Waiting Room Blues by Jennifer Hallmark

Who loves waiting rooms? Not me. One of my Mother’s doctor's, who will remain nameless, lobby area is always overflowing with people almost stacked on top of each other. Our last visit proved to be no different.

As I sat with Mom, anticipating when her name would be called, I put together a nifty analogy between this particular waiting room and the writing world.

You see it coming, don’t you?

(1) They are both super crowded. This room has narrow chairs, shoved as close as can be, wall-to-wall with little aisle space. The writing world, whether traditional or indie, is also filled with people trying to leave the “waiting” room of the undiscovered and into the office of an agent, publisher, or better sales.

(2) All types of people wait here. All around me sit people of different genders, races, income brackets, and ages. But no matter how unique each person, they have the same goal: better health. In writing, many of us share the same goal: publication. Getting our story out. Race, gender, age, and other considerations really don’t matter in the writing world either.

(3) We all wait a loooong time. It doesn’t seem to matter if we arrive an hour early or five minutes before the scheduled appointment. We still have to linger in limbo. Writers wait. The traditional road tends to be long. It was eleven years from my first writing class before I signed my first contract for a full-length novel. Then another year and a half before publication. The Indie road involves time also while you write your book, go through the time-consuming process of uploading the finished work, choosing a cover, marketing, etc. An Indie author should also give themselves time to build their skills and readership.

(4) You can get called back to give blood or fill out paperwork, then sent back to the waiting room. When you hear your name, you might think you’ve made it then discover it’s only the first step. When I signed my first contract for a short story, I performed a Snoopy dance. It was like being called back. Then came edits, bios, a headshot, and then weeks before the magazine was released. Writing of any kind takes time.

(5) You finally see the doctor. Oh, joy! Mom’s name was finally called and I knew we’d be heading home soon. And with perseverance, you’ll reach your writing goals. Take it from me. Use your time wisely. Find something productive to do. Write blog posts, study the craft, and build your social media presence. You won’t regret it. And maybe the time will seem to pass a little faster. Or maybe you’ll get a lot done. And that never hurts.

Mom finally emerged from the office. I gathered my purse and notebook, made my way past all the people still waiting, and walked into the glorious outdoors. I’d made it through another session of the waiting room. Hopefully, I’ll remember this the next time the writing world seems to be moving at a sloth’s pace. And maybe you will too.

