Refining

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
(1 Peter 1:7)

Heat and pressure. Sounds comfy, huh?

Have you noticed that as you pursue your calling to write, God pursues his work of refining your character?

Have issues dealing with people? Just start marketing and social networking—those issues rise to the surface and bam! You have to deal with them.

Bitter about something that happened in your past? Guess what theme your next book will include?

Offended at a fellow believer? Guess whom God will bring across your path?

Trouble practicing patience? Well, you get the idea.

Because God loves us, He will motivate us to change. And a lot of His refining work takes place in the day to day. So, as writers called to write, we can expect His refining to be at work in us directly in the midst of our pursuit of publication, or while we’re trying to meet deadlines, etc.

The good news is, we’ll change! Good changes are headed our way.

The bad news is, there’s change involved and that can be intimidating.

The best strategy? Thankfully, God spells it out for us in His Word:

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly,
To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Words to live by in the process of refining.

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part Two by Ocieanna Fleiss

Good Monday to you! Please welcome Ocieanna back as she continues her series on editing your manuscript.

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part Two
by Ocieanna Fleiss

As we talked about last week, hot air balloons cannot soar until they drop their sandbags. If you want your writing to soar, sandbags must plummet. Here are a few to hoist.

There’s 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 you 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.

~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington released in July, 2010

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

Because of the Martians by Joyce Magnin

Welcome to Fortifying Friday. Today, author Joyce Magnin shares her journey to publication. (Dawn here.) I was blessed and encouraged by reading her story – and I think you will be too!

Because of the Martians

It all started in the third grade at Westbrook Park Elementary School. My teacher, Mrs. Nichols asked us to write a story. I wrote about Martians who came to Earth to knock over Fort Knox and steal the gold. Apparently, Martians eat gold. Who knew? Mrs. Nichols liked my story so much she asked me to go from classroom to classroom and share it with the entire school. I was so nervous I shook. And back then I had a sweaty palms issue so by the time I made it back to my classroom the story was gone. The moisture in my hands had totally smeared the pencil. I was devastated and cried—embarrassing myself even more.

But that was when Mrs. Nichols took me aside and said, “You have a gift for words.” It was at that moment I felt God’s presence as sure as any handshake or slap on the back. There was no doubt in my mind that I was a writer.

But, my road to semi-stardom was not paved in glitter. It was rough and took many years of writing and rejections until I hit what I consider the jackpot. I met a group of writers who bonded together to encourage and counsel and support each other. It was because of this group that I found my editor, Barbara Scott of Abingdon Press. My dear friend Nancy Rue—our group leader, told Barbara about The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow. And the rest, as they say, is history. So it only took a little over forty years to reach over-night success status. It was a very long night.

Through all the ups and downs of those years—the rejections, the days when I wanted to toss my computer out the window, the looming sense of failure and questioning if I had actually heard God correctly back in the third grade all threatened to make me quit. But God is faithful, his people are faithful and every time I prepared to quit, the desire returned even stronger.

When God gives you a gift there is no returning, or re-gifting allowed. Oh, it might take a while to get it completely unwrapped but when you do, prepare for blessings you never expected or imagined.

Mrs. Nichols listened to God’s nudge to tell me what was on her heart. My friends listened to God’s nudge to encourage. God never stopped nudging. I am so glad I listened to all of them. If you feel that nudge, that desire to put words on paper to tell a story then I say listen. Listen and follow. If it is meant to be. It will be.

Joyce Magnin is the author of the popular Bright’s Pond Novels—The Prayers of Agnes Sparrow which was named one of the top five titles of 2009 by Library Journal and currently a finalist for the ACFW Carol Award (formerly Book of the Year) and Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise releasing September 1, 2010, and Griselda Takes Flight releasing Spring 2011. Joyce also runs Narrative Destiny, a unique manuscript critique/evaluation service. You can catch up with Joyce at http://www.joycemagnin.com/ or http://www.joycemagnin.blogspot.com/

or Facebook and Twitter.

Stop by and have a piece of pie.

Thanks!

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers." (Ephesians 1:16 NIV)

Last weekend, my sister got married and my family traveled from Seattle to Wisconsin to participate in the ceremony and following celebration. Although she’s in her early forties, this was my sister’s first wedding. So this was a big deal for our family, as well as the people residing in the small town where we grew up – and where she still lives.

Our mother helped as much as she could, but as they planned the event, the details became a bit overwhelming at times. My mom e-mailed or called me almost every day for weeks, asking advice. (I planned/help plan three weddings in six years for my immediate family.)

My mother asked if it was appropriate to give small gifts to various people who were helping with the ceremony or reception. I replied, “Absolutely.” I told her that even something inexpensive, along with a note thanking the person for his/her help in making the day go well, was important.

Everyone likes and needs to feel appreciated.

When it comes to your writing journey, it’s important to thank God for what He provides. But it’s also important to show appreciation to those who help along the way.

Remember to thank . . .

1) The supportive spouse who continues to be your cheerleader

2) The kids who pitch in with extra chores around the house when you’re on deadline

3) Writer friends who are there to celebrate successes, and empathize with failures

4) Your crit partners who continue to give feedback – even after they’ve read the same chapters multiple times

5) Non-writer friends who, even though they don’t understand this writing gig, pray for you

6) Experienced writers who are willing to mentor the less experienced

7) Authors who share their knowledge at conferences

8) Editors who work hard to help make your work shine

9) Agents who look out for your best interest


Who else could you add to the list?

Be mindful of those you need to thank, and remember to also pray for them.

Have a great week!

Dawn

The Importance of Always Learning & Growing by Jody Hedlund

This Writer’s Journey Wednesday, debut author Jody Hedlund is here to share a few important things she’s learned on the road to publication, as well as challenge us on our own journey. Welcome, Jody!

The Importance of
Always Learning & Growing

If a writer doesn’t grow, it will show.

Agents remark that one of the top reasons for sending a rejection is because the writing ability is not strong enough. Sometimes publishers don’t renew contracts because the author is unable to sustain a readership. No matter where we’re at in our writing journeys—whether unagented or contracted—we should always be looking for ways we can challenge ourselves to grow.

