Threads of God's Grace Series by Louise M. Gouge

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

What a pleasure it's been to host author Louise M. Gouge this month on Seriously Write. Please welcome her back this Manuscript Monday.

Threads of God's Grace
Woven Through Time: Part IV
by Louise M. Gouge

This is the last installment in my four-part series on Manuscript Monday, in which I describe my tagline: “Threads of God’s grace woven through time.” In Part 1, I discussed the Plot thread that forms the “warp” for the tapestry of our story. In Part 2, I talked about first “weft” thread, Emotion, in which the hero and heroine overcome some inner emotional difficulty and let love triumph. In Part 3, I addressed the Romance thread that ends in Happily Ever After (HEA). The remaining thread concerns the Spiritual “weft” that we weave through the plot to bring our story to life. This is the golden thread that makes everything else worthwhile as the hero and heroine comprehend the Grace of God and grow in their respective relationships with Him.

So how does an author weave this thread into the story in a natural (organic) way? What are the do’s and don’ts? Best-selling author DiAnn Mills says, “Good writing is not about preaching. No souls were ever saved by beating a person over the head with a Bible.” So “don’t be preachy” is a good watchword for the Christian writer who wants to add a spiritual dimension to her story.

What does it mean to be preachy? Steeple Hill author Cheryl St. John says, “Anything that suggests my way is better than your way sounds preachy. It's not my job to tell someone how they should believe or behave. But I feel it is my place to set an example and let people see my Jesus through me. So for me, the whole faith element comes completely through my characters' viewpoints, behaviors, their beliefs and faith, and their trust in God.”

Working with these principles, writers with a Christian worldview discover ways to show the deeper spiritual life in the way their characters respond to the events in the story, without being heavy-handed. The heroine may be a strong Christian, yet she falls in love with a man who never found any value in religion. Throughout the story’s conflicts, the heroine turns to God for strength and hope, even in the darkest hour. Her faith and her natural reactions to the conflict set an example the hero admires, and he wants to know more about her God. This gives her the opportunity to point out the difference between religion and her relationship with Jesus Christ. Or the hero may be the strong Christian, but the heroine, while believing in God, feels that He has let her down too often. She has decided that God is too remote to be interested in her. The hero’s life hasn’t been much better, but he’s determined to trust God in spite of the way people disappoint or hurt him. As the story proceeds, both hero and heroine choose to base their faith on God’s promises rather than external circumstances. It is this inner faith that frees them from the past (including emotional pain) and prepares them to give and receive love (romance), with God’s love providing the spiritual dimension to their lives.

With Plot as the warp and Emotional, Romantic, and Spiritual threads as the weft, the writer can weave the fabric of a heartwarming love story that readers will long remember. For my historical romance novels, these are my Threads of God’s Grace Woven through Time.

~~~~~

Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom. Templeton's orders from General Washington are clear. His target: Lord Bennington, a member of George III's Privy Council. The assignment: find Bennington's war plans. The risks: the future of the East Florida Colony, Jamie's life...and his heart. In spite of the dangers of their hopeless situation, he's fallen in love with Lady Marianne Moberly, Lord Bennington's daughter. Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, March 2010, ISBN: 13-978-0-373-82832-6
Available at cbd.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com

~~~~~

Award-winning Florida author Louise M. Gouge has been married to David Gouge for 45 years. They have four grown children and six grandchildren. Louise earned her BA in English/Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and her Master of Liberal Studies degree at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The author of nine books, Louise is also an adjunct professor of English and Humanities at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. Her favorite Bible verse is “He shall choose our inheritance for us” (Psalm 47:4), a testimony to her belief that God has chosen a path for each believer. To seek that path and to trust His wisdom is to find the greatest happiness in life. Web site and blog: http://Louisemgouge.com

How Writing Found Me by Amy Clipston

Welcome to Fortifying Friday! Last week on our Writer’s Journey Wednesday, author Amy Clipston gave us “Eleven Steps to Fighting Writer’s Block.” Today she returns to share her journey to publication. Enjoy!

How Writing Found Me

I often mention that my writing career began when I wrote and shared silly stories with a close friend in elementary school. While writing was second nature to me, I never considered being a writer. Instead, I spent time dreaming of becoming a teacher, veterinarian, or nurse.

In junior high and high school, my books turned into “fan fiction,” which were stories based on my favorite television shows and movies. However, I still didn’t call myself a writer or plan to pen books people would want to buy.

My fan fiction hobby continued as my way to escape stress while I was in college and into my adult life. I shared my stories with a close friend but hid my pastime from my husband. I didn’t dare tell him I was writing because I was afraid he would be disappointed in me, which was ludicrous. My husband has always supported me, but I was uncomfortable with my writing passion.

While searching for a professional technical writer/editor organization to join for work, I happened upon Chesapeake Romance Writers, a local chapter of Romance Writers of America. After attending a meeting, I realized I had a suppressed desire to become a writer. The realization was life changing, and my silly stories soon transformed into novels.

My new friends at Chesapeake Romance Writers taught me how to plot and write marketable books. After I completed my first novel, my friends advised me on the process of finding a literary agent. In 2005, I signed with my agent, Mary Sue Seymour, and she and I began our journey of pedaling my creations. At that time, I was writing romance novels.

When I made the switch to inspirational books, I found my niche. As a lifelong Christian, the transition was comfortable and it felt like my calling. I had always felt a connection to the Amish. My father, who immigrated to the United States with his parents and siblings in 1929, told me the Amish speak my family’s dialect of German. Since I grew up in New Jersey, I had visited Lancaster County as a child and my fascination with the Amish way of life grew.

After researching the culture, I was inspired to create my own book series. I formed a close friendship with an Amish woman during my research, and she critiques my stories. My dream of the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series came true when Zondervan offered me a contract in late 2007.

Holding my first book, A Gift of Grace, in my hands was a dream come true; however, seeing A Gift of Grace and then my second book, A Promise of Hope, hit all three Christian Best Seller lists was surreal. I’m thankful to my agent, Zondervan, and my readers for choosing my books.

The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series will include six full-length novels along with Christmas novellas. A Plain & Simple Christmas will debut in August, followed by A Place of Peace, book three in the series, in December.



Bestselling author Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school in New Jersey when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. Amy’s book, A Gift of Grace, the first in her Kauffman Amish Bakery Series debuted with Zondervan in May 2009. A Promise of Hope, the second book in The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, hit bookshelves in April 2010 and will be followed by two more Kauffman books in 2010, A Plain & Simple Christmas in July and A Place of Peace in December.

Amy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and works for the City of Charlotte. Amy lives with her husband, Joe; two sons, Zac and Matt; mother, Lola; and three spoiled rotten cats, Molly, Rico, and Jet.

To learn more about Amy and her books, please visit these links:
http://www.amyclipston.com/
http://www.amyclipston.blogspot.com/
http://www.amishhearts.com/
www.facebook.com/amy.clipston

Never Give Up on Your Dream!

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. "Come now, let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams."(Genesis 37:19-20 NIV)


Joseph was a dreamer.