In writing, many of us share the same goal: publication. via @JenHwrites #SeriouslyWrite #writingencouragement

~~~~~~

Jessie’s Hope

Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her

from her father. When Jessie's high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves.

With a wedding fast approaching, Jessie's grandfather Homer Smith, has a goal to find the perfect dress for "his Jessie," one that would allow her to forget, even if for a moment, the boundaries of her wheelchair. But financial setbacks and unexpected sabotage hinder his plans.

Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles--including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather--highjack Jessie's dream wedding?



Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and has published 200+ internet articles and interviews, short stories in several magazines, and has co-authored three book compilations. Her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, released on June 17th, 2019.

When she isn’t babysitting or gardening, you can find her at her desk writing fiction or working on her two blogs. She also loves reading detective fiction from the Golden Age and viewing movies like LOTR or Star Wars. Sometimes you can even catch her watching American Ninja Warrior.

www.jenniferhallmark.com

www.inspiredprompt.com

Jennifer Hallmark, Facebook

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Pinterest

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Jennifer's June Blog Tour Giveaway Extravaganza - June 10th-June 30th (not associated with the Seriously Write blog)

Prizes include:
$25 Amazon Gift Card
$10 Starbucks Gift Card
Print copy of Jessie’s Hope
2 Kindle copies of Jessie’s Hope

Giveaway details: Go to my Rafflecopter Page to enter and possibly win one of five prizes to be drawn by Rafflecopter. Winners will be revealed on the author’s blog on July 1st. You can only enter by visiting my June blog tour from June 10th until June 30th. My visits include:

June 13th-Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud/Jennifer Slattery
June 14th-Favorite Friday Fiction/Jennifer Hallmark
June 15th-Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason Owens
June 17th-Author Trish Perry/Trish Perry
June 17th-Southern Writers Magazine
June 18th-Author Liz Tolsma/Liz Tolsma
June 19th-Inspired Prompt/Betty Thomason Owens
June 21st-Snark & Sensibility/Linda Rondeau
June 24th-Fear Warrior/Jerusha Agen
June 24th-Author June Foster/June Foster
June 25th-Trumpet Tuesdays/Julie Arduini
June 26th-Seriously Write
June 28th-Heartfelt, Homespun fiction/Cynthia Herron
June 29th-The Write Conversation/Edie Melson

The Organized Writer by Jennifer Hallmark

I don't know about you, but when it comes to keeping all my writing-related "things" in their proper places, I have moments of organization and moments of total chaos. Below are author Jennifer Hallmark's tips for keeping that chaos to a minimum. -- Sandy

Jennifer: Congratulations! The magazine article you worked so hard on finally sold. And they need a 100-word bio. You pull up folder after folder in your computer. Where is it?

You once had a great story idea about a basset hound, vanilla scented candles, and a high school reunion. What file did I place it in? You spend hours rummaging through paper folders crammed in a desk drawer with no luck.

Does this sound like you? I’ve struggled in the past to find many files, folders, and ideas. Though I still occasionally misplace items, over the years, I’ve developed a system. Maybe it will help you. But first, I want to show you some products that are out there for print or computer.

Paper systems

Freedom Filer-This system is versatile and you can add as much or as little as you need. And the prices are reasonable. There are also many testimonials by bloggers who like this system.

The Paper Tiger-This system is powered by Google Docs and can help you with paper or digital filing or a combination of both.

Digital systems

When it comes to filing your research for a specific book, I found this article on the ten best software systems for 2016 helpful. You can then choose which is right for you.

Here is another article again mentioning twenty-five writing software programs that might help you. Some are even free.

What do I use to organize my writing? I’ll be honest. There is so much out there, it will boggle the mind. With paper, I prefer the idea of buying certain pieces that are right for me. My desk has a hanging file drawer in it that I use for receipts and such and is very practical. I also buy clear cover binders so I can make my own cover like Marketing Tips I Like or Publishers I Want to Research. Below are some pieces I found during the research for this article that are now on my wish list. J

Vertical Desktop Sorter

Vertical Desktop Organizer

12 Slot Organizers

Mobile Filing Cabinet

I do most of my organization now digitally. One quick word of advice here. Make sure everything is backed up. I invested in Carbonite about a year ago and I cannot tell you how much it eased my mind from the fear of losing important material. At only $5 a month, it’s been well worth my investment.

The bulk of my work is stored in My Documents on my computer. I keep a separate file for each of my blogs, each book compilation I’m involved in, and each book I have written or a book idea well-established enough to have its own file. I have a book idea file and an article idea file. I have one file entitled Good Articles on Writing by Other Writers, filled with invaluable advice I can pull up quickly.

Other important files for me are: Short Stories, Published Articles, My Newsletter, and My Book Info (which contains bios, pitches, one sheets, blurbs, etc.) I try once a year to purge files also. Get rid of files or documents no longer relevant and reorganize as needed.

For example: If you open My Newsletter, you’ll see another file for main articles. Each month, I write a new main article. By filing it, I don’t repeat ideas. I also have separate documents for My Master Email Subscriber List, a PDF sheet for physical signups at live events, monthly recipes, Constant Contact hints (that’s who I use to create my newsletter) and a recipe booklet I created to send to new subscribers. Everything about my newsletter in one place.

What is most important to becoming an organized writer is finding the perfect fit for you. Whether in paper files or digital or a mixture of both, life can be much easier for the writer when time is taken to put things in order.

Now where did I put the name of the blogger who wanted this article? J

Do you have a special system you use and will share when it comes to keeping your writing files and accounting in good order?

~~~~~~

Jennifer Hallmark is a writer by nature, artist at heart, and daughter of God by His grace. She’s published over 200 articles and interviews on the internet, short stories in several magazines, and been part of four book compilations: A Dozen Apologies, Sweet Freedom A La Mode, Unlikely Merger, and Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage. She is currently shopping her contemporary southern fiction novel, When Wedding and Weather Collide.

http://www.jenniferhallmark.com

http://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhallmark

https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferhallmark

https://twitter.com/JenHwrites

https://www.pinterest.com/jenlhallmark989/

Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage

Our society understands how terrible the loss of a child is when that child is out of the womb, but

what about when a child dies before birth? Or what about the emptiness that comes when a very-much-wanted child is never even conceived?

These quiet, private losses are hard for those who have not experienced them to understand. And these losses leave those who have suffered them feeling alone in their grief.

Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage is a resource both for those who have suffered through these experiences and for their friends and relatives, who want to understand what their loved ones are going through.

This collection contains true stories that are:

·         sensitive, and yet honest

·         angry and raw, but not despairing

·         unique, and yet relatable

The contributors to this book are male and female, old and young, some who eventually had children and some who never did, and yet despite their differences, they share a common grief and a common faith.

No experience of miscarriage, infant loss, or infertility is like any other, yet by reading these painful and hope-filled stories, you’ll be comforted by knowing there are others who understand the journey you’re on, the loss you’ve suffered, and you will find that even though your loss is uniquely yours, you are not alone.