I’ve been writing for the past 16 plus years and have continually pushed myself to keep learning more about the craft of writing. Even now, with the release of my debut book, The Preacher’s Bride, I’m still looking for ways to make my next books better and stronger.

Here are just a few ways I challenge myself to be a perpetual student of the craft of writing:

1. Read writing craft books: I'm never without a new craft book in hand. I have two long shelves full and my library is steadily growing. On my blog, I’ve compiled a list of favorite books other writers have suggested (there are over 40 books listed). I usually check them out from the library first and then if I like them well enough, I buy them.

When I’m between book projects, I especially like to re-read my favorite writing craft books and try out new ones. It helps refresh me, reminds me of what I want to put into practice in the next book, and inspires me to keep aiming high.

2. Take notes: I have a stack of 4x6 index cards rubber banded together. These are the notes I've taken from the writing help books or blogs I’ve read over the years. I read through a few cards every so often to remind myself of the important things I've learned.

Sometimes just to give myself a boost, I’ll pull out cards that encourage me to keep going, especially during those dry times.

3. Pick one or two new skills to intentionally practice in my next book. As I’m reviewing all the information I’ve gleaned, I try to hone in on a couple specific areas that I can work on in the next book. Whether it’s giving my characters deeper motivations or adding more sensory details to each scene, I consciously push myself to implement a new technique.

Yes, this does slow the flow at the beginning. It takes a little more time and effort at first—just like any new skill we learn. But with a little practice, eventually the technique becomes second nature.

There are plenty of other ways to challenge ourselves: writer’s conferences, online courses, reading helpful blogs (like this one!), and getting feedback from editors or critique partners. The important thing is not necessarily HOW we do it, but that we ARE.

What are you doing to push yourself to grow? Are you doing enough? Or do you need to look for new ways to challenge yourself?


©Jody Hedlund, 2010


Jody Hedlund is a debut historical romance novelist who was a double finalist in the 2009 ACFW Genesis Contest. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She’s represented by agent Rachelle Gardner and her debut book, The Preacher’s Bride, is releasing in Oct. 2010 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Stop by her blog, Author, Jody Hedlund, where she chronicles her journey to publication and dispenses more of her two-cent writing wisdom.

To learn more:
Website: http://jodyhedlund.com/
Blog: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/
Facebook: Author Jody Hedlund
Twitter: http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund
Email: JodyHedlund@JodyHedlund.com

Revived

Revived
Net's Notations Tuesdays
Refreshed by God Series: Three

Do you ever feel weighed down? Weak, weary? Worn out? Sometimes we just need to take a break and breathe, and let God revive us.

I think that’s why we hold church services at least once a week. You might get drained during the week, but go to church over the weekend, participate in worship, hear the Word preached, and get revived.

Sometimes doubts can cloud our dreams. How difficult is the whole submitting and waiting to hear back process for you? What about receiving rejection letters? Look at this:

I'm homesick—longing for your salvation; I'm waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; how long must I wait for your comfort? There's smoke in my eyes—they burn and water, but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post. How long do I have to put up with all this? How long till you haul my tormentors into court? The arrogant godless try to throw me off track, ignorant as they are of God and his ways. Everything you command is a sure thing, but they harass me with lies. Help! They've pushed and pushed—they never let up— but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word. (Psalm 119:81)

God wants to revive us so we that we can serve Him well. Sometimes our problems and disappointments distract us from the path God wants us on. We need to fix our eyes again on Him and let Him revive us.

Sometimes we just grow weary. Has the warfare been fierce where you are lately? Here’s a promise from the Lord for all of us as writers as we build His kingdom:

God-of-the-Angel-Armies will step in and take care of his flock, the people of Judah. He'll revive their spirits, make them proud to be on God's side. God will use them in his work of rebuilding, use them as foundations and pillars, Use them as tools and instruments, use them to oversee his work. They'll be a workforce to be proud of, working as one, their heads held high, striding through swamps and mud, Courageous and vigorous because God is with them, undeterred by the world's thugs. (Zech. 10:3)

If you can relate with this, give the Lord an opportunity to revive you this week. He wants to. Then, you’ll have the strength and will to carry on.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. (Psalm 23:5)

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part One by Ocieanna Fleiss

Editing. Some writers love this phase, others not so much. Either way, we all get to do it. Please welcome Ocieanna Fleiss again as she shares some tips on editing your WIP this Manuscript Monday.

Taking Editing to New Heights: Part One
by Ocieanna Fleiss

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… 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!

~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington released in July, 2010:

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

Saturday News Flash: Harbourlight Books Launched

Hi fellow writers, Annette here. Every now and then on Seriously Write, we'll share helpful information or news. Because I have a special connection (read on), today we wanted to let you know about a new publishing house: Harbourlight Books. They're a new launch under Pelican Ventures, LLC--the parent company of White Rose Publishing. White Rose publishes Christian romance of varying lengths. Harbourlight will publish most other Christian genres (see their site), also of varying lengths.

I'm one of their newest acquisitions editors, and we're looking for submissions! See below and click over to their Web site, to learn more.

Here's their press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lisa Dawn, Marketing Director
Harbourlight Books
A division of Pelican Ventures LLC
PO Box 1738
Aztec NM 87410

http://www.harbourlightbooks.com
lisadawn@harbourlightbooks.com

Pelican Ventures offers new opportunities in Inspirational fiction through Harbourlight Books.

Aztec, NM –July 27, 2010 – Nicola Martinez, founder of Pelican Ventures, LLC, a New Mexico media company, announced today that the company has launched a new publishing venture. Harbourlight Books will publish Christian fiction that ranges in length from 25,000 words to 80,000. This announcement comes just nine months after the company acquired White Rose Publishing, a Christian romance publisher of electronic and print titles.

