning stages of the relationship; instead, she convinced you bywords and actions that she was a great person. The flaws in her character camemuch later as you spent time traveling down the road of life. By then we were investedin the new friend and chose to overlook character flaws. How did that personreveal her past? What emotions did she display? Was she complex or predictable?

By learning the backstory of a character, actions in thepresent are easier for the writer to predict according to experiences andlessons learned.

Relationships often seem contrived unless the writer hasestablished backstory to weave how and why characters behave the way they do.The inspiration behind these relationships is revealed in snippets throughoutthe story. The writer holds on to the reins of backstory as though she weredriving a team of runaway horses.

Discover Your Character's Backstory

How can the writer weave a tale unless she knows what thecharacter wants and needs? Many writers use a character sketch to analyze thepast. By discovering information from every angle of character development, awriter is able to create a picture of the character’s life before the first sentence.

Take inventory of the character’s childhood. Write about theexperiences that formed his/her personality for the present story. Use allseven universal emotions to learn about the character: surprise, fear, anger,sadness, disgust, happiness, and contempt. Ask the hard questions that thecharacter might not want to discuss. Force the character to expose inner hurtsand pain. In the depths of the forbidden, the writer finds the nuggets ofpersonality, persuasion, and power.

Once the writer has searched the childhood years, move on tothe teens, young adulthood, and then to the current age of the character. Themore you discover about the character, the richer the backstory. Understandthat not everything the character states about the past is useful, only theparts that pertain to the story. Continue the exercise in time increments untilone hour before the story opens.

Perhaps the plotting and opening lines of the story will nowtake a different twist.

Backstory, where will it take you?

Award-winningauthor DiAnn Mills is a fiction writer who combines an adventuresome spiritwith unforgettable characters to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.DiAnn’s first book was published in 1998. She currently has more than fiftybooks in print, which have sold more than a million and a half copies.

Hertitles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists and have wonplacements through the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Carol Awards andInspirational Reader’s Choice awards. DiAnn won the Christy Award in 2010 and2011.

DiAnnis a founding board member for American Christian Fiction Writers and a memberof Inspirational Writers Alive; Romance Writers of America, and AdvancedWriters and Speakers Association. She speaks to various groups and teacheswriting workshops around the country. DiAnn is also the Craftsman mentor forthe Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild.

Sheand her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

Connect with DiAnn:

www.diannmills.com

Randy Ingermanson's Take on the Moral Premise: Part One

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Last September, all the buzz at the American Christian Fiction Writer's conference was on two things: e-books and the moral premise. Here, Snowflake guru and writing mentor, Randy Ingermanson, shares his take on the concept in a very helpful way. Here is part one of a three-part series this month. Enjoy! ~ Annette

Creating: The Moral Premise -- Part One

by Randy Ingermanson

Here are the kinds of novels I hate to read:

* Novels that aim to make me change my politics

* Novels that aim to make me change my religion

* Novels that aim to make me change my scientific views

* Novels that aim to make me change my mind on ANYTHING

I read fiction to have fun, not to read a diatribe, a sermon, or a polemic.

How about you? Yes or no on preachy fiction?

That's what I thought. It's unanimous.

This is why I was extremely leery when I learned a few months ago that one of the main speakers at a forthcoming conference was going to speak on "The Moral Premise." The last thing I wanted to hear was that we novelists need to be writing moralizing books.

As it turned out, my fears were groundless.

The speaker at the conference was Stan Williams, Ph.D.,the author of the book THE MORAL PREMISE, and a fascinating guy. (He has a degree in physics, which is always a good sign.)

Stan's basic idea is that a movie (or any kind of fiction) will fail when it is based on a "moral premise" that the audience believes is false.

Audiences will suspend disbelief on lots of things, but they bring in certain bedrock assumptions about the way the universe ought to operate. So do you.

You exert ultimate power over the universe which is your Storyworld. You know the drill. Great power, great responsibility. Don't screw up.

I spent some time talking with Stan at the conference and was extremely impressed with his ideas. I highly recommend his book for anyone who wants to put a strong theme into their fiction but doesn't want to come across as didactic or moralizing.