Successful Marketing of a Collaborative Work by Jennifer Hallmark

Has your writing ever been part of a team effort? Today, Jennifer Hallmark gives her experience in marketing teamwork with the release of her latest book compilation. -- Sandy

Jennifer: Congratulations! You’ve been asked to join a book compilation. Maybe a friend needs your short story that’s been sitting stagnant in that file folder for a short story collaboration. Or perhaps you’ve been asked to write a novella to go with a series on, let’s say romantic suspense. Or maybe like me, you’ve been asked to contribute to a book with nine other authors, each adding her style and character to make the story unique.

One nagging fear floats in the back of your mind, keeping you from sending that email with a resounding “Yes, I’ll do it.”

Marketing.

To many, marketing is the hardest part of being a writer, whether you write novels, articles, or blog. The thoughts of marketing a book that’s not totally yours can seem daunting. It can, however, be done and actually even be enjoyable.

Yes, I said enjoyable.

I looked forward to the July 1st release of Unlikely Merger, the third book compilation I’ve been privileged to take part in. Here’s the blurb:

No longer needed as her father’s nurse, Mercy Lacewell attempts to step into his shoes at his acquisitions firm. That means travel, engaging strangers, and making final decisions—nothing she feels equipped to do. If her best friend has her way, Mercy will simply marry one of the single, available men she meets, but they overwhelm her. So handsome and kind. And so many. Even if she felt obliged, how could she ever choose?

Should she shove all attraction aside and focus on her father’s business, or is God warming her heart with the possibility of forever?

It’s a great story. How can ten women and a publisher work together to make Unlikely Merger successful? The key is simple.

Teamwork.

Tracy Ruckman, the publisher at Write Integrity Press, says it like this:

“During our collaborative projects, we stress the importance of cross-promotion. Collaborations give authors a chance to focus their marketing on each other instead of themselves, and their efforts benefit everyone involved.”

It’s the golden rule of book compilations.

Or as it says in Matthew 7:12 in the Message Bible: “Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them…”

Our contributers invite each other to write blog posts. We share each author’s social media updates: Facebook posts, tweets, Google plus, and more. We belong to a closed Facebook group where we encourage each other, share prayer requests, and talk about the book.

In short, we esteem one another better than ourselves. At the end of the day, each person is lifted up and everyone has a good time. Best of all, marketing has become a learning experience that we can carry to our next project.

Which for me is another compilation called Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage, to be released this fall.

Another opportunity to enjoy marketing. With a team.

The secret of significant and successful marketing.

Even if you've never been part of a team writing project, have you had the opportunity to participate in some type of team or group marketing experience? How did it work out? Any suggestions you're willing to share? 

~~~~~

Jennifer Hallmark is a writer by nature, artist at heart, and daughter of God by His grace. She’s published over 200 articles and interviews on the internet, short stories in several magazines and been part of four book compilations, A Dozen Apologies, Sweet Freedom A La Mode, Unlikely Merger, and a non-fiction compilation on infertility and miscarriage, the latter to be released in early fall. Jennifer’s website and the group blog she co-founded focus on her books, love of the South, and helping writers. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Writer's Block Breakers by Jennifer Hallmark

Do you ever have those writing times when you get so stuck for words you go into a trance while staring at the computer? I went through this recently. Today, Jennifer Hallmark offers some tips to snap us out that trance-like state. -- Sandy

Jennifer: I love to create. Penning my characters, the setting, and their joys and sorrows is pure enjoyment and therapeutic to my soul. Occasionally, however, I get stuck. I pull up the file of my latest novel, stare blankly at the page in front of me, then pull up Pinterest and start pinning cute basset hounds. Has this ever happened to you?

One way I’ve found helpful in breaking the grip of writer’s block is to create. Not characters or settings, but exploring the other aspects of my creativity. All writers have this. A writer is imaginative and imagination doesn’t begin and end with the written word.

What do you like to do as a hobby? To relieve stress? You can turn your hobby or stress reliever into a writer’s block breaker. And it can be as simple as stopping to bake a cake. Yes, you heard me write, pun intended.

When the words won’t flow, step away from the computer. Do something creative. Here are twenty suggestions to get you started.

1. Cook.
   
2. Bake.
3. Sew.
4. Knit.
5. Crochet.
6. Decorate a space.
7. Rearrange furniture.
8. Paint.
9. Doodle.
10. Shop.
11. Pot a flower.
12. Make a collage.
13. Arrange a vase of flowers.
14. Fix your hair and apply makeup.
15. Start a new photo album.
16. Work on a jigsaw puzzle.
17. Photograph a pet, scenery, or a child.
18. Scrapbook.
19. Play an instrument.
20. Sing.

But what if you’re on a deadline? It still works. Take thirty minutes and one of the above activities. You’ll enlarge the artistic side of your brain and when you sit back down, ideas should flow. At times, it might take a few hours or a day to kick start your imagination, but it will be worth it.

Who knows? While you’re scrapbooking or painting, you might create a scene right there with your main character who is struggling. Just like you. And you’ll both emerge winners at the end…

What do you do to get the words to flow? 

~~~~~~

Jennifer Hallmark: writer by nature, artist at heart, and daughter of God by His grace. She loves to read detective fiction from the Golden Age, watch movies like LOTR, and play with her two precious granddaughters. At times, she writes. Jennifer and her husband, Danny, have spent their married life in Alabama and have a basset hound, Max.

Links

http://www.jenniferhallmark.com

http://jenniferhallmark.wordpress.com

http://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferhallmark

https://www.facebook.com/authorjenniferhallmark

https://twitter.com/JenHwrites

Joining a Compilation: To Be or Not to Be? by Jennifer Hallmark

Author Jennifer Hallmark is one of twelve writers who recently participated in creating the novella compilation A Dozen Apologies. I asked her share a little of her experience in creating the novella and working with so many other authors. -- Sandy

Jennifer: What is a compilation project? According to Encarta Dictionary, a compilation is “something created by bringing things together; a gathering.” “A Dozen Apologies,” proved to be both those things. Authors were brought together and gathered for a single purpose of creating a book.

My involvement began when I attended “Catch the Wave” a Christian writer’s conference in Atlanta. I pitched a book to publisher Tracy Ruckman. She contacted me, not regarding my book, but with an opportunity to be part of a compilation to be written by eleven authors and one contest winner. Many of these authors came from the conference, but some were known to Tracy already.

The main premise of the book was sent to me, then later the first chapter. I was asked to choose a month within a year’s period for my hero to meet the heroine, Mara Atkins. I chose August and the journey commenced.

I wrote the chapter, had several rewrites, and just when I thought I was done had a beta reader mention a couple of parts that didn’t flow with the rest of the story. More rewrites. Initially, each of us also wrote a final chapter for the book. Another contest would decide which of our final chapters would end the story. During this time, I met the other authors through Facebook and promoted their blogs and social media.

The initial contest winner joined us and the release date was announced, Valentine’s Day. I had heard marketing would be super busy, so I wrote my scheduled posts for February for both my blogs, updated all blogs, websites, and social media. I was ready.

Or not.

The marketing plan was presented to us and a mass tweet campaign put into place. I began the slow process [for me] of scheduling tweets ahead of time and some Facebook posts also. The book would be offered for free for the first three days and Tracy wanted the world to know. J

One of the best parts of this experience was the private group page set up on Facebook. We received our information there, cheered for each other, and shared prayer requests. If one person struggled, we all shared their pain and encouraged them. If someone had a post on their blog, we could all read it and comment. We all scheduled interviews with other writers and were given specific interviews and assignments for blog posts to increase our book’s exposure to the world. The day before the book release, I was able to set up an author page on Amazon and one on Goodreads. My eyes pooled with tears. Me. A published author.

February 14^th arrived. I actually received the book the day before and again tears flows as I read the story. No, my hero didn’t win, but the ending was written by Elizabeth Noyes and was perfect. By this time, I was tired. A good kind of tired. I had entered the land of published author and survived. And thrived. I’d found new friends and the team of authors surrounding me made the journey extra special. Thank you, Tracy, for inviting me along for the wild ride.

If you ever receive the chance to work on a compilation, whether you write a chapter or a short story or a novella, go for it. You’ll be stronger for it, make lots of friends, and have an experience with many memories.

Have you ever been a part of a project like this? What do you think?

~~~

Jennifer Hallmark: writer by nature, artist at heart, and daughter of God by His grace. She loves to read detective fiction from the Golden Age, watch movies like LOTR, and play with her two precious granddaughters. At times, she writes.

Her website is Alabama-Inspired Fiction and she shares a writer’s reference blog, Writing Prompts & Thoughts & Ideas…Oh My! with friends, Christina, John, Ginger, Tammy, Don, and Betty. She and Christina Rich share an encouraging blog for readers called The Most Important Thing. Her first book, a compilation project called A Dozen Apologies released in February.

Jennifer and her husband, Danny, have spent their married life in Alabama, are blessed with grown children, granddaughters and a basset hound, Max.

In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an ugly game. They'd date men considered geeks, win their confidence, and then dump them publicly. The tables turn after college when Mara loses her job and boyfriend. Mara's heart is pierced by her actions toward the twelve men she'd wronged in college, and she sets out to apologize to each of them. Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men to find that God truly does look upon the heart and that He has chosen the heart of one of the men for her to have and to hold.