Like the Closing of a Book by Sandra Ardoin

By now you know that we’re saying goodbye to Seriously Write, so I wanted to add my own farewell—or let’s just call it a “see you later”—to those of the others you’ve read this month. 

Don’t worry, you’ll still have access to past articles, and I hope you’ll come back here on occasion, looking for answers to some of your questions, or maybe some encouragement to keep plugging away in this business.

Grab the Polish by Sandra Ardoin

Last month, we talked about the need for an editor for your work. Afterward, I was asked to write about finding an editor and the possible costs involved, so I thought I’d concentrate on that in this month’s post.

How do I go about finding the right editor for my work?

Raise Your Hand by Sandra Ardoin

It pains me to admit this, but I am not perfect. Yes, I know. It stunned me to learn that I had flaws, too.

In addition, I’m not a perfect writer. Ask anyone who has critiqued or edited my work. My commas are, all, over, the, place. I love ellipses… (and parenthesis) and em—dashes. I don’t shout too often! But I do have a tendency toward inner thoughts. And don’t even get me started on the excess baggage I place in my sentences. I mean, who needs two words when you can use six?

I’ve read social media posts from new authors eager to get their books up on Amazon and start selling. They will admit they don’t go through the manuscript more than once or twice and forego an editor peeking at it. 

When All Seems Lost by Sandra Ardoin

Most of us have lived through a time in our lives when our circumstances seemed dire, our lives in turmoil. We’re at our wits end and have no idea how to proceed.

Courtesy of Pixabay

Our fictional characters should reach that point in the story when all seems to be lost and they have no hope of achieving their dreams, their goals, perhaps, even saving their lives. It’s that dark time in a character’s story when he’s tossed to the bottom of a figurative pit and the emotional world around him goes dark.

This isn’t a plot point just for dramas. Even lighthearted stories need a black moment. In fact, everything that happens previously should point to that time in the story when the character’s world, what they believed in or knew, crumbles beneath them and sends them falling into a pit of despair. It usually occurs about two-thirds to three-quarters into the book.

How can you accomplish this?

Take something of value away from your protagonist. That something of value may stem from his backstory—his wound and fear. Did an event in his past turn him into a stickler for safety? Take that sense of safety away.

In a romance, the goal for a hero is to get the girl, right? Then the black moment is when the relationship blows up in his face. It seems the chance for “happily-ever-after” is gone and he’s faced with the decision to let it go or man up and fight for his future.

In a suspense/thriller or fantasy/sci-fi, it generally comes when the villain has the upper hand and the hero, his loved ones, or the whole world appears doomed. Does he have the wherewithal and know-how to win the day?

The Black Moment, Crisis, Second Plot Point—however you term it—is emotional, not just physical. 

This isn’t the time to mollycoddle your characters.

Dig that hole deep enough that climbing to the top seems an overwhelming effort, then remind them of their strengths and give them the ability to overcome.

Remember, when your characters are in that pit, there’s no way to go but toward the surface, which leads to the climax---the scene or scenes of fighting back. Then, with whatever ending you've chosen, your readers will close the book and consider they've had a satisfying read.

Can you easily pick out the black moment in a novel? Briefly share a black moment in one of your stories.