When you write a story with a sound Moral Premise, you are not trying to persuade your audience of something they don't believe. You are writing a story that confirms something they (and you) already believe.

Big difference.

~~~~

Download your free Special Report on Tiger Marketing and get a free 5-Day Course in How To Publish a Novel.

The Care and Feeding of Writers by Michelle Griep

2012-01-13T00:10:00.000-08:00

I’ve often said that no one can truly understand a writer except another writer. We are a unique breed. Today, author Michelle Griep explains some of our tendencies and what we can do to help take care of our species. You may want to share this article with family and friends! ~ Dawn

The Care and Feeding of Writers

by Michelle Griep

I’m a writer. It says so on my business card. Sometimes I pull one out just to remind myself because it still doesn’t seem real. Seriously.

Could just be a strange quirk of mine, but I doubt it. Most writers I know are slightly psychotic. Not in a bad way, mind you. Hearing voices makes for a much easier time when penning a piece of fiction.

Yes indeed, a writer is an interesting animal. Certain traits mark the species, and once you know what to look for, you’ll see them all over the neighborhood. Common identifying characteristics are:

A Tough Hide

Writers deal with rejection after rejection. Oh sure, there are a few successes sprinkled in the mix, but most often not. A true writer feels the pain then moves on…and the scars make for some great stories.

Solitary Tendencies

A writer is not a herd dweller. Give them a laptop and they vanish. Even a lousy piece of paper and a pen will have the same effect.

Unique Hoots and Howls

Walk up to a suspected writer and say, “So…what are you working on?” Then stand back and listen. There’s a musical lilt in the tone of an author explaining their latest and greatest.

Now that you can successfully identify one of the writerly beasts, it’s important to understand their care and feeding. Writers not only crave encouragement, they need it to survive. Here are a few tips to keep these animals from becoming extinct…

Mail out a handwritten note.

Guess what…writers love words and they especially love words that support them in all their ups and downs. I’m not talking pages of epic praise. A simple you-go-girl will suffice.

Be a name dropper.

Tell your friends, family and countrymen about your writer buddy’s latest accomplishment, then be sure to let your writer know what kind of lovely anti-gossip you’ve been spreading around.

Write a review.

Yes, authors do look at their reviews on Amazon, so post one. And while you’re at it, stick one up on Goodreads and Barnes & Noble, too.

Visit their blogs.

This might seem counterintuitive being that writers are often solitary, but they do like to see comments on their blogs. It’s comforting for them to know someone actually reads what they write. You don’t have to be a daily visitor. Just pop in now and then and leave a short note.

These are just a few suggestions. Put on your thinking cap, then get out there and encourage a writer today.

Michelle’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas...professionally, however, for the past 10 years. When not squirreled away with laptop in hand, she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op.

You can find Michelle at:

www.mmgriep.com

http://writerofftheleash.blogspot.com/

New Year, New Goals

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

What writing goals do you have this year? Hey everyone, Annette here. Following Dee Bright's awesome post on Monday about setting goals, have you had a chance to write any down? I tend to compartmentalize, which I’ll explain in a moment. But I do have overall goals, like always working to better my writing craft.

I have a deadline in March to hand in my full ms. That will keep me pretty busy until then. So for now, my year is broken into that project until 3/15, and then I’ll set other goals. (See? Compartmentalized.) Last year I wrote a dollar download in March. Maybe I’ll work on another one following handing in my manuscript. But I see a little problem there: maybe.

If I’m not careful, this might end up being a meandering sort of year.

How do you like to work? Set specific goals with timelines/deadlines? Or just let whatever happens, happen? In my experience, there’s a much better chance that something will actually happen if I prayerfully set specific goals with deadlines. How about you?

The key is to discover the best way you work and to not let yourself off too many hooks. *wink* Chances are, as a writer, you are your own boss. As such, you have to employ discipline in order to plant yourself in a chair and pound out words, am I right?

So if you haven't, I encourage you to prayerfully set specific goals for this year. Write them down. Hold yourself to them. Find accountability partners (this is key for staying motivated and for mutual encouragement), and get to work.