Harbourlight Books seeks to publish all genre of Christian fiction, Martinez said. “Everything but romance.” Martinez said. “Romance will still be handled exclusively by White Rose Publishing.” According to Martinez, there is a need for the expansion of eBook availability within the Christian fiction community. Harbourlight Books will fill that niche, bringing general Christian fiction to the eBook arena where White Rose Publishing fills the gap on the romance side. The popularity of eBooks is on the rise as “…evidenced by the recent Amazon press release that announced eBooks for Kindle outsold hardbacks,” Martinez said. In addition to electronic books, Harbourlight will publish print editions of novels. Submission guidelines are available on the Harbourlight Books website.

Harbourlight Books is dedicated to providing quality inspirational fiction that adheres to mainline Christian teachings. Currently Harbourlight Books is accepting unagented submissions for short stories and novels that are already complete. The company launch its first release in 2011.

Harbourlight Books titles will be available for purchase directly from the Harbourlight Books website and through various retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others. Bookstores wishing to stock Harbourlight titles may contact the publisher directly, or use Ingram Distributing. Titles will also be available to retailers and at several public libraries as electronic downloads through OverDrive Media.

For information: http://www.harbourlightbooks.com or
Contact: lisadawn@harbourlight.com

****
Happy writing! (If you have a compatible manuscript, feel free to pitch to either house. They're both open for submissions.)

Answer the Call by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Welcome to Fortifying Friday. Some of you have received “the call” from an agent or editor with news of an offer. Some are still waiting. Author Jill Elizabeth Nelson joins us today to share her journey to publication, and a reminder of our most important call. Enjoy!

Answer the Call

My cell phone rang, and I jolted up stiff at the table. Then I slipped out of the room into the hotel hallway, leaving behind the clatter of utensils on plates at the writers’ conference awards banquet. I stared at the phone’s caller ID and swallowed my heart back into place. My agent was on the other end. What news would she have about my novel manuscript that went to committee today at Multnomah Publishers?

That was the year 2005.

My writer’s journey began well before that as an introverted child with her nose constantly in a book. In the sixth grade, I was blessed with a teacher who perched on a stool at a certain time each day and read to the class from the most imaginative stories. Something in this process awakened a realization in me—I didn’t merely want to be a person who received pleasure from a good book; I wanted to be the person who gave that pleasure to others.

I knuckled down right away and wrote my first novel—a perfectly awful mystery about a group of kid sleuths. Not a shred of that manuscript yet exists, and the world is grateful. But starting and completing an entire novel is a watershed moment in any writer’s life, one that many would-be’s never reach.

In 1979, I graduated from college with a degree in literature and creative writing. But with marriage and four small children, freelance writing faded into a distant dream.

In the late eighties, I tried to revive my novelist aspirations, but my motive was money, not ministry. I even garnered favorable attention from an agent, but she urged me to write in directions that made me uncomfortable. Could I ignore my Christian values in order to bring in the extra money our family desperately needed? In the end, I could not, and I thank the Lord for sustaining me through the temptation. But the experience was so stressful that I laid down the dream for good—or so I thought.

In the year 2000, with my children starting to leave the nest, a story grew in me. The compulsion to write was like the need to breathe. I finished that manuscript and moved on to another, then another. As I worked, the Lord connected me with Christian Writers Group and then American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2002, I won a scholarship from CWG to attend the writers’ conference at Mt. Hermon, which led to contacts in the publishing world that sustain me today.

Finally, my romantic suspense manuscript, Reluctant Burglar, went to committee at Multnomah Publishers while I was attending the 2005 Christian Writers Group conference, which was themed “Answer the Call.”

Now I stood in the hotel hallway with the ringing phone in my hands. What else could I do? I answered the call.

