Checklist for Identifying Yourself as a Writer by Mary Davis

Mary Davis

Anyone else need a pick-me-up? Someone to come along and say, "Oh, you do that too?" Today, Mary Davis shares a list of oh-so-relatable fiction writerly items. I chuckled as I read. Enjoy! ~ Annette



You know you're a fiction writer when...

…you fall asleep at night with pen and paper in hand.
…you go shopping at a physical store for your imaginary character’s wardrobe.
…you have an argument with one or more of your characters and lose.
…your made-up story feels more tangible than your real life.

Four Reasons Why Writers Should Read Newspapers By Marie Wells Coutu

Early Morning Newspaper

With so much information at our fingertips via our phones and tablets—or through voice control, like “Alexa, what’s the news?”—there’s a tendency to skip buying or reading the newspaper. After all, we have Facebook, TV, and news apps to keep up with what’s happening in the world.

But in the last few days, I’ve found several reasons to keep reading newspapers (or magazines). All were items of interest that I would not have discovered or gone looking for on the Internet. So here are four reasons writers need to keep reading newspapers, at least once in a while:

1. Story ideas.
   My local paper runs a column every week that looks back at some interesting tidbit of state history, such as an Iowa woman who became the first female ticket agent for the railroads. That article went in my “Ideas” file, since I’m now writing historical novels. For speculative writers, the Science and Health section of a recent Minneapolis Star-Tribune contained several items that might inspire stories: the disappearance of key flying insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs; a man-made rover exploring an asteroid surface; a link between air pollution and cognitive decline. I doubt I’m the only writer who sees plot potential in those items, even though I don’t expect to use them in my writing. (I’m sure you suspense writers already mine the newspapers for story ideas.)
2. Character development.
   The same section featured a story on personality types. Instead of using Myers-Briggs Type personality assessment—which apparently social psychologists dislike--for your characters, a huge new study has defined four distinct personality types: Reserved, Self-centered, Role Model, and Average. Since I’m always seeking ways to develop characters that are not all like me, I found this article useful. These four types are based primarily on five established personality traits: openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. I look forward to learning more about these traits and the four types to help me in creating interesting characters.
3. Marketing.
   In a typical newspaper, you might find listings of local clubs you could approach to offer yourself as a guest speaker. Or you may learn of a news event that relates to your book, providing newsy posts for social media. And of course, you can check out the book reviews or best-seller lists to stay aware of the competition.
4. Humor.
   Don’t skip the comics. You may think you’re too busy or that reading the “funnies” (as we always called them) will distract from your writing. It won’t, as long as you finish in a timely manner and get back to work. Every now and then, you may even find a comic strip that resonates with you as a writer (besides Snoopy writing about the “dark and stormy night.” The laugh break will do you good and may inspire your creativity.

What have you read in a newspaper recently that inspired you, helped you with your craft, or made you laugh? I’d love to hear about it.

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 4 reasons #writers need to keep reading #newspapers by Marie Wells Coutu @MWCoutu  on #SeriouslyWrite. wp.me/a5RrYq-KH bit.ly/2E6vh1y

About the Author

Marie Wells Coutu

Marie Wells Coutu’s newest novel, The Secret Heart, from Write Integrity Press, was named a finalist in both the 2018 National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Awards and the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards sponsored by Florida Writers Association. Her debut novel, For Such a Moment, won the Books of Hope Contest. Thirsting for More, the second book in the series was a finalist in the Selah Awards Contest and a semi-finalist in the Royal Palm Literary Awards. An unpublished historical novel set near Golden Pond has been a finalist in five contests.

The Secret Heart by Marie Wells Coutu

You can find more about Marie and her novels on her Facebook page (Author Marie Wells Coutu), at her website (MarieWellsCoutu.com), or follow her on Twitter (@mwcoutu) or on Amazon.com.
Marie is a regular contributor to Seriously Write. For more posts by Marie, click here.

Make 'em Laugh by Charlotte Carter

I can’t help myself. Humor slips into my books. It’s just there even in my most emotional stories. So can I teach you to write humor? Assuming you have a sense of humor, I can give you some tools that will help you give your readers a smile and maybe a laugh.

Humor starts with a Premise ~  you add surprise and exaggeration and keep asking yourself how you can make it funnier.

Humor comes from the sense of reality, exaggerated and distorted. Humor begins with what if . . . .

In my book Courting Cupid, (a Love & Laughter written as Charlotte Maclay) a female apprentice Cupid accidentally shoots an arrow into her own foot. Instead of her “target” falling in love with the intended woman, he falls in love with her.

Humor keys into something we can all relate to ~ the heroine who desperately wants the hero to notice her and makes a mess of things trying to get his attention; the unease of being in an unfamiliar situation and making a fool of yourself; the agony of having our children misbehave at the absolute worst possible time.

There are 3 basic types of humor:

·       Character

·       Situational

·       Physical

In a humorous story that is character driven, the protagonist has a strong comic perspective. This is the ‘dumb blonde’ in Susan Elizabeth’s book who knows darn well she’s as smart as any of the men, but she’s going to let them figure that out for themselves.