The Black Moment, Crisis, Second Plot Point—however you term it—is emotional, not just physical, and essential for a satisfying read. via @SandraArdoin #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

~~~~~~

As an author of heartwarming and award-winning historical romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Connect with her on BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Subscribe to the Love and Faith in Fiction newsletter and keep up with what’s new, discover what’s upcoming, and learn of specials.

She chose the wrong man once. Can she trust her instincts now?

Phoebe Crain, an accomplished pianist, lives in near poverty to protect her five-year-old daughter from scandal. When Phoebe receives a handcrafted cigar box by mistake, her desperation to give the child something special for Christmas drives her to suggest a trade with Spence Newland, a man she views as no more principled than her daughter’s late father. But the more time she spends with the department store heir, the more Phoebe struggles to keep up her guard against him.

Spence believes the cigar box will help him gain a reclusive investor's financial support for his proposed five-and-ten-cent stores, demonstrating his ability to manage the family fortunes. Yet he hesitates to bargain with a widow who mistrusts him for no apparent reason…until he meets a charming little girl at the train station who awaits the arrival of a prince.

Will a betrayal in Phoebe’s past and Spence’s unraveling plans derail their hope for happiness and keep a child’s fairy tale from coming true?

Getting Started: Tips From the Greats by Sandra Ardoin

We all have what we believe are award-winning ideas, those ambitions to write something others will find stupendous and page turning.

But sometimes our plans are bigger than our know-how or, let’s face it, our courage. Maybe we’ve let our fears of failure keep us from getting those first words on the page.

So while you consider how you’ll occupy those upcoming poolside hours or sent-the-kids-to-camp-I’m-free days, here’s a little nudge from some of the greats to get you started on your path to writing success.

If you want your writing published, you have to understand that it is a job. Set regular hours and treat it as if you're actually getting paid for what you do. 😉 By the way, who in their right mind argues with Stephen King? **shivers** 

Don't wait for the right time to begin your story because there will be no right time, only procrastination and "I want to"s. Go on. Get moving. 

You'll never lack for ideas, so choose the one that excites you the most and stick with it. Don't be tempted by all the shiny new ideas that come calling before you've written "The End."

It's amazing how often I've written something off the top of my head and later found it to be incredibly useful to my plot. To me that's God writing my story. For Ray Bradbury's "intuition," I would substitute God.

Follow that Peter Rabbit trail and enjoy the journey!

What writing quote gives you inspiration?

A little nudge from some of the greats to get you started on your path to writing success. via @SandraArdoin #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

~~~~~~

A Love Most Worthy

She didn’t know which was colder, an Arctic winter or her new husband’s heart.

Hallie Russell believes life should be lived to the fullest. For that reason, she sails to the gold

Amazon

rush town of Nome, Alaska to take her cousin’s place as the mail-order bride of a respected shopkeeper. But when her aloof husband’s wedding-night announcement rocks her plans for their marriage, Hallie sees her desire for a family to call her own vanish as quickly as the dreams of hopeful miners.

Tragedy led Rance Preston to repent of his rowdy ways and open a general store for the miners in Nome. He’s content in his bachelorhood, but his two orphaned nephews deserve a proper and serious-minded mother. Duped once by a vivacious female, he’s determined to never again let his heart overrule his head…until the high spirits of his new bride threaten his resolve.

When a misunderstanding comes to light, will they allow the gale force winds of insecurity to destroy what they each need most?

~~~~~~

As an author of heartwarming and award-winning historical romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Connect with her on BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

As a gift for her newsletter subscribers, Sandra wrote a short story to accompany A Love Most Worthy—a “prelude.” It provides some insight into Hallie’s story, something those who read only the novella won’t receive. Join the Love and Faith in Fiction community and keep up with what’s new, discover what’s upcoming, and learn of specials and giveaways.

Encouragement for Writers by June Foster

Whether we're beginning writers or multi-published, we all get discouraged. Sometimes it's tempting to say, "I quit." But, I hope this devotional offers a bit of insight and hope.

When I read passages from the Bible, I can't help but relate them to the task of writing. This morning Psalm 37: 4 jumped out at me.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

So as Christians and writers, we delight ourselves in the Lord daily. How can editing tough passages and receiving rejections from editors and agents be delightful?

First, I believe we should firmly understand our identity—who we are. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." 2Corinthians 5: 17. We are different creatures now with new purposes and motives. We don't write for our own glory but for His.

Next, we trust in God's leadership. He has the ability to accomplish his work in us. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3: 5. Even if things aren't going like we think they should, trust that God is in control. Since I received another rejection letter today, I can speak with certainty and first hand experience.

So, now that means God will give me the desire of my heart. Right? Yes, definitely. Whether it's publication of a novel or another use of our writing talents, God will accomplish His purpose for us and we can delight in that. Then someday, we'll hear those words: "Well done my good and faithful servant."

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Dear Lord, help me to trust in Your perfect plan for me through my writing. You instilled the desire within my heart so I can be confident You have a purpose for my work. Amen.

How can editing tough passages and receiving rejections from editors and agents be delightful? via @vjifoster #SeriouslyWrite #devotion #amwriting

~~~~~~

Frances Matthew Hall is obedient to family tradition: all firstborn sons will serve as a priest. Now Matt officiates at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. But when on Easter Sunday, he notices a beautiful young woman who takes his breath away, he must fight against his attraction to her or leave the priesthood and alienate his entire family.

Mary Louise Graham is a middle school teacher and devout catholic. Yet no amount of service to the community can ease the heavy load of guilt she carries. God can never forgive her unspeakable mistake. But when Father Matt tells her about a forgiving God through His son Jesus Christ, she's free. Only thing, the Godly priest now means more to her than he should.

Can two people find their way to each other amidst insurmountable obstacles? 

Dreams Deferred is inspired by the author's great grandfather and great grandmother's story.

June Foster is an award-winning author who began her writing career in an RV roaming around the USA with her husband, Joe. She brags about visiting a location before it becomes the setting in her next contemporary romance or romantic suspense. June's characters find themselves in precarious circumstances where only God can offer redemption and ultimately freedom. To date June has seen publication of 19 novels and 1 devotional. Find June at junefoster.com.

Surrendering Your Dream by Jennifer Uhlarik

What does “success” look like to you? Maybe you’ve mapped out each step, and nothing short of that vision will do. It’s never wrong to dream, but let me share an important lesson I learned along the way.

I was twelve when the writing bug bit. I began cranking out stories with every spare moment while developing my vision of “success”—a picture that started with getting published by a top-tier publisher and grew more grandiose from there. It would take hard work, but the effort would eventually pay off.

 So I thought.

 After earning my B.A. in writing, I began shopping my first novel. My first batch of submissions quickly ended in rejections. Following a second batch of rejections, I re-edited the novel and tried again. More rejections. Each little heartbreak brought clarity. My writing wasn’t ready yet. Time to reassess.

Only I didn’t. Another storm hit my life—the divorce I never wanted. Instead of honing my skills into something worthy of a top-tier publisher, I submitted to what I discovered were fly-by-night eBook publishers during the infancy of the eBook revolution. I published a few stories, but with little time, energy, or money to promote, the books didn’t sell. Matters grew worse when, a year after opening, these publishers secretly closed up shop and made off with any earnings I did have.

I’d worked my original dream with no success. Plan B was in shambles. My strivings had left me tired and wounded, so I shifted my focus to survival rather than writing.

It was the best thing that could’ve happened!

Fast-forward to 2007. I married a wonderful man who afforded me the opportunity to write full time again. I returned home more humble, willing to surrender my grandiose plan for God’s direction. Rather than clinging to my dream, I asked God to orchestrate my journey.

Once I surrendered, I discovered that “success” wasn’t some elusive point in the distance. It was finding joy in the process. Instead of skyrocketing my career into the stratosphere, God took me on a leisurely drive in the country with plenty of picnics along the way.

Have I been published with a top-tier publisher? Not yet. Sometimes I still chafe at that, but God’s plan has led me in the most wonderful directions. One week ago, I signed my twelfth publishing contract, all with delightful mid-range or small presses I’ve loved working with. I’ve published mostly 20,000-word novellas, rather than the 100,000-word novels I once planned. Writing “short” has taught me more about story-crafting than all my college courses combined. And in a truly unexpected turn, God made me the managing editor of Trailblazer Western Fiction, I’m sure to remind me that this journey isn’t all about me but whom I can help along the way.

If I’d never surrendered my dream for God’s, I’d probably still be striving for some unattainable idea of success. Instead, God and I celebrate small victories often, and success comes in the most unpredictable ways.

So I leave you with this—do you need to surrender your dream to find true success?