Fellow writers, answer your call in the Lord’s timing. He knows how to prepare us for the fulfillment of the desire He’s put in our hearts. I’m living testimony that if God can bring the dream to pass for this nobody special from nowhere in particular, He can do it for anybody.

~~~~

Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. Her September 2010 release, Legacy of Lies, is her eighth novel. Her debut trilogy, the To Catch a Thief series, published by Multnomah Books, was recently re-released in hard cover, large print by Thorndike Press. Jill speaks and teaches regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, library associations, and civic and church groups. She and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild.

Visit Jill on the Web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/.

Are You Giving Your Best?

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume;
she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the
house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” (John 12:3 NIV)

Mary didn’t hold back. She didn’t use water to wash Jesus’ feet. She used an expensive perfume. And she didn’t use “just enough” dabbed on a cloth. She “poured” the liquid over Him.

Mary gave it all to honor Him. She gave her best.

Is that how we approach writing? Are we always giving our best? Do we treat our work as an offering to God?

Do we study the craft? Do we seek to learn and do better? Do we write, rewrite . . . and if necessary, rewrite again?

Or . . . do we tune out critique partners because we want to move on to new stories? Do we stop striving to improve because “we know it all?” Do we hand in less-than-stellar work to our editors because we think “it’s good enough?”

God doesn’t expect us – or our work – to be perfect. But He does expect us to not offer something below our capabilities.

"Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple." (2 Timothy 2:15 The Message)

Dawn

Not Too Seriously Write by Ocieanna Fleiss

Ocieanna Fleiss should be a familiar face on Seriously Write to many of you. She’s currently visiting Manuscript Mondays with her series “Taking Editing to New Heights.” (Dawn here.) Both Annette and I have been friends and crit partners with Ocieanna for years. We’re happy that she’ll soon join the Seriously Write staff and claim Writer’s Journey Wednesdays. We’re looking forward to the asset her humor will bring. Today, she shares a part of her own journey. Thanks, Ocieanna!

Not Too Seriously Write

It was February 2009, about a year and a half ago, that I decided to quit writing. Really. I did. The fulfilling, joyous activity I lovingly nurtured for many years had become a weight—a depressing, unsatisfying burden. So I stopped putting anything down on the screen. No more keyboard clicking. No plotting scenes. No creating characters.

That only lasted about four days before the longing to express myself with words overtook me. Once again, I popped back into the fiction world I’d been building. But the reason I stopped writing remained. And even though I rescinded my rash “Take this job and shove it!” attitude, I needed to figure out what had sparked my urge to quit and somehow make peace with writing.

I came to realize that writing itself wasn’t the problem, but rather the push to get published. In my journey, I was taking getting my words in print too seriously. I understand if you want to be a writer, and not just someone who talks about being a writer, it’s important to take it seriously. But for me, the goal became all consuming.

You probably never struggle with this. However, just in case you do, here’s a little quiz to shed light on your passion for getting published.


1) Does the majority of anxiety in your life revolve around talking to editors, sending out query letters, rushing to finish a proposal, waiting to hear back?

2) Do you stress to find out what the market is looking for, which publisher needs what, what’s the newest trend?

3) Do you lose sleep worrying about your manuscript? Will Editor Joe like it? Did it have enough conflict? Will it grab readers? Did I forget any periods or commas?

4) Does the joy of writing diminish because you’re trying to fit your passions into the perfect publishable form?

5) Do you find your significance more from a stranger’s approval (an editor or reader) than from your family and especially your heavenly Father?


I confess, I struggled with all of these. When I realized how my pursuit had negatively impacted many elements of my life, I decided to just stop. Not stop writing (I already tried that), but cease pursuing publication at all. I wrote my blog and chapters in my novel solely for the joy of putting words to paper. I knew that getting my name on the cover of a book wasn’t as important as my family, my mental state, and my spiritual well-being. So like a balloon, I let the dream of getting published fly away.

Ahh . . . It felt really good. Well, through an amazing series of events, I did end up getting that longed-for book contract. I’m so grateful for the Lord’s hand in that, and the journey to publication has been difficult but incredibly rich in reliance on Him. (I had to!)

But you know what? Once I got the contracts, the old obsessions began to come back. Can you believe it? I lost the joy of writing, and to be honest, I’ve been tempted to give up writing again. But rather than that, this recurrence of getting-published anxiety has reminded me to hold this author thing loosely. If no more contracts ever come my way, I can still be a loving wife, a good mom, a loyal friend, and most importantly a follower of Christ. When I take writing not too seriously and when the truly significant remains my priority, writing becomes fun again. And I find my identity in who I am in Christ, not in a stranger’s approval.



Ocieanna Fleiss has co-written two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

You can find out more at:
http://www.ocieanna-ohistory.blogspot.com/

Refilling

Refilling
Refreshed by God Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Last week we talked about following our Good Shepherd to the places of refreshing. Today we’ll talk about what can happen when we follow that nudge, let ourselves be drawn to a place of refreshing: refilling!

Like parents or pastors, we writers give and give, which means we’ll need refilling.

We need fresh insights and words from Him so we can pour out.

That’s why I like this waterfall image. The water from above refills the pool below. Moving water. Refreshing. Cool. Life-giving water.

You don’t have to “get away from it all” to be refilled. Just spend some time with God. Find a quiet place, grab your Bible. Pray. Listen.

But again it’s a question of willingness and choosing to be refilled.

By design, Christians are like those fountains where the sculpture character holds a spilling pitcher. Water is pumped up to pour from a pitcher into the pool below. We weren’t meant to hold onto the water, but to let it flow from us to the pool waiting below.

Collected water goes stale—lets mosquitoes breed. So, we want to pour out on others. Moving water is living water. And God is the source inside us.

Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 14:13-14)

But we’re finite, so we need continued refilling. The great part is, God is willing and able to refill us as often as we need. Make the secret place a priority, get refilled daily.

Are You Feelin' Me: Part Two by Ocieanna Fleiss

Raise your hand if you're getting a lot out of Ocieanna's posts! I am. We McCritters always do. *grin* So, as promised, here's the second installment of her article on eliciting an emotional response from your readers. Enjoy!

Are You Feelin' Me
Fire Up Emotions for Stronger Stories (Part Two)
by Ocieanna Fleiss

Know Your Characters

Another movie that exemplifies good use of emotions is Sense and Sensibility. Throughout the film, we understand the glaring difference between the two heroines. When stoic Eleanor discovers her beloved is engaged to another, she hides her feelings behind a mask of stalwart cheerfulness. When her ultra-emotional sister is jilted, on the other hand, she falls apart in fits of tears and despair. The screenwriter knew how these two would react to similar situations. How well do you know your characters?

