Formula and Familiarity vs. the Brilliance of Something New by JoAnn Durgin

Formula and Familiarity 

vs. the Brilliance of Something New 

Allen Arnold is a well-respected speaker and the author of The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, and Create, a brilliant blend of storytelling and teaching. Allen spent more than twenty years in the publishing industry, so he knows his stuff about writing, promoting, and selling books. It was a privilege to hear Allen speak and teach at a writers’ conference in southern California a few years ago. I follow him on Twitter, and this recent observation caught my attention:

The Last Days by C. Kevin Thompson

With sadness, we say goodbye to Kevin as a Regular Contributor. I’m sincerely grateful for all he’s given to Seriously Write over the years. Through his creative, thought-provoking, and well-researched pieces, he’s challenged us in a variety of ways. We couldn’t ask for anything more. ~ Dawn 

The Last Days 

It is with fond memories that I write this post. In October of this year, it would have been six years since I started writing for SW. My face becoming part of that box on the home page labeled “Regular Contributors” was a fluke, of sorts, actually.

Packing Our Story “Suitcase” by JoAnn Durgin

Packing Our Story “Suitcase”

Whether happy, sad, or anything in-between, real life-based stories make good fiction. One of the funniest things that ever happened in my life wasn’t the bit least amusing at the time and hasn’t made it into one of my books—yet.

Why Your Book Dedication is Important by Dawn Kinzer

Dawn Kinzer

Do you read book dedications?

I do! They’re actually one of my favorite parts of books.

Why?

They tell me a lot about the author’s personality, humor, and heart. They often provide insight into the writer’s life.

When you create your own dedications, do you give them time and thought? Remember … as writers, we want to impact lives. What you place on that blank page could be important to not only your readers, but also the people included in your dedications.

Sarah’s Smile

To my husband and best friend, Sonny—

You’ve always believed in me.

I could never have shared this story without

your love, help, and encouragement.

I had no problem deciding what to write for my first published novel. It was important to me that I dedicate the book to my husband. It was my way of honoring him. He’d done so much to help me see my dream become reality, and I wanted my readers to know it.

Hope’s Design

To my daughters, Brooke and Ana

And my stepdaughter, Katrina,

May you always follow your dreams …

My second novel includes the themes of using our God-given gifts and pursuing our dreams. I’m very close to my two adult daughters, and I wanted to remind them to never give up on their own dreams. My stepdaughter had stepped away from her faith. She’s an avid reader, but I didn’t know what she’d think of my books with a spiritual message. It turned out, she loved them! Including her in the dedication for Hope’s Design also touched and made an impact on her.

Rebecca’s Song

In memory of

My grandmother, Florence Schlough,

who taught children in a one-room schoolhouse,

and my grandmother, Marie Johnson,

who always filled her yard and home

with flowers—including zinnias.

My heroine in Rebecca’s Song is a schoolteacher, and the flower with significance in this story is the zinnia. (Each book in the series features a specific flower.) Aside from honoring two women who had played important roles in my life, I wanted readers to understand why I chose a particular career for a heroine and flower for this story.

Now that I’ve shared my dedications, here are some I’ve discovered that I think are fun and meaningful …

Dark Places

by Gillian Flynn

What can I say about a man who knows how I think

and still sleeps next to me with the lights off?

  

Austenland

by Shannon Hale

For Colin Firth

You’re really a great guy, but I’m married,

so I think we should just be friends.

The Selection

by Kiera Cass

Hi, Dad!

*waves*

An Introduction To Algebraic Topology

By Joseph J. Rotman

To my wife Marganit

and my children Ella Rose and Daniel Adam

Without whom this book would have

Been completed two years earlier

This Boy’s Life

by Tobias Wolff

My first stepfather used to say that what

 I didn’t know would fill a book. Well, here it is.

The Land of Stories

By Chris Colfer

To Grandma,

For being my first editor

And giving me the best writing advice

I’ve ever received: “Christopher,

I think you should wait until you’re done

with elementary school before worrying

about being a failed writer.”

Ship of Magic

by Robb Hobb

To caffeine and sugar, my companions

through many a long night of writing.

Moorchild

by Eloise McGraw

To all children

who have ever felt different

These dedications are some of my all-time favorites. The author found a way to honor his father by using humor—and he still managed to tie in a fun hook that I imagine his fans loved.

Otherland (Books 1-5)

by Tad Williams

Book 1

This book is dedicated to my father Joseph Hill Evans with love.

Actually Dad doesn’t read fiction, so if someone doesn’t

tell him about this, he’ll never know.

Book 2

This book is dedicated to my father Joseph Hill Evans with love.

As I said before, Dad doesn’t read fiction.

He still hasn’t noticed that this thing is dedicated to him.

This is Volume Two—let’s see how many more until he catches on.

  

Book 3

This is still dedicated to you-know-who, even if he doesn’t.

Maybe we can keep this a secret all the way to the final volume.