Please note: while the character is funny to the reader, she is totally serious about her goals.

Situational comedy relies on a bizarre circumstance, often the familiar ‘fish-out-of-water’ situation.

Physical comedy is pretty obvious ~ it’s the pie in the face, Pratt fall or the guy that walks around a banana peel and drops down manhole.

Chances are good, however, you don’t want to write a funny book. You simply want to add some humor.

Try setting up you story with Contrasting Characters 

·       The hero who never smiles vs. the effervescent heroine

·       The playboy hero vs. the prim heroine

·       The tough guy vs. the naive heroine

·       The sexually experienced male vs. the innocent heroine

Or let your Secondary Characters carry the humor. 

We don’t want to risk our lead characters looking foolish by having them do really dumb things. To avoid this you can add humor (and insight) via a secondary character. Siblings, best friends, grocery store clerk, in-laws, parents, and ne’re-do-well relatives. Because I most often write family stories, my favorite source of humor is children. They can be so much fun....and thoroughly embarrass their parents.

Dialogue can create humor by the use of 

·       Rapid fire speech

·       Clever one liners

·       Unusual curses

·       Witty dialogue

Dialogue in contrast to thoughts 

Often it’s what the characters are thinking, not what they say, that adds humor. Here is where you can use deep Point of View to reveal character and give your readers a laugh or a smile.

Julie Lessman identifies some of the ways she brings humor to her stories. 

·       Analogy/Metaphor/Simile

·       Facial Features

·       Sibling Rivalry

·       Sarcasm (use care here not to make your character too snarky)

If you’d like more details and examples about writing humor, check out the Articles at my Website www.CharlotteCarter.com

Purchase Link

Happy writing......Char

Books that leave you smiling . . .

Home to Montana, Love Inspired, 3/2012

Montana Wrangler, Love Inspired, 7/2012

Dora here. Now it’s your turn.

Do you enjoy reading books that make you laugh?

How do you inject humor into your writing?

Charlotte Carter has authored more than 50 romance and cozy mysteries for various Harlequin lines, Dorchester and Guideposts Books. She is currently writing for the Harlequin Love Inspired romance line. Her books have won the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Orange Rose Contest and various awards from Romantic Times.

An active member of Orange County and Faith, Hope and Love chapters of Romance Writers of America, she is a frequent speaker for community groups and workshop presented for writers’ organizations.

Charlotte lives in Southern California with her husband of 50 years; they have two married daughters and five grandchildren. In her spare time, Charlotte performs standup comedy.

Sybil Has Nothing On Me by Sharon C. Srock

Sharon Srock

How real are the characters in your novel. I know a fellow writer who leaves Post-it notes for her characters on the kitchen table. Her husband says he'll worry when the characters start answering. Today we're veering a little bit away from Seriously Write as Sharon Srock shares one of her conversations with her "little friends." ~ Angie

Remember Sybil? Sally Field made her and the sixteen personalities living in her head famous in the 1976 movie of the same name.

Poor Sybil lived with sixteen people in her head. I feel compelled to ask…JUST sixteen?

I have writer friends who worry about their next book. Where will it be set? Who will the characters be? How will they interact?

There are days I almost envy them their indecision. I don’t have characters, I have a whole community. I wake up with them, I go to bed with them, they whisper in my dreams, and invade my prayer time with their never ending requests for attention.

Which prompts my earlier question. JUST sixteen? Let’s take a look at the community living in my head every day.

CALLIE: Hey guys, I think she’s waking up. Are you awake yet? Can we talk about the part where I--
Me: Your story is done, go away.

BENTON: You know, I’ve been thinking about a story line we could work on…
Me: It’s called the WOMEN of Valley view for a reason, Sport.

KARLA: Do you plan on getting back to my story anytime soon? You left me in a very difficult situation.
Me: You have three chapters. Be grateful. Kate has none.

KATE: About that…
Me: Oh good grief.

MITCH: I have this great story about I guy I worked with.
Me: WOMEN!!

TERRI: I hope you’re in a better mood since you’ve had your coffee. Can we talk about that whole wedding scene?
Me: I am not writing a wedding scene done in orange and black, even if it is Halloween.

STEVE: Don’t worry, Terri. I’ll write it. I can do a better job than her anyway.
Me: It’ll take me 14 keystrokes to turn you from a successful writer into a starving plumber. Would you like that?

IRIS: If you keep talking to my Dad that way, I won’t speak to you anymore.
Me: PROMISE?

SAMANTHA: You know, I really don’t think starting my story when Bobbie is four is a good idea. We’ll miss so much of her life.
Me: When you can write it, I’ll read it.

PASTOR GORDON: Would you like for me to pray for you, dear?
Me: Somebody needs to.

JEREMY: I see, after paging through the files in your brain, that I’ll be sixteen in book six. Can I have a Lamborghini?
Me: Let me spell this out for you. N. O.

MEAGAN: If he gets a Lamborghini—
Me: There will be no Lamborghini's.

PAM: She’s giving our children Lamborghini's.
HARRISON: We’ll sue.
Me: No words, just banging my head on the keyboard.

PATRICK: Can I say something?
Me: NO!

SISKO: Patrick, let’s go shoot some hoops. Maybe she’ll be more approachable later this afternoon.
Me: Yes, please try me again next year.

LISA: At least you get to play basketball. All I ever get to do is be pregnant and take care of babies.
Me: Go talk to Pastor Gordon. He’s looking for someone to pray for.

I wonder who’ll they’ll get to play me on the big screen?

Have you ever caught yourself arguing with your characters? Does it help to "talk" to them?

About the Author

Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s debut novel, The Women of Valley View: Callie released in October 2012. The second in the series, The Women of Valley View: Terri releases in April 2013.

The Women of Valley View: Callie, released in October 2012

The Women of
Valley View: Callie

Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.

Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.

Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.

Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.

For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.

Fun with Marketing (Part 2) by Lisa Buffaloe

We serious writers know that by including two POVs we can strengthen the story and help readers bond with both the protagonist and ironically, the antagonist. Well, here from the Wolf's POV, is his response to the advantage the three little pigs tried to gain last week. Enjoy this lighthearted look at marketing from author Lisa Buffaloe. Happy writing, friends! ~ Annette

Fun with Marketing (Part 2)

By Lisa Buffaloe

What if a work of childhood fiction was in reality a true-life story?

Non-fiction marketing plan for

The Wolf

To the Publisher:

I am huffing and puffing mad to discover that my archenemies, the pigs, have approached you to publish their squealing lies. Therefore, I am sending you my own marketing plan which you better consider (if you know what’s best).

I commit to write articles and speak on …          

• The importance of knowing the psychology of your prey.
• Learning the art of huffing and puffing.
• The importance of proper lung development (asthma and lung cancer sites).
• Business techniques in learning from other’s mistakes.
• Infiltrating pig architectural firms.
• How to be a wolf in sheep clothing.
• Convincing pigs why they should only use straw for their home building to benefit the environment.

             

Product Marketing includes contacting companies listed below …         

• Bacon
• Pork chops
• Asthma Medication
• ACME Lung Development products
• Home builders and home design
• Architecture firms
• Brick companies

Call me. I will be waiting.

The Wolf

How would you market for the wolf?

~~~~~

LisaBuffaloe is writer, speaker, happily-married mom, and host for Living Joyfully Free Radio. Her past experiences—molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape by a doctor, divorce, being stalked, cancer, death of loved ones, seven surgeries, and eleven years of chronic illness from Lyme Disease—bless her with a backdrop to share about God’s unending love and that through Him we find healing, restoration, and renewal. She is the author of Prodigal Nights (2011 Women of Faith Writing Contest Finalist), Grace for the Char-Baked and a contributing author of TheOne Year Book of Joy and Laughter.

(print version)      (eBook version)

Fun With Marketing (Part 1) by Lisa Buffaloe

Even serious writers need some lighthearted humor every now and then, right? Hey fellow writers, Annette here. Let's mix things up today with a bit of tongue-in-cheek marketing. See what you think of our good friend, Lisa Buffaloe's, take on marketing for The Three Little Pigs with a non-fiction slant. 

Fun with Marketing (Part 1)

By Lisa Buffaloe

What if a work of childhood fiction was in reality a true-life story?

Non-Fiction Marketing Plan for

The Three Little Pigs

Dear Publisher,

My brothers and I would like to submit a proposal to your fine establishment. We have Twitter followers and Facebook friends who will happily squeal with delight when our book is published.

We commit to write articles and speak on…

            The realities of life as a pig in a wolf world.

            The importance of proper home design.

            The importance of building a strong foundation – for your home and your piglets.

Learning Karate and Judo to pork chop your opponents.

            Business techniques in surviving the attempts at a hostile takeover.

Our marketing products would include approaching companies similar to the ones below…   

            Wolf brand chili

            Home builders and home design

            Architecture firms

            Brick companies

            Chimney design

            Security systems

            Karate and Judo facilities

           

We are sure this book will spread like swine flu (in a good way, of course).We would be happy as pigs in the mud in the sunshine if you would consider our work.

We await your response with oinkticipation,

The Pigs

How would you market for the pigs?

~~~~

LisaBuffaloe is writer, speaker, happily-married mom, and host for Living Joyfully Free Radio. Her past experiences—molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape by a doctor, divorce, being stalked, cancer, death of loved ones, seven surgeries, and eleven years of chronic illness from Lyme Disease—bless her with a backdrop to share about God’s unending love and that through Him we find healing, restoration, and renewal. She is the author of Prodigal Nights (2011 Women of Faith Writing Contest Finalist), Grace for the Char-Baked and a contributing author of The One Year Book of Joy and Laughter.

(print version)      (eBook version)