Takeaway: Look around to uncover different ways folks operate. Watch how your spouse responds to the Sunday paper getting soggy, or how the barista handles a belligerent customer who ordered soy, not 2%—and take notes.

Trauma!

You’ve seen the movie Titanic? Boy meets girl, ship meets iceberg, and …well, you know the rest. Trauma results in drama—and we’re hooked. Why? How a character reacts to disaster reveals truth about him. For instance, Tricia Goyer in her World War II novel, Arms of Deliverance, shoves her main character Mary into just such a harrowing situation. A newspaper reporter, Mary’s feisty, self-sufficient attitude lands her in a fighter plane, exhilarated to get a story. But when the plane hits danger deep within enemy territory, Mary’s insecurities and fears surface. We experience a side of Mary we would’ve never seen otherwise. 1

Takeaway: Don’t be nice to your characters. Make them struggle—and emotion will flow naturally.

It’s not easy to develop authentic emotional tension in our fiction, but it’s worth the effort. And who knows? The next time you watch a movie, you may even glean a tip or two to make it easier.

****

1. Goyer, Tricia. Arms of Deliverance: A Story of Promise. (Moody Publishers: Chicago, July 2006).

~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington released in July, 2010.

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

A Microbiography of Significance by Kay Marshall Strom

Author Kay Marshall Strom has been so gracious in sharing her articles on the craft of writing for our Manuscript Mondays, as well as tips for writers on a recent Writer’s Journey Wednesday. This Fortifying Friday, she’s giving us take a peek at her own journey. Welcome, Kay!

A Microbiography of Significance

I’ve just passed another birthday. I can attest to the fact that inside everyone in the second half of life is a thirty-five year old asking, “Hey, what happened here?”

Life, that’s what. The best possible school for writers.

For years I taught a class for really senior folks called “Writing Your Life Story.” The class baby was 69 years old. The oldest member was 99. I started with the Microbiography assignment: In one hundred words or less, write the significance of your life. It was fascinating to see what people who had the advantage of looking back over a lifetime of memories considered worthy of their hundred words. Most of the men described what they had done for a living. Many of the women used their words to talk about their children.

I always smiled at these entries and responded, “This is all so interesting. But I want you to tell me about you!”

Most of my senior students seemed genuinely stymied. One time a woman wrote exactly one hundred words describing all her perceived faults and shortcomings, including the fact that she never finished a secretarial course she started in her twenties. Imagine vexing over that for half a century!

Then there was the dapper white-haired man in his eighties, always jauntily dressed in a sport jacket and wool Scottish tie sporting his clan’s plaid. Charles was his name. He began his microbiography this way: “At the age of sixty, I got a retirement watch from the railroad and went to work as a volunteer repairman for anybody who needed my free help. That was when I became a person of significance.”

What a wise man, that Charles! Significance is not about success; it’s about consequence. It’s not what pads the checkbook; it’s what gives real meaning to life.

I’m looking back at twenty-seven years of writing. I’m finishing book number thirty-six. And I don’t intend to stop any time soon. I’ve done just about every type of writing imaginable: articles, short stories, television scripts, school curriculum, advertising copy, greeting cards—you name it, I’ve tried it. I wrote to pay the rent and I wrote to put my children through college. Not any more, though. Now I’m writing for significance. Whether fiction or non-fiction, my topic is social justice. My goal is to give a voice to people who would otherwise not be heard.

Maybe I, too, will live into my eighties or nineties. Maybe I’ll even blow out a hundred birthday candles. Maybe . . . but then again, maybe not.

However many my years, I want my microbiography to follow the advice of Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa who said, “Do a little bit of good where you are. It’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”




Kay Marshall Strom is the author 36 published books. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, curriculum, two prize-winning screenplays, and booklets for writers. For 10 years Kay taught writing classes through the California State University system, during which she designed and directed the Writers Certificate Program for Long Beach State University. Today her writing and speaking take her around the word.



You can learn more by visiting http://www.kaystrom.com/
Blog: http://www.kaystrom.wordpress.com/
http://www.vibrantnation.com/our-blog-circle/kay-strom
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kaysblab

The Fragrance of Your Work

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal

procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the

fragrance of the knowledge of him." (2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

What are your favorite fragrances?

The scent of blooming lilacs would be included in my top ten. In the summer I enjoy lighter fragrances like citrus fruits and pear. In the fall and winter, I gravitate towards coffee, burning wood, popcorn, and warm, spicy aromas. We’re treated to so many delightful scents, that if we were ever going to be limited to a few, it would be extremely difficult to choose.

We associate smell with experience. Certain aromas can make us feel loved, protected, and at home. While others can make us want to retch.

So what about the fragrance of your writing? Did you know that it has one? I’m not referring to the “sense of smell” you include in your story to help put the reader into the setting. I’m talking about the overall fragrance of what you bring forth in your work.

Like many of you, I’ve enjoyed reading books since I could figure out what Tom, Dick, and Jane were doing with Spot. I still, on occasion, will read a secular novel and get caught up in the tale. But, I prefer to read Christian fiction. Why? It’s not because I’m uncomfortable reading what secular books sometimes include – as long as they’re not over-the-top violent or sexually explicit.

There's something different about novels that include faith-based themes, whether they contain overt messages or not. And I can’t help but believe, that authors who are spiritually in tune to what God is directing them to write, create a wonderful, enticing fragrance in their work.

A fragrance that soothes the soul, challenges the mind, and comforts the heart.

A fragrance that when the last page is read and the book is closed, the reader sighs, “ahhhhhh.”

A fragrance that helps draw the reader closer to God.

The fragrance of Jesus – and the knowledge of Him.


Dawn

How To Not Get Lost by Pam Hillman

Happy Writer's Journey Wednesday, dear readers. Annette here. Have you ever been lost while writing your novel? Lost while plotting? During July, Pam Hillman posted the following article to the Novel Track: Writers e-loop. She offers some handy road signs for getting back on the right track.

How Not to Get Lost*
by Pam Hillman

I thought I was the only one who had this problem, but I've seen it come across this loop several times in the last five days. Even though I hate for you guys to be lost, I'm relieved to know I'm not alone!

I was (am) struggling with this very thing. I know the major plot points of my wip and have a lot of ideas for scenes, but there are days when I stare at the screen and wonder what comes next: Should I blow the bank up now, so the hero can rescue the heroine, or wait another 50 pages, and write some scenes where the hero has fallen in love with her and can't bear to see her die, even though she killed his father. (That's not in my WIP, BTW.)

I don't have the answers to staying on the right path, so hopefully someone farther down the road can help us out. But I do have a few tips that might help.