You can make your goals this year. You can get another glimpse of your dreams coming true. God will plant (or nurture) dreams in your heart and fulfill them. He’s faithful.

Now, you be faithful. Ready, set, write! And have a great year!

Ask O: I Can’t Seem to Win. What’s Wrong with My First Fifteen?

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends! Today’s Ask O question is about those first few pages. I’m just going to touch on one component to making our openings sparkle—but a really important one! Story Question.

A few years ago I was honored to judge a writers contest. I read the first few pages—a couple scenes—of the contestants’ novels. Unfortunately, one thing missing in most of the entries was Story Question. In the amount of pages I received, this character component should’ve been clearly defined, but most left it out completely. Whether you’re entering a contest or working on your first chapters for a proposal, Story Question is a vital component in those first pages.

What’s Your Problem?
“A question to be considered, solved, or answered.” That’s the dictionary definition of the word problem. Perfect! Story Question is the character’s problem that must be solved. The deep longing of her heart that aches for resolution. She won’t have rest, peace, or happiness until she finds a satisfying resolution to this one issue. It propels every aspect of the story until finally, with a huge sigh and a flood of relief, she resolves it in the end. Phew!

For Example…
I just read The Help. Wow what a book. In my humble opinion, you could describe the three main characters’ story questions like this:

Aibeleen: Will she find the courage to not only teach the little girl the truth, but find the truth of her own life?

Skeeter: Will she break from the only life she’s known to take opportunities she’s always longed for?

Minnie: Will she leave behind an abusive relationship to be able to give and receive love?

(What do you think? Did I properly define these?)

Can you define your character’s story question in one sentence? It’s really worth the time and effort to nail this. I’ve found a spot-on Story Question not only adds clarity and emotional connection to my first chapter, it helps me frame my complete plot and character arc. Try it!

Next week I’ll offer some practical questions to ask your character as you build her Story Question.

Don’t forget to leave your writing questions in the comments or on Ocieanna.com.

Happy Writing!

Ocieanna

My Castle in the Air

2012-01-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

I saw a quote by Henry David Thoreau last week onFacebook. It was a sentence from Walden that read,

“Ifyou have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is wherethey should be. Now put the foundations under them.”[1]

That’s what I’m trying to do this year, buildfoundations for my castle in the air.

Many of my writer friendshave a word for the year. I actually have two words, “fear not.” Did you knowthere are at least 63 instances of that phrase in the Bible (KJV)? And inalmost every reference, it's used as an encouragement when someone was aboutto see God in action. (That’s exciting in some ways, but in others it gives meeven more reason to be afraid. Ack!)

Resources for Change

I’ve made some changes tomy daily routine. In addition to my daily Bible reading, I’m also reading somenew blogs and books on the craft of writing and leadership. Money is a littletight this year due a major surgery and some hospital stays last year, but Ifound some resources that are very helpful (and most are free).

Michael Hyatt – Intentional Leadership.In addition to great articles for writers and ministry leaders, he offers afree book called, Creating Your PersonalLife Plan, which offers some great advice on how to setting priorities andmeeting goals.
Goins, Writer: On Writing, Ideas and Making aDifference. Jeff Goins has great ideas and advice for writers, bloggers andthose in ministry positions. His last couple of posts has been on living a goal-less life. (He emphasizes actually making changes to your life rather than setting goals.) You can download his book, The Writer’s Manifesto, after joininghis weekly newsletter list and getting his great posts delivered right to your email box.
I’m also readingYour100 Day Prayer by John I. Snyder. It’s a great devotional written to guidethe reader through a 100-day period of prayer during a crisis. It offerspractical tips, supporting Scripture and guided prayer ideas. (I got it free through BookSneeze - an arm of Thomas Nelson that offers books in exchange for honest reviews by bloggers. My review of this book will be very positive.)