Do you need to surrender your dream to find true success? via @JenniferUhlarik #SeriouslyWrite #writingtips

~~~~~~ 

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a pre-teen when she swiped the only “horse”
book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a B.A. in writing, she has finaled and won in numerous writing competitions, and been on the ECPA best-seller list numerous times. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers, Women Writing the West, and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, college-aged son, and four fur children.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.jenniferuhlarik.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferUhlarikAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferUhlarik
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenuhlarik/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferuhlarik/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-uhlarik

Feeling Stuck? Take Time to Refuel by Kathleen Rouser

Perhaps it was the first picture book your mom read to you, an old leather bound version of The Secret Garden you found at your grandma’s, or a copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe you borrowed from the library which sparked your desire to write. Before I was a fiction author, I fell in love with a real hard copy book while growing up. From the scent of fresh ink and paper in a brand-new book to the softness of well-worn pages and the musty scent of being on a shelf somewhere for a long time, books spoke to my longing.

The stories we read can help us fall in love with words again, the power they have to create pictures in our imaginations and take us away from the pressures or boredom of daily life. To pick up a good book and read for an hour can be like a mini-vacation.

There are days when we are discouraged or stuck, when we might even sit and stare at a prewritten story outline and find every word we write a chore. While we might able to force ourselves to produce words for a deadline, there are times when we might feel empty and need to put fuel in the tank of imagination and emotions before we can write.

One day, I was at the local post office, which is around the corner from our public library. So often I’ve looked up books and reserved them online. I’d pick them up quickly to be time efficient. That day I decided to give myself the luxury of looking around the library for the fun of it, picking up books to look at . . . just because.

I may have spent only an hour and a half there, but the time relaxing and reading and soaking in the atmosphere filled me up again with new ideas, more creativity and a renewed desire to handle real books! Yes, I must confess, that I have a Kindle and it’s wonderful for taking with me and for reading at night, so as not to disturb my light sleeper of a husband. However, that special time at the library helped me remember how I first fell in love with words and stories.

When I still had children at home, taking the time to treat myself to a latte at a cafe, while writing in a notebook, often gave me the time off I needed. This gave me the chance to refuel as well. I have often felt these days that I can’t or shouldn’t take the time to read, relax, and refuel and have also reaped the consequences.

The reality is that if we don’t take that time, even occasionally, the emotional energy we need to write isn’t there. Taking those needed times to refuel—whether it’s a walk outside, watching a favorite movie, or revisiting a favorite book—have helped me to become a more productive writer when I get back to my laptop.

I have often felt these days that I can’t or shouldn’t take the time to read, relax, and refuel and have also reaped the consequences. via @KathleenRouser #SeriouslyWrite #writingtips

~~~~~~~

Kathleen Rouser is the award-winning author of Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, and its sequel, Secrets and Wishes. Kathleen wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She longs to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. She lives in Michigan with her hero and husband, Jack, and the sassy tailless cat who found a home in their empty nest. Connect with Kathleen on her website at kathleenrouser.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/, and on Twitter @KathleenRouser.

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection

Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of
the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

Includes The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser: 1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her, didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.

The Adventures of a Burnt-Out Author by Patty Smith Hall

Last year, I experienced what it is to be completely burnt out for the first time in my life. I should have seen it coming. Always considered a busy bee, my last fifteen months had been particularly industrious with nine novella contracts, a new grandson and another back surgery. Never one to back away from a challenge, I faced it head on, and ended up so exhausted, I contracted the horrible flu that spread throughout the country in 2018. Complications delayed my recover so that by the time I felt well enough to get back to my life, half the year was gone.

Here’s a few of my mistakes that you can learn from:

1) Rest
There’s a reason God took his rest on the seventh day. He never tires, but He wanted to set an example for us. He knew our bodies and minds needed rest in order to carry out all the plans He had designed just for us.

But there are some of us who think rest is for other people. Personally, I’m like Tigger the tiger, always bouncing around with a daily to-do list as long as my arm. But even Tigger gets tired! 

The truth is rest makes you more productive. It clears your head and renews your strength for the daily grind. It’s not just necessary. It’s important to our well-being. God commands us to rest—so obey Him and do it!

2) Read
A few years ago, Danny and I came up with this idea of the dream vacation. We would rent a condo on the beach and spend the days just reading and lounging around. Can you image? Long hours with nothing to do but be engrossed in a book. Three years ago, we finally made it happen. BEST VACATION EVER! I read nine books that week! When we came home, I was pumped to write again. Why? Because while I enjoyed the books, my brain had a chance to soak in the writing. It made me a better writer!

So, read as much as you can! Don’t delegate it to your yearly vacation but read every day. Try another genre instead of the one you write. And don’t get bogged down in critiquing the writing—just savor the experience. Your body and mind (as well as your writing) will thank you!

3) Learn to use the word ‘No.’
Over the years, I’ve preached to several writing friends about the necessity of saying no. It’s a word we should use frequently if we want to get and stay published.

But as I learned the hard way, you don’t have to say yes to every writing opportunity offered to you either. As I mentioned before, I had nine novellas contracted over the period of fifteen months. Think about that for a moment—nine different sets of characters with different motivations and conflicts in nine different time periods.

What was I thinking? Probably that I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be published (the checks helped too!) There were others that would jump at the chance to be published so I had to take the contract, right?

I don’t know. By the time I wrote the last contracted novella, I could hardly remember what I wrote. Did my characters have a strong motivation and conflict? Did the story even make sense?

By the grace of God, it did. In fact, my editors stayed in stitches reading it (remember, I was punch-drunk by then.) It became my first historical comedy. Yet, I learned my lesson. I backed out of three more commitments due over the next year, and I’m fine with that.