One more thing. Novel Track is about getting words on paper. Only use the following devices if you are truly stuck and can't move forward.

1a) If you work at a day job (like I do), have your plot handy, either printed out, or on a jump drive, or your computer (if you're allowed that luxury at work), and let your mind play with the next couple of scenes as often as you are able. And, yes, some days this will never happen.

1b) If you don't have to go to the day job, but have lots of chores, sit down at the computer first thing. You should have worked out the next scene in your last writing session, so try to get the major points of that scene on paper. If you get on a roll, keep writing until you're stumped.

THEN go wash the clothes, vacuum, whatever, but keep your mind on the story, and hopefully a glimmer of what happens next will come to you. The minute it does, stop with the chores, and go back and add the info to your plotting files, and/or just write the scene. Stuck again? Wash and repeat. Your house will thank you for it, and so will your future editor.

2) Take a different approach to plotting. I plot on an excel spreadsheet, and broke my story down into Act I (25%), Act II (50%), Act III (25%). James Scott Bell's Plotting book helps with this. I emailed a CP (critique partner) a short breakdown of these three Acts, explaining it to her...In Act II, I said..."Uh,stuff happens, but at the end of Act II, THIS has to happen, etc." The email was more for my benefit than hers. In the process of preparing that email for her, I worked through a couple more issues about what needed to happen next. I'm learning that I only need a couple more scenes ahead. I don't force myself to know all the scenes that are around the bend, just enough to push the car a little farther down the road.

3) Stuck again? (Man, this road's muddy!) Okay, do you have a copy of the steps of the hero's journey? If not, holler, and I'll get it to you. The hero's journey makes my eyes cross sometimes, but the other day I made a copy and put it in my folder for the wip I was working on, and started trying to fill in the spots for each step. The exercise filled my gas tank
for just a little while longer. I moved another few feet down the road. Oh, and I stopped working on that exercise when I discovered what I needed to know for the next few scenes. I'll go back to it as I move further along, and see if it can yield a little more fuel for the journey.

4) Create a timeline for your story. This might help you pinpoint a curve in the road that you need to watch out for.

5) If you brainstormed with a group of writing friends about this book,and rejected some of the ideas, review them again. Some of the ideas might work now that you're stuck in the middle of the road.

6) Character Charts. Try those. Something might click.

7) At the end of the day, don't pat yourself on the back and think "Whew,glad that's done!" Think..."Okay, what happens next?" On the way to the grocery store? Turn that radio off and mentally walk through the next scene. (Kids are a little trickier. Been there, done that. Sorry, there's nothing I can do to help there!)

8) "Plan the work, work the plan." That should be our mantra this month.

9) Last, but not least, do not get bogged down with any of these exercises. If they don't jumpstart your creativity, or open up your story, then maybe they're not for you. The goal is to get to the end of the journey you mapped out for yourself this month. Keep that front and center in your mind!

* Used by Permission. Pam Hillman is one of the hostesses of Seekerville blog.

To learn more about Pam, visit her Web site.

Refreshed by God Series: One

Refreshing
Refreshed by God Series One

Net's Notations Tuesdays

It’s vacation season, or you could call it summer. *grin* Where is your favorite place to go? Kids are out of school, weather turns nice. You get away.

Well, now that summer is winding down, are you planning any last minute trips to get away?

One summer, we took our usual trip to a favorite spot. Whole family piled into the van and off we went with gear galore. (the only way to travel)

As often happens, I anticipated great inspiration and some downtime to write while away. So, my laptop was tucked into the van as we headed out.

We arrived at our location, unpacked and settled in. Kids trucked down to the beach. Husband grabbed a good book or some other project and it was time to write! Unpack the laptop, search for the cord. No cord. Uh-oh. Really? No electric cord? No way to recharge my elderly battery which cannot hold a charge no matter what I do? Drains in about 2.5 minutes. Ugh! I forgot my cord.

Then I hear God tell me He wants me to truly relax. To set the computer aside. (I don’t write without it—i.e. paper and pen—too frustratingly slow.) To rest. To relax. To let Him refresh me.

What a concept—take a break!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:1-2)

Thing about that beautiful passage as it relates with our being refreshed—we have to follow the Good Shepherd as He leads us to destinations meant to help us relax. Can I hear an Amen?

Suppose I had grabbed a pen and notebook and hid in the back bedroom and defied the gentle command to rest? Welcome, resentment. Welcome, bitterness. Welcome, frustrating vacation. But I didn’t. I recognized the loving care of my Shepherd and actually took a much-needed break from writing and its stressors. Sat in the sunshine. Communed with family and the Lord. Journaled. Rejuvenated.

A true vacation.

Is God gentling drawing you away for some R&R? Follow. You’ll be glad you did.

Are You Feelin' Me by Ocieanna Fleiss

One of the trickiest parts of writing is eliciting emotion from your readers. This new series from our good friend and critique partner, Ocieanna Fleiss, provides some great tips for helping infuse those stories with emotional payout.

Are Ya Feelin’ Me?
Fire up Emotions for Stronger Stories* (Part One)
by Ocieanna Fleiss

We writers can learn a lot from movies. Take the two DVDs I watched recently. The first, Fantastic Four, was cartoonish, verging on outlandish, but I couldn’t stop watching (past bedtime even!). The characters’ universal emotions—loneliness, insecurity, abandonment, fear—captured me.

I snoozed through the second Mr. and Mrs. Smith—boring! Despite the fast-paced suspense and A-list actors, the characters’ lackluster relationship left me uninterested, so their predicaments didn’t matter.

What can we do to prevent such audience disconnection? Stirring our readers’ fear, anxiety, compassion, empathy, or joy not only wards off boredom—it keeps ‘em reading. Follow these pointers to tap into those deepest emotions.

What’s at Stake?

In You’ve Got Mail, when Kathleen Kelly’s children’s bookstore goes out of business, my eyes moisten as I mourn along with her. But why?

Because it’s not just a bookstore.

By the time her competition ruthlessly runs it out of business, I’ve totally bought into why The Shop Around the Corner means so much. The aisles are filled with childhood memories of sweet times with Kathleen’s mother who has passed away. When it shuts down, it’s like “losing her all over again.” Because the emotional stakes have been established, when the “closed” sign turns for the last time, I experience Kathleen’s disappointment.

Takeaway: Build the stakes early by thinking first about what you want the emotional climax to be, and then go backwards from there.

Feel This Way

In the movie In the Name of the Father, the protagonist’s father has been imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. His fellow inmates come to love him, and when he dies, these hardened criminals each release small scraps of flaming paper from their windows, lighting the night in a heartrending memorial. Consider the power of this display versus a more obvious scene: “I miss him so much,” one inmate could’ve sobbed. “He was such a great guy.” Yuck.

Takeaway: Show don’t tell. I know. You’ve heard it before, but building a sensory scene rather than littering a story with intricately explained emotions reaps a big payoff.

Next week, more on how to elicit an emotional connection and response from your readers.

*This article appeared in Northwest Christian Author Newsletter and Fiction Fix.

~~~~~~

Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

~~~~~~

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington released in July, 2010.

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiancé from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?

My Journey to Publication by Shawn Grady

Sometimes writers combine their outside-of-writing careers with their call to write. The results are often exceptional. This is true of Shawn Grady's books. This Fortifying Friday, please welcome him as he shares his journey to publication.

My Journey to Publication
by Shawn Grady

I remember thinking in high school that I’d write a novel someday. Like it was a foregone conclusion. Of course. Doesn’t everyone think that? Funny thing is, I didn’t really consider it then as a career choice. I didn’t consider myself an author yet. But I did know one thing, if I personally was going to write a book someday, I first needed some more life experience.

It wasn’t until I found myself working as a paramedic for a private ambulance company for dismal wages that I began to consider writing seriously as an additional career. I was at a point then where I felt I had stories to tell. And so, on an Awana date with my wife (if you have kids, you know what I’m talking about) in a coffee shop nine years ago, I scribbled onto a napkin the beginnings of a novel. I continued writing in the ambulance between calls, and back at the helicopter base between flights, hammering out what eventually worked itself into the novel, Tomorrow We Die.

To provide a time context, Tomorrow We Die is my second book and just released this month with Bethany House Publishers.

So how did I get from there, to here?

The most crucial step for me was attending writing conferences, especially Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. It was there that I was able to be a part of mentoring groups proctored by experienced and established writers like James Scott Bell. I gained mentors and made friends with other unpublished writers. I formed a critique group with two in particular. One of whom, Kathryn Cushman, has already gone on to build a successful writing career.

In addition to sharpening and honing my craft, the writing conference enabled me to learn the industry and how to navigate the channels of proposal submission. It provided opportunities to sit down with editors and agents face to face and to get my work seen.

I received a good deal of interest in my writing my first year at Mount Hermon— 2005. I signed with an agent and it appeared that contract offers were eminent. When, in the ensuing months, my novel ultimately died on pub board tables and no offers came, it was a tremendous let down. My agent and I differed in our vision for where my writing needed to go and so we eventually parted ways amicably. I soon found myself three Mount Hermons later, beyond the rush of initial excitement in my work and now agentless with much dimmer prospects for publication.

While away for our anniversary that year, my wife and I did a lot of talking and praying and resolved that the Lord had made me a writer, and regardless of whether I ever got published or not, it was my calling to write. We committed to penning a book a year. We’d always have one being shopped around by proposals and another in process. We gave it to God, and with that came peace.

The very next day I received an email from Senior Acquisitions Editor Dave Long at Bethany House. He wanted to talk with me further about a firefighter story I had submitted after speaking with him at Mount Hermon that spring. He felt there was strong potential for me as an author in their fiction line. Seven months later they offered a three-book deal, the first of which hit shelves last summer in Through the Fire.

Breaking through the publication barrier felt like making it to the big leagues. It is wonderful. But as the excitement of arriving began to wane, I realized that I was now playing with the big leaguers. A whole new set of challenges and aspirations came into play. Praise God for the blessed burden.

Nehemiah 9:19
Yet you in your manifold mercies forsook them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go.

I pray you Godspeed and God’s blessing in all your writing endeavors.

Best,

Shawn

~~~~~

Learn more about Shawn Grady and his books on his Web site.

Nothing is Too Hard for God

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? No!” (Genesis 18:14 NCV)

God moves. He acts. Things happen. Sometimes . . . even miracles.

Do you believe that?

In the book of Genesis, we read that Sarah laughed when she was told she would have a son. Sarah was too old. But, that didn’t stop God.

Joseph was sold by his brothers and later ended up in prison. But that didn’t stop God. Joseph became a leader and was given great power in Egypt. All a part of God’s plan.

God is able to do ANYTHING. He desires to bless the faithful . . . and at times, He even surprises us.

Is the road long? Don’t give up.

Do you feel tired and discouraged? Don’t quit.

God is watching. And He’s working on your behalf.

For all you know . . . an idea for a great story may come during the night.

An agent may be getting ready to call.

You may be signing a contract next week.

Nothing is too hard for God to accomplish. So don’t give up. If you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers, not to mention, the wonderful blessings He has in store for you.

Dawn

Writing Secret Revealed! by Kay Marshall Strom

Not too long ago, I came across this article by author Kay Strom on her blog. (Dawn here.) I liked it so much I asked Kay if she would be willing to share it on Seriously Write. So with her permission . . .

Writing Secret Revealed!

All the time, at writers’ conferences and on airplanes and just out doing my shopping, as soon as people find out I’m a writer, they want to pull me aside and whisper conspiratorially, “So, what’s the real secret to writing?”

Sigh~! If there were one great secret, don’t you think it would be sold in a book for $99.98? Or presented at a one-day seminar for $599.99? Or at least written up on a blog?

Oh, right . . . that’s what I’m going to do right now on this blog.

Okay, here it is:

The secret to great writing . . .

is . . .

WRITE!

No, really. It’s true. Too many people spend the majority of their time talking about writing, reading books about writing, wishing they could write, dreaming about the writing life… well, you get the idea. But the fact is, writing is work, and to be a writer one must write and write and write some more.
That’s not to say that instruction doesn’t help. It most certainly does. Which is why, having made the point about actually writing, I want to go ahead and suggest these

Six Rules for Great Writing

1) Keep your sentences and paragraphs short. It is true that short sentences and paragraphs feel comfortable while long ones feel threatening, and also that short ones give the feeling of something one can manage while long ones feel overwhelming, not to mention the fact that a shorter sentence is easier for readers to follow than a long, long, long confusing sentence in which they tend to get lost and wonder how it all started. Whew! Break up that sentence! When you have a longer sentence, follow it with a short one. And surround a long paragraph with shorter, punchier paragraphs.

2) Prefer the simple to the complex. The preponderance of didactic scriveners who lucubrate their discourse with rubbish is abominable. I know! You see what I mean, then? Often people argue with me on this point, insisting that their novel or whatever is aimed at an educated audience. Well, I am a college graduate. I’ve read plenty of college textbooks in my life. But I can assure you, it’s been a long old time since I’ve curled up in front of the fireplace on a rainy night with a cup of cocoa and college textbook! Write to express rather than impress.

3) Show, don’t tell. Yep, you’ve heard this one before. But it’s so true. In movies and on TV, we can see what’s happening. But a book author must paint the pictures with words. You can do this with anecdotes, with good dialogue, by writing out a scene rather than just telling us it happened. ”Show, don’t tell” is important in both fiction and non-fiction.