His brothers scoffed at him, made fun of him, and even wanted to kill him because of it. But God had given Joseph the ability to dream. God had a plan and purpose for Joseph.

What can we learn from Joseph’s life?

1. Don’t give up on your dream, even if things don’t start out well.
Joseph’s dreams didn’t initially make him an honored man. Instead, his dreams got him into a lot of trouble. But that didn’t stop him.

You may experience rejection from editors and agents. You may not final in writing contests. You may feel discouraged by all there is to learn about writing and the publishing industry. But don’t let those things stop you.


2. Don’t give up on your dream, though others don’t support it.
Joseph’s brothers actually wanted to kill him because they felt so threatened by his dreams and status with their father.

Recently, Annette and I sat in a McDonald’s with our crit partners, discussing our work. A young man, about 20 years old, approached us. He apologized for intruding, but overhearing our conversation, realized we were writers. He asked if we’d look at a paragraph he’d written (stored in his phone) and give our input. You see, he had been discouraged by so many people who had told him that writing was a waste of time, he’d given up. He walked away beaming after we told him to NEVER GIVE UP.

Your friends and family may not understand your desire to write. They may not show any interest. They may be blunt about their feelings and that can hurt. But if God has planted that dream deep in your heart, let it grow and blossom. Anything that comes from Him is NOT a waste of time.


3. Don’t give up on your dream, though your journey is full of surprises.
Who would have thought that Joseph would have experienced all that he did? Even to the point of being put in prison?

The writing journey may also include surprises. You may experience physical, emotional, relational, financial, or spiritual challenges along the way. Your dream will invite attack. God is still with you.


4. Don’t give up on your dream, though it takes a lifetime to fulfill.
It took twenty-three years before Joseph’s dream was fulfilled. But in the end, he reconciled with his brothers and saved a nation.

It may take years – and it often does for writers – to see the kind of success they hope for. But it’s important to remember that although God’s timetable may not look like ours - His is perfect.

Never give up on your dream!

Dawn

The Three-Step Revision Process by Virginia Smith

Welcome to another Writer’s Journey Wednesday. (Dawn here.) Some writers love laying down the first draft of their manuscript. Others, like me, can’t wait to get past that step and move on to editing. Regardless, most of us need to rework the original - and possibly more than once. Today author Virginia Smith shares her three-step revision process. Enjoy these helpful tips!

The Three-Step Revision Process

When a writer types The End on a manuscript, the job isn’t finished yet. Writing the book is only the first step. Some say it’s the easiest step. Before my story is ready to make its debut to an adoring public (or to an editor, which is absolutely not the same thing!), it must be polished until every word shines. I’ve developed a three-step revision process to help me make my story the best it can be.


Step One: Search and Destroy

My first pass through the manuscript is to identify specific words that cause my writing to appear weak. These are words I know to stay away from, but that creep in anyway. To perform this step, I use Word’s Find function and search for:

• Adverbs - search for “ly”
• Common passive words – “was” and “were”
• Vague pronoun it - search for “ it” (space-i-t) to eliminate hits on words like spirit
• Personal pet words – mine are “just,” “breathed,” and “gasped”
• Unnecessary words – for instance, “that” and sentences beginning with “Well,”

The process can be tedious, but when I finish, my style is smoother and my writing much stronger.


Step Two: Technique and Structure

After letting the story ‘rest’ for a while, I read the manuscript on the computer and make changes as I go along. As I read, I look at specific techniques and skills, such as:

• Beats and dialogue tags
• Character descriptions
• Sensory detail
• POV Lapses
• Smoothly delivered backstory

At the end of every scene and chapter, I pause to evaluate the following:

• Is the placement of this scene logical?
• Does the ending compel the reader to keep reading?
• What purpose does this scene or chapter serve in the overall plot?

At the end of the book, I ask myself:

• Did I answer all the questions introduced along the way?
• Do all the subplots connect to and support the main plot?
• Is the ending satisfying?


Step Three: Reader Appeal

For my final pass through the manuscript, I work with a printed copy. I can spot different problems in print than on a computer monitor, so I grab a pencil, find a quiet corner and read the book aloud. This helps me:

• Eliminate awkward phrasing
• Identify clumsy or repetitive sentence structure
• Focus on every word instead of glossing over familiar-sounding sections

I don’t stop to rewrite. When I come across something that makes me stumble, I circle it and jot a quick note in the margin to address later. The purpose of this step is to read the book from beginning to end, so I can more easily evaluate the overall reader experience.


The three-step revision process takes time that I must allow for when considering my publisher’s deadlines, but I’ve learned that the amount of time I devote to revising pays off in terms of a stronger story and a cleaner manuscript.




Virginia Smith is the author of more than a dozen Christian novels and over fifty articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes fiction in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense. She and her husband divide their time between Kentucky and Utah, and escape as often as they can for “research trips” (or so she says) to scuba dive in the warm waters of the Caribbean.

Learn more about Ginny and her books at http://www.virginiasmith.org/
or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ginny.p.smith

God's Promises to Writers Series

Establishing His Writers

God's Promises to Writers Series, II
Net's Notes Tuesdays

On my writing office wall, I have many inspirational quotes. Here’s one based loosely on Jeremiah 32:41:

I desire to establish you
with all My heart
and all My soul

Those words have often encouraged me. I see a promise from God in that phrase.

When God calls writers, He’s already got in mind how He will equip us: training, books, workshops, conferences, friendships, mentors, connections. He understands so much better than we do how long the road ahead will be as we learn and grow as writers.

For our part, we bring willingness to cooperate with Gods’ plan and a desire to glorify Him in our writing. (Just getting to this point has taken me a long while, so don’t be discouraged if you find yourself still trying to figure out God’s plan or feeling confused. Wait on Him. He’ll show you as you press into Him.)

Look at all that happens in the establishing process:

We cooperate with training and learning, even though our egos undergo some “going under.”

We cooperate as God fine tunes (or overhauls *grin*) our temperament and prepares us to be blessed.

We suffer disappointments and learn to trust Him and wait on Him.

We learn how to interact with people on a global scale (consider the reach of social networking sites and the etiquette we all get to learn).

And as He’s doing all this marvelous work behind the scenes, He’s establishing us, strengthening us.

The LORD will perfect His work in me (Psalm 138:8a)

In other words, the LORD will establish me. I have two favorite Scriptures tied to this idea.

But the God of all grace,
He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after you have suffered a little,
He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
(1 Peter 5:10)

I’ve faced a few rejections and disappointments lately in writing and that verse ministers peace to my weary writing soul.

The next one has been a favorite for years. I couldn’t believe the gem I found when I discovered this verse:

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

As I love gazing on the beauty of God, that verse means so much to me. I believe the closer we are to Him, the more of His beauty we’ll see. And that will influence our “work,” or in our case, our writing work. Makes a good prayer.

As His writers, we can trust God to establish us as we follow Him. He is faithful, and He will keep His promises.