4) Plan out your day.
I’m big on using planners—I use two planners that are geared to writers (Susan May Warren’s My Brilliant Writing Planner and The Serious Writer Companion.) The one drawback about using a planner is you see all the things you don’t get done. So, if you’re me, you spend your day trying to play catch up or worse still, trying to do two things at one time.

Learn to give yourself a break! Books aren’t written in a day! Don’t fill up your schedule with so many things, you have no hope of completing them. Delegate. Let others help you. They will if you let them.

It took me a few months to get back to writing again, but now, I do it with a renewed sense of purpose. I stopped beating myself up for what I couldn’t accomplish but rather celebrate what I did get done. I’m in a better place, one that honors God and follows His example of rest.

Are you suffering from writing burn-out? Tips to combat it via @pattywrites #SeriouslyWrite #writingtips

~~~~~~

A multi-published author with Love Inspired Historical and Barbour, Patty lives in North Georgia with her husband of 35 years, Danny; two gorgeous daughters, her son-in-love and a grandboy who has her wrapped around his tiny finger. When she’s not writing on her back porch, she’s spending time with her family or working in her garden. 

My Decision To Go Hybrid by Heidi Chiavaroli

I never wanted to be an indie author. Mostly because I didn’t trust myself to put something worth reading out there all by my lonesome. But although I never planned it, the opportunity came to me this past year, and I surprised myself by jumping on board.

I had two books published with my dream publishing house, and I had just renewed my contract with them. An author’s dream! But as we began to plan the timing for my third book, we realized that deadlines and marketing schedules would leave a nineteen-month-gap between books—a problem for any author, but especially a newbie like me.

I was surprised when my agent suggested I release my own book within that nineteen-month time period but, for my situation, it seemed to make sense.

I’m excited about releasing my first indie book. And I’m a tad nervous, of course. But if all works out, I’m hoping that my decision to go hybrid will benefit not only my readers, but me and my publisher.

If your aim is to be a hybrid author, here are some things you may want to consider:

Know your craft, and the publishing industry.

If you are just starting out in this writing thing, don’t be too quick to independently publish and assume a traditional publisher will want to work with you in the future. Likewise, starting a contract with a traditional publisher is probably not the ideal time to decide to independently publish. Take it slow. There’s a lot to learn in both worlds. Publishing is hard work, no matter what. Make sure you know how to write (don’t just take your Mother’s word for it!), and make sure you know the industry before diving in to those indie waters.

Put your publisher first.

There have been many times these past couple of months when I’ve had to put my indie edits and marketing efforts on hold to work on something for my publisher. And I’ve done it gladly. As a hybrid author, they are my priority, and honestly, they are the ones who gave me a chance to begin with, so they will always come first.

If you are traditionally published and considering putting out an indie release, it’s always best to make sure your publisher is okay with you doing so. Make sure your indie releases are scheduled in a way that will benefit your traditional releases. You don’t want to be competing with yourself!

Release a quality product.

Honestly, this was my biggest concern from the beginning. I LOVE getting that brand new box of books from my publisher. The entire product, near perfect. Those of us in the indie world have likely had our share of publishing disasters. In fact, I just received my first box of books and was appalled to see some grainy covers and bubbly binding.

Obtain professional editing, cover, and formatting design. As far as is within your ability, make your product something you won’t be ashamed to have alongside your traditional releases.

If you are published, are you published independently, traditionally, or both? What do you see as being a benefit to how you are published? If you are not yet published, what kind of publishing goals do you have?

"I was surprised when my agent suggested I release my own book..." @HeidiChiavaroli #publishing #SeriouslyWrite

~~~~~~

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring places that whisper of

historical secrets. She is an ACFW Carol Award winner and a Christy finalist. Both her debut novel, "Freedom's Ring" and her sophomore novel, "The Hidden Side" are Romantic Times Top Picks. "Freedom's Ring" was also a BOOKLIST Top Ten Romance Debut. She makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her at heidichiavaroli.com.

Stepping Stone Scenes by Sara L. Foust

I was told in my early attempts at critique groups that my first manuscript lacked a clear goal. It wasn’t easy criticism to hear, but it was important and I am glad that brave person had the courage to point it out to me. I started studying goals, motivations, conflicts, and plots for novels and realized I had a lot to learn. Learning these techniques and thought processes has really helped me hone my craft. My favorite part is the motivation—the psychology of why my character acts the way they do, why they want what they want, and so forth. But we can’t have motivation without goal. They are inextricably linked.

