Write What Readers Won’t See Coming by Mary A. Felkins

Writer's, how do we avoid creating situations that are entirely too coincidental or predictable, providing an easy way out for the characters? 

We don’t want our readers rolling their eyes with, “Yeah, I saw that coming.” Because then our book is closed in favor of another. 

I know authors who make good use of the supernatural invading the natural. Without bordering on ridiculous, I enjoy circumstances which clearly point to the intervening hand of God. 

In my debut, Call to Love, the hero (a law enforcement officer) received several text messages from his ex-wife that were legit. But he received a few mysterious texts from an unknown ID. . . Be compassionate, forgiving just as Christ forgave you. 

Hackles raised, the hero called his ex and fired away with, “Where do you get off preaching to me about forgiveness?”. But the thing was, she didn’t send them. Even investigations was unable to trace the source. 

Hmmm. Were they (as his ex boldy suggested) from God? Or was my hero suffering from work fatigue? 

I left this to the reader’s imagination. 

Writers, let’s harness the endless creativity available to us and utilize the courage to write what readers won’t see coming. When our stories become cozy, common and predictable, our own motivation to write the next scene withering in yawn, let’s toss in any number of obstacles our readers (and we?) won’t see coming. 

No one does this better than God. Hello, 2020? Who saw the pandemic coming? A world where a mask is required to enter a facility? One where we are no longer free to go and do as we please, our interaction with others separated by a screen? 

God, the sovereign Author, saw this coming. And, boy, hasn't it captured our attention?

Although I squirm over the conundrum brought on by the pandemic, what a brilliant plot twist! And on its heels...rioting, devastating fires, a heated political vote on the horizon that holds incredible weight to top off the year. 

Ah, the irony of 2020, a year where we expected to see things clearly and had a good handle on what might lie ahead. 

Personally, I welcomed this year with a very different set of expectations than what has unfolded. Maybe you did too? But I’m very engaged, turning the pages, as it were, to see where God will take us next. It’s created tension, made me want to know more, begging for a happily ever after. 

God has given us what we didn’t see coming and brought much good from it. And writers, this is the same reaction and result we want to offer our readers. 

Working in unpredictable elements that increase stakes for our characters doesn't have to look like a world-wide virus, fires and political division. A simple text from unknown source might work. 

But wherever you are in your story, take time to consider if you’re holding back and ask:

1) What is the worse thing that could happen? 

2) What’s the best thing that could happen? 

3) What might my reader never see coming? 

Then write that.

   

When our stories become cozy, common and predictable, our own motivation to write the next scene withering in yawn, let’s toss in any number of obstacles our readers won’t see coming. @MaryAFelkins #seriouslywrite

In 2020, God has given us what we didn’t see coming and brought much good from it. And writers, this is the same reaction and result we want to offer our readers. @MaryAFelkins #seriouslywrite

Mary A. Felkins is an inspirational romance author, administrator for Seriously Write writer's blog, and contributor to Refresh, an on-line Bible study magazine. In 2015, she was awarded a bronze medal for her scene submission to My Book Therapy's Frazier contest. Her debut Call to Love (Pelican Book Group) is set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and My Book Therapy. 

 

Raised in Houston, Texas (and forever a Lone Star girl), Mary and her husband Bruce moved to Hickory, North Carolina in 1997. They have four young adult children. She can be lured from her writer's cave if presented with a large, unopened bag of Peanut M&Ms or to watch an episode of Fixer Upper. A surprise appearance by her teen idol, Donny Osmond, would also do the trick, although she’d likely pass out. If, upon introduction, she likes your first or last name, expect to see it show up in one of her novels. 

To receive Mary’s story-style devotions via email, along with quarterly author newsletter offering book-related giveaways, subscribe on her website: www.maryfelkins.com 

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Growing in Courage by Gail Johnson

The following post from Gail Johnson ran on my personal blog in 2018. She has graciously agreed to share it with the readers of Seriously Write, because we all need an extra measure of courage on occasion. ~ Sandy

Some people are born courageous while others must learn how to cultivate it. I fit into both categories. I was fearless as a child, but later I had to learn how to squash the weed of fear so the fruit of courage could grow. And the gardening never stops.

When I planned to write my memoir, I faced questions. Why should I venture out into unknown territory, a place of vulnerability? What will people think of me after sharing my story? Where will I find the answers to finish this task?