I’m also doing a personal Verse of the Day and a Thought of the Day. Each day I prayfor God to lead me to a verse, quote or thought to help me keep my mind on Himand my writing. They may come from the resources above, my daily Bible readingor even from social media like Facebook or Twitter. I note these on my calendar because you’d be surprised how much comfort I get when Ireview these.
Last of all, Icount You as my resource – a very important one. Knowing that I’m responsiblefor offering quality content to a group of writers keeps me on my toes andmakes me accountable. Thank you for reading our blog and thank you so much foryour prayers and support.

A Biblical Promise

As I continue on mywriting journey, I know there will be more obstacles ahead. I know there willbe struggles as I try to finish my novel on time. But I also know that the Lordhas told me to, “Fear not.” I have to hold onto the promise that:

“Because of the Lord's great love we are notconsumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great isyour faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, (NIV)

I'd love to know: do you have a word of the year? What are you doingthis year to help meet your resolutions? - Angie

[1] Henry David Thoreau. BrainyQuote.com, Xplore Inc, 2012.http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/henrydavid105332.html, accessedJanuary 7, 2012.

Jumpstart Your Writing by Dee Bright

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Could you use a little help with goal setting this year? Dee Bright is here to share some great tips! Here's to a productive writing year, dear friends! ~ Annette

Jumpstart Your Writing

by Dee Bright

Do you ever experience those times you just can’t seem to squeeze the words onto the page?

It may be your crazy schedule, or an absence of self-discipline—or perhaps a lack of real commitment. If you’re at all like me, it may be a little of all three.

Of late I have been neglecting my writing. I’m talking months here, not just days or weeks. I’ve let anything and everything distract me. Oh, I’ve made some great excuses.

“The words just aren’t coming right now. Tomorrow I’ll get a fresh start. Yeah. Tomorrow I’ll spend the WHOLE DAY writing!”

“I really should get a note off to my Aunt Hazel—that’s writing, right?”

“I’ll just take a little break. Maybe I’ll get motivated after checking in with my friends on Facebook…”

“The grass is growing.”

“The wind is blowing.”

Excuses. Avoidance. Distractions.

I really do want to write. I feel called to write. So, I’ve decided, first off, to make the commitment. And next, to formulate a plan to make it happen.

In the past I've been motivated by "big picture" goal planning, so just last week I dug out the trusty "Goal Planning Worksheet" I developed in my executive coaching days. In its new and revised form it is now a "Goal Planning for Writers” worksheet. The form requires me to:

• begin by bathing the goal-setting process in prayer

• write out a clearly defined and very specific goal—for the week, month, year, or project

• think about WHY accomplishing the goal is important to me personally—for me that will include my passion to write, my call to write, and more

Next, it gives me space to identify the specific Action Steps necessary to reach my goal, along with Target Times/Dates and Completion Times/Dates.

Then I'm challenged to:

• identify potential obstacles—both practical (disruptions and time crunches) and "mental" (fears, negative thoughts, and untrue beliefs)—along with possible solutions and scriptural truths that defy the lies that sometimes disrupt my writing journey

• brainstorm who I can enlist for support and how they can support me

• list any additional resources I will need

As an added bonus, the worksheet asks me to:

• write out scriptures and affirmation statements to support my ongoing efforts

• get real by committing to specific things I will do each day to stay on target

• brainstorm and record ways I can keep my goal "alive and challenging"

It ends with me writing down ways I can celebrate my success! For ongoing progress, I like to reward myself—with chocolate or a nice cup of tea. When my MS is finished, I’m planning to invite friends to celebrate with me!

I find that when I commit my goals to paper, then put them where I can review them at the beginning of each day, it makes a huge difference in my perseverance and my productivity.

I'm planning to do one worksheet for my overall goals for my WIP, then begin doing one each week for my weekly goals. I'll keep both the "master goal" and the "weekly goals" where I can see them and quickly review them every writing day.

If you want a copy of my worksheet, contact me at deebrightwrites [at] gmail.com and I'll email you a copy.

Happy New Year, and may your fingers fly on your keyboard!

How about you? Have you made a real commitment to your writing?

What keeps you writing, even when time constraints interfere and when you just don’t feel like it?

~~~~~~

Dee Bright is an author and speaker. She loves her involvement with women’s ministry and enjoys speaking for Christian conferences and retreats. In her former life, Dee was a leadership/management consultant and executive coach.

Her first non-fiction book, The Divine Romance—Going to God with the Longings Only He Can Fulfill, was published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group in 2008. Presently she is working on her first novel, a contemporary suspense set in Northern California.

Dee lives near Sacramento and is a student at Fuller Seminary. Seeking always to “embrace the adventure of living for Christ,” Dee enjoys kayaking, hiking, traveling, photography, and gardening. She has a beautiful daughter, a wonderful son-in-law, and four adorable grandkids. You can read more about Dee at www.DeeBright.com

The Virtuous Inspirational Writer by Shirley Kiger Connolly

2012-01-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Authors pen nonfiction articles and books. Some create stories filled with adventure, romance, mystery, suspense, or science fiction. As writers who write Christian material, we also desire to inspire and encourage our readers. We strive to give them hope and a yearning to draw closer to God. But how do we do that? Enjoy what author Shirley Kiger Connolly has to say about being an inspirational writer. ~ Dawn

The Virtuous Inspirational Writer

by Shirley Kiger Connolly

Would you say you're the kind of writer who wishes she could instill the knowledge she has gained in the Lord to the people she meets? How about to the world around her, to the people she loves, to the heroine she writes about?

That's the woman who decides to take God with her to every page of her manuscript.

A woman of inspiration is an encourager. She takes the time to sit at the Master’s feet, to learn of Him all she can (while continuing to hunger for more). She knows only then can she return to her computer with the confidence that God’s Spirit will go before her and shine through every word she writes on each page…through her voice, through her actions, through her deepest thoughts, through her emotions. Is that how you best instill God with your inspirational writing?

It is how we live as Virtuous Women…that woman with the strength of Gibraltar. You know her. She's you. Isn't she?

I see the inspirational-virtuous woman as devoted, unselfish, domesticated, not easily taken in by the world. Her heart seeks to be kind -- her eyes are far-seeing. She lives not to herself, nor does she seek to gain the kind of glory the world pursues. She lives beyond the little circle she's made for herself or her particular world, because she first chooses to live for the Lord who has chosen her lot whatever that may be. Perhaps she's not wonderfully successful to some, or maybe she is in the eyes of many, but to her it doesn’t matter. This is the virtuous woman the wise man in the 31st chapter of Proverbs spoke in detail about.

Is this you?

I love the virtuous woman, and want to be like her in every way. Her words come forth softly, yet she is able to get the point across. She can stop an argument with a single word or action. She beams about all that is good and right. She's not headstrong, selfish; but humble and respectful, dutiful and full of affection. Wisdom, we discover, is this woman's common speech because she rejects idle gossip. She is known by most as an encourager of good not evil.

Put yourself in her slippers, if you will. Think seriously about that woman of virtue every time you sit at your computer to write. Think about how she would come forth in the creation of her stories. Consider how she will respond to life, how others will see her in her home, in the ministry God gives her, while she's on the job, with her children…even while she's at rest.

Everything about her is wrapped up like a Christmas or New Year's package filled with love and honor to God, because she worships Him first and foremost. Because her workload doesn’t become too heavy and long that she has little strength to find that balance she needs to remain an inspiration to others.

That's the kind of woman who decides to take God with her to every page and in whatever she does. Is that you?

What is your foundation as you write?

Award-winning author Shirley Kiger Connolly majored in English and Journalism, then later became a graduate of Institute of Children’s Literature. Shirley enjoys penning historical fiction romances and nonfiction books of reflections. Shirley also teaches Koinonia women’s bible studies and speaks at women's retreats. On the side, Shirley loves designing her home and rearranging her furniture, cross-stitching and doing needlework, or watching old TCM movies. If she's not reading, researching, or working on her next book in her Decisions series, scheduled to release in October 2012, Shirley is singing or spending time with her chickens, dogs, and cats. She’s excited about her December free novella release, Tears of Two, a prequel to her recent August release, Say Goodbye to Yesterday (Decisions Book One) Both are both available at Desert Breeze Publishing now. All her books can also be found at any online bookstores. An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers; Shirley is also with Hearts through History Chapter of Romance Writers of America; and last but not least Faith-Hope-Love, RWA.

NOTE: Tears of Two is a FREE novella.

To find out more about Shirley, please visit:

www.shirleykigerconnolly.com

http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyKigerConnolly?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Shirley-Kiger-Connolly-Author-Page/155515914463370

https://twitter.com/?iid=am-167106996113227493676030600&nid=23+recipient&uid=16698543&utm_content=profile#!/shirleyhere