Once I gave conscious thought to setting a story goal, I realized that this big-picture, overarching goal wasn’t the only one I was learning about in my stories. Yes, it is important to have a story goal for each and every character—something they want to achieve by The End. But, I feel it is just as important to make sure each of my scenes has a smaller goal that ties into the larger goal. These scene goals are my stepping stones. Each one unique, necessary, and individual but also leading to the overall story goal.

In my current manuscript, whenever I get to a point in the story where I feel like my writing lags or I have no direction, I realize, “Ah, I’ve failed to set a scene goal.” I go back to the prior scene, figure out what logically comes next for the protagonist (or antagonist, depending on where I’m at), and ask her what she wants and needs to achieve next in order to get closer to her end story goal. After I have that answer, I can resume the scene with direction. With purpose.

I sometimes visualize the scene goals as actual stepping stones or stopping points. They are guidelines to write to, like traveling a long distance, these scene goals are my roadmap. They are smaller pieces of the plot and, therefore, each scene goal inevitably leads me to the next. Once I got a feel for this technique, it seemed that my stories wandered aimlessly a whole lot less frequently. I have my heading, I suppose, and know which direction to travel.

How about you? Do you make a point of checking to be sure that each scene in your story has a clear goal that is unique but also integral to the story goal? If you haven’t ever tried looking at your story from this leap-frog, travel-stop angle, I might encourage you to try it. It has certainly helped me stay on target and, hopefully, it helps my readers stay engaged too.

Do you make a point of checking to be sure that each scene in your story has a clear goal that is unique but also integral to the story goal? via @sfoust25 #SeriouslyWrite

~~~~~~

Sara is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense www.saralfoust.com.
from the beauty of East Tennessee, where she lives with her five homeschooled children. To learn more about her, please visit

About Rarity Mountain:

On the surface, SIMON FINCUFF and FERN STRONGBOW have nothing in common. Simon has served his sentence, but his past conviction still haunts him. Fern is a veterinarian and grew up on an off-the-grid homestead. The one thing they share? Each has a dark secret they would do almost anything to protect. When their current careers are yanked away, they are left scrambling to pick up the pieces. A reality television show falls into their paths, offering a life-changing opportunity that tests their resolve and their faith. These two unlikely partners must battle to survive for thirty days in the untouched wilderness of Rarity Mountain with only a handful of survival items and a director who is out for drama, no matter the cost. With their lives and their carefully guarded skeletons on the line, they will discover how far they are willing to go to win the million-dollar prize for Survival Tennessee.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945094737

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130715034?ean=9781945094743

Cover It Right by Sandra Ardoin

To some of you, this post might seem familiar. In fact, you may have seen it yesterday. Ugh! I apologize for getting my dates mixed up.

I love book covers. I love to look at them. I love to study them. I love how some make me want to read the book in the future and how some make me want to read the book NOW.

But I never knew how hard it would be to decide on a cover until I was responsible for choosing one for my latest novella, A Love Most Worthy.

I’d hoped to find a premade and save a little money. This was my first indie-published book and, honestly, the budget was a little tight. I scoured the internet for cover designers, then scoured their sites for a premade that would be appropriate. No go.

I played around with doing something myself. Clearly, I am no graphic designer.

I considered hiring someone on Fiverr, but changed my mind. A book cover, like the story inside, is too important to take shortcuts.

Then, I found a designer who created book covers reminiscent of some of my favorites from Bethany House and Revell books. She also had premades! Unfortunately, none of them fit my book either. Believing I wouldn’t be happy with anything else, I decided to splurge and hire her for a custom design, then gave her all the pertinent information I thought she needed.

Boy, I was on pins and needles, waiting to see what she would create from the descriptions I gave her. And then it came, the email that brought goosebumps. Was the design perfect? No. Was it what I had envisioned? Actually, I had no vision of what would be good. But she got it. She got Hallie and the setting. She got that I wanted well-blended images that looked like they were one. We went back and forth with the changes: colors, fonts, lighten it, enlarge this, full face or partial.

Those were tough decisions for someone who takes forever to make a decision. Turns out, the easiest choice I made was in the designer and to go with the custom order. Variations came to me, then went straight to my advisers (my crit partner, husband, and daughter).

But I learned some things:

Don’t scimp. Those in the know will always tell you to avoid the DIY approach and hire someone worthy of your book. Listen to them.

Take your time. Find that person whose work best suits what you have in mind for your book.

Don’t be afraid to ask for revisions. The designer wants you to be as happy with the work as you want your readers to be. Reputations are on the line.

Get input from others. Don’t be shy about asking someone else what they think. They might point out something you hadn’t noticed or even considered. I’m pretty sure not everyone will like your decisions, but in the end, it’s your book and your need to be satisfied.

Have you been responsible for making the decision about a book cover? What did you learn from it?

When it came time to reveal my new cover, I created a short video, unable to resist teasing the viewer. 