Threads of God's Grace Series by Louise M. Gouge

Hi readers, Annette here. Hope you've had a good weekend and your writing is going well. Please welcome back Louise M. Gouge for her next installment. She does such a great job of introducing her topic, I'll leave that for her. *grin*

Threads of God's Grace
Woven Through Time: Part III
by Louise M. Gouge

This is the third installment in my four-part series on Manuscript Monday, in which I describe my tagline: “Threads of God’s grace woven through time.” In Part 1, I discussed the Plot thread that forms the “warp” for the tapestry of our story. In Part 2, I talked about first thread of “weft,” Emotions, in which the hero and heroine overcome some inner emotional difficulty and let love triumph. The remaining two threads, romantic and spiritual, make up the final “weft” that we weave through the plot to bring our story to life.

Obviously, a romance novel involves a hero and heroine falling in love at some point in the story, facing conflicts, overcoming adversities, and at last living Happily Ever After (HEA). From their meeting near the beginning of the story (some editors prefer the very first paragraph of Chapter One) until the end of the tale, the hero and heroine move closer and closer to each other until they admit their undying devotion to one another. The point at which they make this admission and how they get there varies from one story to the next.

When I was growing up, John Wayne was an iconic movie hero. My favorite Wayne films were those in which he and Maureen O’Hara sparred with each other for nearly the whole movie before admitting their love for each other. In much romantic fiction, that seems to be the favorite set-up. Woman meets man; man meets woman. Woman hates man; man hates woman. Each is out to destroy the other’s chance to reach a goal. Over time, the romantic and emotional threads weave in and out of the plot until their previously opposing goals are resolved, changed, or set aside, and the couple falls in love.

But that’s not the only way to write a romance. Sometimes the hero and heroine hit it off right from the start. They both rush into traffic to save a kitten, thereby meeting another animal lover. They both picket in front of a business with unfair labor practices and find someone else who loves to champion the underdog. This might make it tricky for the author to find opposing goals for her characters, but it can be done. Perhaps the conflict must come from another source. Or the characters discover another part of their lives (maybe in the past) that makes a romance between them impossible. The world is wide open to possibilities if a writer gives herself permission to try something new. The only thing that must happen is this: In the end, the hero and heroine have overcome impossible odds, both internal and external, they are openly in love, and they are committed to each other forever. Many readers are especially happy if the couple has a wedding in the last chapter or the Epilogue.

With the threads of emotions and romance woven into the plot, what else could possibly be necessary to make up a compelling story? For the Christian author, there is always the option to add a spiritual thread. Next Monday, I’ll address this topic.

~~~~~

Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom. Templeton's orders from General Washington are clear. His target: Lord Bennington, a member of George III's Privy Council. The assignment: find Bennington's war plans. The risks: the future of the East Florida Colony, Jamie's life...and his heart. In spite of the dangers of their hopeless situation, he's fallen in love with Lady Marianne Moberly, Lord Bennington's daughter. Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, March 2010, ISBN: 13-978-0-373-82832-6
Available at cbd.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com

~~~~~
Award-winning Florida author Louise M. Gouge has been married to David Gouge for 45 years. They have four grown children and six grandchildren. Louise earned her BA in English/Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and her Master of Liberal Studies degree at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The author of nine books, Louise is also an adjunct professor of English and Humanities at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. Her favorite Bible verse is “He shall choose our inheritance for us” (Psalm 47:4), a testimony to her belief that God has chosen a path for each believer. To seek that path and to trust His wisdom is to find the greatest happiness in life. Web site and blog: http://Louisemgouge.com

Just Keep Trying Suzanne Woods Fisher

Author Suzanne Woods Fisher joined us on May 12 for our Writer’s Journey Wednesday to talk about the importance of paying attention to the world around us. This Fortifying Friday she returns to Seriously Write to encourage writers with her story. Welcome Suzanne!

Just Keep Trying

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV).

Simon gave up too easily. He had been fishing hard all night long with only a few measly fish to show for it. He and his partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, went back to shore, tired and discouraged, pulled in their nets, and started to pack up the tools of their trade for another day.

Surrounded by a crowd of people, Jesus had been standing by the lake and noticed the boats. He asked Simon if he could teach from the boat. To appease Him,Simon put the boat out into the water a little distance from the shore so Jesus could have a little breathing room for His lessons.

Afterwards, in a touching sign of lavish generosity, Jesus asked Simon to “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4). Imagine what went through Simon’s mind: Look, Jesus, the fish, if there are any to be found, aren’t biting today. I just cleaned and stored my nets and tools for another day. I’ll have to start all over again. Still, Simon liked this Jesus fellow and decided to oblige him. “Because you say so, I will let down the nets” (Luke 5:5).

You can guess the rest of the story. The nets were so full that they had to call in another boat and then the boats were so full of slippery, gasping fish that they both began to sink!

What if Simon had refused Jesus’ offer? What if he had decided to keep his tools locked up and out of sight? Stored safely away, waiting for a better day to fish? What if Simon had limited Jesus?

Recently, I had an experience like Simon’s. I had written an article that I felt was well-edited and full of impact, but it was rejected by all of the magazines for which I usually wrote. Discouraged, I thought of one more venue to try. An unlikely candidate, too. In fact, not only was it a prestigious magazine, but they did almost everything in-house,rarely accepting freelance work.

As I stood at the mailbox, opening the lid to insert the envelope, I ran an objection past the Lord one more time. “God, do you realize that this magazine is probably going to reject the article like all of the others?” And yet, I felt His prompting to keep trying. Just keep at it. With a thud, I heard the envelope slip down and land at the bottom of the mail container.

One week later, the editor contacted me with an enthusiastic acceptance. He made very few changes in the article and had already scheduled it for publication. Better still, a working relationship developed between us that has resulted in more accepted submissions. My boat felt full to the point of sinking!


Prayer: Today, Lord, I give You my leaky boat, my discouraged frame of mind, my bum luck at fishing. You ask me to get out my unused nets, unspool them, and put out into deep water. Why would You ask that? I was just out there. I came back with empty nets and a dose of discouragement. But You asked, and by faith, I will try again. Forgive me for quitting too soon, for limiting You. Lord, sometimes I just need to try again. Today, by faith, I need to remember to look to You to fill my nets. Amen.

Reflection

Can you think of a time recently when you gave up too easily? What did you learn from that experience?

What did it teach you about God? What do you think God wants you to expect from Him?

“Call to me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NAS).




Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and was a free-lancer writer for magazines while her children were growing up. She published her first novel, Copper Star, with a small press. That book won three literary awards and caught the eye of a literary agent, Joyce Hart. Joyce knew that Suzanne had a family connection to the Plain People (Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain) and introduced her to an editor at Revell Books. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was the result of that new publishing relationship. It is a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award. ‘Lancaster County Secrets,’ a fiction series about the Old Order Amish, soon followed Amish Peace. The Choice, the first in the series, was a CBD, CBA and ECPA bestseller, and was the Crossings’ Book Club Main Selection. Suzanne has contracts with Revell for eight more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to living a simple life.

To learn more, or to connect with Suzanne:

Web site: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/
Facebook: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Twitter: suzannewfisher
E-mail: Suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com

Living the Message You Write?

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV)


As Christian writers, we’re called to share our faith through the written word. But, how does our writing ministry relate to our personal lives and the message we send?

As I’ve grown—ahem—older, I’ve changed my views on how God’s word is best shared with those in our neighborhoods, work place, and world. As a teenager, I was a part of the Jesus movement. The time when you plastered your car with bumper stickers, passed out tracts, and wore large cross necklaces – not to mention pins printed with various Christian messages. I’m not sure our methods were all that successful.

Today, knocking on a door and handing a stranger a tract doesn’t work for me. Instead, I’ve become a strong believer in sharing my faith through relationship. Through sincere friendship, many doors have been opened for me to talk about my relationship with Christ, as well as opportunities to show what it means to have Him in my life.

Again – how does this apply to writing?

You’ve probably heard it expressed that actions speak louder than words – and that we may be the only sermon some people ever hear. Would you feel comfortable admitting to a group of people that you write Christian fiction, nonfiction, or devotions after blowing up at someone in the room over something trivial? If you would, you have more spunk than I do. ;-D I blush easily, and would probably turn cherry red from the neck up if I were asked about my writing following a rude display.

We may pen a best-seller with a dynamic message that impacts people across the country. But if we’re not living what we write, our actions can still negatively influence the people around us.

If we can’t be kind to our family members or the rude neighbor down the street, our writing will not have the potential influence it could have. Would you order a book written by a financial planner if you knew last week he filed bankruptcy? Of course not. But you might believe he has something worthwhile to say if you knew he carried no debt and had the means to retire at will.

Many writers I’ve met at conferences have been generous, humble, and kind. I want to read their work because not only have I made a connection with them, they’ve revealed their relationship with Christ already through their actions. I believe their work has the potential to touch me. However, unfortunately, I’ve also met a few rude and self-absorbed authors. I have no interest in their work. That doesn’t mean their books aren’t well-written and don’t have value. Personally, I would have a hard time reading them.

By our actions and deeds we show that we’re legit and that we believe what we preach and teach. Of course, the Holy Spirit has a job to do here, too. But He’s able to work through us when we treat people with love, care, respect, tolerance and patience. The world watches – and the world takes notice of our fruits.

Unless we live the life of a hermit, the message we send isn’t only relayed on the Internet - or through books shipped to stores across the country – it’s revealed through our lives.

Are you living the message you write?

Dawn

Eleven Steps to Fighting Writer’s Block! by Amy Clipston

Welcome back to another Writer’s Journey Wednesday! (Dawn here!) As we move into spring, sunshine, and warmer temperatures, I’m getting more energized and inspired to work on my WIP. How about you? However, no matter what the weather looks like, or what deadline looms over our heads, there are days when a blank screen stares back at us. Author Amy Clipston joins us today to share her tips on how to deal with writer’s block. You might want to keep this list handy!

Eleven Steps to Fighting Writer's Block!

You’re working on your novel, the best book you’ve ever plotted. You’ve crafted a fabulous synopsis, and you fleshed out a detailed outline. The characters come alive, and the description flows from your fingertips. You quickly bang out 100 pages. Suddenly, the words stop.

It’s the dreaded Writer’s Block!

When I was writing A Promise of Hope, I experienced writer’s block. In order to get my writing back on track, I had to give up some old habits hindering my muse. While evaluating where I’d gone wrong, I comprised a list of rules to help fight writer’s block.

1. Turn off the TV.
My addictions include Diet Coke, popcorn, and chick flicks. I needed to force myself to turn off the television. It’s amazing how much more I accomplish when not only writing during commercials.

2. Write while the kids are sleeping.
I’ve tried to write on the deck with the kids in the yard. Usually, I’d find my voice and then a fistfight will break out between my angels. The lesson – don’t try to weave your best fiction in the presence of children.

3. Choose a quiet setting.
My favorite “office” is lounging on my bed with my lap desk.

4. Don’t stop at the end of a chapter or scene.
A bestselling author gave the best advice– never stop at the end of a chapter. Stop writing in the middle of a scene to keep your subconscious working until you return to the computer.

5. When stuck, review your work.
Unfortunately, #4 isn’t always successful. When that happens, reread a chapter or two to submerge yourself in the story to get your creative juices flowing again.

6. Don’t get bogged down in rewrites.
Be careful with #5 or you’ll find yourself trapped in the endless circle of editing. Worry about getting the first draft written and then go back and edit.

7. Start with small goals small and build.
Don’t push yourself to write 100 pages per week if five per day are most comfortable for you. Determine what works best for you and stick to it. However, give yourself a break, too. We all need to recharge our batteries once in a while. Find your balance so you don’t take a long vacation and wind up behind in your schedule.

8. Stick to a schedule.
If you do your best work early in the morning, set your alarm clock and go for it. My writing time starts once the kids are in bed. I’ve been known to stay up until midnight.

9. Stay off the ‘Net!
Two years ago my router died, and I was without wireless for two weeks. I was very productive.

10. Call for help!
If your ideas just aren’t flowing, call your best plotting partner. Your friend may offer ideas and angles to your stories that never occurred to you.

11. Read!
The best way to polish your skills and find inspiration is by reading other authors.

Bestselling author Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school in New Jersey when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. Amy’s book, A Gift of Grace, the first in her Kauffman Amish Bakery Series debuted with Zondervan in May 2009. A Promise of Hope, the second book in The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series, hit bookshelves in April 2010 and will be followed by two more Kauffman books in 2010, A Plain & Simple Christmas in July and A Place of Peace in December.

Amy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She holds a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and works for the City of Charlotte. Amy lives with her husband, Joe; two sons, Zac and Matt; mother, Lola; and three spoiled rotten cats, Molly, Rico, and Jet.

To learn more about Amy and her books, please visit these links:
http://www.amyclipston.com/
http://www.amyclipston.blogspot.com/
http://www.amishhearts.com/
www.facebook.com/amy.clipston

God's Promises to Writers Series

The Right Words at the Right Time
God's Promises to Writers Series, I
Net's Notes Tuesdays

Welcome to Net’s Notes Tuesday here at Seriously Write. Annette here. Today I’m starting a new series on God’s promises to writers. Isn’t it great to know God, who has called you, will supply all your need according to His riches in Christ Jesus? When God calls us to do something, He equips us as we cooperate with Him. When He sent out the 70 to heal the sick and cleanse the lepers and cast out demons, He gave them specific directions. Don’t take extra provision (read: trust God to provide for your needs). The same is true for writers who are seeking to glorify God.

Stop and take a moment and consider the single most important thing you need right now as a writer. For each of us, the answer may be different. Some might mention a better technique or a higher level of vocabulary. Some might say they need a new laptop or an office to work from. Some might request fellowship with other writers in order to feel supported and gain valuable feedback. Personally, I’m asking for God’s anointing. His words flowing through my hands so they’ll have the most impact possible.

As Christian writers, we aren’t guaranteed God’s words, but if we stay dependent upon Him and stay connected to Him through His Word and through prayer and worship, we can ask for His words and His will and receive them by faith.

Here’s what His Word has to stay about that:

The Lord Jehovah has given Me the tongue of the learned, to know to help the weary with a word. He wakens morning by morning, He wakens the ear to hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4)

And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. (Matthew 10:19)

Isn’t that comforting?

Recently, I watched a discussion online about logging daily words on our manuscripts. What say you? Do you try to reach a certain word count goal every day? Do you ever worry the words won’t be there? Or face writer’s block? You can prepare your outline (if you use one) and consider your characters and their motives ahead of time. But what if the words still won't come? You’ve got everything lined up: tension, conflict, characters, dialogue and still the words aren’t there. It’s time to lean on God’s promise for His provision of words.

The same is true for non-fiction writers. You can have everything in order. Chapter title, theme, experience, illustrations, etc., but that's no guarantee of the right words. Time to press in. Ask God for His anointing, for His words to flow through your fingers.

Aren’t you glad we can count on God to provide us with the words we need to finish our books (first draft and rewrites)? His promises are for you, His writer.

Threads of God's Grace Series by Louise M. Gouge

Hey readers (Annette here), it's Manuscript Monday, and we're welcoming back Louise Gouge to continue her series on weaving together our stories. Happy writing!

Threads of God's Grace Woven Through Time,
Part II by Louise Gouge

This is the second installment in my four-part series on Manuscript Monday, in which I describe my tagline: “Threads of God’s grace woven through time.” In Part 1, I discussed the Plot thread that forms the “warp” for the tapestry of our story. The remaining three threads: emotional, romantic, and spiritual, make up the “weft” that we weave through the plot to bring our story to life.

A story can’t take place without characters, and in the most compelling stories, the protagonist matures in some way and ends up a better person by the last page. This is called the character arc. For my historical romances, a heroine and hero usually share the stage. But for me, it is not enough just to have two people meet, fall in love, overcome conflict, and live happily ever after. Each of my characters must grow in several ways, beginning with the emotional facet of their personalities. In this thread, the protagonists deal with issues common to humankind: External difficulties such as cheating spouses, rebellious children, threats to home, job, family, or life; or Internal problems such as self-control, honesty, anger, fear, distrust, forgiveness, and a host of other problems. The way the characters react to these issues reflects their degree of emotional maturity. Throughout the plot journey, each character must grow and mature, learning something about himself/herself along the way, usually as each one reaches for a personal goal.

In romance novels, we know the accepted format is to have the hero’s and heroine’s personal goals be in opposition to each other, which throws back to the plot and some of that internal conflict required for an interesting story. For instance, if the heroine’s goal is never to marry a seafaring man because her father was always gone and finally died at sea, of course she must fall in love with a naval captain. She knows this man will be gone much of the time. Perhaps he will die, as her father did, and she will be left alone to raise any children they may have. In this scenario, she must deal with the emotional issues of fear, distrust, and loneliness, and her struggle should take the reader on an interesting journey. Likewise, if the hero, a captain in the royal navy, desires to marry a wellborn lady who can entertain admirals and advance his career, of course he must fall in love with a commoner whose social graces require some work. He must overcome his arrogance and snobbery and gently show the way for his lady to find acceptance among his peers. OR, even better, he can resign that life and live happily in a country cottage with the woman he loves. Each character has overcome an inborn emotional difficulty and let love triumph. Love, of course, takes us to the romance thread I’ll be discussing next Monday.

~~~~~

Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom. Templeton's orders from General Washington are clear. His target: Lord Bennington, a member of George III's Privy Council. The assignment: find Bennington's war plans. The risks: the future of the East Florida Colony, Jamie's life...and his heart. In spite of the dangers of their hopeless situation, he's fallen in love with Lady Marianne Moberly, Lord Bennington's daughter. Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, March 2010, ISBN: 13-978-0-373-82832-6
Available at cbd.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com

~~~~~

Award-winning Florida author Louise M. Gouge has been married to David Gouge for 45 years. They have four grown children and six grandchildren. Louise earned her BA in English/Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and her Master of Liberal Studies degree at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The author of nine books, Louise is also an adjunct professor of English and Humanities at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. Her favorite Bible verse is “He shall choose our inheritance for us” (Psalm 47:4), a testimony to her belief that God has chosen a path for each believer. To seek that path and to trust His wisdom is to find the greatest happiness in life. Web site and blog: http://Louisemgouge.com

My Journey to Publication by Gina Holmes

Happy Fortifying Friday, readers! Annette here. Last week, Gina Holmes' debut novel released and if you're friends with her on Facebook, you were probably invited to post her book cover on your profile to show your support. I loved her story of how she came to be published and am grateful she's here today to share it with us. Please welcome Gina today. I hope her testimony encourages you as you head into your weekend. Happy writing!

My Journey to Publication
by Gina Holmes

Years ago I had a brilliant idea that becoming a writer would be an easy way to bring in some fast cash. I wrote everything from greeting cards, to articles to short stories, poetry, and even a children’s books. I collected quite a pile of form rejection letters.

After a few years of minimal success, I decided to focus on larger goals.

In six weeks I wrote my first novel. I took this to sell at a local writer’s conference. It was there I met the man who would become my agent, Chip MacGregor. He scared some with his brash frankness, but I saw a truth teller. I pitched him that first novel. He smirked a little, then turned me down.

Chip and I prayed together before I left that appointment, and I’d made a friend. I spent the next year or two editing that first novel, and learning the craft of writing. After that, I wrote my second, third and fourth novels, all suspense. Rejection after rejection . . . after rejection followed.

Through these years, I ran Novel Journey, wrote and edited. I attended many writer’s conferences, built relationships in the industry and learned all I could about the business. I had several agents who weren’t quite right for me and then at an ACFW conference Chip announced he was starting his own agency. He also made it clear that he was interested in representing me. Chip and I were friends, our philosophies lined up, and I knew he was very good at what he did, so the partnership was a no-brainer.

Over the following months, I would get calls from Chip every now and then making sure I wasn’t planning on jumping ship just because it was taking us a while to get a contract. I think we were both concerned we were letting the other down during this time. Chip always kept my spirits up by letting me know he believed in my writing and that I would get published eventually because “greatness will win out.” I think he represented me close to two years before I was contracted.

In 2008 I think, I started reading things like Memoirs of a Geisha, Peace Like a River, Jane Eyre, Watership Down, etc and thought that maybe I was writing in the wrong genre. I wasn’t sure, so I figured the only way to find out was to try writing something a little different.

I presented a third-person medical mystery to Chip along with a few chapters from my first-person women’s fiction novel about a young mother dying of cancer. I asked Chip which one he thought we ought to pursue. He said, “They’re both good and I can probably sell either, but Crossing Oceans seems like your true voice.”

One fine day, Chip called me when I was at work in the hospital nursery, surrounded by crying babies, nurses and doctors. Via cell phone, he said, “Gina we have an offer. It’s okay to scream now.”

~~~~~

Gina's debut novel, Crossing Oceans, has just released. Here's more information:

Nothing deepens a stream like a good rain . . . or makes it harder to cross.

Jenny Lucas swore she’d never go home again. But life has a way of upending even the best-laid plans. Now, years after she left, she and her five-year-old daughter must return to her sleepy North Carolina town to face the ghosts she left behind. They welcome her in the form of her oxygen tank-toting grandmother, her stoic and distant father, and David, Isabella’s dad . . . who doesn’t yet know he has a daughter.

As Jenny navigates the rough and unknown waters of her new reality, the unforgettable story that unfolds is a testament to the power of love to change everything—to heal old hurts, to bring new beginnings . . . even to overcome the impossible.

~~~~

In 1998, Gina Holmes began her career penning articles and short stories. In 2005 she founded the influential literary blog, Novel Journey. She holds degrees in science and nursing and currently resides with her husband and children in Southern Virginia. Her debut novel, Crossing Oceans, is set to release summer 2010 with Tyndale House Publishers. To learn more about her, visit: www.ginaholmes.com or www.noveljourney.blogspot.com

Be Diligent

Thursdays - Devotions forWriters

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6: 10-12 NIV)


Who said being a writer was going to be easy?

Well . . . actually during a recent discussion I had with several people, a college student insinuated that writing is not difficult for him. Someone asked about the progress on my current manuscript. I was pleased with the word count completed that day. The student, a wanna-be writer, off-handedly stated that he could easily accomplish twice what I had during the same amount of time. I didn’t respond to his comment.

Good writing does not come easy – at least for most of us. It takes sitting down at the computer and working, even when you’d rather watch a movie on TV or go out to lunch with a friend. It takes hours of brainstorming, plotting, analyzing our characters, and research. This is followed by hours of writing – rewriting – and usually additional rewriting.

That’s only the beginning.

If you want to be published, it takes time and effort to write query letters and proposals. It takes courage to send submissions to editors and agents – and then it takes an enormous amount of patience to wait for a response. If the work is rejected, it takes determination and tenacity to begin all over again.

But – writing can also be exhilarating, liberating, and rewarding. As Christian writers, we hope to serve God and His people through our words. There is purpose in what we do.

Don’t give up – even when you become discouraged. God wants us to finish whatever He has called us to do. Be willing to wait until God’s plan for you comes to fruition - and persevere, even when you don’t feel excitement for the task in front of you.

God is a just God who sees your heart. He will not forget the labor and love you've poured into your writing. Be diligent – and God will honor your faith and hard work.

Dawn

Paying Attention by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Welcome to another Writer’s Journey Wednesday where authors share tips on writing and insight into the writer’s life. Today author Suzanne Woods Fisher talks about the importance of paying attention to the world around us. She’ll return on Friday, May 21, to share a story about her own publication. Enjoy!

Paying Attention

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4, NIV).

Jesus grew up in a dusty, tiny, “can-anything-good-come-out-of-Nazareth?” type of town. He never traveledmore than a few hundred miles from Nazareth, and while He was exposed to Roman occupation of Israel, most of the people in His world shared His religion, His language, His customs.

Out of that narrow, provincial upbringing,(almost laughable when we consider His impact on the world), Jesus was able to touch the hearts of thousands during His brief ministry, connecting to people in a profound way.

How? Jesus paid close attention.

Nothing escaped Him. A timid woman who reached out to touch the hem of His garment because she believed it would heal her, the lilies in riotous bloom in the springtime, a withered fig tree alongside of the road, a short man who climbed a tree to catch sight of Him. (Luke 8:42-48, Matthew 6:28, Mark 11: 12-14, 20-26, Luke 19:1-6).

Jesus noticed the motives behind people’s actions,the doubts that plagued their hearts, the unspoken questions they had for God. Jesus took the world that He knew on earth, the world that His audience was familiar with, and drew parallels from ordinary experiences with the heavenly kingdom.

Very ordinary experiences. His examples were simple, largely consisting of evidence of a material world,while pointing people to a new reality—the Kingdom of God.

We, too, have a world around us that is waiting to be noticed. Look for inspiration in the places in which God puts you. Ordinary places. Ordinary people.

Develop eyes and ears to see and hear life on a deeper level. Once you begin, you’ll be amazed at the sources of inspiration you’ll encounter. I can guarantee that life will never seem quite the same. Instead, it will be filled with meaning. Just as God intended it to be.

Author Anne Lamott carries an index card and pen in her back pocket every time she leaves her house. Expectantly. Attuned for just the right word, or remark,or circumstance that can be grist for her mill. She’s training herself to pay attention.

Prayer: Lord God, all day today, help me to look beyond responsibilities and routines, the tangles of daily worries. May I get past my own stingy limitations and remember to open my eyes and pay attention. Thank you in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


Reflection

What is one thing you can do to teach yourself to pay closer attention to the world around you?

How does it inspire you to know that Jesus had such remarkable insights even though He never traveled much?

How does that knowledge affirm you?


(Permission granted by author. Originally published in Grit for the Oyster: 250 Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers. Vintage Inspirations, 2008).




Suzanne Woods Fisher lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. She graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, and was a free-lance writer for magazines while her children were growing up. She published her first novel, Copper Star, with a small press. That book won three literary awards and caught the eye of a literary agent, Joyce Hart. Joyce knew that Suzanne had a family connection to the Plain People (Suzanne’s grandfather was raised Plain) and introduced her to an editor at Revell Books. Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World was the result of that new publishing relationship. It is a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book of the Year Award. ‘Lancaster County Secrets,’ a fiction series about the Old Order Amish, soon followed Amish Peace. The Choice, the first in the series, was a CBD, CBA and ECPA bestseller, and was the Crossings’ Book Club Main Selection. Suzanne has contracts with Revell for eight more books about the Amish, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also the host of “Amish Wisdom” on toginet.com, a weekly radio program featuring guests who are connected to living a simple life.

To learn more, or to connect with Suzanne:

Web site: http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/
Facebook: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Twitter: suzannewfisher
E-mail: Suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com

God's Chosen Topic

God's Chosen Topic

Worshipful Writers Series
Net's Notation Tuesdays

Has God ever asked you to write about something you’d rather not? To dig into your own places of pain and write transparently? To face a situation you’d rather not review in order to address someone else’s turmoil?

This is another way we worship God as His writers—obedience to write what He wants written.

This takes courage. Recently, He asked me to write about a topic I’d rather have left alone. But as I pounded out my work-in-progress (WIP), He showed me the ministerial value of delving into that place of pain and human weakness where He could meet with readers suffering from the same stronghold and bring them hope. (I’m a firm believer hope is a Christian writer’s commodity to be shared freely. *grin*)

This topic was one I’d experienced to a small degree over two decades ago, but which is still so prevalent. It was one I knew I’d have to research like crazy to find out the newest information. I’d have to talk to sufferers and professionals in order to address it respectfully and accurately. God provided the right resources for me to learn what I needed to learn (a medical professional, a mental health professional and a person who struggled with the issue). He made all the unknowns come together for me to write the story He required of me.

The final result is a story I believe will show the truth of the condition, as well as the hope readers can find in Christ. As I read it the final time before handing it in, I was amazed at the testimony of God’s goodness coming through. I’m glad He directed me to write the story the way He did, including the “tough” topic. I believe it strengthened the book.

God requires obedience, not sacrifice. He knows what He’s doing and who will read the novel once it’s finished. Writing what God asks of us, even when it’s tough, is one more way we serve God as worshipful writers.

Threads of God's Grace Woven Through Time by Louise M. Gouge

Hey everyone, Annette here. Manuscript Mondays are all about writing craft. For the remainder of Mondays in May, Louise Gouge will share her series on threads in our writing. I met Louise at Mt. Hermon Writers' Conference five years ago, and I'm thrilled she's visiting this month. Enjoy her first installment on plotting threads.

Threads of God's Grace Woven Through Time:
Part One
by Louise M. Gouge

A few years ago I noticed that many authors have “taglines.” Merriam-Webster says a tagline is a reiterated phrase identified with an individual, group, or product: a slogan. So I decided to come up with a phrase to identify my writing. Because I write both historical fiction and historical romance, I didn’t want to use the word “romance” to label it all. But one element is threaded through every story I write: the grace of God. I’ve done a considerable amount of sewing in my life, so I know about thread. But I’ve never woven anything (unless you count those potholders at Girl Scout camp), so I can’t take the analogy too far beyond what we all know about weaving: the warp (yarn or thread) is placed lengthwise on a loom and crossed by the weft (yarn or thread) to make fabric (Merriam-Webster). Therefore, if my plot is the warp, then one of the main strands of weft will be God’s grace applied in the lives of my protagonists. Because my fiction is not confined to a particular era, I wanted to include a reference to its historical nature. Hence: Threads of God’s grace woven through time.

Many Christian authors weave the story of God’s amazing grace through their plots. The other threads woven through the story will vary, depending on genre. The author writing a compelling romance novel will include three threads: plot, emotion, and romance. The Christian author has the option to weave in the spiritual thread as well. In the next few weeks, on Manuscript Monday, I will address each of these threads in the hope that it will help budding authors to clarify some of their own story objectives. In today’s article, our subject is plot, along with setting, symbols, and themes. In the three following Monday articles, I will elaborate on the emotional, romantic, and spiritual threads.

Plot
We all know that the plot is the storyline. It is what happens, a sequence of connected events.
In any book, regardless of genre, the plot must be strong and interesting with plenty of conflict, or readers will quickly put the book aside. I can’t think of anything new to say to experienced writers that hasn’t already been written about or taught at writers’ conferences. But for newbie writers, I will guide you along the well-worn (and tried and true) path. First of all, somewhere in the first chapter, first page, first paragraph, or first sentence, we must have a hook, an interesting or exciting (and inciting) event or circumstance that makes the reader want more. Then, as the story unfolds, the writer should throw in all the action and conflict the story will allow, whether internal or external. Don’t rely on gimmicks (“God” words, sex scenes, explosions, silly misunderstandings, etc.) to keep the reader’s interest. If the writer keeps moving the story forward with meaningful conflicts, this prevents the “sagging middle” that sometimes occurs when there is a need to impart information but nothing interesting is happening. The writer must make it happen!

Further, be realistic without being graphic. Keep your reader involved and on the edge of her/his seat. Research is essential. Don’t jerk your reader out of the story by failing to check details of setting, which I define as time, place, and social environment. (That’s a whole other study.) These are important elements. But you can also use some of the more literary fiction devices such as symbols (a visible sign of something invisible, i.e., a flag represents patriotism) and themes (addressing an issue innate to being human, i.e., taking vengeance can destroy the avenger) to enhance your story. All of these can be a part of your plot and will so thoroughly enrich it that people will rush out to buy your latest release. Well, we can hope, can’t we? What we do know is that “Story” in inherent in all of us. That’s why children love being read to. That’s why people still buy books in this age of television and movies. And readers know what they like and don’t like. As writers, we need to write the best, most original story we can to entertain them.

Next week, I’ll talk about the emotional thread that is a must for any compelling story.

~~~~~

In March, Louise's latest historical romance released, The Captain's Lady.

Torn between love and duty, American Patriot James Templeton must deny his heart to help win his country's freedom. Templeton's orders from General Washington are clear. His target: Lord Bennington, a member of George III's Privy Council. The assignment: find Bennington's war plans. The risks: the future of the East Florida Colony, Jamie's life...and his heart. In spite of the dangers of their hopeless situation, he's fallen in love with Lady Marianne Moberly, Lord Bennington's daughter. Desperate to protect his country, Jamie carries out his orders with a heavy heart. But Marianne's persistence is a challenge he never expected. With love and faith, they must navigate troubled waters to win their future together.
Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, March 2010, ISBN: 13-978-0-373-82832-6
Available at cbd.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com

Award-winning Florida author Louise M. Gouge has been married to David Gouge for 45 years. They have four grown children and six grandchildren. Louise earned her BA in English/Creative Writing at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and her Master of Liberal Studies degree at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The author of nine books, Louise is also an adjunct professor of English and Humanities at Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. Her favorite Bible verse is “He shall choose our inheritance for us” (Psalm 47:4), a testimony to her belief that God has chosen a path for each believer. To seek that path and to trust His wisdom is to find the greatest happiness in life. Web site and blog: http://Louisemgouge.com

Never Aspired to Be a Writer by Stephen Bly

This Fortifying Friday, we're pleased to welcome Western writer, Stephen (Steve) Bly. He's graciously volunteered to share his journey to publication story. We hope you're encouraged by his story. Happy Friday and happy writing!

NEVER ASPIRED TO BE A WRITER
by Stephen Bly

Folks often ask me if I always wanted to write books about cowboys. Nope. Not me. I never once dreamed of being a writer. But I did grow up wanting to be a cowboy. I had Roy Rogers pjs and Roy Rogers curtains. And a little plastic statue of Trigger graced my dresser.

As a lad, I didn’t read only western novels. My aunt and uncle stored a box of dusty dime novels in a room next to their garage. I’d go to sleep reading them every chance I got.

History caught my fancy most of all. I liked the nonfiction accounts of life in the Old West and learned to grab every available University of Oklahoma and University of Nebraska title.

After marriage and arrival of our sons, I read lots more Westerns. My mother gave me her Zane Grey stories. Then, I discovered B. M. Bower, Owen Wister, Will James, Luke Short, Ernest Haycock, Elmer Kelton, Vardis Fisher, and over sixty Louis L’Amour novels.

Meanwhile, my wife Janet attended several writers’ conferences. One day after transcribing some of my sermons, she announced, “Some of this is pretty good. Would you let me clean parts up a bit? I think I can pull some articles and stories out of here.”

“Sure, no problem,” I told her. “But I don’t want to write. That’s your thing.”

Several months later a couple checks arrived in the mail with my name on them. My whole attitude changed. Over the next few years I created hundreds of short stories and articles for numerous magazines. The writing yen took hold as I developed the craft.

Somewhere in the midst of reading the 63rd L’Amour tale, the idea struck me, “I can write one of these!”

By then, I had authored a dozen nonfiction books. . .on discipleship, theology, and family themes. . .so I suspected I might be able to fill the pages. But I didn’t know if I could spin a story folks would want to read.

So, one summer Janet and I and 6-year-old Aaron camped in the Beartooth Mountains, south of Red Lodge, Montana, where I wrote my very first western novel, THE LAND TAMERS. Since I had no idea if I’d ever have the chance to write another piece of fiction, I tried to pack every scene imaginable in that one book.

The Tyndale editor who finally accepted the tome for publication told me, “It moves too fast in places—like an Indiana Jones movie.”

“Well, Indiana Jones hasn’t done so bad,” I replied.

As it turned out, THE LAND TAMERS became the first of numerous novels the Lord allowed me to produce. I haven’t run out of ideas yet. Someday, I hope to write, “The Man Who Stole Nevada” or “A Swing To Die For.” Ah, but that’s another story.

And I’m pleased to report that THE LAND TAMERS was re-released last year in hardback by Center Point Press.

On the trail,
Stephen Bly

Here are some interesting facts about Steve:


Married to writer, Janet Chester Bly, 46 years; they’ve co-authored 18 books.
Resides in northern Idaho at 4,000 ft. elev., on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.
Father of 3 sons: Russell, Michael, & Aaron. The family includes daughters-in-law, Lois, Michelle & Rina Joye, plus grandkids: Zachary, Miranda (& husband Chris), and Keaton.
Third generation westerner, Steve spent 30 years working family ranches and farms in central California.
Hobbies: Collects and restores antique Winchesters; studies histories of Old West; does construction on Broken Arrow Crossing, a false front western village next to his home. He also plays a par game of golf.

To Be Released June 2010: Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon
Recent books include: Creede of Old Montana (2009), The Land Tamers (re-issued 2009), One Step Over The Border, Center Street/Hachette; The Horse Dreams Series—Memories of a Dirt Road Town, The Mustang Breaker, and Wish I’d Known You Tears Ago (B&H); Paperback Writer (B&H); and Fortunes of the Black Hills Series (B&H Publishers). Find out more at www.blybooks.com

The Joy of the Lord

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Neh. 8:10 NIV)

Do song lyrics or Bible verses float into your thoughts from who-knows-where?

A few days ago the words, “the joy of the Lord is my strength,” popped into my head. As a vocalist on a worship team, I value music’s influence on memory. I knew there was a song that spoke about the joy of the Lord, but wasn’t sure if those words were actually included in the Bible.

I found them in Nehemiah 8.

To me, the words have always meant that if I stayed close to the Lord I would be okay. No matter what struggles, challenges, or heartbreak I faced. That with the joy given me through just knowing Him and having Him in my heart, I would have enough strength to get through tough times.

But the verse stayed with me and began to take on additional meaning.

You see, my original interpretation only focused on how the joy of the Lord could help me get through difficult situations.

It was all about ME.

What if we turned it around and put the focus on our Lord? What if we are also strengthened by giving HIM joy?

Let’s relate this to writing.

We sit in front of our computers and pray that God will give us the words and bless our efforts. Why? So we can be published, get our work read, and feel like we’ve made a difference in people’s lives. We may even have a strong desire for people to know and love God. But the temptation is still there for it to be about us and what WE accomplish.

What if, instead, we focused ONLY on pleasing the Lord and giving Him joy? What if we kept that as our motive for writing – whether the work is published, or not?

Think about it . . .

Any writing that could do that would be strong and powerful. Any writing that could bring joy to our Lord would be life changing for both the reader and the author.

The joy of the Lord can be your strength.

Dawn

Six Writing Myths YOU Should Know by Rachel Hauck

To know Rachel Hauck is to love her. (Dawn here.) She has a great sense of humor, is genuine, and has an undeniable passion for the Lord. Rachel serves as worship leader for the ACFW conference, and Annette and I have had the privilege of joining her as vocalists the past three years. Today she visits Seriously Write to talk about six writing myths.

Six Writing Myths YOU Should Know

The Myth - Writer's make a lot of money.
The Truth - Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Oh, man, shew, good one.

The Myth - If I make the story weird, they'll buy it.
The Truth - Hahahahahahahahaha. . . okay, I guess I can't do that too many times. If you make your story or proposal weird in an effort to get attention, editors and agent will only think you're weird and you'll wind up on some, "you'll never believe what someone sent to me," list. I've shared good laughs with editors and agents over this one. In fact, it's writer conference chatter, "So, what's the weirdest proposal you've ever received?"

The Myth - Leading with "God told me to write this," will get me a contract.
The Truth - No. Neither will, "This is the best thing you'll ever read." Playing the God card or the Aren't-I-Bold card does not ingratiate any author with an editor or agent. God speaks to all of us and if God really told you to write a book and take it to Mr. Certain Agent, He's going to tell the agent you're coming. Most Christian authors seek God about their work, about their agent and publisher. So don't think you're the first and only.

Being overly bold sometimes works in the corporate world, but back fires in the publishing arena. Authors, especially new ones, MUST be humble and teachable. No one writes a perfect book no matter how engaging the story. There are a few exceptions for first time novelists hitting the market with a bang -J.K. Rowling and Stephanie Myers -but don't count on being in that class. Yippee if it happens to you, but don't expect it. If it does, sleep with your lights on. The rest of us will haunt you.

The Myth - My publisher will promote the heck out of my book.
The Truth - Not possible. Most publishers have a small team to promote their books and there is simply more work than people. Most publishers do a minimum for each book, but seasoned and long time authors get the bulk of attention and money. Rightfully so. Or a new "lead" author gets attention. And of course, anyone who writes Amish. ;)

Be prepared to toot your own horn. Get on Facebook and Twitter. Build a nice web site with a blog. Join writers groups for help and support. Tout other authors who might in turn tout you. But be sincere! Hire someone like LitFuse to put together a blog tour for you.

The Myth - Once you're published, you're in, on the road, fame is the only sun on your horizon.
The Truth - Being published is certainly a help in gaining more contracts, but once you are published many other factors come into play. Some you can help, some you cannot. At the end of the day, even if you have written great stories, you also have to sell decently. Getting your book in the hands of readers is not as easy as you'd think. A book buyer for Barnes and Noble might determine all the purchases for an entire region. If a previous book didn't sell well, they are less likely to take a chance on the author's second or third book. A new author has a better chance of getting picked up.

The Myth - There's a reason writers struggle with their weight.
The Truth - Yes! It's called my desk is thirty feet from my refrigerator and my in-house office is one mile from Publix, McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Soprano's Pizza, Beef O'Brady's and 7-11.

The gym is fives miles away. Do the math. ;)



Rachel Hauck is a multi-published author living in sunny central Florida with her husband, Tony, a pastor. They have two ornery pets. She is a graduate of Ohio State University and a huge Buckeyes football fan. Currently she is a book therapist at My Book Therapy, while continuing to write. The Sweet by and By, written with Sara Evans, and published by Thomas Nelson, was released in January, 2010. Rachel’s next book, Dining with Joy comes out in October.

To find out more, please visit:

Rachel Hauck, author: http://www.rachelhauck.com/
My Book Therapy: http://www.booktherapy.com/