But no matter what I did, my story refused to leave me alone. One morning I conceded and put my notes together. Oh, boy! The more I typed, the more dissatisfied I became. I failed to find the perfect formula to share my story. Still, something rose inside of me.

I printed out the pages and laid them on the table. After scrutinizing the text, I could see the personal stories needed rearranging. So I took scissors—yep, scissors—and separated the stories and then taped them where I believed they should go. By the time I had finished, they were in the order they are in the book.

Meanwhile a friend, who is a developmental editor, contacted me and asked if I needed her that year. I stared at the question. I had a choice. Say no, or commit to write like a madwoman to reach my goal.

Suddenly, the Lord impressed me with a date. I typed that date into a message even while fear screamed, “Have you lost your mind? You can't do this. You’ll never finish on time.” Still, I hit the send button.” She penciled in the date. I felt sick.

Courage is not instantaneous. It grows as we reach our goal step-by-step. I arrived every day to write, cry, mourn, and hope. And I’m so glad I did. It was the most liberating experience of my life.

Viewing my story as a finished manuscript, I connected the disjointed notes and saw every drop of God’s grace in my life. And during the following months of rewriting and publishing, I watched the Lord knock over every obstacle of fear and doubt. To this day, I have yet to miss a deadline. He truly is faithful.

Experience teaches us courage. Go ahead. Take that leap of faith!

Other than prayer and Bible reading, how do you grow your courage?

~~~~~~

Gail Johnson enjoys sharing her passion for life and Christ through the power of the written word. Whether it’s through stories, articles, or songs, she invites her reader and listener to “taste and see” the hope she has found in a faithful God and loving Savior. Born and raised in Georgia, she is a wife and mother of two adult children. She enjoys lots of family time, good music, maple pecan ice cream, and southern living.

Does Your Life Feel Like Boot Camp? by Zoe M. McCarthy

I read The Red Platoon by Clinton Romesha. This true story of an American military camp in Afghanistan under a horrendous, well-coordinated attack is not for the squeamish on any front. But I’m glad I read it. The soldiers’ gruesome battle, which lasted one long day, lost seven American soldiers and wounded many others. Their day came across to me as a metaphor in four ways for our Christian walk.

Zoe M. McCarthy

1. Successfully bearing harsh treatment in boot camp and receiving additional training and experience are paramount to survival.

Battle of Kamdesh

The surrounded American soldiers, camp doctors, chain of leaders inside and outside the camp, and air personnel (who eventually were able to come to the camp’s aid in helicopters and advanced technical airplanes), were trained physically, technically, and strategically. And many had prior combat experience.

Mistakes happened, but the experienced men were able to function and act under extreme stress because they knew what to do and how to do it. Their preparedness foiled the likely massacre.

In contrast, the Afghan National Army soldiers assigned to the American camp lacked training. Their response to hundreds of Taliban raining down all manner of fire on the camp was to leave their posts and hide.

Christian Walk

When we’re trained in God’s Word and keep our faith through our trials, we become stronger and gain the knowledge and experience to face whatever befalls us and to help others through their hardships. We know what to do and how to do it.

2. When soldiers are experienced, equipped, and prepared for the worst of situations, courage comes naturally.

Battle of Kamdesh

Nothing went smoothly with 300 Taliban shooting from higher ground at 85 American and 35 Afghan National Army soldiers. But repeatedly, the experienced American soldiers put themselves in harm's way, individually or in improvised teams to save the camp. Some begged their leaders to go under fire to try a strategy to rescue others. When called, the experienced soldiers, without question, performed their duties. I was awed by their courage.

Christian Walk

When we’re prayed up, well versed in God’s word, trust God in every circumstance, and obey His command not to be afraid or worry, we can possess unlimited courage when we’re called. Even if our hearts are beating like crazy.

3. When soldiers bond, they love and risk their lives for each other.

Battle of Kamdesh

Much of the time, what was foremost in the experienced soldiers’ minds was to get to a truck or building where their buddies were trapped and out of ammunition. Even for their dead, they risked their lives to keep the Taliban from taking their bodies to use in TV propaganda.

Christian Walk

Our unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, as branches on Christ’s vine, enables us to love each other in our hearts and with actions. When we pray for and support each other, the Body of Christ is strong. We are also able to love and forgive others and our enemies.

4. When soldiers obey their commanding officers and perform with excellence for their country, they are honored for their faithfulness.

Battle of Kamdesh

Faithful American, Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha sometimes had to force himself to see the wisdom of his commanding officer’s decisions, but he obeyed with respect. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership and actions during the Battle of Kamdesh. This is the USA’s highest and most prestigious military decoration.

Christian Walk

We know Christ’s leading is best, and when we obey, we are faithfully about our Father’s work. God awards us with heaven’s highest honor—our salvation.

When were you prepared to do what God called you to do?

Training in God’s Word and boot-camp trials prepare us for whatever may befall us. Click to Tweet.

Zoe M. McCarthy believes the little known fact that opposites distract. Thus, she spins Christian contemporary romances entangling extreme opposites. Her tagline is: Distraction to Attraction, Magnetic Romances Between Opposites. Her first novel is Calculated Risk. She has two more contemporary romances and a nonfiction book to help writers ready their manuscripts coming out soon. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys leading workshops on the craft of writing; speaking about her faith; planning fun events for her 5 grandchildren; and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she lives with her husband, John. 

Calculated Risk
by Zoe M. McCarthy

Learn more about Zoe M. McCarthy at her website: http://zoemmccarthy.com

Calculated Risk

What happens when an analytical numbers man meets a mercurial marketing Rep? Romance is a calculated risk…

Jilted by the latest of her father’s choices of “real men,” Cisney Baldwin rashly accepts an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with a sympathetic colleague and his family. Nick LeCrone is a man too much her opposite to interest her and too mild-mannered to make her overbearing father’s “list.” Now, Cisney fears Nick wants to take advantage of her vulnerable state over the holiday. Boy, is she wrong.

Nick wants little to do with Cisney. She drives him crazy with all her sticky notes and quirks. He extended an invitation because he felt sorry for her. Now he’s stuck, and to make matters worse, his family thinks she’s his perfect match. He’ll do what he can to keep his distance, but there’s just one problem—he’s starting to believe Cisney’s magnetism is stronger than he can resist.

Purchase links for Calculated Risk: http://zoemmccarthy.com/books

2013: The Year of Pluckiness by Lisa J. Lickel

Lisa J, Lickel

I don’t have much adversity in my life, at least not compared to others, and my success is in the eye of the beholder. So what can I pass on to you, other writers, about this topic?

Pluckiness!

Plucky means being:

Brave

Courageous

and practicing

Determination in the face of Superior Odds

Adversity also comes in small packages. It’s not losing a loved one to a dreaded illness or accident, or being let go from your job, and being diagnosed with a horrible disease; sometimes it’s succumbing to a bout of depression, or getting into a situation that’s beyond your capability, or having the power go out when you’ve written the most beautiful chapter and the cloud sucks it away to la-la land forever where you hope God enjoys it because He’s the only one who will get to read it now. It’s spilling milk on your keyboard—at work—and forgetting how to spell American because you’ve been reading those British books again. It’s getting one more denial from an agent who can’t put her finger on why she doesn’t want you (your work, but really, we all know it’s us), or watching your sales figure plummet on Amazon.