  

Book 4

My father still hasn’t actually cracked any of the books—

so, no, he still hasn’t noticed.

I think I’m just going to have to tell him.

Maybe I should break it to him gently.

Book 5

Everyone here who hasn’t had a book dedicated

to them, take three steps forward.

Whoops, Dad, hang on there for a second …

Your turn! What dedications have you found fun or interesting? Please share what you’ve written for your book dedications and why.

Rebecca’s Song

Rebecca's Song

The Daughters of Riverton, Book 3 

Rebecca Hoyt’s one constant was her dedication to her beloved students. Now, a rebellious child could cost her the job she loves. Without her teaching position, what would she do?

Detective Jesse Rand prides himself in protecting the people who ride the railroads. But, when his own sister and brother-in-law are killed by train robbers, the detective blames himself. Yet, another duty calls—he must venture to Riverton where his niece and nephews were left in the care of their beautiful and stubborn teacher, Rebecca Hoyt. They need to mourn and heal, but Jesse is determined to find his sister’s killers. Rebecca is willing to help care for the children, but she also fears getting too close to them—or their handsome uncle—knowing the day will come when he’ll take them back to Chicago.

Will Jesse and Rebecca find a way to open their hearts and work together? Or will they, along with the children, lose out on love?

Questions included for discussion and reflection.

  

Dawn Kinzer is a freelance editor, and her own work has been published in various devotionals and magazines. She co-hosts and writes for Seriously Write. Sarah’s Smile is the first book in her historical romance series The Daughters of Riverton, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy.

A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, good wine, strong coffee, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.

You can connect and learn more about Dawn and her work by visiting these online sites: Author Website, Dawn’s Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Doing What Feels Right for You by Dawn Kinzer

Dawn Kinzer

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving 2015, we left the family gathering—my husband, my daughter, my son-in-law, and my twenty-month-old grandson—and headed for the hospital. What a better way to celebrate the holiday than to give thanks for a new life brought into the world.

No—not my daughter this time! Ana’s friend had become a new mother, and our close friends had become first-time grandparents that morning. We called ahead, not wanting to intrude on anyone needing rest, but were told they wanted us there.

As the new parents expressed concerns about their roles and being bombarded with advice from well-meaning friends and family members, Ana and Shawn looked at them and offered these wise words. “Do what feels right for you and your baby.”

As months passed, I heard several times how much those simple words still meant to the new parents. By accepting the freedom to make their own choices—instead of trying to follow a variety of opinions on how to raise their child—they were saved from going crazy.

What has this to do with writing?

It’s important—valuable—to glean what we can from those who have more experience. We can learn from their mistakes and gain helpful knowledge. But, at the end of the day, we still need to do what feels right for us.

There was a time when I thought I would never self-publish. You know the saying. Never say never. So, here I am, going down the indie path with a debut novel. Sarah’s Smile, the first book in The Daughters of Riverton series, is being released on October 14.

How did I get here?

I sought traditional publishing for years, and some publishers and agents seemed interested. Requests for manuscripts were made, but rejections followed.

A respected agent lost my manuscript and asked me to send it again—twice—over the course of a year. Then she dropped communication. I felt so discouraged. I’m a “doer,” and I’m also kind of a control freak, so the thought of leaving my publication hopes in the hands of other people felt unsettling. At the same time, indie publishing was becoming a reputable avenue.

Then two years ago, my husband and I started talking about self-publishing. What would that look like? What would it take to become an indie author? I was already freelance editing, so I had experience in running a small business. But to pay people to edit, proofread, and design covers? Spend money with no guarantee that we’d break even?

I knew without a doubt it was the path I was to take after my husband and I prayed about the decision and he felt complete peace about moving forward. At first I was shocked. He’s always so careful about budgets and making sure money is well-spent. But his confidence gave me what I needed to jump in. We agreed we had to view indie-publishing as something more than possible income—we had to embrace it as a ministry—a calling.

Some may choose traditional publishing. Some may choose indie-publishing. Others may want to live in both worlds as a hybrid. Regardless, there are decisions to make in terms of platform, marketing, website formats, blogs, social media, etc. etc. etc.

So, whatever you choose . . . do what feels right for you.

Sarah’s Smile

Sarah's Smile

 

Romance. Heartbreak. Scandal. Secrets. Second Chances.

In 1902, Sarah McCall is waiting to leave for the mission field when the man she once loved steps back into her life. Abandoned as a child by her mother and gambler father, she strives to overcome a tarnished history she didn’t create and a heartbreak she can’t forget.

Peter Caswell returns to his Wisconsin hometown a pastor, dedicated to his four-year-old daughter and new congregation. But no matter how hard he tries to move on with his life, he can’t forgive himself for his wife’s death.