~~~~~~

As an author of heartwarming and award-winning historical romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.

Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Connect with her on BookBub, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

As a gift for her newsletter subscribers, Sandra wrote a short story to accompany A Love Most Worthy—a “prelude.” It provides some insight into Hallie’s story, something those who read only the novella won’t receive. So, join the Love and Faith in Fiction community and keep up with what’s new, discover what’s upcoming, and learn of specials and giveaways.

She didn't know which was colder, an Arctic winter or her new husband’s heart.

Hallie Russell believes life should be lived to the fullest. For that reason, she sails to the gold

rush town of Nome, Alaska to take her cousin’s place as the mail-order bride of a respected shopkeeper. But when her aloof husband’s wedding-night announcement rocks her plans for their marriage, Hallie sees her desire for a family to call her own vanish as quickly as the dreams of hopeful miners.

Tragedy led Rance Preston to repent of his rowdy ways and open a general store for the miners in Nome. He’s content in his bachelorhood, but his two orphaned nephews deserve a proper and serious-minded mother. Duped once by a vivacious female, he’s determined to never again let his heart overrule his head…until the high spirits of his new bride threaten his resolve.

When a misunderstanding comes to light, will they allow the gale force winds of insecurity to destroy what they each need most?

It’s a Scary Writing World Out There! by Sandra Ardoin

When I was growing up, Halloween was a day when little kids ran from house to house, dressed in silly, sometimes too-large, costumes, and collected more candy than their tummies would comfortably allow them to consume in one evening. It was innocent fun—mostly, not a holiday recognized for pagan origins or costumes Freddy Krueger can appreciate. It wasn’t for teens and adults but for children.

What does Halloween have to do with writing? Nothing but my strained imagination. It occurred to me that the more serious we become about publishing, the spookier the writing life gets.

When we first dream up an epic story of love, inspiration, or adventure—when we’re writer-tots—we have such innocent attitudes toward the business. We put on our writer costume and naïvely set out to gather treats while traipsing the publishing path. As time passes and our hard work racks up refusals, when our hopes for publication begin to dim, we suddenly realize we’ve entered…

The Eerie Woods of the Rejected

Photo Courtesy of Jordan Stimpson / Pixabay

It’s dark in there, and we have no idea when, or if, we’ll ever find our way out. Ooh, there’s that voice that hisses in an unnerving tone, “You’re wasting your time. You’re a failure. Your work will never see publication. Turn back before it’s too late.”

But stubbornness kicks in, and we trudge forward.

Then, through the skeletal trees, we spot a beam of encouragement—a contest win or a request for a full manuscript. We creep forward, ignoring the moaning and groaning around us. Eventually, we break out into the glorious meadow of our first publishing sale.

But wait!

As we bask in the full moon that shines on our achievement, fog billows behind us and clouds roll in to cover the moon with doubts that we can achieve the same or greater success. The trolls of marketing chase us into the path of the ogre of procrastination and we dodge the sharp claws of the writer’s block beast.

Okay. Enough of that nonsense. The point is this. The more we grow in our abilities and experience—the more we study craft—the scarier the writing life can become, because we know more about it. These days, we hear that the Christian fiction market is fading, traditional publishing slots are shrinking, Amazon and other retailers are glutted with books. There seems no end to the bad news.

But you know what? You don’t have to cower in front of your computer. If God is behind your writing endeavor, He’ll prepare the way, even if your words are only meant to encourage or inspire one other person in their walk. Are you knocking on His door to receive His encouraging treat?

Today, share one thing about the writing life that scares you, and then share why you continue to follow that path.

Speaking of spooky (or not), in February 2019, my historical romance novella A Love Most Worthy releases. Do you want to see the cover? I'm dying to reveal it... 