Brave Writers get out of bed in the morning.

That’s a euphemism for facing the day, dividing the moments up into the chunks necessary to get the most work done, and jumping into it. Brave Writers Write. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what, if you’re lost or stuck or fed up with your current project; we just start writing something else. We blog, we toot someone else’s horn, we read, we write a note to someone we’re following…goodness, we might even pick up a pen and handwrite, using that lost art of cursive, a letter to put in the mailbox. We could do a character sketch of a plucky person.

Courageous Writers learn something new every week, if not every day.

One of my goals this year is to learn to market in at least two new ways. I’m told that if I practice something long enough it becomes a habit. If I work on these marketing ways, it’ll become a habit, and often that’s enough to get me out of a rut that’s failing and onto a path toward success. I will find new publishers, I will meet new people, I will write something that makes someone else drool or cry, I will learn not to mix modifiers, and I will discover the best place to start and end my story.

Determined Writers keep pitching, because they can only say no.

They can’t say yes unless you ask, right? Okay, I have an agent—at least at this moment I do—but that doesn’t mean I roll over and play dead. I go to conferences, I ask my agent for advice about the best person to pitch to and how to do that; I look at newer publishers and point them out to others; I take a chance with working with a friend to co-author a book and see where it gets us; I keep writing new samples of work—a theme, a plot, characters and synopsis—in hopes of successfully pitching the idea to my agent and then to a publisher. Writers are Determined to meet publisher’s and reader’s needs.

Plucky ain’t just a spaghetti western female character looking off in the distance, y’all! Plucky is you and me, and we can get the job done, even if it’s not the same one we started.

About the Author

Meow Mayhem by Lisa J. Lickel

Award-winning author Lisa Lickel started writing professionally in 2004 after finishing the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course. She welcomes several more traditionally published novels this year, starting with Meow Mayhem from Whimsical Publications in January, another cozy mystery set in Illinois and challenges Ivy and True to discover what’s rotten in Apple Grove; the much anticipated re-release of Healing Grace, a story about love and sacrifice and the gifts of the Spirit; and book three of the Buried Treasure cozy mysteries sometime in the fall, The Newspaper Code, where Judy Wingate and her not-BFF, newspaper reporter Olivia Hargrove, solve a murder. She is editor-in-chief of Wisconsin Writers Association’s Creative Wisconsin literary magazine, collects dragons, loves to travel and people watch. Find out more at http://www.LisaLickel.com.

Take Courage and Forge Ahead

I’ve noticed a tendency in myself and in other writers: fear. But fear is detrimental (not to mention tormenting). Here's what lack of courage does:

** Induces procrastination
** Blocks breakthroughs
** Stops our momentum
** Hinders our dreams

Sometimes we’re afraid of failure. Sometimes we’re terrified of succeeding. So, here’s a question: what do you do when you’re afraid? Do you hold back? Try to reassess the situation?

Is God asking you to take new steps in your writing? Is He asking you to approach your number one choice for an agent or editor? Is He directing you to write about the one thing you promised yourself you’d never write about? How is He challenging you? And what are you doing with that challenge?

Maybe it’s time to let that manuscript or proposal go. You’ve made it as strong as you can make it. You’ve had requests for it. Hand it in.

Maybe it’s time to attend that huge writers’ conference. Look in the mirror, remind yourself you are a serious writer, and go!

Maybe it’s time to join a critique group and have others evaluate your work. Oh, joining a crit group takes courage, but it’ll make your writing better than it’s ever been. Do it!

For me, it’s time to send in a manuscript. Deadline: 3/15. Let’s pray for each other, shall we? It’s going to take courage to do what God is asking us to do, and as writers, we’ll need courage from here on out.
Embrace courage. Take God’s proffered hand. And move boldly in the direction of your dreams*, dear writer!

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,

Saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”

(Isaiah 41:13 NKJV)

*Love that Thoreau quote: Advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.

The Author's Character Series - Courage

Net's Notations Tuesdays
The Author's Character Series

Courage

Accusing voices mocked me when I saw the notice come up about an upcoming booksigning. I wouldn’t participate. After all, it’s for well-established authors, right? I have a little book from a small press. What can I bring?

Remember how we talked about faithfulness on a recent Net’s Notations Tuesday? Well, there I was disqualifying myself and letting the accusing voices intimidate me.

What’s the antidote to all that self doubt? Courage!

What about when a rejection letter comes in the mail (or email)? Ugh… You’ve waited months and finally a word, but it’s not the one you want—a big NO. Now what?

Here’s what happens to me. I usually handle the rejection fine in the moment. But later, for a few days (at least), it really begins to eat away at my confidence. (Which probably means I didn’t process it fully in that first instance.) What rejection can lead to, though, is my not wanting to submit anything again. Multi-published inspirational romance author Colleen Reece has a solution for this. You get a rejection one day, you get your project back out the next. What great advice. That’d keep you hoping for a positive response. And odds are, someday a "YES" will come!

I’ve learned that doubts don’t disappear once you’re published. Multi-published writers have to beat back the monster, too. For them, it’s critical reviews, negative reader letters, or editors who reject their latest work.

So, what do you do when intimidation or doubt creeps into your writing life?

Embrace courage!

Courage is intentional. You can’t just accidentally happen upon courage. It’s inside you. So, when a tough situation presents, you have a choice—fight or flight, right? So, fighting (or facing the issue at hand and pushing through) is a choice—it’s intentional.

Courage is the sign of a mature writer, a mature person. If you’re a man or woman of courage, congratulations on embracing this virtue. If not, let’s press in and let God refine this part of our author’s character.