4) Tie in with the readers’ experience. If your reader can’t comprehend what you are saying, you may as well not say it. Here is a good example: “BP must set aside $20 billion for those who suffered damage and loss in the horrendous oil spill.” Yes. Um-hmm. Here’s the problem: that word “billion” is constantly being thrown around, but it is outside our actual experience, so it means little to us. How much more effective if you tie it to something to which we can relate: A billion seconds ago, it was the year 1959. A billion minutes ago, Jesus walked on the earth. A billion hours ago, our ancestors lived in the stone age. Yikes!

5) Give your reader something to take away. Remember, you are writing for your reader, not for yourself. You may feel better for having poured out the agonies of your gall bladder surgery, for instance, but what is in it for the reader? Why not reshape your personal experience article to something like: “10 Ways to Help Your Loved One Recover” using your experience as background?

6) Write, write, and write some more! Keep on writing. Everyone gets better and better. No one gets worse and worse.

There you have it. The writer’s big secret!


Kay Marshall Strom is the author 36 published books. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, curriculum, two prize-winning screenplays, and booklets for writers. For 10 years Kay taught writing classes through the California State University system, during which she designed and directed the Writers Certificate Program for Long Beach State University. Today her writing and speaking take her around the word.

You can learn more by visiting http://www.kaystrom.com/
Blog: http://www.kaystrom.wordpress.com/
http://www.vibrantnation.com/our-blog-circle/kay-strom
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kaysblab

Celebrating

Also at that time, people will say,
"Look at what's happened! This is our God!
We waited for him and he showed up and saved us!
This God, the one we waited for! Let's celebrate,
sing the joys of his salvation. (see Isaiah 25:9, MSG)

When was the last time you succeeded in achieving a goal?

This month, as I’ve shared before, I participated in ACFW’s first ever Novel Track: Writing challenge.

The idea is writers set their own word total goal for the month of July and work on whatever WIP they want. In April, God had clearly given me my next writing project assignment. And before I decided to join Novel Track: Writing challenge I had plotted and planned and filled out my character sketches. So I was prepared, somewhat. *grin* Who couldn’t use a little more time to plan (read: procrastinate)?

But there I was with my goal and a vacation, our large family plus a dog, and lots of church obligations packed into July.

Writing isn’t my whole life. *grin*

But something wonderful happened—I made my goal!!

Then it was time to celebrate! I emailed my friends. I posted a new Facebook status and cheered aloud in my room. *smile* And the timing is perfect. My husband and I celebrate our anniversary today—so we’re having a little time to celebrate.

We should also celebrate with others who are celebrating. As people posted the news of having met their goals on the e-loop, some of us sent our congrats. We celebrated together. Like when someone gets a book contract or finds the right agent.

So, just in case you needed permission or persuasion—here it is: next time something great happens, celebrate! God is with you. He is for you. And He has called you. Enough tough stuff happens in the biz. Celebrate the breakthroughs, the met goals, the finished WIPs. Let those moments recharge you for the next challenge.

Christening Your Characters: Part Two by Ocieanna Fleiss

Happy Manuscript Monday, everyone. As promised, Ocieanna Fleiss has returned to share more on naming characters with us.

Christening Your Characters: Part Two*
by Ocieanna Fleiss

Find the Hidden Meaning

My husband recently read Uncle Tom’s Cabin. “Honey,” he said, his voice full of thought, “I think Evangeline represents the gospel.” (Evangel means gospel. How smart is he?) Lots of names are pregnant with meaning. Did you know Aslan means lion in Turkish? And think about Scout Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout—she’s scouting out the truth. Or a strong leader might have the name, Leo, suggesting lion.

If you have a well-defined character, make a list of his or her traits. Then go to a baby names web site and look up names that go with the meanings you’ve listed. You may not find the perfect fit, but it’ll spark your creativity.

The Why? Layers, layers, layers. Giving our characters meaningful names adds the yummy depth that keeps readers coming back for more.

Do I Know You?

Another name-picking device springs from allusions to well-known characters. Remember Francine Rivers’ book Redeeming Love? The hero’s name was Michael Hosea—and, well, the book’s patterned after the biblical story of Hosea.

I’m sure Moby Dick author Herman Melville had a purpose in naming his monomaniacal captain after evil king Ahab. In the book Ella Enchanted, the hero and heroine’s names are, Ella and Char. It took me till the last chapter to figure out she was pointing me to Cinderella and Prince Charming. I’m a little slow.

A twist on this is naming characters with the first letters of their famous precursors’ names. In East of Eden, John Steinbeck’s twins Cal and Aron coincide with Cain and Abel, which they represent. Liz Curtis Higgs’ Scotland-set novel, Thorn in My Heart, mimics the lives of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. Her corresponding character names begin with the same first letters.

The Why? Allusion is a time-tested literary device. Using it in the name-picking process gives readers a clue—one perhaps no one else will notice (or so they think)—to the character’s true identity.

Quick Tip

Reminder: Be careful that your characters’ names fit the time period they live in. You wouldn’t want an American Revolution era gentleman named, Biff, or a World War II lady called Madison.

Though naming our precious characters can be challenging, finding the most fitting names not only adds layers of depth and meaning, it’s also satisfying as a writer. By the way, my critique friend ended up changing her hero’s name to Mitch, much better.

* This article first appeared in Northwest Christian Author newsletter.

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Ocieanna Fleiss has cowritten two novels with Tricia Goyer—both for Summerside press. The most recent, Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington, released July, 2010. Ocieanna has also written several articles for national publications and a bi-monthy column for Northwest Christian Writers Association. Homeschool mom of four little ones, she, along with her husband, stay busy at her home in the Seattle area.

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Love Finds you in Victory Heights, Washington by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss:

The Second World War has stolen Rosalie's fiance from her. But rather than wallow, Rosalie throws herself into her work at the Boeing plant in Victory Heights, shooting rivets into the B-17 bombers that will destroy the enemy. A local reporter dubs her Seattle's Own Rosie the Riveter, and her story lends inspiration to women across the country. While Rosalie's strong arms can bear the weight of this new responsibility, her heart cannot handle the intense feelings that begin to surface for Kenny, the handsome reporter. Fear of a second heartbreak is a powerful opponent - but will it claim victory over love?