When Sarah learns that Peter is returning to Riverton, the letter giving her departure date for Africa can’t come soon enough for her. They were best friends—she loved him and supported his dreams—but he married another and broke her heart. Although ten years have passed since he left Riverton, Peter hopes Sarah still cares enough to give him a second chance. But a charming newcomer pursues her affections—and Sarah’s childhood nemesis manipulates her way into Peter’s life. Will Sarah and Peter find their way to forgiveness and each other, or will past mistakes make a life together impossible?

BOOK CLUB MEMBERS: You’ll find 20+ questions included for discussion and reflection.

Releases October 14 on Amazon in paperback and e-book. E-book available for pre-order now.

Dawn Kinzer has been published in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, the Backyard Friends magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional, and A Joyful Heart: Experiencing the Light of His Love, and featured on the radio ministry, The Heartbeat of the Home. Sarah’s Smile is the first book in her Daughters of Riverton series.

A mom and grandmother, she lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.

Find out more about Dawn and her books by visiting:

Author Website

The Garden of Dreams Blog

Goodreads

Facebook  

Google +

Pinterest 

Instagram

My Publishing Journey by Annette O’Hare

Annette O'Hare

Many writers anticipate attending conferences throughout the year. These gatherings offer great opportunities to learn more about the craft of writing, meet agents and editors, and make lifetime friends. For some, like author Annette O’Hare, they even swing open the door to publication. Enjoy! ~ Dawn

My Publishing Journey

I returned from the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in 2014 with my first publishing contract and an agent. It’s true. It really can happen, but in the words of the late great, Paul Harvey, now for the rest of the story.

When I finished writing my first novel, Northern Light, I began looking for a publishing house. This part of the writing process can be very frustrating when you learn most publishers won’t consider a manuscript unless it’s been requested at a conference or submitted by an agent. There are, however, a few small publishing houses that accept manuscripts directly from the author, like my publisher, Pelican Book Group.

After a painless online submission process, I received a request for the entire novel! Then came the part every author dislikes…waiting. Sometime later I heard back from the editor informing me that my novel didn’t fit with their line, but I didn’t give up. I negotiated with the editor and she agreed to take a second look after I made some suggested changes. I resubmitted and was then told that my novel was going to committee! Then, once again, I waited.

Fast forward to September 2014. I’m attending the ACFW conference in St. Louis and who’s on the editor list, Pelican Book Group. I requested an appointment and told the editor the whole story. She assured me she would talk to “her people” and get an answer.

That night after the awards gala I packed to go home following an uneventful conference. I checked my e-mail for my flight information and noticed e-mail from the head editor at Pelican offering me a contract for Northern Light. I started crying.

I called my buddy, Janice Thompson, who was still talking to friends after the gala. I tried telling her my news, but she couldn’t understand me through the tears! She told me to come to her ASAP. I pulled on jeans and a t-shirt and rushed downstairs. Boy did I look silly around all the ladies and gents dressed in gala attire!

When I finally got the words out, Janice and everyone around cheered with me. Janice told me later how she originally thought I had lost a loved one! Another friend, Kathleen Y’Barbo, was with us at the time. She asked if I had an agent. No, of course not. Kathleen disappeared and returned with literary agent extraordinaire, Julie Gwinn, who I’ve been represented by ever since.

My publishing journey may sound like a Cinderella story, but I don’t have a fairy godmother or a magic wand. The truth is, publishing is a long process where you find out you don’t know much of anything! And if it were not for the grace of God I never would have made it through.

In a nutshell, that’s how it happened. Northern Light was released in February 2016, and Julie is working hard to sell my next historical romance. I’m currently writing a historical novella, to be included in a collection with two of my agency mates.

Northern Light

Northern Light

Civil War has robbed Margaret Logan of all she holds dear, including her beloved New Orleans home and her fiancé. When her family moves to the desolate Bolivar Peninsula to manage a lighthouse that is no longer there, all her hopes for a normal future are dashed. Her world is rocked once again when a wounded Yankee soldier washes ashore needing her help. Despite her contempt for the North, Margaret falls in love with Thomas Murphy. As their love blooms, Margaret’s sister is overcome with neurosis, and her mind slowly slips away. Bitterness, psychosis and depression yield a decision fueled by contempt. Will one fatal choice cause Margaret to lose the man she loves and condemn Thomas to death?

  

Annette O’Hare is an inspirational author of historical fiction. She lives close to Houston, Texas with husband, Dan, of thirty years. The O’Hares love saltwater fishing on the Gulf Coast and spending time with family. Annette loves the history and heritage of Texas and that love comes through in her writing. She is a long time member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW Writers On The Storm. It is Annette’s genuine desire to reveal God’s love to her readers and hopefully give them a laugh or two. Annette and Dan are proud parents of two Texas A&M graduates, an exceedingly imaginative high school freshman and two rambunctious, loveable rescue dogs.

You can learn more and connect with Annette at these online sites:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/24LR8OW     

Website: http://www.annetteohare.com

Goodreads: https://goo.gl/V9Qt7U

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annetteohareauthor/       

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnetteOHare