A trip to the library earlier today revealed a surprising fact to me. I am currently working on a book about the writing craft so I needed some good opening lines to include on my chapter about getting started on your masterpiece.
We all know the importance of a good opening hook that will pull readers in. I didn't want to use the easily recognizeable openers that you can find anywhere online. Like the one from Rebecca, one of my favorite books. Or Gone With the Wind. Or even To Kill a Mockingbird. I wanted killer openings from modern day writers to illustrate what readers are looking for.
What amazed me was the difficulty I had in finding them. I tried to play fair. I peeked inside espionage thrillers and medical mysteries, romances and cozy mysteries, and even books which the genre was hard to determine by looking at the cover. I must've looked through 50, and wrote down 4 good openings.
I realize captivating openings are subjective. Perhaps Rebecca wasn't your cup of tea. Maybe you never saw the big deal in Pride and Prejudice. But I think I can recognize an opening that draws the reader in, even if it isn't necessarily my type of book. Maybe I'm too tough of a critic. Maybe my taste doesn't reflect the majority of readers.
I did find a few gems and I found a few more, that while the opening wasn't electrifying, the storylines appealed to me and I checked them out.
So here's my question. How's your opening? If a cynical, over-worked writer were to pluck your book off a shelf somewhere in the world in search of an opening line to illustrate to a classroom of students about creating magical beginnings, would yours cut the mustard or go back on the shelf?
Take another peek at your book's opening. Does it draw the reader in? Does it promise a story worth the next three days it will take to read? Or is it just so-so? You only have one chance to make a first impression. That window will only open a crack before some cranky editor slams it shut.
Make your opening shine and make my job easier the next time I go to the library in search of killer openings.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
He's Baaaack!
I was lamenting just the other day about the mysterious disappearance of Peyton Manning. This young man, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts for those of you who have been living under a rock for the last ten years or so, had suddenly disappeared from the airwaves sometime last February.
The last time I saw him was at the Super Bowl where his baby brother Eli was voted MVP of one of the more exciting, nail biting games in the last few decades.
But what had become of Peyton since then?
For the last five years or so he has endorsed everything from Sony media to macaroni and cheese to credit cards to water. About the only thing he hasn't endorsed is feminine hair removal systems, and I probably just missed that spot.
Then all of the sudden, he vanished without a trace.
Had he been sequestered by Tony Dungee to an island off the coast of Malta to focus on his throwing arm? Was he in a Turkish prison for some crime the NFL had kept under wraps? Had he been kidnapped by Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and all the other big name players who were being forced to go on food stamps because Peyton was getting all the endorsement dollars?
But no, dear reader, I am happy to report Peyton is alive and well and once again hawking products, at least for Sony and H.H.Gregg. I saw him on a commercial this morning as articulate and enthusiastic as the last time his adorable face graced my television screen.
I am so relieved as I'm sure are his mother and father.
I'm sure you're wondering why I've dedicated an entire post to Peyton Manning, who I love by the way. (He's the son I never had.)
If only we as writers could figure out how to market ourselves the way Peyton has. If our names were as familiar to the reading public as Peyton's cute little face is to the rest of the free world, we wouldn't have to worry about our books making the bestseller lists.
The question is HOW?
My first suggestion is to make your presence known online. It's cheap, readily available, and most readers have access to it. Secondly, get out there and do book signings and appearances, even when no one shows up but your mother and one of her friends from church. Even if no one comes to signings--and let's face it, they don't--you can usually get some media attention out of the deal.
No, you probably won't attract the throngs of adoring fans the way Peyton does. But do what you can. And if you get a chance today, drop Peyton a line and let him know how happy you are that he's once again gainfully employed.
Happy Marketing.
The last time I saw him was at the Super Bowl where his baby brother Eli was voted MVP of one of the more exciting, nail biting games in the last few decades.
But what had become of Peyton since then?
For the last five years or so he has endorsed everything from Sony media to macaroni and cheese to credit cards to water. About the only thing he hasn't endorsed is feminine hair removal systems, and I probably just missed that spot.
Then all of the sudden, he vanished without a trace.
Had he been sequestered by Tony Dungee to an island off the coast of Malta to focus on his throwing arm? Was he in a Turkish prison for some crime the NFL had kept under wraps? Had he been kidnapped by Tom Brady, Eli Manning, and all the other big name players who were being forced to go on food stamps because Peyton was getting all the endorsement dollars?
But no, dear reader, I am happy to report Peyton is alive and well and once again hawking products, at least for Sony and H.H.Gregg. I saw him on a commercial this morning as articulate and enthusiastic as the last time his adorable face graced my television screen.
I am so relieved as I'm sure are his mother and father.
I'm sure you're wondering why I've dedicated an entire post to Peyton Manning, who I love by the way. (He's the son I never had.)
If only we as writers could figure out how to market ourselves the way Peyton has. If our names were as familiar to the reading public as Peyton's cute little face is to the rest of the free world, we wouldn't have to worry about our books making the bestseller lists.
The question is HOW?
My first suggestion is to make your presence known online. It's cheap, readily available, and most readers have access to it. Secondly, get out there and do book signings and appearances, even when no one shows up but your mother and one of her friends from church. Even if no one comes to signings--and let's face it, they don't--you can usually get some media attention out of the deal.
No, you probably won't attract the throngs of adoring fans the way Peyton does. But do what you can. And if you get a chance today, drop Peyton a line and let him know how happy you are that he's once again gainfully employed.
Happy Marketing.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I took my 5 and a half year old Lab, Angel, to the vet today and found out she might have cancer. More than likely she has an anal infection, but there is a 20% chance that it's more than that. All day I've been thinking of how rich my life has been since she came into it. I found this online and don't know how much truth is in it. But I liked it and thought the animal lovers out there might enjoy it too.
Dog's Purpose, (from a 6-year-old)
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Pictured here is Angel's sister Molly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: * When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. * Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. * Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. * Take naps. * Stretch before rising. * Run, romp, and play daily. * Thrive on attention and let people touch you. * Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. * On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. * On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. * When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. * Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. * Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough. * Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. * If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. * When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Killer Bees
My friend told me I shouldn’t kill the yellow jackets that are keeping the hummingbirds away from my feeders because their numbers are down this year and we need the honey they make. I’m sorry but it’s out of my hands. My logic is if they were making honey instead of raiding my hummingbird feeders, they wouldn’t have to die at the end of my fly swatter. Regardless of my vigilance and the bottles of apple vinegar and Mountain Dew I set out to keep them away from the hummingbird feeders, they prevailed throughout June and much of July.
Suddenly the yellow jackets were gone and hornets took their place. The yellow jackets allowed the hummingbirds to enjoy at least a little of the nectar, but the hornets were not so generous. Hornets are bigger and meaner and not interested in apple cider vinegar.
Now the hornets have been replaced by something that looks like yellow jackets with Roid Rage. These yellow and black striped bees are nearly as big as the hummingbirds with tempers to match their intimidating size. My fly swatter simply knocks the wind out of them and makes them angry. After I knock them to the ground I have to hunt them down and squash their guts out with my shoe. Fortunately for the survival of the species, I’m a terrible aim. At least they are slower then the hornets and easier targets than the yellow jackets, even for someone as clumsy as me. .
If someone knows the identity of these killer bees, I would love to know. The nights are getting colder, so they should be gone soon. I wonder what’s going to replace them. I hope the bees don’t get any bigger. If this were a Twilight Zone episode, they would fly into my house one night and carry me away to Bee Land where I was the one ducking fly swatters and living on hummingbird food.
Hmm.
I guess possible storylines can come from anywhere.
Happy Writing!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Susan May Warren's Finding Stefanie
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Today I am excited to be a part of the blog tour for FINDING STEFANIE, the latest by award winning author Susan May Warren.
Susan has incorporated a fun contest into her blog tour so come along, follow the links, answer the questions, and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate. Wow!
First things first.
About the book: When she put her dreams on hold to help run the family ranch, she never imagined they would slip out of sight. Luckily for Stefanie, those dreams are about to come knocking at her door.
Lincoln Cash has gained fame and fortune on the big screen, but a crippling secret leaves him one last chance to make his mark on the movie industry. With dreams of hosting a new film festival, Lincoln intends to remodel a sprawling ranch in eastern Montana to make it the new Hollywood hot spot.
Unfortunately, a house fire threatens his plans. So does opposition from his new neighbor Stefanie Noble, who's not thrilled about his Tinseltown changes. What Lincoln and Stefanie don't know is that the fire won't be the last disaster to threaten Lincoln or his future. Someone is out for revenge... but who? And who is the real target?
Read an excerpt. Click here for purchasing information.
About Susan: Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia, was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia, Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.
NOW grab your magnifying glass and join me on a Fact-o-Find!
Answer these questions about the bloggers on the tour and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to the movie theater of your choice (you know so you can see some of Cash's great movies *G*)! Email Amy your answers (amy@susanmaywarren.com)
Ready, get set, giddy-up!
1. Which blogger is adopting a girl from China?
2. This word 'featherbunkle' is found on which blog?
3. Which blogger is supporting the 'Pickens Plan'?
4. Which blog is "The Cutest Blog on the Block"?
5. Which blogger is a S@HM and also a wife, daughter, sister, friend, nursery director, and woman that is just trying to keep it all together?
6. Which blogger is taking the Southern Reading Challenge?
7. Which blog asks 'How may we serve you'?
8. Which blogger refers to her son as 'super good big guy'?
9. Which blogger is a self-proclaimed 'Starbucks Addict'?
10. Which blogger is a big Trekkie?
Have fun on the tour and be sure to hop over to Susan's website for more information about all her books. You won't be sorry.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Where do ideas come from?
People tell me all the time they have the perfect idea for my next book. I politely tell them that idea belongs to them. What I don’t say out loud is that I have so many ideas already, I couldn’t begin to write all the books rattling around in my head. I think most career writers are the same way. Oh, we may go through a dry spell for a short time, but those ideas will start pestering us if we slow down long enough to listen.
So where do these ideas come from? And if they aren’t coming, how can we encourage them?
The last time we talked about organizing our characters. Today let’s talk about plot lines and where to find them.
Ideas are everywhere. One night I couldn’t sleep because my dog wouldn’t stop barking. I started scribbling in a notebook about a woman who couldn’t sleep because her dog wouldn’t stop barking. I had no intention of starting a book that night. What I scribbled in that notebook became the first chapter of my book, A TENDER REED.
Another book idea came from walking my dog along a stretch of road. I wondered what would happen if a car veered off the road and hit me. Then I wondered what would happen if the person had meant to hit me and make it look like a hit and run.
Sometimes little snippets of storylines will come because a conversation I overheard or a newspaper headline. I am inundated with ideas after a trip to the library and reading the spines on the New Releases shelf. Talking with other writers is another great way to get the creative juices flowing, or just talking about the creative process.
Like my character sketches, I keep a file in my Documents for random thoughts and to record dreams that stick with me after I wake up. I’ve actually had a couple dreams that I think would make great stories. Even if they have no future or make little sense, I record them anyway and date them. They are good for a laugh later and leave me wondering what could’ve been on my mind before going to bed that night or what I might have eaten for dinner.
As far as storylines, you can find them anywhere. Get in the habit of asking yourself “What if?”. What if a car veered off the road and hit me? What if my dog stumbled across a freshly dug grave during her early morning wanderings? What if the leader of my PTO used to work for the CIA?
Many of your questions will lead nowhere. But it’s helpful to record them and see where your musings lead. Not to mention, fun. I always say if you aren’t having fun at this writing thing, you’re not doing something right. Either you’re writing for the wrong reasons, you’re in the wrong genre, thinking you’ll write what’s hot instead of what’s on your heart, or you simply need to take a step back and re-examine your calling.
Whatever you’re doing, relax and let yourself have fun. We should find joy in everything we do. That’s God’s desire for your life. Find abundant joy in your life today and happy writing.
So where do these ideas come from? And if they aren’t coming, how can we encourage them?
The last time we talked about organizing our characters. Today let’s talk about plot lines and where to find them.
Ideas are everywhere. One night I couldn’t sleep because my dog wouldn’t stop barking. I started scribbling in a notebook about a woman who couldn’t sleep because her dog wouldn’t stop barking. I had no intention of starting a book that night. What I scribbled in that notebook became the first chapter of my book, A TENDER REED.
Another book idea came from walking my dog along a stretch of road. I wondered what would happen if a car veered off the road and hit me. Then I wondered what would happen if the person had meant to hit me and make it look like a hit and run.
Sometimes little snippets of storylines will come because a conversation I overheard or a newspaper headline. I am inundated with ideas after a trip to the library and reading the spines on the New Releases shelf. Talking with other writers is another great way to get the creative juices flowing, or just talking about the creative process.
Like my character sketches, I keep a file in my Documents for random thoughts and to record dreams that stick with me after I wake up. I’ve actually had a couple dreams that I think would make great stories. Even if they have no future or make little sense, I record them anyway and date them. They are good for a laugh later and leave me wondering what could’ve been on my mind before going to bed that night or what I might have eaten for dinner.
As far as storylines, you can find them anywhere. Get in the habit of asking yourself “What if?”. What if a car veered off the road and hit me? What if my dog stumbled across a freshly dug grave during her early morning wanderings? What if the leader of my PTO used to work for the CIA?
Many of your questions will lead nowhere. But it’s helpful to record them and see where your musings lead. Not to mention, fun. I always say if you aren’t having fun at this writing thing, you’re not doing something right. Either you’re writing for the wrong reasons, you’re in the wrong genre, thinking you’ll write what’s hot instead of what’s on your heart, or you simply need to take a step back and re-examine your calling.
Whatever you’re doing, relax and let yourself have fun. We should find joy in everything we do. That’s God’s desire for your life. Find abundant joy in your life today and happy writing.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Keeping everyone straight
A reader asked the other day if I keep files of characters and plotlines like many authors and how they are all organized. I posted a comment to answer her questions, but it didn't show up so I'll just answer in a blog post where more people will see it anyway.
Sounds like a plan.
Every time I tell one of my non-writer friends I'm starting another book, they sigh and shake their heads and say, "I don't know how you do it. How do you keep everyone straight and how do you keep all those ideas from running together?"
It's all about organization, something I'm not very good at. I have a NOTES file in MyDocuments where I put any little snippet that comes to me. Possible book titles, character sketches, song lyrics, anything that sparks my creativity. I even record particularly vivid and interesting dreams. I always date them. I have actually dreamed a few dreams that will make great starting points for books. The fun thing about recording them is reading over them months later. They are usually very funny and over-the-top. Makes me wonder what I ate the night before that made my mind cook up such a concoction.
Back to my organization of characters. When I create a character for a storyline I'm plotting, I answer a few questions for them.
Who is (fill in name here)? Let's use Brandon today. Here I describe his appearance, personality traits, education, job...I fill in as much as I can, but I will learn more about Brandon as the story goes along, so I don't get too bogged down at this point. I know writer's who need to know the name of his first girlfriend, what kind of car he drives and his parents' birthdays before they can even get started. They are probably more organized than me and save themselves a lot of work down the road. For me, I like to get to know a character in increments. It makes them seem more real and three-dimensional.
What does Brandon want concretely? Example: To get a promotion. It may be something very simple or Brandon can have huge aspirations that take a lot of explanation and study.
What does he want abstractly? To find out why he always sabotages his chances for promotions.
What keeps him from reaching his goals?
What does he learn?
As you learn more about your character, you will fill in more and more. I do this with each major character in the book. It helps to refer back to this while I'm writing if I feel myself getting off track. Some of the characters will take a lot of examination while others might just be looking for a good night's sleep.
Hope this answers your questions and I'll get more in depth next time.
Sounds like a plan.
Every time I tell one of my non-writer friends I'm starting another book, they sigh and shake their heads and say, "I don't know how you do it. How do you keep everyone straight and how do you keep all those ideas from running together?"
It's all about organization, something I'm not very good at. I have a NOTES file in MyDocuments where I put any little snippet that comes to me. Possible book titles, character sketches, song lyrics, anything that sparks my creativity. I even record particularly vivid and interesting dreams. I always date them. I have actually dreamed a few dreams that will make great starting points for books. The fun thing about recording them is reading over them months later. They are usually very funny and over-the-top. Makes me wonder what I ate the night before that made my mind cook up such a concoction.
Back to my organization of characters. When I create a character for a storyline I'm plotting, I answer a few questions for them.
Who is (fill in name here)? Let's use Brandon today. Here I describe his appearance, personality traits, education, job...I fill in as much as I can, but I will learn more about Brandon as the story goes along, so I don't get too bogged down at this point. I know writer's who need to know the name of his first girlfriend, what kind of car he drives and his parents' birthdays before they can even get started. They are probably more organized than me and save themselves a lot of work down the road. For me, I like to get to know a character in increments. It makes them seem more real and three-dimensional.
What does Brandon want concretely? Example: To get a promotion. It may be something very simple or Brandon can have huge aspirations that take a lot of explanation and study.
What does he want abstractly? To find out why he always sabotages his chances for promotions.
What keeps him from reaching his goals?
What does he learn?
As you learn more about your character, you will fill in more and more. I do this with each major character in the book. It helps to refer back to this while I'm writing if I feel myself getting off track. Some of the characters will take a lot of examination while others might just be looking for a good night's sleep.
Hope this answers your questions and I'll get more in depth next time.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Don't quit your day job!
I've been researching writing sites lately and am amazed at how easy the writers of how-to books make writing a full length book sound. I hate to burst your bubble, dear writer, but writing is hard. It's work like any other job. If it weren't, more people would be doing it instead of just talking and dreaming about it.
I read somewhere that less than 20% of self professed writers make a living at it. Less than 6% reach celebrity status like Lori Wick or Karen Kingsbury or Terri Blackstock. For the rest of us, we need another plan.
I tell anyone who asks that the first and most important component to building a successful writing career is a spouse with a regular paycheck and a medical plan.
As most of you know, my latest manuscript was put in the mail last week. I am confident and pleased with the outcome of the book and am sure you will see it on bookstore shelves someday. Unfortunately that someday can't come soon enough for me. The editors at the big New York City publishing houses are currently buying projects for the 2010 calendar year.
So the odds of you submitting your novel this year, seeing it in print in '09, and moving into that mansion you've had your eye in '10 are pretty slim.
But don't despair. We're old enough to accept that things worth having don't come easy. I don't mean to suggest writing the next great American novel is out of your reach. On the contrary, if I can actually string enough words together to constitute a book and find a traditional publisher, and then actually get readers to part with their hard earned dollars in this economy, than so can you.
Doesn't that make you feel better?
So get to writing. Just don't set your sights too high on that mansion. Peruse your classified first for fixer-uppers and shacks on the other side of the tracks. You might be one of those who reaches celebrity status. I hope you are. But until then, don't quit your day job, or do what I do and continue to rely on the kindness and obligations of your spouse's paycheck.
Happy Monday and happy writing.
I read somewhere that less than 20% of self professed writers make a living at it. Less than 6% reach celebrity status like Lori Wick or Karen Kingsbury or Terri Blackstock. For the rest of us, we need another plan.
I tell anyone who asks that the first and most important component to building a successful writing career is a spouse with a regular paycheck and a medical plan.
As most of you know, my latest manuscript was put in the mail last week. I am confident and pleased with the outcome of the book and am sure you will see it on bookstore shelves someday. Unfortunately that someday can't come soon enough for me. The editors at the big New York City publishing houses are currently buying projects for the 2010 calendar year.
So the odds of you submitting your novel this year, seeing it in print in '09, and moving into that mansion you've had your eye in '10 are pretty slim.
But don't despair. We're old enough to accept that things worth having don't come easy. I don't mean to suggest writing the next great American novel is out of your reach. On the contrary, if I can actually string enough words together to constitute a book and find a traditional publisher, and then actually get readers to part with their hard earned dollars in this economy, than so can you.
Doesn't that make you feel better?
So get to writing. Just don't set your sights too high on that mansion. Peruse your classified first for fixer-uppers and shacks on the other side of the tracks. You might be one of those who reaches celebrity status. I hope you are. But until then, don't quit your day job, or do what I do and continue to rely on the kindness and obligations of your spouse's paycheck.
Happy Monday and happy writing.
Friday, August 01, 2008
My baby has been delivered
After close to an entire year of writing and rewriting, I finally sent Book 4 of my Jenn'a Creek series, LEGACY OF FAITH, to the publisher yesterday. I don't know why this book took so much time, but I am so pleased and satisfied with it. I hope readers will be too. I have read so many series books where each book gets less and less interesting. Sometimes by the third installment, I don't even care anymore.
I am very determined that readers won't feel this way about my series. I want them to find each one better than the last.
Of course I have learned a lot about writing--pacing, dialog, tension, etc, etc--in the last 6 years since the writing of Book 1, STREAMS OF MERCY, so I think it is natural for each book to improve. At least I hope so. I wonder about writers who publish 3 or 4 books a year. How do they keep them fresh? How do they avoid formula writing? They are definitely more talented and dedicated than me.
I hope to finish Book 5, the final book of the series, by the end of the year. Of course I thought that about this book and it took until July 31st. But I won't dwell on time wasted. The book is on its way across the country. I am thrilled with the way it turned out, so I guess nothing was really wasted. I learned a lot and enjoyed the process.
Now that the book is in the mail, I hope to get back to posting on my blog on a more regular basis. I would like to offer more advice and tips to new writers. If you ever have a question or would like to see a writing topic addressed, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.
I am very determined that readers won't feel this way about my series. I want them to find each one better than the last.
Of course I have learned a lot about writing--pacing, dialog, tension, etc, etc--in the last 6 years since the writing of Book 1, STREAMS OF MERCY, so I think it is natural for each book to improve. At least I hope so. I wonder about writers who publish 3 or 4 books a year. How do they keep them fresh? How do they avoid formula writing? They are definitely more talented and dedicated than me.
I hope to finish Book 5, the final book of the series, by the end of the year. Of course I thought that about this book and it took until July 31st. But I won't dwell on time wasted. The book is on its way across the country. I am thrilled with the way it turned out, so I guess nothing was really wasted. I learned a lot and enjoyed the process.
Now that the book is in the mail, I hope to get back to posting on my blog on a more regular basis. I would like to offer more advice and tips to new writers. If you ever have a question or would like to see a writing topic addressed, let me know and I'll see what I can do.
Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Where does the time go?
"Be wise in the use of time. The question in life is not how much time do we have. The question is what shall we do with it." ---author, Anna Robertson Brown
One of Aesop's most famous fables is about an encounter between a grasshopper and some ants. All summer long the ants had been toiling away, saving up grain for the long winter. All the while the grasshopper merrily--yet foolishly--squandered his time without a care in the world, without making any provisions for the cold season to come. When winter came, the grasshopper found himself starving and begged the ants for food. They replied, "If you were foolish enough to sing all summer, you must dance supper-less to bed in the winter."
Where does the time go? Every Monday morning I get out of bed, excited about the prospect of a fresh week stretching ahead of me and I think of all the things I'm going to accomplish by Friday. Somehow Monday gets away from me and it's Tuesday and I'm thinking of how I need to make up for wasting yesterday.
I am amazed every time I go to the library and read the new releases. There are invariably three new Heather Graham Bell's, two James Patterson, two more Karen Kingsbury, and a Debbie Macomber. How do some of these prolific writers keep pumping out the books? You might say they are simply repackaging the same formula over and over. It may seem that way with some, but most of them are incredibly talented and disciplined individuals.
More so than me.
If you aren't accomplishing as much as you'd like to in a week, ask yourself how you spend your free time. What free time? you may ask. Okay, I see your point. We're all busy. But we find time for what's really important to us.
You may have no aspirations for writing the next New York Times bestseller. You may just be trying to find time to enjoy a date night with your husband. Examine your day. See where you are frittering time and where you may be able to delegate little jobs or say no to constant requests by family and loved ones.
Starting at midnight, we will be given 168 hours wrapped up as a brand new week to do with whatever we choose. At the end of your 168 hours, what will you have to look back on? I might just have written that new bestseller. Or at least the first chapter.
Happy Monday.
One of Aesop's most famous fables is about an encounter between a grasshopper and some ants. All summer long the ants had been toiling away, saving up grain for the long winter. All the while the grasshopper merrily--yet foolishly--squandered his time without a care in the world, without making any provisions for the cold season to come. When winter came, the grasshopper found himself starving and begged the ants for food. They replied, "If you were foolish enough to sing all summer, you must dance supper-less to bed in the winter."
Where does the time go? Every Monday morning I get out of bed, excited about the prospect of a fresh week stretching ahead of me and I think of all the things I'm going to accomplish by Friday. Somehow Monday gets away from me and it's Tuesday and I'm thinking of how I need to make up for wasting yesterday.
I am amazed every time I go to the library and read the new releases. There are invariably three new Heather Graham Bell's, two James Patterson, two more Karen Kingsbury, and a Debbie Macomber. How do some of these prolific writers keep pumping out the books? You might say they are simply repackaging the same formula over and over. It may seem that way with some, but most of them are incredibly talented and disciplined individuals.
More so than me.
If you aren't accomplishing as much as you'd like to in a week, ask yourself how you spend your free time. What free time? you may ask. Okay, I see your point. We're all busy. But we find time for what's really important to us.
You may have no aspirations for writing the next New York Times bestseller. You may just be trying to find time to enjoy a date night with your husband. Examine your day. See where you are frittering time and where you may be able to delegate little jobs or say no to constant requests by family and loved ones.
Starting at midnight, we will be given 168 hours wrapped up as a brand new week to do with whatever we choose. At the end of your 168 hours, what will you have to look back on? I might just have written that new bestseller. Or at least the first chapter.
Happy Monday.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Spark People revisited
As you may have read here in the past, I joined an online community called SparkPeople for people who want to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Since joining I've lost a few pounds--very few compared to some--but more importantly, I'm thinking about what I put into my mouth, incorporating activity into my day, and feeling much better than I have in years.
There are tons of resources and articles on SparkPeople to encourage and teach you how to live a better life. But it isn't just about losing weight. I have found that much of the advice reflects what I read in the Bible.
It's not all about me.
Make yourself feel better by doing something nice for someone else.
Take your eyes off your own problems.
The list goes on and on.
Many of the tips and quotes I've found can also be related to the writing life. Most of us need more discipline in every area of our lives. Most of us are inspired when we read or hear about someone else reaching his or her goals. Most of us can learn from someone else's mistakes. Most of all, most of us need written goals in order to accomplish everything we want to do.
Now that my latest manuscript is ready to head out into the world, it's easy to take a break from writing. I can afford to take a few weeks, or even months, off to regroup. But I need to keep going. I'm sure there are plenty of writers out there who don't suffer from taking a long sabbotical after finishing a project. I, on the other hand, need the momentum of a finished book to spur me on to the next project. If I have too much down time, the next thing I know it's Christmas and I'm still outlining my next book.
Most of us thrive on; Momentum. Discipline. To-do lists. Encouragement and inspiration from those who have been there.
I'm already playing around with ideas for the next book in my Jenna's Creek Series and almost chomping at the bit to get started. Now if I can just keep that creative juice flowing long enough to put the pen to paper...
There are tons of resources and articles on SparkPeople to encourage and teach you how to live a better life. But it isn't just about losing weight. I have found that much of the advice reflects what I read in the Bible.
It's not all about me.
Make yourself feel better by doing something nice for someone else.
Take your eyes off your own problems.
The list goes on and on.
Many of the tips and quotes I've found can also be related to the writing life. Most of us need more discipline in every area of our lives. Most of us are inspired when we read or hear about someone else reaching his or her goals. Most of us can learn from someone else's mistakes. Most of all, most of us need written goals in order to accomplish everything we want to do.
Now that my latest manuscript is ready to head out into the world, it's easy to take a break from writing. I can afford to take a few weeks, or even months, off to regroup. But I need to keep going. I'm sure there are plenty of writers out there who don't suffer from taking a long sabbotical after finishing a project. I, on the other hand, need the momentum of a finished book to spur me on to the next project. If I have too much down time, the next thing I know it's Christmas and I'm still outlining my next book.
Most of us thrive on; Momentum. Discipline. To-do lists. Encouragement and inspiration from those who have been there.
I'm already playing around with ideas for the next book in my Jenna's Creek Series and almost chomping at the bit to get started. Now if I can just keep that creative juice flowing long enough to put the pen to paper...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Forming New Habits
On Joyce Meyer this morning she talked about forming new habits, and how it's one of the hardest things we need to do. Whether it's exercise, or to stop smoking, or eating better when all you crave is salty stuff, or turning off the TV, forming new habits is work.
People tell me all the time they want to write a book, but they just don't have...you guessed it...the time. Lack of time doesn't only prevent us from writing. We use it as an excuse not to visit our aging loved ones. Not to attend an event with a friend. Not to play ball in the yard with a kid.
"I just don't have the time."
I'm as guilty as anyone else. But I've found that I manage to find the time if it's something I really want to do, if it's really important to me.
So if you've been talking or thinking for years about writing a book or tackling some other project that's been on your mind, you need to develop some new habits that will help you carve the time necessary out of your schedule.
Stop surfing the Net and checking email every five minutes and tell yourself you're going to write uninterrupted for one hour. At least. You can build up to an entire evening after you make a habit of the one hour.
Maybe you need to turn off the TV. You've probably heard yourself say there's really nothing worth watching anyway. But have you ever noticed how easy it is to sit down with the intention of watching one program or just one Seinfeld episode because it's one of your favorites, and before you know it, the whole evening's gone? You get up feeling tired and guilty and wishing you could have the last two hours back.
As I said before, I'm as guilty as anyone. I'm home all day and consequently I probably waste more time than the average person. Every morning I get out of bed with the best intentions, and before I know it, it's four in the afternoon and I should be planning dinner, and I haven't even reached my daily word count yet, not to mention updating my website like I meant to do and mopping the kitchen floor.
Where did the day go?
Forming better habits. I try to start each day with an exercise program. I'm pretty good about doing that one. But by mid-morning, my determination to accomplish my list is breaking down and I'm thinking, "Well, there's always tomorrow."
Habits.
What wastes our time? What little things are we doing, or neglecting to do, that could free up a lot more time so we could accomplish what we want?
If something is important to you, you'll find the time, whether it's playing with the kids or taking salsa dancing lessons or writing the first chapter of that book that's been haunting you for years.
Let's decide to form some new habits this week. Set the alarm twenty minutes earlier so you're not running late out the door and sniping at the kids like it's their fault. Turn off the TV tonight and the IM alarm and focus on writing. Whatever is keeping you from doing what is important, strive to develop a more productive habit.
It's all within your control.
People tell me all the time they want to write a book, but they just don't have...you guessed it...the time. Lack of time doesn't only prevent us from writing. We use it as an excuse not to visit our aging loved ones. Not to attend an event with a friend. Not to play ball in the yard with a kid.
"I just don't have the time."
I'm as guilty as anyone else. But I've found that I manage to find the time if it's something I really want to do, if it's really important to me.
So if you've been talking or thinking for years about writing a book or tackling some other project that's been on your mind, you need to develop some new habits that will help you carve the time necessary out of your schedule.
Stop surfing the Net and checking email every five minutes and tell yourself you're going to write uninterrupted for one hour. At least. You can build up to an entire evening after you make a habit of the one hour.
Maybe you need to turn off the TV. You've probably heard yourself say there's really nothing worth watching anyway. But have you ever noticed how easy it is to sit down with the intention of watching one program or just one Seinfeld episode because it's one of your favorites, and before you know it, the whole evening's gone? You get up feeling tired and guilty and wishing you could have the last two hours back.
As I said before, I'm as guilty as anyone. I'm home all day and consequently I probably waste more time than the average person. Every morning I get out of bed with the best intentions, and before I know it, it's four in the afternoon and I should be planning dinner, and I haven't even reached my daily word count yet, not to mention updating my website like I meant to do and mopping the kitchen floor.
Where did the day go?
Forming better habits. I try to start each day with an exercise program. I'm pretty good about doing that one. But by mid-morning, my determination to accomplish my list is breaking down and I'm thinking, "Well, there's always tomorrow."
Habits.
What wastes our time? What little things are we doing, or neglecting to do, that could free up a lot more time so we could accomplish what we want?
If something is important to you, you'll find the time, whether it's playing with the kids or taking salsa dancing lessons or writing the first chapter of that book that's been haunting you for years.
Let's decide to form some new habits this week. Set the alarm twenty minutes earlier so you're not running late out the door and sniping at the kids like it's their fault. Turn off the TV tonight and the IM alarm and focus on writing. Whatever is keeping you from doing what is important, strive to develop a more productive habit.
It's all within your control.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Contest Winners
I never thought picking the winners for my two contests would be so hard. All the entries were wonderful and I had a hard time going through them to find just one winner. Next time I might recruit someone to help. First off, I'll announce the winner of my Blizzard of '78 contest. Thanks to everyone who sent their memories and anecdotes about the blizzard. I loved reading through them. It helped me remember the storm even better. I would like to have used them all, but then the book would've been 500 pages long, and we already know how wordy I can be.
The one I chose to incorporate into the book was sent in by Liz Reid of Hillsboro, OH. In Liz's account, the tiles in her bathroom froze and popped off the wall. She and her husband thought they were under attack. You will have to read the book to see which character suffers through Liz's ordeal.
Liz, I hope you love my version of your story.
Second, is my contest to find a suitable stage name for Calvin Trotter. Calvin, as you all remember, goes to Nashville in EVIDENCE OF GRACE to become a big star. This contest has been going on for such a long time, some of you may have forgotten your name suggestions.
I reread them this morning and they were awesome. Many of you chose variations on the same names. "Buck", "Cal", "Austin", and "Johnnie" were very popular.
I received entries from all over the country, but the name I chose was sent in from practically my own backyard. No preferential treatment was given, though it might look that way.
The name I chose...DRUMROLL PLEASE...
was sent in by Dottie Kohler of Peebles, OH.
This was Dottie's complete entry:
"Dear Sirs,
I think Calvin should use the stage name of either CJ Jefferson (Calvin Jeremiah) or Jeremiah Jefferson. This way he doesn't completely lose his own identity and he honors his grandmother Dolores Jefferson who so far has been his only guiding force in knowing his Savior. Thank you for considering my opinion."
Thank you, Dottie. I loved the reasoning behind your choice.
So Calvin's stage name is CJ Jefferson. Calvin's new persona will appear in Book 5 when he comes home to Jenna's Creek from Nashville where he has made a fortune writing the soundtrack for a Hollywood movie.
For sending the winning entries; Liz and Dottie will receive an autographed copy of the Jenna's Creek books they contributed to as well as be acknowledged in the front of those books. A character named for Dottie will appear in Book 5, the final Jenna's Creek installment.
Congratulations, ladies, and thanks to everyone who entered. I loved your entries and appreciate your participation in the contests.
I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and Happy Reading!
Teresa Slack
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Writing your way out of a wet paper sack
Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. I found this at POEWAR.com and thought your might enjoy it. I know I did. If you have the time to check it out, you'll find plenty of funny and inspiring info there.
Posted August 30, 2007 by John Hewitt
Has anyone ever told you that you couldn’t write your way out of a wet paper sack? It really isn’t that difficult. The important thing remember that this is not a job for a computer. You are much better off using a pen or a pencil. You should press down very hard when you write. That will be helpful because, as you remember, the paper sack is wet. You can use that moisture to your advantage. Wet paper sacks tear more easily than dry paper sacks. Keep that in mind at all times. The key to writing your way out of the wet paper sack is to write in such a way that the wet paper begins to tear. Once you’ve torn a hole in the wet paper sack, you’re halfway out of it.
Write on the side of the wet paper sack (either from the inside or the outside depending upon the size of the sack you find yourself in). Press down hard, preferably with a pencil or a high quality pen. This should get the paper, weakened by the moisture, to tear. Once it begins to tear, you will probably want to increase the size of your letters. Writing with small letters is great in the beginning, when you want to establish a hole, but tiny handwriting will become an impairment later on. In the later stages, You will want to write large, swooping letters because this will help to open up the tear in the sack. The larger the tear, the easier it will be to write your way out of it. Towards the end, you might want your letters to be several inches, or even a foot or so high. This will broaden the hole until the entire sack tears away.
Note: Avoid felt tip pens. A felt tip pen or a marker may prove to be insufficient for the task at hand.
Now you are almost done. In the final stages, it is important to remember that you are writing your way out of a wet paper sack, not acting or dancing your way out of a wet paper sack. Those tasks require an entirely different skill set that we won’t go in to here. Keep your pen or pencil in hand. Use it to remove the individual pieces (wet paper sacks tend to fall apart). Place the pencil over the remaining pieces of wet paper sack and let your prose flow. Write with a slight flicking motion so that the paper seems to almost fly off your pencil. Be diligent. Make sure that every piece of paper sack is off of you. At that point you will have written your way out of a wet paper sack. Congratulations! You can proudly tell all of your friends that indeed, you do have this skill and have proven it.
Note: You might want to have someone film your escape from the sack so that you can avoid having to perform this act multiple times. As important as the skill is, writing your way out of a wet paper sack isn’t particularly enjoyable, so you will probably prefer to perform this task only once.
Hope you got a chuckle out of this. I surely did.
Posted August 30, 2007 by John Hewitt
Has anyone ever told you that you couldn’t write your way out of a wet paper sack? It really isn’t that difficult. The important thing remember that this is not a job for a computer. You are much better off using a pen or a pencil. You should press down very hard when you write. That will be helpful because, as you remember, the paper sack is wet. You can use that moisture to your advantage. Wet paper sacks tear more easily than dry paper sacks. Keep that in mind at all times. The key to writing your way out of the wet paper sack is to write in such a way that the wet paper begins to tear. Once you’ve torn a hole in the wet paper sack, you’re halfway out of it.
Write on the side of the wet paper sack (either from the inside or the outside depending upon the size of the sack you find yourself in). Press down hard, preferably with a pencil or a high quality pen. This should get the paper, weakened by the moisture, to tear. Once it begins to tear, you will probably want to increase the size of your letters. Writing with small letters is great in the beginning, when you want to establish a hole, but tiny handwriting will become an impairment later on. In the later stages, You will want to write large, swooping letters because this will help to open up the tear in the sack. The larger the tear, the easier it will be to write your way out of it. Towards the end, you might want your letters to be several inches, or even a foot or so high. This will broaden the hole until the entire sack tears away.
Note: Avoid felt tip pens. A felt tip pen or a marker may prove to be insufficient for the task at hand.
Now you are almost done. In the final stages, it is important to remember that you are writing your way out of a wet paper sack, not acting or dancing your way out of a wet paper sack. Those tasks require an entirely different skill set that we won’t go in to here. Keep your pen or pencil in hand. Use it to remove the individual pieces (wet paper sacks tend to fall apart). Place the pencil over the remaining pieces of wet paper sack and let your prose flow. Write with a slight flicking motion so that the paper seems to almost fly off your pencil. Be diligent. Make sure that every piece of paper sack is off of you. At that point you will have written your way out of a wet paper sack. Congratulations! You can proudly tell all of your friends that indeed, you do have this skill and have proven it.
Note: You might want to have someone film your escape from the sack so that you can avoid having to perform this act multiple times. As important as the skill is, writing your way out of a wet paper sack isn’t particularly enjoyable, so you will probably prefer to perform this task only once.
Hope you got a chuckle out of this. I surely did.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Lazy writing
I belong to an online community called SparkPeople. Highly recommend joining if you want to lose weight or adopt a healthier lifestyle. As someone who sits at a desk all day, I need the support.
Today I received a SparkPeople mailer about creative ways to incorporate healthy eating and activity into your day. As writers, we know all about creativity. People tell me all the time they couldn't imagine coming up with 100K words to write about anything. A book is totally beyond their comprehension. For writers, it's pretty elementary. In fact, with each book, I have to make myself stop writing and then I have to go back and slash huge hunks of my book to trim the thing down.
The key is to deliver the biggest message in the least amount of space, using the least amount of words. You will end up with tight, page-turning scenes that will blend effortlessly into the next. Acheiving that requires thought and creativity. We could take the easy way out like we see on prime time television all the time. When they don't know how to work out a problem, they fast forward to the next scene and let the viewer fill in the blanks.
That's lazy writing, and as a writer, it makes me mad when I see it. I want a reasonable, logical solution.
How can you solve a huge problem using the least amount of space? You don't want to condense every scene down to the bare bones, but you don't want your reader to have to wade through twenty pages of set-up before you get to the action.
Read through your manuscript and see if you have too much setup or not enough. Do scenes drag? Are you repeating information you gave earlier in the story? Your reader will remember your heroine's bedroom is on the second story with French doors leading out to the balcony, where she used to climb down as a teenager.
Surprise me. Think outside the box. Get your hero out of a situation in a way I never saw coming.
Today I received a SparkPeople mailer about creative ways to incorporate healthy eating and activity into your day. As writers, we know all about creativity. People tell me all the time they couldn't imagine coming up with 100K words to write about anything. A book is totally beyond their comprehension. For writers, it's pretty elementary. In fact, with each book, I have to make myself stop writing and then I have to go back and slash huge hunks of my book to trim the thing down.
The key is to deliver the biggest message in the least amount of space, using the least amount of words. You will end up with tight, page-turning scenes that will blend effortlessly into the next. Acheiving that requires thought and creativity. We could take the easy way out like we see on prime time television all the time. When they don't know how to work out a problem, they fast forward to the next scene and let the viewer fill in the blanks.
That's lazy writing, and as a writer, it makes me mad when I see it. I want a reasonable, logical solution.
How can you solve a huge problem using the least amount of space? You don't want to condense every scene down to the bare bones, but you don't want your reader to have to wade through twenty pages of set-up before you get to the action.
Read through your manuscript and see if you have too much setup or not enough. Do scenes drag? Are you repeating information you gave earlier in the story? Your reader will remember your heroine's bedroom is on the second story with French doors leading out to the balcony, where she used to climb down as a teenager.
Surprise me. Think outside the box. Get your hero out of a situation in a way I never saw coming.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
It's done, it's done, it's done!
Finally, after five to six months longer than it should've taken, I finished my current work in progress. Book 4 of my Jenna's Creek series, though still untitled, is now with a proofreader in the final editing, polishing stages before I send it off to my publisher.
So why did this book take so much longer to write than it should have? What was the problem? I already had the story line. I pretty much knew what was going to happen and to whom. I had outlined extensively and done all my character studies months ago. What was the hold up?
While outlining is probably the more efficient way to write, for me it takes the fun out of writing. Without the daily discovery and anticipation, I have no passion for the project.
That probably reveals what an undisciplined hack I really am, but it's true and I'm tired of apologizing for what works for me. I am a dyed in the wool seat-of-the-pants writer. I don't go totally blind into a project. With a few exceptions that have turned out pretty successful, I usually know where I want to go. I'm just not sure how I'm going to get there. I know a little about my characters. But I learn more about them as the story progresses. I can't do elaborate character sketches about how my character would react if he won the lottery because I don't know him well enough from page one.
It's a process of discovery. I probably don't even know how I'd react if I won the lottery. I like to think I'd keep my head and not turn into a complete horse's behind or drug fiend, but who knows. Who really knows how one would react in extreme situations.
It's okay if you don't know everything about your characters or your storyline before you start writing. Write a sentence about what your story is about. Then a paragraph. But if you don't have an in depth, 200 page, chapter by chapter summary, don't despair. You can still write a great book. You might even love the process instead of feeling like you're back in school writing a paper about something you don't even care about.
However you decide to work, learn what works for you. Maybe you need the extensive outline to be productive. Maybe you work better with a rough sketch. Play around and figure out what works for you. This is a job. It's work, even though a reader told me today that I don't seem to have any problem cranking out easy to read storylines.
If she only knew...
Regardless of what works for you, just do it.
Happy Writing.
So why did this book take so much longer to write than it should have? What was the problem? I already had the story line. I pretty much knew what was going to happen and to whom. I had outlined extensively and done all my character studies months ago. What was the hold up?
While outlining is probably the more efficient way to write, for me it takes the fun out of writing. Without the daily discovery and anticipation, I have no passion for the project.
That probably reveals what an undisciplined hack I really am, but it's true and I'm tired of apologizing for what works for me. I am a dyed in the wool seat-of-the-pants writer. I don't go totally blind into a project. With a few exceptions that have turned out pretty successful, I usually know where I want to go. I'm just not sure how I'm going to get there. I know a little about my characters. But I learn more about them as the story progresses. I can't do elaborate character sketches about how my character would react if he won the lottery because I don't know him well enough from page one.
It's a process of discovery. I probably don't even know how I'd react if I won the lottery. I like to think I'd keep my head and not turn into a complete horse's behind or drug fiend, but who knows. Who really knows how one would react in extreme situations.
It's okay if you don't know everything about your characters or your storyline before you start writing. Write a sentence about what your story is about. Then a paragraph. But if you don't have an in depth, 200 page, chapter by chapter summary, don't despair. You can still write a great book. You might even love the process instead of feeling like you're back in school writing a paper about something you don't even care about.
However you decide to work, learn what works for you. Maybe you need the extensive outline to be productive. Maybe you work better with a rough sketch. Play around and figure out what works for you. This is a job. It's work, even though a reader told me today that I don't seem to have any problem cranking out easy to read storylines.
If she only knew...
Regardless of what works for you, just do it.
Happy Writing.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Writers Online Classes
My good friend and fellow author, Molly Noble Bull brought these online writing classes to my attention over the weekend. I thought some of my readers might be interested in taking advantage.
Not all of us can afford to attend an actual conference at this time. Costs can be high, distances great, and hey, who wants to put the gas in their tank to get there? Click here to see what classes are available. The rates are reasonable and there is something for everyone.
Happy Writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not all of us can afford to attend an actual conference at this time. Costs can be high, distances great, and hey, who wants to put the gas in their tank to get there? Click here to see what classes are available. The rates are reasonable and there is something for everyone.
Happy Writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Pesonality Test
I took this test just for fun...it's a good thing because I don't think it got me at all. No one has ever thought I'm overbearing. I'm a big pushover who can be talked into anything. And any business I ran, would probably be run into the ground. But maybe they know something I don't.
Anyway, take the test and let me know how you do.
Anyway, take the test and let me know how you do.
You Are An ENTJ |
 The Executive You are a natural leader - with confidence and strength that inspires others. Driven to succeed, you are always looking for ways to gain, power, knowledge, and expertise. Sometimes you aren't the most considerate person, especially to those who are a bit slow. You are not easily intimidated - and you have a commanding, awe-inspiring presence. In love, you hold high standards... for yourself, for your relationship, and for your significant other. While it's easy for you to impress others, it's hard for you to find someone who impresses you. At work, you are organized and good at delegating. You understand how to achieve goals. You would make a great CEO, entrepreneur, or consultant. How you see yourself: Rational, calm, and objective When other people don't get you, they see you as: Inflexible, controlling, and overbearing |
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Copper Fire--A Novel
I'd like to welcome my guest today Suzanne Woods Fisher and congratulate her on the release of her latest historical novel.
Suzanne novel Copper Fire, is the sequel to the three-time award-winning Copper Star, a World War II love story inspired by true events. Fisher was a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her work has appeared in Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, and Marriage Partnership. She has contributed to ten non-fiction books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. A wife and mother, Fisher lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The best thing about being a writer, she feels, is that all of life becomes material for writing. It’s all grit for the oyster.
Check here to learn more about Suzanne. During the month of June, Suzanne is running a book-a-day-giveaway contest. To enter, scoot on over to her blog or pop her an e-mail: Suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com
Copper Star (ISBN: 0-9793327-4-5) and Copper Fire (ISBN: 978-0-981-5592-0-9) are available at Amazon or other on-line booksellers, at Suzanne’s website, or can be ordered through your favorite bookstore.
1. Who do you want to meet and why?
If I could pluck one person out of history (aside from the Lord Jesus, of course), it would be Simon Peter. He's someone we can all relate to (so VERY human), and we see a before-and-after picture of him in Scripture. A little unusual! This fall, I'm going to be speaking at a women's church retreat on Peter. The entire weekend will be about Peter! So he's on my mind a lot lately. A lot.
2. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Just one?!
3. What would be your dream vacation?
An Indian Summer Fall on Nantucket Island, when all of the summer people have gone home and it's quiet. Oh, I need my computer with me. It's an inspiring place to be!
4. Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
My niece, Hilary. She gave me a book by Brenda Ueland, If You Want to Write (published in 1938) that has this quote in it: "Everyone is talent, original, and has something important to say." Reading that became that "moment" when I took the plunge to write a novel. Kept it a secret, though, even from my family, for five months!
5. Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first book?
As I said, I wrote the novel secretly, in a cramped laundry room on an antediluvian computer. When I finished, I told my family that I had written a book, and my teenaged son said, "So that's why there's no food in this house!"
From that point, came first readers, and queries, proposals, rejections, more proposals, and finally, an offer from a little publishing house, Vintage Inspirations. It was 2 1/2 years, from start to finish. I remember that afternoon when the UPS guy delivered the pre-publication copies. I was just about five feet away from that laundry room...but what a journey!
6. What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
Grit for the Oyster is a devotion for aspiring writers that will be out in late August. It was written with three other wonderful writers and I think will be very well received. For the Love of Dogs is a novel, set in 1969, about a woman going blind, learning to have faith in things unseen. It will be released in February 2009. In Spring 2010, Amish Peace in an English Life (non-fiction) will be published by Revell/Baker.
7. What first gave you the idea for the Copper Springs books?
I had an interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and an interest in the John Tracy Clinic...their histories collided in 1943, so that's where the story began.
8. What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or Copper Fire?
I have been a non-fiction writer for twenty years, and always thought I couldn't write fiction, that a writer was on one side or the other. Not true! All of my research skills made my fiction writing more credible. And writing fiction has helped me "jazz" up my non-fiction writing.
9. Share with us one of the craziest things you've done or that's happened to you?
Hmmm...sometimes, I can't believe I'm writing books! Especially fiction. Just amazed.
10. What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
NIV Study Bible, and four books about surviving on a desert island.
11. What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
"Do not despise small beginnings" (Zechariah). I love that thought...starting small.
12. Why did you start writing and when?
As a child. Loved to read and write! But I was never, ever identified as a good writer!
13. How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
When writing historical fiction, I look for popular names of that time. Developing the characters takes a while...but soon, they really come to life in my mind.
14. What’s your favorite character / scene from the Copper Springs books (so far)?
I really like Louisa's flawed character, and her sense of humor about herself. She inspires me not to take myself too seriously.
15. Do you have any teasers you can share for the next Copper Springs book (if there is one planned) or your next project?
I was at a book club the other day and the women encouraged me to write another book because they wanted to see what happens to Elisabeth and Danny, Aunt Martha and the judge. I finished up Copper Fire so that the reader feels "satisfied." (I hate books that just set you up for the sequel.) But...in the back of my mind, I do think about fast forwarding the family a few years, placing Danny in Israel in its infancy.
16. Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
Thanks, Teresa, so much for hosting me today!
Suzanne novel Copper Fire, is the sequel to the three-time award-winning Copper Star, a World War II love story inspired by true events. Fisher was a contributing editor to Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her work has appeared in Today’s Christian Woman, Worldwide Challenge, ParentLife, and Marriage Partnership. She has contributed to ten non-fiction books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs. A wife and mother, Fisher lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and raises puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The best thing about being a writer, she feels, is that all of life becomes material for writing. It’s all grit for the oyster.
Check here to learn more about Suzanne. During the month of June, Suzanne is running a book-a-day-giveaway contest. To enter, scoot on over to her blog or pop her an e-mail: Suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com
Copper Star (ISBN: 0-9793327-4-5) and Copper Fire (ISBN: 978-0-981-5592-0-9) are available at Amazon or other on-line booksellers, at Suzanne’s website, or can be ordered through your favorite bookstore.
1. Who do you want to meet and why?
If I could pluck one person out of history (aside from the Lord Jesus, of course), it would be Simon Peter. He's someone we can all relate to (so VERY human), and we see a before-and-after picture of him in Scripture. A little unusual! This fall, I'm going to be speaking at a women's church retreat on Peter. The entire weekend will be about Peter! So he's on my mind a lot lately. A lot.
2. What’s your favorite comfort food?
Just one?!
3. What would be your dream vacation?
An Indian Summer Fall on Nantucket Island, when all of the summer people have gone home and it's quiet. Oh, I need my computer with me. It's an inspiring place to be!
4. Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
My niece, Hilary. She gave me a book by Brenda Ueland, If You Want to Write (published in 1938) that has this quote in it: "Everyone is talent, original, and has something important to say." Reading that became that "moment" when I took the plunge to write a novel. Kept it a secret, though, even from my family, for five months!
5. Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first book?
As I said, I wrote the novel secretly, in a cramped laundry room on an antediluvian computer. When I finished, I told my family that I had written a book, and my teenaged son said, "So that's why there's no food in this house!"
From that point, came first readers, and queries, proposals, rejections, more proposals, and finally, an offer from a little publishing house, Vintage Inspirations. It was 2 1/2 years, from start to finish. I remember that afternoon when the UPS guy delivered the pre-publication copies. I was just about five feet away from that laundry room...but what a journey!
6. What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
Grit for the Oyster is a devotion for aspiring writers that will be out in late August. It was written with three other wonderful writers and I think will be very well received. For the Love of Dogs is a novel, set in 1969, about a woman going blind, learning to have faith in things unseen. It will be released in February 2009. In Spring 2010, Amish Peace in an English Life (non-fiction) will be published by Revell/Baker.
7. What first gave you the idea for the Copper Springs books?
I had an interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and an interest in the John Tracy Clinic...their histories collided in 1943, so that's where the story began.
8. What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or Copper Fire?
I have been a non-fiction writer for twenty years, and always thought I couldn't write fiction, that a writer was on one side or the other. Not true! All of my research skills made my fiction writing more credible. And writing fiction has helped me "jazz" up my non-fiction writing.
9. Share with us one of the craziest things you've done or that's happened to you?
Hmmm...sometimes, I can't believe I'm writing books! Especially fiction. Just amazed.
10. What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
NIV Study Bible, and four books about surviving on a desert island.
11. What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
"Do not despise small beginnings" (Zechariah). I love that thought...starting small.
12. Why did you start writing and when?
As a child. Loved to read and write! But I was never, ever identified as a good writer!
13. How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
When writing historical fiction, I look for popular names of that time. Developing the characters takes a while...but soon, they really come to life in my mind.
14. What’s your favorite character / scene from the Copper Springs books (so far)?
I really like Louisa's flawed character, and her sense of humor about herself. She inspires me not to take myself too seriously.
15. Do you have any teasers you can share for the next Copper Springs book (if there is one planned) or your next project?
I was at a book club the other day and the women encouraged me to write another book because they wanted to see what happens to Elisabeth and Danny, Aunt Martha and the judge. I finished up Copper Fire so that the reader feels "satisfied." (I hate books that just set you up for the sequel.) But...in the back of my mind, I do think about fast forwarding the family a few years, placing Danny in Israel in its infancy.
16. Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
Thanks, Teresa, so much for hosting me today!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
E-books: The wave of the future
Got this from Paul Krugman's NYT's Bits, Bands and Books blurb. I thought it was interesting since I've been tossing around the idea of writing a nonfiction ebook on writing. I'm only posting an excerpt here. Go to Mr. Krugman's blog if you want to read the introduction.
"...In 1994, one of those gurus, Esther Dyson, made a striking prediction: that the ease with which digital content can be copied and disseminated would eventually force businesses to sell the results of creative activity cheaply, or even give it away. Whatever the product — software, books, music, movies — the cost of creation would have to be recouped indirectly: businesses would have to “distribute intellectual property free in order to sell services and relationships.”
For example, she described how some software companies gave their product away but earned fees for installation and servicing. But her most compelling illustration of how you can make money by giving stuff away was that of the Grateful Dead, who encouraged people to tape live performances because “enough of the people who copy and listen to Grateful Dead tapes end up paying for hats, T-shirts and performance tickets. In the new era, the ancillary market is the market.”
Indeed, it turns out that the Dead were business pioneers. Rolling Stone recently published an article titled “Rock’s New Economy: Making Money When CDs Don’t Sell.” Downloads are steadily undermining record sales — but today’s rock bands, the magazine reports, are finding other sources of income. Even if record sales are modest, bands can convert airplay and YouTube views into financial success indirectly, making money through “publishing, touring, merchandising and licensing.”
What other creative activities will become mainly ways to promote side businesses? How about writing books?
According to a report in The Times, the buzz at this year’s BookExpo America was all about electronic books. Now, e-books have been the coming, but somehow not yet arrived, thing for a very long time. (There’s an old Brazilian joke: “Brazil is the country of the future — and always will be.” E-books have been like that.) But we may finally have reached the point at which e-books are about to become a widely used alternative to paper and ink.
That’s certainly my impression after a couple of months’ experience with the device feeding the buzz, the Amazon Kindle. Basically, the Kindle’s lightness and reflective display mean that it offers a reading experience almost comparable to that of reading a traditional book. This leaves the user free to appreciate the convenience factor: the Kindle can store the text of many books, and when you order a new book, it’s literally in your hands within a couple of minutes.
It’s a good enough package that my guess is that digital readers will soon become common, perhaps even the usual way we read books.
How will this affect the publishing business? Right now, publishers make as much from a Kindle download as they do from the sale of a physical book. But the experience of the music industry suggests that this won’t last: once digital downloads of books become standard, it will be hard for publishers to keep charging traditional prices.
Indeed, if e-books become the norm, the publishing industry as we know it may wither away. Books may end up serving mainly as promotional material for authors’ other activities, such as live readings with paid admission. Well, if it was good enough for Charles Dickens, I guess it’s good enough for me.
Now, the strategy of giving intellectual property away so that people will buy your paraphernalia won’t work equally well for everything. To take the obvious, painful example: news organizations, very much including this one, have spent years trying to turn large online readership into an adequately paying proposition, with limited success.
But they’ll have to find a way. Bit by bit, everything that can be digitized will be digitized, making intellectual property ever easier to copy and ever harder to sell for more than a nominal price. And we’ll have to find business and economic models that take this reality into account.
It won’t all happen immediately. But in the long run, we are all the Grateful Dead.
"...In 1994, one of those gurus, Esther Dyson, made a striking prediction: that the ease with which digital content can be copied and disseminated would eventually force businesses to sell the results of creative activity cheaply, or even give it away. Whatever the product — software, books, music, movies — the cost of creation would have to be recouped indirectly: businesses would have to “distribute intellectual property free in order to sell services and relationships.”
For example, she described how some software companies gave their product away but earned fees for installation and servicing. But her most compelling illustration of how you can make money by giving stuff away was that of the Grateful Dead, who encouraged people to tape live performances because “enough of the people who copy and listen to Grateful Dead tapes end up paying for hats, T-shirts and performance tickets. In the new era, the ancillary market is the market.”
Indeed, it turns out that the Dead were business pioneers. Rolling Stone recently published an article titled “Rock’s New Economy: Making Money When CDs Don’t Sell.” Downloads are steadily undermining record sales — but today’s rock bands, the magazine reports, are finding other sources of income. Even if record sales are modest, bands can convert airplay and YouTube views into financial success indirectly, making money through “publishing, touring, merchandising and licensing.”
What other creative activities will become mainly ways to promote side businesses? How about writing books?
According to a report in The Times, the buzz at this year’s BookExpo America was all about electronic books. Now, e-books have been the coming, but somehow not yet arrived, thing for a very long time. (There’s an old Brazilian joke: “Brazil is the country of the future — and always will be.” E-books have been like that.) But we may finally have reached the point at which e-books are about to become a widely used alternative to paper and ink.
That’s certainly my impression after a couple of months’ experience with the device feeding the buzz, the Amazon Kindle. Basically, the Kindle’s lightness and reflective display mean that it offers a reading experience almost comparable to that of reading a traditional book. This leaves the user free to appreciate the convenience factor: the Kindle can store the text of many books, and when you order a new book, it’s literally in your hands within a couple of minutes.
It’s a good enough package that my guess is that digital readers will soon become common, perhaps even the usual way we read books.
How will this affect the publishing business? Right now, publishers make as much from a Kindle download as they do from the sale of a physical book. But the experience of the music industry suggests that this won’t last: once digital downloads of books become standard, it will be hard for publishers to keep charging traditional prices.
Indeed, if e-books become the norm, the publishing industry as we know it may wither away. Books may end up serving mainly as promotional material for authors’ other activities, such as live readings with paid admission. Well, if it was good enough for Charles Dickens, I guess it’s good enough for me.
Now, the strategy of giving intellectual property away so that people will buy your paraphernalia won’t work equally well for everything. To take the obvious, painful example: news organizations, very much including this one, have spent years trying to turn large online readership into an adequately paying proposition, with limited success.
But they’ll have to find a way. Bit by bit, everything that can be digitized will be digitized, making intellectual property ever easier to copy and ever harder to sell for more than a nominal price. And we’ll have to find business and economic models that take this reality into account.
It won’t all happen immediately. But in the long run, we are all the Grateful Dead.
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