**sigh** I can't until after my newsletter community sees it in a couple of weeks. 

(Oh, yes. Consider that my idea of a Halloween trick. :) )

~~~~~~

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. She’s the author of the heartwarming novella, The Yuletide Angel and the award-winning novel, A Reluctant Melody. Look for the mail-order bride novella A Love Most Worthy coming in February 2019. 

Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.

Let the Fireworks Begin! by Sandra Ardoin

We love the Fourth of July in the United States. It’s a day to celebrate our country's beginnings, but it’s also a day when we express that celebration through family gatherings, picnics, boating on lakes, parades, and FIREWORKS! From the sizzle of sparklers to the whistle and boom of the big guys, we love these beautiful symbols of our joy. Sometimes, we can only stare with a sense of awe and utter a quiet "Ooh!".

Isn't it like that on those occasions when we’re writing and the words are flowing almost independent of our need to think about them? FIREWORKS on paper and on the screen!

Today I thought I’d share some encouraging writing quotes…like special fireworks to inspire writers. I hope they set off a big BOOM! in your writing life. 

Nothing will happen until you make it happen.

Don't let the fear of criticism prevent you from sharing the gift God has given you.

Dig deep and make the reader feel.

Edit. Tighten. Edit some more. 

Keep that power on high until you've written "The End!"

So go on! Light those word sparks and let them explode from your fingers.

What is the most inspiring writing quote you have read?

(Quotes gathered on Goodreads; photos found on Canva)

~~~~~~

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. She’s the author of the heartwarming novella, The Yuletide Angel and the award-winning novel, A Reluctant Melody. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.

Amazon

Grab a Hankie and Hold On! by Sandra Ardoin

A non-writing friend of mine posted a meme on my Facebook timeline: “Things That Make Writers Cry” from the Writers Write blog. I’d insert the meme here, but I’m too lazy to get permission, so go ahead and check it out. I’ll wait.

**Sandy whistles Player’s 70’s song “Baby, Come Back” while she’s waiting. Yes, she’s that old, but don’t mention it in the comments. The woman is sensitive.**

Ooh, baby, you came back!

So out of the nine items listed, some were humorous and some serious, right? However, they held a good bit of truth for those of us who struggle to get the appropriate words on the page and books into the possession of readers.

For instance, take number five: when the coffee/chocolate/wine is gone. Ha! My mornings run on coffee. When the pot is empty…well, it isn’t a pretty sight. And I always try to keep a stash of chocolate, though I’m stingier in doling it out to myself. Sitting all day and chocolate don’t combine for a pretty sight either, especially from the rear.

I’ve never fallen in love with a character I’ve had to kill off (number seven), though there have been a few I’ve wanted to shake until their fictional teeth rattled. My favorite times are those when I’ve written a scene that tightens my own throat. Since I’m a rare crier, it gives me the hope that more sensitive readers will bawl their eyes out. I guess I’m cruel that way.

Then there’s number one. How many times have I written brilliant prose one day and wanted to wad up my computer and toss it into the trash the next? That’s a rhetorical question, so don’t try it at home.

In my response to my friend, I said I could probably add a few things to the list, so let’s get to it.

10. Lately, I’ve noticed a number of one-star reviews on Amazon book pages that simply say “I haven’t read the book”.

**Here is where we ALL partake in a dumbfounded pause to let that sink in.**

Authors beg for reviews and appreciate each one, but common sense says read the book BEFORE posting the review.

11. There are times I’ve slogged my way to the halfway point in my book and it suddenly hits me…I still have TWICE that many words to write! Whether you’re a plotter or pantser, sometimes creating the story is like walking barefoot five miles in hot tar—uphill both ways. Our brains are tired. Our fingers ache. We just want to chuck writing the second half and go straight to the HEA. For writers, that HEA consists of two precious words: The End. Regrettably, if we gave in to our inclination, readers would chuck the book.

12. Time spent marketing our brilliant works. ** sigh ** I’m not talking about the effort of marketing itself, but the time it takes away from writing even more brilliant works. Yes, it’s necessary and, yes, we can’t ignore it, but we must also write additional stories.

13. Then there are those (hopefully few) royalty statements that….

**And here is where Sandy wisely shuts up.** 

Okay, I’ve put some of my tearful writer moments out there. Now share yours. Come on, baby, don’t be shy. Add to the list! And, if you’re a reader only, tell us what authors do to a story—good or bad—that makes you want to cry.

~~~~~~~

Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. She’s the author of the heartwarming novella, The Yuletide Angel and the award-winning novel, A Reluctant Melody. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out. Visit her at www.sandraardoin.com. Subscribe to receive updates and specials. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and BookBub.